With the fall film festival season (mostly) in the rearview and release dates set through the end of the year, Adam and Josh hold a Fall Movie Preview Draft that sees them largely ignoring obvious picks like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three in favor of battling over some of the most intriguing indies still to come. Plus, a review of Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning and Massacre Theatre.  

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

(Timecodes will not be precise with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:02:25)

‘26 Fall Preview Draft (00:02:26-0:25:19)

Filmspotting Family (0:25:20-00:31:25)

Preview Draft, cont. (00:31:26-1:02:41)

The Social Reckoning (1:02:42-01:30:58)

Massacre Theatre (01:30:59-01:36:46)

Credits / New Releases (01:36:47-01:44:01)

Notes:

- Find the Show: Filmspotting Podcast

-Yes, for some reason James Caan appeared on a Fall Preview cast list for “Cliff Booth” along with his son. No, it didn’t occur to Adam that he was dead. (He is.)

-”The Family Guy” has the famous “It insists upon itself” joke – not “The Simpsons.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYAi5aI_NPc

-Refocus Film Festival

https://refocusfilmfestival.org/

Feedback:

-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content.

Support:

-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus shows, archive access, and more.

http://filmspottingfamily.com

-Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.

⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow:

-Watch Filmspotting on YouTube:

⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠

-Adam/Filmspotting

⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠

-Josh/LarsenOnFilm

⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky

With the fall film festival season (mostly) in the rearview and release dates set through the end of the year, Adam and Josh hold a Fall Movie Preview Draft that sees them largely ignoring obvious picks like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three in favor of battling over some of the most intriguing indies still to come. Plus, a review of Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning and Massacre Theatre. &nbsp;
This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.<a href="https://experience.regmovies.com/join-unlimited?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=filmspotting"> Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.</a>
(Timecodes will not be precise with ads.)
Intro (00:00:00-00:02:25)
&lsquo;26 Fall Preview Draft (00:02:26-0:25:19)
Filmspotting Family (0:25:20-00:31:25)
Preview Draft, cont. (00:31:26-1:02:41)
The Social Reckoning (1:02:42-01:30:58)
Massacre Theatre (01:30:59-01:36:46)
Credits / New Releases (01:36:47-01:44:01)
Notes:
- Find the Show: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmspotting/id73330112">Filmspotting Podcast</a>
-Yes, for some reason James Caan appeared on a Fall Preview cast list for &ldquo;Cliff Booth&rdquo; along with his son. No, it didn&rsquo;t occur to Adam that he was dead. (He is.)
-&rdquo;The Family Guy&rdquo; has the famous &ldquo;It insists upon itself&rdquo; joke &ndash; not &ldquo;The Simpsons.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYAi5aI_NPc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYAi5aI_NPc</a>
-Refocus Film Festival
<a href="https://refocusfilmfestival.org/">https://refocusfilmfestival.org/</a>
Feedback:
-Email us at <a href="mailto:feedback@filmspotting.net">feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠</a>
⁠⁠⁠⁠-<a href="https://forms.gle/PGVFAm4GvbmPJWqG8">⁠Ask Us Anything⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content.
Support:
-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus shows, archive access, and more.
<a href="https://filmspotting.supportingcast.fm/join?sc_promo=summer&amp;utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=1077&amp;utm_campaign=summer">http://filmspottingfamily.com</a>
-Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.
<a href="https://www.filmspotting.net/shop">⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠
Follow:
-Watch Filmspotting on YouTube:
<a href="https://youtube.com/filmspotting">⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠</a>
-Adam/Filmspotting
<a href="https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting/">⁠Letterboxd⁠</a> |<a href="https://instagram.com/filmspotting%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0">⁠ Instagram⁠</a> |<a href="https://facebook.com/filmspotting%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0">⁠ Facebook⁠</a> |<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/filmspotting.bsky.social"> ⁠Bluesky⁠</a>
-Josh/LarsenOnFilm
<a href="https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0">⁠Letterboxd⁠</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm/"> ⁠Instagram⁠</a> |<a href="https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm">⁠ Facebook⁠</a> |<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social"> ⁠Bluesky</a>

Featuring: Filmspotting Podcast | Fall Movie Preview and The Social Reckoning | #1085

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/61287717-1b88-4ca4-a1c8-b4e40123d302/transcript

Content creator, beauty enthusiast, and multihyphenate creative Elise Osafo (@eltheegg) joins Deborah Joy Winans Williams for her first-ever podcast interview — and it’s overflowing with joy, wisdom, and creative inspiration.

Elise opens up about growing up in a Ghanaian household rooted in education, earning her law degree, and still choosing to follow her passion for creativity, beauty, travel, food, and storytelling. She shares how skating, music, curiosity, and her “Why Not?” philosophy help her stay grounded and joyful while building a loyal online community.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ready to try something new, reclaim their creativity, or simply find more joy in the everyday moments that make life beautiful.

💜 “Make yourself the through line of your content — people come back because of YOU.”
💜 “Life is too short not to have fun. Why not?”

If you’re craving inspiration, joy, and permission to show up fully as yourself, you will love this episode.

Content creator, beauty enthusiast, and multihyphenate creative Elise Osafo (@eltheegg) joins Deborah Joy Winans Williams for her first-ever podcast interview &mdash; and it&rsquo;s overflowing with joy, wisdom, and creative inspiration.
Elise opens up about growing up in a Ghanaian household rooted in education, earning her law degree, and still choosing to follow her passion for creativity, beauty, travel, food, and storytelling. She shares how skating, music, curiosity, and her &ldquo;Why Not?&rdquo; philosophy help her stay grounded and joyful while building a loyal online community.
This conversation is for anyone who&rsquo;s ready to try something new, reclaim their creativity, or simply find more joy in the everyday moments that make life beautiful.
💜 &ldquo;Make yourself the through line of your content &mdash; people come back because of YOU.&rdquo; 💜 &ldquo;Life is too short not to have fun. Why not?&rdquo;
If you&rsquo;re craving inspiration, joy, and permission to show up fully as yourself, you will love this episode.

Elise Osafo (@eltheegg) on Creativity, Courage, and Choosing Joy in Real Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/638a3b91-e766-4746-803c-b3ab0111d7e4/transcript

Forgiveness sounds simple… until life asks you to practice it with real people and real pain.

In this heartfelt solo episode of Choosing Joy, Deborah Joy Winans Williams opens up about one of the most difficult—and most freeing—parts of her own journey: learning how to forgive others, forgive herself, and release the resentment that keeps us bound.

Deborah shares the story of her parents’ divorce, how childhood wounds shaped her understanding of forgiveness, and the moment her grandmother gave her a piece of wisdom that changed her life forever. She talks about shame, grace, reconciliation, and why forgiveness isn’t a one-time event, but a process that comes in waves.

With honesty and compassion, Deborah reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s behavior—it's about choosing freedom, healing, and joy for your own life.

If you’re holding onto hurt, wrestling with disappointment, or trying to heal old family pain, this episode will meet you right where you are.

💜 “Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. But it always means freedom.”

Forgiveness sounds simple&hellip; until life asks you to practice it with real people and real pain.
In this heartfelt solo episode of Choosing Joy, Deborah Joy Winans Williams opens up about one of the most difficult&mdash;and most freeing&mdash;parts of her own journey: learning how to forgive others, forgive herself, and release the resentment that keeps us bound.
Deborah shares the story of her parents&rsquo; divorce, how childhood wounds shaped her understanding of forgiveness, and the moment her grandmother gave her a piece of wisdom that changed her life forever. She talks about shame, grace, reconciliation, and why forgiveness isn&rsquo;t a one-time event, but a process that comes in waves.
With honesty and compassion, Deborah reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing someone else&rsquo;s behavior&mdash;it's about choosing freedom, healing, and joy for your own life.
If you&rsquo;re holding onto hurt, wrestling with disappointment, or trying to heal old family pain, this episode will meet you right where you are.
💜 &ldquo;Forgiveness doesn&rsquo;t always mean reconciliation. But it always means freedom.&rdquo;

Forgiveness, Family & Freedom: Deborah Joy Winans Williams on Letting Go for Joy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bbd2b2ec-4419-4f50-9eb6-b3a4010dd8f7/transcript

Actress, comedian, and new mom Bresha Webb joins host Deborah Joy Winans Williams for a deeply personal and joy-filled conversation about marriage, motherhood, healing, faith, and navigating Hollywood with grace.

Bresha opens up about her high-risk pregnancy, discovering a genetic heart condition while carrying her daughter Brave, and the frightening moments that tested her faith. She talks candidly about grief after losing her father, the miracle she experienced in postpartum recovery, and how becoming a wife and mother changed her understanding of love and purpose.

