Forgiveness sounds simple… until life asks you to practice it with real people and real pain.

In this heartfelt solo episode of Choosing Joy, Deborah Joy Winans Williams opens up about one of the most difficult—and most freeing—parts of her own journey: learning how to forgive others, forgive herself, and release the resentment that keeps us bound.

Deborah shares the story of her parents’ divorce, how childhood wounds shaped her understanding of forgiveness, and the moment her grandmother gave her a piece of wisdom that changed her life forever. She talks about shame, grace, reconciliation, and why forgiveness isn’t a one-time event, but a process that comes in waves.

With honesty and compassion, Deborah reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s behavior—it's about choosing freedom, healing, and joy for your own life.

If you’re holding onto hurt, wrestling with disappointment, or trying to heal old family pain, this episode will meet you right where you are.

💜 “Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. But it always means freedom.”

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In this deeply honest and joy-filled episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams welcomes actress, producer, and mother Ryan Michelle Bathé for a soul-nourishing conversation about embracing the chaos of life without apology. From navigating marriage with fellow actor Sterling K. Brown to building a life rooted in faith, humor, and resilience, Ryan opens up about the lessons, missteps, and mantras that keep her grounded.

Together, they unpack what it means to redefine womanhood, honor your emotional bandwidth, and build a home full of love—even when your champagne flutes are mismatched. Ryan shares vulnerable reflections on aging, self-care, parenting through exhaustion, and finding joy in a world that rarely slows down. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of laughter, this episode is a celebration of imperfection, intention, and unapologetic Black womanhood.

If you've ever felt the weight of being everything for everyone, or struggled to feel safe in your own skin, this one’s for you.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Building a Life of Joy
03:00 – Australia, Motherhood & God's Surprises
06:00 – 19 Years of Marriage & Unpredictable Careers
09:00 – Faith, Stubbornness & Acting as a Calling
12:00 – Hollywood Rejection & Learning to Stay
15:00 – Parenting & Losing Yourself in the Process
18:00 – Perimenopause, Health, and Black Women Aging
21:00 – Family, Fear & Avoiding the Doctor
24:00 – Illness, ALS, and Loving Through Change
27:00 – Alzheimer’s, Caregiving & Choosing Joy Daily
30:00 – You Don’t Have to Get Through it Pretty
33:00 – Marriage Realizations & Letting Go of Perfection
36:00 – Church Culture, Legacy & Beautiful Homes
39:00 – Broken Glass & Emotional Meltdowns
42:00 – Stewardship, Provision & Taking Care of What God Gives
44:00 – Growing With Your Partner & Listening Deeply
47:00 – Community, Evolution & Loving the Present
49:00 – One Word She Wants Her Sons to Remember

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How do you balance being a wife, mom of four, content creator, comedian, and actress — all while keeping your joy?

In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with her friend That Chick Angel (Angel Laketa Moore) for a conversation about motherhood, marriage, faith, and the unexpected journey from actress to content creator.

Angel opens up about pivoting her career when she became pregnant, building a digital brand, raising four Black boys with her husband Marcus, and how outrageous faith has guided her through every season. From funny pregnancy stories to the challenges of communication in marriage to finding joy in serving others, this episode is both laugh-out-loud and deeply inspiring.

💜 “When I can’t see the way forward, I serve.” — That Chick Angel

If you need encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that joy is always within reach, this conversation is for you.

 #ChoosingJoy #ThatChickAngel #DeborahJoyWinans #AngelLaketaMoore #BlackWomenInComedy #MotherhoodJourney #FaithAndFamily #ContentCreatorLife #JoyAndPurpose #CelebrityPodcast #BlackJoy

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In this radiant episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with the one and only Gabourey Sidibe—award-winning actress, director, and mother—to talk about choosing self-worth, navigating colorism, and embracing joy in a world that often tells you you’re not enough. From her unexpected journey into stardom with Precious to raising twins and reclaiming her own story, Gabby opens up with humor, honesty, and an unshakable spirit.

She shares how her mother’s influence, her unconventional path into Hollywood, and her deeply grounded sense of self have kept her centered through fame, criticism, and cultural expectations. This conversation goes beyond celebrity—into what it means to love yourself loudly despite the noise.

Expect laughter, real talk, a few tears, and a reminder that every person deserves good things. Whether you're an artist, a parent, or just someone trying to find peace in your own skin, this episode is for you.

✨ This is Choosing Joy at its most soulful and powerful.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – We All Deserve Good Things

03:00 – Gabby’s Unexpected Journey into Hollywood

06:00 – Spirituality, Serendipity & Precious

09:00 – Gabby’s First Time on Set

12:00 – What Hollywood Really Is 1

5:00 – Colorism, Casting, and Identity

18:00 – Exhaustion, Projection & Protecting Joy

21:00 – Gabby on Self-Love and Her Mother

24:00 – Marriage, Kids & Redefining Want

27:00 – IVF, Motherhood & Living Fully

30:00 – The Power of Storytelling

#GaboureySidibe #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahJoyWinans #SelfLove #Colorism #HollywoodTruths #BlackMotherhood #BlackWomenInFilm #IVFStory #Precious #EmbraceJoy #ConfidenceJourney #BlackExcellence #WomenInHollywood #ActressInterview

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In this intimate and profoundly moving episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with her mother, Deborah Kerr Winans, to share a deeply personal story of love, legacy, and faith in the face of Alzheimer’s.

