Imagine adding seven and a half years to your life. Jane Fonda and Ashton Applewhite share how positive beliefs about aging can do just that . The conversation touches on societal views, the U-curve of happiness, and how nurturing community ties can elevate our quality of life. A highlight of our discussion includes the surprising insights on nursing home residency and how challenging these preconceived notions can lead to a more fulfilling journey through aging. Switching gears, we dive into th...
Dec 08, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 166
Choosing peace over chaos this Thanksgiving, I decided against the typical travel frenzy to embrace a more restful celebration. Instead, I treated myself to a refreshing matinee of the musical "Wicked," underscoring the joy of prioritizing one's sanity and meaningful connections outside the traditional holiday bustle. However, not everything is serene as we shift gears to a critique of the current movie theater landscape, especially spotlighting AMC's missed opportunities. From the underwhelming...
Dec 01, 2024•24 min•Ep. 165
Is growing older something to dread or embrace? I reflect on aging with gratitude, drawing inspiration from icons like Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin who redefine what it means to age gracefully. With personal anecdotes, I share the joys of staying physically active and embracing natural changes, from gray hair to the wisdom that comes with every passing year. This is about celebrating each birthday as a badge of honor, focusing on the liberation and confidence that come with accepting life's inevit...
Nov 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 164
What if you could redefine your relationship with money and approach personal finance as a tailored journey rather than a rigid set of rules? Join us as we chat with Dana Miranda, an acclaimed writer who's shifting paradigms in the world of finance. Her new book, " You Don't Need a Budget ," challenges traditional financial advice, offering a fresh take that's both relatable and empowering. Dana shares her evolution from avoiding financial conversations to becoming a voice that resonates with re...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 163
Ever wondered how kindness can act as a balm in politically charged times? Our latest episode explores this very question, offering a heartening blend of perspectives on maintaining decency amidst political tensions. With humor and candidness, we navigate the emotional landscape following a tight election, championing the need for empathy and the importance of creating a community grounded in respect. Our conversation delves into the challenges of online political discourse, advocating for a 'bl...
Nov 10, 2024•57 min•Ep. 162
How often have you found yourself subtly influenced by a conversation or a piece of media without realizing it? Join me, as I lay bare the artful dance of manipulation in our everyday lives. We'll navigate the fine line where strategic communication meets influence, sharing tales from my work where loyalty conflicts with performance and where indirect maneuvers keep interpersonal peace. Through these stories, you'll learn to spot and harness manipulation's power positively, all while respecting ...
Nov 03, 2024•46 min•Ep. 161
What if the simple act of remembering your childhood could bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart? Join us as we transport you back to those carefree days filled with the delightful jingle of the ice cream truck and the thrill of sledding adventures. We uncover the universal joys of youth, from the heart-pounding excitement of flashlight tag under the stars to the innocent mischief of childhood pranks. Through our laughter-filled anecdotes, you'll rediscover the magic of those simpl...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 160
Can a child really land a plane, or have we just been watching too much TV? We're diving into the wild world of 9-1-1, where plot twists and disappearing bees leave us scratching our heads. Our conversation isn't just about the show, though; Cynthia and I get caught up in an unexpected wardrobe coincidence and can't help but laugh at life's little surprises. Together, we navigate the absurdity and charm of our favorite TV dramas, contrasting the expected happy endings with the unexpected turns t...
Oct 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 159
Ever had a bizarre encounter while shopping for something as simple as lotion? Andrea shares a cringe-worthy story. We're also sharing our most amusing anecdotes and pondering the modern quirks of work-life balance. With memories of childhood remedies like Vaseline and Vicks, we laugh our way through the serious topic of managing work and personal time, especially when the lines blur as you work from home. Our personal stories shed light on the challenges of setting boundaries while keeping the ...
Oct 13, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 158
Tune into our latest episode of "All About the Joy," where we start with our mixed feelings about the latest episodes of "9-1-1" and dive into an amusing anecdote about reaching out to enhance apparel inclusivity, sparking laughter and advocacy all at once. Including why Carmen reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department personally... As technology tries to play the villain, we tackle podcasting hurdles with Cynthia's old phone and share a laugh over the chaos it creates. Enter the fascinatin...
