Joystarters with Rachel Baribeau: Nurturing Faith, Finding Purpose, and Pursuing Joyful Living

What if the dream in your heart didn’t come with a backup plan—because it wasn’t supposed to?This week on the Joystarters Podcast, Rachel takes us deep into one of her all-time favorite movies, Field of Dreams, and the message that has become her mantra during one of the most audacious seasons of her life: Plow the corn. Burn the boats. No plan B.From planning a retreat and gala that benefits her nonprofit, to wrestling with middle-of-the-night anxiety, this episode is a reminder that doubt doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it often means you’re doing something brave.Rachel also opens up about the painful truth many dreamers face: Some people will never understand your vision. They may be kind. They may love you. But they’re not your people when it comes to your dream—and that’s okay.This episode is both a gut-check and a love letter to anyone standing at the edge of their own Field of Dreams.RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with JR Harvey, the dialogue goes even deeper — into communication, emotional safety, grief, and what it truly takes to heal.They explore the complementary strengths of men and women, discussing how men often lead through doing while women bring depth through being, feeling, and nurturing connection. Together, they talk about why so many men struggle to communicate because vulnerability has often been met with shame or punishment.This episode also tackles:Why emotional safety is essential for real intimacyHow small practices (like writing things down) can change relationshipsThe lifelong impact of unprocessed grief and lossWhy acceptance is the turning point that allows life to move forward againHow pain, when shared, becomes purpose and leadershipRachel shares powerful stories from her own journey and from working with athletes and leaders, highlighting the importance of sacred spaces — places where people can take off the mask, be seen, and begin to heal. JR Harvey reinforces that community is not optional; it is essential for growth, especially for men who were taught to carry everything alone.This episode is a moving reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens in relationship.✨ This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation.If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to start there — then come back to this episode to continue the journey.JR Harvey is the founder and leader of Kings Community, a thriving online brotherhood dedicated to helping men rebuild their confidence, leadership, and emotional resilience after life’s toughest challenges. Through mentorship, community support, and candid discussions about mental health, authentic masculinity, relationships, and personal growth, he has created a space where men can move past survival strategies and step into purposeful, values-driven lives.Under his leadership, Kings Community has grown into a meaningful network of tens of thousands of men who seek to break free from outdated coping patterns, embrace accountability, and support one another in becoming stronger, more confident, and emotionally grounded versions of themselves. He shares personal insights and lessons publicly through social platforms like Instagram (@kings__community) and in interviews and podcasts, where he speaks openly about overcoming adversity, redefining strength, and helping men lead with integrity both in their relationships and in their own lives.RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel sits down with JR Harvey, who shares how Kings Community was born out of his own pain and insecurity. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on how much confusion and pain comes from never being shown what healthy purpose, love, or leadership looks like in real life.Together, Rachel and JR unpack how doubt slowly becomes identity, how shame takes root, and why real healing begins at the roots rather than by trying to fix surface behavior.This conversation also explores:Why purpose is often found through painThe danger of tying identity to roles, careers, or relationshipsHow community interrupts isolationWhy healing men also lifts womenAnd why men and women need each otherThis episode is especially meaningful for anyone who cares about mental health, leadership, relationships, and breaking generational patterns.✨ This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.Be sure to come back next week for the continuation of this honest, healing dialogue.JR Harvey is the founder and leader of Kings Community, a thriving online brotherhood dedicated to helping men rebuild their confidence, leadership, and emotional resilience after life’s toughest challenges. Through mentorship, community support, and candid discussions about mental health, authentic masculinity, relationships, and personal growth, he has created a space where men can move past survival strategies and step into purposeful, values-driven lives.Under his leadership, Kings Community has grown into a meaningful network of tens of thousands of men who seek to break free from outdated coping patterns, embrace accountability, and support one another in becoming stronger, more confident, and emotionally grounded versions of themselves. He shares personal insights and lessons publicly through social platforms like Instagram (@kings__community) and in interviews and podcasts, where he speaks openly about overcoming adversity, redefining strength, and helping men lead with integrity both in their relationships and in their own lives.RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s episode is real life, recorded in pockets of time, stitched together with honesty, faith, and that unmistakable Joystarters energy.Rachel starts with what’s been sitting on her heart, including a sports moment that sparked a whole internet firestorm: Lynn Jones (Associate Editor, Jacksonville Free Press) taking a few seconds to speak life into Liam Coen after a gutting game.From there, the episode turns toward the deeper heartbeat behind I’m Changing the Narrative—what the nonprofit actually does beyond speeches and stage moments. Rachel reads a letter from an athlete the I’m Changing the Narrative foundation helped during a hard patch for the player: job loss, housing