All About The Joy

Carmen Lezeth Suarez

All About The Joy is a weekly hang-out with friends in the neighborhood! We share insight, advice, funny-isms and we choose to always try and find the positive, the silver lining, the "light" in all of it. AATJ comes from the simple concept that at the end of the day we all want to have more JOY than not. So, this is a cool place to unwind, have a laugh and share some time with friends!   Watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth.

  1. 1d ago

    Is Civility Dead? Supreme Court Security, Lindsey Graham, and Campaign Chaos | Culture & Consequence Ep 42

    In this episode of Culture & Consequence, we dive into the pressing national events shaping our political and cultural landscape. We pay tribute to the legacy of Lindsey Graham, look closely at Supreme Court Justices Kagan and Barrett testifying on Capitol Hill regarding security funding, and analyze the latest campaign developments surrounding election integrity. Join the conversation as we ask: is civility officially dead in American politics?  Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Is Civility Dead? Supreme Court Security, Lindsey Graham, and Campaign Chaos | Culture & Consequence Ep 42
  2. 6d ago

    Never Too Late for a Third Act: From Cop to Award-Winning Filmmaker with Maynard Bagang

    What happens when a retired Las Vegas police officer, Navy veteran, and 4th-degree black belt decides to take a chance on Hollywood? In this incredibly inspiring episode, Carmen sits down with the wonderfully talented and deeply humble Maynard Bagang to talk about his feature directorial debut, The Sanctuary. Maynard shares the beautiful "accidental" story of how he broke into the industry, what it truly means to be "Taft-Hartleyed" into SAG-AFTRA within your first six months, and the profound personal experiences that drove him to write a film centered on homelessness, immigration, and the power of human community. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start your own "third act" in life, Maynard is living proof that when you do things wholeheartedly, you cannot go wrong. In this episode, we discuss: Maynard’s fascinating transition from the military and law enforcement into acting and directing.The real story behind his Silver Telly Award-winning feature film, The Sanctuary.The raw reality, hustle, and perseverance required to make a true independent film when everyone says "no."How to find the pearls of joy and authentic community in the middle of life's hardest struggles.Connect with Maynard: Watch the Film: Available now for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime!Website: thesanctuary-film.comConnect with the Show: Follow us on Youtube for updates, clips, and more inspiring conversations!Remember: At the end of the day, it really is all about the joy.Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Never Too Late for a Third Act: From Cop to Award-Winning Filmmaker with Maynard Bagang
  3. Jul 10

    The Bar Is Low: McConnell, Platner, and the Mediocre Men in Power

    This week, Andrea and I dive straight into the chaos - starting with Mitch McConnell, the myth‑making already happening around him, and the very real damage he leaves behind. From Kentucky politics to gun violence, hypocrisy, and the endless parade of mediocre men clinging to power, we break down why voters keep choosing people who work against their own interests. Then we head to Maine, where Graham Platner’s Nazi tattoo, mustache, and mess of allegations somehow haven’t pushed him out of the Senate race. We talk DEI, toxic masculinity, and why the bar for leadership should be higher than “not a walking red flag.” And yes… we eventually get to Disclosure Day — Spielberg’s wonder, aliens, Catholicism, and whether humanity could handle the truth. (Spoiler: probably not.) It’s sharp, it’s honest, it’s hilarious, and it’s very us. As always, remember it really is All About The Joy. Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    The Bar Is Low: McConnell, Platner, and the Mediocre Men in Power
  4. Jul 5

    Social Media Isn’t the Villain - We’re Just Using It Wrong

    In this episode of Carmen Talk, Carmen breaks down the truth about social media — not as a villain, but as a tool we need to learn how to use with intention. From childhood warnings about television to today’s panic over apps and algorithms, Carmen explains why the real issue isn’t the platforms themselves, but how we engage with them. She shares her personal rules for healthy phone and social media habits, the boundaries she sets with friends, and why curating who you follow matters more than ever. This conversation is honest, funny, a little spicy, and full of practical insight about reclaiming your time, your attention, and your digital space. At the end of the day, social media isn’t going anywhere — so let’s learn to use it with purpose, clarity, and joy. As always, remember it really is All About The Joy. Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Social Media Isn’t the Villain - We’re Just Using It Wrong
  5. Jul 3

