Actor, writer, and director Will Catlett joins Holiday AF for a soulful, funny, and uplifting conversation with hosts Deborah Joy Winans Williams and MAJOR.. Growing up in Del Ray, a small neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia, Will reflects on the meaning of a true winter holiday — the cold air, the change of seasons, and the traditions that shaped his childhood. Now raising a daughter of his own, Will shares how fatherhood has transformed him as an artist and why seeing his heart “outside of himself” brings new meaning to the Christmas season.

Will opens up about the holiday rituals he wants to pass on, including his mother’s beautifully decorated Christmas trees, the Black snowman that sat in their window, and the excitement of embracing both joy and cultural representation in his home. He also talks about discovering acting in college — a chance encounter at Foot Locker that led to an acting class and changed the course of his life forever.

The episode takes a hilarious turn as Will participates in the Holiday AF acting game, improvising as an overworked elf named Heathcliff, and later stepping into the role of Santa Claus during a playful skit with Mrs. Claus. The conversation ends with moving reflections on purpose, legacy, and using art as a way to affect change.

This episode blends humor, heart, culture, and craft — a meaningful holiday listen for fans of Will Catlett’s work and spirit.

Actor, writer, and director Will Catlett joins Holiday AF for a soulful, funny, and uplifting conversation with hosts Deborah Joy Winans Williams and MAJOR.. Growing up in Del Ray, a small neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia, Will reflects on the meaning of a true winter holiday &mdash; the cold air, the change of seasons, and the traditions that shaped his childhood. Now raising a daughter of his own, Will shares how fatherhood has transformed him as an artist and why seeing his heart &ldquo;outside of himself&rdquo; brings new meaning to the Christmas season.
Will opens up about the holiday rituals he wants to pass on, including his mother&rsquo;s beautifully decorated Christmas trees, the Black snowman that sat in their window, and the excitement of embracing both joy and cultural representation in his home. He also talks about discovering acting in college &mdash; a chance encounter at Foot Locker that led to an acting class and changed the course of his life forever.
The episode takes a hilarious turn as Will participates in the Holiday AF acting game, improvising as an overworked elf named Heathcliff, and later stepping into the role of Santa Claus during a playful skit with Mrs. Claus. The conversation ends with moving reflections on purpose, legacy, and using art as a way to affect change.
This episode blends humor, heart, culture, and craft &mdash; a meaningful holiday listen for fans of Will Catlett&rsquo;s work and spirit.

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

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Holiday AF, actor Will Catlett reflects on the traditions and values that shaped his winter holidays growing up in Del Ray, Virginia. Will shares stories of cold-weather Christmases, his mother’s beautifully decorated tree, and the Black snowman that proudly sat in their window — a symbol of cultural joy and representation.  Now experiencing his first Christmas as a father, Will discusses how parenthood deepens his artistry and expands his understanding of love, legacy, and what it means to raise a child during the holiday season. He opens up about discovering acting unexpectedly in college and how one moment of curiosity led him to a destiny-shifting acting class.  With warmth and humor, Will joins the hosts for the Holiday AF acting challenge, improvising as an exhausted elf named Heathcliff and stepping into a comedic Santa Claus skit. The episode closes with Will’s reflections on artistry as a form of service — a way to affect change in the hearts of humanity.  A rich blend of comedy, heart, culture, and holiday spirit, this episode highlights Will Catlett’s depth, talent, and generosity.

Will Catlett on Cold-Weather Christmases, Fatherhood, Acting Breakthroughs & Holiday Joy | Holiday AF

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5368f18a-1926-44d7-b622-b3af003b1916/transcript

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