A Joyful Rebellion
This is a joyful rebellion. The podcast that explores the moment you realize the life and success you worked so hard to create didn’t come with all of the fulfillment you thought it would. Each week, we attempt to inspire bold answers to the question, “What do I do now to create a life I love?” If you are ready to start answering that question for yourself, you’re in the right place. Let’s start A Joyful Rebellion.

Ready to Plot Your Own Joyful Rebellion?
We have a new ebook coming out soon! CLICK HERE to get your FREE copy as soon as it is available.
Plotting Your Joyful Rebellion is a five-step guide full of actionable ideas to assist you on your mission to get more life out of your life.
It's essentially a manual that teaches guerilla warfare tactics to help us all in our battles to overthrow a mediocre existence.

Who Would You Like to Hear on the Show?
There are three different types of people I love talking with on the show.
-People who have been through A Joyful Rebellion of their own
-People who guide others through a major life change
-People who are in the middle of their Joyful Rebellion Journey
If you know someone who might inspire others with their story, I'd love to connect with them. CLICK HERE to let me know who you have in mind.
Episodes

16 minutes ago
16 minutes ago
Episode Summary
What if talk therapy isn’t enough—because your trauma lives in your body? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, world-record tap dancer turned trauma recovery coach Heather-Ann Ferri shares the raw story behind her work: childhood abuse, brain-level injury, and the long road from “performer with a mask” to a woman who uses her voice without apology. Heather-Ann explains why many survivors don’t remember early trauma, how perfectionism and people-pleasing take root, and the practical protocols that helped her heal when life fell apart: involuntary shaking, breath patterns rooted in Sanskrit, “medical-grade” hydration, and neurologically informed routines designed to calm a dysregulated system.
We also dig into shadow work, boundaries with family, and the difference between forgiving too soon and actually becoming whole. If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating patterns—or you’ve tried everything and nothing seemed to stick—this conversation offers a grounded way forward: simple tools, consistent practice, and the courage to tell the truth.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Becoming “spiritual people in physical bodies”; why language and behavior matter
[03:00] Early home life, generational trauma, and the first cracks in the system
[08:00] Abuse, dissociation, and how the body keeps score
[12:30] Tap as first voice; when performance becomes protection
[15:00] Why talk isn’t enough: shaking, breath, hydration, neurological protocols
[19:00] Shadow work, ego death, and rebuilding discipline
[22:00] Culture, religion, and the limits of “forgive and forget”
[24:30] Addiction as unaddressed trauma; pioneers and influences
[28:30] Kids, play, and screens: what the next generation needs
[33:00] Past lives, programming, and widening the healing lens
[40:00] PTSD in the body: feet, calves, and designing better protocols
[42:00] The Guinness record—and when the healing made things look worse
[47:00] No guru phase: listening within, then coaching others
[49:00] Who shows up: common ages, patterns, and readiness
[51:00] Boundaries vs. early forgiveness; becoming your own mother/father
[58:00] Where to start: first-chapter download and next steps
Resources
Website: Home - Heather Ann Ferri (first chapter download available)
Books (upcoming): Three-part series on trauma healing with guided practices
Influences mentioned: Alice Miller; Gabor Maté; body-based trauma modalities

