Finding Joy in the Hard

Suzanne Andora Barron

Finding Joy in the Hard is a weekly podcast about how we meet life when it stretches us — in grief and growth, in ordinary struggles and unexpected turns.

In short minisodes, I share honest reflections, gentle nervous system awareness, and simple embodied practices to help you steady yourself when things feel uncertain.

From time to time, I sit down with guests who have walked through difficulty and found light in the dark and joy in the hard.

I’m your host, Suzanne Andora Barron — yoga and meditation teacher, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, and writer. Through breath, awareness, and simple practices, I help people ease tension and reconnect to their inner steadiness.

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Thursday · 8 min
#163 Saying your quiet thoughts out loud
In this episode, I shared what I’m learning from taking part in a 21-day storytelling challenge on Instagram—and what it has been like to say some of my quieter thoughts out loud. I talk about sharing my struggle with feeling and expressing anger, my tendency to fill uncomfortable silences rather than speak up, and a new way I’m practicing staying in those moments. I also share about telling a small piece of Christopher’s story—his leukemia diagnosis at age three and how we tried to make sure cancer didn’t define his childhood. Three days into the challenge, I’m noticing what happens when I stop trying so hard to make everything sound right and allow myself to share more of what is actually true. In this episode: My discomfort with expressing anger Practicing silence instead of automatically smoothing things over Sharing part of Christopher’s story The difference between what we show on the outside and what’s happening inside What I’m learning about vulnerability and saying the quiet things out loud You can check out the Instagram reels I reference here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
August 3 · 5 min
#162 What Aqua Zumba Taught Me About Myself
A simple Aqua Zumba class had me take a look at some things I don't like about myself. In this episode, I share what happened when I found myself in a class where everyone else seemed to know what they were doing—and what it revealed about my own thoughts, assumptions, and desire to appear like I have it all together. Do you ever hold yourself back because you don't want others to see you in that awkward, unsure phase? That was definitely me. I didn't get out of the pool to get lighter weights and I tried to pretend I knew what I was doing when I was flailing about. So often we focus on the uncertainty. What we miss is the bravery it took to try something new. Note: This episode was recorded during the period when wildfire smoke affected air quality across the northeastern United States. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
July 24 · 6 min
#161 Finding Peace When it Feels So Hard
Today is the anniversary of my son Christopher's death, and I'm out walking the path across the street from my house — the same path we used to bike together. In this episode, I share how peace can be found more often than we realize — in the smallest of moments. I also share: Why I didn't really understand what peace meant until I lost my little boy and knew its absence The origin of my gratitude journal practice, started when my son Christopher was on chemo A guided Jin Shin Jyutsu practice (holding the thumb) to calm worry and regulate your nervous system — and how you can use it anywhere, in a meeting, before a hard conversation, or whenever you need to come back to center Remember you are so much stronger than you think you are. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
July 5 · 12 min
#160 Is Impatience Getting the Best of You?
Do you find that you're feeling more impatient lately? Have you ever asked yourself where are you rushing to? In today's episode, Suzanne shares a story of waiting in line at a French café and how she found herself getting more and more impatient — despite not needing to get anywhere. She shares how she settled herself, other common examples of where impatience shows up, what we can do about it, and how we always get to choose. Impatience really is a choice. Reflection question: What brings up impatience for you, and how do you settle it? I'd love to hear from you. You can DM me here on IG. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
July 1 · 12 min
#159 Finding Magic in the Ending - It Starts with That First Step
Is there something you're yearning to do — a dream that maybe others think is a little crazy, but you know you have to do it anyway? In this episode, I share how to go for it, using an example of my own: the beginning and ending of the foundation I started in honor of my little boy Christopher. Over 16 years, we worked with over 1000 kids! We touched and were touched by 10 times that number. I share how even though we officially ended The Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation on June 30, the magic continues. In this episode, I share the exciting news. Here's something to keep in mind when you start something new: You won’t have all the answers when you begin as much as your mind wants you to. You can’t. When you start out, you only have as much as you need in that moment—the rest reveals itself to you as you go. Thank you as always for listening. If something is coming up for you, I’d love to hear it. You can DM on Instagram. Here. Be well. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
