Positively Joy with Yvette Walker
A spiritual look at searching for the light in all seasons of life. Join Yvette Walker and her guests as they discuss a wide range of topics with a basis in faith and values.
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Episodes
- 1Welcome to the podcast!Welcome to Finding Joy, a podcast on walking in joy in all seasons. I'm your host, Yvette Walker.
- 2Birdsong = joyHave you ever really listened to the birds? Are they singing for joy?
- 3Kindness = joyThe unexpected happens when you perform an act of kindness.
- 4An interview with a Christian Covid survivorIn episode 5: Teresa Taylor Williams talks about her blog, Praises in the Pandemic and how she has sought God in this challenging season in her life.
- 5Can animals teach us about kindness?Episode 6: On this Memorial Day, a drive through a safari park got me thinking about our freedom and how to think about others.
- 6Joy behind the wedding cameraIn episode 7: Photographer Jaleccia Ates shares her insights about joy and the experiences of a single, saved woman. Credit: Ariel C. Burns Photography
- 7Why the Facebook compliment challenge is so important ... with Mashaun SimonIn episode 8: Asst. Pastor Mashaun Simon posted a compliment challenge on his Facebook page. The huge response is indicative of our craving for positivity. Simon talks about this need, his unexpected path into ministry after journalism, and life in the church as a gay man.
- 8Feeding joy and starving fear on social media ... with Mashaun SimonThis is episode 9, and part two of my conversation with Asst. Pastor Mashaun D. Simon. We finish talking about the Facebook Compliment Challenge but also delve into how social media can serve as a positive in a season of negativity.
- 9Crescent Dragonwagon brings joy by reading to othersIn episode 10, author Crescent Dragonwagon, yes, that's her name, and her husband, Mark Graff started reading children's books on Facebook Live during Covid-19. Her mother, Charlotte Zolotow, was an accomplished writer and brought joy to many children, as did Crescent herself. In part one of our conversation, the couple talks about why they started the story time.
- 10Author Crescent Dragonwagon on why storytelling gives her joy, part 2In Episode 11, listen to part two of my conversation with author Crescent Dragonwagon and her husband, Mark Graff on hosting a story time for children's stories on Facebook, and why sharing stories is important.
- 11How to decode happiness ... with Marcus Cade Jr.In Episode 12, therapist and life coach Marcus Cade Jr. of Happiness Decoded 101 teaches people how to activate their joy. Through personal tragedy, he learned the four pillars of harmony and happiness!
- 12Activate your joy with Happiness Decoded 101In Episode 12, therapist and life coach Marcus Cade Jr. of Happiness Decoded 101 teaches people how to activate their joy. Through personal tragedy, he learned the four pillars of harmony and happiness!
- 13Bishop Jose uses mirth in ministryEpisode 13: How does an Episcopalian bishop deal with self-isolation in a quarantine? He makes funny videos, of course. That's what Bishop Jose McLoughlin does, anyway. Listen to my conversation with the bishop about making people laugh during stressful times. rj9v7SeeY79ZY57Y7zPI
- 14Empowering women and girls is her passionEpisode 14: Valerie Vaughn is a photographer, but she also has a mission to infuse empowerment into everything she creates. Listen to our conversation on how she does this, and why she prays before every session. To read the story I wrote about her project for Upworthy, click here.
- 15Like a Motherless Child: Jessie Smith on George FloydEpisode 15: In a special episode of Positively Joy: Journalism student Jessie Smith tells why the death of George Floyd affected him so deeply. They both are black men, and motherless. Smith's essay, "Like a Motherless Child: The Memory of George Floyd," can be found on Medium. Editor's note: This conversation references difficult topics and uses language about racial injustice. However, it's important to tackle these topics, understand concerns across this nation, and continue down the path to seeking joy.
- 16Cutting her dreadlocks: The Joy of Hair Week, part 1It's our Joy of Hair Week! Today in Episode 16 of the Positively Joy podcast, Linda Lockhart discusses her reasons for cutting off her long dreadlocks and embracing the joy of a short, worry-free style. Subscribe and don't miss parts 2 and 3 in the Joy of Hair Week: Michael Quintanilla on going gray, and Linda Jones on shaving her beautiful head.