With her signature humor and honesty, Bresha shares what it means to protect your peace, why saying “no” matters, how gospel and Cardi B coexist in her self-care routine, and why she believes joy must be chosen over and over again.

If you’re looking for a story of healing, hope, laughter, and the power of faith, this episode will bless your spirit.

💜 “You can’t make me doubt Him — I’ve seen too much.” — Bresha Webb

00:00 – Opening: The industry finally sees Black women
00:38 – Deborah Joy introduces her 19-year friendship with Bresha
01:22 – Becoming a wife, mother, writer & artist
02:50 – What marriage actually looks like vs. expectations
04:16 – How partnership changed Bresha’s life
06:00 – Putting God at the center of her marriage
09:00 – Grief, love, and learning to lean on her husband
11:22 – Becoming a mom & balancing Hollywood
12:16 – The pregnancy complication that changed everything
12:54 – Discovering her heart condition
13:53 – Fear, faith, and the birth of Brave
16:03 – Why her daughter’s name carries so much power
17:07 – Deborah Joy shares her own pregnancy challenges
18:27 – Postpartum healing & Bresha’s miracle recovery
21:03 – Protecting peace in a demanding industry
21:56 – The role of faith in every obstacle
22:33 – Gospel + Cardi B = Bresha’s wellness formula
23:17 – Lessons from Niecy Nash & Kim Whitley
24:31 – Handling rejection & relying on God
25:21 – The audition that gave her new perspective
26:03 – When a "no" is really a divine redirection
28:55 – Honoring her value as a Black woman in Hollywood
29:55 – College memories & high-energy grit
31:09 – Losing 100+ lbs postpartum
32:38 – Health, wellness & lifting heavy
33:32 – Reflecting on years of growth
34:21 – Theater dreams & stepping into new callings
36:20 – Realizing she’s living her childhood dream
38:08 – Seeing herself clearly for the first time
39:02 – Closing reflections on joy, gratitude & purpose

#ChoosingJoyPodcast #BreshaWebb #DeborahJoyWinans #BlackWomenInHollywood
#MotherhoodJourney #FaithAndHealing #CelebrityInterviews #BlackJoy
#WomenInEntertainment #InspirationDaily

If this episode encouraged you, make sure to follow the show, leave us a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that joy is still a choice.

Actress, comedian, and new mom Bresha Webb joins host Deborah Joy Winans Williams for a deeply personal and joy-filled conversation about marriage, motherhood, healing, faith, and navigating Hollywood with grace.
Bresha opens up about her high-risk pregnancy, discovering a genetic heart condition while carrying her daughter Brave, and the frightening moments that tested her faith. She talks candidly about grief after losing her father, the miracle she experienced in postpartum recovery, and how becoming a wife and mother changed her understanding of love and purpose.
With her signature humor and honesty, Bresha shares what it means to protect your peace, why saying &ldquo;no&rdquo; matters, how gospel and Cardi B coexist in her self-care routine, and why she believes joy must be chosen over and over again.
If you&rsquo;re looking for a story of healing, hope, laughter, and the power of faith, this episode will bless your spirit.
💜 &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t make me doubt Him &mdash; I&rsquo;ve seen too much.&rdquo; &mdash; Bresha Webb
00:00 &ndash; Opening: The industry finally sees Black women 00:38 &ndash; Deborah Joy introduces her 19-year friendship with Bresha 01:22 &ndash; Becoming a wife, mother, writer &amp; artist 02:50 &ndash; What marriage actually looks like vs. expectations 04:16 &ndash; How partnership changed Bresha&rsquo;s life 06:00 &ndash; Putting God at the center of her marriage 09:00 &ndash; Grief, love, and learning to lean on her husband 11:22 &ndash; Becoming a mom &amp; balancing Hollywood 12:16 &ndash; The pregnancy complication that changed everything 12:54 &ndash; Discovering her heart condition 13:53 &ndash; Fear, faith, and the birth of Brave 16:03 &ndash; Why her daughter&rsquo;s name carries so much power 17:07 &ndash; Deborah Joy shares her own pregnancy challenges 18:27 &ndash; Postpartum healing &amp; Bresha&rsquo;s miracle recovery 21:03 &ndash; Protecting peace in a demanding industry 21:56 &ndash; The role of faith in every obstacle 22:33 &ndash; Gospel + Cardi B = Bresha&rsquo;s wellness formula 23:17 &ndash; Lessons from Niecy Nash &amp; Kim Whitley 24:31 &ndash; Handling rejection &amp; relying on God 25:21 &ndash; The audition that gave her new perspective 26:03 &ndash; When a "no" is really a divine redirection 28:55 &ndash; Honoring her value as a Black woman in Hollywood 29:55 &ndash; College memories &amp; high-energy grit 31:09 &ndash; Losing 100+ lbs postpartum 32:38 &ndash; Health, wellness &amp; lifting heavy 33:32 &ndash; Reflecting on years of growth 34:21 &ndash; Theater dreams &amp; stepping into new callings 36:20 &ndash; Realizing she&rsquo;s living her childhood dream 38:08 &ndash; Seeing herself clearly for the first time 39:02 &ndash; Closing reflections on joy, gratitude &amp; purpose
#ChoosingJoyPodcast #BreshaWebb #DeborahJoyWinans #BlackWomenInHollywood #MotherhoodJourney #FaithAndHealing #CelebrityInterviews #BlackJoy #WomenInEntertainment #InspirationDaily
If this episode encouraged you, make sure to&nbsp;follow the show, leave us a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that joy is still a choice.

