A Joyful Rebellion

Episode Summary

What if the thing holding you back isn’t laziness, procrastination, or perfectionism—but fear wearing a clever disguise?

In this unforgettable episode of A Joyful Rebellion, Emmy Award-winner and Fearless Living founder Rhonda Britten shares the unthinkable story of what happened to her at age 14—and the decades-long journey that followed. After witnessing the murder-suicide of her parents, Rhonda spiraled into guilt, addiction, and self-destruction. But a failed suicide attempt became the moment she decided to start over. And she did.

Today, she’s helped thousands reclaim their lives using the Wheel of Fear...

Episode Summary

How do you build a family when the system is designed to tear it apart?

In this powerful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, writer, professor, and father Lane Igoudin shares the deeply human story behind his memoir A Family, Maybe: Two Dads, Two Babies, and the Court Cases That Brought Us Together. Lane and his husband Jonathan were among the first openly gay couples to adopt through the foster system in Los Angeles County. What followed was a three-year legal and emotional rollercoaster that tested their resolve, their relationship, and their sense of justice.

Episode Summary

What do you do when life hands you a story you never asked for?

Ray Hartjen is a writer, musician, father, and cancer patient who didn’t just survive a diagnosis—he rewrote the narrative. After learning he had multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, Ray chose to reframe instead of retreat. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, we explore how a routine blood test cracked his world open—and how he rebuilt it with music, meaning, and the mantra, If not now, when?

We talk about the emotional toll of illness, the po...

Episode Summary

You’ve taken the tests—Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, DISC—but what if they’re missing the real point? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, personality expert and educator Eric Gee breaks down why most models get it wrong—and how his Project Utopia framework gets it right.

Instead of focusing on traits or labels, Eric’s system centers on values, using animal archetypes grouped into four core packs: Gatherers, Hunters, Smiths, and Shamans. With over 50,000 people personally profiled, Eric shares how understanding your true motivation—not just your behavior—can reframe everything from your relationships to your career c...

Episode Summary 

What if the key to happiness wasn’t in getting what you want—but in choosing how you respond when you don’t? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, international bestselling author and cartoonist Andrew Matthews joins us from Australia to unpack what it really means to bounce back. With over 8 million books sold in 49 languages, Andrew’s simple, illustrated messages about happiness have helped millions reframe their pain, reclaim their power, and live with more joy—even in the midst of hard times.

We explore the difference between people who move forward and those who s...

Episode Summary

What if your favorite suspense novel could help you rebalance your entire life?

In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James Walters talks with bestselling author, business strategist, and resilience coach Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel Crossroads is more than a legal thriller—it’s a mirror for self-reflection. Rhonda shares how each of her flawed-yet-relatable characters embodies a different dimension of imbalance, from workaholism and grief to loyalty and burnout. The plot may be fiction, but the emotional truths are very real.

Together, James and Rhonda explore the invisible tug-of-war so m...

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Sometimes your life doesn’t change with a big decision—it changes because of a single step. In this powerful episode, James talks with Austin Page, mindset-driven coach and former patient who went from self-destruction to self-mastery after a near-fatal car crash left him hospitalized and immobile.

What started as physical rehab soon turned into an identity shift. Austin shares how daily, uncomfortable action rebuilt his confidence, how self-discipline sparked real transformation, and why most people stay stuck not because life is “bad”—but because it’s “not that bad.”

They talk about the Region Beta...

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What if your diagnosis isn’t your destiny—and the real problem isn’t you, but the system that told you something was wrong in the first place?

In this bold and eye-opening episode, James sits down with Dr. Fred Moss, a former psychiatrist who spent 45 years inside the mental health system—only to walk away. Known today as The UNDoctor, Fred now helps people “UNdiagnose, UNmedicate, and UNindoctrinate” themselves through creativity, communication, and conscious choice.

We talk about the origins of the modern psychiatric model, the myth of the chemical imbalance, and why discomfo...

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What if you didn’t have to wait for retirement to see the world? In this adventurous and inspiring episode, James sits down with Ryan Mellon, better known as The Digital Nomad Coach, to hear how he went from working 14-hour days at two jobs to traveling the world full-time—while still earning an income.

Ryan’s journey started with a one-year RV trip across the U.S., but it didn’t stop there. From glacier hikes in New Zealand to motorbiking through the mountains of Vietnam, he’s built a life where work and wanderlust...

