When a pregnant woman with nowhere to go arrives at the hospital, what happens after she gives birth? For hundreds of women in Boston, Dr. Rosanna Means and her groundbreaking Bridges to Moms program create a lifeline that extends far beyond traditional medical care. Our conversation with Dr. Means unveils the remarkable journey of a trained physician who abandoned a prestigious cardiology path after witnessing the resilience of Cambodian refugees. This transformative experience led her to creat...
Jun 29, 2025•58 min•Ep. 195
What would drive someone to fall in love with artificial intelligence? In our latest deep dive, we explore the fascinating and troubling case of a man who proposed marriage to his AI companion—despite having a wife and child. This story opens a Pandora's box of questions about human connection, emotional fidelity, and the increasingly blurred lines between technology and relationships. The conversation takes unexpected turns as we debate whether forming romantic attachments with AI constitutes a...
Jun 22, 2025•44 min•Ep. 194
What makes your blood boil? In this candid conversation, we peel back the layers on those daily irritations that reveal so much about who we are and what we value. The discussion kicks off with workplace frustrations we all recognize - the boss who calls instead of walking five doors down, unnecessary meetings that drag on forever, and the expectation to be mind readers. "I hate micromanaging," shares one host, "but the worst part is when they do it over the phone and can't even get up from thei...
Jun 15, 2025•50 min•Ep. 193
Carmen, Cynthia, and Rick dive into the fascinating world of unexplainable phenomena, superstitions, and spiritual beliefs in this thought-provoking conversation. From Carmen's late-night TikTok rabbit hole filled with seemingly personalized tarot readings to Rick's childhood experiments with Ouija boards before finding faith, the hosts share their personal journeys with the supernatural. The conversation weaves through personal experiences with psychics (some surprisingly accurate, others comic...
Jun 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 192
Could you fall in love with someone who isn't human? This question moves from science fiction to startling reality as Rick and Carmen tackle one of the most profound technological changes on our horizon: the potential for meaningful relationships with artificial intelligence. The journey begins with a playful debate over science fiction portrayals of AI in Star Trek and Stargate, before diving into entrepreneur Gary Vee's shocking prediction that within just 20 years, humans will be marrying AI ...
Jun 01, 2025•41 min•Ep. 191
What drives talented actors to sabotage career-changing opportunities? How does the psychology of performing artists shape their success or failure? Talent agent and psychologist Albert Bramante pulls back the curtain on these questions and more in this fascinating deep dive into the entertainment industry's hidden dynamics. As the "white sheep" in a family of athletes, Bramante found his true calling not in sports but among creative people. His journey from aspiring actor to founding his own ta...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 190
What makes a relationship worth fighting for? When is it time to walk away? These questions haunt us all, yet we rarely have honest conversations about the true nature of human connection. Carmen Lezeth pulls back the curtain on relationship dynamics, challenging conventional wisdom about what makes connections valuable. Drawing from personal experiences—including growing up without parents and navigating complex workplace dynamics—she offers a refreshingly practical perspective on how to evalua...
May 18, 2025•35 min•Ep. 189
What does it say about our society when hatred gets financially rewarded? This question lies at the heart of our raw, unfiltered discussion about a disturbing playground incident that's gone viral across America. When a woman was recorded calling a child the N-word repeatedly over a minor playground dispute, she launched a crowdfunding campaign on a platform known for supporting extremist causes. The shocking result? Over $750,000 in donations and counting, with her goal now reaching toward $1 m...
May 11, 2025•56 min•Ep. 188
This special episode is all about - a surprise tribute to Rick Costa, my steadfast co-host who has no idea this compilation is happening! Through selected clips from our broadcasts in 2022 and 2023, I showcase the essence of Rick - kind, humble, supportive, and impossibly difficult to get to say anything negative about anyone (though occasionally I can get him to swear a little). These moments reveal how our partnership works despite fundamental differences in beliefs and perspectives, proving t...
