Season 2 continues with Dr. Erin Wilson—speaker, author, and CEO of Design Ideal Consulting. Erin is on a mission to transform the way leaders and teams thrive by integrating relationship intelligence, strategic rest, and intentional leadership.

In this episode, we talk about how Erin discovered her passion for helping people lead and collaborate more effectively—and how tuning into her own strengths played a major role in that journey. We explore how identifying your strengths can not only shape your leadership style, but also serve as a powerful tool for discerning your calling and career direction.

We also dive into what it means to lead with clarity, why rest is a strategic advantage, and how relational tools like Core Strengths, DiSC, and The Five Behaviors can revolutionize the way teams communicate and grow together. Erin shares what she’s learned from over a decade of designing transformative team-building experiences—and why sustainable leadership begins with self-awareness and rest.

Connect with Erin:
Website: designidealconsulting.com
Instagram: @dr.erinwilson
YouTube: PowerNAP Live
LinkedIn: Dr. Erin Wilson

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars | Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

In this solo episode, Julia Light shares her personal journey of learning to dream big—and why dreaming is more essential now than ever in our current cultural moment. Imagination plays a key role in meaningful work, no matter the field, and Julia shares key practices to unlock this, as well as a clearer sense of identity + purpose through dreaming! This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps.

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy

Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars

Music by Andrew Ward

In this special solo episode, our host Julia shares 25 things she’s learned in 25 years to celebrate her 25th birthday. From living deeply to embracing whimsy, creative momentum and taking risks, these reflections capture the lessons, joys, and challenges that have shaped her so far.

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy

Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars

Music by Andrew Ward

Season 2 continues with nonprofit founder and social entrepreneur Melissa Ice. Melissa is the Founder & Executive Director of The Net, a nonprofit that has supported over 1,700 survivors of trafficking, and the Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of The Worthy Co., a social enterprise that provides job training and employment for survivors.

In this episode, we talk about how Melissa developed a heart for serving others working internationally, and the boldness it took to start The Net in her twenties -- seeing a gap in resources and programming for survivors of trafficking in her own city, and stepping in to fill it . She shares her journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up, the lessons she’s learned about leadership and impact, and why social enterprise is a powerful tool for change. Melissa also shares about her experiences befriending those of different cultures and backgrounds out of love and curiosity, and the profound impact this has had on her life, career, and legacy.

We talk about discerning purpose, the power of "you don't know what you don't know," and investing in the place where you live -- to leave it better than you found it.

Connect with Melissa:
The Net: thenetfw.com | Instagram
The Worthy Co: worthy-co.com | Instagram
Instagram: @melissaice

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars | Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with award-winning writer, actor, and producer Veronica Reyes-How. Veronica began her career in technology consulting—until a decision to attend an open-call audition led her to book the national tour of Rent.

In this episode, we talk about her journey into acting and writing, the power of calling out giftings in others, and how pivotal encouragement shaped her life and career. Veronica shares how she found a deeper vision for her work—one rooted not in personal success, but in blessing others in the film and TV industry.

We also talk about creativity, calling, and the doors that open when we’re willing to take bold steps into the unknown. Veronica now leads her own production company, Pinoy Cinematic Universe, where she’s creating original stories that inspire, elevate underrepresented voices, and bring meaningful narratives to life.

Connect with Veronica:
Website: imveronicareyes.com
Production Company: pinoycinematicuniverse.com
Instagram: @imveronicareyes

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars
Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with life and relationship coach Ale Siekmeier. Ale is the founder of The Nett, a nonprofit offering a modern approach to Christian singleness, dating, and pre-engagement. She is passionate about healing, soul transformation, and helping people live whole and integrated lives.

In this episode, we talk about everything from healing deep wounds to entrepreneurship, and what it means to live a whole and integrated life. Ale shares powerful wisdom from her years of mentoring, her own healing journey, and the heart behind her work in coaching and mentoring others.

We also talk about finding purpose and calling, cultivating emotional and spiritual health, and what Ale has learned about dating from years of matchmaking and relationship coaching.

Connect with Ale:Website: alesiekmeier.comInstagram: @alesiekmeier

Created by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Renūl, Daniel Olson. Based in New York City, Daniel is known for his immersive installations that challenge perception and explore themes of beauty, light, and transformation. In addition to his art, he leads Renūl, an initiative designed to activate and equip artists while supporting their well-being.

We talk about Daniel’s journey of building a life and career rooted in creativity, his passion for fostering artistic community, and the ways he helps artists step into their fullest potential. Daniel shares the profound impact The Artist’s Way has had on his life and why he now leads groups through it in NYC.

We also dive into the power of an abundance mindset, how gratitude and confidence are connected, and the importance of play and childlikeness in a creative life. This conversation is all about living deeply, pursuing dreams with intention, and embracing the fleeting nature of life as inspiration.

Connect with Daniel:
Renūl: renul.nyc
Instagram: @cosmic.future

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars
Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with Fort Worth, Texas, entrepreneur, musician, and creative leader Jamey Ice. Jamey has worn many hats—founding member and lead guitarist of Green River Ordinance, co-founder of 6th Avenue Homes and 6th Avenue Storytelling, and owner of multiple businesses that have shaped the culture of Fort Worth.

We talk about taking big risks in your 20s, building a business with purpose, and how to shape the city you live in. Jamey shares his journey from full-time musician to entrepreneur, the lessons he’s learned about creativity and leadership, and the rhythms that help him balance ambition with being present.

We also dive into practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, the power of storytelling in business, and what it means to leave a lasting impact.

Connect with Jamey:
6thavehomes.com
6thavestorytelling.com
storieswithsoulpodcast.com
casadeice.com
Instagram: @jameyice

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.com
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoy
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars
Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 is here, and we’re sitting down with chef, entrepreneur, and hospitality expert Rachel Snyder to talk about food, community, entrepreneurship, and the art of making people feel at home.

Five years ago, Rachel left her PR career to become a full-time chef and event planner. Since then, she’s cooked for celebrity judges on Chopped, hosted unforgettable gatherings, and built Rachel Snyder Hospitality. We talk about creating a culture of hospitality, building a business rooted in generosity, and what she’s learned as a leader and entrepreneur.

Rachel also shares the heart behind her Substack Anyone Can Host, her go-to meals for hosting, and advice for anyone looking build deeper community.

Connect with Rachel:
Website: rachelsnyder.nyc
Substack: Anyone Can Host
Instagram: @rachelsnydernyc

Created by Julia Light
Subscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack
Follow Tears & Joy on Instagram
Cover Photo by Audrey Spiars
Music by Andrew Ward
Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Episode 16 of the Tears & Joy Podcast is an interview with actress & comedy writer Courtney Corso-Casiano. A born and raised New Yorker, Courtney has performed in various cabarets & concerts at 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and Sony Hall. In this episode she shared the story of her twenties so far-- graduating in 2019 from Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music and moving back to New York months before the pandemic, beginning to pursue comedy writing and jumping back into the world of musical theatre. Courtney recently produced her own solo show Livin’ La Vida Coco to a sold out audience at The Green Room 42. This is a great episode about pursuing your childhood dreams and what you were made to do, as well as learning to play the long game when things don’t happen as quickly as you planned. Thank you Coco for sharing your story!

Follow Coco on Tiktok

Follow Coco on Instagram

Created by Julia Light

Subscribe to Tears & Joy in Your Twenties on Substack

Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram

Follow Julia Light on Instagram

Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess

Music by Andrew Ward

Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC