In this heartfelt episode of Chasing Joy, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne welcome singer-songwriter and music therapist Shelby Figueroa, whose journey from nursing to healing through music is as moving as the songs she writes.

Shelby opens up about losing her mother while in nursing school, discovering songwriting as a way to process grief, and the profound moment she realized her soul was “dying” inside a career that no longer aligned with her values. Through stories of courage, self-discovery, and connection, she shares how leaving the safety of a “sensible” path led her toward a life of purpose—and how music became both her own medicine and a bridge to heal others.

With her ukulele in hand, Shelby gives the hosts (and all of us) a firsthand experience of the calm, presence, and emotion she brings to hospital rooms every day—where music can ease anxiety, unlock memory, and even spark miraculous awakenings.

From laughter about “death-metal therapy” to tears over the power of song, this episode is a beautiful reminder that joy often arrives when we quiet the noise, follow what feels alive, and allow ourselves to be instruments of healing.

Links to Shelby's Music:

Amazon

Spotify

Apple Music

For more information about music therapy, you can contact Shelby at Shelbymusictherapist@gmail.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan sit down with Doug Marone, whose inspiring journey from chasing career success to embracing philanthropy has completely reshaped his outlook on joy and fulfillment.

After years of 80-hour workweeks and corporate achievement, a single moment at a friend’s funeral, and two chance encounters at a charity event, set Doug on a new path. He went on to co-found the Ride for Autism Foundation, spending nearly two decades raising funds and awareness for families affected by autism. What started as an effort to give back became a transformative lesson in perspective, gratitude, and genuine connection.

Through candid stories and plenty of humor, Doug reflects on how giving to others fed his own soul, why joy requires daily intention, and how even a simple smile can change the course of someone’s day. The conversation explores the power of gratitude, the challenge of slowing down, and the truth that fulfillment isn’t found in more... but in meaning.

It’s a warm, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation that reminds us: sometimes joy isn’t something to chase... it’s something to share.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Chasing Joy, musician (Beware of Darkness) and author (Thank God for Depression) Kyle Nicolaides, joins us alongside SoCal Sound host Hillary Gordon to explore what it really means to chase joy.

Kyle opens up about how depression and anxiety ended his rock career—touring with the Smashing Pumpkins, performing on Conan, topping charts—yet became the doorway to healing, spirituality, and self-compassion. From ayahuasca journeys and silent retreats to confronting early trauma, he reframes depression not as a curse, but as a messenger pointing toward liberation.

Alongside Hillary’s grounded wisdom, we unpack:

• Why you can’t hate yourself into change
• How trauma gets stuck in the body (and how to release it)
• The difference between external success and inner freedom
• Why joy is often found in letting go, not adding more

Kyle also teases his next book, Thank God for Anxiety, and the spiritual practices behind it.

This is a conversation about healing, compassion, and finding joy in the very places we try to avoid.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.