Shows / The Path to Joy
The Path to Joy
Yes!! This a podcast about joy, perspective, and being human. I share stories from my own life -- the things that make me laugh, make me think, and sometimes make me rethink everything.
No expertise. No perfect answers. Just one person paying attention and sharing what she finds along the way.
Join me every Tuesday and Thursday for a new episode.
Enjoy the journey.
Episodes
- The Path to Joy
Doing Small, Scary Things!
I like to picture myself as brave and fearless at this point in my life but I still get tripped up by small, scary things. Today, let's talk about doing things…
- The Path to Joy
It Can Be Hard to Measure!
It can be really tough to measure our impact. Our words and actions can have such lasting impact -- a ripple effect -- and yet, sometimes, we really have no…
- The Path to Joy
An Ovation!
Guess what?? Today I got an ovation. Not a standing ovation -- let's not get too crazy. But an ovation nonetheless. Let's talk about appreciation -- it is nice…
- The Path to Joy
A True Miracle!
Today's episode is a must listen -- because we all need more miracles around us! Especially when life feels heavy, it's easy to forget that we don't live in a…
- The Path to Joy
Always Great Questions!
Today I share some really wonderful questions that were submitted during my February JOY SCHOOL call. I love this group -- I love the questions, the…
- The Path to Joy
Just Do It!
I am very 'mixed' about the Nike slogan 'Just Do It.' One the one hand, I think it's terrible advice but then, on the other hand, there's a part of me that…
- The Path to Joy
Swim Lessons!
No, don't get too excited, I haven't been taking swim lessons. Today, I share another wonderful Hannah Rosenberg poem entitled 'Swim Lessons' and I do…
- The Path to Joy
All the Possible Paths!
Today's episode is about my husband (and some advice he recently gave -- good advice!) and trees! He's not often one for emotional conversations but he really…
- The Path to Joy
Magic Disguised as Ordinary Life!
Today I share another incredible poem by poet Hannah Rosenberg from her book of poetry, 'Same.' I love this poem: Magic Disguised as Ordinary Life. More and…
- The Path to Joy
Friends Who Make You Think!
Today's episode is about my friend, Eddy. Sometimes friendship can surprise you. I've never met Eddy in person, we communicate solely through audio messages…
- The Path to Joy
Sometimes Life is Grossly Unfair.
Today's episode is a bit heavier because the truth is: sometimes life is grossly unfair. As much as I see so much beauty in this world, there is so much grief…
- The Path to Joy
A Quiet Moment!
Yes, today's episode is about a quiet moment -- but not just any quiet moment. A very specific one -- the moment I pressed 'publish' on my book (now three…
- The Path to Joy
Let It Snow!
A snow day is a great way to determine how much of a homebody someone is! Today, I chat about homebodies (yes, that's me!), introverts/extroverts, and more! I…
- The Path to Joy
Snow, Birthdays, and Miracles!
Today's episode is all about the twins! The big snow we all experienced in much of the country coincided with the twin's birthday. As it did 15 years ago…
- The Path to Joy
The Overexplain!
In today's episode I share another of Cara Bradley's famous 'Sparks!' This one is so good. Let's chat about how much we love to 'overexplain' our decisions and…
- The Path to Joy
A Good Day!
Today's episode is about a local food packing/distribution organization -- JRA. Well, it's really about how much fun I had at a recent food packing event. This…
- The Path to Joy
What is Communion?
Today's episode is about the word 'communion.' No, not 'holy communion' but the concept of unity, of being connected deeply to one another. This episode…
- The Path to Joy
Who You Marry!
I do find it fascinating who we marry: are they like our parents or the total opposite? How do we choose? For full disclosure, I ponder some of these questions…
- The Path to Joy
The Ultimate Conundrum!
Today I share a few excerpts from an opinion piece written by New York Times columnist, David Brooks, called 'The Great Detachment.' In his piece, he sets up a…
- The Path to Joy
A Potential Move!
No, I'm not moving! Today's episode IS about a potential move, just not mine. It's funny how we often move through life as though nothing will change and then…
- The Path to Joy
Letting Go of Resistance!
It's the first day of 2026 and I am a bit reflective (just a little) -- thinking about releasing goals, control, and resistance. I'm choosing to 'allow.' Allow…
- The Path to Joy
Some Good Advice (Not From Me)!
I recently read a NY Times article in which the author compiled the best reader submitted advice of 2025. Today I share some of those nuggets of wisdom ---…
- The Path to Joy
Christmas in Vermont!
I know the holidays are over and done but let's revisit them for one episode. It was a Christmas in Vermont -- cold, icy, but full of love. Thanks so much for…
- The Path to Joy
Oh Menopause ...Part Deux!
I know -- the title of today's episode might be a slight turn off for my male listeners (all SIX of them!) -- but I promise it's not just about menopause…
- The Path to Joy
Long Days and Short Years!
Yes, I know it's a bit cliche to refer to these chaotic days with kids at home as long days and short years but it's the truth. I'm trying to get my head…
- The Path to Joy
Episode Number Two Hundred and Ninety-Three!
As today's title implies, this is episode number 293! And that seems just crazy to me. How did that happen? Today, let's chat about how small changes, starting…
- The Path to Joy
Some Intention Setting!
It's 2026 -- that's crazy! Happy New Year my friends. Today, let's chat about intention setting. If you are looking for some suggestions of how to approach…
- The Path to Joy
Let This Be the Year
Today I share my own poem (a first for me!) to help ring in the new year: Let This Be the Year! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and…
- The Path to Joy
And It's Christmas!
And just like that the holiday is here --- it's Christmas! Today's episode isn't exactly about Christmas but more ways that we mark time -- how we create…
- The Path to Joy
Oh December!
