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January 20th, 2026

I Said No…How to Address Conflict Head On with Dr. Jen Fry

  1. I Said No...How to Address Conflict Head On with Dr. Jen Fry Dr. Christie McMullen 28:48

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Dr. Jen Fry, a speaker, author, and sports geographer who specializes in transforming conflict into Growth. Dr. Fry discusses how her upbringing with a conflict-avoidant parent shaped her understanding of conflict and how she now helps others navigate it effectively. She explains that conflict, while difficult, is essential for improving Mental Health and Relationships

Dr. Fry shares insights from her book, ‘I Said No: How to Have a Backbone of Boundaries without Being a Jerk,’ emphasizing the importance of practical approaches to conflict resolution. She also highlights the vital role of self-reflection and treating others well, even on challenging days. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy

00:04 Meet Dr. Jen Fry

00:37 The Importance of Addressing Conflict

01:14 Jen’s Personal Journey with Conflict

03:35 Navigating Family Dynamics

07:09 The Power of Setting Boundaries

11:00 Choosing Your Hard

13:34 Transition from Volleyball Coach to Speaker

14:20 Lessons Learned from Coaching

15:39 Pursuing a PhD and Understanding Power

16:55 Theoretical vs. Practical Knowledge

17:56 Defining Productive Joy

21:13 Navigating Conflict for Joy

25:07 Rapid Fire Questions

Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 25-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.

With a masters and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

As a coach, networking specialist, and keynote speaker she can help any human overcome mediocrity to experience extraordinary interactions with others. She can help you AIM, Analyze your current interactions, Improve on those interactions, and Move towards extraordinary relationships.

No one wakes up in the morning and says, "I want to be terrible at my job today." but quite often they are because they don't have the right tools in their toolbelt to be extraordinary. Christie can help