Jump Start Your Joy®

In this special 10th anniversary episode, I'm revisiting one of my all-time favorite conversations from the Jump Start Your Joy archives: my 2016 interview with Danny Wood of New Kids on the Block. This conversation holds a deeply personal place in my heart, not just because of Danny's inspiring story, but because it literally changed the trajectory of my life in ways I never could have imagined.

Danny opens up about his solo album "Look at Me," created to benefit the Remember Betty Foundation, which he founded in honor of his mother who passed away from breast cancer in 1999. We explore themes of loss, transformation, and how tragedy can birth beautiful legacies.

Read the full show notes on my website.

In this episode, we cover:

• Danny Wood's solo album "Look at Me" and the Remember Betty Foundation's mission to support breast cancer patients through practical, everyday assistance
• How Danny navigated the devastating loss of his mother and transformed grief into a legacy of service and love
• The special relationship between Danny, his mother Betty, and the New Kids on the Block fan community
• Danny's philosophy on health, fitness, and leading by example rather than preaching
• The power of embracing pain and staying connected to loved ones we've lost
• How one podcast interview became a 10-year jumpstart in my own life, reconnecting me with my sister through shared love of New Kids on the Block
• Heartfelt messages from fans about how Danny has inspired them through loss, health challenges, and personal growth

Resources:

• Remember Betty Foundation: rememberbetty.com
• Danny Wood Official Website: dannywoodofficial.com
• Danny Wood on Twitter: @DannyWood
• Danny Wood on Instagram: @DannyWoodOfficial
• Danny Wood's album "Look at Me" (Available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play)
• Jump Start Your Joy: jumpstartyourjoy.com

Keywords: Danny Wood, New Kids on the Block, NKOTB, Remember Betty Foundation, breast cancer awareness, grief and loss, transforming tragedy, mother-son relationship, fan community, health and fitness inspiration, solo music, charitable foundation, jumpstart your joy, Paula Jenkins podcast, personal transformation, sibling reconnection, living with purpose, embracing pain, legacy building, practical cancer support, New Kids on the Block cruise, Vegas residency

In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm taking a mindful pause to share five powerful techniques that can help you recenter when life feels overwhelming. Originally recorded after I led a mindfulness program at a summer camp (a place that holds such a special spot in my heart) this episode feels especially relevant given everything happening in our world right now.

While I had planned to discuss intentional whimsy this week, I felt called to revisit this conversation about mindfulness and practical tools we can all use to navigate challenging moments with more grace and presence.

The 5 Tips I share around mindfulness are:

Mindfulness is a great way to find more joy and center yourself. In this time of transition, when things feel difficult, it's great to have a few easy, go-to mindfulness tools.

The five are:

1. Notice your emotions, and share them with someone else.

2. Breathe, as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh. I share his practice of inhaling, exhaling, and smiling.

3. Observe (or spend time in) Nature. As discussed in my previous episode with Emma Loewe, author of Return to Nature, nature has restorative properties for humans. When you feel stressed, take a moment to look out your window or take a break for a walk if you have the time.

4. Meditate, using a visual or guided meditation.

5. Spend time walking a labyrinth, either by physically walking a labyrinth or using a hand labyrinth.

Resources:

• Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh (audiobook mentioned)
• Emma Loewe interview on Return to Nature (previous episode)
• Sarah Blondin meditations on Insight Timer
• Paula's meditations on Insight Timer
• Veriditas (nonprofit organization for the modern labyrinth movement)
• World Labyrinth Locator (find labyrinths near you)
• Portable labyrinth cards

Follow to Jump Start Your Joy on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy on Spotify

Keywords:

mindfulness, meditation, stress relief, anxiety management, breathing techniques, Thich Nhat Hanh, nature therapy, labyrinth walking, emotional regulation, self-care, mental health, mindful living, grounding techniques, present moment awareness, overwhelm, triggered emotions, centering practices, Insight Timer, guided meditation, walking meditation, somatic response, intentional living, personal growth, wellness podcast, mindfulness for beginners, coping strategies, emotional wellness, stress management, mindful breathing, nature connection, labyrinth meditation, joy, resilience, self-awareness, inner peace

In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm diving into something we all need right now: gentle, accessible ways to reconnect with joy during difficult times. I open with a powerful quote from Michelle Obama about planning for joy, especially for those of us who are caretakers, empaths, or sensitive types who can easily get burnt out.

I explore three distinct types of joy that can serve as doorways back to ourselves: comfort joy (the soothing, familiar things that help us exhale), connecting joy (the vital relationships that remind us we're not alone), and meaningful joy (the deeper pursuits that connect us to something bigger than ourselves).

Read the full show notes on my website.

