Get Happy With J Podcast

In this podcast episode we discuss eccentric visionary Elon Musk. At first it may not seem like he would be a fit for the show, but much can be learned from his work ethic and dedication to achieving all of his entrepreneurial goals. You just might find him to be downright inspirational. Let the happy crew know what you think. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/

In this episode J discusses fat shaming and how award winning artists such as Lizzo can even come under attack. We can all learn from Lizzo's body positivity and be allies against bullying in all forms. Congratulations to her for being names the entertainer of the year by both Time magazine and the Associated Press. Join the conversation at https://gethappywithj.com/.

Rusty old shackles with padlock and padded shackles used for locking up prisoners or slaves between 1600 and 1800. In this podcast episode we discuss some of the many complexities of the reparations debate. There has been attention brought to this issue with the introduction in the House of Representatives of the HR 40 bill. Where do you stand on this issue? Take a listen and let us know what you think. Please remember to like and subscribe. Your comments are always welcome at the following links: https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/

In this podcast episode we sat down with three generations of educated, middle class African-Americans to discuss politics and the issues that will determine their votes in 2020. It's a rare opportunity to hear such a candid conversation on this topic. With African Americans making up between 25 to 38% of the democratic base, party leaders would be wise to listen to such voices. There are some audio issues throughout the episode, so thank you for your patience. We want to thank all of the participants in this discussion. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

There seem to be an overwhelming number of church scandals featured on social media these days. It would make one wonder if Christianity is in crisis. Evangelicals such as Pastor Paula White are under scrutiny for their acceptance and support of Donald Trump, regardless of his lack of moral character. Hip Hop legend Kanye West's foray into gospel music and his Sunday service experience has received both praise and skepticism. I watched his Sunday Service at Pastor Joel Osteen's church last week, and I have to admit I enjoyed it. Say what you will about Kanye's motive or state of mind, his choir is phenomenal. Do you find it hard to maintain your faith in what seems like chaos? We discuss it all in this show. Thank you for listening to this podcast episode and join the conversation by sending a comment to our Facebook page or website. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

In this podcast episode we analyze what black male masculinity means today. We look at the subject throughout the history of the black experience in America. Is the feminization of black men of concern to you or are you offended at the very notion? There are many points of view regarding this topic and we would love to hear your opinion. Please send us a comment at https://gethappywithj.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj.

In this week's podcast episode Jittaun and the crew discuss the results of the Amber Guyger murder trial and what it means to African-Americans in the ongoing quest for equity in the criminal justice system. The panel examines the meaning of forgiveness and if and when it's appropriate to do so. The podcast ends on a celebratory note with a happy salute to the remarkable achievement of the new Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Please join our conversation by leaving a comment at https://gethappywithj.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj.

Freedom of speech is under attack as never before, and what makes the future more bleak is the fact that many of the perpetrators are college students at campuses all across the country. They represent the brightest minds and indicate what the future of our country will look like, and the picture is grim. America is quickly becoming intolerant and taking political correctness to levels no one can achieve or maintain. Take a listen to this podcast episode and join the conversation. Also, please rate, share and subscribe. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ Please check out our recurring guest, Michael Hurt's new show. http://ANCHOR.FM/MICHAEL-HURT

In this episode, my guests and I review season three of the hit Hulu show, The Handmaid's Tale. Are you still team June? It was an up and down season for all three of us, with one of my guests having given up on the show altogether. My other guest and I remain believers, although we both questioned if it had jumped the shark. Take a listen and join our conversation about the show. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

In this episode I review my experience at the Western & Southern Open, on the site of the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. This is a premiere tennis event which attracts the top players of the ATP and WTA every year. It's an amazing event that offers plenty to do and see for the entire family. Take a listen and share your favorite sports venues. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj Roger Federer Ball kids and grounds crew drying the court after a rain delay. One of the large viewing screens for fans to enjoy the action.

