This episode is a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay. You’ll learn why recognizing your struggles is the first step toward healing, and how embracing discomfort can lead to growth and transformation. If you’ve ever felt lost or disconnected from your true self, this episode is for you!!

Episode shares:

• The power of vulnerability and how sharing your truth can lead to connection and healing.
• Insights on maintaining friendships and leadership roles while staying true to yourself.
• Practical strategies for overcoming feelings of defeat and reigniting your inner sparkle, even when life feels overwhelming.

Tune in now and remember: sometimes you have to lose yourself to find the joy waiting for you on the other side!

We talk about rejection sensitivity, overthinking, setting boundaries, asking for help, and finding routines that actually support you. Charlee also shares the story behind Brightwired, her emerging student organization creating community and understanding for students with ADHD.

This conversation reminded me that growth doesn’t always look big or obvious… sometimes it looks like saying no, asking for support, or simply giving yourself a little more grace.

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing a dear friend, Arjun Doshi. He shared incredible insights on how he’s overcome many obstacles in his life, the people who’ve helped him grow, and offered inspiring anecdotes about how he’s authentically embraced himself throughout his journey. I’m excited to share some of the beautiful quotes he shared, and I hope you enjoy this interview and his message as much as I did.

We dive into what it truly means to be present in our relationships: active listening, small daily habits that spark joy, and carving out space for others even when life feels hectic or uncertain. You’ll hear personal stories about balancing the excitement of new beginnings with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye, and learn how embracing every moment with intention can turn ordinary interactions into lasting memories.

Whether you’re navigating your own transitions or looking to deepen the connections in your life, this conversation will remind you that joy isn’t just found in milestones—it’s created in the everyday moments we choose to share. Tune in and discover how you can become a little bit of joy in someone else’s world.

In this episode, Yoni shares his Joy Project: learning to live fully in the moment, appreciating the small things, and surrounding yourself with people and experiences that bring genuine happiness. We talk about balancing a busy schedule, reframing obligations as opportunities, and why little joys—like a favorite color or five quiet minutes in nature—can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever felt “too busy” or struggled to slow down and be present, this episode will give you practical tips and a fresh perspective to carry into your week. I can't wait for you to hear from someone who has shaped my life in so many positive ways!

Joy doesn’t wait for an empty calendar...it thrives in motion. So grab your Joy Journal, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into what it really means to find purposeful, balanced, and beautiful busyness.

You don't "have to do __" you "get to do ___"..,, being busy is a blessing!

Disclaimer: there are quite literally crickets chirping (no you aren't going crazy)...some mic difficulties, but will be resolving these next week!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about your next step, this episode is all about slowing down, reflecting, and remembering that your story is yours—and it’s worth celebrating.

From shedding false identities to chasing a dream worth risking everything for, Jared shares the bold mindset shift that turned his pain into purpose: “It’s not happening to you—it’s happening for you.” With unshakable authenticity, he invites us to choose real over easy: “I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.”

This episode is a powerful invitation to stop surviving and start living—with joy, clarity, and courage.

So, with my current situation—spending two days in the hospital while studying abroad in Spain—I decided it was time for a mindset reevaluation.

Instead of focusing on what I’m missing out on, I’m choosing to celebrate the small victories and practice gratitude. More than ever, I’ve been reminded of the importance of human connection and empathy. Navigating the healthcare system alone—and in a language that isn’t my native one—has pushed me to form deeper connections with those around me and encouraged a new perspective.

After experiencing so many physical health challenges over the years, I now feel more equipped to be a positive resource, a trusted confidant, and a support system for others.

To every case of strep throat, every surgery, every stomach bug—I thank you. This is the moment I begin living with more compassion for myself and the health issues I face, and I commit to continually reshaping my mindset when these challenges arise.

We hear the words "purpose" and "legacy" all the time, and let’s be real—life can get so crazy that we often forget to actually think about what they mean to us. But Jeremy has spent a lot of time reflecting on these ideas, and he has some seriously amazing insights to share. He gives some super helpful advice on how to find joy in your purpose and stay true to who you are, no matter what life throws your way.