In this episode, we cover:

• Michelle Obama's wisdom on planning for joy as a vital practice for caretakers
• Comfort joy: soothing, familiar practices that help reset your nervous system
• Connecting joy: the importance of reaching out to friends and building meaningful relationships
• Meaningful joy: exploring what's deeply significant to you, from spiritual practices to creative pursuits
• How to schedule one gentle joy this week without striving for perfection
• My 2026 goals: music, podcasting, home projects, and labyrinth work
• The concept of "well planned and loosely held" when setting intentions

Resources:

• Michelle Obama on "plan your joy" (fall 2020)
• Tia Weston's YouTube channel (abandoned house series)
• Ram Dass recordings
• Cynthia Bourgeault's writings on Christianity (The Wisdom Jesus)
• Previous episode: "How to Plan Your 2026" (includes free download)
• Lauren Artress interview episode on labyrinth work
• Email: JumpstartYourJoy @ gmail.com

Keywords: joy, self-care, gentle living, Michelle Obama, planning for joy, comfort practices, meaningful connection, burnout prevention, empaths, sensitive people, nervous system reset, intentional living, small joys, caretaker wellness, 2026 goals, labyrinth work, creative renewal, podcast for introverts, finding center, slow living, jumpstart your joy

Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! In this episode, I'm sharing something deeply personal my unexpected word of the year for 2026: HARMONY.

This word literally came to me in the middle of the night, and as I share my story, you'll understand why it makes perfect sense. I'm diving into how music, which was such a huge part of my childhood, has been missing from my life and how I'm intentionally bringing it back. From rediscovering my old Armstrong flute after 40 years to planning a duet with my trombone-playing son, this episode is all about reconnecting with what brings us joy.

Read the full show notes on my website.

This episode explores the themes of rediscovery, intentionality, and taking small steps toward joy. I talk about the power of recognizing what's missing in our lives and how even the smallest actions, like turning on the radio or pulling an old instrument out of the closet, can spark a the beginning of transformation. I also share my journey of finding community through music and how the inspiration-intention-action framework can help you jump start your own joy.

Whether you're looking to reconnect with a forgotten passion or find your way back to center, this episode will encourage you to take that first tiny step.

In this episode, we cover:

• My word of the year for 2026: harmony, and how it unexpectedly revealed itself
• Rediscovering my childhood love of music and playing the flute after decades
• The inspiration-intention-action framework for bringing more joy into everyday life
• My adventure to Starving Musician to repair my 40-year-old flute and the sweet encounter with Daniel
• Finding my new-to-me flute on eBay and planning to join an adult band or symphony
• How small steps, like turning on the radio or buying dollar CDs at thrift stores, can reignite passion
• The importance of community and finding "your people" through shared interests

Resources:

• Jumpstart Your Joy website: jumpstartyourjoy.com
• Follow Paula on Instagram: @jumpstartyourjoy
• PretaVoyager Instagram account by Anne Ditmeyer
• Anne Ditmeyer's book, "Override! What if there was another way? A pocket playbook for possibility."
• Episode 3 of this season: "What I Found in My Closet" (also titled: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for")
• episode 4 of this season: Paula's trip to Paris and finding hope

Keywords: word of the year, harmony, rediscovering passion, music and joy, playing flute, community building, inspiration intention action, jump start your joy, finding what's missing, reconnecting with childhood hobbies, small steps to joy, intentional living, Paula Jenkins podcast host, personal growth, self-discovery

In this episode, I share the deeply inspiring experiences from my recent trip to Paris with my 14-year-old son. What started as an eighth-grade graduation gift became a profound journey through living history, exploring three iconic sites that offered unexpected lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of individual choice. From the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral rising magnificently from the ashes of its 2019 fire, to standing at the Arc de Triomphe where my son experienced a powerful moment of historical realization, to walking the medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral (the birthplace of the modern labyrinth movement) each experience left me with renewed hope and inspiration.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Get your Plan Your 2026 guide.

In this episode, we cover:

• The breathtaking restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral and what it means to rise from the ashes together
• My son's powerful moment of historical realization at the Arc de Triomphe
• Walking the sacred medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral and its connection to Lauren Artress and the modern labyrinth movement
• Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr.'s courageous decision to save Chartres Cathedral from Allied bombing in August 1944
• General Dietrich von Choltitz's refusal to follow Hitler's order to destroy Paris
• How individual acts of moral courage can change the trajectory of history for millions
• Finding hope and inspiration in stories of people who chose beauty and humanity over orders and expectations

Resources:

• Instagram: @jumpstartyourjoy
• Notre Dame Cathedral documentary on NBC
• Cobblestone Paris apartment rentals
• Lauren Artress interviews about Veriditas and the labyrinth movement

Keywords: Paris travel, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Chartres Cathedral, medieval labyrinth, Lauren Artress, Veriditas, World War II history, Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr, General Dietrich von Choltitz, liberation of Paris, labyrinth walking, Grace Cathedral, AIDS epidemic, French h

In this episode, I'm getting personal and sharing a discovery that felt like a gift at exactly the right time. While clearing out my closet in search of structure and calm, I found my old portable CD player from 1997, still loaded with U2's "The Best Of 1980-1990." When track four started playing, I was instantly transported back to grad school and reminded of my personal theme song: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." This episode is about longing, faith, and finding joy in the messy middle of life.