Bresha Webb on Motherhood, Faith, and the Miracle That Changed Her Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/076779ec-8866-4f6d-af63-b39d00856a29/transcript

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 Joy
03:00 – Australia, Motherhood & God's Surprises
06:00 – 19 Years of Marriage & Unpredictable Careers
09:00 – Faith, Stubbornness & Acting as a Calling
12:00 – Hollywood Rejection & Learning to Stay
15:00 – Parenting & Losing Yourself in the Process
18:00 – Perimenopause, Health, and Black Women Aging
21:00 – Family, Fear & Avoiding the Doctor
24:00 – Illness, ALS, and Loving Through Change
27:00 – Alzheimer’s, Caregiving & Choosing Joy Daily
30:00 – You Don’t Have to Get Through it Pretty
33:00 – Marriage Realizations & Letting Go of Perfection
36:00 – Church Culture, Legacy & Beautiful Homes
39:00 – Broken Glass & Emotional Meltdowns
42:00 – Stewardship, Provision & Taking Care of What God Gives
44:00 – Growing With Your Partner & Listening Deeply
47:00 – Community, Evolution & Loving the Present
49:00 – One Word She Wants Her Sons to Remember

In this deeply honest and joy-filled episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams welcomes actress, producer, and mother Ryan Michelle Bath&eacute;&nbsp;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&mdash;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&rsquo;s for you.
Chapter Markers
00:00 &ndash; Building a Life of Joy 03:00 &ndash; Australia, Motherhood &amp; God's Surprises 06:00 &ndash; 19 Years of Marriage &amp; Unpredictable Careers 09:00 &ndash; Faith, Stubbornness &amp; Acting as a Calling 12:00 &ndash; Hollywood Rejection &amp; Learning to Stay 15:00 &ndash; Parenting &amp; Losing Yourself in the Process 18:00 &ndash; Perimenopause, Health, and Black Women Aging 21:00 &ndash; Family, Fear &amp; Avoiding the Doctor 24:00 &ndash; Illness, ALS, and Loving Through Change 27:00 &ndash; Alzheimer&rsquo;s, Caregiving &amp; Choosing Joy Daily 30:00 &ndash; You Don&rsquo;t Have to Get Through it Pretty 33:00 &ndash; Marriage Realizations &amp; Letting Go of Perfection 36:00 &ndash; Church Culture, Legacy &amp; Beautiful Homes 39:00 &ndash; Broken Glass &amp; Emotional Meltdowns 42:00 &ndash; Stewardship, Provision &amp; Taking Care of What God Gives 44:00 &ndash; Growing With Your Partner &amp; Listening Deeply 47:00 &ndash; Community, Evolution &amp; Loving the Present 49:00 &ndash; One Word She Wants Her Sons to Remember

Ryan Michelle Bathé on Marriage, Motherhood & Making Room for Grace | Choosing Joy Podcast

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a63f57ec-c543-4619-97c4-b394010a3ee7/transcript