One quote that really stuck with me was when he said, "You don’t realize how much being yourself can inspire others.” It’s such a good reminder of how much our authentic selves can impact those around us. So, if you’re looking for a little motivation or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode is totally for you. We chat about living authentically, overcoming challenges, and building a legacy that actually matters. Seriously, you’re going to want to hear this! Huge thanks to Jeremy for joining me this week—this one’s a must-listen!

What I thought was just a quick recharge turned out to be something deeper, reminding me that sometimes negative influences, stress, and unhealthy patterns slowly drain us more than we realize.

This episode is all about self check-ins, protecting your energy, and making sure you’re taking preventative steps to stop you from burn out.

PS: Gville was WINDY on my walk (shoutout 28 degree weather)...so perhaps best to listen as you yourself are on a stroll :)

However, good growth can and will come from our negative past experiences if we choose to adopt a positive mindset. So, listen to me yap about my silly entries, my "aha" growth moments, and why daily reflection is so important.

Rooted in her faith and shaped by transformative high school friendships, Sophia reflects on how choosing grace, especially when it comes to forgiveness, can feel less like changing others and more like freeing yourself. She opens up about learning to let go of grudges, releasing pride, and giving both others and herself permission to grow beyond past mistakes. 

We also explore what gratitude really looks like, not toxic positivity or ignoring hard feelings, but choosing perspective. Sophia challenges the idea of staying stuck in self-pity and instead invites us to acknowledge pain without letting it define us. It’s about feeling deeply, then redirecting with intention. 

And when it comes to growth? Comfort isn’t the goal. From shedding labels like “bossy” and stepping into leadership, to speaking up even when it’s scary, Sophia reminds us that humility and ambition can coexist. Pride is overrated. Vulnerability is strength. Shoot your shot. Apply for the opportunity. Say how you feel. If it flops, at least you’ll have a story. 

This episode is a reminder that none of us are perfect…we’re all just figuring it out for the first time. But when we stay grounded in our values, surround ourselves with people who celebrate us, and act out of love, we step closer to the person we’re becoming.

If you’ve been craving a reset in mindset or a gentle push toward living more intentionally, this conversation will leave you inspired to practice the three G’s in your own life & experience joy more fully.

From forming the sweetest connections with locals in Madrid, to practicing my Spanish communication skills daily, to gaining a deeper sense of cultural and global awareness... I’m truly so happy with this new identity I’ve begun to form.

I’m looking forward to using these experiences to fuel future growth and continuing on my mission of seeking and spreading joy in as many ways as possible.

Celebrating Joy Day is something so special to me! From running my first 5K with a glittery cardboard medal, to volunteering on campus, leading creative projects, studying with friends, and ending the night with the sweetest conversation (and a pizookie, of course), I truly could not have had a better day.

I hope my Joy Day inspires you to choose a day to celebrate yourself, be present, and honor your own milestones—big or small.

Save the date for next year: November 5. I’ll be celebrating, and I’d love for you to keep joining me!!

In addition, thank you all so so much for the love and support you have given me! I hope you started thinking more about what J.O.Y. is and how you can start embodying it in your daily life!

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.”

Hard-launching yourself into new friendships can sometimes create more confusion than connection. So let’s normalize the slow burn—building trust, staying intentional, and letting genuine connections unfold over time.

This week, I’m sharing my own experiences navigating new relationships, strengthening emotional intelligence, and finding ways to enjoy life without losing myself in the process.

Join me as we talk about honoring our feelings, embracing connection with care, and finding joy in slowing down and protecting the most sacred parts of ourselves.

But today… today we’re diving into something real, raw, and so incredibly common: finding joy in the midst of imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something so many people struggle with, so let’s normalize these feelings by talking about them. Comparison truly is the thief of joy, especially in environments full of go-getters. It’s up to us to create strong boundaries and self-care practices to protect our mental health. Embracing your “why,” owning your unique joy factor, and remembering that you were chosen for a reason are all so important. Tune in to learn tangible steps to shift from “What if I’m not good enough?” to “What if this is exactly where I’m meant to be?”

Joy is a practice, not a prize. It’s not perfection, it’s presence. It’s gratitude, little victories, authentic connection, and remembering you are worthy of every opportunity you’ve been given. Whether this is your first time hearing about imposter syndrome or you’ve been wrestling with it for years, this episode is your reminder: you are enough, you are capable, and you are not alone.