The Happy Squad: Karen Wilson, Jittaun Woods and Michael Hurt The biggest news of the past week featured the deal made between the NFL and super star Jay Z. Jay Z is best known as one the greatest hip hop artists of all time, but now his fame transcends the music industry as he is now a billionaire entrepreneur. He is a business within himself and has been quietly taking on racial injustice for years, but as of late has stepped forward to be the voice of a generation addressing racism and the justice system. He has been a visible and vocal supporter of Colin Kaepernick's activism and his battle against the NFL. The black community seems to be divided down the middle with those siding with Jay Z's partnership with the NFL and those who criticize him as a sell out. In this podcast episode we discuss the issue from all sides. Please join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on our Facebook page or website. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/

We are talking about gentrification in this podcast episode. We define and analyze this issue that is affecting historic neighborhoods all across the country. Low income residents, mostly people of color, are being displaced daily. There are serious consequences to this phenomenon and we discuss every aspect. Please comment, rate and subscribe. https://gethappywithj.com/

Tennis is a great love and it is my pleasure to talk all about the sport and Wimbledon which begins tomorrow. I review upcoming matches and potential upsets. Who are my favorites to win? Just take a listen to find out. https://gethappywithj.com/

When They See Us is an emotionally painful but necessary viewing experience. This film gives a snapshot of the grim reality of racism and poverty and how they are impacted by a flawed justice system. Take a listen to the Get Happy With J podcast review. Be sure to send us a comment on the website or on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ https://gethappywithj.com/

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have our guilty pleasures when it comes to what we watch on television. Reality TV is part of the cultural fabric of this country. We watch it by the millions and the more "ratchet" the behavior, the more we watch. This podcast episode questions whether or not reality tv creates the monsters we love to hate. Take a listen and join the conversation. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj

Dealing with grief after the loss of a loved one is never easy. After you survive the acute grief, when the emotional devastation is at its worse, you may feel like that is the end. The truth is that as long as you live, you may experience grief bursts on certain days associated with the loss of your loved ones, such as their birthday or the anniversary of their death. The emotions can creep up on you slowly, or hit you out of the blue. In this podcast episode my husband and I open up and share tips on how we deal with such days after the loss of our son. Please share this episode with anyone that you know is suffering from grief. We are both witnesses that life goes on and you can experience happiness and joy again. Please share, rate and subscribe to the podcast. https://gethappywithj.com/

In this podcast episode we explore the phenomenon of the cancel culture. We analyze the concept and what it means specifically to African-Americans. In the world of social media it is all too easy to become divided and angry. As we all navigate the landscape of the internet, it is good to do self-checks and take care of our emotional wellbeing. Choose your battles and take breaks from the madness as necessary. Listen and join the conversation. Please do us a favor and comment, rate and subscribe to the podcast. https://gethappywithj.com/

Colorism in the black community is a sensitive topic to discuss. In this podcast episode, Karen and I open up about our personal experiences with colorism. We have to very different points of view on the issue in ways which may be surprising. We only touch the surface with an issue that runs deep. There will definitely be more in depth analysis and debate in future episodes. As always, you are encouraged to join the conversation at the website or on our Facebook page.

Weeks before the Mueller report was released to Attorney General William Barr, there was a murmur which began in response to the question we were all asking ourselves, "What if the Mueller report doesn't conclude much of anything?" The very thought that after two years of waiting for the report nothing much would come of it was an unthinkable conclusion. Yet as of today, that is where we stand. The release of the full unredacted report has been demanded by Congress under threat of a subpoena, with the Barr led Justice Department taking their time to comply. Trump has taken a victory lap before anyone other than the Mueller team and Barr know what exactly the report concluded. There is growing suspicion that Barr might be covering up troubling revelations that the report may reveal. We should know more in the coming weeks, but in the meantime we attempt to process what we know so far in the podcast episode. The release of Barr's summary was such a let down for many, causing people to feel the same sense of shock and hopelessness of the 2016 election night. Listen and join the conversation at the website https://gethappywithj.com/.

Attorney Don Jackson joins me in this week's podcast episode. With the help of Don's legal expertise, we analyze the recent public spectacle of the Jussie Smollett case and Cardi B's troubling admissions. The sudden unexplained dismissal of all charges related to Jussie Smollott's case creates an opportunity to have a larger discussion about crime and justice as it relates to celebrity and wealth. Cardi B has been a problem to the African-American community long before her recent admission of drugging and robbing black men. She has been promoting what has been dubbed as "Ho Culture" since she left the strip clubs to make her way on to reality tv and later the music industry. She is a walking stereotype and negative image of black femininity. Listen and join the discussion at our website http://www.gethappywithj.com.

