The JOY Hour

Maya Gandaia
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Welcome to The JOY Hour with Ella Mesma. Each episode, creative entrepreneurs share their real stories: the struggles, the transformations, and what it truly takes to build a business and life that feels aligned. This isn't about hustle culture or overnight success. It's about the messy, beautiful journey to choosing joy, creativity, and authenticity over everything else. Grab a tea, get cosy, and join us for The JOY Hour

Episodes

  1. 7 HR AGO

    The JOY Hour Podcast hosted by Ella Mesma. Episode 74: Gloopy Time with Harinder

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Recorded in London. The JOY Hour acknowledges the colonial histories of the UK and honours the diverse communities whose lands and labour built this city. ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Harinder Virdee spent 25 plus years in large multinational corporations working in finance across the US, Austria and the UK... then one day chose something completely different. In this conversation, we explore what she calls "gloopy time": this unhurried, present, heart-led way of experiencing life that opened up when she stepped away from the doing and the delivering. We talk about the tussle between head and heart, the courage it takes to park everything you know and try something different, and how the body always knows the truth before the mind catches up. 🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Download your free Joy Hour resource at www.mayagandaia.com/joyhourgift IN THIS EPISODE: "Gloopy time": the unhurried experience of presence after leaving corporate lifeThe tussle between head and heart... and choosing the heartMoving from productivity and "doing" into being and receivingNot being good enough, not being worthy... and the burnout that followedThe ego growing alongside us and continuing to "protect"How the body knows before the mind does, every single time"My head drew the lines, but my heart adds the colour"Looking for the stars: finding light in the darknessLife in two tomes... and choosing to open the second book TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – A day in the life of Harinder: unhurried 01:32 – Gloopy time and the quality of presence 03:38 – Drawing, presence and stepping into infinity 05:41 – The transition from structure to beingness 06:15 – Moving from masculine doing to feminine being 08:36 – The old me versus the emerging me 09:34 – Life in two tomes 11:03 – When you're not on the right path, you'll get hints 13:52 – Spiralling to be more childlike 15:32 – Moving from acquiring into being 17:11 – Who am I actually living this life for? 17:49 – The body knows before the mind does 20:19 – Life before: not knowing what I was feeling 21:07 – Not being good enough and not being worthy 24:18 – Gravitating towards coaching 26:44 – The catalyst: was there a definitive moment? 29:01 – Where the joy exists 29:37 – Carrying the light into the darkness 32:01 – Closing ABOUT THE GUEST: Harinder Virdee spent over 25 years working in finance across large multinational corporations, living in the US, Austria and the UK. It was in the corporate world that she first found coaching, and when she stepped away three years ago, everything opened up. Today, Harinder is a transformational coach, artist, illustrator, clothing designer and host of the Belly Button Musings podcast. She describes her life now in one word: unhurried. CONNECT: Ella Mesma Website: www.ellamesma.co.uk | www.mayagandaia.com Book: https://mayagandaia.com/journal-to-joy/ Current offers: https://mayagandaia.com/links/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/ Harinder Virdee Podcast: Belly Button Musings (available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1bPubYSYTRkzdFWrsgJjuq LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harinder-virdee-73a54630/ LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE JOY HOUR: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-joy-hour/id1849505845 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2AslgK9q1hnEimdgQHzr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4ybUzyvIV4PVoZ3S9ZK1pEGKuY7XcY8M ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS: Music: LamRock Everything else: Brought to you by Ella and guests ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Like, Subscribe, and Share!