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 #BlackJoy

How do you balance being a wife, mom of four, content creator, comedian, and actress &mdash; 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.
💜 &ldquo;When I can&rsquo;t see the way forward, I serve.&rdquo; &mdash; That Chick Angel
If you need encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that joy is always within reach, this conversation is for you.
&nbsp;#ChoosingJoy #ThatChickAngel #DeborahJoyWinans #AngelLaketaMoore #BlackWomenInComedy #MotherhoodJourney #FaithAndFamily #ContentCreatorLife #JoyAndPurpose #CelebrityPodcast #BlackJoy

ThatChickAngel Interview | How Faith and Laughter Shaped ThatChickAngel’s Journey

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ccacab45-5290-4e7e-aceb-b3680145e207/transcript

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 #ActressInterview

In this radiant episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with the one and only Gabourey Sidibe&mdash;award-winning actress, director, and mother&mdash;to talk about choosing self-worth, navigating colorism, and embracing joy in a world that often tells you you&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&mdash;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 &ndash; We All Deserve Good Things
03:00 &ndash; Gabby&rsquo;s Unexpected Journey into Hollywood
06:00 &ndash; Spirituality, Serendipity &amp; Precious
09:00 &ndash; Gabby&rsquo;s First Time on Set
12:00 &ndash; What Hollywood Really Is 1
5:00 &ndash; Colorism, Casting, and Identity
18:00 &ndash; Exhaustion, Projection &amp; Protecting Joy
21:00 &ndash; Gabby on Self-Love and Her Mother
24:00 &ndash; Marriage, Kids &amp; Redefining Want
27:00 &ndash; IVF, Motherhood &amp; Living Fully
30:00 &ndash; The Power of Storytelling
#GaboureySidibe #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahJoyWinans #SelfLove #Colorism #HollywoodTruths #BlackMotherhood #BlackWomenInFilm #IVFStory #Precious #EmbraceJoy #ConfidenceJourney #BlackExcellence #WomenInHollywood #ActressInterview

Gabourey Sidibe Interview | Confidence, Colorism & Creating Joy in Hollywood | Choosing Joy Podcast

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/947696a4-4c7d-4221-a410-b35f0147f264/transcript

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 Matters
01:00 – Living With Alzheimer's: A Daughter's Reflection
03:00 – How the Diagnosis Changed Everything
05:00 – Sitting in Gratitude, Not Just Grief
07:00 – What My Mom Remembers Most
09:00 – Holding Faith in the Middle of Memory Loss
11:00 – Raising Us with Intention & Love
13:00 – Faith, Detroit, and Family Values
15:00 – A Mother's Unshakable Joy
17:00 – The Gift of Her Legacy
19:00 – Final Reflections, Birthday Song & A Blessing

#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahKerrWinans #AlzheimersAwareness #FaithAndFamily #LegacyOfLove #BlackWomenCaregivers #ChoosingJoyInGrief #MotherDaughterLove #SpiritualHealing

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&rsquo;s.
What began as a conversation meant for family became something much more&mdash;a testament to the power of memory, God&rsquo;s grace, and choosing joy in the midst of unimaginable challenges. Diagnosed with Alzheimer&rsquo;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&rsquo;s journey, strength, and unwavering belief. It&rsquo;s a story about what remains even when memory fades&mdash;love, faith, and joy.
✨ Whether you&rsquo;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&rsquo;re not alone. And joy is still possible.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Why This Conversation Matters 01:00 &ndash; Living With Alzheimer's: A Daughter's Reflection 03:00 &ndash; How the Diagnosis Changed Everything 05:00 &ndash; Sitting in Gratitude, Not Just Grief 07:00 &ndash; What My Mom Remembers Most 09:00 &ndash; Holding Faith in the Middle of Memory Loss 11:00 &ndash; Raising Us with Intention &amp; Love 13:00 &ndash; Faith, Detroit, and Family Values 15:00 &ndash; A Mother's Unshakable Joy 17:00 &ndash; The Gift of Her Legacy 19:00 &ndash; Final Reflections, Birthday Song &amp; A Blessing
#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #DeborahKerrWinans #AlzheimersAwareness #FaithAndFamily #LegacyOfLove #BlackWomenCaregivers #ChoosingJoyInGrief #MotherDaughterLove #SpiritualHealing

Deborah Kerr Winans Interview | Joy Honors Her Mother’s Legacy While Navigating Alzheimer’s With Faith & Love 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/21b9f198-5c2e-4704-a5e0-b3560111f608/transcript