I dive deep into why this song became a favorite. I explorie its spiritual roots and what Bono meant when he called it "a gospel song with a restless spirit." We'll look at the biblical references woven throughout the lyrics, including what I consider a powerful connection to Jesus's cry on the cross in Matthew 27:46.

I share three key insights this song offers us in 2026: that joy isn't dependent on having everything figured out, that faith and longing are powerful motivators, and that being a spiritual person means staying curious, questioning, and engaged, even when things feel hard.

In this episode, we cover:

• The discovery of my 1997 CD player and how "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" became my theme song
• The story behind U2's song and Bono's intention to explore theological themes in rock music
• How the lyrics mirror the tension of living with faith and integrity in the messy middle
• The connection between the song and Jesus's cry "Father, Father, why have you forsaken me?" from Matthew 27:46
• Why joy is found in the journey, not the destination, and how to look for it in small moments
• How faith and longing work together as wayfinding emotions that jumpstart us toward joy
• What it truly means to be a spiritual person: staying curious, questioning, and engaged rather than blindly following

Resources:

• U2 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (1987 original version)
• U2 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (gospel choir version)
• Jump Start Your Joy on Apple Podcasts
• Jump Start Your Joy on Spotify
• Website: jumpstartyourjoy.com
• Instagram: @jumpstartyourjoy
• Email: jumpstartyourjoy @gmail.com

Keywords: theme song, U2, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, faith and doubt, spiritual journey, joy in the messy middle, longing, Christian spirituality, gospel music, Bono, Joshua Tree album, finding joy, spiritual practice, faith and questioning, religious exploration, personal growth, mindfulness, hope, Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22, living with intention, Nancy Meyers aesthetic, decluttering, self-discovery, INFJ, Yale Divinity School, religious studies, paradox, tension, wayfinding emotions

As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my approach to planning your year with calm and ease. In this episode, I walk you through the exact planning methods I've used for over a decade to stay focused on what truly matters while maintaining peace and presence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or simply want to create a roadmap for your goals, this episode will help you slow down mindfully so you can move forward with intention and joy throughout the year.

Get the full episode notes on my website.

I'm sharing two powerful planning tools that have transformed how I approach my goals: the "Ten in Three" exercise I created a decade ago, and a brand new seven-week planning cycle that I started using at the end of 2025 that has kept me focused on what matters in an easy and clam way. The best part? This is not acomplicated "system" that requires a specific planner, stickers, or a lot of time. It's just an easy way to remain connected to what brings you joy while making real progress on your dreams. Download the free printable worksheets at jumpstartyourjoy.com to follow along and start planning your year with calm and ease.

In this episode, we cover:

• A mindfulness exercise to help you get centered before planning (the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique)
• The "10 in 3" planning method: how to identify and schedule 10 meaningful goals across the next three years
• My new seven-week planning cycle that helps you balance day-to-day life while working toward bigger goals
• How to identify your "fantasy self" versus your real self when setting goals (and why this matters)
• The concept of "well planned and loosely held" and how to stay committed to your vision while remaining flexible enough to pivot when needed
• Why writing down how you want to feel during each planning period is just as important as what you want to accomplish
• Practical tips for creating plans you'll actually follow (not ones that sit unused in a new planner)

Resources:

• Download the free Planning Your Year with Calm and Ease (2026) worksheets
• Paula's Centering Prayer guided meditation on Insight Timer (free)
• Elsie Escobar's Eleague podcasting course
• Connect with Paula on Instagram
• Email Paula: jumpstartyourjoy @ gmail.com

Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! I'm so excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show with you. In this special episode, I reflect on a decade of podcasting, the transitions that have shaped my life, and the importance of being present for the moments that matter most. From recording in my car to embracing new adventures with my family and community, this milestone is a chance to look back, take stock, and set intentions for the years ahead.

Get the show notes and join my newsletter to get updates at my website.

This episode dives into themes of mindfulness, intentionality, and the power of community. I share how the world's challenges: from political shifts to the rise of AI and climate change have made it more important than ever to find our grounding and support one another. We talk about the value of real connection, the courage to keep creating, and the ways we can all "jump start" our own joy, even when things feel overwhelming.

