Tears & Joy In Your Twenties

Season 2 continues with Dr. Erin Wilson—speaker, author, and CEO of Design Ideal Consulting. Erin is on a mission to transform the way leaders and teams thrive by integrating relationship intelligence, strategic rest, and intentional leadership.In this episode, we talk about how Erin discovered her passion for helping people lead and collaborate more effectively—and how tuning into her own strengths played a major role in that journey. We explore how identifying your strengths can not only shape your leadership style, but also serve as a powerful tool for discerning your calling and career direction.We also dive into what it means to lead with clarity, why rest is a strategic advantage, and how relational tools like Core Strengths, DiSC, and The Five Behaviors can revolutionize the way teams communicate and grow together. Erin shares what she’s learned from over a decade of designing transformative team-building experiences—and why sustainable leadership begins with self-awareness and rest.Connect with Erin:Website: designidealconsulting.comInstagram: @dr.erinwilsonYouTube: PowerNAP LiveLinkedIn: Dr. Erin WilsonCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey Spiars | Music by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

In this solo episode, Julia Light shares her personal journey of learning to dream big—and why dreaming is more essential now than ever in our current cultural moment. Imagination plays a key role in meaningful work, no matter the field, and Julia shares key practices to unlock this, as well as a clearer sense of identity + purpose through dreaming! This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps.Created by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew Ward

In this special solo episode, our host Julia shares 25 things she’s learned in 25 years to celebrate her 25th birthday. From living deeply to embracing whimsy, creative momentum and taking risks, these reflections capture the lessons, joys, and challenges that have shaped her so far. Created by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey Spiars Music by Andrew Ward