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
From Tales from the Crypt to Telling His Own- Alan Katz’s Joyful Rebellion
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Episode Summary
What happens when the secret holding you back is one you’ve been keeping from yourself? In this raw, unguarded conversation, writer–producer Alan Katz (HBO’s Tales from the Crypt) traces the arc from early Hollywood wins to a two-decade spiral—then the moment truth became non-negotiable. We dig into the creative birth of the Crypt Keeper, how Tales helped change HBO’s culture, and the studio politics that turned a thriving franchise into the feature fiasco Bordello of Blood. Alan shares the near-suicide that forced him to confront a childhood trauma, the mood-stabilizer that “put the darkness in a box,” and how telling the truth—to himself first—unlocked a second act.
Today, he runs Costard & Touchstone Productions and makes story podcasts as activism: How NOT to Make a Movie, The Donor: A DNA Horror Story, The Hall Closet, and Just the Photographer. This episode is a masterclass in creative integrity, personal recovery, and building work that answers to your soul—not the system.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] “The truth will set you free” — telling your story to yourself first
[03:00] Early wins, New York to LA, and meeting producer Gil Adler
[08:00] Tales from the Crypt: franchise building and the birth of the Crypt Keeper
[16:30] “It’s not TV, it’s HBO” — culture shift and creative freedom
[19:30] Feature deal at Universal; Demon Knight lands, Dead Easy dies
[22:00] The Bordello of Blood pivot: impossible timelines, miscasting, and studio politics
[31:00] Fallout: a burned-out crew, shelved integrity, and a friendship broken
[33:00] Two decades of depression and the secret underneath it
[34:30] Mood stabilizer, therapy, and the moment the rage “clicked off”
[35:30] Naming childhood abuse; why truth changes everything
[37:00] Podcasting as catharsis: How NOT to Make a Movie reunites old partners
[41:00] Owning IP and flipping the Hollywood dynamic
[44:00] The slate: The Donor, The Hall Closet, Just the Photographer
[56:00] “How to Live Bullshit Free”: purpose, bliss, and helping others
Resources
Costard & Touchstone Productions: Home
Podcasts: How NOT to Make a Movie • The Donor: A DNA Horror Story • The Hall Closet • Just the Photographer
Blog/Book: How to Live Bullshit Free (in progress)

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
The Case for Reinventing Fatherhood and Masculinity- with Jack Kammer
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Episode Summary
Jack Kammer has spent over four decades asking the uncomfortable questions about gender, power, and fairness—and he’s not done yet. In this episode, the former social worker, parole officer, and longtime advocate for men’s issues joins A Joyful Rebellion to unpack what he calls a “Vitamin M deficiency” in modern life.
From stories of fatherlessness and male dropout to the overlooked emotional needs of boys, Kammer offers a perspective that challenges dominant gender narratives—without rejecting the value of feminism. We explore the male and female “power structures,” the cost of being excluded from emotional spaces, and how society might benefit from men reinventing their roles—not with rebellion, but with reintegration.
If you’ve ever questioned how we got here—or how we get out—this conversation might just shift your lens.
Show Notes with Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction to Jack Kammer and his lifelong work[00:03:00] Challenging the myth of universal male privilege[00:05:30] American vs. French Revolutions as metaphors for gender progress[00:07:00] Jack’s origin story: co-ed softball and aha moments[00:10:30] “The Misfortune 5 Million” and redefining power[00:16:00] The invisible female power structure and the Big Red Heart[00:21:00] The original radio show and what men called in about[00:24:00] Divorce, fatherlessness, and societal bias[00:30:00] Are we struggling because we’ve lost purpose?[00:34:00] Men’s opportunity to reinvent themselves (IBM analogy)[00:39:00] Raising kids, deserving vs. needing, and Vitamin M[00:46:00] Responsible motherhood and fatherhood—what’s missing[00:50:00] Reclaiming the value of masculinity and presence[00:55:00] The need for balance, not backlash[01:00:00] What men and boys are facing today[01:02:00] Final thoughts and the call for shared respect
Resources
Male Friendly Media: Jack Kammer’s platform
National Fatherhood Initiative: https://www.fatherhood.org
Book: No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover
Book references: The End of Men, Are Men Even Necessary?

