330 episodes

Jump Start Your Joy is a podcast by Paula Jenkins, a business coach and podcast producer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Inspired by the quote “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day (Henri Nouwen),” this lively show looks at the inspiration, intention, and action that lead to joy in your life, the world, and other people's lives.

Jump Start Your Joy Paula Jenkins

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 45 Ratings

Jump Start Your Joy is a podcast by Paula Jenkins, a business coach and podcast producer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Inspired by the quote “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day (Henri Nouwen),” this lively show looks at the inspiration, intention, and action that lead to joy in your life, the world, and other people's lives.

    Transforming Life and Leadership Through Kindness with Lara Heacock

    Transforming Life and Leadership Through Kindness with Lara Heacock

    Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/transforming-life-and-leadership-through-kindness-with-lara-heacock
    In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, host Paula Jenkins welcomes Lara Heacock, executive coach, and Editor-in-Chief of Kind Over Matter. We discuss the practices of kindness and joy, and how these have become essential tools in navigating today's world. Lara shares her journey from corporate America to becoming an advocate for kindness, including tangible tips for practicing self-kindness and integrating these values into professional settings. With a deep dive into the emotional facets of empathy, integrity, and resilience, this conversation offers valuable insights the audience can apply in their daily lives.
    Resources:
    Kind Over Matter: https://kindovermatter.com/
    Lara Heacock's website: https://laraheacock.com/
    Practical Kindness by Lara Heacock: https://amzn.to/3Y9PrPI
    Others:
    Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy for free on your favorite app by clicking here.
    Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: JumpstartYourJoy.com
    Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/
    Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
    05:01 Practices of Kindness and Joy
    31:19 Self-Kindness and Practical Tips
    24:18 Kindness in Leadership
    40:06 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

    • 43 min
    Return to Nature with Emma Loewe

    Return to Nature with Emma Loewe

    Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2022/08/return-to-nature-emma-loewe/
    Emma Loewe is the co-author of The Spirit Almanac, and she is the senior sustainability editor for mindbodygreen, and she has released the amazing book, Return to Nature: The New Science of How Nature Landscapes Restore Us. In it, she shares the different kinds of landscapes, how they effect your mental health, studies about why they improve your mental health, and things you can do to counter-act the effects of climate change on these landscapes. This discussion fits so well into this month’s theme of “finding home,” and I hope you love this conversation about the return to nature with Emma Loewe.
    In this episode, Emma Loewe and I talk about:
    How the idea of this book came about A profound memory Emma has of a maple tree in her yard growing up, and why many of us have anchoring memories that revolve around nature. My resonance with the landscapes of oceans and coasts and forests and trees. What a forest bath is, and how to experience one The fractals in trees, and why that is soothing to humans How to handle grief and anxiety over climate change in an effective and non-overwhelming way Resources
    Emma Loewe’s book, “Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us” on Bookshop.org
    Emma Loewe’s website
    Emma Loewe on Instagram
    Others:
    Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy for free on your favorite app by clicking here.
    Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: JumpstartYourJoy.com
    Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/
    Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:40 Reflecting on Nature's Restorative Power
    01:04 Engaging with the Audience
    02:24 Introducing Emma Lowey and Her Book
    03:18 Emma's Early Inspirations and Environmental Path
    04:26 The Personal and Passionate Journey of Writing
    06:21 The Impact of Nature on Mental Health
    09:20 The Science Behind Nature's Benefits 09:48 Creative Processes During the Pandemic
    12:14 Exploring Different Landscapes 13:35 The Healing Power of Water and Forests
    23:08 Practical Steps for Environmental Action
    26:21 Emma's Personal Practices and Final Thoughts
    31:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    • 33 min
    Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes

    Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes

    Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/celebrating-37-years-of-joy-an-interview-with-retiring-educator-molly-barnes/
    In this heartfelt episode, Paula interviews Molly Barnes, the beloved principal and superintendent of Sunol Glenn Elementary. Molly shares her passionate journey in education, reflecting on the joy and challenges of her career. Listeners get an inside look at her unique approach to fostering a welcoming and enthusiastic school environment. Discover the powerful moments and intentional choices that have made Sunol Glenn Elementary a special place for students, parents, and staff alike. As Molly prepares for her well-deserved retirement, she discusses the importance of building strong community relationships, supporting educators, and creating joyful learning experiences. Tune in to hear moving stories, valuable insights, and the impactful legacy of a dedicated educator who truly made a difference.
    Resources: 
    Molly receiving the Woman of the Year Award from Alex Lee
    Coverage of Molly's retirement in the Pleasanton Weekly
    Others:
    Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy for free on your favorite app by clicking here.
    Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: JumpstartYourJoy.com
    Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/
    Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee
    Here are some of the key moments in this interview:
    Earliest Sparks of Joy in Education: Molly Barnes talks about her childhood experiences that ignited her passion for education, including her love for school supplies and the excitement of preparing for a new school year.
    Impact of Political Climate in Education: Molly reflects on the challenges posed by the political environment and its influence on the school district, emphasizing the importance of keeping the focus on students' well-being and learning.
    Importance of Community in Education: Molly shares the significance of building a strong sense of community within the school, highlighting the roles of teachers, parents, and students in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
    Molly Barnes' Retirement Plans: As she approaches retirement, Molly discusses her future plans, including spending time with her family and potentially volunteering in local schools to continue her passion for education.
    Supporting Educators and Teachers: Both Paula and Molly discuss the critical role parents and the community can play in supporting teachers and school staff. They emphasize the need for understanding, communication, and collaboration to foster a positive educational experience for all.
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Welcome and Introduction
    00:19 Meet Molly Barnes: A Celebrated Educator 
    02:13 Molly's Early Sparks of Joy 
    03:11 The Excitement of Back-to-School 
    06:20 The Role of Community in Education 
    09:19 Navigating Political Challenges 
    13:03 A Unique Commuter School 
    20:25 The Benefits and Challenges of a Small School 
    26:16 Memorable Moments at Sunol Glen 
    30:41 Heartfelt Reflections 
    32:05 The Changing Landscape of Education 
    35:36 Supporting Teachers and Administrators 
    36:50 Challenges in the Teaching Profession 
    42:27 Memorable Teachers and Experiences 
    45:22 Award Recognition and Community Support 
    47:22 Retirement Plans and Future Aspirations 
    51:02 Spreading Joy and Final Thoughts 
    52:56 Closing Remarks and Reflections

    • 57 min
    Activism and Resilience with Christy Tending: Writing Through Grief and Joy

    Activism and Resilience with Christy Tending: Writing Through Grief and Joy

    Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/activism-and-resilience-with-christy-tending-writing-through-grief-and-joy/
    I'm welcoming back my friend and author Christy Tending. Christy is joining me to discuss her new book, "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse," which is a lyrical exploration of disobedience, grief, healing, and climate activism. Packed with heartfelt reflections and practical advice for activists, Christy's book offers a unique blend of memoir and guide.
    We also dive into a thoughtful conversation about the personal and societal challenges we've faced over the last few years, highlighting the importance of community, preparedness, and personal resilience. We discuss the practical aspects of activism, the emotional toll of recent global events, and how Christy's writing has navigated these complex landscapes.

    Key Highlights:

    Christy talks about the inspiration and process behind writing "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse," including the challenges of writing about deeply personal and societal issues. The importance of community and collective efforts in activism and beyond. Practical tips for personal and activist preparedness, including a PSA about phone security. The process of submitting work to literary magazines and dealing with rejection as a writer. Encouragement for creators to pursue their projects without waiting for external validation or permission.
    Resources:

    Find Christy's book: ChristyTending.com/books Follow Christy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christytending Buy Christy's book, "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3W71dc4
    Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy for free on your favorite app by clicking here. Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: JumpstartYourJoy.com Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
    00:20 Introducing Christy and Her New Book
    00:33 Exploring the Themes of the Book
    01:04 Community and Resources for Listeners
    02:08 Christy's Journey and Writing Process
    03:37 Navigating Modern Challenges
    10:47 Practical Tips for Activists
    15:13 Emergency Preparedness and Community Support
    21:39 The Power of Community in Publishing
    26:56 The Weird Book Thing
    27:05 Self-Publishing Journey
    27:48 Making Cool Stuff Without Permission
    29:04 The Challenges of Writing a Book 
    30:18 Processing Isolation and Loss
    39:37 The Role of an Editor
    41:16 The Importance of Specificity in Writing
    48:58 Finding Joy in the Little Things
    50:59 Final Thoughts and Inspiration
     

    • 53 min
    Finding Joy through Structure and Elegance with Jennifer L. Scott, Author of The Madame Chic books

    Finding Joy through Structure and Elegance with Jennifer L. Scott, Author of The Madame Chic books

    Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/06/finding-joy-through-structure-and-elegance-with-jennifer-l-scott/
    In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, Paula interviews Jennifer L. Scott, the New York Times bestselling author of the Madame Chic Series and content creator behind The Daily Connoisseur, who shares how adding structure and more formality to life can bring intentional joy.
    Jennifer highlights her experiences living with a traditional family in Paris, her journey as a YouTuber through the Daily Connoisseur, and how she navigates homeschooling while balancing her professional life.
    The conversation dives into how self-discipline and mindful living can transform daily routines, and Jennifer offers tips on being present, observing nature, and incorporating lifelong learning into one's lifestyle. Paula also introduces a new segment on inspiration, intention, or action, encouraging listeners to continually seek personal growth.
    Resources:
    Buy Jennifer's Book, Lessons From Madame Chic: https://amzn.to/3KYSCln
    The Daily Connoisseur on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEnEnLT5wBVnK56QFRg_Iwg
    Jennifer L. Scott's website: https://jenniferlscott.com/
    Jump Start Your Joy's website: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/
    Labyrinth Walk information: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    01:42 Jennifer L. Scott's Background and YouTube Channel
    03:34 The Joys of Childhood and Early Inspirations
    05:40 Writing the Madame Chic Series
    08:08 Living a Formal Life: Lessons from Paris
    10:43 Pandemic Reflections and Seeking Structure
    16:23 Community Feedback and Personal Transformations
    22:28 The Struggles of YouTube Content Creation
    22:58 Taking YouTube Seriously
    24:25 Balancing YouTube and Personal Life
    26:36 The Chic Assignments
    29:54 Homeschooling and Delegation
    31:17 The Reality Behind YouTube Success
    34:21 Future Plans and Community Building
    37:37 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

    • 42 min
    Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie

    Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie

    Get the full show notes:
    Follow/subscribe to JSYJ (free) on your favorite app: https://plnk.to/JumpStartYourJoy
     
    Alison Arngrim, the actress best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on 'Little House on the Prairie' joins Paula in this look back episode.
     
    This episode, originally recorded a few years ago, is revisited as Paula and her son prepare to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and on the 50th anniversary of the TV show.
     
    Alison shares her journey from suffering abuse as a child to finding empowerment through acting. She discusses her audition for Nellie Oleson, her experiences working with Michael Landon, and her transformation into an AIDS activist after her co-star Steve Tracy's death.
     
    Alison also touches on the dynamics with her castmates, the impact of the show globally, and her post-'Little House' work, including her standup comedy and public speaking on surviving abuse. The episode emphasizes Alison's decision to turn her situation into a source of joy and advocacy. Listeners are also guided to check out the show notes and follow Paula's adventures in Kansas on Instagram.
     
    Resources
    Alison Arngrim's Bonnetheads.com website (sign up for the Nellie Newsletter here)
    Alison Arngrim's Book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch on Amazon
     
    Love the show, and want to show your support?
    Buy me a cup of coffee, and I'll give you a shout out on the next episode.
    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

     
     
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
    00:31 Revisiting a Classic Episode
    01:04 Welcome New Listeners
    01:48 Introducing Alison Arngrim
    03:04 Alison's Early Career and Little House on the Prairie
    05:13 The Audition for Nelly Olson
    11:42 The Global Impact of Little House on the Prairie
    14:42 Behind the Scenes with Michael Landon
    19:25 The Friendship with Melissa Gilbert
    21:58 Public Reactions and Personal Reflections
    31:29 Navigating Early Uncertainty
    32:02 Building a Support System
    32:54 A Love Story Blossoms
    33:26 Shared Values and Compatibility
    35:44 Embracing Public Recognition
    39:31 Turning Fame into a Force for Good
    43:05 Confessions of a Prairie Bitch
    45:21 Empowering Women Through Lectures
    51:03 Practical Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
    56:03 Finding Joy in Everyday Life

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
45 Ratings

45 Ratings

Adeline Olmer ,

Great Recap!

This was such a wonderful way to get a glimps of the top episodes! I loved listening and most importantly I was inspired! Thank you!!!

JenHancock ,

The perfect balance of inspiration + action

Inviting, uplifting, practical, and consistently fascinating curation of topics and guests — this is my favorite podcast! I never want to miss an episode!

deb-coop ,

Consistently inspiring

Paula’s infectious delight is hard to match, and she interviews such engaging and interesting guests. Each episode is inspiring, and they all have actionable ideas to help improve the quality of my life and my small biz.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Hysterical
Wondery | Pineapple Street Studios
Politickin' with Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson
iHeartPodcasts
The Ezra Klein Show
New York Times Opinion
The Viall Files
Nick Viall
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
Team Coco & Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson

You Might Also Like

Homemaker Chic
Angela Reed & Shaye Elliott
At Home With Sally
Sally Clarkson
Simple Farmhouse Life
Lisa Bass
Wise Traditions
Weston A. Price Foundation w/ Hilda Labrada Gore
The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee
Physicians Committee
The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style
Shannon Ables