June 28 · 13 min
#158 The Yes that Changed Everything
What led you to say yes? Recently a mentor asked me – what was it that had you say yes to living in Seoul, Korea when it wasn’t common to do so. Fun? Curiosity? Intuition? A call? For me, it started with a high school internship, a decision my parents made (without my consent) and one moment in a room at the Blue House in Seoul where a Korean student said something I couldn't argue with — and couldn't forget. I ended up attending graduate school in Seoul, without knowing the language. I left fluent with incredible experiences that changed the trajectory of my life. So what was your moment? The class you took on a whim. The friendship that changed everything. The painting. The yoga teacher. The thing that might not have made anyone else go "wow" — but shifted something in you. It doesn't have to be dramatic. It just has to be yours. Reach out and tell me on Instagram here. I mean it. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
April 26 · 7 min
#157 Are you putting yourself first?
Are You Putting Yourself First? If that question made you cringe, this episode is for you. I share a small but revealing moment from my own week — a meeting, a 15-minute ask I wouldn't let myself make, and what happened when I got to campus anyway. It's a story about how quickly and automatically we abandon our own needs without even realizing it. In this episode: Why putting yourself first isn't selfish — it's necessary How we disappear from our own equation without noticing Why "listen to your body" doesn't work when you've spent years overriding it A simple question to ask yourself when you're about to shrink Why it's okay — and brave — to speak up after the fact Try this: Next time you're about to automatically accommodate, pause and ask: what would feel good right now? Then take that next brave step — not because it's easy, but because you matter. 📩 I'd love to hear from you — reach out to me on IG here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
April 6 · 57 min
156: Always a Sibling – An Interview with Annie Sklaver Orenstein
When Annie lost her brother Ben to a suicide bomber in 2009, she went to a bookstore looking for a book about sibling grief. She couldn't find one. So she wrote it. Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief is a practical and compassionate guide for one of the most overlooked groups in grief — the sibling. In this episode, Annie shares: The story of her brother Ben — his service, his values, and how he was killed by a suicide bomber in October 2009 Why she catastrophized his death for years before it happened, and why she still couldn't believe it when it did What it means to be a forgotten mourner — and why siblings are so often expected to simply be okay Why the word "acceptance" felt impossible to her, and how she came to understand radical acceptance on her own terms How grief resurfaces at unexpected life milestones — and why she recommends siblings revisit therapy around age 30 The long road to writing this book, including three proposals, an auction, and one publisher who asked her to remove the word "sibling" from the title Five takeaways from Suzanne: Radical acceptance doesn't mean you're okay with what happened. It means you acknowledge it, you don't run from it, and you don't suppress it. Siblings are often expected to be fine because all attention goes to the parents, surviving spouse, or surviving children. Until a sibling lets themselves say I'm allowed to be upset, full grieving is nearly impossible. Sibling grief resurfaces throughout your life — at milestones, in new relationships, in parenthood. It doesn't end. There is no possible way to be the parent you want to be for a grieving child. You do the best you can. That is enough. Find Annie: Instagram: @annisklaverorenstein Always a Sibling is available wherever books are sold, including bookshop.org, Amazon, and your local bookstore. About Annie: Annie Sklaver Orenstein is a cultural researcher, writer, and storyteller who has spent over a decade conducting in-depth qualitative research with thousands of people around the globe on behalf of brands including Viacom, Crayola, Twitter, Netflix, Instagram, Pfizer, and more. Her mission is to illuminate the true — and often difficult — realities of the human experience in order to build social empathy, provide validation and empowerment, and influence meaningful change. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
March 15 · 5 min
#155 Would you ever talk that way to a friend?
Would You Talk That Way To A Friend? You know that voice in your head — the one that says "that was so dumb" or "you said too much." But would you ever say that to a friend? In this episode, Suzanne walks you through a simple but powerful experiment to help you become aware of your inner critic — and start replacing it with something kinder. Because the way you speak to yourself matters more than you might think. Try it yourself: Make a list of what your inner critic says. Then imagine saying it to a friend. Notice how that feels. Now flip it — and say the kinder version to yourself instead. Practice this every day for 3 weeks and notice how that inner critic starts to become an inner cheerleader. Try it and let me know how it goes — find me on Instagram and share your experience. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
March 8 · 7 min
#154 What If Those Emotions Aren't Even Yours?
Do you ever wake up feeling agitated, heavy, or triggered — and can't figure out why? In this episode, Suzanne shares what she discovered after waking up unsettled one morning: the culprit wasn't stress or worry. It was a TV series she'd been watching the night before. What follows is an honest, relatable exploration of what it means to be someone whose nervous system absorbs the emotions of others — from fictional characters on screen to the people sitting right next to you. In this episode, Suzanne covers: Why some of us carry the emotional residue of what we watch long after the screen goes dark The difference between being emotionally engaged and actually absorbing others' emotions How this plays out in real life — including a story about her husband walking into the kitchen "revved up" and walking out calm while she was left reeling Five things you can do when you realize the emotions you're feeling aren't yours Why resisting those emotions makes them linger — and what to do instead Key takeaway: Our ability to feel deeply is a gift. When we learn to work with it rather than against it, we can sense things others miss — and move through emotion rather than being stuck in it. Mentioned in this episode: Process What You Feel to Heal — Suzanne's monthly membership, diving deep into this topic this month. Reach out to me via Instagram to say hi, share a comment or ask a question. Click here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
March 2 · 5 min
#153 What if Beauty is in the In-Between?
I recorded this episode literally from my car right after an all-day Feng Shui Art Workshop — still in the energy of it. Here's what I discovered: judgment isn't something to shame yourself for. It's a signal. A clue that your nervous system is feeling unsafe, closed off, or resistant to something new. I also talk about what happens when beauty is still developing — how messy and disorganized it can look right before it becomes something meaningful. And why stepping away when you're too close might be exactly what you need. In this episode: Why judgment is a signal, not a flaw What resistance is really protecting you from The in-between stage — in art, in hair, in life Why stepping away can help you see more clearly A gentle reminder that we're all still in process Can you relate to this? I'd love to get your feedback. You can DM me on Insta here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
February 13 · 1 min
Something to remember as you go about your day
Some days are harder than others. They can start to seem all of the same. But this simple message is a reminder that today will be amazing because you are in it. Be well. And remember you are so much stronger than you think you are. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
January 22 · 8 min
#151 When you give yourself 2 choices
In this episode, I share a real-life moment from a cold winter morning — a missed phone call, unexpected traffic, and the familiar urge to spiral. Instead of bracing, I practiced something different: breathing, noticing, and staying in the moment. This episode explores: How the body often braces before the mind starts spiraling Why familiar patterns of worry and fear feel so automatic How to interrupt the loop by returning to breath and sensation What it looks like to choose presence, even when you can’t close your eyes A simple Jin Shin Jyutsu hold (the thumb) to calm worry How tiny shifts open the door to clarity, steadiness, and possibility I also share surprising insights from a blindingly bright sunrise — and why that moment became an anchor for staying open instead of contracting. If you’ve ever been pulled into future-tripping, tension, or “what if” thinking, this episode gives you a grounded way back to yourself. Resources Mentioned: Jin Shin Jyutsu thumb hold Breathwork: inhale / long slow exhale Process What You Feel to Heal Monthly Membership (now open) You can learn more about the membership here And I'd love to connect with you on Instagram. You can reach me here The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
January 12 · 4 min
#150 Do you complain a lot?
Most of us don’t think we complain very much — until we actually pay attention. In today’s episode, I share what I discovered when I started noticing my own complaints, and why these seemingly small moments matter more than we realize. Complaining isn’t just a habit — it creates a subtle contraction in the body that makes it harder for joy to land and stay. You’ll hear: why we rarely notice when we’re complaining how complaining tightens the body and shifts our emotional state the surprising things my students discovered during a “no complaining” experiment why stopping the cycle isn’t about being positive — it’s about giving the body room to feel something new If you'd like to learn how to connect to more joy - consider joining my 90 minute workshop this Thursday, January 15th at 4pmET, called Connecting to Joy. It's $27. Everyone who signs up - whether you attend live or not - gets access to the 30 day replay. You can learn more here. I'd love to have you join us! Questions or comments, please reach out to me on IG, here The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
January 1 · 42 min
#149 A Beautiful Ending