Stay tuned, get pumped for Joy Day tomorrow, and let’s keep choosing joy together.

I am so unbelievably excited to share my first ever interview with the strongest & most selfless human I know...my mom, LuAnn Scarton!!! She is a true testament of how to find joy in a medical diagnosis. I hope you find her story as inspiring as I do.

(tech issues with mic again *thumbs down boo* i am so technologically challenged, so thank you again for bearing with me)

In this episode, I share my favorite tips for living a balanced lifestyle every day. Plus, I dive into 4+ scheduling resources that have made a huge difference for me. Be sure to check them out and let me know which ones you try!

And here’s the exciting news: drumroll please—this podcast episode has a video component! I’ll be sharing clips on my social platforms and plan to do this for future episodes too. I hope you enjoy this episode and find it super helpful for whatever challenges you’re navigating right now!

Together, we explore how to build a personal toolkit to treat these challenges before they solidify into self-doubt or resentment. I break down how to know when a behavior needs a fresh start, why it is time to clear the emotional clutter out of your digital space, and how proactive communication keeps your relationships intact.

Tune in to learn how to claim ownership over your experiences, embrace rejection as redirection, and face life’s messy, transitional moments with absolute confidence.

I learned that the best things in life are often worth waiting for, that we owe it to ourselves to do things that scare us, and that every season, even the uncertain ones, can be the best part. Most importantly, I’m reminding myself to trust the journey, embrace change, and show up as my most authentic self.

Ariel also shares personal reflections on how she learned to trust her own perception of self instead of chasing validation from others, and the freedom that comes with letting go of what’s not meant for you.

I hope this episode reminds you that you are exactly where you need to be — and that letting go can sometimes be the most powerful act of self-love.

With that being said, with much encouragement from my fellow journaling enthusiasts, I am thrilled to announce I have officially published the "365 Days of Joy Journal." This journal has helped me set goals, express gratitude, and seek and spread joy, and I hope it can do the same for you. Additionally, I am excited to share that I am now posting updates on my joy journey and podcast on Instagram @thejoyprojectwithjulia. I am beyond grateful for all of you and am thrilled to experience another year full of joy alongside you!

Lately, I’ve been practicing how to notice and celebrate natural beauty — not just in nature itself, but in people and everyday moments. As I reflected, I realized the moments that moved me most fell into three themes: human interactions, human appearances, and human experiences of the world.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of the things that make me smile, how my mindset around beauty has evolved over the years, and what keeps me inspired to keep finding joy in small, honest moments.

Whether you already notice these things or you're just beginning to look more closely, I hope this episode helps you reconnect with the quiet joy of simply witnessing life as it is.
And maybe, you'll find something that makes your eyes sparkle too.

Rediscover the joy and importance of play in our everyday lives. Whether through creativity, movement, games, or pure goofiness, play has the power to brighten our days and reconnect us with what makes life feel light and fun. I challenge you to find hobbies and activities that fuel your passions and recharge your ambitions...let's play!

This episode recounts my study abroad experiences over the past two weeks—sweet friendships I’ve formed despite language barriers, navigation mishaps that forced me to problem-solve, and immersive moments in the city of Madrid that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Finding joy in exploring alone means accepting that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be okay with taking risks, owning your mishaps, and celebrating the victories along the way.

Navigating life is hard—both literally and figuratively. However, how lucky are we to have the opportunity to grow each and every day?

Listen to me yap about the power of solitude and how happy I am to have so many supporters in my life (all of you, duh!) who are authentically growing into the best versions of themselves. You all inspire me to keep seeking and spreading joy.

Thank you.

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Janelle Sumbeling—someone who truly embodies what it means to be intentional on a daily basis. From her unprompted hype-up texts, to always greeting people with a smile, to being an incredibly active listener, she has so much wisdom to share about how she’s grown in this area and in other connected parts of life.

Before beginning our interview, I asked Janelle what she hoped listeners would take away from today’s episode. She shared that she wanted people to hear this message: “Be intentional in it all… whether it’s your friends, values, or your goals. You are not alone. It’s so easy to take on the world alone, but we were meant to do it all together!”