May 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 187
What would you do after winning the lottery and handling all the obvious responsibilities? That's the question that sparks a surprisingly deep and revealing conversation among the Private Lounge hosts. While starting with lighthearted fantasies, the discussion quickly evolves into something much more meaningful about values, purpose, and how we might create positive change given greater resources. Each host reveals dreams that center around community impact rather than personal luxury. From buil...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 186
Remember when you couldn't drive through Los Angeles without encountering film crews working on the next big production? Those days seem increasingly distant as Hollywood undergoes a seismic transformation that's reshaping not just how movies are made, but how we experience them. The economic reality is stark. Productions have fled traditional hubs for places like Georgia and Canada, where generous tax incentives make filming significantly cheaper. This exodus leaves behind empty studios, unempl...
Apr 20, 2025•56 min•Ep. 185
Ever had that boss who calls from five doors down instead of walking to your office? Or that friend who swears they'll support your podcast but never actually listens? You're not alone. In this unfiltered conversation, we unpack the everyday annoyances that quietly drive us crazy. From workplace micromanagers who expect mind-reading abilities to friends who make empty promises of support, we explore how these small frustrations reveal deeper truths about human connection and expectations. The di...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 184
Starting with a reflection on Val Kilmer's philosophy—"I have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed"—we dive deep into what it really means to live without regret while acknowledging our past choices. The conversation quickly evolves into a therapeutic exploration of cutting toxic people out of our lives and the liberation that comes with it. We get refreshingly honest about "performative friendships" and why they're not worth maintaining. Maurio and ...
Apr 06, 2025•59 min•Ep. 183
Remember the distinct sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet? That nostalgic memory sparked a wide-ranging conversation about what truly defines the Gen X experience in our latest episode. Our hosts and guests shared personal touchstones—from using physical phone books and Thomas Guides to the satisfaction of slamming down a corded phone during arguments—creating an authentic time capsule of growing up between analog and digital worlds. The musical memories proved especially powerfu...
Mar 30, 2025•59 min•Ep. 182
What if your relationship struggles aren't actually about the other person? What if the key to lasting happiness lies in recognizing that you're the common denominator in all your problems? Christy Holt, the self-proclaimed "Happiness Hussy," joins us to share her transformative journey from people-pleasing and perfectionism to genuine self-acceptance. Drawing from her own experiences of divorce, parenting challenges, and personal growth, Christy reveals how taking "radical responsibility" for o...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 181
A stolen wallet at a Boston hospital becomes the unlikely catalyst for a fascinating journey through generational divides in parenting, discipline, and workplace ethics. When Cynthia shares her experience of having cash taken from her Mickey Mouse backpack at work, it opens a floodgate of stories about security violations, boundaries, and how our sense of safety has evolved over time. Rick's tale of his mother's stolen documents sparks an impassioned conversation about the consequences we face w...
Mar 16, 2025•59 min•Ep. 180
Our guest, Nilu Rustomji , brings a unique perspective to the conversation of Botox, wrinkle relaxers and all things skincare, having studied psychology before entering the medical field. This background illuminates her holistic approach to facial aesthetics—treating not just the physical appearance but understanding the emotional journey of each patient. Through candid discussion, we unpack common misconceptions about injectables and reveal surprising medical applications most people don't know...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 179
Join us as we rediscover the joy of friendship in our latest podcast episode! With a lively mix of laughter, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, we tackle the complexities of loyalty and the tough decisions we often face in our relationships. Whether reminiscing about old school moments or pondering how far one would go to support a friend in need, we embrace the ups and downs that shape our connections. Our discussion leads us to explore essential themes like gratitude for community ...
Mar 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 178
What happens when the weight of everyday life feels too heavy to bear? Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with our special guests, Rick Costa and Cynthia Ruiz Lopez, as we unpack the complexities of emotional struggles in our fast-paced world. With a quick-witted story about the word "joy," Rick sets the stage for a deeper dialogue about workplace stress, personal challenges, and the blurred line between sadness and depression. Together, we explore how therapy, family, and self...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 177
Can a Super Bowl halftime show spark a profound conversation about art, culture, and spirituality? Join us as we unpack the layers of Kendrick Lamar's performance, where Maurio shares a touching story about how he helped his mother appreciate the deeper meanings behind the spectacle. From Rick's initial ambivalence, to Alma's admiration for Kendrick's artistic brilliance, we reflect on how the show challenges traditional perspectives and invites us to rethink the definition of art. Through this ...
