All About The Joy

Ever wonder why two people who have such differing opinions about one very important subject like the function of the Church and faith in society work together so well? In this episode, we take some time to get to know our co-host Rick Costa and maybe understand a little bit better why it all works! 

Rick talks openly about his journey that led him to become 'Pastor Rick' - a title he initially resisted. Join us...

Do you remember what it was like to be part of a tightly knit team, where you not only had to pull together to succeed but also depended on each other for comfort and companionship?  We'll share some funny incidents and some bitter-sweet memories of our time performing in Color Guard, and Drum Corp, and what it was like to be on tour --  reminding you of the camaraderie, the fatigue, the anxiety, and the thrill of the competit...

In this episode, we express our gratitude to Fran Dresser, the president of SAG AFTRA, for her brilliant leadership during this period and rejoice in the fact that the strike is finally over! We also share updates about our weeks, from Cynthia's bustling schedule at the hospital due to an influx of new COVID and flu cases, to Joy's delightful family visit in East Tennessee.

Here's a sneak peek: Would you da...

Join us as we sit down with Tony, a seasoned veteran, who takes us through the landscape of his life, including the complexities of maintaining family relationships post-divorce. Tony, who's a retired Air National Guardsman and a civil service aircraft mechanic, shares his experiences of navigating life after divorce, the impact it has on mental health, and the importance of family relationships. His story is one of resilience...

Have you ever danced through tears? Recently, I was reminded of life’s uncanny ability to blend both sorrow and joy in the same moment. We lost Patty Ann, an unexpected blow that threw us all into an emotional whirl. Yet this storm of feelings was punctuated by rays of joy as I flew back east, joining my family in a celebration of her life. United in our grief, we found solace in moments of laughter, singing, and dancing to Patty A...

*This is the Collab event between All About The Joy and our friends over at Late Night Parents!

Ready to break down the barriers of traditional relationship dynamics and stir the pot of societal norms with AATJ crew Rick Costa, Andrea Nunez, Cynthia Ruiz and me, Carmen Lezeth? Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of relationships in an enlightening and, at times, challenging but always funny conversation with our ...

Are you an old soul or forever young at heart? Such a riddle sparked an exciting round table discussion, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey down memory lane. Prepare yourself for an episode filled with laughter, real-life stories, and a touch of nostalgia as my friends and I share our experiences and thoughts. 

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could decode the language of love? Not just yours, but that all-imp...

It's not every day you get to reconnect with a good old friend! So, buckle up as we embark on a fun ride with DGA Director Joel Lava. He'll reminisce about the time he spent with the late Dick Butkus, how he found his way to film directing with little guidance from anyone and he'll share some of the ways in which he'd advise someone today how to get there.  Amidst some other chuckles over surprise guests in the ...

Ever been caught in the web of gossip and wondered about its impact on celebrities like the Kardashians or Chris Hemsworth? What if there's more to the story than what's on the surface? In a fun lighthearted conversation, we navigate the complexity of gossip and fame, tackling the dangers of spreading unverified information and the paradox of notoriety. You'll hear some intriguing personal anecdotes involving high-pr...

Picture this: your favorite comedians from the past and present, music icons, and a hearty chat on skincare routines - all in one episode! Yup, that's right. We at All About the Joy are serving you a smorgasbord of discussions that range from the hilarity of I Love Lucy to the contrasting musical styles of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. 

Which artist gives you the chills - Tupac or Biggie? Hold that thought as we dissect t...

Ever wondered why Hollywood royalty would cross a picket line during a Writer’s Guild strike? Get ready to explore the controversial decision made by Drew Barrymore in our enlightening discussion. We'll delve into the ramifications of her choice not only for her but for countless others affected by the strike who are going without salaries. Brace yourself for a spirited talk about the creative ways other shows are supporting t...

What does it truly mean to have a best friend? Someone who sticks by your side through thick and thin, who understands you better than anyone else, and who you can always rely on. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of friendship and the significance these relationships hold in our lives. We discuss the concept of a 'best best friend', and how this bond can be both complex and rewarding. We share our own stories of fr...

Join us as we navigate through feelings of loss and the unexpected triggers that arise. We share heartfelt recollections from personal experiences, revealing how loved ones' passing can stir unpredictable emotions. Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing storm in Florida and an unprecedented hurricane in Los Angeles, we delve into feelings of isolation and our reactions to such extraordinary circumstances. We use the article from the LA...

Ever wondered about the secret world of ghostwriting? Pull up a chair, sip on some coffee, and join us for an engaging discussion with Douglas Glenn Clark, a seasoned professional from this intriguing field. From his early days as a journalist to the reality of penning words for others, Douglas takes us on a fascinating exploration of what a ghostwriter does when it comes to writing work for others. We also unravel the art of ghost...

How much of our craving for connection is influenced by societal fragmentation? From the shared euphoria at high-energy concerts to the simple bonding over a Barbie movie, we explore how our collective quest for connection drives us to these shared experiences. Yet, we go a step further to dissect the role of technology and social media, often blamed for our societal divide, and put forth a different perspective. We make a case for...

Ever wondered how a brawl, a hat and a chair could evolve into symbols of resistance? Join us as we journey through the heart of the Montgomery Brawl, unearthing its roots and examining the unexpected, yet humorous aftermath. From the key players involved to the potential hazards that lurked within the chaos, this episode promises a thorough analysis filled with candid conversations bordering on the hilarious and the alarming.
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Let me ease you into my understanding of Artificial Intelligence. This is the simple version and also, what you fear about AI is not the right thing to be afraid of. It's here, it's not going back into the tube sort of speak. So, it's time to embrace it and learn what the real issue about this new and incredible technology! 

Also, check out Colin and Samir's interview with Miles Fisher,  the guy who di...

In this episode, Maurio Dawson shares his story about receiving a kidney transplant, a second medical scare, the loves of his life and what's next. For someone who has been through so much, it's his continued joy about life that inspires! 

We also promote Smartless as a great podcast to watch, talk about friendships, family, rejection and... above all... love!

DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own...

Wrapping your head around what you know to be true based on what you were taught as a child and your overall upbringing, versus what you can learn when you open your mind to the possibilities?  

Yeah, I had a revelation the other day trying to buy towels, and I was asked about it and it got me on a roll.  I mention a thing about rich folk versus poor folk and also share a little bit about what I've learned along the w...