- 17The Joy of Hair Week, part two: From Disco mane to stylish gray, Michael Quintanilla still rocks it!In part two of the Joy of Hair Week, we talk to the the always fashion-forward Michael Quintanilla If you want someone who finds joy through their hair, it's Michael. Cool, trendy and always passionate about style, he enjoys looking good, but also helping others feel good about themselves! Michael discusses his hair, going gray and why it all matters.
- 18When your faith is challenged: The Oklahoman's Carla HintonOn episode 19 of the Positively Joy Podcast: Carla Hinton, Faith editor of The Oklahoman, recently wore a mask while attempting to interview someone for a story. The person challenged her faith, asking her to remove her mask, and whether she believed God would protect her from Coronavirus. Carla talks about the encounter, and what scripture she stands on.
- 19She shaved her head to find new growth: Writer Linda JonesIn part three of the Joy of Hair Week, we talk to a bold woman who revealed a special decision on social media. After battling with the hair thinning disorder alopecia, writing consultant Linda Jones made the decision to go bald. The reaction was swift and positive on social media, but that's not why she did it. Linda says wanted to inspire other women suffering from hair issues to go bald when they are ready. After the reveal, she published the poem "Natural Progression," which she recites on the show. Episode 20 is explosive!
- 20Daredevil: The superhero who believes in GodJoin my conversation in episode 21 with comic book experts Anthony Brown and Kade Poulson all about Daredevil and his religious crisis. He believes in God, but doubts himself. Is he good? Or is he truly the devil of Hell's Kitchen? The Netflix show is just the latest incarnation of this character, which has been featured in comics for years.
- 21Daredevil part 2: Breaking down a superhero's belief in God, and Bible comparisonsThe guys are back! In part 2 of this conversation with comic experts Anthony Brown (below right) and Kade Poulson, we explore Scripture and Bible characters to get at the root of Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) and his religious traditions. Why does he hurt people but refrain from killing? Does he pray to God? And do we see religion depicted in other comics? Also, breaking news about the Infinite Danger Room podcast!
- 22The mother of Bible journaling, Shanna Noel speaks out on finding joy!Shanna Noel is the founder of the Bible journaling company, Illustrated Faith. Shanna talks all about what Bible journaling is and how we can grow closer to God through this relatively new art form. She has grown her company in 5 short years and has tens of thousands of fans through social media. Like this episode? Sign up here for news and updates about Positively Joy! Shanna's ability to help Christians delve into God's Word and illustrate it has caused more people to spend time in their Bible than ever before. Below is an example of Bible journaling: a page I created from the book of 1 Peter in the New Testament. The Lord remains forever, and that is why we celebrate Him through illustrating His Word! Also July 16 and 17, Shanna is participating in the Instagram #passthebrush challenge where black and white designers work together to bring more attention to minority artists.
- 23Survive the dog days of summer with family memories and God's wordEpisode 24 is all about trusting God and finding joy in family memories. First, I'm delving into the book of Isaiah and learning about God's promises. Then later, listen to me and my sister, Karen Walker, as we pick greens and tell funny stories about our parents when we were young. Photo of my mother, Virginia Walker, when she was in her 20s.
- 24Posh Paper Lady: Sherry finds pure joy papercrafting in her She ShedIn episode 25, we talk to Sherry Williams of Charlotte, N.C., who finds joy out of making all kinds of things out of paper. On her YouTube channel, Posh Paper Lady, she can teach you how to as well. Thousands of fans come to Sherry's channel every day to watch her make "stinkin' cute" projects, and have a good time. But papercrafting isn't frivolous. It can be practical and even contribute to the community. Romans 12:9 helped her get through a trying time in her life. Find out why. Extra: Listen to the end for a surprise announcement from Sherry! Captions: (Top) A desktop organizer Sherry made from paper, chipboard cork and crafting hardware. (Bottom) Her logo welcomes thousands of fans to her channel daily.
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