instability, real-life crisis. The letter is a tearjerker, and it puts words to the mission in the clearest way possible: this is what support looks like when it’s real, relational, and rooted in faith.LINK FROM THIS EPISODE:Kulture City, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance. RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel sits down with JayDee Milo for a raw and deeply human conversation about what it means to use the internet for something that actually helps people. JayDee shares how his late mother, Sandy, shaped him, why her story became the foundation of his platform, and how grief and addiction recovery changed the trajectory of his life.They talk about why authenticity is magnetic right now, why people are exhausted by constant selling and overconsumption online, and they get real about how boundaries become a form of soul care.This episode is a love letter to single moms, to the people we’ve lost, and to the decision to choose better when you could have repeated the pattern. Our Guest: JayDee Milo. JayDee is a creator, advocate, and storyteller who built a massive online community by honoring his late mother’s story and speaking directly to the realities so many women live through, especially single moms and survivors of abuse. His platform blends humor and truth, and his message is rooted in dignity, accountability, and compassion. Connect with JayDee Milo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jaydee_milo and YouTube RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ball RETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy 2026, Joy Starters 🤍This year isn’t starting with resolutions. It’s starting with an exhale.In this honest, unfiltered episode, talks about rest, realness, and what it means to unwind after years of pushing, performing, and powering through. She reflects on learning to be bored again, releasing guilt around rest, and choosing authenticity in a world that’s craving what’s real.This episode also marks a milestone: 10 years of I'm Changing the Narrative. What began in 2016 has grown into a movement rooted in faith, courage, and audacious energy. Throughout the year ahead, Rachel will celebrate the stories, people, and moments that have shaped this journey—while inviting you to begin changing the narrative in your own life.If you’ve been feeling the pull to slow down, live fully, and show up as your real self, this episode is for you.Welcome to 2026.Welcome to the year of real. 💛RESOURCES:We would love to see you at the Joy Ball and I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat! If you can’t attend in person, would you consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a throwback Sunday Soul episode we are pulling from the archives because it’s with international musician, Laura Reed, who will be with us at the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat in February 2026.Rachel sits down with Laura Reed for a conversation about what it was like growing up between cultures — never fully “from” one place — and how she learned to love the parts of herself she once tried to shrink.They talk about the pressure to conform (especially for women), why Laura refused to dilute her message even when the industry pushed her to, and how she defines success as staying true — and keeping the lights on doing what she loves.This episode is a reminder that your story doesn’t have to fit in one box to be valid — you can be made of many people and still be whole.Laura Reed will also be joining us at the Retreat — and after you listen, you’ll understand exactly why she belongs in this room.We'd love to have you at the I'm Changing the Narrative Retreat and Joy Ball. If you can’t attend in person, Rachel is asking every follower to consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is Week Two of our Speaker Series, where we continue introducing the remarkable humans who will be speaking at the I'm Changing the Narrative Retreat this February.You’ll hear from relationship and marriage coaches Shannon and Shirley Austin, who share their deeply personal journey through betrayal, healing, illness &  accountability. We’re also joined by Lindsay Freezman, a mindfulness and meditation guide who has spent years quietly supporting athletes and individuals in crisis. She speaks to the power of presence, visualization, and helping the nervous system find safety again so healing, clarity, and joy can return. Rachel also introduces Kim Peek, who speaks about creating a big, beautiful life even when it wasn’t the one you planned, reminding us that choosing yourself isn’t selfish.Join us at the retreat, February 2022 and spend time with these amazing people!!If you can’t attend in person, Rachel is asking every follower to consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special Retreat Speakers Spotlight (Part 1) episode, Rachel pulls back the curtain on the first Amelia Island ICTN Retreat and introduces a few of the incredible humans she hand-picked for this transformative weekend.You’ll hear how Rachel met Laura Reed (international musician, “tiny giant,” and soul-stirring storyteller) and why Laura’s journey of integrity over industry “success” is part of what makes this retreat different. Laura shares her path from street-singing to major opportunities—plus how she’s weaving music with food justice, community, and purpose.Then Rachel introduces Jerremy Newsome, a teacher of true wealth and the energy behind money—who’s helped people rebuild their relationship with finances, faith, and identity. Jeremy shares how he lost millions, what he learned, and the moment he risked it all—and why gratitude changed everything.Part 2 drops next week with more stories from speakers you’ll want to hear! Save the date for the Joy Ball in Amelia Island, February 21, 2026. If you can’t attend in person, we'd love for every listener who is able to consider a $5 donation to help I'm Changing the Narrative:provide mental health resourcessponsor talks and live eventssend people to get counseling and supportdistribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ballRETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat ___ResourcesRegistration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Content note: In this episode, Rachel briefly references violent crime from her past. Please listen with care and step away if you need to.This week, Rachel is coming in raw and real after discovering that someone opened a business bank account and applied for credit in her name.  