Hey friend, have you ever found it hard to hold onto joy, especially when life doesn’t go as planned? Maybe you’re in a season of waiting, doubting, or just plain exhaustion, wondering if real, lasting joy is even possible. If that’s you, today’s conversation with Nicole Zasowski on Brave Woman, Mighty God is going to feel like a deep breath of fresh air.

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker who beautifully combines vulnerability and wisdom. In this episode, we discuss the brave choice to pursue joy even when life feels heavy. Through the stories of biblical women like Sarah and Elizabeth, we explore the struggle of trusting God’s promises and the incredible gift that joy truly is.

Nicole and I dive into the complexities of joy—how it’s not about pretending everything’s perfect, but about celebrating God’s goodness even in the middle of uncertainty. We talk about why joy feels vulnerable, how gratitude anchors us when life gets hard, and the importance of savoring the good gifts God gives.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Joy is a divine gift—not something we have to manufacture.

• Trusting God’s promises often requires patience, perseverance, and hope.

• Practicing gratitude helps us hold onto joy even in tough seasons.

• True joy celebrates personhood over performance.

• We can resist the pull of counterfeit, illusionary joys by staying rooted in God’s truth.

• Sharing our joy with others multiplies it.

• Vulnerability and joy go hand in hand—keeping your heart open is brave.

• God's transforming grace meets us right where we are.

Nicole’s heart and story will encourage you to choose joy even when it feels risky—and to trust that God is faithful to bring beauty out of every season. If you’re longing for more joy in your life, this episode will remind you it’s not only possible, it’s what you were created for.

Nicole Zasowski is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker. She lives just outside New York City with her husband, Jimmy, and their two kiddos. With the vulnerability of your closest friend and the wisdom of your most trusted resource, Nicole invites others to discover how losing our grip on what we know leads us straight into the transforming grace of God—where we find what we truly need.

Links: Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Nicole Zasowski: Website Instagram Daring Joy Bible Study What if It’s Wonderful book