Turn on any news show and you are likely to hear the political debate about healthcare. Sadly, what is usually missing is the actual personal perspective of individuals for whom healthcare is not merely a talking point, but a crisis. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been under constant attack since it was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2009. The health of millions of Americans has been used as a political punching bag. In this podcast episode, you will get to hear the story of a woman who was stricken with an illness and had a long journey to getting the care she needed and the continued care to maintain her health. Listen and be sure to know in the upcoming election in 2020 where all the candidates stand where it comes to healthcare. Your life could depend on it. No one plans to be sick, but when it happens we all deserve to have access to quality medical care. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ https://gethappywithj.com/

Guest Karen Wilson This week's podcast episode is a mash-up of several hot topics. Take a listen and share your thoughts. We discuss the tragic mass shooting in New Zealand and the rise of white nationalism. We also delve into the Leaving Neverland documentary, the Jussie Smollett scandal and more. Thanks for listening!

In this podcast episode my guest, Jeanne Anders, and I review the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland and the Oprah Winfrey hosted show, After Neverland. It's a no holds barred discussion of the documentary with further commentary about child sexual abuse and pedophilia. Listen and join the conversation by sending a comment to the Get Happy With J Facebook page or the website. If you or someone you know needs help or more information about sexual abuse visit the website listed below. https://www.rainn.org/ https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

This episode is a quickie! Jittaun shares podcast updates and answers a few listener questions ranging from politics to pop culture. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/

The 2018 midterm elections saw an unprecedented wave of female winners. This is a phenomenon that not only saw big wins in Congress, but in local elections all over the country. Our guest for this podcast episode is Dr. Rita Ali, who is currently running for City Council at Large in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Ali discusses her reasons for running and her political platform. It was a pleasure chatting with this amazing and accomplished woman. Her local primary election is this Tuesday, so if you are in the Peoria area please remember to vote. We would never tell you who to vote for, only to implore you to exercise your right to vote. Send a comment to us at our Facebook page or on the website. As always, thank you for listening! https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ https://gethappywithj.com/

Karen Wilson returns for a chat covering current topics. In this episode we discuss the Grammy Awards, the Colin Kaepernick settlement and more. Whether you agree or disagree with the opinions expressed, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at our Facebook page or on the website http://www.gethappywithj.com.

My guest in this podcast episode is 27 year old Richie Crowley. At his young age he has already discovered what it takes to have balance, mindfulness and success. When I think about who I was at his age, I am in awe. I was a newlywed without a clue as to what my purpose was in life. We can all learn something from this inspirational millennial. I wish I had had his awareness and drive at that age, but it is never too late to get it together and follow your dreams. For any of us who are worried about the future in the hands of stereotypical millennials, don't fret. Young people like Richie are forward thinking, kind and thoughtful. With millennials like him, we are in good hands. Check out our episode now and the links below to keep up with Richie. Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Medium Wild But Well

When you think of segregation, the Civil Right's movement probably comes to mind. A time when African-Americans fought and even died for the right to go to schools of their choice, the right to vote and fairness in housing. So, fast forward several decades later and the stark reality hits that too many communities in America today are segregated; some even more than prior to the Civil Right's Movement. A new study has looked at segregation in Illinois, and found that Peoria, Illinois is ranked #1 for the most racially segregated schools and #6 for most racially segregated housing in the country. Since this happens to be the community where I reside, I had to address the issue in this week's podcast. I was blessed to grow up in a multi-cultural community where I made life-long friends with people of all races and socio-economic backgrounds. Those experiences enriched my life in many ways. It is sad to imagine not having that privilege, yet that is exactly the case right under my nose. Pastor Quinton Brown and Karen Wilson join me in the conversation.