In October, I said goodbye to a very special part of my life—the foundation I created in honor of my little boy, Christopher. This episode is different. I recorded our closing celebration on my phone that night, not knowing exactly why—only that it mattered. What you’ll hear is the magic of that evening: voices, laughter, reflection, and what becomes possible when we honor an ending instead of rushing past it. There are so many takeaways in this episode. Just a few: What can unfold when we say yes When there’s will and passion, what once felt impossible becomes possible Most of all, this episode is a reminder that something deeply beautiful and meaningful can come from something devastating and traumatic. I’m so grateful I pressed record. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
Dec 28, 2025 · 5 min
#148 "What do you want?"
Our habits often consume us more than our wants do. We stay up late, scroll, tell ourselves "just a few more minutes"—even when we'd rather go to bed. It sounds simple to just stop, but our habits feel like they have a mind of their own. That's because many of our habits once helped us. They soothed our nervous systems, which is why they're so hard to break. For me, staying up late gave me "me time" when my boys were young. After Christopher passed, it helped me avoid harder mornings. "What do you want?" is a pattern interrupter that helps me get to the core of what's important. Try asking yourself this when you're feeling stuck or when transitions feel hard—not just at New Year's, but anytime. You can soften it to: "Is this what I want to keep doing? Or is there something else?" Cultivating Joy Workshop | January 8, 90 minutes Learn how we unconsciously cut ourselves off from joy and what to do about it. You can learn more here Questions, or if you'd like to let me know you'd like me to add another time to this workshop, you can message me on IG here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
Dec 25, 2025 · 3 min
#147 Christmas Message
Whatever you might be feeling this Christmas - it’s okay. And it might be different than what your mind is telling you. I wish you a blessed day. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
Dec 15, 2025 · 4 min
#146 - Have you ever gotten so lost you can't think clearly?
That was me this morning. I was driving to meet family for a holiday breakfast about an hour away. The roads were covered in snow – from last night’s storm – and the visibility wasn’t great. I missed a few turns, and it felt like I was driving in circles as the GPS tried to autocorrect. Panic set in, and my heart rate picked up. But before i could go too far into story, I paused and reset knowing I would be okay. Here's the cool part - the reset came from something I did this morning before I ever left the house. It's really quite remarkable because as you know I had anxiety most of my life. But these practices have been a game changer. They gently shift our emotional patterns, so those patterns don’t keep running the show. And because I want everyone to know about it, I created a 7-week journey called Process What You Feel to Heal where we work with five core emotional patterns of worry, fear, anger, sadness and that need to push through or pretend that shape how we think, feel, and move through life. The 7-week journey begins in late January. You can learn more here. If you choose to say yes to yourself before the end of the year, I’ve included a couple of things to help you ease in — $100 off and January’s workshop, Cultivating Joy, at no additional cost. And about that drive to the restaurant, I arrived five minutes early. As I was walking through the snowy parking lot, an aha hit me: Our mind would rather have an answer than sit in the ambiguity of not knowing. In other words, my mind would rather tell me I don’t know what I’m doing, or I’ll never get there than sit in the discomfort of not knowing what will happen next. It’s very subtle but there is a difference. Anxiety avoids uncertainty. It needs an answer, any answer. But often that answer sends us further into story. Further into stress. Have you ever noticed this in yourself? I'd love to know. You can connect with me here on IG. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
Dec 4, 2025 · 6 min
#145 My Mind Was Fine—But My Body Wasn’t | A Grief Story
Today is the anniversary of my dad's death - December 4th. And I have felt off all day long - only I didn't make the connection until about 20 minutes ago. I may feel fine mentally, but physically my body feels the loss. It's really quiet incredible. In this episode, I share a sweet story about how my dad helped me in difficult time and also how we need to meet ourselves wherever we are at. Grief shows up differently at different times for all of us. It might catch us off guard, like it today for me. Or it might be obvious and heavy all the time. Wherever you are, you get to decide what's best for you. In this episode, I share about the workshop I'm teaching on 12/11 - next Thursday. called Managing Grief in the Holidays. You can learn more here. And if you'd like to reach out to me with a question or comment, I'd love to hear from me. You can find me on IG here. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.
Nov 29, 2025 · 4 min
On days when everything feels like an effort, meet yourself here.
Some days even coming up with what you’re grateful for feels like too much effort. If that’s you today - listen to this. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any such conditions.

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