155: “Feeding the Soul: The Power of Meals, Community, and Care with Courtney Johnson

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Courtney Johnson, founder of Culinary Care—a nonprofit redefining how we support cancer patients through the power of food and community. In this heartfelt episode, Courtney shares how the loss of her father to cancer sparked her mission to deliver made-to-order meals to patients during treatment, ensuring no one faces chemotherapy on an empty stomach.

Discover how Culinary Care is about far more than meal delivery. As Courtney puts it, “We are a community organization—and the way that we bring community to people is through food.” Hear how this vision transforms the experience of cancer care, helping patients look forward to something as simple, and meaningful, as a warm meal during their hardest moments.

Through candid discussion, Courtney reflects on the role of joy, empathy, and intentionality in leadership. From creative camp counselor roots to becoming an entrepreneurial force for good, she unpacks the emotional side of caregiving and how small acts of kindness ripple into profound impact.

Key Topics:

• How Culinary Care delivers hope alongside meals for cancer patients

• The healing power of food, dignity, and connection

• Building community through service and hospitality

• Lessons from blending entrepreneurship with nonprofit leadership

• Finding purpose through grief and giving back

Whether you're passionate about food, community service, or purpose-driven work, this episode will leave you inspired to find creative ways to make a difference.