In this podcast episode we speak with Dr. Maryann Akers. She imparts knowledge to help us understand sexual abuse victims and why they sometimes stay with abusers. We also explore the mindset of the offender and discuss whether or not they can change. We must continue the important discussion about sexual predators to be able to support victims and recognize the warning signs to prevent more girls and women from being victimized in the future. The problem is way beyond R Kelly, as we have offenders in our neighborhoods, schools and even churches. Let's keep the conversation going. Take a listen and join the conversation by adding a comment to our Facebook page or on the website. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks

It's been a week now since the Surviving R Kelly docu-series shocked and disgusted the nation on the Lifetime network. The #MuteRKelly movement has picked up significant steam and there have been more conversations about sexual predators. However, the black community is still divided on how we move forward. As crazy as it seems, there are still countless R Kelly fans who refuse to stop supporting him. His digital music sales have spiked tremendously and the embattled singer was videotaped out at a Chicago nightclub shamelessly celebrated his 52nd birthday surrounded by fans as he crooned to them. Adding to the confusion are the revelations that at least two of the commentators in the documentary have also been accused of either sexual assault or inappropriate behavior, and even the producer of the documentary has been accused of misbehavior. The alleged victims have also come under scrutiny. R Kelly has denied all allegations and has even gone as far as to "out" his accusers on a website he has had created for that purpose. Although there may be some discrepancies in the stories of some of the alleged victims and some contributors of the docu-series, I believe it is safe to say that everyone was not lying. As of today there are prosecutors in several cities across the country who are looking to potentially come after R Kelly legally. It is uncertain how successful they will be, but in this time of the #MeToo movement, Kelly should not be sleeping well at night. He need not look any further than Bill Cosby to know that justice can be slow, but it has a tendency to catch up to you. As for the rest of us, we need to examine where we stand. It is my personal opinion is that we can't justify the continual support of this individual. If we support him then we are complicit, period.

In this podcast episode we dissect the revelations in the new Lifetime Network docu-series, Surviving R Kelly, and the much broader implications of race and rape culture. It's a tough but necessary discussion and it is our hope that it will encourage you to continue the conversation. Let us know what you think at https://gethappywithj.com/.

As we evaluate this past year and prepare for a new one, a good thing to do for yourself is to banish negativity. It's not difficult to do but will be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. Listen to this last episode of 2018 to get some tips. Happy New Year!

On Friday, Trump signed the First Step Act bill, which could easily be considered a miracle during this unprecedented time of political chaos. This federal prison reform bill is a huge leap forward in righting some of the many wrongs of the justice system. Listen as more details of this bill are explained in this episode. Please join the conversation by commenting on our Facebook page or at the website www.gethappywithj.com.

In this awkward interview, I got to chat with my husband about his hip replacement surgeries.  It was informative and funny, and I doubt I will ever be able to convince him to do it again.  I give him credit for trying it at least once.  Love and Merry Christmas from the Woods.

This podcast episode is extra special to me because I had the chance to speak with another mother who has lost a child.  She lost her beautiful son four years ago in an accident.  Since suffering her tragic loss, she has worked hard to overcome her grief.  She is living an amazing and full life.  Her photo should be beside the definition of superwoman.  She's an author, entrepreneur, real estate agent and sought after speaker.  If you want to know what it takes to be an overcomer, this podcast is for you!  No matter what you have gone through or are going through right now, it does get better.  You'll be hearing from two living witnesses!  Please check out her websites and consider purchasing her books.  They were written with love and you will be blessed! http://www.parentingatyourbestwithoutregrets.com/ http://www.doitfordalton.com/

We are continuing our discussion about black women and sexuality in this podcast episode.  We delve deeper into the myths and stereotypes about women of color.  There is a historical component that can't be ignored, so we take it all the way back.  The Jill Scott viral video was the initial inspiration for this discussion, but as you will hear we go much further.  Listen with an open mind and feel free to join the conversation by sending a comment to the Get Happy With J Facebook page or the http://www.gethappywithj.com website.

The recent viral clip of R&B star Jill Scott getting intimate with a microphone was the inspiration for this podcast episode.  It made me want to explore the stereotypes and myths about black women and sexuality.  It's a difficult discussion because it's rooted in both racism and sexism in this country.  From the moment our black female ancestors were taken from slave ships to step foot on American soul, they were objectified in every horrible way you can imagine. This episode may not be appropriate for a young audience.  Joining me in the conversation are community activist, organizer and entrepreneur, Chama St. Louis and returning guest Karen Wilson.  Let us know what you think about part one of our chat. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful to each and every one of you who are taking the time to listen to this podcast.  This episode is all about surviving the holidays, and hopefully enjoying them as well.  As we all know, this time of year can be difficult for any number of reasons.  I have provided several tips that will get you through the next few weeks.  What are your holiday traditions?  How do you deal with the hard times?  I would love to hear from you.  Reach me on our Get Happy With J Facebook page, or at the website http://www.gethappywithj.com.  Happy Thanksgiving!

