Joystarters with Rachel Baribeau: Nurturing Faith, Finding Purpose, and Pursuing Joyful Living – Details, episodes & analysis

This is a throwback Sunday Soul episode we are pulling from the archives because it’s with international musician, Laura Reed, who will be with us at the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat in February 2026.

Rachel sits down with Laura Reed for a conversation about what it was like growing up between cultures — never fully “from” one place — and how she learned to love the parts of herself she once tried to shrink.

They talk about the pressure to conform (especially for women), why Laura refused to dilute her message even when the industry pushed her to, and how she defines success as staying true — and keeping the lights on doing what she loves.

This episode is a reminder that your story doesn’t have to fit in one box to be valid — you can be made of many people and still be whole.

Laura Reed will also be joining us at the Retreat — and after you listen, you’ll understand exactly why she belongs in this room.

We'd love to have you at the I'm Changing the Narrative Retreat and Joy Ball. 

If you can’t attend in person, Rachel is asking every follower to consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:

• provide mental health resources
• sponsor talks and live events
• send people to get counseling and support
• distribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need

👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ball

RETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is Week Two of our Speaker Series, where we continue introducing the remarkable humans who will be speaking at the I'm Changing the Narrative Retreat this February.

You’ll hear from relationship and marriage coaches Shannon and Shirley Austin, who share their deeply personal journey through betrayal, healing, illness &  accountability. We’re also joined by Lindsay Freezman, a mindfulness and meditation guide who has spent years quietly supporting athletes and individuals in crisis. She speaks to the power of presence, visualization, and helping the nervous system find safety again so healing, clarity, and joy can return. Rachel also introduces Kim Peek, who speaks about creating a big, beautiful life even when it wasn’t the one you planned, reminding us that choosing yourself isn’t selfish.

Join us at the retreat, February 2022 and spend time with these amazing people!!

If you can’t attend in person, Rachel is asking every follower to consider a $5 donation to help the nonprofit:

• provide mental health resources
• sponsor talks and live events
• send people to get counseling and support
• distribute bracelets, books, and resources to those in need

👉 JOY BALL TICKET AND DONATION LINK:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/im-changing-the-narrative-joy-ball

RETREAT: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy fall, y’all! In this heartfelt installment of the JoyStarters Podcast, Rachel takes you back to Italy for more stories and lessons from her time in Sicily, Rome, and—finally—Pompeii. This episode is about more than sightseeing. It’s about secret dreams, full-circle moments, and how God weaves our stories together.

Whether you’re a traveler, a dreamer, or someone longing for your own full-circle moment, this episode will inspire you to write down your secret dreams, play your “weird flute music,” and find the people who will hold you up when big emotions hit.

Links and Resources:

EARLY BIRD Registration for the I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat - February 20-22, 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ictn-retreat

NEVER MET A HAPPY BULLY:

Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it impacts schools, workplaces, and communities. Never Met a Happy Bully is a powerful resource designed to help parents, educators, and leaders recognize the root causes of bullying, take action, and create environments where kindness thrives. This guide provides real strategies to empower kids and adults alike, fostering confidence, empathy, and accountability.

https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/9fb60f72a3

Are you ready to discover your passion, uncover your purpose, and live a life filled with 🌟 Ready to Find Your Purpose, Own Your Story, and Live with Bold Joy?

The Joystarters Blueprint is a 5-week program designed to help you get unstuck, rediscover what lights you up, and start living with intention.

Through live weekly sessions, downloadable life guides, personal growth challenges, and an active community, you’ll learn how to:✨ Let go of the emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down✨ Build healthier boundaries and more meaningful relationships✨ Use your voice and story to make an impact✨ Wake up each day feeling clear, confident, and excited about life

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it.

🎯 Don’t just dream about a better life—start building it.

https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/course

👕 Our Joystarters Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyStarters

Mental Health Battle Plan: https://i-m-changing-the-narrative.kit.com/7288bda82f

The Mental Health Battle Plan is designed as a powerful resource to support you in taking control of your mental well-being. This guide is packed with practical steps, compassionate insights, and proven strategies that can help you build resilience, find peace, and restore joy in your life. 