    28 min

  2. 18 JAN

    The JOY Hour Podcast hosted by Ella Mesma. Episode 73: What would you tell your 14 year-old self with Isik Tlabar

    THE JOY HOUR PODCAST Hosted by Ella Mesma. Episode 73: What would you tell your 14 year-old self with Isik Tlabar LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:Recorded between Munich and Istanbul. The JOY Hour celebrates and gives thanks to the lands of Türkiye (Isik's homeland) and Germany (where Ella is studying Rolfing). We honour in particular the rich heritage of Anatolia and the Indigenous communities who have called these lands home, and recognise the painful legacies of war, displacement, and violence alongside the ongoing work of healing and remembrance that continue to shape both places. ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Content Warning: This episode references burnout, dark night of the soul experiences, relationship healing, and nudity in therapeutic breathwork context. Isik Tlabar shares her journey from architecture to intuition coaching and Naked Breathwork. Discover how a TikTok series became a book, why bodies are just bodies, and the powerful advice she'd give her 14-year-old self. 🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS:Download your free Joy Hour resource at www.mayagandaia.com/joyhourgift IN THIS EPISODE: Following joy as your primary guidance—sunshine in the chestFrom architecture to coaching via sandwich delivery and nannyingHow a dark moment led to a TikTok series that became a bookNaked Breathwork: creating safe spaces where bodies can just be bodiesThe conscious undressing ritualWorking with teenage girls and the pressure to have it all figured outWhat to do when you're thinking of quitting TIMESTAMPS:00:01 – Introduction01:38 – A day in the life of Isik03:43 – Following joy and intuition08:30 – The journey: was it always sunshine?10:01 – Architecture: feeling like a bird trying to swim underwater12:22 – Starting Goddess Circles in 201715:34 – The dark night moment that led to TikTok explosion17:57 – The birth of Naked Breathwork22:10 – The conscious undressing ritual27:32 – What Isik would tell her 14-year-old self31:15 – Closing ABOUT THE GUEST:Isik Tlabar is an intuition coach, breathwork facilitator, and author who helps people connect with their intuition to find the most direct routes to what they want. She's the creator of Naked Breathwork and author of "140 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 14". With 18 years of experience in personal development, psychology, intuition, shadow work, alchemy, shamanic practices, sacred sexuality, and breathwork, she brings depth and wisdom to her work. Based in Istanbul, she travels to facilitate workshops and retreats worldwide. RESOURCES & MENTIONS: Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way": Morning Pages practiceEnneagram Type 3: The AchieverWilliam Whitecloud, Natural Success and Ryan Pinnock"140 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 14": Available on AmazonIllustrator Iram KaleNaked Breathwork and the conscious undressing ritualIntuition Course: https://www.isiktlabar.com/CONNECT:Ella MesmaWebsite: www.ellamesma.co.uk | www.mayagandaia.comBook: https://mayagandaia.com/journal-to-joy/Current offers: https://mayagandaia.com/links/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/ Isik TlabarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/isiktlabar/Book: "140 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 14" on AmazonWebsite: https://www.isiktlabar.com/ LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-hour/id1849505845Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2AslgK9q1hnEimdgQHzrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayagandaiaAmazon: https://shorturl.at/uFKCh ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS:Music: LamRockEverything else: Brought to you by Ella and guests ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Like, Subscribe, and Share!

    32 min

  3. 21/12/2025

    The JOY Hour Podcast hosted by Ella Mesma. Episode 72: Take up your Space with Nidhi Bhatia

