Welcome!
I am the Founding Director of The Joyful Child Foundation, in memory of my daughter, Samantha Runnion, who was abducted and murdered in 2002.
I have decided that it is time to share my story and lessons learned about losing Samantha and protecting joy for myself and for children.
If you’re looking for joyful inspiration to keep going, growing, and discovering who you are and what you’re capable of, I hope you’ll enjoy the Let’s Talk Joy podcast. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or GooglePlay
Click here for the latest Episode
#52: Joy is generosity for all
Please scroll below for all previous episodes or subscribe!
It is my greatest honor to be a MOTHER
to Samantha Runnion and her 3 amazing siblings
I am the Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation and we are dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that educate, empower, and unite families and communities. Click the logo below to learn more. #TheJoyfulChild
I developed the Be Brave – Be Safe Empowerment Programs including an elementary school curriculum and community-based Workshops.
The new BRAVE Initiative to protect and empower every child with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond effectively to inappropriate behaviors and potential safety risks will launch soon with multimedia lessons. #BeBraveBeSafe
It is my calling and my joy to speak, teach, train, and inspire children, teens, parents, educators, community leaders, and audiences of all backgrounds to be brave, be safe, and protect their joy.
Please send inquiries via email to inquiry@thejoyfulchild.org.
I have written my memoir, Be Brave: Losing Samantha – Protecting Joy, and I am working to have it published soon because I’m eager to finish my next book on BRAVE Parenting!
I am dedicated to creating a world where every child is a Joyful Child. #ProtectJoy
PAST EPISODES OF LET’S TALK JOY
DECEMBER
Episode #51: Joy is Generosity of Spirit
Episode #50: Joy is Generosity in Providing Protection and Safety
Episode #49: Joy is Generosity in Sharing
Episode #48: Joy is Generosity
NOVEMBER
Episode #47: Joy is Compassion Without Judgement
Episdoe #46: Joy is Compassion for the Others
Episode #45: Joy is Compassion for Yourself
OCTOBER
Episode 43: Joy is Living Gratitude
Episode 42: Joy is Gratitude Practice
Episode 41: Joy is Gratitude for Support
SEPTEMBER
Episode 39: Joy is Effort – to Forgive
Episode 38: Joy is Effort – Acceptance
Episode 37: Joy is Effort – Humility & Humon
Episode 36: Joy is Effort – Perspective
AUGUST
Episode 34: Joy is Now – For Children
Episode 32: Joy is Now – Not Later
Episode 31: Joy is Now – Letting Go
JULY
Episode 30: Joy is Freedom in Summer
Episode 29 – Joy is Freedom for Children
Episode 28 – Joy is Freedom to Be – Published on July 15, 2019, the 17-year anniversary of Samantha’s abduction.
Episode 27 – Joy is Freedom from Fear
JUNE
Episdoe 25 – Joy is Community – Society
Episode 24 – Joy is Community – Children
Episode 23 – Joy is Community – Colleagues & Peers
Episode 22 – Joy is Community – Family & Friends
MAY
Episode 21 – Joy is Empowerment – The Cycle
Episode 20 – Joy is EMPOWERMENT – What do you really want?
Episode 19 – Joy is EMPOWERMENT for children
Episode 18 – Joy is Empowerment
APRIL
Episode 17 – Joy is Dedication to Passion
Episode 16 – Joy is Dedication to Development
Episode 15 – Joy is Dedication to Connection
Episode 14 – Joy is Dedication Beyond Ourselves
Episode 13 – Joy is Dedication to Children
MARCH
Episode 12 – Joy is Acceptance of ALL OF IT!
Episode 11 – Joy is Acceptance of and for Children
Episode 10 – Joy is Acceptance of Self
In this episode, I share about my experience with personality tests as a tool for personal reflection and growth. Below are some quick links should you want to give it a try. These can be great conversation starters if you do them with your partner, children, family, co-workers, and friends. Be brave and have fun!
https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com – Strengths Finder 2.0 From Gallup, by Tom Rath
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/personality-test-free/
I especially liked the first two above and older children would likely enjoy them.
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
https://my-personality-test.com
Episode 9 – Joy is Acceptance – Part 1 – Situations Change
FEBRUARY
Episode 8 – Joy is Love -Part 4 – Life
Episode 7 – Joy is Love – Part 3 – Children
Episode 6 – Click here to listen to Joy is Love – Part 2 – Romantic Love
In this episode I mention a music video and the list of questions that it is based upon and the links to those are below if you want to check them out. If you want to watch the moving music video for Wildfire by Seafret click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHhkd2B87Q8
You will find the 36 questions that cultivate connection below: https://ideapod.com/questions-psychologist-says-will-make-fall-love-anyone/
Episode 5 (February) – Joy is Love -of Self
JANUARY
Episode 4 – Joy is Intentional Part 4 (Physical Body)
Episode 3 – Joy is Intentional Part 3 (Thoughts & Spirit)
Episode 2 – Joy is Intentional Part 2 (The Heart)
Click here for the 1st episode: Let’s Talk Joy: Joy is Intentional – Part 1
Erin Runnion 