Friday Jul 25, 2025
My Unexpected Life- Jennifer Gasner on Disability, Identity, and Belonging
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Episode Summary
Sometimes the most unexpected stories aren’t about what happens—but how someone chooses to live through it.
In this powerful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, disability advocate and author Jennifer Gasner shares what it’s like to receive a life-altering diagnosis at 17—and then keep going. Diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare degenerative disorder, Jennifer was told she’d be in a wheelchair by 20 and gone by 25. She just celebrated her 51st birthday.
We talk about her memoir My Unexpected Life, the difference between the medical model and the social model of disability, and how Jennifer learned to embrace her identity and advocate for others. She shares stories of visibility, vulnerability, and an unexpected friendship with Dave Matthews that changed her life.
Whether you’re navigating disability or just want to better understand the world around you, this conversation is a powerful reminder that value isn’t tied to ability—it’s about being fully human.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Medical model vs. social model of disability
[01:30] Meet Jennifer Gasner and My Unexpected Life
[03:00] Diagnosed at 17: The moment that changed everything
[05:00] A grim prognosis—and why it didn’t come true
[07:00] From broadcaster dreams to reimagined purpose
[09:30] Turning 25 and realizing: “I’m still here”
[11:00] Why Jennifer wrote the book—and who it’s for
[13:00] Structuring a memoir—and choosing what to include
[14:30] Embracing the social model of disability
[16:00] Vulnerability, visibility, and reader response
[18:00] Judy Heumann, Rebecca Taussig, and other influences
[20:00] FA’s wide spectrum—and how connection heals
[22:00] Book events, disability orgs, and imposter syndrome
[24:00] The Dave Matthews story: friendship and generosity
[26:00] What nondisabled people often miss—and how to do better
[28:00] Fear, socialization, and why low expectations persist
[30:00] Changing the narrative—and being part of the shift
[32:00] Final thoughts: Worthiness, identity, and perspective shifts
Resources
Website: jennifergasner.com
Book: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis
Instagram: @jennygwriter
Facebook: Jennifer Gasner, Author
Recommended Books:
Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
Being Heumann by Judy Heumann
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tinu Abayomi-Paul

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
How to Think Like a Futurist- Steven Zeller on AI, Risk, and the Power of Iteration
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Episode Summary
What if the hard season you’re in isn’t a detour—but the actual path?
Steven Zeller is a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and futurist who’s built and lost businesses, found clarity in discomfort, and never stopped chasing what’s next. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, Steven shares how being broke, unsupported, and underestimated became the foundation for his most innovative work.
We talk about building your first million (and losing it fast), navigating entrepreneurship without a safety net, and how failure became his best mentor. Steven opens up about growing up without support, learning business in real time, and why your inner circle matters more than your pitch deck. Then we shift into the future: AI, genetic engineering, wearable tech, deepfakes, and the fine line between human potential and transhumanism.
This episode is a rare peek into the mind of someone who sees the future clearly—and isn’t afraid to walk straight into it.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Opening question: Is technology making us dumber—or just more reliant?
[01:00] Meet Steven Zeller: serial entrepreneur, tech futurist, self-made risk-taker
[03:00] From Midwest middle child to forging his own path—without college
[06:00] Choosing neurosurgery… or entrepreneurship?
[08:00] Breaking generational expectations without a support system
[11:00] Early mistakes, bad influences, and learning business by doing
[13:00] Making a million—and losing it fast
[15:00] The “woe is me” moment, and what he did differently the second time
[18:00] Why iteration matters more than perfection
[21:00] Version 3.0 of your life—and why reinvention is your best strategy
[24:00] AI, robotics, and why humans were built for more than monotony
[28:00] The distinction between usable and distraction tech
[33:00] How we think with tools—and why that isn’t always a bad thing
[36:00] Deepfakes, disinformation, and the need for AI fact-checkers
[39:00] What Steven’s most excited about: genetics, organ regeneration, and life extension
[43:00] The ethics of editing embryos—and the danger of designer babies
[45:00] Medical disruption vs. medical monetization
[47:00] The idea of “downloading a cure” in the not-so-distant future
[50:00] Transhumanism, identity, and what makes us human
[52:00] Final thoughts: Better tech, better humans, and drawing the line
Resources
Connect with Steven on LinkedIn
Topics mentioned: ChatGPT, Sora, Quantum Computing, Human Genome Project, IPS cells, Brain-computer interfaces