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What if the story that changed your life… wasn’t your own?

In this episode, James sits down with Marcia Heath, a former publishing professional and ghostwriter turned author and documentarian, to explore what it really means to rewrite your story. After decades of editing others' words and chasing what she thought was success, Marcia's body hit the brakes—literally—with a rare case of transient global amnesia. That pause led to an entirely different kind of life.

On a reset trip to Aruba, a conversation under a mango tree sparked her new project...

Episode Summary:

What does redemption look like—really? For John David Graham, it looked like a 140-year-old house, a $200 budget, and a second chance—not just for himself, but for thousands of others.

In this powerful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James talks with author and nonprofit founder John David Graham about his journey from career detours, near-homelessness, and restless searching, to building Good Samaritan Home, a community-based housing network that’s helped over 2,500 men and women reenter society after prison.

John shares stories from the front lines of restoration: what he’s learned about second c...

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If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge thinking, “How did I get here—again?” — you’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode, James sits down with Renée Jones, coach, author, TEDx speaker, and someone who knows the diet cycle all too well.

After 40 years of yo-yo dieting, Renée discovered the root of her struggle: emotional eating. Today, she helps clients worldwide face their emotional triggers head-on and build sustainable, compassionate relationships with food. In this conversation, Renée shares how understanding her Enneagram type and uncovering early emotional connections to...

Episode Summary:

What do coal mines, TikTok, and pizza have in common? In this heartfelt and hunger-inducing episode, James sits down with author and entrepreneur Erica D’Arcangelo to explore the incredible story behind her family's 60-year-old pizzeria in Western Pennsylvania.

Erica shares how a return home during her father’s heart surgery rekindled her purpose in marketing, inspired her to tell her family's immigrant story, and ultimately led to the creation of a children’s book, a coloring book, and a video series celebrating family-owned pizzerias.

From her grandfather’s journey from coal miner to pizze...

Episode Summary:

Adoption is often seen as a beautiful new beginning, but behind every adoption story is an unspoken layer of loss, identity struggles, and adjustment—for both the child and the adoptive family. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James sits down with author and adoptive mother Anna Maria DiDio to talk about the realities of adoption, the challenges of integrating a child into a new culture, and why every adoption story begins with loss and trauma.

Anna Maria shares her journey of international adoption, the emotional rollercoaster of welcoming her daughter into the family, an...

Episode Summary:

Filmmaking is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for change. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James sits down with filmmaker and producer Ethan Felizzari-Castillo to talk about the power of storytelling in shaping perspectives and sparking conversations. As the founder of CK Productions, Ethan is dedicated to cause-based storytelling, crafting films that highlight important social issues and inspire action.

Ethan shares the journey behind his latest project, Backyard Desert, a film tackling the realities of immigration and border patrol from a human-centered perspective. They dive into the creative process behind independent film...

What happens when the qualities you spent a lifetime apologizing for suddenly make you famous? That’s the story of Annie Korzen, an actor, writer, and now an accidental influencer who skyrocketed to social media fame in her 80s. You may recognize her from Seinfeld, but today, she’s captivating millions with her unfiltered wisdom, humor, and brutally honest takes on life, aging, and saying “Yeah, why not?” to unexpected opportunities.

In this episode, Annie shares how she went from bit-part actress to viral sensation, the lessons she’s learned about storytelling, rejection, and reinvention, and why she believ...

Episode Summary

In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James sits down with R.L. Carpentier, a veteran law enforcement officer turned crime fiction writer. Rodney shares his journey from studying English literature to unexpectedly entering law enforcement and how he rekindled his love for storytelling after nearly two decades on the force. His debut novel, Our Lady of the Overlook, is the first in a gripping crime thriller series that merges real-world policing experience with compelling storytelling.

Rodney walks us through the moment of inspiration that led to his novel, how he overcame imposter syndrome...

Podcast Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James sits down with Kareen Aristide, a human behavior consultant and mental health advocate, to discuss the profound difference between happiness and joy. Kareen shares her personal journey—from a thriving career to a life-altering crash that forced her to reevaluate success, purpose, and well-being.

She introduces the DISC personality model, explaining how self-awareness can help individuals break free from societal expectations, avoid burnout, and make career and life choices that align with their true nature.

