Engineering Emotions and Energy with Justin Wenck, Ph.D.

Do you ever catch yourself simmering in frustration—at work, in traffic, or waiting for that text back? In this episode, Justin Wenck, PhD, pulls back the curtain on why we cling to annoyance and how to finally break free.

What You’ll Learn:

• The hidden payoff of frustration and why we stay stuck in it
• How the Drama Triangle (victim, villain, hero) secretly runs your life
• The powerful shift to the Empowerment Triangle (cre...

In this delayed episode of Engineering Emotions & Energy with Justin Wenck, Ph.D., he opens up about a personal bout of severe illness and the deeper lessons that came from it. More than a story about getting sick, this episode dives into what happens when life throws curveballs—and how we can find resilience, growth, and even joy in the moments that don’t go as planned.

Takeaways include:

• How to reframe illness or hardship a...

Have you ever aspired to be "okay"? Perhaps that's what you've been missing all along. In this episode, Justin explores the often-overlooked wisdom of embracing okayness. Rather than rushing from hardship to euphoric highs, Justin makes a compelling case for stabilizing in a state of "okay" as the essential bridge to a sustainably joyful life.

Episode Highlights:

• Why craving constant greatness can le...

Addiction isn't always what you think. In this eye-opening solo episode, Dr. Justin Wenck dives into the nuanced landscape of addiction—how it shows up in hidden ways and how, when recognized and redirected, it can become a superpower. Drawing from personal stories and practical insights, Justin challenges cultural narratives around addiction and offers a new way to reclaim your life by choosing your compulsions wisely

Key High...

Are your go-to relaxation activities truly recharging you—or stealthily wearing you out? In this solo deep dive, Justin explores the hidden stressors lurking in our diets, media habits, and even our exercise routines. With humor, honesty, and practical insight, Justin challenges us to reevaluate what relaxation really means and offers tools to help truly restore your energy.

Key Takeaways:

• 🍕 How foods can secretly deplete your e...

In this powerful episode of Engineering Emotions & Energy, Justin Wenck, PhD, appears on the analog airwaves in a raw and real conversation with Tonya J. Long on her RESET Podcast(https://www.reset-podcast.com/)  that originally aired on 92.9 KPCR. Justin is interviewed about navigating identity, status, and loss. From the early days at Intel to founding a practice rooted in love and curiosity, Justin shares how depression beca...

In this milestone 200th episode, Justin delves into a transformative perspective: viewing the world as inherently perfect, even amidst chaos. Drawing from personal anecdotes and metaphors, Justin illustrates how challenges can be catalysts for growth and how shifting our focus inward can lead to profound external changes.

Key Highlights:

• Celebrating Milestones: Reflecting on 200 episodes and the 2-year anniversary of Justin'...

Another possible title for this episode was "Bananas & Boundaries", but the mountain metaphor won out for this show that delves into the art of maintaining emotional equilibrium when the world around you feels overwhelming. Using the vivid metaphor of glacier hiking, Justin illustrates how to support others without losing your footing and emphasizes the importance of discerning when to assist and when to step back.

Key...

In this episode, Justin Wenck, PhD, delves into the transformative "Rose, Bud, Thorn" questions— designed to deepen connections and enhance self-awareness. Justin shares personal experiences, including recent challenges and celebrations, illustrating how this method can be applied to foster more meaningful relationships whether you've been connected for years or mere moments.

Key Higlights:​

• The structur...

Your birthday isn’t just another day—it’s a powerful event that can set the tone for the year ahead. In this insightful episode, Justin Wenck sits down with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, author of How to Have a Happy Birthday, to explore how celebrating your birthday with intention can lead to greater joy, connection, and fulfillment.

Tamar shares her unique insights on why birthdays are more than just cake and candles—they’re a ...

Ever stop to question your thoughts? 🤔 

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how our thoughts shape our reality—often in ways that don’t serve us. But the good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in negative, looping, or unhelpful thoughts.

I explore why the only thing you can be certain of is that you exist (I am) and how bringing awareness to your present moment is the key to clarity, peace, and purpose. If you’ve ever felt o...

In this episode, I’m recording live (well, not quite live, but you get it) from Guatemala after an incredible one-week retreat at Lake Atitlán. But here’s the thing—retreats aren’t just about escaping reality, they’re about amplifying it. Too often, we think of retreats as a way to run from life’s chaos. But what if a retreat could expand your life instead of just giving you a break from it?

I break down a new way to think...

Are you truly connected—to yourself, to others, and to something greater? 

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Adam Dorsay, a psychologist, executive coach, and author of Super Psyched: The Four Types of Connection, to explore what it really means to form deep, meaningful connections in our fast-paced world.

Dr. Dorsay breaks down the four key areas of connection—self, others, the world, and something greater—and how cultivating these conne...

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re diving deep into the many dimensions of love—self-love, romantic relationships, connection, loss, and the evolving ways we experience love in the modern world. 

In this special episode, I’m joined by author, AI expert, and now podcaster Tonya J. Long as she flips the script and asks me the big questions about love. From navigating relationships in the digital age to e...

What if everything you’ve done in life—every mundane task, every struggle, every challenge—was actually preparing you for something bigger? 

In this episode of the Engineering Emotions & Energy Podcast, Justin Wenck takes a deep dive into The Karate Kid (1984) and the powerful life lessons hidden within the classic film. From unexpected training methods to the power of trust, discipline, and resilience, this episode will shift y...

Are you focused on winning, or just trying not to lose? 

In this episode, Justin dives deep into “poverty mindset” and how it affects our ability to live abundantly, joyfully, and fully present in the moment. Drawing on personal stories, surprising insights, and even ice-skating adventures, Justin challenges listeners to evaluate their current thinking patterns and embrace the art of living life like a winner.

Key...

Are you frustrated by setbacks or feeling like you’ve lost progress on your goals?

In this episode, Justin explores the concept of backsliding and reveals why it’s not only normal but also essential for growth. Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo’s artistic process and personal anecdotes, Justin unpacks how to view challenges as opportunities for refinement, rather than failures.

You’ll learn how to reframe set...

Is your life feeling cluttered—physically, emotionally, or socially? In this episode, Justin reveals the three things you must let go of to create space for the experiences, relationships, and successes you truly desire. From clearing out physical possessions to reevaluating the places you frequent and the people in your life, this episode is packed with practical advice for creating a life filled with ease, joy, and purpose.

Justin...

Welcome to 2025! Are you ready to make this your most successful, fulfilling, and joyful year yet?

In this episode, Justin shares two powerful yet simple practices that will set you up for your best year ever. Whether you’re riding high on last year’s wins or feeling like you fell short, these steps will help you reflect with gratitude and step into the new year with clarity and purpose.

Justin walks you through ...