Yes, December is almost gone for you listeners. But, for me, it's December 1st. Which means this Jewish family dives head first into advent! Let the countdown…
- The Path to Joy
Paying Attention to Signs!
Today I share some stories of 'synchronicities' or signs. We don't have to figure out the 'why' -- sometimes that's really well above our pay grade. But it's…
- The Path to Joy
Oh the Haters!
Today I share another one of Cara Bradley's Sparks 'Oh the Haters.' The question is -- are we afraid of the real haters (of whom I believe there are very few)…
- The Path to Joy
Future Tripping at the Table.
Today I share a really great JOY SCHOOL question (and some responses) that was submitted prior to Thanksgiving but is very relevant for this period of holiday…
- The Path to Joy
Same, Same, Same!
Today I share two poems from poet Hannah Rosenberg from her recently published book of poems Same. I love these two poems -- I can't tell you how often I've…
- The Path to Joy
Making New Friends!
It's tough making new friends as you get older -- sometimes I think there should be a dating app but just to make new friends. I've made some new friends…
- The Path to Joy
A Treasure Trove Discovered!
In my hunt for some paint brushes for the craft projects (from last week's episode), I stumbled into a veritable treasure trove! I can't wait to share the…
- The Path to Joy
Days of Crafts!
Some recent school projects have provided the needed stimulus for me to remember my crafty days of yore. It's so interesting when you haven't really done…
- The Path to Joy
It's All About the Process!
My dad would have enjoyed today's episode -- I share some thoughts about what he liked to call 'process' and how to make some of your holiday busyness feel a…
- The Path to Joy
As the Holidays Approach!
Today I share some very 'light' advice as holiday gatherings approach. My hope is that you can be present, relaxed, and truly enjoy your holiday get togethers…
- The Path to Joy
Books I'm Reading (and Not Reading)!
Yes, as the title of today's episode implies, today is about books. What I'm reading, what I'm putting off (I do love procrastinating), and why I'm a huge fan…
- The Path to Joy
What You Don't Have!
Today's episode is all about being grateful for what you don't have. And, just to entice you to listen, I share stories of your fearless podcast host doing…
- The Path to Joy
Twins are Great!
If you've ever wondered: what it is like to have twins? Then today is your day! Well, to give you a real picture of 'twin life,' I might need to write a second…
- The Path to Joy
Spilling Some Secrets!
Don't worry -- I'm not spilling state secrets or even major family secrets. These are not the kind of secrets you have to wait for some folks to pass on before…
- The Path to Joy
Allowing Space for Change!
People change. I know that old saying: you can't teach and old dog new tricks. Well, I'm not so sure that's true. We are all changing/evolving and sometimes we…
- The Path to Joy
Driving in My Car!
I do a lot of driving. But today's episode is not about my driving, but Ben's. Yes, the editor of this podcast is finally working on getting his driver's…
- The Path to Joy
A Weekend of Surprises!
This past weekend I flew to North Carolina to lead a retreat at a friend's house. My first time doing something like this so I was excited and a bit nervous…
- The Path to Joy
How You Do One Thing is How You Do Everything!
Inspired by yet another one of my friend Cara Bradley's Sparks, let's talk about the adage 'How you do one thing is how you do everything.' Because when it…
- The Path to Joy
Getting Your Hands Off the Wheel -- a Meditation!
Today's episode is exactly as advertised. For once -- no rambling, no random stories. Proving that, despite the last 270 episodes of this podcast, I can…
- The Path to Joy
Some Time to Dream!
In today's episode I share a bit about the mother/daughter retreat I hosted in September -- namely to share some 'visuals' that the girls created during the…
- The Path to Joy
Making Decisions!
Today's episode is about making decisions. Imagine two doors in front of you -- wouldn't it be so great if you just knew, with absolute certainty, which door…
- The Path to Joy
A Message for My Advice Givers!
I don't love getting advice -- I don't even like self-help (Yes, this may be the most ironic statement I've ever written!). And I happen to think most people…
- The Path to Joy
A Great Call!!
Today, I share a couple great questions I recently received in advance of a JOY SCHOOL call. The questions were so good, I just had to share! Thanks so much…
- The Path to Joy
Holding My Breathe!
Today's episode is about how to actually talk yourself off the ledge. The metaphorical ledge, of course! Recently, I found myself very anxious, holding my…
- The Path to Joy
Some More Bowling!
What can I say?? Bowling is life! Well, maybe not, but it is a big part of our lives here in Pennsylvania. Today I share stories from a recent bowling…
- The Path to Joy
Our Comparison Problem.
Yes, I think we can all agree that 'comparison is the thief of joy.' But, we somehow make an exception for comparison to our past selves. And we are usually…
- The Path to Joy
An Alternate Reality!
Can we talk about an alternate reality for a moment? I know we primarily live in a very pragmatic reality where there's laundry to do and toilets to clean and…
- The Path to Joy
Being Still and Going Slow.
Do you feel any of that 'fall energy' around? Whether you have kids going back to school or not, fall can feel a bit more hectic, like it's time to 'kick it…
- The Path to Joy
And It Begins!
Well, it's official! I now I have three children in high school! How is that possible? Today's episode is all about the first day. Kind of sad but talking…
- The Path to Joy
Those Pesky Worry Thoughts!
Do you ever notice that your body has this 'premonition' feeling before your mind attaches to a worry? It's fascinating. It's almost like we feel the worry…
- The Path to Joy
It's My Birthday!
Well, yes, this episode is about my 46th year around the sun! It was a very low-key, simple, and perfect day. What I want for my 'perfect day' has changed as…