A Joyful Rebellion

Episode Summary 
What if the key to happiness wasn’t in getting what you want—but in choosing how you respond when you don’t? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, international bestselling author and cartoonist Andrew Matthews joins us from Australia to unpack what it really means to bounce back. With over 8 million books sold in 49 languages, Andrew’s simple, illustrated messages about happiness have helped millions reframe their pain, reclaim their power, and live with more joy—even in the midst of hard times.
We explore the difference between people who move forward and those who stay stuck, why acceptance is the real first step toward healing, and how a slice of cake might be all it takes to shift your mindset. Whether you're recovering from loss, trying to find meaning in the mess, or just want to feel a little more like yourself again—this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and hope.
 
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Introduction: When life knocks you down, then what?
[01:00] Meet Andrew Matthews: The decision that changed everything
[03:00] The happiness myth—and the truth he discovered at 25
[06:30] Rejection, risk, and the cartoon book that went global
[08:15] What happy people have in common (hint: it’s not stuff)
[10:45] The cake cartoon and the power of what we focus on
[12:00] Lessons from people with “bigger problems and better attitudes”
[14:15] Why bouncing back starts with acceptance
[17:00] The trap of “it shouldn’t have happened”—and how to move on
[19:00] Resilience, stoicism, and choosing how we interpret events
[21:30] Nick Vujicic, country western songs, and perspective shifts
[24:00] When self-help stops working—and what to do next
[26:00] The problem with overthinking and the gift of self-awareness
[28:00] Social media, short attention spans, and the myth of comparison
[30:00] Decision vs. transformation: the real turning point
[32:00] Different books for different seasons of hardship
[34:00] Supporting people around you without pushing them
[36:00] Being the best example—not the loudest voice
[38:00] Real-life stories: from broke and hopeless to joyful and thriving
[42:00] Start where you are—there’s no other place to begin
[44:00] Where to find Andrew’s books and newsletters
[45:00] Final thoughts and thank yous
Resources
Andrew’s Website: andrewmatthews.com
Books by Andrew Matthews:
Being Happy
Bouncing Back
Happiness in Hard Times
Follow Your Heart
Audiobooks available on Audible
Andrew’s newsletter (sign up on his website)
 
 

Episode Summary
What if your favorite suspense novel could help you rebalance your entire life?
In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James Walters talks with bestselling author, business strategist, and resilience coach Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel Crossroads is more than a legal thriller—it’s a mirror for self-reflection. Rhonda shares how each of her flawed-yet-relatable characters embodies a different dimension of imbalance, from workaholism and grief to loyalty and burnout. The plot may be fiction, but the emotional truths are very real.
Together, James and Rhonda explore the invisible tug-of-war so many of us feel between responsibility and self-worth—and why joy often takes a back seat. They unpack Rhonda’s powerful “13 Dimensions of Life Balance” framework, the quiet rebellion of saying yes to what lights you up, and how seemingly small daily choices—like cutting up fruit—can become acts of self-love.
Rhonda also opens up about her decades-long journey to publishing Crossroads, how her sister’s blunt wisdom reignited her dream, and why she believes legacy is built in everyday moments. Her next project? A sequel and a series of personal development books rooted in the lives of her characters.
Whether you're craving change, feeling out of sync, or just love a good story with soul, this episode will help you see your own life through a new lens.
⏱️ Chapter Markers
[00:00:00] Welcome and Rhonda’s Daily Joy Practice
[00:01:00] Introducing Crossroads—a Suspense Novel with a Purpose
[00:04:00] Finding Joy in the Midst of Struggle
[00:07:00] Why Fiction Can Be a Mirror for Your Own Life
[00:11:00] The 13 Dimensions of Life Balance
[00:17:00] Vulnerability, Success, and the Fear of Rewriting Your Story
[00:25:00] Small Practices That Create Big Shifts
[00:29:00] Balancing Joy with Real Life
[00:35:00] What’s Next: Life Balance Workbook, Resilience Guide & Sequel
[00:38:00] Rhonda’s Final Wisdom: Extend the Moments That Make You Smile
🔗 Resources & Mentions
Rhonda’s website: Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor -
Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor – Available on Amazon
Follow Rhonda on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
 

Episode Summary:
Sometimes your life doesn’t change with a big decision—it changes because of a single step. In this powerful episode, James talks with Austin Page, mindset-driven coach and former patient who went from self-destruction to self-mastery after a near-fatal car crash left him hospitalized and immobile.
What started as physical rehab soon turned into an identity shift. Austin shares how daily, uncomfortable action rebuilt his confidence, how self-discipline sparked real transformation, and why most people stay stuck not because life is “bad”—but because it’s “not that bad.”
They talk about the Region Beta Paradox, how to create a “brand book” for your future self, and why belief only comes after action. If you’ve ever said, “I just need to get motivated,” this episode is the wake-up call—and the roadmap—you’ve been waiting for.
 