Season 2 continues with nonprofit founder and social entrepreneur Melissa Ice. Melissa is the Founder & Executive Director of The Net, a nonprofit that has supported over 1,700 survivors of trafficking, and the Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of The Worthy Co., a social enterprise that provides job training and employment for survivors.In this episode, we talk about how Melissa developed a heart for serving others working internationally, and the boldness it took to start The Net in her twenties -- seeing a gap in resources and programming for survivors of trafficking in her own city, and stepping in to fill it . She shares her journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up, the lessons she’s learned about leadership and impact, and why social enterprise is a powerful tool for change. Melissa also shares about her experiences befriending those of different cultures and backgrounds out of love and curiosity, and the profound impact this has had on her life, career, and legacy.We talk about discerning purpose, the power of "you don't know what you don't know," and investing in the place where you live -- to leave it better than you found it.Connect with Melissa:The Net: thenetfw.com | Instagram The Worthy Co: worthy-co.com | InstagramInstagram: @melissaiceCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey Spiars | Music by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with award-winning writer, actor, and producer Veronica Reyes-How. Veronica began her career in technology consulting—until a decision to attend an open-call audition led her to book the national tour of Rent.In this episode, we talk about her journey into acting and writing, the power of calling out giftings in others, and how pivotal encouragement shaped her life and career. Veronica shares how she found a deeper vision for her work—one rooted not in personal success, but in blessing others in the film and TV industry.We also talk about creativity, calling, and the doors that open when we’re willing to take bold steps into the unknown. Veronica now leads her own production company, Pinoy Cinematic Universe, where she’s creating original stories that inspire, elevate underrepresented voices, and bring meaningful narratives to life.Connect with Veronica:Website: imveronicareyes.comProduction Company: pinoycinematicuniverse.comInstagram: @imveronicareyesCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with life and relationship coach Ale Siekmeier. Ale is the founder of The Nett, a nonprofit offering a modern approach to Christian singleness, dating, and pre-engagement. She is passionate about healing, soul transformation, and helping people live whole and integrated lives.In this episode, we talk about everything from healing deep wounds to entrepreneurship, and what it means to live a whole and integrated life. Ale shares powerful wisdom from her years of mentoring, her own healing journey, and the heart behind her work in coaching and mentoring others.We also talk about finding purpose and calling, cultivating emotional and spiritual health, and what Ale has learned about dating from years of matchmaking and relationship coaching. Connect with Ale:Website: alesiekmeier.comInstagram: @alesiekmeierCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Renūl, Daniel Olson. Based in New York City, Daniel is known for his immersive installations that challenge perception and explore themes of beauty, light, and transformation. In addition to his art, he leads Renūl, an initiative designed to activate and equip artists while supporting their well-being.We talk about Daniel’s journey of building a life and career rooted in creativity, his passion for fostering artistic community, and the ways he helps artists step into their fullest potential. Daniel shares the profound impact The Artist’s Way has had on his life and why he now leads groups through it in NYC.We also dive into the power of an abundance mindset, how gratitude and confidence are connected, and the importance of play and childlikeness in a creative life. This conversation is all about living deeply, pursuing dreams with intention, and embracing the fleeting nature of life as inspiration.Connect with Daniel:Renūl: renul.nycInstagram: @cosmic.futureCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 continues with Fort Worth, Texas, entrepreneur, musician, and creative leader Jamey Ice. Jamey has worn many hats—founding member and lead guitarist of Green River Ordinance, co-founder of 6th Avenue Homes and 6th Avenue Storytelling, and owner of multiple businesses that have shaped the culture of Fort Worth.We talk about taking big risks in your 20s, building a business with purpose, and how to shape the city you live in. Jamey shares his journey from full-time musician to entrepreneur, the lessons he’s learned about creativity and leadership, and the rhythms that help him balance ambition with being present.We also dive into practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, the power of storytelling in business, and what it means to leave a lasting impact.Connect with Jamey:6thavehomes.com6thavestorytelling.comstorieswithsoulpodcast.comcasadeice.comInstagram: @jameyiceCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on Substack: tearsandjoy.substack.comFollow Tears & Joy on Instagram: @tearsandjoyCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Season 2 is here, and we’re sitting down with chef, entrepreneur, and hospitality expert Rachel Snyder to talk about food, community, entrepreneurship, and the art of making people feel at home.Five years ago, Rachel left her PR career to become a full-time chef and event planner. Since then, she’s cooked for celebrity judges on Chopped, hosted unforgettable gatherings, and built Rachel Snyder Hospitality. We talk about creating a culture of hospitality, building a business rooted in generosity, and what she’s learned as a leader and entrepreneur.Rachel also shares the heart behind her Substack Anyone Can Host, her go-to meals for hosting, and advice for anyone looking build deeper community.Connect with Rachel:Website: rachelsnyder.nycSubstack: Anyone Can HostInstagram: @rachelsnydernycCreated by Julia LightSubscribe to Tears & Joy on SubstackFollow Tears & Joy on InstagramCover Photo by Audrey SpiarsMusic by Andrew WardRecorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Episode 16 of the Tears & Joy Podcast is an interview with actress & comedy writer Courtney Corso-Casiano. A born and raised New Yorker, Courtney has performed in various cabarets & concerts at 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and Sony Hall. In this episode she shared the story of her twenties so far-- graduating in 2019 from Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music and moving back to New York months before the pandemic, beginning to pursue comedy writing and jumping back into the world of musical theatre. Courtney recently produced her own solo show Livin’ La Vida Coco to a sold out audience at The Green Room 42. This is a great episode about pursuing your childhood dreams and what you were made to do, as well as learning to play the long game when things don’t happen as quickly as you planned. Thank you Coco for sharing your story! Follow Coco on Tiktok Follow Coco on Instagram Created by Julia Light Subscribe to Tears & Joy in Your Twenties on Substack Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

The next two episodes of the Tears & Joy Podcast will be essays from our Substack page along the themes of this podcast. “Slowly But Surely Changing Seasons” is about the ways that both in nature and in our twenties, change may not happen the way we want it to, but it always happens. In the words of former guest Emily Denny, “you can have everything you want, but not all at the same time.” Read this essay on Substack. Created by Julia Light Subscribe to Tears & Joy in Your Twenties on Substack Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward

Episode 15 of the Tears & Joy Podcast is an interview with Jake Traylor, a reporter for NBC News who is currently working full-time on the campaign trail of the 2024 election. Jake grew up in a small town in Texas and didn’t realize storytelling for a living was possible until one conversation and a few life-altering moments led him to his dream career, first at The Today Show and now in political journalism! This conversation is full of great perspective on pursuing your dreams in faith, setting priorities clearly in your twenties, and being a thoughtful and hopeful member of this generation.  Follow Jake on Instagram Follow Jake on Twitter Created by Julia Light Subscribe to Tears & Joy in Your Twenties on Substack Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Laura Leigh Rogers. You may know her from Broadway’s Mean Girls, or as the founder of nonprofit ministry, Rise Collective Women. As Laura Leigh shares her story, we delve into some of the biggest events of her twenties: a Broadway debut, founding a nonprofit, and getting married-- plus the intense waiting and growth seasons that preceded all of these things. Laura Leigh shares encouragement about making the most of your twenties (specifically single years) and using this time to prioritize what is most important to you.  Learn about Rise Collective: https://risecollective.nyc Laura Leigh's Podcast, Living in the Light: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-in-the-light-with-laura-leigh/id1529355678 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DDQPL8D5Yw6mVDEkF5lUc?si=c012bb68c32f4096 Laura Leigh's Actor Website: lauraleighturner.com Created by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Lucy Benzinger, an NYC-based actress and YouTuber. Lucy shared her story of moving to New York after college to pursue musical theatre, nearing burnout and seeing the relief she felt at the pandemic “shutting the world down” as an indicator that she needed to build sustainability into her creative life. Since then, she’s started a YouTube channel with her husband and found what life rhythms keep not only grounded but thriving and hopeful, even in the midst of ever-changing industries and seasons. Lucy also shared some incredible perspective about the fact that being called to something doesn’t always mean overnight success, and the beauty of the process of pursuing your dreams faithfully. Subscribe to Lu & Chan on YouTube Follow Lucy on Instagram Created by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Paolo Verzani. Paolo is an artist and photographer living in NYC. His commercial photography scope falls primarily within the hospitality industry, and his personal photo works, as he describes it, explores “the beauty found within the tension and harmony of metaphors and symbolism across the urban landscape.” Paolo generously shared his story of growing up as a deeply sensitive and creative kid, studying nutrition as a student athlete at NYU, a major transition of faith and belief, and incubating his photography skills in an unexpected way. There are several key friendships that have drastically impacted each step of Paolo’s life trajectory. Reflecting from his late twenties, this interview is full of helpful perspective and honesty. Follow Paolo Verzani on Instagram Paolo’s Website Created by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Lauren Franco, a multi-hyphenate creative, storyteller, & founder. She is the Executive Director & founder of [gather], a nonprofit with the mission of bringing women into community & conversation through discussion-based events. Lauren shared her story today of being accepted to NYU but deferring for two years, moving to NYC from California and quickly starting what eventually became an organization now operating in multiple cities and building community for hundreds of women. Alongside building [gather], Lauren has an amazing day job and multiple creative pursuits. She shared how she balances these things, as well as her experience navigating some of the emotional and existential challenges of life in your twenties. Lauren is absolutely wonderful and I am thrilled to share this episode! [gather] website Lauren’s website Created & Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram Follow Julia Light on Instagram Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward

Today’s episode is an interview with Michael Sanky, a comedian, writer, musician, and actor in New York City currently performing on two house teams at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Michael shares the story of his twenties, including: entering Harvard as a pre-med student, going on to study math and work in finance, to stumbling upon improv and switching his life trajectory to pursue comedy. We had a great conversation about finding purpose and direction in your twenties as well as navigating a public-facing career within the ever-changing digital landscape of the 2020s. Michael is gracious, brilliant, and hilarious -- he’s also incredibly grounded, and I’m thrilled to share this conversation as his perspective is extremely helpful in navigating the changes this decade brings. Michael’s Website: https://www.michaelsanky.com/ Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsanky/ Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music & Sound Engingeering by Andrew Ward

Today’s episode is an interview with my new friend, Jordan Deen. Jordan is a multidisciplinary creative producer as well as the host of his own podcast, Voicemails: To My Younger Self, where he creates incredibly important conversations about growing up without a father. Jordan lives in London but we got to record this in-person while he was visiting NYC! Today we talked about seeing your life as a redemptive story, dealing with childhood wounds, forgiveness, and the friends that get us there. Jordan has an amazing perspective filled with so much insight and gratitude. Jordan’s podcast, Voicemails: To My Younger Self: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voicemails-to-my-younger-self/id1592399637 Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordandeen/ Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward

Today’s episode is an interview with Jaden Dominique, a musical theatre actress who is currently playing Mary in the Jesus Christ Superstar National Tour. Jaden has had an amazing career already in her first two years since college On this episode we spoke about the challenges of being a college student - specifically a musical theatre major - during the pandemic, starting a career before college is over, and having amazing opportunities early on in your career, intermixed with a season of deep familial grief. Follow Jaden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaden.dominique/ Follow Jaden on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaden.dominque?lang=en Go See Jaden in Jesus Christ Superstar: https://ustour.jesuschristsuperstar.com/tickets/ Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward

Today’s episode is an interview with Emily Denny, a fantastic photographer, coach, and overall entrepreneur. Emily decided to pursue photography as a career right before graduating college with a completely different degree -- she was a 2020 grad and after weathering much of the pandemic she moved to NYC where she ended up jumping into full-time creative entrepreneurship. Emily’s story is full of hard work and overcoming challenges like a lack of mentorship and looming burnout -- she now has a healthy, balanced business and life and has a lot to teach us!  Follow Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydennyphoto/ Emily’s Website: https://www.emilydennyphoto.com/ Books We Mentioned: Deep Work by Cal Newport; The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Kate Millar, a poet and writer from Edinburgh, Scotland currently completing her MFA in poetry in at The New School in NYC. We talked about the challenges of navigating transition to a new country, realizing we’re more impressionable in our early twenties than we’d like to admit, looking poetically at life by paying attention to nature around us, and thinking about what’s going on with Gen Z (namely ourselves), specifically how social media shapes us and what to do about that. Follow Kate on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KateMillarFilms Kate’s work in Atwood Magazine: https://atwoodmagazine.com/author/kate-millar/ Kate’s work in Bomb Magazine: https://bombmagazine.org/author/kate-millar Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Christian Fussell, a highly successful realtor in Fort Worth, Texas. Christian entered at age 23 into a field primarily dominated by middle-aged people and lived to tell the tale -- he just turned 29 and is a top performing real estate agent in his area. In this interview we cover way more than just real estate-- throughout his story Christian shares insight into natural networking, processing major setbacks (like losing your first job out of college), and having a realistic view of the grand scheme of life as a twenty-something in 2024. Follow Christian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianbfussell/ Hosted by Julia Light Follow the Tears & Joy in Your Twenties Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearsandjoypodcast/ Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today’s episode is an interview with Anna Miriam Brown, an author and composer, who shares her story of having her musical, His Story the Musical, produced as a 22-year-old, as well as her next creative endeavors. Anna’s story includes pursuing the arts from a young age, having major accomplishments happen almost serendipitously, and processing disappointment and difficult emotions. Her approach to the creative process is refreshing, and she shares the heart behind all of her work as she navigates her early twenties. Follow along with Anna’s work: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnaMiriamBrown https://www.instagram.com/anna_miriam_brown/ https://hisstorythemusical.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Anna-Miriam-Brown/dp/B0CPJY7V24/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BT4PGVIA8TDI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zn3dTAUlpdvEa5wrev-tVl_h4COvqEj8IcQETRTDx5y2eclXUf3aKF1sKDATrB8DjEiz3CK3sIYFPYzPitSNwnf0cD50iDhdPEwU2tYlf1Tis57P_QgWKJVAxIx0RTe1XOIydMoUNROvbPgheySjYO3GX1jAW-JWFx1mYNDMBkMPop7JdqS0g3gS5_P8x6cWdml4aaC9eqmyC1P3krEKGC1sC_mrCArXlLCh-ZfIi40.M2GDkZK62WW8_IZ4MBFy_FV5KTy0m-0FdZOxUFYTKi8&dib_tag=se&keywords=anna+miriam+brown&qid=1709096229&sprefix=%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1 Hosted by Julia Light Instagram @tearsandjoypodcast Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded Remotely with Zoom

Today's episode is an interview with Kaiti Yoo, YouTuber and content creator, who shares her story from starting a YouTube channel as a Brown University student during the pandemic, to moving to NYC after graduating. Kaiti speaks openly about her struggles with mental health and the depth and meaning she has found through her more difficult seasons, plus her vision for a an impactful career. This conversation is full of fun and joy as well as depth and honesty. Follow along with Kaiti’s career: https://www.youtube.com/@KaitiYoo https://www.instagram.com/kaitiyoo https://www.tiktok.com/@kootooyoo Hosted by Julia Light Instagram @tearsandjoypodcast Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC

Today's episode is an interview with Madelyn Hicks, NYC-based musician and singer-songwriter, who shares her story of moving to New York. Madelyn experienced multiple major setbacks upon moving to the city, and talks about the strong foundation that was laid for her personal and professional life because of this season of injury, loneliness, and grief. You can find Madelyn on Instagram @madelynhicksmusic to follow along on her music journey! Hosted by Julia Light Instagram @tearsandjoypodcast Cover Photo by Sarah Burgess Music by Andrew Ward Recorded at Hephzibah House NYC