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 Me
01:00 – Unpacking My Relationship with Joy
03:00 – What Life Has Taught Me About Grace
05:00 – The Power of Choosing Yourself
07:00 – A Girls' Trip That Changed Everything
09:00 – How My Faith Guides My Work
11:00 – My Morning Routine of Gratitude
13:00 – 6AM Prayer, Grandma Winans, and Simplicity
15:00 – Staying Grounded in a Chaotic World
17:00 – What My Family’s Legacy Taught Me
19:00 – How My Uncle Bebe Changed My Perspective
21:00 – Seeing People as Ministry
23:00 – Navigating Motherhood, Germs & Balance
25:00 – Rest, Vitamins, Vaseline & Olly Multis 
27:00 – Playing Charity on Greenleaf
29:00 – Grace for Imperfection & Finding Your Way
31:00 – Advice for Young Women in Music & Acting
33:00 – Final Reflections & Your Invitation to Joy

#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #GreenleafCharity #BlackWomenInFaith #JoyIsAChoice #FaithAndMotherhood #ChristianWomenPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #HealingWithGod #SoulfulStorytelling

What does choosing joy really mean when you&rsquo;re living through pain, pressure, or exhaustion? In this deeply personal solo episode, Choosing Joy host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down&mdash;not as an actress or celebrity, but as herself&mdash;to answer your questions, share her heart, and reflect on what joy looks like when it&rsquo;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&mdash;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&rsquo;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&mdash;Deborah&rsquo;s raw honesty and wisdom remind us that joy isn&rsquo;t a mood... it&rsquo;s a decision.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; What Choosing Joy Means to Me 01:00 &ndash; Unpacking My Relationship with Joy 03:00 &ndash; What Life Has Taught Me About Grace 05:00 &ndash; The Power of Choosing Yourself 07:00 &ndash; A Girls' Trip That Changed Everything 09:00 &ndash; How My Faith Guides My Work 11:00 &ndash; My Morning Routine of Gratitude 13:00 &ndash; 6AM Prayer, Grandma Winans, and Simplicity 15:00 &ndash; Staying Grounded in a Chaotic World 17:00 &ndash; What My Family&rsquo;s Legacy Taught Me 19:00 &ndash; How My Uncle Bebe Changed My Perspective 21:00 &ndash; Seeing People as Ministry 23:00 &ndash; Navigating Motherhood, Germs &amp; Balance 25:00 &ndash; Rest, Vitamins, Vaseline &amp; Olly Multis&nbsp; 27:00 &ndash; Playing Charity on Greenleaf 29:00 &ndash; Grace for Imperfection &amp; Finding Your Way 31:00 &ndash; Advice for Young Women in Music &amp; Acting 33:00 &ndash; Final Reflections &amp; Your Invitation to Joy
#DeborahJoyWinansWilliams #ChoosingJoyPodcast #GreenleafCharity #BlackWomenInFaith #JoyIsAChoice #FaithAndMotherhood #ChristianWomenPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #HealingWithGod #SoulfulStorytelling

Deborah Joy Winans Williams on Choosing Joy for Real—Not Just Performing It | Choosing Joy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/01f43332-4340-41dd-839d-b34e00fec364/transcript

What happens when your purpose feels too heavy to carry? When the grief, burnout, or self-doubt start whispering louder than your confidence?

In this heart-centered and life-giving episode of Choosing Joy, Emmy-nominated journalist, media personality, and host of Healed Girl Era Gia Peppers sits down with Deborah Joy Winans Williams for one of the most raw, uplifting, and spiritually rooted conversations of the season.

From growing up immersed in Black excellence in D.C. and Maryland to navigating loss, therapy, and self-reinvention, Gia shares the full spectrum of her journey. She opens up about losing her grandmother, surviving depressive episodes, and how therapy and faith helped her find joy again.

Whether she’s talking about  being on 106 & Park, the inspiration behind Healed Girl Era, or why joy must be an intentional daily choice—Gia reminds us: healing is possible, even in the middle of the storm.

✨ This episode is a love letter to every woman figuring it out in real-time. To every woman choosing herself, one sacred step at a time.


