31 episodes

This is a joyful rebellion. The podcast that explores the moment you realize the life and success you worked so hard to create didn’t come with all of the fulfillment you thought it would.

Each week, we attempt to inspire bold answers to the question, “What do I do now to create a life I love?”

If you are ready to start answering that question for yourself, you’re in the right place. Let’s start A Joyful Rebellion.

A Joyful Rebellion James Walters

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

This is a joyful rebellion. The podcast that explores the moment you realize the life and success you worked so hard to create didn’t come with all of the fulfillment you thought it would.

Each week, we attempt to inspire bold answers to the question, “What do I do now to create a life I love?”

If you are ready to start answering that question for yourself, you’re in the right place. Let’s start A Joyful Rebellion.

    Overcoming Rock Bottom- The Resilient Journey of Tanya Memme

    Overcoming Rock Bottom- The Resilient Journey of Tanya Memme

    Have you ever hit a point you would consider your rock bottom? My guest today had her own rock bottom experience, going from a life of being on tv shows you’ve probably watched, to having it all go away and trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces, reestablish her identity, and get the bills paid.
    In the years since her life-changing struggle, Tanya Memme has interviewed over a hundred people who have hit rock bottom, only to emerge stronger. She’s writing a book about what those people and their stories have in common and what we can learn about resilience and the human spirit.
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    Summary
    The script is an interview with Tanya Memme, a TV host and former Miss Canada, who discusses her journey from hitting rock bottom to rebuilding her life. She shares her experiences of career highs and lows, her struggles with depression, and the challenges in her personal life, including a difficult marriage and financial difficulties. Tanya reveals how she found a sense of purpose through her podcast, 'Life Masters,' where she interviews individuals who have overcome their own rock bottom experiences. She discusses her development of a course to help people gain confidence on camera and her ongoing work on a book about resilience and the commonalities among people who have bounced back from adversity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of staying present, connecting with nature, and surrounding oneself with positive influences during tough times.
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    Show Notes:
    In this episode, the host interviews Tanya Memme, a TV personality who faced a significant rock bottom after experiencing career highs and personal lows. Tanya shares her emotional journey from being a well-known TV host to struggling with depression and financial instability. She discusses how she found strength through interviewing others who had also hit rock bottom for her podcast 'Life Masters,' leading to writing a book about resilience and the human spirit. Tanya talks about the lessons she learned, the importance of spirituality, and practical steps she took to rebuild her life. She also delves into her new projects, including a public speaking course and helping others build confidence on camera. Tanya’s story is a powerful testament to the human ability to overcome adversity and find purpose.
    00:00 Introduction to Rock Bottom
    01:01 Meet Tanya Memme
    02:41 Tanya's Early Career and Miss Canada
    03:50 Life in Television
    04:42 Personal Struggles and Career Challenges
    05:31 Hitting Rock Bottom
    11:35 The Turning Point: Ayahuasca Ceremony
    14:12 Starting the Life Masters Podcast
    16:31 Lessons from Rock Bottom
    23:29 Teaching and Mentoring
    27:34 Returning to a Changed Life
    27:53 Balancing Career and Family
    29:40 A New Direction: Coaching and Public Speaking
    31:12 The Power of Networking
    32:57 Finding and Sharing Rock Bottom Stories
    34:57 Creating a Roadmap to Success
    36:26 Building Confidence on Camera
    38:56 The Journey of Writing a Book
    40:58 Overcoming Personal Struggles
    48:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    • 53 min
    Inside Tips from Publishing Pros- with Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich

    Inside Tips from Publishing Pros- with Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich

    If you’ve been to this show a few times, you’ve heard me say in the intro that I want you to be the author of your own story. That statement has a double meaning. First, I like to think about our lives as a movie, where we can choose to be in charge of writing a large part of the script instead of allowing others to do it for us.
    The second meaning is more literal. Sharing the experiences and wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years could be just the inspiration someone else needs to go out and do great things in the world.
    In my conversation with Dianne Pearce, and David Yurkovich, we talk about how someone who has a story inside them, can begin thinking about getting that story into a form that can benefit others.
    Dianne and David have developed an understanding of what it takes to be a published author through their experiences with their own books and running their publishing company Current Words.
    We demystify the publishing process and talk about actionable things you can do to begin your author journey if that interests you. This is one of our longer episodes, so, refill your drink and enjoy this conversation.

