22 - Embracing Your Purpose and Supporting Others: Insights from Authentic Joy’s Joy Harris-Edwards

22 - Embracing Your Purpose and Supporting Others: Insights from Authentic Joy’s Joy Harris-Edwards

Author: Kris Castle July 1, 2025 Duration: 31:54
Joy Harris-Edwards of Authentic Joy explores her journey from profound grief after her father's passing to finding purpose as a helper, therapist, and leader. Joy shares how personal loss inspired her to launch her business, write a book, and dedicate herself to mental health advocacy, especially for women and families overcoming addiction. The conversation covers practical strategies for balancing professional and personal life, the importance of setting boundaries and staying authentic, and the value of leadership within community and church. Joy also discusses her upcoming projects, including a new center for growth and hope in Nicholasville and books on loneliness and lessons from her beloved dog Tobias. For more, connect with Joy at joyaharris.com and follow her as Authentic Joy on social media. Don’t miss her recommended listens, especially anything by Brené Brown, and check out her own podcast, The Kitchen Isn't Clean Unless the Stove is Wiped Down. Links: Joy’s website: joyaharris.com Authentic Joy on social: Facebook Business Page (search “Authentic Joy” on all platforms) Joy’s book: Authentic Joy: Sharing True Joy Recommended listens: Brené Brown Podcasts Joy's podcast on Spotify: Embers of Joy: The Kitchen Isn't Clean Unless the Stove is Wiped Down 

Kris Castle hosts Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, a series of conversations that feel more like a coffee chat with a friend than a formal interview. Each episode sits down with a different woman who has carved out her own version of success right here in Central Kentucky. The focus isn't just on professional accolades, though you'll hear plenty about that; it's about the real, often messy, journey of building a career while building a life. You'll listen to stories about the late nights, the tough decisions, the unexpected pivots, and the small victories that define the path. This podcast digs into the practicalities and the personal philosophies that these local leaders use to navigate their worlds. It’s for anyone curious about how other women are stitching together ambition, community, and personal well-being into something that works for them. Tune in for genuine dialogue that offers both inspiration and tangible takeaways, reminding you that work-life harmony is a personal composition, not a prescribed formula.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Boss Babes of the Bluegrass
Podcast Episodes
48 -  Dr. Crystal Miller on Redefining Leadership in Public Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
Dr. Crystal Miller discusses her journey into public health, the importance of direct leadership, and building emotionally intelligent workplace cultures. She shares how her background in education, mentorship, and a pas…
47 - Advocating for Safer Medicines with Jimmie Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:03
Jimmie Wilson shares her inspiring journey from a career in early childhood education and workforce development to her recent experience surviving acute liver failure caused by a compounded medication, which led to a lif…
46 - Lessons in Wellness from Shalonda Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:46
Shalanda Smith is a seasoned nurse, yoga instructor, and wellness advocate in Central Kentucky. Shalanda Smith shares her journey from 30 years in long-term care nursing to her current roles at Bluegrass Care Navigators’…
45 - Championing Children and Community with Stephanie Spires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:49
Stephanie Spires, CEO of Spires Strategies, shares about her journey in business, passion for advocating for children and families, and balancing life as a single mother of five. Stephanie shares insights on her unique b…
44 - Confidence and Business with Rachael Bullock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:44
Rachael Bullock is a longtime Mary Kay entrepreneur who discusses her journey of nearly 29 years in the beauty industry. Rachel shares how she empowers women through confidence-building with makeup, skincare, and entrepr…
43 - The Executive Method with Amanda Woods Hall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Amanda Woods Hall is founder of The Executive Method, to explore how embracing your authentic self—and understanding the way your brain works—can transform your life and business. Amanda shared actionable strategies for…
42 - Navigating Law and Life with Judge Lucy VanMeter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Judge Lucy Van Meter shares her inspiring journey from Bourbon County High to becoming Fayette Circuit Court Judge and now running for Kentucky Court of Appeals. We talk about the challenges of making tough decisions, na…
40 - Turning Struggles into Strength with Keary Snapp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Kris welcomes Keary Snapp to discuss her inspiring 20+ year journey in the health and wellness industry. Keary shares how her career evolved from personal training and figure competitions to massage therapy, functional w…