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.

Episode Title: Face Your Stuff, Don’t Stuff Your Face: Renee Jones on Emotional Eating

Chapter Markers:

1. [00:00] It’s Not Just the Food: Understanding what’s really driving you to the fridge.

2. [01:00] Renee’s 40-Year Diet Yo-Yo: The long road to awareness.

3. [03:00] Dieting Since Age 10: Early patterns and generational cycles.

4. [06:00] Closet Full of Sizes: The reality of yo-yo dieting.

5. [07:00] Emotional Eating Defined: Awareness is everything.

6. [10:00] Captain Crunch & Comfort: How early memories shape cravings.

7. [13:00] Peanut Butter & Love: Emotional connections to food.

8. [16:00] Beyond Quick Fixes: Why weight-loss shots and surgery don’t solve the real issue.

9. [18:00] Awareness First: The power of recognizing emotional eating.

10. [20:00] Accountability Hacks: Environment and setting yourself up for success.

11. [24:00] The Pendulum Effect: Overachievers and overcompensating.

12. [26:00] Enneagram & Emotional Eating: Personality-informed approaches.

13. [29:00] Gender Differences: How men and women process food emotionally.

14. [32:00] Tastes Change: Why your cravings shift over time.

15. [35:00] The Breakthrough: Choosing yourself over the food.

16. [39:00] Finding What Works for You: Personalized nutrition.

17. [43:00] Myth Busting: Fat isn’t the enemy.

18. [45:00] Final Thoughts: Simple steps toward lasting change.

• Renee’s Website: packyourownbag.com

• Email Renee: renee@packyourownbag.com

• TEDx Talk: Search "Renee Jones TEDx Emotional Eating"

• Free Affirmations and Resources: packyourownbag.com

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.

A Story About Pizza: Erica D’Arcangelo on Legacy, Risk & Reinvention

1. [00:00] Intro & Pizza Warning – Get a snack first!

2. [01:00] Coming Home – Erica returns to help her dad after heart surgery.

3. [03:00] Rebuilding the Family Business – A pizzeria restored and a legacy reignited.

4. [05:00] TikTok and a Million Views – The moment a pizza video changed everything.

5. [07:00] The Real Story Begins – A trip to Italy and rediscovering heritage.

6. [08:30] Coal Mines and Dreams – Her grandfather’s incredible immigration story.

7. [10:00] Finding Purpose in Marketing Again – From burnout to meaning.

8. [12:00] Launching the Book and Video Projects – Creativity fueled by connection.

9. [14:00] The Origin of the Pizzeria – Buying a building and baking a dream.

10. [17:00] Anchored by Legacy – What the business means to the family.

11. [20:00] The Pineapple Debate – The DiAngelo stance.

12. [23:00] The Evolution of Pizza and Crust Talk – Mike’s Pie vs. OG style.

13. [25:00] Lessons from Writing a Book – What Erica learned in the process.

14. [27:00] A True Joyful Rebellion – Turning family history into personal purpose.

• 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

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.

"Adoption, Identity, and Healing: A Conversation with Anna Maria DiDio"

1. [00:00] Introduction – Meet Anna Maria DiDio and her journey into adoption.

2. [02:00] A Life-Changing Decision – How international adoption became part of her family’s story.

3. [05:30] The Myth of Adoption – Why adoption is more complex than people assume.

4. [08:00] Facing the Reality of Trauma – How early separation impacts adopted children.

5. [12:00] Navigating Identity and Culture – Helping adopted children connect with their roots.

6. [17:00] Parenting Through Challenges – Emotional struggles, school adjustments, and family dynamics.

7. [22:00] Turning Pain into Purpose – How journaling led to a career as an adoption advocate and author.

8. [26:00] Advice for Families Considering Adoption – The lessons Anna Maria wishes she had known.

9. [30:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect – Books, resources, and how to stay in touch with Anna Maria.

• 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

Filmmaking is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for change. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James sits down with filmmaker and producer Ethan Felizzari-Castillo to talk about the power of storytelling in shaping perspectives and sparking conversations. As the founder of CK Productions, Ethan is dedicated to cause-based storytelling, crafting films that highlight important social issues and inspire action.

Ethan shares the journey behind his latest project, Backyard Desert, a film tackling the realities of immigration and border patrol from a human-centered perspective. They dive into the creative process behind independent filmmaking, the challenges of working outside the Hollywood system, and why supporting independent artists is more crucial than ever.

If you’re passionate about film, activism, or simply the power of storytelling to shape the world, this episode is a must-listen.

"Filmmaking with a Purpose: Ethan Felizzari-Castillo on Cause-Based Storytelling"

1. [00:00] Introduction – Meet Ethan Felizzari-Castillo and his mission-driven approach to film.

2. [04:00] Filmmaking as a Tool for Change – Why stories have the power to shape perspectives.

3. [07:30] The Journey of Backyard Desert – How a play became a powerful film about immigration.

4. [12:00] Independent Filmmaking vs. Hollywood – The creative freedom and challenges of working outside the system.

5. [16:30] The Art of Storytelling in Film – Balancing emotion, perspective, and impact.

6. [22:00] Behind the Scenes of Indie Film Production – The reality of bringing a film to life.

7. [27:00] Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers – How to get started in the world of independent film.

8. [31:00] How to Support Backyard Desert – Where to follow the project and get involved.

• Follow Backyard Desert: @‌BackyardDesert on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok

• CK Productions Website: https://www.ckproductionsnewyork.com/film

• YouTube Channel for CK Films: CK Productions NY

• Ethan Felizzari-Castillo on Instagram: @‌EthanFelizzari

• Watch CK Productions’ Short Films: CK Films on Vimeo

What happens when the qualities you spent a lifetime apologizing for suddenly make you famous? That’s the story of Annie Korzen, an actor, writer, and now an accidental influencer who skyrocketed to social media fame in her 80s. You may recognize her from Seinfeld, but today, she’s captivating millions with her unfiltered wisdom, humor, and brutally honest takes on life, aging, and saying “Yeah, why not?” to unexpected opportunities.

In this episode, Annie shares how she went from bit-part actress to viral sensation, the lessons she’s learned about storytelling, rejection, and reinvention, and why she believes embracing your true self is the key to success. We also dig into her new book, The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer, and her thoughts on aging, money, and why everyone needs a little rebellion in their lives.

Whether you’re 25 or 85, this conversation will leave you laughing, inspired, and maybe even rethinking your own next big leap.

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• Annie Korzen’s Website: AnnieKorzen.com

• Buy The Book of Annie: Amazon

• YouTube Channel: Annie Korzen Videos

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1. [00:00] Introduction – Meet Annie Korzen and her unexpected journey to viral fame.

2. [03:00] Embracing Change in Your 80s – How TikTok transformed Annie’s career.

3. [07:00] The Power of Saying “Yeah, Why Not?” – Why taking risks leads to unexpected rewards.

4. [12:00] Life Lessons from Hollywood and Seinfeld – How Annie’s iconic TV role shaped her career.

5. [18:00] Storytelling, Rejection, and Resilience – The craft of storytelling and why persistence matters.

6. [24:00] Ageism, Social Media, and Finding Your Voice – Annie’s take on how older voices are gaining traction.

7. [31:00] The Book of Annie – What inspired Annie’s memoir and the stories inside.

8. [37:00] Breaking Free from Society’s Expectations – Owning who you are at any age.

9. [42:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Find Annie – Links, social media, and how to get the book.

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In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James sits down with R.L. Carpentier, a veteran law enforcement officer turned crime fiction writer. Rodney shares his journey from studying English literature to unexpectedly entering law enforcement and how he rekindled his love for storytelling after nearly two decades on the force. His debut novel, Our Lady of the Overlook, is the first in a gripping crime thriller series that merges real-world policing experience with compelling storytelling.

Rodney walks us through the moment of inspiration that led to his novel, how he overcame imposter syndrome, and the writing strategies that helped him bring his book to life. He shares insights on crafting realistic police procedurals, the importance of self-imposed deadlines, and how he balances his creative work with his career. He also discusses his approach to self-publishing, working with editors, and building a writing platform ahead of his upcoming retirement.

If you've ever wanted to write a book but struggled with getting started, this episode is packed with actionable advice and motivation.

[00:00:00] Introduction

• Welcome to A Joyful Rebellion
• James introduces guest R.L. Carpentier

[00:01:00] The Inspiration for Our Lady of the Overlook

• Rodney’s background in law enforcement and literature
• How a late-night shift sparked the idea for his novel

[00:03:30] From College Writer to Police Officer

• Studying English and idolizing the Lost Generation authors
• How he drifted away from writing when he started his career

[00:06:00] The Turning Point: Why Writing Had to Happen

• Losing his father and reevaluating his life path
• The moment he decided: I have to do this for me

[00:09:00] Learning the Craft & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Discovering storytelling techniques like Save the Cat
• Finding editors and trusting the revision process

[00:12:00] Self-Publishing: The Reality of Making a Book Happen

• The step-by-step process of hiring editors, designers, and proofreaders
• Attending writing conferences to build confidence and connections

[00:18:00] Realistic Crime Writing: Blending Fact with Fiction

• How Rodney balances procedural accuracy with compelling storytelling
• Navigating what can and cannot be shared from law enforcement experience

[00:22:00] The Evolution of a Trilogy

• How Our Lady of the Overlook expanded into a three-book series
• What’s coming in books two and three

[00:26:00] Financing & Marketing a Self-Published Book

• How Rodney used overtime work to fund his debut novel
• Considering Kickstarter for future projects

[00:30:00] Building a Writing Career Before Retirement

• Planning ahead for his post-law enforcement creative career
• The importance of having a platform before transitioning careers

[00:34:00] Final Thoughts & Advice

• The philosophy that shaped his approach: Early is on time, on time is late, late is not acceptable
• Where to find Our Lady of the Overlook and connect with Rodney

Guest Website & Newsletter Signup: rlcarpentierwriter.com Buy Our Lady of the Overlook: Available on Amazon & Direct from Author Follow Rodney on Patreon: (Link to be provided by guest)

Podcast Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, host James sits down with Kareen Aristide, a human behavior consultant and mental health advocate, to discuss the profound difference between happiness and joy. Kareen shares her personal journey—from a thriving career to a life-altering crash that forced her to reevaluate success, purpose, and well-being.