They dive deep into why hig...

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In this inspiring episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James chats with Kim Rahir, a 60-year-old mother of three, European Masters Weightlifting Champion, and health coach. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago, Kim defied conventional advice and used strength training to reclaim her health and independence.

Kim shares her journey from paralysis and uncertainty to empowerment and strength, discussing how her personal rebellion against her diagnosis transformed her life. She now dedicates her work to helping women in...

Show Notes

Men’s Groups and the New Masculinity: A Conversation with Jason Lange

In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James sits down with Jason Lange, men’s guide, coach, and founder of Evolutionary Men. Together, they explore the modern challenges men face and why men’s groups are becoming a powerful solution for personal growth. Jason shares his journey from feeling disconnected to becoming a leader in men’s development, offering insights into how cultural shifts have redefined masculinity. From navigating relationships to building better communities, this conversation dives deep into how men can find...

In this episode, James sits down with Tess Callahan, novelist, teacher, and meditation guide, for a deeply inspiring conversation about creativity, writing, and the transformative power of mindfulness. Tess shares the story behind her upcoming novel Dawnland, a rich exploration of family, secrets, and redemption.

Together, they discuss how Tess uses meditation and dreams as part of her creative process, the concept of creative constraints, and her personal journey balancing the demands of life with her passion for storytelling. Whether you’re a writer, a seeker, or someone curious about unlocking your own potential, this episode is pa...

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If you are anything like me, you’ve made the mistake of blaming time for not getting everything you want to do in your life. Statements like “I don’t have time " or “There aren’t enough hours in the day” are as common to say as they are to hear from others, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, they’re just excuses that help us feel better about how our priorities are playing out in our lives.

If you are curious about becoming mo...

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https://rkblog.com/

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Do you consider yourself to be creative? My guest today shares his insights on the types of creativity everyone has access to if they work to develop it for themselves.

Rich Kirkpatrick writes, consults, and speaks about the intersection of creativity, faith and leadership. He’s the author of a book called, MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic. and today, we are talking about one of my favorite subjects, creativity.

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If you could have the ability to remember the details of every single day of most of your life, would you want to? Recalling every conversation, adventure, misadventure, the weather and the day’s current events on a whim might seem cool at first, but do you think it would it eventually become a burden?

My guest today is Frank Healy. He’s one of about 100 people in the world who can recall every day of his life in vivid detail since he was six years old.

He’s spent his care...

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So many of our results in life are a product of our communication. From simple things like sharing what we want for lunch that day, to the more complex tasks like inspiring others with a vision of the future, words and our use of language tend to do the heavy lifting.

On the flip side, lack of communication earns its own set of results. Just ask anyone who has experienced a failed business, relationship or lost opportunity because of poor communication.

My guest today has dedicated her last twenty years t...

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Since I was a kid, I’ve loved a good ghost story, so a few months ago when I saw there was a book coming out with ghost stories specific to a town close to me, I made sure I was one of the first people to get a copy.

My guest today is Liz Pardue. Liz and her co-author Kelly Prestipino just released their book titled: Fuquay-Varina Ghosts Legends and Lore and I wanted to dive into why they make the claim that this little town is the most haunted town in th...

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Climb aboard the submarine, because we are diving deep today. My guest Gao Motsemme helps people live out their joyful rebellion by addressing the generational traumas that hold them back from living the life they want, and reconnecting them with their sexual energy, which as she explains is the energy of creation. If you are looking to be the captain of your own ship in this life, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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Have you ever experienced self-doubt? I know it’s like asking if you’ve ever eaten pizza. It’s a common human experience that can hold even the best of us back from achieving our true potential.

Today I’m talking with Amy L. Bernstein, a writing coach and author of the upcoming book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Fighting Fears and Finding Inspiration. And even though, a lot of our conversation centers on the writing process, you can apply these concepts to so many other areas of life.<...

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Whether we know, or want to admit it, our emotions are a major driver in day-to-day life. It’s easy to walk around, unaware of how our feelings influence our behavior, and if we spend our energy fighting or repressing them, we run the risk of missing out on living the life we always wanted.

My guest today is Kim Korte. Kim saw the need to reframe the explanation of how our brains process emotions through our perceptions and experiences. She’s written a book...

