Existential Joy

Dr. Ronnita Carridine returns to discuss how personal creativity and professional history intersect to build a meaningful life.

In this follow-up conversation, Mary Beth Harrell explores the artistic journey of Dr. Carridine, including the personal story behind a piece gifted to the owners of Marie's Wine Bar. They examine how academic and theological backgrounds provide a framework for navigating life's complexities and maintaining a sense of existential joy.

This dialogue is for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and purpose. By looking at how professional dedication informs personal growth, viewers gain insight into the pursuit of a grounded, intentional existence. Dr. Carridine shares her unique perspective on how her artistic process serves as a reflection of her broader world view.

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Renita Carradine shares her journey through public education and the power of faith. Discover how a life of service finds meaning.

Mary Beth Harrell sits down with Dr. Ronnita Carradine to discuss her 30-year career in public education and the path that led her to theology. They explore how her extensive academic background informs her perspective on both community and personal growth. This conversation is for those seeking to understand how professional dedication and spiritual inquiry intersect in a meaningful life.

Ronnita discovered her talent for painting in 2016. She discusses her journey of discovery and creativity with Mary Beth. Ronnita displays several pieces of her acrylic art work during the show. She describes each piece and her distinctive style, and her artistic process.

Throughout the interview, Ronnita reflects on the importance of black church studies in shaping her world view. She offers a grounded look at how her theological studies have provided a framework for navigating the complexities of her career. By examining these diverse influences, viewers gain insight into the intersection of education, faith, and the pursuit of existential joy.

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Hear from a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer about her 20-year service and experience working as a military interrogator.

In this interview, Tiffany Perez shares the realities of her career, starting from her upbringing in a military family to her deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She explains the path she took after enlisting right out of high school and how that choice shaped her professional life.

Whether you are interested in military career paths or want to understand what a military interrogator actually does, this conversation provides an honest look at life in the service. Tiffany breaks down the challenges she faced and the resilience required to sustain a long-term commitment to the armed forces.

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After 30 years in the Army, Buddy Wheat began a new chapter as a Presbyterian pastor. But the turning point came years earlier—in war-torn Lebanon, where a terrifying encounter changed the way he understood faith, gratitude, and his purpose in life.

In the first episode of Existential Joy, Mary Beth Harrell talks with Buddy about his Texas roots, service in Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the unexpected path that led him to seminary in his fifties. He shares why a prayer of thanksgiving stayed with him, what washing another person’s feet taught him about humility, and why knowing the people in his small Gatesville congregation matters so much.

With warmth, humor, and honesty, they explore how joy can endure alongside suffering—and what it means to spend a life serving others.

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Existential Joy with Mary Beth Harrell explores how to live a meaningful, grounded life while making room for suffering, uncertainty, change, and delight. Drawing from her experiences as a Texas criminal-defense lawyer, woman in long-term sobriety, wife, reader, and lifelong learner, Mary Beth reflects on the ordinary moments that make life worth living. Through honest stories, thoughtful conversations, and practical reflection, the show explores six guiding values: purpose, balance, sanity, kindness, gratitude, and hope—inviting listeners to let go of regret and control, stay present, and discover joy along life’s rocky road.

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