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
There’s Nothing Wrong with You—It’s Just Fear- Rhonda Britten’s Story
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Episode Summary
What if the thing holding you back isn’t laziness, procrastination, or perfectionism—but fear wearing a clever disguise?
In this unforgettable episode of A Joyful Rebellion, Emmy Award-winner and Fearless Living founder Rhonda Britten shares the unthinkable story of what happened to her at age 14—and the decades-long journey that followed. After witnessing the murder-suicide of her parents, Rhonda spiraled into guilt, addiction, and self-destruction. But a failed suicide attempt became the moment she decided to start over. And she did.
Today, she’s helped thousands reclaim their lives using the Wheel of Fear and Wheel of Freedom, tools that help people stop trying harder and start transforming. We talk about emotional fear vs. physical fear, why most self-help doesn’t stick, and how real change comes through awareness, not willpower. Whether you’re overwhelmed, people-pleasing, or perfectionist-ing your way through life, this conversation will shift how you see yourself—and what you do next.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] What fearlessness really is (it’s not skydiving)
[02:00] Rhonda’s backstory: Emmy-winner, coach, and trauma survivor
[04:30] The worst day of her life—and the guilt that followed
[07:30] Alcohol, suicide attempts, and the turning point
[09:00] The gold star calendar that changed everything
[11:00] Why knowledge doesn’t equal transformation
[13:00] What fear actually looks like in daily life
[14:30] The fear quiz (and how you probably passed it 100%)
[17:00] Reframing “problems” as fear responses
[19:00] Identifying your core fear—and how it runs the show
[22:00] The Wheel of Fear vs. Wheel of Freedom
[25:00] How shame melts when fear is named
[28:00] Healing, regret, and radical self-forgiveness
[31:00] Rhonda’s essential nature: authenticity
[34:00] Generational trauma and fear in your DNA
[36:30] Why your worst behavior doesn’t define you
[38:00] Age, awareness, and how fast change can happen
[40:00] The #1 fear people don’t talk about
[43:00] Coaching that actually works—and why
[46:00] Stretch, Risk, or Die: tools for transformation
[49:00] Fear as your outdated protector (and how to retrain it)
[52:00] The difference between venting and complaining
[55:00] Building sovereignty and agency—one choice at a time
[58:00] What healthy people really look like—and how to find them
[01:00:00] Final takeaway: There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just fear.
Resources
Website: fearlessliving.org
Free Video Class: Stretch Risk or Die | Fearless Living
Book: Fearless Living by Rhonda Britten
Instagram: @rhondabritten

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Two Dads, Two Kids, and a System That Fought Them- Lane Igoudin’s Adoption Story
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Episode Summary
How do you build a family when the system is designed to tear it apart?
In this powerful episode of A Joyful Rebellion, writer, professor, and father Lane Igoudin shares the deeply human story behind his memoir A Family, Maybe: Two Dads, Two Babies, and the Court Cases That Brought Us Together. Lane and his husband Jonathan were among the first openly gay couples to adopt through the foster system in Los Angeles County. What followed was a three-year legal and emotional rollercoaster that tested their resolve, their relationship, and their sense of justice.
We talk about the failures of the child welfare system, the invisible labor of parenting under legal threat, and what it really means to create family—not just legally, but spiritually and emotionally. Lane opens up about raising two daughters, navigating stigma, building community, and the quiet strength it takes to hold your family together when others have the power to pull it apart.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Grafting onto a new family tree: How love can create roots
[01:00] Meet Lane Igoudin: Writer, father, and accidental memoirist
[03:00] The first chapter: curbside delivery and becoming instant parents
[06:00] Birth, sepsis, and a cooler bag full of formula
[08:30] Parenting under legal threat: Living through uncertainty
[10:00] Two babies, no safety net, and a perfect storm of life transitions
[12:00] Why Lane always knew he wanted to be a father
[14:00] The landscape of early LGBTQ+ adoptions in the 2000s
[16:00] Legal limbo: Being married in one state, single in another
[18:00] Parallel paths: Parenting, career change, and teaching
[20:00] The emotional cost of parenting through a courtroom
[23:00] Denied status, silenced voices, and fighting for your family
[25:00] The problem with “best interests” being decided 30 miles away
[27:00] What true attachment looks like—and what disruption could do
[30:00] Building bridges: Allies, moms, and chosen community
[32:00] Identity, culture, and raising bicultural kids with care
[34:00] What the girls know, and what they want to know, about their past
[36:00] Reactions to the book—from readers, family, and adoptees
[39:00] Why Lane wrote the story he never planned to write
Resources
Lane’s Website: http://laneigoudin.com
Book: A Family, Maybe (Available via Amazon, Bookshop, and his website)
Publisher: Ooligan Press, Portland State University
Instagram: @laneigoudin
Facebook: Lane Igoudin