I hope you all give this episode a listen and enjoy her little "homework" assignment at the end.

We dive into how humor and a playful mindset have helped Owen navigate life’s toughest moments, along with practical habits for easing stress and inviting more joy into daily life. From the mental health toll of overthinking to the freedom that comes with letting go, Owen shares insights that are as heartfelt as they are helpful.

As RuPaul famously says, “If you can't love yourself, how the heck are you gonna love somebody else?” Well, my guest today fully embodies that energy. With a blend of warmth, honesty, and humor that puts you instantly at ease, Owen invites us all to stay present, release the pressure, and rediscover the joy in simply being ourselves.

Originally, I didn’t plan on recording an episode, but after some much-needed healing, I found myself with a fresh perspective and a desire to share. So, here I am, talking about the power of taking a step back to find joy. This spring break, I had the opportunity to visit my sister in Boston, where I got the big sister advice I had been craving. From that experience, I want to share how stepping away from the hustle and stress can help you reconnect with loved ones, reflect on challenges, and embrace new insights.

I encourage you to take a moment to step back from your own busy life, prioritize your mental and emotional needs, and approach life’s obstacles with a renewed perspective. I mean "sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees." Tune in for a conversation about personal growth, relationships, and the importance of giving yourself space to heal and grow.

We talk about community, mental and physical health, faith, friendships, and why you can’t pour from an empty cup. From law school lessons to personal growth, MBG shares her journey through hard seasons and how embracing the unknown has helped her become more grounded, confident, and joyful.

If you’ve ever struggled with uncertainty, comparison, or learning how to truly be okay on your own, this conversation is for you. Joy isn’t always found in having all the answers... sometimes it’s found in trusting yourself along the way.

From childhood friendships to workplace connections, Angela shares powerful stories about kindness, respect, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage growth. If you've ever questioned a friendship, struggled with letting go, or wondered what qualities matter most in the people closest to you, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical encouragement.

Tune in for a reminder that the right people often arrive exactly when you need them most.

From teaching broadcasting to at-risk youth through his high school initiative Media for Minorities, to pursuing sports broadcasting opportunities at the University of Florida, to working as an agent, Alexis shares how storytelling became his way of bringing value to people’s lives...and how purpose has guided every pivot along the way.

Together, we explore what it means to meet people where they’re at, to be “somebody now” instead of waiting for someday, and to turn obstacles into fuel. We talk about why empathy is the foundation of real impact and what it actually looks like to dream big, especially when the question becomes: if not you, then who?

This episode is full of laughter, vulnerability, and powerful reminders that your voice already matters. You don’t need a title to be a leader. You don’t need permission to go after what sets your soul on fire.

If you’ve been sitting on a dream, questioning your path, or wondering whether you’re enough...this one is for you.

That experience led me to a profound realization: perspective is everything. The way we choose to see the world shapes our ability to find joy. In this episode, I reflect on the importance of grounding yourself, extending yourself grace, embracing laughter through life’s challenges, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift your mindset.

This week, I invite you to take a deep breath, be unapologetically yourself, and open your heart to the stories of those around you. Let yourself be inspired. You have the power to shape the way you and others experience the world. I can’t wait to see the impact you create and hear the incredible stories you have to share.

(Disclaimer: I repeated some words multiple times, and I apologize for how jumbled and fried my brain appears to be a points...live laugh love recruitment season)

This episode was incredibly liberating for me to film as I fully embraced how beautiful it is to be in solitude sometimes. My content and thoughts were incredibly chaotic and so "julia coded", but I hope you all take time to listen. Once YOU live out YOUR dreams, then you inspire others to pursue theirs. You have the power to choose where you spend your time, what you do, and who you are with...choose experiences that will enable you to grow into your most authentic self. You owe it to yourself to take the risks to to find what you are most passionate about. Find, know, and live out your values. Do extraordinary things and extraordinay things will come to you.

Hello beautiful people! I came across this recording I happened to film during one of my long walks a few weeks ago (hence the Final Four reference), and realized I had never posted or shared it with all of you! This episode was incredibly liberating for me to film, as I fully embraced how beautiful it can be to spend time in solitude. My content and thoughts were incredibly chaotic and so Julia-coded, but I hope you all take some time to listen.