This is it, my final political podcast episode (at least for a while).  I had no intention of addressing the midterm election results until I began to see the hurt and pain the results caused for so many people across the country.  It's my goal to process what happened and I had the pleasure of speaking with an actual Floridian who is in the thick of the recount madness.  Darryl Whiting calls himself a concerned citizen and that is exactly what he is.  He grew up in Memphis with a father who introduced him to the civil right's movement, having marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Darryl maintained his interest in politics and has campaigned for many candidates over the years, and most recently for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum.  Darryl was a first hand witness to some of the voter irregularities and attempts at voter suppression.  Despite those experiences he remains optimistic and a believer in the process.  Listen to his story and keep the faith.  Your candidate may not have won this time, but do not give up on future elections.  Change is happening and it's up to each and every one of us.  Send us a comment on the website or Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks https://gethappywithj.com/

This podcast episode will make you think of binge eating in an all new way.  Our guest is Dr. Glenn Livingston and he has not only extensively researched the problem of binge eating, but he has also overcome the issue himself.  His theory is beautifully simple, yet challenging.  Listen and learn his method for overcoming binge eating.  As always, we encourage you to join the conversation at the website http://www.gethappywithjc.om and at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks.

The political discourse in America has gone from toxic to deadly.  The past week has seen three different radicalized individuals commit acts of home grown terror.  African Americans, Jewish Americans and various political leaders were the targets of such rage.  Things have to change and it begins with each and every one of us.  It's a crazy time, but we can remain sane.  This week's podcast episode offers tips on how to deal with the midterm madness.  There's no better time to do a self-check on where we stand as the holidays approach and we are sure to encounter uncomfortable situations with friends and loved ones who may have a different political ideology.  We must get to the place where as former President Barack Obama used to say, "We can disagree without being disagreeable".    Join the conversation at our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

Change is never easy.  In fact, the very thought of change can invoke feelings of fear.  Our returning guest, Lanisha  Nazon, had a successful beauty studio and was surrounded by a loving and supportive family.  She could have become complacent, but instead she acknowledged that the opportunities her talent afforded her were a bit stifled in the community where she lived.  She decided not to settle for less than she knew she could achieve, and set out to take a leap of faith that would include a cross country move.  Is the fear of change holding you back?  Face it head on the possibilities are endless!  Listen to Lanisha's journey of faith and be inspired.  The change you desire may not include a literal and physical move, it very well may be much simpler than that.  Tap into those dormant dreams and take your own leap of faith.  It's paying off for Lanisha!  Follow her incredible journey on her Instagram page and You tube channel. https://www.instagram.com/softglamourbeauty/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5AbQpGI7Ybe0sr9dE1vXQ

In this podcast episode we are talking to fitness and nutrition coach, Jeremy Reid.  Jeremy has overcome obesity, having lost over 170 pounds, and now works with others to lose weight. He shares some of his tips and tricks for successful weight loss transformation.  Listen and then join the conversation on our Facebook page.  To learn more about Jeremy and download his e-books full of healthy recipes and fitness and nutrition help, visit his website.  You can also find him on Instagram and Facebook as Jeremy Reid Fitness. http://jeremyreidfitness.com/ https://gethappywithj.com/

Winner of the first podcast giveaway. Today marks the official anniversary of the launch of the Get Happy With J podcast! It's been an eventful year.  We have had the pleasure of sharing with our listeners the wit and wisdom of our many guests.  We have addressed too many topics to name, but given each one a thoughtful dialogue.  It is our hope that as you have taken the time each week to listen and engage with us, that you truly feel closer to your happy place.  Here's to another year of education, encouragement and uplifting content.  Exciting things are coming!  The podcast is going mobile.  We will be able to interview guests in different settings and hope to be a presence at local events.  If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please reach us on the contact page of the website, http://www.gethappywithj.com.  As always, thank you for listening and helping to spread the word about this happy movement.  We do not own the right's to any of the music in this episode.

