Not That Deep with Dana Joy

I saw a post on Substack a few weeks ago, advertising for an event called ‘Rest & Read’. An evening of solo reading quietly, followed by group discussion in a cozy bar in NYC. After attending, I was blown away at the power of this quiet community, bound  together by literature, and the founder Kelly’s ability to create such an amazing event. Kelly has always loved reading - and is a former English teacher. She has lived so many lives in this one city - and finally took it upon herself this year to turn her love for books and community into Lit Club. There are several entities within Lit Club; Rest & Read, Literary Dinners, Book Swap and more. This is just the beginning. Check out Kelly Chervin and Lit Club on Instagram and Substack!

Back to basics, for so many episodes when I started this podcast I was doing solo episodes just speaking. It always intrigued me and also worried me how I can just talk for 30+ minutes without a response from anyone. It never surprised me though because sometimes I don't let other people get in a word in a conversation for that long (ugh I'm kidding). It's tax season, this episode is just as much a tale of taxes as it is a reminder to you to do them (unless you're fraudulent). Bedside manner at a doctor's office is equivalent to banter in the real world. If we can banter but you're ugly it might work (similar to a doctor having incredible bedside manner but being awful at their job). Enjoy the solo episode and enjoy your week!! Not That Deep.

One day during my everyday commute to work, I started to hear these bright voices in the subway that after passing the turnstiles, appeared as two men. These two guys were so cheery, greeting everyone who passed, I couldn’t help but greet them right back. After the first week of “good mornings” and “have a great day”, I needed to know their names. Derrick Blocker and Danny Perez are the two guys keeping Union Square peppy. They quickly went from the guys who I said good morning to, to the guys who I hug every morning, running between the two since they stand on opposing sides of the entrance. I tend to stand for 2-4 minutes and watch them do their thing, no matter the time of morning. I watch in awe as they greet little kids, older folk, the regulars, the new commuters, dogs and people alike. People they see every day, and ones they only see once, but make a lasting impression on nonetheless. Derrick and Danny are celebrities as far as I’m concerned. They brighten everyone’s days who pass them, and there is no greater power than kindness. I had Danny and Derrick on Not That Deep not only to share them with you, but to get to know them as individuals. I learned a lot about them, and most importantly I learned that Derrick loves an apple juice at the diner, and Danny prefers butter pecan iced coffee more than the rest. Thank you so much for listening. 

You may know Dave Weltz from Instagram, TikTok or your local bar. He is a character and a force and I am so happy to have had some time with him on Not That Deep. Where he is today is not where he was a few years ago (freaking duh). He was devoted to tennis for most of his life, deciding to pump the brakes on it his junior year of college. Working corporate post college, something just didn’t sit right with him. He’s always loved yapping and connecting with people - and enjoyed posting his funny thoughts on social. He thought social was a good route but just didn’t, like so many, know what or how. Though everything looks much easier when you’re on the other side - he has been hosting his show, Weltz and Bruises for over 7 months where he interviews people while they make their fav cocktail. Keep an eye out for the exciting things he has coming in - this is just the beginning! 

I got connected with Kristen when I was interested in learning more about a volunteer program with Global Lyme Alliance. Seeing what Lyme has done to my sister Kayla’s life; the passion, anger and drive I gained from it is what fuels me. If something can be learned from Kristen Harris’ episode, it is that Lyme disease is an intricate, complicated, understudied, under-recognized, debilitating, confusing, unfair and awful disease (I guess that’s more than one thing). Kristen has had quite the road with Lyme Disease herself as she was bit by a tick at the age of 8. Symptoms reappeared in high school, affecting her cognitively and neurologically at 16. After feeling it was under control, thinking she was out of the woods, the Lyme and coinfections came back. Kristen, like so many, had to quit her job, reassess her world as she knew it and fight for her life. Kristen now works at the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) - in their mentor program, volunteer program as well as fundraising. GLA is an incredible organization - if you or anyone is interested more in the work they do, please visit their website, globallymealliance.org. If you or someone you love is questioning if they have Lyme disease, know they have it, are looking for a new perspective, want someone to believe them, or are unsure of their next step - GLA is here. 

Megan Keaveny joins me on Not That Deep and I am truly so grateful. A few weeks ago I saw a video of a girl in a big coat holding up a sign that said ‘tell me ur good news’. I was enamored, someone taking the time to spread positivity and connect strangers is someone I want to be talking to!! DM incoming bitch! She stands bravely with a tripod, a tiny mic and a sign and strangers do the rest. Megan has created a space where strangers not only can - but WANT to share their good news with her, and putting it on social media allows people around the world to watch and be filled with happiness. We need more Megan’s - a fun fact is Megan at one point had 5 jobs, and she also was a bottle girl when she lived in Chicago. As adults, we should have career day - swap a career with someone for the day and see what it’s like. Just a thought …. Guys thank you so much for listening, engaging, sharing, BEING. You are doing amazing - thank you.

We fight like an old married couple - but not on the podcast (you would need to pay to see that!) Mia is one of my long time childhood best friends - we’ve been through so many stages - like the first one - ugly. A bond between two people who have known each other since they were 10 is a special one, and I never take it for granted. Mia is someone I go to when I need comfort, a laugh, or a cry. She knows me and tells me like it is, even when I literally don’t ask her to. I got us matching juicy shirts because I thought it would be hysterical and it was. Duh. Check out @mia_mill on Instagram. 

Guys I’m feeling more like myself and for that I am so grateful. The month of January was off to a huge low, which means the only way to go from there is UP. I had Mono and then Covid and then somewhere in the middle I got a bad haircut. The bad haircut was the worst of the 3 because I not only paid for it, but I knew who gave it to me, unlike the other two. My sleep was getting messed up so naturally I went to the dispensary, they gave me a gummy that didn’t make me sleep but made me higher than my first time trying drugs in college. Felt good I can’t even fib. I talk through the privilege of temporary illness, share some of my perspective, my thoughts on ‘soup illness’ and speak on my sister’s experiences lightly as she has shaped my view on life. Lastly I talk about my latest obsession, creative numerology. If you want to figure out what cycle you are in this year, I teach you how to do it (or you can google it because I go in circles and probably confuse you). Thank you for listening.

“Sharing personal stories to feel more connected in our human experience” What started in a living room in 2023 and a craving for interconnectedness within community, became StoryTell. Rachel Saslaw joins me on Not That Deep for episode 70 and I am oh so grateful. Rachel, you will feel immediately embodies warmth and welcome. She is engaging, well spoken, authentic and bold. When she is not working her product marketing job, once a month, Rachel leads, organizes and hosts StoryTell events in various locations in NYC. Topics like ‘transitions’, ‘journey’, ‘new york’ are brought as the topic, and humans from all walks of life have the opportunity to have 50+ stranger’s undivided attention for 5 minutes as they speak their truth. It is unbelievable to watch the power if stories being shared in such a safe space, getting deep with people you have never met. Check out StoryTellnyc on instagram for more info, trust me, you don’t want to miss this. 

Kiara Lee is currently performing with Heather’s the Musical (that is where I first saw her as Heather Duke ) And to clarify, she can play 3 different roles in Heather's, and could be told that DAY who she is playing. My friend Josh Rosen introduced us and I am forever grateful. Kiara is a weapon - she is an actress, dancer, singer, comedian, influencer, kind hearted soul and good person. She is only 23, conquering the ins and outs of New York. Kiara’s devotion to getting better and growing has gotten her to Heather’s and will continue to get her anything in her path. I truly just LOVED talking with her, we had so much fun and I loved asking my hot questions of Broadway… enjoy this episode!