Pure Joy Through the Pain

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Behind the System, we sit down with PJ “PureJoy” Belanger—an unstoppable force shaped by 11 ½ years in foster care, personal loss, and relentless adversity. PJ opens up about her time in the system, the trauma she faced, and how she transformed it all into a life of purpose. From surviving two heart attacks and homelessness to becoming a minister, bestselling author, and advocate for youth aging out of foster care, PJ shares how she found her superpower in joy—and how others can too. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s a roadmap for resilience.