Show Notes with Chapter Markers:
Episode Title: From Hospital Bed to Mindset Coach: Austin Page on Rebuilding Your Life
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] The Moment Everything Changed – A drunk driving accident and the wake-up call
[02:00] Hospital to Rehab – Facing reality and getting uncomfortable
[04:30] Resistance Meets Rubber Bands – Building strength from rock bottom
[06:00] From Bedbound to Walking Again – Why physical progress fuels mental change
[08:00] Building Self-Belief One Day at a Time
[10:00] The Region Beta Paradox – “It’s not that bad” is a trap
[12:30] Writing Your Own Brand Book – Identity, habits, and standards
[14:30] What the Future Version of You Would Do
[17:00] Action Before Belief – Why confidence follows reps
[19:00] Attracting What You Want by Becoming It
[21:00] Inputs = Outputs – Energy in, energy out
[24:00] Saying No & Losing Friends – Navigating social friction during growth
[27:00] The Alcohol Test – What people say when you start to change
[29:00] Deposits or Deductions – Every choice adds up
[34:00] Presence & Pride – If you’re not proud of your presence, you can’t be present
[37:00] Who > How – The person you want to be already knows what to do
[43:00] The Cornfield Analogy – Progress grows where belief used to be.
Links and Resources:
Instagram: @‌apageman
Coaching Website: Flow Coaching
Free Mindset Resources: Shared regularly on his Instagram Stories
*DMs open for coaching inquiries and collaboration

Episode Summary:
What if your diagnosis isn’t your destiny—and the real problem isn’t you, but the system that told you something was wrong in the first place?
In this bold and eye-opening episode, James sits down with Dr. Fred Moss, a former psychiatrist who spent 45 years inside the mental health system—only to walk away. Known today as The UNDoctor, Fred now helps people “UNdiagnose, UNmedicate, and UNindoctrinate” themselves through creativity, communication, and conscious choice.
We talk about the origins of the modern psychiatric model, the myth of the chemical imbalance, and why discomfort isn’t a disorder—it’s part of being human. Fred shares how 100,000+ prescriptions and 30,000 patients eventually pushed him to break the cycle, and how healing actually begins when we stop trying to be “fixed.”
This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned their diagnosis, their medication—or what it really means to be okay.
 
Show Notes with Chapter Markers:
Episode Title: Welcome to Humanity: Dr. Fred Moss on Psychiatric Truth and Creative Healing
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] What If the Problem Isn’t You? – Redefining the “disorder”
[03:00] Growing Up in Chaos & Learning to Communicate – Fred’s early love of human connection
[08:00] A Job That Was Supposed to Last 3 Weeks – How a childcare gig changed everything
[10:00] The Birth of a Healer – First encounters with barbaric psychiatry
[13:00] Why Prozac Changed Everything – The rise of biological psychiatry
[15:00] The Thousand-Cut Career – When prescribing becomes soul-sacrifice
[17:00] The Razor Blade in the Band-Aid – Medication as symptom generator
[20:00] The Mindset That Keeps People Stuck – Why people fight to keep their diagnosis
[22:00] Becoming The UNDoctor – Shifting from psychiatrist to life coach
[26:00] On Anxiety, Sunday Scaries & Social Media – Real talk on what’s “normal”
[29:00] 20 Ways to Manage Discomfort – Non-pharma tools for being human
[33:00] The Power of Creativity – Art, gardening, dancing & expression as healing
[36:00] Agency & Sovereignty – The reminder no one gives you
[40:00] “I Just Want to Be Better” – Why medication won’t get you there
[45:00] The Starting Line – Step one for those wanting a different way
[48:00] Welcome to Humanity – The messy truth and beautiful possibility
Links and Resources:
Fred’s Website: welcometohumanity.net
Books by Dr. Fred Moss:
Find Your True Voice
Creative Eight
TEDx Talk & Speaking Engagements: Available via his website
The UNDoctor Podcast: Streaming everywhere
Follow Fred on Instagram: Fred Moss