In this episode, we cover:

• The significance of marking 10 years of Jump Start Your Joy and what this milestone means to me
• Navigating transitions in life, from parenting a high schooler to career changes
• The impact of community and why real connection is essential in challenging times
• Lessons from Brene Brown's "Strong Ground" and how to find your center
• The importance of taking purposeful action instead of just complaining
• Inspiration from creators like Adam the Woo and Taylor Swift on living authentically and building community
• My commitment to another 52 weeks of podcasting (who cares if Lewis Howes joins me or not!) and what's next for the show

Resources:

• Jump Start Your Joy website
• Jumpstart Your Joy on Instagram
• Brene Brown's "Strong Ground" (on Amazon)
• Adam the Woo YouTube Channel
• Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" documentary on Disney+
• Scott Leftwich episode on Jump Start Your Joy
• Egg Whisperer Show (I'm head of marketing for Dr. Aimee and produce the show)
• Lewis Howes: Start Your Profitable Podcast & Build Your Brand on Creative Live (I'm in the hot seat!)

I'm excited to welcome back Andrea Owen! A lot has happened since her last visit in 2021, and she's here to share her powerful journey over the past few years.

We dive into Andrea's experience during the pandemic and how 'pandemic time' reshaped her perspective on life and relationships. She opens up about navigating divorce, facing health challenges, and receiving an autoimmune diagnosis, all while maintaining her commitment to personal growth and self-discovery. Andrea also highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical situations and what she's learned along the way.

We explore how Andrea has embraced sex and intimacy as a path to personal growth, the transformative role of psychedelics therapy, and her journey toward living authentically. This conversation is full of honesty, inspiration, and actionable insights for anyone navigating life's transitions.

In this episode, we cover:

• The last 4 or so years in Andrea's life, and how the pandemic, health issues, and divorce have shaped who she is today.
• Why we all need to slow down and take stock in life's difficulties, and not gloss over the hard stuff.
• Andrea's perspective on relationships and divorce.
• Challenges Andrea faced with her health and the impact of an autoimmune diagnosis.
• The importance of advocating for oneself in medical situations.

Resources:

Read the full show notes on Jump Start Your Joy

52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life: BS-Free Wisdom to Ignite Your Inner Badass and Live the Life You Deserve by Andrea Owen

How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t by Andrea Owen

Make Some Noise: Speak Your Mind and Own Your Strength by Andrea Owen

Join me for the next Compassion Quest retreat.

Jump Start Your Joy is lovingly curated to offer a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to step outside routine and intentionally engage with stories of resilience, joy, and possibility. Each episode creates a space for reflection and inspiration, encouraging you to reconnect with what brings meaning and magic to your life. It is hosted by Paula Jenkins, a labyrinth facilitator, retreat leader, and trained mindfulness mentor. You can learn more about the show at jumpstartyourjoy.com

To join in, find Jump Start Your Joy on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Judith Tripp, a multifaceted leader who brings together spirituality, psychology, and art in her work. Judith is the force behind DreamQuest retreats at Grace Cathedral, a labyrinth facilitator, a transpersonal psychotherapist, and a musician.

In this episode, we explore:

• Judith's impressive array of roles and talents, from leading DreamQuest to her work as a transpersonal psychotherapist and musician.
• The significance of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as a central hub for DreamQuest retreats and labyrinth walks.
• The labyrinth's deep personal and spiritual significance, and how it connects to the broader themes of interconnectedness in Judith's work.
• How Judith integrates spirituality, psychology, and art in her career to create meaningful transformation.
• The importance of gathering and community, particularly in the context of post-pandemic reflections and the human need for connection.

We also discuss the beauty of stepping into liminal spaces, the power of collective inner work, and how these experiences can lead to profound joy and transformation. Judith shares reflections on her early life joys, the importance of intentional gatherings, and upcoming DreamQuest retreats.

This episode is filled with insights on spirituality, interconnectedness, and the transformative potential of community and inner work.

Read the full show notes at Jump Start Your Joy

Judith Tripp's website: CircleWay

DreamQuest Retreat registration

Judith Tripp's book: Circleway, The Story of Women's Dream Quest

Jump Start Your Joy is lovingly curated to offer a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to step outside routine and intentionally engage with stories of resilience, joy, and possibility. Each episode creates a space for reflection and inspiration, encouraging you to reconnect with what brings meaning and magic to your life. It is hosted by Paula Jenkins, a labyrinth facilitator, retreat leader, and trained mindfulness mentor. You can learn more about the show at jumpstartyourjoy.com

To join in, find Jump Start Your Joy on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.