A Joyful Rebellion

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

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
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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