Feb 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 176
This episode dives into the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion while exploring the triggering responses some individuals have when addressing issues that uplift marginalized voices. The hosts reflect on personal experiences and systemic barriers in hiring, emphasizing the importance of awareness, listening, and collaborative progress. • Discussion about a LinkedIn post on supporting Black women • Insights on defensive reactions associated with conversations on privilege • Explorati...
Feb 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 175
What if your friends were your anchors, your chosen family, standing by you through every high and low, just like a scene from "The Town"? Join us in the Private Lounge as we share a tapestry of stories celebrating those ride-or-die friendships. From heartwarming tales like Rick's friend rushing to his aid after a car accident, to the lighter side of friendship etiquette involving ringtones, we unravel the essence of connections that define our lives. These anecdotes remind us of the unspoken bo...
Feb 02, 2025•56 min•Ep. 174
We explore the vital connection between childhood joy and adult happiness, sharing personal stories that highlight how simple pleasures can still influence our lives. The conversation weaves through topics like the importance of connection, experiences at Disneyland, the struggles of aging, and how to reclaim our inner child. By focusing on gratitude and joy from our youth, we encourage listeners to revisit those moments that bring us happiness. • Connection through shared experiences • The sign...
Jan 26, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 173
Ever wish you could just unwind and connect like in the good old days when neighbors gathered on porches and stoops? Join me, Carmen Lezeth, from All About the Joy and the rest of the crew, as we recreate that warm, community spirit every Friday night! We’ve moved our beloved weekly hangout live stream from Thursday to Friday, allowing us to escape the rush of the workweek and embrace a lighter, more relaxed vibe. Tune in at 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern across Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, an...
Jan 26, 2025•6 min•Ep. 173
Ever found a surprise credit on DoorDash or received an unexpected commission check? Join us as we celebrate the little surprises in life and an invigorating visit to a local firehouse. Our laughter-filled chat touches on the charm of supporting firemen, inspired by our love for the show 9-1-1. The excitement of buying t-shirts and the animated banter about firehouse aesthetics add a joyful spark to our lively exchange. Amidst the laughter, we tackle some heavier topics, like the implications of...
Jan 19, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 172
Carmen expresses a heartfelt love for California amidst the backdrop of recent wildfires and the negativity directed towards the state. She discusses her personal journey, the beauty of California’s landscape, and the importance of compassion during difficult times. • The impact of recent wildfires on California residents • California's key role in the national economy • Personal reflections on moving to California and childhood dreams • The contrasting beauty of California’s landscape and clima...
Jan 12, 2025•41 min•Ep. 171
What if the captivating worlds of Stargate SG-1 and Star Trek: The Next Generation could transport you back to the golden age of sci-fi, reigniting that spark of imagination and wonder? Join Rick and me as we journey through the series that defined our Gen X years, sharing personal stories of our earliest sci-fi encounters—from Rick's love for Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica to my infatuation with The Jetsons. We reminisce about how these beloved series shaped our perceptions and became lifel...
Jan 05, 2025•59 min•Ep. 170
This episode is a reflective journey through 2024, as Carmen shares personal losses and insights on relationships, health challenges, and the ongoing pursuit of joy. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection while looking ahead to 2025, encouraging listeners to reassess their own experiences. • Personal reflections on loss and friendship struggles • Navigating health challenges and the healthcare system • Celebrating entertainment and creativity in 2024 • Understanding societal issues thr...
Dec 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 169
Ever wonder how Cynthia manages to maintain her cool amidst workplace chaos? Tune in to hear her hilarious recount of dealing with a frustrating coworker in the pathology department and the strategies she uses to keep her professionalism intact. We also chat about our exciting first live stream on TikTok, the potential ban looming over the platform, and what the Supreme Court might have to say about it. Our lively banter with listeners, including newcomers Melanie and Charlie, keeps the atmosphe...
Dec 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 168
What's the real cost of maintaining trust in a remote work environment? This episode of "All About the Joy" explores that question and more, as we welcome Cynthia with her shiny new tech gadgets and dive into Rick's unsettling work-from-home dilemma. Imagine balancing a heavy workload while caring for a loved one with dementia, only to be asked by your employer to install a camera for surveillance. It's a story that touches on trust, discipline, and the fine line between work-life balance and in...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 167