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    Show Notes:
     
    Elevating Your Book: Insights and Tips from Current Words Publishing
     
    In this episode, we delve into the world of publishing with Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich of Current Words Publishing. They share their expertise on creating quality books, covering the editorial process, tips for effective storytelling, and the importance of marketing for authors.
     
    Diane and David also discuss their journey from running a local writing workshop to establishing their publishing company, along with their collaborative efforts in helping writers produce polished and engaging work.
     
    Whether you have a story to tell or need guidance on the publishing process, tune in for actionable advice on becoming a successful self-published author.
     
    00:00 The State of Self-Publishing
    01:08 The Double Meaning of Being an Author
    01:40 Introducing Diane Pierce and David Jurkovich
    02:52 The Origin of Current Words Publishing
    07:09 Challenges and Realities of the Publishing World
    09:34 The Importance of Quality in Self-Publishing
    24:12 Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
    28:12 Supporting Writers with Grammar Challenges
    28:47 Navigating First Person Point of View
    31:06 Balancing Information Dumps in Writing
    32:41 Maintaining the Writer's Voice
    33:22 The Role of Dialogue Tags
    34:05 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Writing
    35:28 Evaluating and Coaching Story Ideas
    40:16 From Manuscript to Published Book
    42:55 Building a Community of Writers
    46:38 Leveraging Social Media and Reviews
    49:55 Instant Noodles: A Platform for Emerging Writers
    51:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


     

    • 54 min
    Master Public Speaking- with Meghan Dotter

    Master Public Speaking- with Meghan Dotter

    How would you feel if I asked you to speak to a room of around a hundred people? Would you be excited or terrified?
    My guest today is Meghan Dotter, founder and CEO of Portico, and author of the book titled The Reluctant Presenter. Portico is a team with expertise in storytelling, speaker training, presentation design, leadership development, and messaging.
    Meghan and I talk about how excellent presentation skills are crucial whether you are simply updating your team, or addressing a room full of investors. We talk about ways she’s helped clients create breakthroughs in their presentation skills and why TED talks aren’t always exactly what they appear to be.
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    meghan@porticopr.us
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    Mastering Public Speaking: Insights from Expert Megan Dotter
    In this engaging discussion, Meghan Dotter, founder and CEO of Portico and author of 'The Reluctant Presenter,' shares essential tips and strategies for effective public speaking. The conversation delves into the misconceptions about TED Talks, the fear of public speaking, and practical advice for overcoming anxiety.
    Meghan highlights real-life examples of transforming hesitant speakers into confident presenters, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience and framing presentations as conversations. The episode is rich with actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills, whether they're addressing a small team or a large audience.
     
    00:00 The Illusion of TED Talks
    01:03 Introducing Megan Daughter: Expert in Presentation Skills
    01:47 The Reality Behind TED Talks
    02:50 Understanding the Fear of Public Speaking
    05:28 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety
    07:44 From Fear to Confidence: Success Stories
    11:32 The Journey to Effective Public Speaking
    23:37 The Impact of Virtual Presentations
    24:52 Navigating Virtual Interactions
    26:02 Challenges for Young Professionals in Hybrid Workspaces
    26:58 The Importance of Small Talk and Social Networking
    28:14 Inspiration Behind Writing a Book
    31:49 The Reality of TED Talks
    35:50 Harnessing Nervous Energy for Effective Speaking
    41:15 Practical Tips for Improving Public Speaking
    44:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

    • 47 min
    The Power of Clowning to Bring Joy and address bullying with Bullseye the Clown