She walks you through the very real emotions of feeling violated, the practical steps she took to protect herself, and the spiritual choice to pray over the very person who tried to steal from her—without letting them steal her purpose or her day.We are less than 90 days away from the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat and Joy Ball, and it is coming together beautifully. We've gathered our speakers on planning Zoom calls and you’ll meet them over the next two Sundays!If you can’t attend in person, Rachel is asking every follower to consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:-provide mental health resources-sponsor talks and live events-send people to get counseling and support-distribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need 👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ball RETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat Link mentioned about NDEs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OWDoW8nO3Q&feature=youtu.beRachel's friend, Terri Couser, the credit expert: https://www.youtube.com/@terricouserthecreditexpert?si=s-K17f4v7jbUPADi Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s a shift happening — in how we move, how we heal, and what we chase. In this episode, Rachel shares raw stories and hard-won wisdom about slowing down, listening deeper, and protecting the peace your soul’s been begging for.Rachel invites you to look at your own life with fresh eyes. Maybe it’s not about doing more, but about feeling again — and finding meaning in the quiet spaces in between. ResourcesEARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreatNEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY:Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability.https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3 Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy?The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention.Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about lifeIf you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it.🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it.https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters   Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82fThe Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.  The Joystarters Club:https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Resources EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3 Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy?The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention.Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it.🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it.https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course  👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82fThe Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life. The Joystarters Club:https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel reflects on her time in Sicily and Rome—the beauty, the divine appointments, and the unexpected connections that became holy ground. From sunrise walks and quiet prayers to rooftop conversations and a chance encounter that turned into a cross-cultural friendship, she reminds us that love, kindness, and faith speak every language. As she prepares to fly home, Rachel shares what this journey taught her about being fully present, finding God in ordinary moments, and trusting that every path—even the solo ones—can lead to purpose and peace. This isn’t just a travel story—it’s a love letter to gratitude, courage, and the beauty of saying yes to wherever God leads. ___ EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to: ✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down ✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships ✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact ✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course 👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel shares her journey through Sicily and reflects on the power of speaking dreams into existence, recounting how she planned to write a book from Sicily eight years ago and is now working on her second book from the same dream location. Rachel also emphasizes the importance of living in awe and appreciating the moments and experiences, no matter where life takes you. Throughout her travels, she shares travel anecdotes and admiration for Sicilian culture, while highlighting the enriching cultural interactions, beautiful landscapes, and insights as she pushes her boundaries and embraces new challenges. ___ EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course 👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this installment of the Italy Series, Rachel sits down with Isobel Tesch — a Scottish-born woman whose life bridges cultures, continents, and generations of courage. From her own years in military counterintelligence to her mother’s heroic role in the Italian Resistance during World War II, this is a story about the courage to do what’s right — even when it costs everything. Together, they explore the dualities that define us: past and present, comfort and conviction, home and heritage. You’ll hear tales of bravery, resilience, and a daughter’s discovery of her mother’s secret wartime mission — complete with forged papers, near captures, and an unbreakable spirit. ___ EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course 👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Resources Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Joy Starters Podcast, Rachel reflects on the heart of her Rome adventures—not just the sights, but the surprising moments of belonging and connection that make travel unforgettable. From chance encounters to unexpected reminders of God’s goodness, this episode is all about the power of slowing down, being present, and letting people become the best part of your story. Whether you’re planning a trip to Rome or simply craving more community and joy in your everyday life, these lessons will inspire you to notice the beauty around you and open your heart to connection anywhere. ___ EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course 👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy fall, y’all! In this heartfelt installment of the JoyStarters Podcast, Rachel takes you back to Italy for more stories and lessons from her time in Sicily, Rome, and—finally—Pompeii. This episode is about more than sightseeing. It’s about secret dreams, full-circle moments, and how God weaves our stories together. Whether you’re a traveler, a dreamer, or someone longing for your own full-circle moment, this episode will inspire you to write down your secret dreams, play your “weird flute music,” and find the people who will hold you up when big emotions hit. Links and Resources: EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course     👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A soul-call to every healer, noticer, helper, and joy starter to love boldly, guard your mind, and step into your assignment—today. Content Warning: Mentions of political violence, murder, mental health crises, and spiritual warfare. Listener discretion advised—especially for children. Please preview before sharing with minors. Context for listeners: news this week includes the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail. Both events have widely circulated videos; this episode urges listeners not to consume graphic footage. ___ This week, Rachel pauses the Italy series to make a soul-level call to the healers, noticers, helpers, and joy starters. In a moment when violent videos flood our feeds and strangers argue like enemies, Rachel asks us to choose a different way: radical love with wise boundaries. She reads the I’m Changing the Narrative Pledge, and invites us to reclaim civil disagreement and sacred listening. This is not politics; it’s about human dignity and mental health.  If you’re tired but hopeful, grieving but willing, this episode is your bugle call. Print the pledge, make your Mental Health Battle Plan, and step into your assignment as a Joy Starter—right where you are. Download: Mental Health Battle Plan (free) Print & Share: I’m Changing the Narrative Pledge (free) Conversation Starter: Talk to teens about not watching graphic videos; teach reporting/muting. If you’re struggling: In the U.S., call/text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. If in immediate danger, call 911. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Joy Starters Podcast, we’re back in Italy—this time in the seaside town of Cefalù, Sicily. What began as a birthday trip gifted by my beloved Aunt Kay became a life-changing journey about dreams, openness, and the courage to notice the beauty (and people) right in front of us. In this episode, I share: How my aunt gave me the gift of travel and sparked a lifetime of dreaming. The story of a simple blue Sicilian tile that became the centerpiece of my dream kitchen. Why saying your dreams out loud rewires your brain and brings them closer to reality. The importance of being a noticer—open to people, moments, and opportunities. How encounters in Sicily reminded me to shoot your shot and take risks in life, love, and faith. Whether you’re dreaming of Italy, a new chapter in your life, or simply wanting to live with more joy and openness, this episode will inspire you to write your dreams down, speak them out loud, and notice the opportunities God places in your path. 🎧 Tune in and let’s dream big together. 🎉 It’s Our 9th Birthday! 🎉 For nine years, I’m Changing the Narrative has been speaking life, purpose, and hope into teams, campuses, and communities across the country. From the Minnesota Gophers to NFL locker rooms, this movement has sparked conversations that change lives. If ICTN has touched you or someone you love, would you consider making a gift today? Every dollar helps us keep showing up, year after year. 💛 DONATE: 👉🏽 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ctnfoundation Links and Resources: EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course      ❤️ Super Patch Company: https://racheljoybaribeau.superpatch.com 👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters      Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to leave behind the ordinary and live your dream life? In this episode of the Joystarters Podcast, Rachel sits down with her dear friends Bob and Phyllis Brugh—two retired flight attendants who turned their dream of living in Italy into reality. From flipping houses in the U.S. to buying and restoring property in Sicily (even appearing on House Hunters along the way!), Bob and Phyllis share what it’s really like to embrace expat life. You’ll hear stories about: The moment they knew Sicily was “the one” Renovating a home with views of a Norman castle Building deep community with Sicilian neighbors and expats Why Sicily is “Italy on steroids” when it comes to food, culture, and kindness The faith and courage it takes to chase your dreams—no matter your age If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad—or simply want encouragement to follow the dream God placed on your heart—this conversation will inspire you to take that first step. 🎉 It’s Our 9th Birthday! 🎉 For nine years, I’m Changing the Narrative has been speaking life, purpose, and hope into teams, campuses, and communities across the country. From the Minnesota Gophers to NFL locker rooms, this movement has sparked conversations that change lives. If ICTN has touched you or someone you love, would you consider making a gift today? Every dollar helps us keep showing up, year after year. 💛 DONATE: 👉🏽 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ctnfoundation Links and Resources: EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY: Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability. https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3   Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy? The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention. Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. 🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it. https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course   👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters    Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life.    The Joystarters Club: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.