I’m so excited to share the first interview of Season 4! This interview has been in the works for ages, and I am overjoyed to finally have the opporttunity to share the story of my mentor and friend, Yoni Mann. He is a senior at the University of Florida whose passion for leadership, community, and adventure (including scuba diving...how cool!?) is so inspiring.

In this episode, Yoni shares his Joy Project: learning to live fully in the moment, appreciating the small things, and surrounding yourself with people and experiences that bring genuine happiness. We talk about balancing a busy schedule, reframing obligations as opportunities, and why little joys—like a favorite color or five quiet minutes in nature—can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever felt “too busy” or struggled to slow down and be present, this episode will give you practical tips and a fresh perspective to carry into your week. I can't wait for you to hear from someone who has shaped my life in so many positive ways!

This week let's dive into the powerful choice of protecting your peace by stepping away from negative conversations. From college gossip and endless complaints to everyday negativity, knowing how to reclaim your energy and redirect the focus can open up space for gratitude, positivity, and true joy.

Over the years, I’ve realized I don’t have to fix other people’s complaints or carry their negativity...I can choose joy instead. For me, choosing joy isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about intentionally creating more space for peace, clarity, and positivity.

Make sure to listen if you want to learn how to set healthy boundaries without guilt, redirect draining conversations into uplifting ones, protect your mental space, and practice daily gratitude to shift your perspective.

Welcome to season FOUR of The Joy Project with Julia! I’m thrilled to kick off the season and share what’s been going on as I start my junior year...lots of diving into new opportunities, challenges, and relationships. In this episode, I’m talking about finding your “why,” why it’s so important to know what drives you, and how having that clarity can guide your choices, help you stay grounded, and make it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs. We’ll also chat about thinking through the legacy you want to leave, giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned, and embracing the little joys that keep you going.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about your next step, this episode is all about slowing down, reflecting, and remembering that your story is yours—and it’s worth celebrating.

After 10 incredible weeks abroad, I’m excited to finally reflect on my study abroad experience. So many people who return from their programs often say, “Study abroad changed my life”...and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve grown so much throughout this experience, and in ways I never imagined.

From forming the sweetest connections with locals in Madrid, to practicing my Spanish communication skills daily, to gaining a deeper sense of cultural and global awareness... I’m truly so happy with this new identity I’ve begun to form.

I’m looking forward to using these experiences to fuel future growth and continuing on my mission of seeking and spreading joy in as many ways as possible.

It’s time to play… this episode about playtime!

Rediscover the joy and importance of play in our everyday lives. Whether through creativity, movement, games, or pure goofiness, play has the power to brighten our days and reconnect us with what makes life feel light and fun. I challenge you to find hobbies and activities that fuel your passions and recharge your ambitions...let's play!

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how easy it is to open up quickly when everything feels exciting and new… but also how important it is to stay grounded in emotional awareness. I’m learning that protecting your heart doesn’t mean being guarded or distant—it means listening to your intuition, setting gentle boundaries, and trusting yourself to hold space for both joy and discernment.

Hard-launching yourself into new friendships can sometimes create more confusion than connection. So let’s normalize the slow burn—building trust, staying intentional, and letting genuine connections unfold over time.

This week, I’m sharing my own experiences navigating new relationships, strengthening emotional intelligence, and finding ways to enjoy life without losing myself in the process.

Join me as we talk about honoring our feelings, embracing connection with care, and finding joy in slowing down and protecting the most sacred parts of ourselves.

YAY!!! 21st episode of season 3 on my 21st birthday...I think YES!! Every year I write a letter to my future self on my birthday to open the next year. This letter is full of wisdom, predictions, and manifestations for the year. This has easily become my favorite birthday tradition. Listen to this episode recap to listen to me read & debrief you on my letter!

I am officially halfway through my 365 days of joy journaling, and I wanted to make a little episode talking about some of the most valuable takeaways I’ve gained from this type of reflection. Every day, I have the opportunity to express my gratitude and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose in my 3 S's: self, school, and social. This journaling technique has motivated me to find the good even in the lowest moments—and this past spring semester was definitely rocky.

However, good growth can and will come from our negative past experiences if we choose to adopt a positive mindset. So, listen to me yap about my silly entries, my "aha" growth moments, and why daily reflection is so important.