Shows
All About The JoyRich, Poor, and Everything In Between: The Stories We Carry About MoneyEver wondered why some people stay calm when money's tight while others spiral into anxiety? This raw, honest conversation explores our complex relationship with money and how deeply it affects our identity, self-worth, and happiness.Carmen opens up about her journey from having substantial wealth to losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis, revealing the emotional whiplash that comes with financial extremes. "I had made more money in one year than my mother had made her entire life," she shares, describing the mixture of achievement and sadness that accompanied her success. Despite her financial abundance at that time...2025-08-1051 min
All About The JoyCarmen Talk: Conviction With a Backbone: Why We Must Choose Courage Over CowardiceCourage is the backbone of conviction - and both are in short supply in today's political landscape. This raw, unfiltered episode tackles the defining struggle of our time: the battle between cowardice masquerading as strength versus genuine courage that stands up for humanity.What makes someone a coward? It's not just fear—it's the weaponization of fear against the vulnerable. From immigration enforcement agencies terrorizing communities to politicians redrawing voting maps mid-decade to cling to power, we're witnessing cowardice dressed up as policy and leadership. When officials target farmworkers and day laborers while giving a pass to th...2025-08-0710 min
All About The JoyWant to Start a Podcast? This Is the Episode To Help You BeginEver felt that burning desire to start your own podcast or livestream but found yourself paralyzed by questions about where to begin? You're not alone. In this candid, no-frills guide, we break down exactly what you need to start broadcasting your voice to the world—and spoiler alert: you probably already have the most important tool in your pocket.Starting with a heartfelt email from Keisha in Kansas City who dreams of sharing her thoughts but doesn't know how to begin, we walk through the entire process from absolute beginner to confident creator. The beauty of modern co...2025-08-0317 min
All About The JoyCarmen Talk: Grace or Exile - A Cultural Reckoning and the Cost of Cutting People OffHave we reached a breaking point with cancel culture? When did our default response to mistakes become permanent exile rather than creating space for growth? These are the questions at the heart of today's deeply personal exploration.The Joey Swoll controversy serves as our starting point – a fitness influencer whose casual use of an offensive racial term sparked immediate backlash. While his apology seemed sincere, the momentum of internet outrage had already taken hold, eventually driving him from social media entirely. This pattern repeats itself daily across our digital landscape, raising crucial questions about what we're really tr...2025-07-3108 min
All About The JoySmall Habits, Big Wins: Organization Tips That Actually WorkHave you ever felt inadequate because your approach to organization doesn't match someone else's perfectly color-coded calendar? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong.Carmen opens up about her own highly organized tendencies while emphasizing a revolutionary idea: your authentic self is the perfect foundation for any positive change. Whether you make your bed daily or embrace a more spontaneous approach to life, your unique methods aren't flawed—they're simply yours. The key to meaningful change isn't in dramatic transformations but in small, sustainable adjustments that honor who you truly are.Drawing from pers...2025-07-2020 min
All About The JoyReputation on the Line: What Really Defines Us?What happens when your reputation is on the line? Our hosts dive deep into this question, sharing personal revelations about how others perceive them and whether it matters. Carmen admits she's often seen as "hard" (though Rick suggests "firm" might be more accurate), while Cynthia believes she's known for having "a big heart." Rick identifies as loyal and family-oriented, standing by his commitments even when difficult.The conversation takes unexpected turns as the hosts explore the concept of "living so nobody can say anything bad about you" – an ideal that seems nearly impossible in today's world. Carmen sh...2025-07-0643 min
All About The JoyTruths About Work, Friends, and Money - Pet Peeves RevealedWhat makes your blood boil? In this candid conversation, we peel back the layers on those daily irritations that reveal so much about who we are and what we value.The discussion kicks off with workplace frustrations we all recognize - the boss who calls instead of walking five doors down, unnecessary meetings that drag on forever, and the expectation to be mind readers. "I hate micromanaging," shares one host, "but the worst part is when they do it over the phone and can't even get up from their desk to talk to you." These shared annoyances...2025-06-1550 min
All About The JoyTikTok Tarot, Ouija Boards & Psychic Truths - Unraveling Superstitions and SpiritsCarmen, Cynthia, and Rick dive into the fascinating world of unexplainable phenomena, superstitions, and spiritual beliefs in this thought-provoking conversation. From Carmen's late-night TikTok rabbit hole filled with seemingly personalized tarot readings to Rick's childhood experiments with Ouija boards before finding faith, the hosts share their personal journeys with the supernatural.The conversation weaves through personal experiences with psychics (some surprisingly accurate, others comically generic), spiritual encounters that defy explanation, and the strange predictive power of pop culture like The Simpsons' uncanny foretelling of future events. While Carmen approaches these mysteries with scientific curiosity—suggesting patterns exist wi...2025-06-0852 min
