How do you forgive what feels unforgivable? How do you reclaim parts of yourself the world told you to hide? In this powerful and emotional episode of Choosing Joy, actress, singer, and Broadway icon Merle Dandridge sits down with Deborah Joy Winans Williams to talk about life beyond Greenleaf, the power of grace, and the joy of becoming whole.

From discovering an entire side of her Korean heritage to navigating identity in Hollywood, Merle opens up about family, faith, and how therapy, truth, and curiosity helped her reconnect with lost pieces of herself. This heartfelt conversation explores sisterhood, the role of forgiveness, and how she’s learning to live boldly in her purpose — whether that’s on stage, on screen, or in service to others through her work with Harvest Home LA.

✨ If you’ve ever struggled to release old narratives, heal generational pain, or believe your fullness is enough — this episode is your invitation to choose joy, anyway.

Chapters

00:00 – Greenleaf Memories & Character Truths
01:00 – Deborah Joy’s Tribute to Merle
04:00 – Saying Yes to Purpose (Through Tears!)
06:00 – How Greenleaf Opened Healing Conversations
08:30 – Humanity, Church & Breaking the Rules
10:30 – Why Charity Was Misunderstood
13:00 – Merle’s Hidden Korean Family Story
16:00 – Forgiveness, Grace & Asking Better Questions
18:30 – Seeing Your Parents as People
21:00 – Living Lit Up & Overflowing with Joy
23:00 – Broadway, Film, and Finding Her Voice
26:00 – “My Fullness is Perfect”
27:00 – Harvest Home: Serving Unhoused Mothers
30:00 – Choosing Joy Through Service
32:00 – This or That: Stage or Screen, Quiet or Loud
35:00 – Final Reflections & Sisterhood

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