    THE JOY HOUR PODCAST Episode 72: Take up your Space with Nidhi BhatiaRelease Date: 21st December 2025 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:Recorded between London and Lisbon. The JOY Hour acknowledges the Yavapai-Apache Nation as Traditional Custodians of Sedona, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge the colonial histories of the UK and Portugal, and honour the diverse communities whose lands and labour built these cities. ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Content Warning: This episode references mental health struggles, suicidal ideation, and ayahuasca use. Nidhi Bhatia shares her journey from feeling trapped to discovering that taking up space is the most natural, divine thing we can do. Explore the daemon: the inner force that either consumes us when we suppress our truth or supports us when we follow our authentic path. 🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS:Download your free Joy Hour resource at mayagandaia.com/joyhourgift IN THIS EPISODE: The daemon concept: your inner North StarMoving from entrapment to freedom through storytellingWhy facing the monster is more powerful than runningTaking up space as a divine act and permission slipThe shift from "I need fixing" to "I'm invited to expand"How to step out of the shadows overnight TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Introduction01:20 – What is the daemon?05:57 – Working with the mud to create gold08:12 – Turning to face the monster22:37 – The pink poncho story: taking up space in public26:25 – Message to those hiding in the shadows30:12 – Closing ABOUT THE GUEST:Nidhi Bhatia is a storyteller: both visual and word, and through every story she moves from entrapment to freedom. She's learning the truth is magnetic, and it's what we're all seeking from each other and ourselves. Storytelling is her way to freedom, and she'll take as many people as possible with her. RESOURCES & MENTIONS: The Daemon concept: From Greek mythology, psychologist Rollo May, and Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" seriesHindi phrase: "Bhagwan utahlai" - God, lift me upThe pink poncho: Nidhi's favourite item of clothing, from Ecuador "In the Shadows" open mic night: Run by Giel in Lisbon - https://www.instagram.com/heyitsgiel CONNECT:Ella MesmaWebsite: www.ellamesma.co.uk | www.mayagandaia.comBook: https://mayagandaia.com/journal-to-joy/Current offers: https://mayagandaia.com/links/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/ Nidhi BhatiaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nidhibhatiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnidhibhatia/Substack: https://substack.com/@itsnidhi LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-hour/id1849505845Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2AslgK9q1hnEimdgQHzrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayagandaiaAmazon: https://shorturl.at/uFKCh ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS:Music: LamRockEverything else: Brought to you by Ella and guests ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Like, Subscribe, and Share! If you or someone you know is struggling:UK: Samaritans - 116 123 | US: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | International: findahelpline.com

    29 min

  4. 23/11/2025

    The JOY Hour Podcast hosted by Ella Mesma. Episode 71: Be Unacceptable with Alex Harvey

    THE JOY HOUR PODCAST Episode 71 – Be Unacceptable with Alex Harvey Release Date: 23rd November 2025 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & THANKS: Recorded between Bali and Lisbon. The JOY Hour honours the sacred lands of Bali and the Indigenous communities of Indonesia. We acknowledge the colonial histories of both Indonesia and Portugal, and recognise that the land we stand on carries stories of Indigenous peoples, resistance, and resilience. ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Content Warning: This episode references depression, mental health struggles, self-worth challenges, sex and occasional strong language. Alex Harvey shares her journey from depression and engineering to helping women break free from good girl conditioning. Discover how joy serves as a compass, the antidote to perfectionism, and why choosing yourself first serves the world. 🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Download your free Joy Hour resource at ⁠mayagandaia.com/joyhourgift⁠ IN THIS EPISODE: Breaking free from good girl conditioning and perfectionism Alex's journey from depression through engineering to creative entrepreneurship Using joy as an indicator of flow vs. stress states The paradox of serving yourself first to serve the world Living authentically outside the boxes of "acceptable" Managing multiple creative projects whilst maintaining balance The freedom that comes from choosing your own path TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction 00:56 – Welcome and life in Bali 01:11 – Creating multiple projects: book, fashion line, and pleasure art 03:27 – The role of joy in business and creative life 06:27 – Alex's journey from depression to purpose 09:46 – The transition from engineering and finding a creative path 11:42 – Discovering pleasure and sensuality as a pathway 15:08 – Working with the nervous system and stress responses 19:25 – The pressure of good girl conditioning 27:22 – Society's impossible expectations 28:37 – The antidote: Being unacceptable 31:26 – Living for yourself vs. living for others 32:02 – How to connect with Alex and find the book 32:56 – Closing ABOUT THE GUEST: Alex Harvey is a transformational coach, author, and creator helping women remember who the f*ck they are and live it. Through Feminine Alchemy, Alex guides women to break free from the "good girl" conditioning that keeps them playing small and step into their wildest creative power, leadership, and feminine magnetism. She is the founder of The Modern Woman Academy, author of Be Unacceptable, and creator of Dare the Label, featuring a fashion range and glass pleasure collection. Known for her raw honesty and no-fluff wisdom, Alex blends deep spiritual alchemy with real-world results, helping women shift from self-doubt and people-pleasing to unapologetic confidence, embodied purpose, and authentic success. When not creating in Bali, Alex pursues dance, travel, and living fully turned on and free. RESOURCES & MENTIONS: Book: Be Unacceptable by Alex Harvey www.beunacceptablebook.com Book mentioned: The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Feminine Alchemy: Alex's signature body of work Dare the Label: Women's fashion and glass pleasure art collection The Modern Woman Academy: Alex's coaching platform CONNECT: Ella Mesma Website: ⁠www.ellamesma.co.uk⁠ | ⁠www.mayagandaia.com⁠ Book: ⁠https://mayagandaia.com/journal-to-joy/⁠ Current offers: ⁠⁠https://mayagandaia.com/links/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/ Alex Harvey Book: ⁠beunacceptablebook.com⁠ Current offers: ⁠www.themodernwoman.academy/links ⁠Podcast: ⁠www.themodernwoman.academy/podcastlinks⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexh.co/ LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-hour/id1849505845 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2AslgK9q1hnEimdgQHzr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayagandaia Amazon: https://shorturl.at/uFKCh ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS: Music: LamRock Everything else: Brought to you by Ella and guests ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Like, Subscribe, and Share!

