Happiness is a state of mind and how you balance between your life and yourself by doing things that bring peace to you. But considering what 2020 has done to our smooth-going lives, a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety is understandable.
According to the World Happiness Report 2020, the happiest city in the world is Helsinki, followed by Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and the list goes on. India ranks 144 as per the same report. Despite a slew of issues around the world, who’s struggling to open up, Sydney Weiss, Founder of Seek The Joy podcast, took one step forward to revive hope in others through her stories.
Sydney Weiss, in conversation with Life Beyond Numbers, has shared her story behind the podcast idea.
One big idea
In 2016, Sydney had faced several health issues, due to which, she wasn’t able to qualify for the California Bar. When she found out about her failure in the entrance, she carried negative self-talk and was perturbed with herself for a certain period, in the same year. Later, she decided to change and got to know more about herself.
“I started listening and trusting my intuition more, and for the first time in my life, I started to peel back the layers and understand and love who I am, and who I wanted to be. I was in a different place, mind, body, and soul, and little did I know it was just the beginning,” Sydney said.
Again in 2017, Sydney Weiss has given her California Bar test.
“It was the second time I sat for the exam (and I passed!) and I was sitting in my apartment reflecting on the last year. The woman I saw in the mirror staring back at me was different. She was calmer, kinder to herself, and happier. She was no longer the panicked negative self-talker she was a year ago” added Sydney.
While staring at herself in the mirror, she experienced that moment of inspiration and excitement.
That night it clicked in her mind – why not start a podcast? Then, she took out her journal and started sketching out the idea. The next thing happened – she launched the “Seek The Joy” podcast. Inspired by a bracelet she made in 2014 while striking a conversation with her friend, Sydney started this podcast with a desire to create deeper connections and be a part of something much bigger than herself.
Seek for Joy, A Go-To Podcast
Speaking more about the podcast, Seek The Joy podcast is a go-to podcast for heartfelt storytelling and conversations on all things such as self-love, joy, connection, wellness, empowerment, and spirituality. Inspired by an ongoing journey toward growth, empowerment, and self-love, every episode of Seek The Joy Podcast offers a fresh perspective, “aha!” moments, laughs, stories of wisdom that will stick with you for weeks on end.
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She said, my greatest mission is to uplift and empowers others to find their authentic voice, encourage them to step into their vulnerability and courage, all to seek their joy and bring about a better world. Sydney firmly believes that everyone has a story to share and a voice that is meant to be heard – “I’m honored to be able to share these stories”.
On Seek The Joy Podcast and Stories of Inspiring Joy, she has shared so many powerful stories, narratives, and interviews with guests from various cultural backgrounds and experiences, spanning topics such as health and wellness, mindfulness, mental health, empowerment, self-love, and joy.
Moving forward, she said that this podcast is a life-changer and inspired greater connection, community, empathy, and understanding. More about the podcast – Sydney covers topics such as growth and empowerment, self-love, joy, connection, empowerment, mindfulness, mental health, and spirituality.
“I have found that through authentic conversations we’re able to reconnect and our ability to connect to that joy and authenticity is at the heart of Seek The Joy Podcast and Stories of Inspiring Joy” asserted Sydney about the significance of connections and joyful conversations.
Tough times, yet vanquished
Although Sydney took a shift in her life by starting Seek The Joy podcast, she had faced several roadblocks on the way.
Sydney took everything as a challenge and overcame every barricade that came in her trajectory. After getting knocked down by not passing the California Bar exam in 2016, she learned how to pick herself back from that loop.
“If I had passed the bar exam the first time, I wouldn’t have learned to slow down and be kinder, gentler, and more compassionate to myself. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have felt the inspiration to launch Seek The Joy Podcast either”, added Sydney.
Through starting this platform, she discovered a passion for creating international content that brings about a deeper sense of connection and community. She emphasized, “I wouldn’t have known that if it weren’t for the roadblocks or “failures” that I’ve experienced, and the courage to turn them into stepping stones”.
Heart-warming instances
Amid difficult times, there are happy moments for Sydney. She expressed how fortunate she was to interact with so many incredible and inspirational people over the last 3.5 years of her Seek The Joy podcast. Sydney also shared some of her favorite episodes with Life Beyond Numbers.
In conversation with Mirna Valerio, aka The Mirnavator, Episode 50, who’s an author and ultra-marathon runner is one of Sydney’s favorite talks. Mirna has shared her love for running and adventure in that episode. She also spoke about why curiosity is an essential part of our growth, and how being vulnerable has inspired others to push outside of their comfort zones.
Another favorite is Episode 58 with Josette Tkacik, an internationally renowned Zumba instructor. In that episode, Josette shares her incredible story of healing, the diagnosis of advanced and severe Rheumatoid Arthritis that changed her life, and her decision to turn within for answers and heal herself.
Next favorite Episode 96 is with John Clarence Stewart, a Multi-Talented Actor, Poet, and Singer, best known for his role as Simon on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. “Our conversation is one of the most spiritual and deep conversations I’ve had on the podcast, and it was truly so much fun to sit down with John” smiles Sydney.
In that episode, they spoke about John’s acting journey and art as a form of healing. He used his art to explore deep emotions, the vulnerability, intimacy, and courage it takes to truly experience life.
Over the last three years, Sydney has also been getting enough responses, countless emails, and messages from people all over the world. Adding to it, she said “I’ll never forget the first time someone reached out via email to let me know that they also had shingles in their mid-20’s. It brought me comfort to know I wasn’t alone, and I know they felt the same way too. I’ve received messages from people sharing that the podcast has helped them manage their anxiety”.
Mission, Vision, Goal & Future
Despite challenges, Sydney decided to rise, uplift, and empower others to find their authentic voice. Plus, encourage people to step into their vulnerability and courage, all to seek their joy and bring about a better world.
Through heartfelt storytelling on Seek The Joy Podcast, Sydney continues to share her experiences to heal others in her journey. “I grew up with a lisp and oftentimes embarrassed by my voice, and without even realizing it Seek The Joy Podcast has helped me heal. If I can do the same for someone else, that’s the kind of impact I want to have” alleges Sydney.
Well, she also has big plans ahead in 2021, where she plans to showcase more stories and voices through her platform. “I’m passionate about changing the world through creating greater connections and community, and this year I’m excited to continue to create and produce intentional content that resonates and inspires,” asserts Sydney.
She’s also launching a YouTube channel, a series of live events on her social media platforms called “Seek The Joy Live”, and the first-ever summit this Spring. She hopes that these conversations will be an extension of what is shared on the podcast, and provide a source of inspiration and joy in real-time.