Joystarters with Rachel Baribeau: Nurturing Faith, Finding Purpose, and Pursuing Joyful Living

Rachel is deep in the final stretch of writing her second book, with a deadline quickly approaching. While she's spending these weeks pouring her heart into those pages, we wanted to share a conversation you may have missed. This episode originally aired on the Founders War Room podcast, where Rachel sits down to share her journey from national sportscaster to speaker, author, and founder of I'm C...

Rachel is on book deadline, so we are going back into the vault to share this Sunday Soul episode in which Rachel takes us behind the scenes of one of the most meaningful projects of her career: the creation of the first-ever college football Mental Health Games. This is the story of what it took to bring mental health into one of the toughest environments in sports. You'll hear stories about work...

Rachel is on book deadline, so we are going back into the vault to share this Sunday Soul conversation with Minnesota head football coach PJ Fleck and his wife Heather. They have an honest discussion about what it really takes to build a strong marriage, lead well, and stay connected through life's challenges. From navigating the demands of coaching and family life to learning how to grow through...

After watching a beautiful piece of land near her home be cleared for development, Rachel found herself heartbroken, frustrated, and angry. Angry at the loss. Angry at what feels like unchecked greed. Angry that her prayers to save it seemed to go unanswered. For a brief moment, she found herself wrestling with God.  In this episode, Rachel shares the story behind that struggle, the friends who he...

Fresh off speaking with the Minnesota Vikings and attending the Next Level Speakers Conference, Rachel reflects on what happened behind the scenes, and why meaningful human connection matters more than ever. Rachel also shares reflections on mental health in sports, the pressure athletes face, and the importance of knowing who you are beyond your accomplishments. SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:  https...

What began as a Memorial Day weekend trip to her childhood home became something much deeper: a chance to grieve, rest, reflect, and reconnect with the people and places that have shaped her life. After a difficult month marked by loss, Rachel shares what happened when she slowed down long enough to let her nervous system finally exhale. SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:  https://i-m-changing-the-narrat...

Rachel shares a collection of reflections recorded over the past several weeks while traveling, speaking, grieving, coaching, and walking closely with people through some of the hardest moments of their lives.  At the center of this episode is one powerful message: You cannot lead people if you refuse to see their pain. From heartbreaking conversations about mental health… to moments with grieving...

In this Mother’s Day message at Christ’s Chapel in Kentucky, Rachel Joy Baribeau shares a deeply personal and Spirit-led talk about purpose, obedience, grief, forgiveness, and the urgency of living fully for God. Rachel reflects on her journey from sportscaster to founder of the #ImChangingtheNarrative movement, explaining how God transformed her career into a calling to encourage others and help...

Rachel reflects on the power of encouragement, the ripple effect of forgiveness, and the kind of community that helps you keep going when your confidence starts to wobble.  She shares a story that reveals how one conversation can impact generations, and explains why it’s important to use your gifts even when you feel unqualified, uncertain, or under attack.  If you’ve ever wondered whether what yo...

This week, we have another episode from the vault as part of the 10-year anniversary of I’m Changing the Narrative . This time it’s a portion of an early talk from Florida State University.  What started as a simple airport conversation quickly turned into a reminder of the stereotypes athletes face every single day: assumptions about character, behavior, and even intelligence.  In this talk, she...

This week, we’re going back to the vault and into the trenches. As part of the 10-year anniversary of I’m Changing the Narrative , Rachel Joy Baribeau shares a portion of one of her early talks… including the unforgettable moment she stopped talking about football—and decided to live it. After years of grinding in sports media, Rachel stepped into something completely unexpected… training camp wit...

Rachel Baribeau recently visited the Sports Visions Morning Show to share the journey that took her from a young Auburn graduate getting her first shot in radio… to becoming a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, a speaker for NFL teams, and the founder of the “I’m Changing the Narrative” movement. Sitting across from someone who gave her an early opportunity, this wasn’t just a walk down memory la...

From early morning reflections before the sun comes up… to conversations about leadership, purpose, and what it really means to go above and beyond… this episode is packed with wisdom pulled straight from real life as it’s happening. This episode is part reflection, part teaching, and part wake-up call to live more consciously, more generously, and more fully present. Because the truth is… You’ll...