Episode Summary:
What if you didn’t have to wait for retirement to see the world? In this adventurous and inspiring episode, James sits down with Ryan Mellon, better known as The Digital Nomad Coach, to hear how he went from working 14-hour days at two jobs to traveling the world full-time—while still earning an income.
Ryan’s journey started with a one-year RV trip across the U.S., but it didn’t stop there. From glacier hikes in New Zealand to motorbiking through the mountains of Vietnam, he’s built a life where work and wanderlust coexist. In this episode, he shares how he made the leap to location independence, the mindset shifts that made it possible, and the practical steps anyone can take to explore the digital nomad life—even if they don’t have a remote job yet.
If you’ve ever felt like there has to be more than the 9-to-5 grind, Ryan’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible—and maybe even book that one-way ticket.
 
Episode Title: From Fast Food to Freedom: Ryan Mellon’s Digital Nomad Life
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Welcome to Bali – Ryan checks in from halfway across the world.
[01:30] The Breaking Point – Working 14-hour days for a decade.
[03:00] Costa Rica Changed Everything – A two-week solo trip that sparked it all.
[05:30] RV Life Begins – One year, 23 states, and a lot of lessons.
[07:00] The Real Estate Revelation – Making remote income on the road.
[09:00] Taking It Global – New Zealand and the birth of a nomad.
[11:00] Becoming The Digital Nomad Coach – Helping others take the leap.
[13:00] Minimalism and the Sailboat Life – Why less stuff = more freedom.
[16:00] Mindset Roadblocks – Common fears and how to overcome them.
[18:00] The Truth About Cost – Living abroad can be cheaper than home.
[21:00] Epic Adventures – Glacier hikes, motorbike tours, and unexpected karaoke.
[24:00] Family, Friends & FOMO – What people really think of his lifestyle.
[27:00] Risk vs. Regret – Leaving the comfort zone behind.
[30:00] How to Get Started – Ryan’s advice for aspiring nomads.
[32:00] Final Thoughts – The world is waiting—just do it.
Links and Resources:
Website: TheDigitalNomadCoach.com
Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad — Available on his website
Socials: 
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @‌thedigitalnomadcoach
Podcast: Digital Nomad Nation – Now streaming everywhere

Episode Summary:
What if the story that changed your life… wasn’t your own?
In this episode, James sits down with Marcia Heath, a former publishing professional and ghostwriter turned author and documentarian, to explore what it really means to rewrite your story. After decades of editing others' words and chasing what she thought was success, Marcia's body hit the brakes—literally—with a rare case of transient global amnesia. That pause led to an entirely different kind of life.
On a reset trip to Aruba, a conversation under a mango tree sparked her new project: a book and now a documentary about two humble surf shop founders who prioritized friendship, community, and joy over growth and glory. What began as curiosity became a full creative immersion—and ultimately a blueprint for Marcia’s own reinvention.
We talk about burnout, accountability, creative transformation, and how letting go of perfection can lead to a more present and meaningful life. If you've ever felt the pull to do something different—or just to feel more like you again—this episode is a warm, funny, and inspiring invitation to pause, reset, and start fresh.
 
Episode Title: The Book Under the Mango Tree: Marcia Heath on Simplicity, Story, and Second Acts
 
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] A Rare Wake-Up Call – Transient global amnesia and what it revealed
[03:00] The “Dream Job” That Wasn’t – Burnout disguised as success
[05:30] The Aruba Reset – A chance conversation that changed everything
[07:30] The Surf Shop Mystery – What made it work for 20+ years?
[10:00] Resistance from the Rebels – When the story subjects say no
[12:00] Filming the Documentary – Behind the scenes of reluctant stardom
[15:00] Malcolm Gladwell & Bula Surf’s Secret Sauce – Autonomy, challenge, and validation
[17:00] A Life Rewritten – From ghostwriter to author
[20:00] The Myth of the Happy Finish Line – What the book box moment actually felt like
[22:00] Building a Creative Team – Why accountability > inspiration
[24:00] Joy as a Side Effect – Letting go of the pursuit
[27:00] Tuesdays with Maury Vibes – Connection and purpose over polish
[30:00] Piano, Play, and Reclaiming Joy – The creative ripple effect
[33:00] Subtraction for Success – Pruning projects and friendships
[35:00] Don’t Judge a Book by Its Surf Shop – Why this story is about all of us
Links and Resources:
Website: littlegiantbook.com
Free Guide: Build Your Own Dream – Available on her website
Book: Little Giant: The Story of Aruba’s Surf Shop and the Rebels Who Built It
Documentary (coming soon): Updates via email subscription on her site