Oct 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 157
Can your childhood as a military brat shape a multifaceted career journey? Meet Hayden Craddolph, our remarkable guest who's navigated paths from Wall Street to the filmmaking world. In this episode of All About the Joy, Hayden shares the intriguing story of how his early love for film, science, and astronomy led him away from the finance industry into the creative realm of movies. Together, we revel in our shared passion for iconic sci-fi films like Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Jurassic...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 156
Ever felt a bit awkward being called "ma'am" or "mister"? We dive into the nuances of aging and respect, sparked by a TikTok Video from Netflix with Deon Cole from Blackish. Together, we explore how these titles, often seen as signs of getting older, can also be marks of honor and respect. We relate these experiences to various cultures and languages, reflecting on how our perceptions evolve over time, and share some laughs about the generational gaps in tech and music preferences. Stay active a...
Sep 22, 2024•58 min•Ep. 155
Ever wondered how to best start a video to captivate your audience right from the get-go? Tune in as we share our hilarious battle with live stream technical glitches, and reveal how Andrea's candid check-in from her car turned into a heartfelt discussion on the roller coaster ride of parenting. We dive into the relief some find in a child-free life, all while navigating through tales of a recent Malibu earthquake and the myriad ways our friends and neighbors reacted to the tremors. Experience t...
Sep 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 154
Is your work-life balance teetering on the edge? This episode of the All About the Joy podcast uncovers the art of maintaining professional boundaries while fostering genuine connections. Ever wondered how to keep your work relationships from going sour? We dive into the nitty-gritty of work friendships and the importance of clear boundaries. Hear personal stories about navigating workplace dynamics, from Cynthia’s selective trust issues to Rick’s lessons from his McDonald’s days. We also tackle...
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 153
Ever wondered what goes into launching a new product line? We start off by sharing some laughs and heartfelt stories from our journey of bringing our All About the Joy merchandise to life. Inspired by the relentless support of Rick Costa and insights from content creators like Terry Kaye, we discuss the meticulous process of testing and selecting the best quality items. What does non-toxic masculinity smell like? Apparently, like Thor Bradley, the TikTok sensation known for chopping wood and pro...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 152
What happens when we admit we don’t know something? Can acknowledging our ignorance actually lead to deeper understanding and stronger relationships? This week on Carmen Talk, I highlight the beauty of admitting our limitations and how it can foster an environment ripe for learning and growth. Plus, there's a humorous analogy involving Chris Hemsworth that underscores the pitfalls of spreading misinformation and the value of owning up to our mistakes. Misinformation on social media is a growing ...
Aug 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 151
Ever had a tooth knocked out during practice? I have, and Rick’s son broke his tooth in an equally unexpected way! This episode kicks off with our hilarious yet all-too-relatable dental debacles, revealing the trials and tribulations of achieving that flawless celebrity smile. We share personal anecdotes about veneers, braces, and the cultural quirks surrounding dental aesthetics. Plus, Cynthia brings some warmth as she talks about her bustling workweek and a confidence-boosting doctor visit. Ne...
Aug 18, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 150
Is your work environment filled with negativity or joy? This episode kicks off with a candid discussion about the contrasting atmospheres we've encountered in different workplaces. Our insights on dealing with negativity in certain offices versus the respectful and positive vibes in others will resonate with anyone who's ever had a challenging workday. As always, we work through our technical difficulties and have a moment about Disney versus Marvel fandoms. Ever feel like you're stuck in the ho...
Aug 11, 2024•56 min•Ep. 149
What happens when a close-knit community loses one of its own in a tragic accident? This episode starts on a somber note as we share the heartbreaking news about Lindsey Badger from HAPPS, who was taken from us in a hit-and-run incident. Her husband is currently on a ventilator, while their children miraculously survived. We urge our listeners to contribute to the GoFundMe page set up in Lindsey's memory, reinforcing the importance of community support during such devastating times. As we naviga...
Aug 04, 2024•57 min•Ep. 148
How can society trust the police when bad cops merely move from one department to another? This week's Carmen Talk unpacks this critical issue, delving into the disturbing trend of officers who commit misconduct being rehired elsewhere. We emphasize the importance of direct language when discussing serious issues like murder, particularly in the context of the tragic killing of Sonia Massey. Our conversation stresses the need for police officers to stand against wrongdoing and highlights the emo...