    The Power of Clowning to Bring Joy and address bullying with Bullseye the Clown

    Did you ever see the 1998 movie Patch Adams starring Robin Williams? Did you know that the movie was based on a real person? Well, I didn’t, but today’s guest did, and it led him down a path that focuses on bringing smiles and humanitarian aid to people in need worldwide.
    My guest today is Bullseye, the clown. Like so many things we all encounter in life, he thought he would dip his toes into a novel experience just once, only to find his impact on others was creating several positive effects in his life.
    We talk about why clowns are not just there for the kids, we also talk about bullying, and ways to prevent your kid from being bullied or becoming a bully, and how he discovered that real happiness comes from doing good things for others, so turn your volume up to eight, and let’s go!
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    Website
     


    http://www.bullseyetheclown.com




     
    LinkedIn URL
     


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bullseyetheclown




     
    Facebook URL
     


    https://www.facebook.com/bullseyetheclownonbullying




     
    YouTube URL
     


    https://www.youtube.com/channel/bullseyetheclown




     
    Instagram
     


    https://www.instagram.com/bullseye_clown
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    Summary
    Bullseye the Clown shares his journey of finding fulfillment by doing good things for others. He started off doing stand-up comedy but realized it wasn't fulfilling. After his father passed away, he decided to travel and joined a clown tour in Russia. The impact he had on people during the trip made him realize the power of clowning. He started using his clown persona to bring joy and humanitarian aid to people in need. He also focuses on anti-bullying and aims to empower children to stand up against bullying. The conversation explores the connection between bullying and home life, the importance of finding outlets for bullies, and the impact of bullying on both the victims and the bullies themselves. It also delves into the concept of happiness and the role of clowning in bringing joy to others. The conversation concludes with suggestions for small acts of kindness and ways to address cyberbullying. The guest provides his contact information for those interested in learning more or getting involved.
     
    Keywords
    clowning, humanitarian aid, anti-bullying, fulfillment, joy, transformation, bullying, home life, outlets, hurt people hurt people, happiness, clowning, joy, small acts of kindness, cyberbullying
     
    Takeaways
    Doing something nice for someone else can bring fulfillment and joy.
    Clowning can have a powerful impact on people and bring smiles to their faces.
    Bullying can have long-lasting effects on individuals, and it's important to address the issue.
    Changing patterns and being aware of one's surroundings can help prevent bullying.
    Empowering children to stand up against bullying is crucial. Bullies may have a bad home life and are often seeking an outlet for their own pain.
    Hurt people hurt other people, highlighting the cycle of bullying.
    Clowning and acts of kindness can bring happiness and joy to both the giver and the recipient.
    Parents should have open conversations with their children about bullying and cyberbullying.
    Small acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or nursing home, can make a difference in someone's life.
    Being selective about social media platforms and interactions can help prevent cyberbullying.
    Clowns are not just for kids; they can bring laughter and joy to adults as well.

     
    Sound Bites
    "If things are not going the way you want them to do, the best thing we can always do is just do something nice for someone else."
    "Real happiness comes from doing good things for others."
    "There's something to the power that we have as clowns."
    "Hurt people hurt other people."
    "The joyful rebellion is all about realizing that if you're not happy with where you are right now, then you have to decide, okay, what do I do next?"
    "Sometimes the people whose lives you change, you may never know."

    Chapters
    00:00Finding Fulfillment Through Clowni

    • 47 min
    From Boredom to Brilliance: Shanti Hershenson on Writing, Motivation, and Success

    From Boredom to Brilliance: Shanti Hershenson on Writing, Motivation, and Success

    Today’s episode will leave you feeling one of two ways. I hope you leave feeling fired up about your next creative project, but there’s a chance you might go away feeling like it’s too late to do all the really cool things you always dreamed you would.
    Truth be told, I’m still on the fence about my own feelings on the subject, but I’m doing my best to lean toward fired up.
    My guest today is Shanti Hershenson. She began writing in 2020 in her joyful rebellion against the boredom she was experiencing during lock down. Since then she has published over sixteen books. She continues to write at least 1000 words every day, and I don’t think I mentioned it yet, but at the time of this interview, she is sixteen years old. Yeah, you heard that right.
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    Website
    Author | Shanti Hershenson
     
     
    Shanti Hershenson: books, biography, latest update
     
    Twitter URL
    Shanti Hershenson (@ShantiHersh) on X
    Instagram
    Instagram (@shantihershenson)
     
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    Writing Through Boredom: The Prolific Young Author Shanti Hershenson's Journey
     
    In this episode, the host discusses the creative journey of Shanti Hershenson, a young author who began writing at 12 during the 2020 lockdown and has since published over 16 books. Shanti shares insights into her writing process, how she handles criticism and how she manages to write daily alongside her school commitments. The episode delves into her inspirations, her reaction to earlier works, and her experiences with marketing and self-publishing, while also highlighting her impactful book on middle-school bullying, 'You Won't Know Her Name.'
     