Episode Summary:
What does redemption look like—really? For John David Graham, it looked like a 140-year-old house, a $200 budget, and a second chance—not just for himself, but for thousands of others.
In this powerful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James talks with author and nonprofit founder John David Graham about his journey from career detours, near-homelessness, and restless searching, to building Good Samaritan Home, a community-based housing network that’s helped over 2,500 men and women reenter society after prison.
John shares stories from the front lines of restoration: what he’s learned about second chances, the systems stacked against the formerly incarcerated, and how faith, kindness, and snowblowers can sometimes move mountains. His memoir, Running as Fast as I Can, threads through this conversation as a roadmap for hope—both earned and extended.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real difference, this episode will show you how small acts of courage and kindness can ripple outward, changing everything.
 
Show Notes with Chapter Markers:
Episode Title: Running as Fast as I Can: John David Graham on Second Chances and Redemption
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Meet John David Graham: From chaos to community
[02:00] The Seeds of Good Samaritan Home: A Victorian house and a vision
[05:00] Life Before Purpose: Detroit, odd jobs, and instability
[08:00] Reggie’s Arrival: The first resident and community resistance
[11:00] Suing the City and Shoveling Sidewalks: Kindness over conflict
[13:00] Funding Faith: How the program scaled house by house
[15:00] Understanding Addiction & Reentry: Why people go back
[18:00] What Returning Citizens Really Need: Listening, dignity, jobs
[22:00] The Importance of Showing Up: Why employers say yes
[26:00] Walking with a Limp: Rehabilitation vs. Habilitation
[29:00] How the Book Came Together: The real stories behind the fiction
[33:00] Why Community Still Matters: Disconnection in modern life
[36:00] Small Acts of Kindness: What you can do today
[41:00] Trying Something New at 76: Becoming an “actor” for a day
[43:00] Where to Find the Book & Get Involved

Episode Summary:
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge thinking, “How did I get here—again?” — you’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode, James sits down with Renée Jones, coach, author, TEDx speaker, and someone who knows the diet cycle all too well.
After 40 years of yo-yo dieting, Renée discovered the root of her struggle: emotional eating. Today, she helps clients worldwide face their emotional triggers head-on and build sustainable, compassionate relationships with food. In this conversation, Renée shares how understanding her Enneagram type and uncovering early emotional connections to food changed everything.
We dive into how past memories shape present cravings, why high achievers often miss the emotional cues, and how simple daily practices—like keeping your goal jeans visible—can create lasting change. Renée also breaks down the difference between therapy and coaching, why self-awareness is the true game-changer, and how to set up your environment for success.
If you’re tired of diets that don’t stick, this conversation is your permission slip to try something different.
 
Show Notes with Chapter Markers:
Episode Title: Face Your Stuff, Don’t Stuff Your Face: Renee Jones on Emotional Eating
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] It’s Not Just the Food: Understanding what’s really driving you to the fridge.
[01:00] Renee’s 40-Year Diet Yo-Yo: The long road to awareness.
[03:00] Dieting Since Age 10: Early patterns and generational cycles.
[06:00] Closet Full of Sizes: The reality of yo-yo dieting.
[07:00] Emotional Eating Defined: Awareness is everything.
[10:00] Captain Crunch & Comfort: How early memories shape cravings.
[13:00] Peanut Butter & Love: Emotional connections to food.
[16:00] Beyond Quick Fixes: Why weight-loss shots and surgery don’t solve the real issue.
[18:00] Awareness First: The power of recognizing emotional eating.
[20:00] Accountability Hacks: Environment and setting yourself up for success.
[24:00] The Pendulum Effect: Overachievers and overcompensating.
[26:00] Enneagram & Emotional Eating: Personality-informed approaches.
[29:00] Gender Differences: How men and women process food emotionally.
[32:00] Tastes Change: Why your cravings shift over time.
[35:00] The Breakthrough: Choosing yourself over the food.
[39:00] Finding What Works for You: Personalized nutrition.
[43:00] Myth Busting: Fat isn’t the enemy.
[45:00] Final Thoughts: Simple steps toward lasting change.
 
