From Street Performer to Joy Advocate: How to Put Joy First with Katy Bee

[00:00:00] Dr. Brad Miller: I'm Dr. Brad Miller, and today we're talking with an incredible person. Her name is Kate McGlynn, but she's also known as Katy Bee. She comes with a professional clown background. But what I want to talk to you about here today is how she notices things. She is what I might call a professional noticer. Not too long ago, Katy noticed that people were not all that happy in this world. They were kind of struggling with frustration and anger and division and other things happening in their life. And she said, "I'm going to do something about it. I'm going to spread some joy. I'm going to go with joy first." So, Katy, welcome to our conversation. Is that a good description of what you do?

[00:00:47] Katy Bee: Yeah, that's great, Brad. I like that. That's impressive that you've collected that from just doing your research.

[00:00:56] Dr. Brad Miller: Well, it's a joy. It is indeed a joy to have you with us. And your website that we're talking about here today is joyfirst.org, where you're looking to bring joy to others. But I want to just ask you, first of all, what's something that's brought some joy into your life recently? What’s put a smile on your face or brought some joy into your life?

[00:01:17] Katy Bee: Oh, I'll tell you, I had an amazing weekend. Joy First actually showed up at a fashion show nearby in Superior, Arizona, and did a little comic relief and gave some slide whistles and kazoos away to the audience. That was fun. And then from there, I was honored to be able to witness a small part of the Apache sunrise ceremony, which is where young girls are taken through a ceremony to become women. I watched this 13-year-old girl and her cohort of supporters dance for six hours on Saturday. It was just amazing. I watched her be blessed, I watched her bless babies and other people in her community, and she was supported by two other women. It was such an inspiring experience. And to wrap it up, I went to the hot spring and had a soak, and that was absolutely joyful.

[00:02:37] Dr. Brad Miller: I love what you're sharing there, Katy, because you're talking about transformation that comes when we allow joy to come into our lives. You talk about the transformation that happened with the folks who you served at the event, the transformation of the young woman, the transformation of the people around her, and even a little personal R&R transformation for you with the hot springs. That’s good. Do you believe this idea—joy bringing positive transformation—can help people who might need an injection of joy in their lives?

[00:03:12] Katy Bee: Oh, absolutely. We all have things we’re dealing with—daily stresses, emotional ups and downs, and more. Joy First comes in and breaks that capsule open for something different: recognition, gratitude, and acknowledgment for simply being alive. The goal is to break that capsule open for just a moment so we can realize it can stay open. But we have to learn how to do it.

[00:04:00] Dr. Brad Miller: I love the way you put that—breaking open the capsule. It’s about breaking out of the norms, the patterns, and opening up to joy. Katy, tell us about the origin story of Joy First Foundation. What led you to create this incredible organization?

[00:04:38] Katy Bee: Joy First Foundation came out of the Ukraine war, actually. During COVID, when the war started, I was part of a group called Voices of Peace. We created online support sessions for Ukrainian refugees, offering meditation, laughter yoga, improv, and opportunities to let their feelings out. One day during a meditation, the name "Joy First" came to me, and it all started from there.

[00:05:47] Dr. Brad Miller: That’s a powerful story. You even took this mission on the road with the “Tour of Joy.” Can you tell us more about that?

[00:06:19] Katy Bee: Yes, I purchased an eight-foot runaway trailer and hit the road. Initially, I focused on thanking essential workers—grocery staff, nurses, doctors—who had endured so much during COVID. It evolved into bringing joy to individuals facing challenges, like hosting an “unbirthday” party for a quadriplegic young man. It’s been incredible.

[00:08:09] Dr. Brad Miller: Amazing. What are some actionable strategies you teach to help others bring joy into their lives and the lives of those around them?

[00:08:24] Katy Bee: Start small. Give compliments to strangers—they mean more than you realize. Joy is reciprocal: when you give, you also receive. Carry gratitude cards or small gifts to hand out and acknowledge people’s presence and impact.

[00:10:27] Dr. Brad Miller: I love that. What would you say to someone facing fear—whether it’s fear of rejection or uncertainty—when they want to spread joy?

[00:10:45] Katy Bee: Science shows fear is often unwarranted. Once people take the risk to connect, they feel better. I encourage trying and finding that most interactions end positively.

[00:13:38] Dr. Brad Miller: That’s inspiring. If you could give a prescription for joy, what would it be?

[00:14:12] Katy Bee: Gratitude meditation, laughter, play, and acts of kindness. Small, consistent actions can cultivate joy and even build a more joyful community.

[00:38:12] Dr. Brad Miller: Thank you for sharing your story and work, Katy Bee. How can listeners learn more about you and the Joy First Foundation?

[00:38:31] Katy Bee: You can visit joyfirst.org, find me on Facebook as Kate McGlynn, and explore my YouTube channel, Joy Activation, for inspiration and resources.

[00:39:03] Dr. Brad Miller: Thanks, Katy Bee. Your work is transformative, and we appreciate you sharing your journey on Cancer and Comedy.