Chapters 

00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Message
00:46 – Why Gia Peppers is That Girl
02:00 – Growing Up in the DMV & Black Excellence
04:00 – Howard University Influence & Community Impact
06:00 – Her Dad’s Legacy in Journalism
08:00 – Early Dreams of Hosting & Performing
10:00 – Inspired by Free on 106 & Park
11:30 – Interning with Donnie Simpson & Black Radio Roots
13:00 – Navigating the Cutthroat Industry with Kindness
14:30 – The Power of Representation for Black Girls
16:00 – Teen Girlhood, Beauty, and Identity Today
18:30 – Choosing Joy in the Midst of Transition
20:30 – Letting Go of Self-Doubt with Therapy
23:00 – Choosing Grace Over Pressure
25:00 – Joy as a Choice, Not a Feeling
26:30 – How the Pandemic Revealed Deep Emotional Shifts
29:00 – Grief, Loss & Losing Her Grandmother
31:00 – Breaking Generational Silence Around Mental Health
33:00 – Creating the Healed Girl Era Podcast
35:00 – Finding Purpose in Her Own Voice
37:00 – Vulnerability, Impact & Stepping Out in Faith
39:00 – Learning to Rest and Rebuild
41:00 – What Choosing Joy Looks Like Now
43:00 – Final Reflections & A Prayer for Joy

What happens when your purpose feels too heavy to carry? When the grief, burnout, or self-doubt start whispering louder than your confidence?In this heart-centered and life-giving episode of Choosing Joy, Emmy-nominated journalist, media personality, and host of Healed Girl Era Gia Peppers sits down with Deborah Joy Winans Williams for one of the most raw, uplifting, and spiritually rooted conversations of the season.From growing up immersed in Black excellence in D.C. and Maryland to navigating loss, therapy, and self-reinvention, Gia shares the full spectrum of her journey. She opens up about losing her grandmother, surviving depressive episodes, and how therapy and faith helped her find joy again.Whether she’s talking about  being on 106 &amp; Park, the inspiration behind Healed Girl Era, or why joy must be an intentional daily choice—Gia reminds us: healing is possible, even in the middle of the storm.✨ This episode is a love letter to every woman figuring it out in real-time. To every woman choosing herself, one sacred step at a time. Chapters 00:00 – Intro &amp; Sponsor Message 00:46 – Why Gia Peppers is That Girl 02:00 – Growing Up in the DMV &amp; Black Excellence 04:00 – Howard University Influence &amp; Community Impact 06:00 – Her Dad’s Legacy in Journalism 08:00 – Early Dreams of Hosting &amp; Performing 10:00 – Inspired by Free on 106 &amp; Park 11:30 – Interning with Donnie Simpson &amp; Black Radio Roots 13:00 – Navigating the Cutthroat Industry with Kindness 14:30 – The Power of Representation for Black Girls 16:00 – Teen Girlhood, Beauty, and Identity Today 18:30 – Choosing Joy in the Midst of Transition 20:30 – Letting Go of Self-Doubt with Therapy 23:00 – Choosing Grace Over Pressure 25:00 – Joy as a Choice, Not a Feeling 26:30 – How the Pandemic Revealed Deep Emotional Shifts 29:00 – Grief, Loss &amp; Losing Her Grandmother 31:00 – Breaking Generational Silence Around Mental Health 33:00 – Creating the Healed Girl Era Podcast 35:00 – Finding Purpose in Her Own Voice 37:00 – Vulnerability, Impact &amp; Stepping Out in Faith 39:00 – Learning to Rest and Rebuild 41:00 – What Choosing Joy Looks Like Now 43:00 – Final Reflections &amp; A Prayer for Joy

Gia Peppers Interview | Healing, Grief, & Owning Her Power | Choosing Joy 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/42b91606-d4d9-4501-a9b8-b3440156c665/transcript

Each week, actor and singer Deborah Joy Winans Williams invites inspiring women into candid, heart-led conversations about joy—what it means, how they choose it daily, and why it matters. Through personal stories, shared insights, and warm humor, Choosing Joy creates a space where vulnerability meets strength and every episode offers encouragement to embrace joy intentionally—even in life’s uncertainties.

Each week, actor and singer Deborah Joy Winans Williams invites inspiring women into candid, heart-led conversations about joy&mdash;what it means, how they choose it daily, and why it matters. Through personal stories, shared insights, and warm humor, Choosing Joy creates a space where vulnerability meets strength and every episode offers encouragement to embrace joy intentionally&mdash;even in life&rsquo;s uncertainties.

Choosing Joy

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

17 clip(s)

0 clip(s)