The Joystarters Club:

https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/joystartersclub

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel and Natasha discuss the power of meaningful connections and the profound impact of digging deeper in conversations. Rachel underscores the significance of having intentional and authentic dialogues, which can lead to personal growth, learning, and lasting memories.

This episode reinforces the importance of living with intention, authenticity, and joy, reminding us that what YOU want to bring into the world matters and can profoundly impact others. Rachel reminds us to not keep our potential inside, but instead, dare to express it and make a difference in the world.

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is now available anywhere you buy books! As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Rachel and Natasha talk about turning adversity into strength, acknowledging the spiritual warfare that often accompanies significant life endeavors. With authenticity and transparency, Rachel reflects on the challenges she encountered while writing Relentless Joy. She also stresses the importance of maintaining gratitude, even during trying times, and how this mindset has been a driving force in her life.

This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of dreams that are destined to affect and inspire others.

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is now available anywhere you buy books! As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we dive into vulnerability, authenticity, and the power of saying 'yes.' Rachel and Natasha share personal anecdotes about their journeys of self-discovery, the struggles with overthinking and the fear of over-sharing. They delve into the beauty of being open and genuine, even when it's met with misunderstanding and judgment.

Listen in as we explore the power of obedience to one's inner nudge, the transformative potential of vulnerability, and the courage it takes to be truly seen. 

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is now available anywhere you buy books! As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel reflects on the chapter in Relentless Joy where she shares her desire to settle down and find a life partner, realizing that sometimes the things we're searching for come when we least expect them. Having found the person she's waited for, she emphasizes the importance of being whole and ready to contribute to a relationship, highlighting that marriage is hard work, but worth it. 

She also urges listeners to overcome imposter syndrome and put their creations out into the world. She reminds us that our ideas and desires are there for a reason and encourages us to seize the opportunity and not wait for the perfect time. 

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is available as of June 20th. As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Table Talk Thursday, the book talks these behind the scenes episodes originate from, came about because of this chapter in Relentless Joy.

In this episode, Rachel delves into the deep emotional connection she has with her father's table. Rachel and Natasha engage in a heartfelt conversation about the importance of forgiveness and the transformative power it holds within family dynamics. They reflect on the idea of granting our ancestors the gift of moving beyond familial grievances, embracing forgiveness as a means to heal wounds and foster stronger relationships.

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is available as of June 20th. As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We all feel lonely sometimes, but it's important to trust our intuition, connect with others, and grow through any challenges life throws our way. In this episode, Rachel and Natasha talk about Chapter 10 in Relentless Joy: The Pity Kiddie Pool. Whatever you're going through, acknowledge it, process it, and grow from it. Don't fall into the "pity pool." Instead, swish your feet, leave the pool, and embrace opportunities for growth.

Tune in to this episode to hear more behind the scenes stories from Relentless Joy!

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy is available as of June 20th. As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel delves into the concept of radical vulnerability, revealing how it served as the catalyst for the transformative movement, "I'm Changing the Narrative."

Rachel and Natasha shift gears to address the vital topic of self-care amidst life's relentless pace. They emphasize the significance of prioritizing yourself and offer valuable insights into quick and effective self-care practices.

Tune in to this episode to hear more behind the scenes stories from Relentless Joy!

Buy the book!

Relentless Joy launches on June 20th. As part of the launch, some of Rachel's friends got together to create a Book Launch Team. Rachel has been going into the group live each week to discuss the book and share the stories behind the stories you'll read in the book.

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy RELENTLESS JOY in bulk and get these bonuses!

Join the Joystarters Club

Download the first chapter of Relentless Joy!

Make a Difference!!

Donate books to Lovelady through this link at Givingtons:

Connect with Rachel:

⚡️Join the Joystarters Club!

https://joystartersclub.com/

📘Pre-order Relentless Joy, release date June 20https://a.co/d/2FzJBcw

✅Subscribe to the newsletter!

Sign up here

👕Get I'm Changing the Narrative Merch + Tees!

Our ICTN Store

🤩Social Media:

Rachel's Instagram

I'm Changing the Narrative Instagram

Rachel's Facebook

I'm Changing the Narrative Facebook

Rachel's Twitter

I'm Changing the Narrative Twitter

YouTube

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.