    34 min

  5. 19/07/2025

    PowerUp! Podcast 70: Writing is the Act of Listening to Oneself with Toni Giselle

    Writing is about listening. Connecting and tuning in. All of this enables the words to come through the body.   “When we only move from the logical mind and we don’t move from the body mind and the heart mind, and we don’t integrate these different parts of ourselves, then it can feel like it’s [writing] taking and not also nourishing us.”  What an incredibly special episode to close the season and the show on. The wisdom and generosity that Toni brings to this episode around the power of language through her embodiment as a listener who listens through writing, poems, and the earth - for the stories that help us remember our power and our magic, is precious and invaluable. Toni Giselle Stuart works as a poet, performer, creative writing facilitator & healer. Her work includes Krotoa-Eva’s Suite – a cape jazz poem in three movements with filmmaker Kurt Orderson; Poetry, Paramedics and Film with filmmaker/health researcher Leanne Brady (2018); What the Water Remembers at Woordfees (2020); forgetting. and memory with vangile gantsho Vusumzi Ngxande, at the Virtual National Arts Festival (2020). She has an MA Writer/Teacher (distinction) from Goldsmiths, University of London, where she was a 2014/2015 Chevening Scholar. Mentions: Connect with ToniWebsite: https://tonistuart.com/IG: @tonigiselle_official Email: mail@tonistuart.com Dot Dot Dot Dance: https://www.dotdotdotdance.com/ Anis Mojgani: Shake the dustBadilisha Poetry Festival D'bi Young: Rivers and Other Blackness Between Us Gabeba Baderoon Shine Lulu Kitololo Business course for creatives: http://www.lulukitololo.com Speculative fiction trilogy and verse In bloom: Poetry with time on the land The Writers Oasis: https://tonistuart.com/the-writers-oasis Rah Nomvula Busby of Divine Lotus Waatlemoen konfyt: Watermelon preserve In Bloom: https://tonistuart.com/_____in-bloom Cairn = A pile of stones or rocks intentionally piled up one on top of the other as ways to show the path Connect with us: Ama Rouge Website: www.wearewildwithin.com IG: @powerup.podcast @ama.rouge @wearewildwithin  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ama-rouge-870b60138FB: AmaRougemoves Twitter: @podcastpowerup Ella Mesma Website: www.ellamesma.co.uk, www.mayagandaia.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-mesma-b6071320/IG: @powerup.podcast @Ellamesma FB:@EllaMesma Twitter: @podcastpowerup Music by Tomo Carter IG: @tomocarter Everything else brought to you by us, the PowerUp! power team

    47 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to The JOY Hour with Ella Mesma. Each episode, creative entrepreneurs share their real stories: the struggles, the transformations, and what it truly takes to build a business and life that feels aligned. This isn't about hustle culture or overnight success. It's about the messy, beautiful journey to choosing joy, creativity, and authenticity over everything else. Grab a tea, get cosy, and join us for The JOY Hour

Information

  • Creator
    Maya Gandaia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Maya Gandaia
  • Show Website
    The JOY Hour