What began as a conversation meant for family became something much more—a testament to the power of memory, God’s grace, and choosing joy in the midst of unimaginable challenges. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020, Deborah Kerr Winans may not remember everything, but she never forgets her children, her faith, or the goodness of God.

From growing up in Detroit and becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree to raising four children with fierce love and intention, this conversation honors a mother’s journey, strength, and unwavering belief. It’s a story about what remains even when memory fades—love, faith, and joy.

✨ Whether you’re a caregiver, a daughter, or someone facing hard truths about health and aging, this episode will wrap you in warmth and remind you: You’re not alone. And joy is still possible.

Chapters

00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters
01:00 – Living With Alzheimer's: A Daughter's Reflection
03:00 – How the Diagnosis Changed Everything
05:00 – Sitting in Gratitude, Not Just Grief
07:00 – What My Mom Remembers Most
09:00 – Holding Faith in the Middle of Memory Loss
11:00 – Raising Us with Intention & Love
13:00 – Faith, Detroit, and Family Values
15:00 – A Mother's Unshakable Joy
17:00 – The Gift of Her Legacy
19:00 – Final Reflections, Birthday Song & A Blessing

#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahKerrWinans #AlzheimersAwareness #FaithAndFamily #LegacyOfLove #BlackWomenCaregivers #ChoosingJoyInGrief #MotherDaughterLove #SpiritualHealing

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What does choosing joy really mean when you’re living through pain, pressure, or exhaustion? In this deeply personal solo episode, Choosing Joy host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down—not as an actress or celebrity, but as herself—to answer your questions, share her heart, and reflect on what joy looks like when it’s uncomfortable, spiritual, and hard-won.

Deborah opens up about motherhood, mental health, faith, grief, self-worth, and how she learned (and is still learning) to choose joy daily—not just on stage, but in real life. From the lessons of her Winans family legacy to her girls' trip epiphany with Merle Dandridge to the quiet prayers that sustain her, this episode is a soulful, grounding invitation to go deeper.

Whether you’re a woman of faith, an artist in progress, a mother in motion, or just someone trying to pour from a not-so-full cup—Deborah’s raw honesty and wisdom remind us that joy isn’t a mood... it’s a decision.

Chapters

00:00 – What Choosing Joy Means to Me
01:00 – Unpacking My Relationship with Joy
03:00 – What Life Has Taught Me About Grace
05:00 – The Power of Choosing Yourself
07:00 – A Girls' Trip That Changed Everything
09:00 – How My Faith Guides My Work
11:00 – My Morning Routine of Gratitude
13:00 – 6AM Prayer, Grandma Winans, and Simplicity
15:00 – Staying Grounded in a Chaotic World
17:00 – What My Family’s Legacy Taught Me
19:00 – How My Uncle Bebe Changed My Perspective
21:00 – Seeing People as Ministry
23:00 – Navigating Motherhood, Germs & Balance
25:00 – Rest, Vitamins, Vaseline & Olly Multis 
27:00 – Playing Charity on Greenleaf
29:00 – Grace for Imperfection & Finding Your Way
31:00 – Advice for Young Women in Music & Acting
33:00 – Final Reflections & Your Invitation to Joy

#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #GreenleafCharity #BlackWomenInFaith #JoyIsAChoice #FaithAndMotherhood #ChristianWomenPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #HealingWithGod #SoulfulStorytelling

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Darren and Donny explore self-abandonment's impact on our lives and relationships, discussing familiar behaviors like people-pleasing and conflict avoidance. They share personal stories, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our self-worth and taking charge of our lives.

Offering practical tips for self-care and breaking free from societal conditioning, the hosts conclude with a powerful reminder: by valuing ourselves, we can authentically pour love into others. Join this empowering conversation to start a journey toward self-love and fulfillment.

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DARREN WALLER

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DONNY STARKINS  

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#ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork 

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In this episode, Darren and Donny spotlight the essence of the holiday season: prioritizing presence over presents. They advocate for cherishing moments with loved ones, emphasizing human connections over material possessions. Encouraging listeners to set boundaries and be fully engaged in relationships, the conversation urges a shift towards meaningful experiences. They delve into self-love, authenticity, and reevaluating life's pursuits, inspiring a reflective and uplifting perspective on the holiday season and beyond.

► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw 

► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/ 

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DARREN WALLER

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DONNY STARKINS  

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#ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork 

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Join Darren and Donny as they sit down with Graham Mertz, the University of Florida's quarterback, in an episode filled with inspiration and resilience. Discover Graham's journey from a football-loving youngster to overcoming self-doubt and finding faith. He emphasizes the joy of serving others and the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy. Tune in as Graham shares his wisdom on goal-setting, fulfillment, and how his love for golf aligns with life and football.

► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw 

► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/ 

► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en 

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DARREN WALLER

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DONNY STARKINS  

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#ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork 

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Join us for a profound exploration of self-discovery and empowerment with BC Serna on the newest episode of Comeback Stories Podcast. Darren and Donny engage in an stirring conversation with BC, uncovering the adversities he faced in his early years, his relentless pursuit of belonging, and the pivotal moments that fueled his unwavering journey towards leadership. BC's introspective journey from a nomadic lifestyle to embracing fatherhood resonates deeply, echoing profound gratitude for the chance to inspire and nurture connections. It serves as a testament to the innate potential within us all to unearth purpose and cultivate impactful relationships. This episode is a catalyst for emotional reflection and resilience, urging you to craft your own triumphant comeback story.

► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw 

► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/ 

► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en 

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DARREN WALLER

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DONNY STARKINS  

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#ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork 

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