In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Meredith Stepien to explore how small moments of joy can become anchors during life's most chaotic seasons. Known for her work as a performer, writer, musician, improviser, and creative leader, Meredith shares why chasing massive life-changing moments isn't always the answer, and how cultivating sparks of delight can help us stay grounded.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of work or simply being human, this conversation is a reminder that joy doesn't have to be earned. Sometimes it's found in the smallest moments hiding in plain sight.

Inside This Episode:

Why Small Joys Matter More Than We Think: Meredith shares how tiny moments of delight can help regulate our nervous systems, shift our perspective, and create steadiness during difficult times.
The Myth of Waiting for Happiness: Many of us postpone joy until we hit a milestone, solve a problem, or achieve a goal. Meredith discusses why joy is something we can practice now—not something we have to wait for.
Creativity as a Survival Tool: Drawing from her background in performance, music, and improv, Meredith explains how creativity helps us navigate uncertainty and stay connected to what makes us feel alive.
Finding Presence in the Everyday: The conversation explores how paying attention to ordinary moments can create extraordinary meaning, even when life feels overwhelming.
The Connection Between Play and Resilience: Erin and Meredith discuss why play is a critical tool for maintaining energy, perspective, and emotional well-being.

What to Do Now:

Create a Tiny Joy List: Write down five small things that consistently bring you joy. Keep the list somewhere visible and intentionally seek out one of them each day this week.
Practice Noticing: Throughout your day, pause and identify one moment that makes you smile, laugh, feel curious, or experience gratitude. The goal is to increase awareness of the good that is already here.
Schedule Play on Purpose: Block out 15 minutes this week for something that feels playful, creative, or energizing with no productivity goal attached.

About the Guest

Meredith Stepien is a Chicago-based comedian, musician, writer, producer, and improviser best known for her work with the musical theater company Team StarKid. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a BFA in Acting, Meredith has performed in numerous StarKid productions and co-wrote the music and lyrics for the cult-favorite musical Firebringer. She is also a creative producer, podcast host, and longtime improviser who brings humor to everything she does. In addition to her performance and creative work, Meredith serves as a facilitator for improve it! workshops, helping individuals and teams build stronger confidence through the power of improv.

Your Freebie

How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?

Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.

This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.

Connect with Meredith Stepien

Meredith’s Instagram
Meredith’s YouTube
Meredith’s LinkedIn

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!

Leadership Playground online membership community
Erin’s website
Erin’s Instagram
Erin’s TikTok
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it!’s website
improve it!’s Instagram

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Loved this episode?

If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.

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