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
From Diagnosis to Determination- Ray Hartjen on Cancer, Clarity, and Living Out Loud
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Episode Summary
What do you do when life hands you a story you never asked for?
Ray Hartjen is a writer, musician, father, and cancer patient who didn’t just survive a diagnosis—he rewrote the narrative. After learning he had multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, Ray chose to reframe instead of retreat. In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, we explore how a routine blood test cracked his world open—and how he rebuilt it with music, meaning, and the mantra, If not now, when?
We talk about the emotional toll of illness, the power of perspective, and the roles we take on when everything changes. Ray shares what it means to show up fully, how support groups shaped his recovery, and why he believes in “punching the day in the face.” Whether you're facing a life detour or just waiting to start the next chapter, this conversation is a powerful reminder that clarity often follows chaos—and it’s never too late to begin again.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Opening reflection: Clarity after crisis
[01:00] Meet Ray Hartjen: writer, musician, father—and cancer patient
[03:00] A routine blood test leads to a life-changing diagnosis
[06:00] What 90% bone marrow cancer looks like when you feel “fine”
[08:00] Reframing the story: Same roles, new lens
[10:00] The “mixing board” model of healing: mind, body, spirit
[12:00] The timeline exercise that redefined his urgency
[15:00] “If not now, when?”—and the motto that lit a fire
[17:00] Book 1: Immaculate and the Steelers’ role in Pittsburgh’s revival
[20:00] Why big dreams require small steps
[22:00] Advice for anyone with a full journal and an unfinished dream
[24:00] What support groups reveal about the healing journey
[26:00] From patient to advocate: reaching back to pull others forward
[28:00] Hesitations, control, and why vulnerability builds strength
[30:00] What not to say—and what to say instead when offering help
[33:00] Book 2: The Indy 500 and chasing long-held passions
[35:00] Making music, dreaming bigger, and playing Vegas
[37:00] The hardest conversation: telling his daughter
[40:00] Grace, grit, and why the world needs your story
[43:00] Final encouragement: “You are stronger than you think”
Resources
Website: rayhartjen.com
Book: Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma
Book: Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh
Book: The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest… (coming soon)
Connect on social: @rayhartjen (except TikTok: @rayhartjen5)
Email: rayhartjen@gmail.com