    Supreme Court Drama Meets Hallmark in July, Wild Cards Joy, and Ice Cream: The Not‑So‑Politics Episode

    In this Not‑So‑Politics episode, we start with the razor‑thin Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship and the ongoing fight over the 14th Amendment. From there, everything spirals into the week’s political absurdities — the Qatari jet gifted to the U.S., the reflecting pool fiasco, Hunter Biden suddenly back online, and the endless grift fatigue that seems to define this moment in American politics. But as always, the conversation shifts into real life: a bathroom pipe explosion, Ice Cream Fridays, and the comfort‑TV joy of Hallmark’s Christmas in July and Wild Cards. It’s politics, pop culture, friendship, and a little joy in the middle of the mess — exactly what Culture & Consequence does best.  Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Supreme Court Drama Meets Hallmark in July, Wild Cards Joy, and Ice Cream: The Not‑So‑Politics Episode
  6. Jun 28

    Why Your Expectations Keep Hurting You - Friends

    What does friendship actually mean, and why do so many of us end up disappointed by the people in our lives? In this episode, I break down how defining friendship for yourself can change everything - your expectations, your boundaries, and your peace. From neighbors who test your goodwill to family members who never quite show up, to the friends who walk with you through the hardest moments, we talk about what mutual goodwill really looks like and why “blood” isn’t the same as relationship. If you’ve ever wondered why certain people keep hurting you - or why some relationships feel effortless—this conversation will help you rethink how you categorize the people in your world and how you show up for yourself first. If this episode brought you a little joy, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing it with someone who might need it. As always, remember it really is All About The Joy. Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Why Your Expectations Keep Hurting You - Friends
  7. Jun 26

    Mamdani & the World Cup: What This Week Really Showed Us

    In this episode of Culture & Consequence, Andrea and I dive into “The Mamdani Effect” — how Zohran Mamdani just went three‑for‑three in New York and why his approach is shaking the Democratic establishment. We break down what socialism actually means (and what it doesn’t), why people keep confusing basic public services with communism, and why Mamdani’s model looks a lot more like Germany, New Zealand, and the Scandinavian countries than anything extreme. We also get into the chaos of American politics, the myth of Antifa as an “organization,” the ongoing militarized vibe in D.C., and the generational problem of politicians who refuse to step aside. And yes — we even talk about the World Cup visitors reminding us who Americans really are. If this episode brought you a little joy, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing it with someone who might need it. As always, remember it really is All About The Joy. Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

    Mamdani & the World Cup: What This Week Really Showed Us
  8. Jun 21

    From Beyoncé vs. Taylor to New Edition vs. New Kids -The Music Debate We Didn’t Mean to Have

    This week we’re rewinding to one of our original Friday Night Live episodes from September 2023 — back when the chaos was fresh, the energy was high, and Tony and Rick were already driving me up a wall in the most joyful way possible. In this throwback, we cover everything from “I Love Lucy” (which I tried, I really did), to slapstick comedy, to boy bands, to gospel crossovers, to the eternal Beyoncé vs. Taylor Swift media nonsense. We debate what counts as a boy band, why certain comedy stresses me out, and whether Tony or Rick actually listens to any music made after 1998. There’s nostalgia, there’s music talk, there’s generational shade, and of course — there’s Botox honesty, because I refuse to let people lie about what keeps them looking good. It’s classic Friday Night Live: fun, messy, opinionated, and full of the kind of laughter that only happens when friends show up exactly as they are. If this episode brought you a little joy, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing it with someone who might need it. As always, remember — it really is All About The Joy. Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.   You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth  You can also support AATJ by shopping at our STORE - Or by and buying us a coffee.  We'd appreciate that greatly.   Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481 Editing by Team A-J Host, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

About

All About The Joy is a weekly hang-out with friends in the neighborhood! We share insight, advice, funny-isms and we choose to always try and find the positive, the silver lining, the "light" in all of it. AATJ comes from the simple concept that at the end of the day we all want to have more JOY than not. So, this is a cool place to unwind, have a laugh and share some time with friends!   Watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth.