Comeback Stories

In this deeply honest and joy-filled episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams welcomes actress, producer, and mother Ryan Michelle Bathé for a soul-nourishing conversation about embracing the chaos of life without apology. From navigating marriage with fellow actor Sterling K. Brown to building a life rooted in faith, humor, and resilience, Ryan opens up about the lessons, missteps, and mantras that keep her grounded. Together, they unpack what it means to redefine womanhood, honor your emotional bandwidth, and build a home full of love—even when your champagne flutes are mismatched. Ryan shares vulnerable reflections on aging, self-care, parenting through exhaustion, and finding joy in a world that rarely slows down. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of laughter, this episode is a celebration of imperfection, intention, and unapologetic Black womanhood. If you've ever felt the weight of being everything for everyone, or struggled to feel safe in your own skin, this one’s for you. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Building a Life of Joy03:00 – Australia, Motherhood & God's Surprises06:00 – 19 Years of Marriage & Unpredictable Careers09:00 – Faith, Stubbornness & Acting as a Calling12:00 – Hollywood Rejection & Learning to Stay15:00 – Parenting & Losing Yourself in the Process18:00 – Perimenopause, Health, and Black Women Aging21:00 – Family, Fear & Avoiding the Doctor24:00 – Illness, ALS, and Loving Through Change27:00 – Alzheimer’s, Caregiving & Choosing Joy Daily30:00 – You Don’t Have to Get Through it Pretty33:00 – Marriage Realizations & Letting Go of Perfection36:00 – Church Culture, Legacy & Beautiful Homes39:00 – Broken Glass & Emotional Meltdowns42:00 – Stewardship, Provision & Taking Care of What God Gives44:00 – Growing With Your Partner & Listening Deeply47:00 – Community, Evolution & Loving the Present49:00 – One Word She Wants Her Sons to RememberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you balance being a wife, mom of four, content creator, comedian, and actress — all while keeping your joy? In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with her friend That Chick Angel (Angel Laketa Moore) for a conversation about motherhood, marriage, faith, and the unexpected journey from actress to content creator. Angel opens up about pivoting her career when she became pregnant, building a digital brand, raising four Black boys with her husband Marcus, and how outrageous faith has guided her through every season. From funny pregnancy stories to the challenges of communication in marriage to finding joy in serving others, this episode is both laugh-out-loud and deeply inspiring. 💜 “When I can’t see the way forward, I serve.” — That Chick Angel If you need encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that joy is always within reach, this conversation is for you.  #ChoosingJoy #ThatChickAngel #DeborahJoyWinans #AngelLaketaMoore #BlackWomenInComedy #MotherhoodJourney #FaithAndFamily #ContentCreatorLife #JoyAndPurpose #CelebrityPodcast #BlackJoySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this radiant episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with the one and only Gabourey Sidibe—award-winning actress, director, and mother—to talk about choosing self-worth, navigating colorism, and embracing joy in a world that often tells you you’re not enough. From her unexpected journey into stardom with Precious to raising twins and reclaiming her own story, Gabby opens up with humor, honesty, and an unshakable spirit. She shares how her mother’s influence, her unconventional path into Hollywood, and her deeply grounded sense of self have kept her centered through fame, criticism, and cultural expectations. This conversation goes beyond celebrity—into what it means to love yourself loudly despite the noise. Expect laughter, real talk, a few tears, and a reminder that every person deserves good things. Whether you're an artist, a parent, or just someone trying to find peace in your own skin, this episode is for you. ✨ This is Choosing Joy at its most soulful and powerful. Chapter Markers 00:00 – We All Deserve Good Things 03:00 – Gabby’s Unexpected Journey into Hollywood 06:00 – Spirituality, Serendipity & Precious 09:00 – Gabby’s First Time on Set 12:00 – What Hollywood Really Is 1 5:00 – Colorism, Casting, and Identity 18:00 – Exhaustion, Projection & Protecting Joy 21:00 – Gabby on Self-Love and Her Mother 24:00 – Marriage, Kids & Redefining Want 27:00 – IVF, Motherhood & Living Fully 30:00 – The Power of Storytelling #GaboureySidibe #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahJoyWinans #SelfLove #Colorism #HollywoodTruths #BlackMotherhood #BlackWomenInFilm #IVFStory #Precious #EmbraceJoy #ConfidenceJourney #BlackExcellence #WomenInHollywood #ActressInterviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this intimate and profoundly moving episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with her mother, Deborah Kerr Winans, to share a deeply personal story of love, legacy, and faith in the face of Alzheimer’s. What began as a conversation meant for family became something much more—a testament to the power of memory, God’s grace, and choosing joy in the midst of unimaginable challenges. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020, Deborah Kerr Winans may not remember everything, but she never forgets her children, her faith, or the goodness of God. From growing up in Detroit and becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree to raising four children with fierce love and intention, this conversation honors a mother’s journey, strength, and unwavering belief. It’s a story about what remains even when memory fades—love, faith, and joy. ✨ Whether you’re a caregiver, a daughter, or someone facing hard truths about health and aging, this episode will wrap you in warmth and remind you: You’re not alone. And joy is still possible. Chapters 00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters01:00 – Living With Alzheimer's: A Daughter's Reflection03:00 – How the Diagnosis Changed Everything05:00 – Sitting in Gratitude, Not Just Grief07:00 – What My Mom Remembers Most09:00 – Holding Faith in the Middle of Memory Loss11:00 – Raising Us with Intention & Love13:00 – Faith, Detroit, and Family Values15:00 – A Mother's Unshakable Joy17:00 – The Gift of Her Legacy19:00 – Final Reflections, Birthday Song & A Blessing #DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahKerrWinans #AlzheimersAwareness #FaithAndFamily #LegacyOfLove #BlackWomenCaregivers #ChoosingJoyInGrief #MotherDaughterLove #SpiritualHealingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does choosing joy really mean when you’re living through pain, pressure, or exhaustion? In this deeply personal solo episode, Choosing Joy host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down—not as an actress or celebrity, but as herself—to answer your questions, share her heart, and reflect on what joy looks like when it’s uncomfortable, spiritual, and hard-won. Deborah opens up about motherhood, mental health, faith, grief, self-worth, and how she learned (and is still learning) to choose joy daily—not just on stage, but in real life. From the lessons of her Winans family legacy to her girls' trip epiphany with Merle Dandridge to the quiet prayers that sustain her, this episode is a soulful, grounding invitation to go deeper. Whether you’re a woman of faith, an artist in progress, a mother in motion, or just someone trying to pour from a not-so-full cup—Deborah’s raw honesty and wisdom remind us that joy isn’t a mood... it’s a decision. Chapters 00:00 – What Choosing Joy Means to Me01:00 – Unpacking My Relationship with Joy03:00 – What Life Has Taught Me About Grace05:00 – The Power of Choosing Yourself07:00 – A Girls' Trip That Changed Everything09:00 – How My Faith Guides My Work11:00 – My Morning Routine of Gratitude13:00 – 6AM Prayer, Grandma Winans, and Simplicity15:00 – Staying Grounded in a Chaotic World17:00 – What My Family’s Legacy Taught Me19:00 – How My Uncle Bebe Changed My Perspective21:00 – Seeing People as Ministry23:00 – Navigating Motherhood, Germs & Balance25:00 – Rest, Vitamins, Vaseline & Olly Multis 27:00 – Playing Charity on Greenleaf29:00 – Grace for Imperfection & Finding Your Way31:00 – Advice for Young Women in Music & Acting33:00 – Final Reflections & Your Invitation to Joy #DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #GreenleafCharity #BlackWomenInFaith #JoyIsAChoice #FaithAndMotherhood #ChristianWomenPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #HealingWithGod #SoulfulStorytellingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren and Donny explore self-abandonment's impact on our lives and relationships, discussing familiar behaviors like people-pleasing and conflict avoidance. They share personal stories, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our self-worth and taking charge of our lives. Offering practical tips for self-care and breaking free from societal conditioning, the hosts conclude with a powerful reminder: by valuing ourselves, we can authentically pour love into others. Join this empowering conversation to start a journey toward self-love and fulfillment. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw  ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comebackstoriesshow/?hl=en  DARREN WALLER ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rackkwall/?... ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/rackkwall83?lang=en DONNY STARKINS   ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/donny_stark... ► Twitter | https://mobile.twitter.com/donnystarkins #ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Darren and Donny spotlight the essence of the holiday season: prioritizing presence over presents. They advocate for cherishing moments with loved ones, emphasizing human connections over material possessions. Encouraging listeners to set boundaries and be fully engaged in relationships, the conversation urges a shift towards meaningful experiences. They delve into self-love, authenticity, and reevaluating life's pursuits, inspiring a reflective and uplifting perspective on the holiday season and beyond. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw  ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comebackstoriesshow/?hl=en  DARREN WALLER ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rackkwall/?... ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/rackkwall83?lang=en DONNY STARKINS   ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/donny_stark... ► Twitter | https://mobile.twitter.com/donnystarkins #ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Darren and Donny as they sit down with Graham Mertz, the University of Florida's quarterback, in an episode filled with inspiration and resilience. Discover Graham's journey from a football-loving youngster to overcoming self-doubt and finding faith. He emphasizes the joy of serving others and the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy. Tune in as Graham shares his wisdom on goal-setting, fulfillment, and how his love for golf aligns with life and football. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw  ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comebackstoriesshow/?hl=en  DARREN WALLER ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rackkwall/?... ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/rackkwall83?lang=en DONNY STARKINS   ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/donny_stark... ► Twitter | https://mobile.twitter.com/donnystarkins #ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a profound exploration of self-discovery and empowerment with BC Serna on the newest episode of Comeback Stories Podcast. Darren and Donny engage in an stirring conversation with BC, uncovering the adversities he faced in his early years, his relentless pursuit of belonging, and the pivotal moments that fueled his unwavering journey towards leadership. BC's introspective journey from a nomadic lifestyle to embracing fatherhood resonates deeply, echoing profound gratitude for the chance to inspire and nurture connections. It serves as a testament to the innate potential within us all to unearth purpose and cultivate impactful relationships. This episode is a catalyst for emotional reflection and resilience, urging you to craft your own triumphant comeback story. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw  ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comebackstoriesshow/?hl=en  DARREN WALLER ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rackkwall/?... ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/rackkwall83?lang=en DONNY STARKINS   ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/donny_stark... ► Twitter | https://mobile.twitter.com/donnystarkins #ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey with our special guest, Hilary Phelps, on the Comeback Stories Podcast. Hilary, a respected advocate for addiction recovery, warmly invites us into her world filled with both triumphs and challenges, offering invaluable insights into discovering purpose and embracing genuine authenticity. Hilary's remarkable journey as a distinguished speaker, addiction recovery advocate, writer, and devoted holistic wellness coach empowering women, unfolds across 16 years of unwavering sobriety, marked by the pivotal moment when she bravely broke her silence. This heartfelt conversation serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of addiction, seeking to lead lives fueled by authenticity and passion, or striving to find the strength to rise above harsh criticism and emerge empowered. Join us as Hilary generously shares practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom, delving into the importance of setting boundaries, nurturing one's inner voice, and embracing the transformative power of community support. Don't miss this transformative episode, a source of hope, resilience, and profound wisdom—a perfect addition to uplift your spirits during this holiday season. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw  ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inflectionent/?hl=en  ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comebackstoriesshow/?hl=en  DARREN WALLER ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rackkwall/?... ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/rackkwall83?lang=en DONNY STARKINS   ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/donny_stark... ► Twitter | https://mobile.twitter.com/donnystarkins #ComebackStoriesPodcast #AllIN #InflectionNetwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.