The two dominating news stories this past week were both related to sexual assault.  On Wednesday, Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for a sexual assault that occurred in 2004.  Thursday the nation watched as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh faced a senate hearing.  These two unprecedented events were viewed from very different lenses depending on many factors; some of which include age, race and personal history.  African-Americans have expressed feelings of conflict in how they processed the Cosby verdict.  This group is not monolithic and the varied opinions are proof.  In this podcast episode both of these events are analyzed by a panel of African-Americans.  Whether you agree or disagree with their opinions, listen with an open mind.  Join the conversation at the Get Happy With J Facebook page. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available. https://www.rainn.org/ http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/ The phone number the national sexual assault hotline is , 800-656-HOPE (4673).  You can call anytime, 24 hours a day and be connected with resources near you.

In part two of my discussion with the all male panel, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by their commentary.  The guys vary by age and race, but have more in common than not.  The old adage that "men are from mars and women from venus" does not hold up in this conversation.  They want the same things from relationships as women, a meaningful commitment with honesty and trust.  Now how about that? Listen and feel free to comment on the Get Happy Facebook page.  Please remember to rate and subscribe!  

Check out part one of my fun conversation with a group of men who had much to say about women and relationships.  Some of it may just surprise you. Some comments might also irritate you, but either way I hope it starts an interesting conversation.  Please comment, rate and subscribe to the podcast.  Also, like our Facebook page.  We love to interact with you. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks

This podcast episode is part two of my conversation with Cleo Daily.  I hope that you listen with an open heart, and that it's filled with an appreciation for all he has overcome to be the man he is today.  His story is all too familiar.  An extremely talented young person who is abused and taken advantage of.  Thankfully that is not the end of his story, but just a part of the journey.  He has been through a lot and still has his smile. Fortunately for us, his amazing vocal talent has not been silenced and we can hear his song. It's a song of redemption, hallelujah! Check out his book, "The Miseducation of a Miracle: The Memoirs of a Modern Day Lazurus".  It's available to download on Amazon books.

We all love a come back story.  The Biblical Lazarus was the ultimate come back, from being literally dead for three days.  Cleo Daily likens himself to a modern Lazarus, having experienced the death of many things in his life and now rising from those ashes.  His story is one of redemption.  His joy is absolutely infectious and you can't help but fall in love with his beautiful spirit.  Listen and enjoy. Share your comments on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ To get a copy of his book, connect with him on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ModerndayLazurusTwo?fb_dtsg_ag=Ady0zuCGsgBxvWulRaxYi0NdNJ6m22jvAGqBFjm0xAOjAw%3AAdxmx3XQy4thr40dmzXGOg2IPixwsZeKP1zetIBnIn7xEg

It's here! Contest time!!  Words truly can't express just how much the support of our podcast listeners means to us.  We wish there could be multiple winners, but there will only be one for this first contest.  Just for review, you must be 18 years of age, live in the United States, and you must also like the Get Happy With J Facebook page.  The gift basket is overflowing with goodies, all valued at over $300.00.  It was important for us to support some of the many guests we have featured on the podcast, so several items have been purchased from their businesses.  Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to enter, and for listening to the podcast. Click on the link below to enter.  Good luck everyone!  The winner will be selected during a live video on our Facebook page next Sunday, September 2nd at 4:00 pm CST. http://a Rafflecopter giveaway   Or try this link to the contest: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ca90004c0/? Make sure you like our Facebook page!  https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks If there is any problem with the link to the contest, please let us know by sending us a message on the Facebook page.  

Music is an integral part of the fabric of our lives.  There are few artists with the impact and reach of Aretha Franklin.  Her career spanned over six decades, and she remained relevant in all of the them.  She never changed her style to fit any particular musical genre, instead she uniquely managed to seamlessly fit in wherever she chose to. Her four octave range and perfect pitch made her voice the one of a kind instrument that it was.  There will never be another Aretha, and why would we want a copy when we were blessed with the original?  There is so much that can be said of this icon.  She will truly be missed.  Please listen to this podcast as we attempt to honor this legend in our own way. We do not own the rights to any of the music you will hear in this tribute.  We simply could not let this moment go by without acknowledging her precious gift that she shared with the world.  We love you Aretha!  Join the conversation with a comment at http://www.gethappywithj.com.