Jul 28, 2024•32 min•Ep. 147
Have you ever wondered how a journey from full-time work to freelancing transforms not just a career but a family’s entire lifestyle? Hai shares his incredible transition while maintaining a passion for 3D animation and dabbling in multifamily property investments. As Tony, Rick, and Hi reflect on their work days we also examine how COVID-19 has reshaped remote work, blending humor and heartfelt experiences along the way... What happens when you juggle multiple entrepreneurial ventures and freel...
Jul 21, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 146
Ever experienced the unpredictability of international travel or the chaos of a travel disaster? Find out how our crew navigated through missed flights, lost luggage, and a chaotic adventure in Greece. In this episode, we kick off with an amusing anecdote from Cynthia about her last day at work and welcome Alma, who shares her journey with myasthenia gravis. Despite some technical hiccups, the evening is filled with laughter, playful banter, and meaningful conversations about health, travel, and...
Jul 14, 2024•2 hr 27 min•Ep. 145
Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, imagining the lives of strangers as they pass by? In this episode of All About the Joy, I take you back to my younger days in Boston Commons, where I’d create intricate backstories for the people I observed, fostering a sense of connection and understanding with the world around me. Through reminiscing these cherished moments, we explore how such imaginative exercises helped me feel at ease around everyone—from doctors and lawyers to celebrities and ...
Jul 07, 2024•23 min•Ep. 144
Can traveling with family turn into a logistical nightmare or an unforgettable adventure? Cynthia chimes in from the airport preparing to embark on a whirlwind journey sharing her excitement and the challenges of planning a family trip. We lighten the mood with amusing stories about surprise phone calls and impromptu celebrations, and Rick adds his unique humor to the mix, making for a truly engaging start to our episode. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as we explore the emotional ties b...
Jun 30, 2024•58 min•Ep. 143
Ever wondered how a blind individual seamlessly integrates their unique perspective into everyday life? In our latest episode, we welcome Joy, a cherished AATJ member, who turns a simple question into an enlightening discussion on blindness and accessibility. Hear Joy's inspiring take on why she views certain oversights as compliments and how her stylish customization of different canes reflects her vibrant personality. She also shares her love for audio media formats, weaving them effortlessly ...
Jun 23, 2024•49 min•Ep. 142
Ever found yourself accidentally burning your child’s savings? Our latest episode brings you a rollercoaster of stories with our friend Nazim, joining us all the way from Italy at 3 AM. From his early days of late-night live streaming from bed on Happs to his adventures in digital consulting and cruise ship design, Nazim shares it all. We laugh about his recent performance in a Milan theater recounting that infamous money-burning incident, and touch base about about Italy, and his wife and their...
Jun 16, 2024•49 min•Ep. 141
Have you ever wondered how your favorite TV shows stack up against real-life milestones and heartfelt personal journeys? Join us on this episode of "All About the Joy" as Cynthia and Rick share their TV obsessions with "9-1-1" and "9-1-1: Lone Star," alongside Cynthia’s inspiring story of navigating a recent job transition with overwhelming support from her colleagues. Rick also celebrates a significant milestone in his family—his son obtaining a temporary license for physical therapy—and reveal...
Jun 09, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 140
How do you navigate the world of modern TV subscriptions amidst the barrage of persistent advertising? Join us for a spirited episode where we kick things off with a lively pre-show dispute, setting the tone for our energetic discussions. We dive into the pros and cons of services like YouTube TV and Hulu, sharing our frustrations with commercials despite our best efforts to avoid them. Ever wondered about the significance of representation in media? We've got you covered! From the impact of "X-...
Jun 02, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 139
Ever faced the sting of broken promises or the daunting realization that industry support might be as flimsy as a house of cards? We've all been there, and this episode peels back the curtain on the glittering but often hollow promises of the entertainment world, Hollywood specifically. Through tales of early career dreams and candid conversations with guests who've navigated the maze of unfulfilled pledges, we delve into the personal stories that remind us of the tenacity it takes to push throu...
May 26, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 138
Have you ever felt like life’s little victories and daily struggles are a silent symphony only you seem to hear? Join Cynthia, Rick Costa, and me on a escapade through career triumphs, human connections, and the joyous pursuit of passion. We chat about the resilience it takes to follow your dreams, with Cynthia eyeing a future in forensic anthropology. We wander down memory lane, nodding to the golden era of television, from "I Love Lucy" to "The Odd Couple," and how these classics contrast with...
May 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 137
