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Joy Uncharted: Michigan Fresh, Unfiltered & Deeply authentic
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In this episode of The Mountain in Us, host Taran Singh speaks with Kristin Joy Ekkens, founder of Exponential Joy and a Michigan-native storyteller dedicated to spreading joy, purposeful living, and adventures.
Kristin’s journey begins in Michigan’s inner city, where her parents’ commitment to community taught her the value of belonging—growing up surrounded by Michigan’s natural beauty—camping trips, freshwater lakes, and adventures at Sleeping Bear Dunes—instilled in her a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Her global travels and work within her local community further shaped her mission to foster inclusive spaces where people feel at home.
For Kristin, joy is not fleeting happiness but a foundational state of being. When rooted in purpose, it persists through uncertainty, conflict, and sorrow. Her work aligns individuals and organizations with their deeper meaning, often challenging complacency to amplify kindness. Central to this philosophy is gratitude—starting and ending each day with reflection on what she’s thankful for—and intentional living, even when it means disrupting norms.
Language plays a key role in Kristin’s storytelling. Fluent in Spanish and learning Arabic, she believes language reveals cultural values. For example, Spanish phrases like “Se me rompió el brazo” (my arm broke itself) reflect communal perspectives, contrasting with English’s individualistic framing. Learning languages, she argues, bridges empathy gaps and deepens human connection.
Kristin recently retraced Spain’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with fellow coaches. She describes the journey in three phases: grounding through physical struggle, growth through emotional turmoil, and finally, giving—shifting focus to uplifting others. Pilgrims greet each other with “¡Buen Camino!” (good journey), embodying the Camino’s spirit of shared humanity.
The episode closes with a nod to Michigan’s hidden gem, Sleeping Bear Dunes, where Kristin urges listeners to explore Lake Michigan’s stunning coastline and Indigenous legends.
Kristin’s mission—to be a “light” through joy—resonates in her stories. As she says, “Joy is our true essence. When we live aligned with purpose, we create ripples of kindness that transform communities.”
Exponential Joy™ | www.exj.global
Exponential Inclusion™ | www.exi.global
LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/kristinjoyekkens
www.inkofsingh.com
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