All About The JoyCan You Fall in Love with AI? The Future of Human ConnectionCould you fall in love with someone who isn't human? This question moves from science fiction to startling reality as Rick and Carmen tackle one of the most profound technological changes on our horizon: the potential for meaningful relationships with artificial intelligence.The journey begins with a playful debate over science fiction portrayals of AI in Star Trek and Stargate, before diving into entrepreneur Gary Vee's shocking prediction that within just 20 years, humans will be marrying AI partners. While Rick stands firm in his conviction that "Unless you're human, I ain't falling in love with you," Carmen...2025-06-0141 min
All About The JoyEvery Relationship Is a Choice - Are You Making the Right Ones?What makes a relationship worth fighting for? When is it time to walk away? These questions haunt us all, yet we rarely have honest conversations about the true nature of human connection.Carmen Lezeth pulls back the curtain on relationship dynamics, challenging conventional wisdom about what makes connections valuable. Drawing from personal experiences—including growing up without parents and navigating complex workplace dynamics—she offers a refreshingly practical perspective on how to evaluate the relationships in your life.At the core of Carmen's philosophy is her "three strikes" approach, a boundary-setting mechanism that might initially seem...2025-05-1835 min
All About The JoyAn Honest Conversation: Pet Peeves, Paycheck Problems and HomelessnessEver had that boss who calls from five doors down instead of walking to your office? Or that friend who swears they'll support your podcast but never actually listens? You're not alone.In this unfiltered conversation, we unpack the everyday annoyances that quietly drive us crazy. From workplace micromanagers who expect mind-reading abilities to friends who make empty promises of support, we explore how these small frustrations reveal deeper truths about human connection and expectations.The discussion takes unexpected turns as we examine how cultural backgrounds shape our pet peeves around resource conservation—like washing pl...2025-04-1359 min
All About The JoyRegrets, Friendships, Val Kilmer and the Art of Cutting Toxic People Out of Your LifeStarting with a reflection on Val Kilmer's philosophy—"I have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed"—we dive deep into what it really means to live without regret while acknowledging our past choices. The conversation quickly evolves into a therapeutic exploration of cutting toxic people out of our lives and the liberation that comes with it.We get refreshingly honest about "performative friendships" and why they're not worth maintaining. Maurio and Alma share their united approach to handling difficult relationships, while Carmen opens up about her growing abil...2025-04-0659 min
All About The JoySkincare Secrets: Beyond BotoxOur guest, Nilu Rustomji, brings a unique perspective to the conversation of Botox, wrinkle relaxers and all things skincare, having studied psychology before entering the medical field. This background illuminates her holistic approach to facial aesthetics—treating not just the physical appearance but understanding the emotional journey of each patient. Through candid discussion, we unpack common misconceptions about injectables and reveal surprising medical applications most people don't know about. From treating migraines to helping with excessive sweating, these treatments have therapeutic benefits far beyond cosmetic enhancement.The episode takes a turn when we examine the ethics of ae...2025-03-0959 min
All About The JoyFostering Community: New Schedule Join Our Friday Night HangoutEver wish you could just unwind and connect like in the good old days when neighbors gathered on porches and stoops? Join me, Carmen Lezeth, from All About the Joy and the rest of the crew, as we recreate that warm, community spirit every Friday night! We’ve moved our beloved weekly hangout live stream from Thursday to Friday, allowing us to escape the rush of the workweek and embrace a lighter, more relaxed vibe. Tune in at 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern across Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn for an evening filled with camaraderie and joy.In...2025-01-2605 min
All About The JoyMy California: Through Fire Challenges to Why It Will Always Matter to YouCarmen expresses a heartfelt love for California amidst the backdrop of recent wildfires and the negativity directed towards the state. She discusses her personal journey, the beauty of California’s landscape, and the importance of compassion during difficult times. • The impact of recent wildfires on California residents • California's key role in the national economy • Personal reflections on moving to California and childhood dreams • The contrasting beauty of California’s landscape and climate • The importance of cultural diversity and community connections • Embracing a healthy lifestyle in an active environment • Addressing negativity and hate directed at C...2025-01-1241 min