    00:00 Reflecting on Early Writing
    01:16 Introducing Shante Hershenson
    02:41 The Birth of a Young Author
    05:56 Choosing the Sci-Fi Genre
    07:00 Critiquing Early Works
    11:46 Support and Reactions
    15:09 Finding Inspiration
    16:34 Writing Process and Coaching
    21:56 Balancing TV and Learning
    22:14 Maintaining Writing Discipline
    22:41 Overcoming Adversity: Writing Through Challenges
    23:15 Exploring 'You Won't Know Her Name'
    25:47 Impact and Reception of 'You Won't Know Her Name'
    28:22 Navigating School and Writing Success
    32:38 Finding Time to Write
    33:32 Writing Environments and Productivity
    35:54 Connecting with Readers and Future Plans
    37:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


     

    • 39 min
    Tony Schmaltz- Wake the BLEEP Up!

    Tony Schmaltz- Wake the BLEEP Up!

    If someone gave you a blank check to go all in on investing in your personal development, how much money would you budget for it?
    My guest today has spent most of his life in some sort of personal development. However, in the last 5 years he’s hit it extra hard , investing over a quarter of a million of his own dollars in himself in order to learn, grow and succeed.
    Tony Schmaltz has a passion for helping people upgrade their lives in any area possible. He specializes in mindset, wealth creation, relationships and happiness and has walked his talk when it comes to pursiung a better life for himself and his family.
    He also has a book out called wake the BLEEP UP! We’ll talk about his journey from being miserable in the corporate world, to his massive investment in himself and how that has played out so far.
    So take a deep breath, now exhale,alright, let’s go!
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    Connect with Tony:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.beschmaltzy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony.schmaltz/
    Website:  https://www.tonyschmaltz.com/
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    Summary
     
    Tony Schmaltz shares his journey of personal development and investing over a quarter of a million dollars in himself. He emphasizes the importance of filling your cup with positive energy in the morning and serving others from the overflow. Tony discusses his transformation from feeling miserable in the corporate world to finding joy and happiness through personal growth. He talks about the challenges of reconciling his past experiences with corporations and his desire to help others in a professional capacity. Tony also highlights the importance of finding joy in tasks and shares a story about being launched out of a sand hole as a metaphor for personal transformation. In this conversation, Tony Schmaltz discusses the tools he uses as a coach to help his clients overcome their fears and limiting beliefs. He introduces the concept of Witot (What I Think Others Think), which is the root of most fears and doubts. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating negative influences and developing a positive morning routine. Tony also explores the idea that there is no such thing as a bad day, only bad moments, and highlights the power of perception in shaping our reality. He shares his approach to helping clients shed self-limiting beliefs and identifies the importance of awareness and identifying the stories we tell ourselves. Tony also discusses the types of clients he typically works with and the value of investing in personal growth.
     
    Keywords
    personal development, positive energy, serving others, corporate world, investment, transformation, joy, authenticity, reconciliation, limiting beliefs, coaching, fears, limiting beliefs, Witot, negative influences, positive morning routine, perception, self-limiting beliefs, awareness, personal growth
     
    Takeaways
    Start your day with a positive morning routine to fill your cup with positive energy.
    Investing in personal development is an investment in yourself and everyone you affect.
    Reconciling past experiences with corporations can be a challenge, but it's important to find ways to serve and help others.
    Find joy in tasks, even the smallest ones, by gamifying them or involving others.
    Personal transformation requires changing limiting beliefs and being open to new possibilities. Identify and eliminate negative influences in your life to reduce fear and doubt.
    Develop a positive morning routine to start your day with positive energy.
    Shift your perception and realize that there is no such thing as a bad day, only bad moments.
    Become aware of your self-limiting beliefs and the stories you tell yourself.
    Invest in personal growth and seek the help of a coach to overcome limitations and achieve success.

     
    Sound Bites
    "Having a positive morning routine, starting with declarations, some sort of prayer or meditation, some exercise, maybe a walk around the block or jumping jacks, something to fill your cup with positive energy."
    "

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

McScruffsMom ,

Great podcast

James is a great host and guide for an interesting conversation.

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