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
How to Actually Understand Yourself (and Others) with Eric Gee and Project Utopia
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Episode Summary
You’ve taken the tests—Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, DISC—but what if they’re missing the real point? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, personality expert and educator Eric Gee breaks down why most models get it wrong—and how his Project Utopia framework gets it right.
Instead of focusing on traits or labels, Eric’s system centers on values, using animal archetypes grouped into four core packs: Gatherers, Hunters, Smiths, and Shamans. With over 50,000 people personally profiled, Eric shares how understanding your true motivation—not just your behavior—can reframe everything from your relationships to your career choices.
Whether you’ve always felt a little “off-type” or you’re deep into self-discovery, this episode is a funny, thoughtful, and wildly insightful look at what really drives us.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] What most personality tests get wrong—and why values matter more
[03:00] Eric’s origin story: RadioShack computers and personality geekery
[06:00] Superficial traits vs. deeper drives: A shift in methodology
[08:00] Why Eric uses animal archetypes—and what makes them stick
[10:00] The four core packs: Gatherers, Hunters, Smiths, and Shamans
[12:30] Using values to communicate more effectively (especially in school)
[14:00] How personality typing transforms marriages and partnerships
[15:30] Nature vs. Nurture—and the effects of parenting styles
[18:00] Gatherer overconfidence, shaman midlife clarity, and personality pivots
[20:00] Why you can’t “change” your type—and what happens when you try
[23:00] The burnout factor: When teachers’ personalities clash with systems
[25:00] Magic, personality, and breaking assumptions
[27:00] When others know you better than you know yourself
[30:00] The least common types—and what makes them powerful
[32:00] How to find your type (and why it should be fun)
[34:00] Energy, intuition, and reading people in the wild
[36:00] Why Hemingway isn’t for everyone—and how writing reflects values
[38:00] A final takeaway: The power of self-honesty and personal rebellion
Resources
Website: ProjectYOUtopia.com
Book: The Power of Personality by Eric G
Free personality test: Available on Eric’s site
Eric’s social links: Included on the Project YOUtopia website

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
The Happiness Decision- Andrew Matthews on Resilience and Mindset
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Episode Summary
What if the key to happiness wasn’t in getting what you want—but in choosing how you respond when you don’t? In this episode of A Joyful Rebellion, international bestselling author and cartoonist Andrew Matthews joins us from Australia to unpack what it really means to bounce back. With over 8 million books sold in 49 languages, Andrew’s simple, illustrated messages about happiness have helped millions reframe their pain, reclaim their power, and live with more joy—even in the midst of hard times.
We explore the difference between people who move forward and those who stay stuck, why acceptance is the real first step toward healing, and how a slice of cake might be all it takes to shift your mindset. Whether you're recovering from loss, trying to find meaning in the mess, or just want to feel a little more like yourself again—this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and hope.
Show Notes & Chapters
[00:00] Introduction: When life knocks you down, then what?
[01:00] Meet Andrew Matthews: The decision that changed everything
[03:00] The happiness myth—and the truth he discovered at 25
[06:30] Rejection, risk, and the cartoon book that went global
[08:15] What happy people have in common (hint: it’s not stuff)
[10:45] The cake cartoon and the power of what we focus on
[12:00] Lessons from people with “bigger problems and better attitudes”
[14:15] Why bouncing back starts with acceptance
[17:00] The trap of “it shouldn’t have happened”—and how to move on
[19:00] Resilience, stoicism, and choosing how we interpret events
[21:30] Nick Vujicic, country western songs, and perspective shifts
[24:00] When self-help stops working—and what to do next
[26:00] The problem with overthinking and the gift of self-awareness
[28:00] Social media, short attention spans, and the myth of comparison
[30:00] Decision vs. transformation: the real turning point
[32:00] Different books for different seasons of hardship
[34:00] Supporting people around you without pushing them
[36:00] Being the best example—not the loudest voice
[38:00] Real-life stories: from broke and hopeless to joyful and thriving
[42:00] Start where you are—there’s no other place to begin
[44:00] Where to find Andrew’s books and newsletters
[45:00] Final thoughts and thank yous
Resources
Andrew’s Website: andrewmatthews.com
Books by Andrew Matthews:
Being Happy
Bouncing Back
Happiness in Hard Times
Follow Your Heart
Audiobooks available on Audible
Andrew’s newsletter (sign up on his website)