Episode 105: “Joy is…” With Dave Williams

Posted on by Victoria

When author, artist, illustrator, designer, storyteller extraordinaire Dave Williams launched his “Joy is…” project on January 20, I knew good things were in store for all of us. And wowza – I was right!

Dave’s celebration of positivity, his “Joy is…” endeavor launched smiles galore. Nods of recognition and praise for the well-timed injection of joy.

In Dave’s call for submissions, he said:

“The new project is to celebrate positivity. And I’m inviting you good folks to join in.
If you choose to participate, the first step is to fill in the blank: “Joy is……” It can b a word or a phrase or a sentence. It doesn’t have to be your favorite joy. It’s one from your basket of joys. It can be about sunrises or tea or cycling in the park or an artwork you love.
The second step is to provide something to go with your choice. That can be a description of what you chose, a drawing, a poem, a photo an essay, a piece of flash fiction. It can be serious or silly. A remembrance of a childhood experience. A haiku about oranges.”

How do you not love a wide-open call like that? You won’t be surprised to hear that the submissions have been spectacular. Ranging from prose and poetry, beautiful images and memories…heartfelt content throughout.

When Dave said we could pull from our ‘basket of joys’ it reminded me of how important it is to take stock of the joyful moments – present or past – because the nourishment we need day-to-day can be summoned when we slow down to recall instances of bliss, no matter how fleeting.

In his post launching the project, Dave acknowledged the inspiration points – memories of his beloved Aunt Diane who passed away last summer. And the gloriousness of Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb” and the work of talented folks like authors Teri Polen and Ross Gay who inspired him. Delighted him.

You will love our chat with Dave as he peels back the layers to reveal the potency of JOY. Identifying it, sharing it, celebrating it. And to make your joy journey even easier, Dave’s created a fabulous Index of Posts in the Joy Project so you can peruse all the submissions he received:

Index of posts in the Joy project

Vicki and Wynne 😊

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 105: Joy Is…with Dave Williams

Episode 105 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Dave’s Blog: https://davewilliamswriter.wordpress.com/

Dave’s “Joy is…” Index of posts: https://davewilliamswriter.wordpress.com/2025/02/27/index-of-posts-in-the-joy-project/

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay on Amazon

Other Episodes With Dave:

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

38 thoughts on “Episode 105: “Joy is…” With Dave Williams”

  1. Pingback: Joy Is…Focusing on the Right Things – Surprised By Joy

  2. What a write-up for the episode! From your super kind description and using wowza (yes!) and all the way through. You guys are role models for sharing positivity. I loved talking with you, and I hope listeners will enjoy the episode 🙂

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  3. There are many amazing responses to Dave Williams’ Joy Project. I briefly looked over a handful. Very impressive! Dave’s aunt was a true gift to his family and appeared to have been a wonderful mentor for “joy.” Thank you for interviewing Dave and allowing him to be a proponent of joy on your podcast. 🙂

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  6. This was such a good interview. Thank you, Dave, Wynne, and Vicki, for so many wonderful words in this podcast. I’m delighted to be introduced to Dave’s Joy project. “The more you look for delights the more you notice.” “Maybe that’s what this episode should be called, is creating a sense of community.” Agreed Wynn! “The joy is really allowing people to be who they are.” this is a true joy, Vicki!💞💞

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    1. YOU are a joy, Rose! Thank you so much for your kind words. Dave’s project was inspired and so very welcome. Grateful to you for watching/listening and summarizing the parts I loved the best, too!
      Xo! 🥰

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  9. Girl Vicki, you and Wynne gave us an episode to celebrate. 🥳 Loved the good vibes with Dave. 💖 You are a note taker just like me girl. ✍🏼 Don’t want to miss some crucial points that’s for sure. May you have a deliciously FANtabulous weekend my sweet friend. Sending you lots of love, hugs, and smooches Doc! 🥰💋🥂

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      1. You’re so very welcome ladybug. Girl, go on and take your notes! I’m not a doctor, but that is just the doctor vibe in you! 👩🏼‍⚕️ Much love my dear Victoria the Great! 😍👑🤗 Cheers! 🥂

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  11. What a terrific interview! I loved this podcast with Dave, so full of joy and positivity! And I also loved Dave’s joy project. I think we need more of this, more reasons to smile with all the chaos around us. Thanks to you all for this wonderful ray of sunshine on my gray day! Hugs! 🥰❤️🤗

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  12. My goodness, thank you for having Dave as a guest. His Joy project was wonderful, and I was thrilled to participate. Now I see he has a Magic Stories. Ooo…I must go there!

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  13. Such a lovely conversation! Congrats Dave on your joyful new initiative. Perspective truly is everything and positive things happen when we seek out positive and joyful things in life.

    I love the stories shared about your Aunt Diane and her joie du vivre and what a life lived. I’m sorry for your loss. What an awesome person.

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