A mental health podcast and program built on the science of joy.
Joy Lab is here to help you feel genuinely better and more connected, build resilience, and tap into more joy — delivered by Henry Emmons, MD and Aimee Prasek, PhD.
• Free to listen • $12/month to go deeper •
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Go deeper with the Joy Lab Program
Build a life that actually feels good. The Joy Lab Program is an online mental wellness program that pairs science-backed tools with every Joy Lab Podcast episode, so each week you go deeper, connect more fully, and uncover the joy that's already in you.
Join for only $12 a month.
Learn more →Uncover your joy with the Joy Lab Podcast
The Joy Lab Podcast blends science and soul to help you cope with chronic stress, navigate mental health challenges, and build genuine resilience. The Podcast is ad-free and available wherever you get your podcasts.
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Expert Voices. Human Hearts.
Joy Lab is co-hosted and guided by two leading mental health experts who blend science with soul to help you cultivate more joy and make real, lasting changes.
Henry Emmons, MD
PSYCHATRIST & CO-HOST
Dr. Henry Emmons, MD is an integrative psychiatrist, author, and co-host of the Joy Lab Podcast. He is a recognized pioneer in the integrative mental health field, with a unique ability to blend neuroscience, mindfulness, and natural therapies to help people build resilience and rediscover joy. Dr. Emmons has authored several acclaimed books, including The Chemistry of Joy, The Chemistry of Joy Workbook, The Chemistry of Calm, and Staying Sharp. He has also developed nationally recognized programs such as the Resilience Training Program, A Year of Living Mindfully, and the Inner Life of Healers. Dr. Emmons has consulted with and served on the boards of diverse organizations that are pioneering more effective and holistic approaches to mental healthcare. He has helped thousands of people, many who have sought his care after feeling rejected and disempowered by medical systems that too often treat medication as the only path forward. Dr. Emmons is a highly-regarded speaker and educator who is dedicated to making holistic, evidence-based practices accessible so people can cultivate lasting resilience, deeper connections, and authentic joy.
Aimee Prasek, PhD
MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCHER & CO-HOST
Dr. Aimee Prasek, PhD is an integrative mental health researcher, educator, and co-host of the Joy Lab Podcast. With a focus on blending evidence-based science and soulful insight, she is committed to developing mental health resources that don’t just reduce symptoms, but that foster resilience and joy. Dr. Prasek holds a PhD with a research focus in integrative mental health interventions, an MA in health communications, and an MA in holistic health studies. Much of her graduate work was spent at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing where she also served as a Dalai Lama Fellow. The global fellowship is personally authorized by the fourteenth Dalai Lama and cultivates leaders who integrate ethics, contemplative wisdom, and compassion into meaningful change. Her multidisciplinary training draws from mind-body practices and holistic health traditions, all informing her belief that mental health is less about “fixing” and more about uncovering and building on what is already whole and joyful. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, daughter, two rescue dogs, and many chickens.
How the Podcast and Program work together.
Joy Lab is built around a simple weekly rhythm. Each week, you'll listen, experiment, and grow. Everything is accessible right in the Joy Lab app. The Joy Lab Podcast and Program are built around three steps that take about 40-60 minutes a week.
01
Listen to the Podcast
Your weekly Joy Lab Podcast episode is your built-in coach. Henry and Aimee guide you through each Element with science, humility, and real-world wisdom. About 20–30 minutes weekly.
02
Try the Experiment
Each episode comes with a hands-on Experiment. These science-backed practices are drawn from mindfulness, CBT, and positive psychology. About 20-30 minutes, just once a week.
03
Feel the Growth
Over time, small practices compound into profound change. The Elements support each other, the upward spiral builds, and your inner joy lights up naturally and sustainably.
Popular Podcast Episodes
The Joy Lab Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode 249
Everything We Love, We Will Lose: Navigating the First Gate of Grief
This conversation weaves together Buddhist teachings on impermanence, neuroscience research on grief and savoring, and the vital reminder that grief is absolutely a team sport.
Episode 220
The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness
Join us as we explore the concept of the 'Still, Small Voice' and its role in authenticity and soulfulness. We'll talk about the importance of turning inward and listening to our inner voice—our wisest self.
Episode 222
Are You Stuck in Joyless Urgency?
In this episode, we talk about "joyless urgency," a brilliant phrase coined by Marilynne Robinson. The short story is that our modern kind of hustle culture and constant busyness often leads to little personal fulfillment.
Let us support you on your journey to a more joyful life.
Joy Lab membership is simple, affordable, and built to support you for as long as you want to keep growing. Join a supportive community of people committed to building a more joyful, resilient life.
You're wired for joy.
Listen to the Joy Lab Podcast on our website or your favorite podcast listening app.
Joy Lab is powered and produced by the nonprofit, Pathways North 501(c)(3)
Donate today keep this work going and keep our podcast ad-free!
Everything we do at Joy Lab is made possible by people like you, who support our mission to help make mental health resources more accessible and empowering. Completely funded and produced by our nonprofit, Pathways North (learn more about Pathways North 501(c)(3) here), we rely on donations, grants, and public funds to help us reach more people in need of the mental health tools we offer.
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. See our terms for more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Joy Lab is powered by Pathways North 501(c)( 3).
