Joy In The Journey is a podcast dedicated to supporting families with critically ill kids. Life brings unexpected circumstances, but choosing joy makes all the difference.
Your host, Jamie Freedlund, knows this better than anyone. Her world changed when her daughter, Mattea Joy, was born with several severe medical complications.
Jamie and her husband were given a very small chance that Mattea would survive at birth, but were able to share nine and a half wonderful months with her that they didn't expect to have. This experience led to a deep level of gratitude, shifting Jamie’s life as a result, and allowing her to discover joy in every day—even the tough ones.
Most of Mattea’s life was spent in the hospital. It was there that Jamie came to understand what it means to be a parent of a critically ill child and the challenges that go with it. Through this podcast, she hopes to help other families going through similar struggles. Join us on a journey of connection and learning through beautiful stories, expert content, and finding more joy in the everyday!
This week felt like the perfect time to share my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the podcast.
It's been such a wild ride since I recorded the first episode. I've had t…
Becoming a caregiver is typically not a journey you ease into: much like the poem "Welcome To Holland" reminds us, it's often like suddenly landing in rainy Holland when you set off to vacation in su…
As a mom who has had a sick child in the NICU, and later in the follow-up clinic, I cannot imagine how different our journey would have been if I had not received the help and care that I did from Ma…
When tragedy strikes, it’s normal to want to turn inwards and shut out the rest of the world. But while focusing on the challenge ahead is important, it is also important to remember to stay open to …
As a parent of a child facing a medical challenge, it can be tempting to try to put on as many hats as possible: mom/dad, caregiver, nurse, and sometimes even a medical expert.
We often hear doctors …
When a parent drops off their child at daycare, getting a phone call during the day is rarely a good thing. And for Tim Eaker, it was life-changing.
On Valentine’s Day in 2014, Tim received a call fr…
Announcing a pregnancy and bringing a baby into the world can be one of life's most joyful experiences. Yet, according to the CDC, 1 in 5 couples struggle with infertility, and it's a topic many peop…
Navigating infant or pregnancy loss is confusing, heartbreaking, and can feel very lonely. So many things become difficult, including simple questions like “How many kids do you have?”
Since October …
“Our body is made up of water, and music vibrates us.” - Paul Cardall
If you've ever had the perfect song start playing on the radio when you needed it most, listened to a song that made you cry, or …
We’re often told that to be “tough,” we have to push through our pain, show no signs of distress, and simply persevere.
But Steve Magness’ newest book, Do Hard Things, challenges that definition and …
Today’s episode is a very tender story about loss, and while it might tug at your heartstrings, it’s also an incredibly inspiring story about finding joy and hope within grief.
Only three short days …
Is it possible to experience incredible joy through moments of extreme pain?
Jennifer Trepanier has dedicated her life’s work to bringing happiness into the lives of those going through difficult hea…
When you’re in the thick of a hospital journey or visit, even the simplest tasks can leave you feeling disheartened. Suddenly, finding parking, getting food, asking questions, and preparing for the n…
Walking into the NICU world for the very first time can feel scary and overwhelming. But with the right support, a little bit of hope, and some expert advice it can turn into a space where you and yo…
In 2005, Dr. Michele Arnold went through a very traumatic loss. Before delivering her daughter Camille, she was told there was no heartbeat at her final OB scan. A few days later, she delivered her s…
NICU doctors and nurses work tirelessly and passionately to keep babies safe and their families informed. But the experience and uncertainty that comes with it is never easy.
Thankfully, there are t…
Navigating an illness with a loved one is a journey that requires perseverance, strength, and community. But when you add a hospitalization away from home to the mix, it can truly feel unfathomable. …
How can we take the traumatic challenges that life presents us, like a difficult diagnosis or the loss of a child, and create something beautiful?
Today's guest is Jessica Lindberg, and her story is…
Today’s episode is a story of hope, healing, and unfortunately heartbreak.
My guest today is Joel Clausen. While this story might be an emotional and difficult one to hear, I hope you’ll get a ton o…