This week on the Joystarters Podcast, we’re sharing Part Two of Rachel’s conversation with the Temple Keepers o n their Thursday call, where she talked about healing, purpose, and true freedom. Rachel dives deeper into what healing really looks like. From asking “what part of this is mine?” to identifying coping mechanisms and learning to pause instead of react—this episode is about growth, humili...

This week on the Joystarters Podcast, we’re sharing Part One of Rachel’s conversation with the Temple Keepers on their Thursday call, where she talked about healing, purpose, and true freedom. She challenges us to ask deeper questions—not just about what we’re doing, but who we’re becoming. In this episode, Rachel talks about: Why you are a “do something” person—and how to start living that out Th...

The world runs on people who go above and beyond — the ones who show up with kindness, generosity, and heart when they don’t have to. In this episode, Rachel Joy Baribeau reflects on moments that reminded her just how much small acts of love and effort truly matter. You’ll be encouraged to look for ways to give more, care deeper, and become the person who makes life brighter for others. Do more th...

Rachel shares the story of a last-minute trip she almost didn’t take…  and the cascade of powerful lessons that unfolded as a result. From rushing out the door to  an unexpected conversation with a stranger to a joyful reunion with lifelong friends, this journey became a masterclass in perspective, emotional growth, faith, and human connection. You’ll walk away encouraged to slow down, speak kindl...

In this episode of the Joy Starters Podcast, Rachel reflects on the powerful lessons that came out of the I'm Changing the Narrative Soul Retreat and Joy Ball on Amelia Island. When you pour your heart, faith, and soul into something meaningful, the impact doesn’t end when the event is over. In this conversation, Rachel shares what worked, what didn’t, and the deeper truths that emerged from a wee...

This week’s episode is straight from the heart of the I’m Changing the Narrative Soul Retreat. You’ll hear powerful clips from Rachel Baribeau and Shannon and Shirley Austin… moments that stopped the room, challenged belief systems, and invited every person there to go deeper. Rachel opens with a question that might change your life: Are you willing to look like an idiot for what God has put insid...

We just wrapped the first annual I’m Changing the Narrative Soul Retreat & Joy Ball on Amelia Island, and this episode offers a glimpse into a weekend that was equal parts healing, challenge, connection, and celebration. It was a gathering of people who believe that stories matter, that faith and courage truly change lives, and that showing up in the right room at the right time can alter the cour...

The I’m Changing the Narrative Retreat and Joy Ball are this week! So, we pulled excerpts from conversations with the speakers who will be joining us for the retreat. Every single person you’ll hear in this episode has walked through fire in their own way and now uses their story, their grit, and even their imperfections to help other people rise. You’ll hear from Laura Reed, international musicia...

What if the dream in your heart didn’t come with a backup plan—because it wasn’t supposed to? This week on the Joystarters Podcast, Rachel takes us deep into one of her all-time favorite movies, Field of Dreams, and the message that has become her mantra during one of the most audacious seasons of her life: Plow the corn. Burn the boats. No plan B. From planning a retreat and gala that benefits he...

In Part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with JR Harvey, the dialogue goes even deeper — into communication, emotional safety, grief, and what it truly takes to heal. They explore the complementary strengths of men and women, discussing how men often lead through doing while women bring depth through being, feeling, and nurturing connection. Together, they talk about why so many men struggle to communic...

Rachel sits down with JR Harvey, who shares how Kings Community was born out of his own pain and insecurity. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on how much confusion and pain comes from never being shown what healthy purpose, love, or leadership looks like in real life. Together, Rachel and JR unpack how doubt slowly becomes identity, how shame takes root, and why real healing begins at the...

This week’s episode is real life, recorded in pockets of time, stitched together with honesty, faith, and that unmistakable Joystarters energy. Rachel starts with what’s been sitting on her heart, including a sports moment that sparked a whole internet firestorm: Lynn Jones (Associate Editor, Jacksonville Free Press) taking a few seconds to speak life into Liam Coen after a gutting game. From ther...