small joys

In this episode Suleika Jaouad and Amanda talk about her Oscar nominated film American Symphony, and Suleika's second cancer diagnosis happening the same week her husband Jon Baptiste was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards.

 They discuss transforming significant life challenges into avenues for connection and creativity.The beauty of finding small joys amidst uncertainty, the courage it takes to share our most vulnerable moments, and the profound growth that can come from acceptance and self-discovery. Suleika's story is testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling.This is a conversation filled with honesty, vulnerability, and hope.

Here are some thought-provoking takeaways from their discussion:

• The Isolation Journals: Discover how a 30-day project evolved into a thriving creative community, offering a space for storytelling and vulnerability.
• Small Joys: Learn about the practice of identifying daily moments of joy, and how this simple act can shift our focus and bring light to our lives.
• Resilience Through Creativity: Hear how both Suleika and Amanda have used their creative processes to navigate through illness and adversity, finding strength and connection along the way.
• The Role of Relationships: Explore the impact of relationships on our experiences with illness and the importance of building a supportive community.
• Embracing Uncertainty: Reflect on the idea of living each day with curiosity and wonder, rather than fear, and how this perspective can enrich our lives.
• The importance of therapy and the value of having a space to talk openly about the challenges we face in our relationships.

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In this episode, we chat about being in our "Gratitude-era", Charity's brand new pink IPhone and the transformative power of perspective. Small joys, beautiful moments, and the ability to find happiness amidst life's trials. We talk about the complexities of single-hood, loving it, hating it and  the pressure to 'fix' ourselves before being considered worthy of it.

Diving further into gratitude; we talk about how out of touch billionaires, like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Kim Kardashian;  and ask whether their wealth truly brings them contentment, and fulfillment.

Lastly, we  take you beyond the glossy facade of "representation"  and why we will no longer be applauding fish for swimming. From the messaging in the barbie movie, the controversial Victoria's Secret show and the body shaming that permeates our society as plus sized women to performative DEI initiatives that do more harm at work. It's Honestly A Mouthful!

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Chapters

00:08 Our Gratitude Era

05:18  A new perspective on Single-hood

08:23 Billionaires, Happiness and First world Problems

19:42 Representation and Beauty Standards in Media

28:00 Body Shaming and our experiences

35:50 Our Roman Empire

44:33 All the things wrong with  DEI

Submit your dilemmas for us to answer: Here

Follow us on Instagram: @amouthfulpodcast 

Get in touch and share your thoughts with us: amouthfulpodcast@gmail.com

In Small Joys, we see how an unexpected friendship saves a young man's life.  Our main character Harley suffers from anxiety and depression.  His attempt on his own life is interrupted by his new flatmate, Muddy, who, unlike Harley, has an “enthusiasm for life” and finds joy in the small things around him.
Though this novel starts in a dark place, it’s incredibly hopeful and prioritizes kindness, compassion, and love.  It’s a novel about chosen family, the winding road to happiness, the grace of second chances, and being our authentic selves.
Today on the couch, I'm pleased to welcome author Elvin James Mensah.  First, we talk about his debut novel, Smalls Joys; then, we get into his writing and reading life.  Elvin also shares book and bookstore recommendations, plus lots more.
EPIGRAPH LITERARY FESTIVAL REPLAYS:
If you missed the festival or want to relive the highlights visit epigraphlitfest.com and select replays.  Your TBR will explode, you’ll learn a thing or two, and you’ll have lots of laughs, especially at the happy hours.  So go to epigraphlitfest.com and select replays!
BOOK:
Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah from Amazon or Bookshop.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!