The Joy Project With Julia

Finding Joy in Purpose and Leaving a Legacy, A Conversation Continued: Interview with Jeremy Rich

This week on The Joy Project with Julia, I’m joined once again by Jeremy Rich for a continuation of our previous conversation from the podcast. A year later, we reflect on growth, purpose, human connection, and what it means to leave a legacy through simply being yourself. Jeremy shares how his definition of purpose has evolved from something big and overarching to the small intentional moments of everyday life...showing up for people, creating meaningful connections, and finding joy in the present moment. As graduation approaches, we spoke about navigating transition seasons, the pressure of having life figured out, redefining success beyond achievement, and learning to live authentically without worrying about outside expectations. This episode is a reminder that purpose is constantly evolving, legacy is built through the way we make others feel, and sometimes the smallest moments end up meaning the most.

Finding Joy in Servant Leadership: Interview with Lina Arguelles

What does it really mean to lead with purpose… and how can failure become your greatest advantage? This week on The Joy Project with Julia, I sat down with Lina Arguelles, a distinguished leader at the University of Florida, to explore the power of servant leadership, embracing failure, and stepping confidently into your own spotlight. From mentoring others to navigating major life pivots, Lina shares how shifting your mindset from fearing failure to learning from it can completely transform your path. We dive into the importance of community, self-reflection, and mental discipline, and how small, intentional actions, like a single conversation or a moment of honesty with yourself, can spark meaningful growth. Lina’s perspective on “sharing your spotlight” is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about standing alone. It’s about lifting others up along the way. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to fail, this episode will leave you inspired to take action, trust your journey, and start turning setbacks into stepping stones. Key takeaway: Your failures aren’t the end. They’re just a few steps closer to your next “yes.”

Finding Joy in Helping Others Feel Heard: Interview with Monish Vijayaraghavan

What if joy wasn’t about finding the people who take your breath away… but the ones who remind you to breathe? In this grounding episode of The Joy Project, I sit down with Monish Vijayaraghavan, whose joy project is simple yet powerful: helping people feel heard. From meaningful conversations on campus to a life-shifting moment in the military, Monish shares how presence, empathy, and intentional listening can transform not just relationships—but lives. Together, we explore why listening is one of the most intimate things we can do, the difference between solving a problem and making someone feel seen, how small moments (like remembering details or sending a follow-up text) create lasting impact, and the role of grace, perspective, and community in shaping who we become. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need the perfect words to change someone’s day… you just need to show up and truly listen. Tune in, slow down, and rediscover the power of being present.

Finding Joy in Learning How To Pivot

After a month-long pause, The Joy Project with Julia is back with a powerful reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is pivot. Inspired by the iconic “pivot!” moment from Friends, this episode dives into what it looks like to navigate life’s highs and lows while learning to shift direction with intention. It explores the pressure of perfectionism, the challenge of showing up consistently, and the courage it takes to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. From hobbies and daily routines to relationships, career uncertainty, and last minute plans, this conversation unpacks how small mindset shifts can lead to meaningful change. Through real-life reflections and relatable experiences, listeners are encouraged to reframe setbacks, protect their energy, and embrace flexibility in both big and small moments. For anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next step, this episode serves as a reminder that pivoting isn’t failure, it’s alignment. And sometimes, the most important choice to focus on is the very next one.

Finding Joy in Fulfilling Hobbies: Interview with Zach Weisman

In this episode, Zach Weisman joins live from his study abroad experience in Madrid to share how productive hobbies have become his anchor through life’s transitions. From playing guitar and scrap journaling to reading and staying active, Zach reflects on how these practices help him stay grounded, manage stress, and better understand himself while navigating his 20s. Together, we explore the ebb and flow of hobbies...some passions come and go, but they always remain there when you need them most. Zach opens up about overcoming the pressure to be perfect when starting something new, learning to simply begin, and how small, consistent actions can grow into meaningful routines. The conversation also dives into the deeper impact of hobbies: building a stronger relationship with yourself, becoming comfortable with solitude, and carrying lessons from experiences abroad into everyday life. At its core, this episode is a reminder to be intentional with your time, stay curious, and invest in the small things that bring you joy...because one day, your future self will thank you.