The Science of Joy: How Positive Psychology Can Rewire Your Life with Jackie Oña Cascarano

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If your nervous system has been living on espresso and good intentions, this episode is your gentle nudge to breathe, laugh, and maybe rethink everything you thought you knew about happiness. Nicole chats with Jackie Oña Cascarano — Executive Career and Wellness Coach, and founder of Juno Women’s Collective — about the actual science of feeling good and the surprisingly simple ways to get there.

Jackie breaks down the PERMA model of Positive Psychology (that’s Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement — basically the five ingredients for a well-balanced brain smoothie). She and Nicole dig into how to weave those elements into real life — especially when your calendar looks like a CVS receipt. Expect fresh takes on gratitude, micro-joys, and why chasing “balance” might be missing the point.

The two also get real about burnout culture, the weird perfectionism epidemic, and how the tools of Positive Psychology can help you rewire your thoughts, reclaim your purpose, and maybe even enjoy your to-do list. Jackie’s story — from courtroom chaos to coaching clarity — is proof that flourishing doesn’t mean having it all figured out; it means learning to thrive, mess and all.

This episode feels like brain science in a cozy sweater — smart, funny, and full of “oh wow, that’s me” moments. If you’ve ever wanted to feel calmer and more alive without quitting your job to move to Bali, this conversation’s your sign.

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Recommendations:

• The Gilded Age on Netflix
• Hidden Holler Farms

Guest: Jackie Oña Cascarano

• Your Mindset Coach
• Juno Women's Collective

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챕터

1. Pursuit Of Quiet (00:00:00)

2. Meet Jackie And Her Work (00:02:24)

3. Joyful Memories And Lasting Friendships (00:05:20)

4. Coaching Lawyers For Fulfillment (00:09:50)

5. Systemic Challenges For Women In Law (00:14:45)

6. Leaving Litigation And Finding Purpose (00:22:40)

7. Building Juno Women’s Collective (00:30:20)

8. Positive Psychology 101 (00:37:10)

9. PERMA: The Five Dimensions (00:43:30)