Ten Years of the Podcast: Let's Talk About The Jump Start of Encouragement, Community and Finding Our Grounding
Release Date: 12/31/2025
Ten Years of the Podcast: Let's Talk About The Jump Start of Encouragement, Community and Finding Our Grounding
Jump Start Your Joy®
Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! I’m so excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show with you. In this special episode, I reflect on a decade of podcasting, the transitions that have shaped my life, and the importance of being present for the moments that matter most. From recording in my car to embracing new adventures with my family and community, this milestone is a chance to look back, take stock, and set intentions for the years ahead. This episode dives into themes of mindfulness, intentionality, and the power of community. I share how the world’s challenges: from...
info_outline
Rebirth and Resilience: Andrea Owen on Navigating Life's Most Difficult Times
Jump Start Your Joy®
I’m excited to welcome back Andrea Owen! A lot has happened since her last visit in 2021, and she’s here to share her powerful journey over the past few years. We dive into Andrea’s experience during the pandemic and how ‘pandemic time’ reshaped her perspective on life and relationships. She opens up about navigating divorce, facing health challenges, and receiving an autoimmune diagnosis, all while maintaining her commitment to personal growth and self-discovery. Andrea also highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical situations and what she’s learned along the...
info_outline
DreamQuest with Judith Tripp - A Journey of Joy and Reflection in Liminal Space
Jump Start Your Joy®
This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Judith Tripp, a multifaceted leader who brings together spirituality, psychology, and art in her work. Judith is the force behind DreamQuest retreats at Grace Cathedral, a labyrinth facilitator, a transpersonal psychotherapist, and a musician. In this episode, we explore: Judith’s impressive array of roles and talents, from leading DreamQuest to her work as a transpersonal psychotherapist and musician. The significance of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as a central hub for DreamQuest retreats and labyrinth walks. The...
info_outline
Finding Glimmers: Embracing Moments of Joy and Hope Amid Life's Chaos with host Paula Jenkins
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this week's episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm talking about the concept of 'glimmers,' which are the small instances of joy, hope, or inspiration that counterbalance life's triggers. The episode aims to provide listeners with ways to identify and cherish these glimmers, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. It's my intention that Jump Start Your Joy continues to be a comforting space through this podcast, offering weekly moments of respite and inspiration for all listeners. I'd love to hear from you about how you've seen glimmers in your world, and you can email me a or tag...
info_outline
Journey into Sacred Spaces: Building Labyrinths with Master Builder Lars Howlett
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m thrilled to welcome Lars Howlett, a Master Labyrinth Builder and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator, to explore the captivating world of labyrinths! Lars brings extensive knowledge about labyrinth building, labyrinth symbolism, and the power these sacred spaces have to transform lives. We dive into Lars’ unique journey from photography teacher to apprentice with a renowned labyrinth master builder, giving listeners an inside look at what it means to create these intricate paths. Lars also shares fascinating insights about the historic labyrinth in...
info_outline
Rediscovering Purpose and Connection: The 25th Yale Divinity School Reunion and The Transformative Power of the Labyrinth
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this heartwarming episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m taking you along with me on a journey back to Yale Divinity School for my 25th reunion—a place where old friendships, profound growth, and life’s deeper questions all come together. Reuniting with friends, revisiting cherished memories, and even leading a Labyrinth walk, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to reconnect with both people and places that have shaped who we are. I’ll share the magic of the labyrinth as both a spiritual tool and a metaphor for life’s journey—how its twists and turns mirror our own...
info_outline
The Yale Divinity School Labyrinth, Ecological Renewal and Spiritual Journeys with Christopher Freimuth
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of 'Jump Start Your Joy,' join Paula in a rich conversation with Christopher Freimuth, a Yale Divinity School student and owner of CF Gardens in New York City. The episode unpacks Chris's journey from his rural upbringing in Connecticut to becoming a professional gardener in New York City, with a focus on the spiritual and ecological significance of gardening. Chris shares how he employs gardening to create ecological habitats and foster a connection to nature for his urban clients, emphasizing a meticulous approach to sourcing materials and plants. In this coversation, we talk...
info_outline
How Illana Burk Revolutionizes Ethical Business with Joy and Integrity
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode, Paula is joined by the remarkable Illana Burk, a coach and consultant with a passion for helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs thrive. Illana shares her journey from being a dancer to becoming a successful business mentor, diving into her philosophy on building values-based businesses. The conversation is filled with practical advice, laughter, and a fresh perspective on modern entrepreneurship. Key Points That We Discuss: Illana Burk's background and journey from dancer to business mentor. The concept of 'feral preneurs' and how it differs from...
info_outline
Liminal Space: Finding Comfort and Joy in the Space In Between
Jump Start Your Joy®
Liminal space is defined as the transitional space that can be physical, metaphorical, spiritual, or emotional. Pulling from examples in Disneyland, Proper People, & Station Eleven I'm looking at how we navigate through liminal space when we encounter it. Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2022/02/liminal-space/ In this episode, I'm discussing: - the definition of liminal space - the four types of liminal space: physical, emotional, metaphorical, and spiritual - examples of liminal space in every day life - intentional liminal space and happenstance liminal space, and...
info_outline
Navigating Politics And Self-Care With Expert Tami Hackbarth
Jump Start Your Joy®
Read the full show notes: In this episode, I'm joined by Tami Hackbarth, a seasoned author, activist, and advocate for 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. Together, they explore the crucial intersection of self-care and activism, especially vital in today’s political climate. Tami shares practical strategies for sustaining joy and energy, even when the world feels overwhelming. Key Takeaways: Self-Care is Essential: Prioritize self-care to maintain your energy and effectiveness in activism. Incorporate daily practices such as walking, meditation, and screen-free time to manage stress and...
info_outlineWelcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! I’m so excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show with you. In this special episode, I reflect on a decade of podcasting, the transitions that have shaped my life, and the importance of being present for the moments that matter most. From recording in my car to embracing new adventures with my family and community, this milestone is a chance to look back, take stock, and set intentions for the years ahead.
Get the show notes and join my newsletter to get updates at my website.
This episode dives into themes of mindfulness, intentionality, and the power of community. I share how the world’s challenges: from political shifts to the rise of AI and climate change have made it more important than ever to find our grounding and support one another. We talk about the value of real connection, the courage to keep creating, and the ways we can all “jump start” our own joy, even when things feel overwhelming.
In this episode, we cover:
- The significance of marking 10 years of Jump Start Your Joy and what this milestone means to me
- Navigating transitions in life, from parenting a high schooler to career changes
- The impact of community and why real connection is essential in challenging times
- Lessons from Brene Brown’s “Strong Ground” and how to find your center
- The importance of taking purposeful action instead of just complaining
- Inspiration from creators like Adam the Woo and Taylor Swift on living authentically and building community
- My commitment to another 52 weeks of podcasting (who cares if Lewis Howes joins me or not!) and what’s next for the show
Resources:
- Jump Start Your Joy website
- Jumpstart Your Joy on Instagram
- Brene Brown’s “Strong Ground” (on Amazon)
- Adam the Woo YouTube Channel
- Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” documentary on Disney+
- Scott Leftwich episode on Jump Start Your Joy
- Egg Whisperer Show (I'm head of marketing for Dr. Aimee and produce the show)
- Lewis Howes: Start Your Profitable Podcast & Build Your Brand on Creative Live (I'm in the hot seat!)