Links and Resources:
Renee’s Website: packyourownbag.com
Email Renee: renee@packyourownbag.com
TEDx Talk: Search "Renee Jones TEDx Emotional Eating"
Free Affirmations and Resources: packyourownbag.com
 
 

Episode Summary:
What do coal mines, TikTok, and pizza have in common? In this heartfelt and hunger-inducing episode, James sits down with author and entrepreneur Erica D’Arcangelo to explore the incredible story behind her family's 60-year-old pizzeria in Western Pennsylvania.
Erica shares how a return home during her father’s heart surgery rekindled her purpose in marketing, inspired her to tell her family's immigrant story, and ultimately led to the creation of a children’s book, a coloring book, and a video series celebrating family-owned pizzerias.
From her grandfather’s journey from coal miner to pizzeria founder, to the viral success of their pizza-cutting videos, this conversation is packed with themes of resilience, legacy, and the power of doing work that truly matters.
 
Episode Title:
A Story About Pizza: Erica D’Arcangelo on Legacy, Risk & Reinvention
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Intro & Pizza Warning – Get a snack first!
[01:00] Coming Home – Erica returns to help her dad after heart surgery.
[03:00] Rebuilding the Family Business – A pizzeria restored and a legacy reignited.
[05:00] TikTok and a Million Views – The moment a pizza video changed everything.
[07:00] The Real Story Begins – A trip to Italy and rediscovering heritage.
[08:30] Coal Mines and Dreams – Her grandfather’s incredible immigration story.
[10:00] Finding Purpose in Marketing Again – From burnout to meaning.
[12:00] Launching the Book and Video Projects – Creativity fueled by connection.
[14:00] The Origin of the Pizzeria – Buying a building and baking a dream.
[17:00] Anchored by Legacy – What the business means to the family.
[20:00] The Pineapple Debate – The DiAngelo stance.
[23:00] The Evolution of Pizza and Crust Talk – Mike’s Pie vs. OG style.
[25:00] Lessons from Writing a Book – What Erica learned in the process.
[27:00] A True Joyful Rebellion – Turning family history into personal purpose.
Links and Resources:
Book Website: AStoryAboutPizza.com
The Pizzeria: Darc’s Pizza – darcspizza.com
Follow on Instagram: @‌astoryaboutpizza
Children’s Book & Coloring Book: Available now on AStoryAboutPizza.com
TikTok: @‌astoryaboutpizza
Recommended Pizza Spot in FL: ROA Pizza, Clearwater/Tampa area

Episode Summary:
Adoption is often seen as a beautiful new beginning, but behind every adoption story is an unspoken layer of loss, identity struggles, and adjustment—for both the child and the adoptive family. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James sits down with author and adoptive mother Anna Maria DiDio to talk about the realities of adoption, the challenges of integrating a child into a new culture, and why every adoption story begins with loss and trauma.
Anna Maria shares her journey of international adoption, the emotional rollercoaster of welcoming her daughter into the family, and how the experience led her to write memoirs and children’s books designed to help families navigate adoption with understanding and compassion.
If you're an adoptive parent, considering adoption, or simply interested in the complexities of family, identity, and belonging, this episode is a must-listen.
 
Show Notes with Chapter Markers:
Episode Title:
"Adoption, Identity, and Healing: A Conversation with Anna Maria DiDio"
 
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Introduction – Meet Anna Maria DiDio and her journey into adoption.
[02:00] A Life-Changing Decision – How international adoption became part of her family’s story.
[05:30] The Myth of Adoption – Why adoption is more complex than people assume.
[08:00] Facing the Reality of Trauma – How early separation impacts adopted children.
[12:00] Navigating Identity and Culture – Helping adopted children connect with their roots.
[17:00] Parenting Through Challenges – Emotional struggles, school adjustments, and family dynamics.
[22:00] Turning Pain into Purpose – How journaling led to a career as an adoption advocate and author.
[26:00] Advice for Families Considering Adoption – The lessons Anna Maria wishes she had known.
[30:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect – Books, resources, and how to stay in touch with Anna Maria.
 
Links and Resources:
Anna Maria DiDio’s Website: amdidio.com
Download the Free Affirmation Sheet for Kids: Click Here
Books by Anna Maria DiDio:
Love at the Border: An Adoption Adventure (Memoir)
The Life Adventure Series (Children’s Books on Adoption)
Follow Anna Maria on Instagram: @‌amdidio_author