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

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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