Fun Is the Secret Weapon with Kari Esmail

What if the missing ingredient in your business, creativity, nervous system, and relationships… was fun?

In this refreshing and deeply validating conversation, Lauren sits down with author and founder of The Fun Side, Kari Esmail, to explore the relationship between joy, entrepreneurship, nervous system regulation, creativity, self-worth, and success.

Together, they unpack the burnout culture so many entrepreneurs find themselves trapped inside of — the pressure to constantly produce, achieve, optimize, perform, and prove their worth through money, validation, and external success.

And perhaps most importantly:
they explore what happens when we stop taking life so seriously.

The Burnout Behind Success

Kari shares how her entrepreneurial journey began from a deeply driven place — a desire to prove herself, achieve success, and finally feel “good enough.”

Like many entrepreneurs, she built her business around performance, productivity, and validation.

The numbers became tied to her worth.
The success became tied to her identity.
And eventually, the joy disappeared.

After pivoting industries and experiencing a dramatic dip in her business, Kari found herself exhausted, disconnected, and questioning everything.

What surprised her most was realizing that laughter itself had become unfamiliar.

That moment became the beginning of a complete reclamation.

Relearning How to Play

Ironically, Kari’s awakening came through something incredibly simple:
a puppy.

Through the silliness, presence, and joy her dog brought into her life, she realized how disconnected she had become from play, creativity, and fun.

And once she began reconnecting with those feelings, everything shifted.

Rather than approaching entrepreneurship through force and pressure, she began experimenting with:

• laughter
• movement
• creativity
• spontaneity
• color
• play
• self-expression
• community
• nervous system regulation

And she quickly realized something powerful:
fun wasn’t distracting her from success.

It was helping create it.

Fun & the Nervous System

One of the most powerful parts of the episode explores the nervous system connection behind fun and play.

Kari explains that when we intentionally create moments of joy, laughter, and presence, the nervous system receives the message:
“You are safe.”

And from that regulated, expansive state, creativity naturally opens.

Ideas flow more easily.
Connection feels more authentic.
Content becomes more magnetic.
And success stops feeling so heavy.

Lauren and Kari also discuss how many high achievers actually feel unsafe experiencing joy because productivity and overperformance became survival patterns.

Which means learning to have fun again can feel surprisingly vulnerable.

Play Infusion & Everyday Joy

Kari introduces one of her favorite concepts:
“play infusion.”

Rather than waiting for massive vacations or big life moments to feel joy, she teaches women how to intentionally sprinkle small moments of play throughout everyday life.

That might look like:

• dancing in the kitchen
• roller skating
• changing your wardrobe
• decorating your environment
• hula hooping
• laughing with friends
• singing in the car
• playing with your pets
• doing something creative without an outcome attached

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is presence.

Redefining Success

Throughout the episode, both Lauren and Kari reflect on the illusion many entrepreneurs chase:
the belief that external success will finally create internal fulfillment.

But as they discuss openly, the milestones rarely feel the way we imagine they will.

And often, the deeper work is learning how to enjoy the journey while we build.

This conversation is a reminder that:
success was never meant to cost your joy.

And maybe the most powerful thing you can do for your business, your nervous system, and your life…
is let yourself have more fun.

LISTEN ON ITUNES HERE

Connect with Kari Esmail

The book: Fun Because
https://amzn.to/3KDE6m2

Free Guide + Insider Content:
https://mailchi.mp/karithefuncoach/the-fun-side

Connect with Lauren

Body of Wealth Program:
https://laurenoflove.com/bow

Retreats with Lauren:
https://laurenoflove.com/retreats

The App:
https://laurenoflove.com/app

Instagram — @laurenoflove:
https://www.instagram.com/laurenoflove/

Instagram — @recodingwealth:
https://www.instagram.com/recodingwealth/

The World Needs Your Medicine Podcast Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theworldneedsyourmedicine

Website:
https://www.theworldneedsyourmedicine.com

All inquiries:
press@laurenoflove.com