Once you live out your dreams, you inspire others to pursue theirs. You have the power to choose where you spend your time, what you do, and who you're with... choose experiences that will help you grow into your most authentic self. You owe it to yourself to take the risks necessary to find what you're most passionate about. Find, know, and live out your values.

Do extraordinary things, and extraordinary things will come to you."

Last week, I talked about the importance of finding joy in shifting our mindset. This week, I’m opening up about my own struggles, what I experienced, and how I worked through them (getting raw and reflecting with all of you!). Even "happy" people have tough moments, and I'm learning to accept that these feelings are okay—because it’s important for us to feel everything. How are we supposed to celebrate the highest of highs if we don’t know what the lowest of lows feel like? It’s all about how we choose to navigate these moments. Giving ourselves the same grace we give others is crucial to keep moving forward.

In this episode, I explore the magic of secret joys—whether it’s an act of kindness no one knows about, a hidden nature spot, or a personal mantra, routine, or ritual that lifts you up. Plus, I share a heartfelt message from a listener that truly reminded me why I do this podcast.

So join me as we celebrate the little things, embrace our emotions, and find joy in the everyday. And don’t forget—your challenge this week: do one anonymous act of kindness and expect nothing in return. Let’s spread some secret joy together!

But here’s the twist—these 3 C’s aren’t a rigid step-by-step formula. Instead, they’re customizable, allowing you to apply them in the way that best fits your journey. In this episode, I’ll explore how these qualities work together, in any order, to help you grow as a leader and empower others.

Plus, I’m throwing in plenty of calls to action to help you intentionally choose growth every day and build a life you’re proud of. I can’t wait to hear how you make these 3 C’s your own!

When she reached out about coming onto the podcast, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. She has been such an incredible mentor to me and has so much to share with others. When I asked her what she finds joy in and what her “joy project” is, she replied:

"To me, our lives are a collective of moments that make up the portrait of our story. I find joy in those moments more than anything. Moments of laughter with friends, and coming together with family to fill my cup. It's reading all my favorite books and doing sudoku under my lamp light.

My favorite quote by Theodore Roosevelt is "far and away the greatest prize life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing." I’m also passionate about the book called the midnight library, and it teaches great lessons about life and how life gives us choices, even when we don't realize it."

With a response already so full of insight, I was eager to hear more. Her story is truly one you won’t want to miss!

Over the years, I’ve realized I don’t have to fix other people’s complaints or carry their negativity...I can choose joy instead. For me, choosing joy isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about intentionally creating more space for peace, clarity, and positivity.

Make sure to listen if you want to learn how to set healthy boundaries without guilt, redirect draining conversations into uplifting ones, protect your mental space, and practice daily gratitude to shift your perspective.

It’s so important to stay grounded in your own worth, celebrate others without shrinking yourself, and build authentic joy by honoring your unique path. Because choosing joy isn’t about never feeling jealous — it’s about not living from it.

Tune in for mindset shifts, honest self-reflection, and simple practices to help you defy jealousy and live joyfully, confidently, and fully yourself.

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.

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.

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.

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.

C — Career & Competencies

I talk about everything from creating confidence-building routines and investing in self-care to developing new skills, pursuing passions, and taking accountability for the life I want to create. My hope is that this episode inspires you to embrace the small daily habits that can truly transform your mindset and your future.

Every time I come home, I find myself having an internal conversation about adjusting expectations, navigating family dynamics, and rediscovering joy in the ordinary moments that only exist at home: warm hugs, fuzzy socks, family meals, quiet mornings, and the comfort of familiarity. Joy can feel easier—or harder—to notice when we’re removed from our everyday environment, but slowing down has helped me become more present and grounded.

I also dive into lessons I’ve been learning from the Let Them Theory, setting gentle boundaries, and choosing a few meaningful priorities instead of overloading my break with plans. This episode is a reminder that joy and frustration can exist at the same time...especially when we return to familiar spaces that no longer fit us in the same way they once did.

If you’re home for break and feeling restless, bored, disconnected, or unsure how to fully enjoy this season, this conversation is for you. I hope it encourages you to redefine what joy at home looks like—one small, intentional moment at a time.