She introduces the DISC personality model, explaining how self-awareness can help individuals break free from societal expectations, avoid burnout, and make career and life choices that align with their true nature.

They dive deep into why high-achievers often struggle with fulfillment, the dangers of overachievement, and the warning signs that signal an impending crash.

Kareen also provides actionable advice on how to cultivate joy, set boundaries, and align personal and professional growth with individual strengths. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a high-performer, or someone feeling stuck, this episode will inspire you to rethink success and embrace a more intentional, fulfilling path.

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Guest Website: KareenAristide.com Free DISC Training & Resources: SleekBio.com/KareenAristide

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Tune in to learn how to shift from doing to being—and discover a more joyful, authentic way to live.

[00:00:00] Introduction

• Welcome to A Joyful Rebellion
• James introduces guest Kareen Aristide
• The importance of distinguishing between joy and happiness

[00:02:00] Understanding Societal Expectations

• Why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment
• The weight of external expectations from family, society, and culture

[00:03:30] Kareen’s Personal Journey

• How a career in counseling led to self-discovery
• Her transition from employment counselor to mompreneur
• The car crash that changed everything

[00:07:00] The Concept of "Being Before Doing"

• Why high achievers often lose themselves in their work
• The importance of self-awareness in creating a meaningful life

[00:10:00] Exploring the DISC Personality Model

• Overview of DISC personality types (D – Dominant, I – Inspiring, S – Supportive, C – Cautious)
• How understanding personality helps in relationships and careers
• How Kareen used DISC to improve her marriage and business

[00:18:00] Applying DISC to Work and Life

• How personality impacts leadership, delegation, and productivity
• Why burnout often stems from operating outside of your natural strengths
• How entrepreneurs can balance drive vs. sustainability

[00:25:00] The Warning Signs of Burnout

• What most people ignore before they crash
• How to recognize when your body and mind are warning you
• The role of journaling and self-reflection in staying aligned

[00:30:00] Managing Mental Health as an Entrepreneur

• Why entrepreneurs rarely ask for help until it’s too late
• The importance of therapy, self-care, and intentional pauses
• How Kareen integrates mental health and personal growth in her work

[00:36:00] Cultivating Joy Over Happiness

• Why joy is a state of being, while happiness is fleeting
• How to cultivate long-term joy despite temporary challenges
• Finding fulfillment in everyday moments

[00:42:00] Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Recap of key insights
• Where to find Kareen’s free DISC resources and training
• Kareen’s upcoming book on mental health and personality styles

https://kimrahir.com/

https://ajoyfulrebellion.com/

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In this inspiring episode of A Joyful Rebellion, James chats with Kim Rahir, a 60-year-old mother of three, European Masters Weightlifting Champion, and health coach. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago, Kim defied conventional advice and used strength training to reclaim her health and independence.

Kim shares her journey from paralysis and uncertainty to empowerment and strength, discussing how her personal rebellion against her diagnosis transformed her life. She now dedicates her work to helping women in midlife rediscover their health, confidence, and resilience through fitness and strength training.

Whether you’re navigating a health challenge or simply want to feel stronger and more in control of your life, Kim’s story offers actionable insights and motivation to take charge of your well-being.

1. [00:00] Introduction: Meet Kim Rahir, her inspiring bio, and the importance of joyful rebellion.

2. [03:00] Receiving the MS Diagnosis: Facing darkness, fear, and redefining life after a life-altering diagnosis.

3. [07:30] Choosing Strength: How Kim began strength training to take back her power and rebuild trust in her body.

4. [12:00] From Gym Newbie to Champion: The journey to becoming a European Masters Weightlifting Champion.

5. [16:00] Helping Women in Midlife Thrive: Kim’s work with women over 40 and why strength training is essential.

6. [20:30] Breaking Myths Around Women and Fitness: Addressing fears about “bulking up” and starting slow.

7. [25:00] The Power of Simple, Sustainable Habits: Why small steps and consistency make all the difference.

8. [31:00] Nutrition and Common Misconceptions: Dispelling food myths and how to reconnect with your body.

9. [36:00] Finding Your Pivotal Moment: Why mindset shifts are key to starting a health journey.

10. [40:00] Final Advice: Kim’s empowering message—ask yourself, “What can I do now?”