A Little Bit Unstable & A Whole Lot of Joy

Show Summary

In this episode of Contagious Joy, Jenny and Kim check in after a whirlwind couple of weeks involving ocean getaways, epic Nerf battles, wedding floral designs, and... matching cross-continental colds!

The duo compares Aussie versus American terminology (from "Snuggies" vs. "Oodies" to "woods" vs. "bush"), reflects on the necessity of giving your brain room to decompress, and highlights Rowan’s newly published book, Afterlife. Between laughs over balloon arches, whale watching in Narooma, and navigating life’s emotional overlaps, they dive into why true empathy and brain awareness matter at home, in schools, and in the workplace.

Show Notes

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• Post-Party Exhaustion & Colds Across the Globe: Comparing notes on cold symptoms, snot vs. mucus, and recovering from hectic schedules.
• Narooma Escapes & Whale Spotting: Jenny details her relaxing trip to Narooma, Hector the dog learning to navigate ocean waves, and the town's local changes.
• Language & Cultural Translation: Breaking down Aussie vs. American English terms—reservations vs. bookings, lumber vs. timber, Snuggies vs. Oodies, and woods vs. bush.
• Art Nouveau Wedding Florals: Kim shares her experience designing wedding flowers featuring garden roses, ranunculus, eucalyptus, and ornamental kale.
• 8th Birthday Nerf Battle & Traditions: Crafting barriers out of political signs, capture-the-flag antics, and the annual balloon-popping tradition with noise-canceling headphones.
• Book Spotlight: Afterlife by Rowan Donning: Reading the synopsis of Rowan’s debut sci-fi/mystery novel exploring the true value of human life.
• Psychological Safety & Understanding Brain Health: Addressing workplace injury recovery, school-aged sensory overload, and why the brain must be central to conversations about psychological health.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Book Recommendation: Afterlife by Rowan Donning (Available on Amazon)
• Rowan’s Instagram: @days_of_donning
• MindUP Program by Goldie Hawn: Curriculum focused on brain-centered strategies for learning and living.