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My guest today is Paul Zolman. Around age thirty-five, Paul became aware of his tendency to look for the faults in people rather than the good in them. He wanted to break the cycle of criticism he inherited from his upbringing, so he created a game to demonstrate the principles of love languages.

It's a profound way to learn all five love languages and to give them away to others. The system is so easy that even young children can be trained in this l...

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Every one of us has our special brand of self-sabotage holding us back from having everything we REALLY want out of life. We’ve all heard the saying that everything you could ever wish for is on the other side of fear, and my guest today breaks down the fundamental truths of that statement, and most importantly, what we normal folks can do about it.

Liam Naden is a great example of someone who has been through a joyful rebellion of his own. He spent the first half of his life working hard...

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We’ve been misled about food for our entire lives, and it’s killing us. My guest today helps explain why that is, and how a couple of unproven theories from just a few medical professionals in the late 1960s have created an explosion in obesity and related diseases over the past fifty years.

If you’ve listened to this podcast before, then you know A Joyful Rebellion is all about getting more life out of life. It’s hard to do that if your health is compromised, so I’m excited for you to he...

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Shayne Whitaker

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Whether you live in or have visited a city recently, you've probably encountered people without a place to call home. Many of us, myself included, experience that awkward tension when we think about how that person might have arrived in that circumstance, and what we would do if we ever found ourselves in their shoes.

Shayne Whitaker became homeless for the first time at age four and wrote a book about his experiences growing up. His book is called, The Homeless Man’s Journal, and...

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Have you ever asked someone how they are doing and they tell you they are “Living the dream”? It’s typically delivered with sarcastic undertones, but it got me thinking about how different my life would be if I took the time to design it with intention, rather than simply going through the motions.

My conversation today is with Paul Trammell. Paul has lived a big life and is truly living his dream with intention. He’s gone through many journeys so far, from a career as a musician to a commitm...

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My guest today has a fascinating story to share with us. Edward Di Gangi grew up knowing that he was adopted, though it was never discussed in his family. It wasn’t until later in life that he got curious about his birth parents and began a journey that would take him to a few different states, introduce him to a lot of people he would have never met otherwise, and ultimately inspire him to write a memoir about what he found.

Edward is the author of The Gift Best Given- It’...

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My guest today is Marian Massie, a hypnotherapist and success coach who helps her clients create more empowerment and confidence in their lives.

She’s also the author of three books. Her latest is Miracles: Karma and Reincarnation Redefined ~ A Handbook for Purposeful Living.

Marian and I discuss her thoughts about why we are not people who have a soul, rather, we are souls who have a body. She talks about who she wrote the book for, and why it’s important to pay attention to our dreams.

I LOVE food! I'm up for everything from the most basic BBQ plate to a fancy, tasting menu. My guest today is a journalist, producer, radio host, and author focused on writing about the people and stories that influence what we eat.

David Page is a food journalist, and creator of the Food Network show, Diners Drive-ins and Dives. (definitely one of my favorites) He is also the author of the book called, Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories Behind America’s Favorite Dishes.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, an...

Have you ever hit a point you would consider your rock bottom? My guest today had her own rock bottom experience, going from a life of being on tv shows you’ve probably watched, to having it all go away and trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces, reestablish her identity, and get the bills paid.

In the years since her life-changing struggle, Tanya Memme has interviewed over a hundred people who have hit rock bottom, only to emerge stronger. She’s writing a book about what those people and their stories have in comm...

If you’ve been to this show a few times, you’ve heard me say in the intro that I want you to be the author of your own story. That statement has a double meaning. First, I like to think about our lives as a movie, where we can choose to be in charge of writing a large part of the script instead of allowing others to do it for us.

The second meaning is more literal. Sharing the experiences and wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years could be just the inspiration someone else needs to go...

How would you feel if I asked you to speak to a room of around a hundred people? Would you be excited or terrified?

My guest today is Meghan Dotter, founder and CEO of Portico, and author of the book titled The Reluctant Presenter. Portico is a team with expertise in storytelling, speaker training, presentation design, leadership development, and messaging.

Meghan and I talk about how excellent presentation skills are crucial whether you are simply updating your team, or addressing a room full of investors. We talk about ways she’s helped clients create breakthroughs in...