All About The JoySaying Good Bye to 2024 and Looking Towards 2025 with Hope and PossibilityThis episode is a reflective journey through 2024, as Carmen shares personal losses and insights on relationships, health challenges, and the ongoing pursuit of joy. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection while looking ahead to 2025, encouraging listeners to reassess their own experiences. • Personal reflections on loss and friendship struggles • Navigating health challenges and the healthcare system • Celebrating entertainment and creativity in 2024 • Understanding societal issues through a personal lens • Aspiring to align work with passion and creativity • Encouraging self-reflection and flexible New Year's goals • Concluding thoughts on the continuous pursuit of joy With gratitude for...2024-12-2935 minAll About The JoyUnexpected Turns: Makeup Mishaps, British Woes, Online Dating and AARP, again?Tune into our latest episode of "All About the Joy," where we start with our mixed feelings about the latest episodes of "9-1-1" and dive into an amusing anecdote about reaching out to enhance apparel inclusivity, sparking laughter and advocacy all at once. Including why Carmen reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department personally...As technology tries to play the villain, we tackle podcasting hurdles with Cynthia's old phone and share a laugh over the chaos it creates. Enter the fascinating world of BritishAshley, the TikToker who reveals cultural misconceptions Europeans have about Americans, with...2024-10-0657 min
All About The JoyEmbracing Ignorance: The Power of Admitting We Don't KnowWhat happens when we admit we don’t know something? Can acknowledging our ignorance actually lead to deeper understanding and stronger relationships? This week on Carmen Talk, I highlight the beauty of admitting our limitations and how it can foster an environment ripe for learning and growth. Plus, there's a humorous analogy involving Chris Hemsworth that underscores the pitfalls of spreading misinformation and the value of owning up to our mistakes.Misinformation on social media is a growing issue, and it’s something we can’t ignore. I recount a personal experience where I confronted someone spreading false...2024-08-2523 minAll About The JoyThe Art of Friendship, Celebrating Milestones, Overcoming Hardships and ToxicityWhat happens when a close-knit community loses one of its own in a tragic accident? This episode starts on a somber note as we share the heartbreaking news about Lindsey Badger from HAPPS, who was taken from us in a hit-and-run incident. Her husband is currently on a ventilator, while their children miraculously survived. We urge our listeners to contribute to the GoFundMe page set up in Lindsey's memory, reinforcing the importance of community support during such devastating times. As we navigate through this, we also find solace in expressing our gratitude for Melanie, whose consistent participation brings a...2024-08-0456 min
All About The JoyPolice Accountability: Confronting Violence, Misinformation and Sonya MasseyHow can society trust the police when bad cops merely move from one department to another? This week's Carmen Talk unpacks this critical issue, delving into the disturbing trend of officers who commit misconduct being rehired elsewhere. We emphasize the importance of direct language when discussing serious issues like murder, particularly in the context of the tragic killing of Sonia Massey. Our conversation stresses the need for police officers to stand against wrongdoing and highlights the emotional toll of witnessing police brutality, urging law enforcement to genuinely uphold their duty to protect and serve.Is our society...2024-07-2832 min
All About The JoyCarmen Talk: Self-Reflection and Personal ResponsibilityHave you ever caught yourself justifying your worst actions, or found solace in playing the role of the victim? This episode of Carmen Talk is an exploration into the effects of our mindset on the world we experience. With a special thank you to my crew, our neighborhood pals, and the always insightful Charlie Mattera, we open up about the impact of negativity and pessimism. Drawing from Gary Vee's wisdom and my own acting journey, we uncover the ways our internal narratives can distort reality, and how our self-perceptions might clash with the moral compass society expects us to...2024-04-2127 min
All About The JoyCarmen Talk - Making a Presidential Decision and Why It Matters to Say SomethingIn this episode, we wade into the often murky waters of political discourse, challenging the charm of a charismatic leaders and urging a deeper evaluation of their actions. It's a talk about the nuances of power, manipulation, and the real impact of presidential decisions. There is a decision to be made, Trump or Biden. The end of democracy as we know it or step in the right direction bringing our country back from the ledge. We navigate today's societal divides with the lens of empathy. Shared anecdotes underscore the importance of recognizing our own blind spots when i...2024-04-0731 min
All About The JoyCarmen Talk: My Caribbean Adventure with New Friends and Old ConnectionsImagine stranding yourself on a tropical island with 15 women you barely know – sounds like the setup to a side-splitting sitcom, right? Well, I'm here to spill the beans about all the tea that has unfolded in Aruba. Amidst the clinking of cocktail glasses and the rustling palm trees, I discovered the sheer hilarity that ensues when technical blunders meet live podcasting. But it wasn't all about overcoming the challenges of a rogue microphone; it was the laughter that linked us, the shared jests, and the 'nasty' t-shirt exchanges that transformed a group of strangers into a circle of friends. Wi...2024-03-2415 minAll About The JoyRevelations from Hollywood's Biggest Night, Work-Life Balance, and American IdentityHave you ever wondered how a single joke can polarize an audience, or how an awards ceremony can unpredictably crown a new star? Our roundtable discussion peels back the curtain on the Oscars, revealing Emma Stone's unexpected triumph and diving into the edgy humor that targeted Robert Downey Jr. Join us as we navigate the laughter and critique that follow such public spectacles, all while emphasizing the importance of fully engaging with media before drawing conclusions.This episode isn't just about Hollywood's glitz and glamour; it's about the stories that connect us. Feel the warmth of our...2024-03-171h 00