n this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Larry Kesslin for a reflective and eye-opening conversation about joy, fulfillment, and the difference between success and significance. Larry shares his personal journey from external achievement to internal awareness, revealing how a successful career still left him searching for something deeper.

Drawing on powerful life experiences — including transformative moments in Africa — Larry introduces the concept of the “Joy Molecule,” which he defines as conscious connection plus purpose. Together, they explore why external circumstances rarely create lasting happiness, how fear is often rooted in past experiences rather than present reality, and why fulfillment comes from looking inward instead of chasing validation, titles, or milestones.

This episode invites listeners to question long-held beliefs about identity, success, and worth, offering a grounded reminder that fulfillment is not something we earn through effort or accumulation — it’s something we rediscover by reconnecting with who we already are.

#PodMatch

00:00 The quest for happiness vs. success
07:00 Defining success and significance
14:14 The Joy Molecule and internal joy
19:57 Lessons from life experiences
27:58 The journey of self-discovery and fulfillment

Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives
https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4

Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA

Explore the Flying Upstream Blog
https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_

happiness, success, joy, identity, self-discovery, fulfillment, purpose, significance, personal growth, transformation