Ask JBH with Janice Bryant Howroyd

Dr. Cheryl Wood is an international speaker, author, and empowerment coach who went from spending 15 years as a legal secretary to building a successful speaking business and helping women around the world find their voice, own their expertise, and step into leadership.From overcoming fear and rejection to building confidence, resilience, and purpose, Cheryl shares lessons drawn from her own journey and years of helping others move beyond self-doubt and into action. She discusses entrepreneurship, career transitions, perfectionism, and why the most important voice to trust is often our own.Whether you're building a business, changing careers, or questioning your next move, this conversation explores what it takes to move forward when fear, doubt, and uncertainty are along for the ride.

Harvard professor and leading public health researcher Dr. David R. Williams brings decades of work into sharp focus, challenging how we understand health, equity, and responsibility. Grounded in one of the most comprehensive bodies of research in the field, his work confronts a question many would rather avoid: why do Black Americans experience worse health outcomes, even when income, education, and effort are held constant? What unfolds goes beyond data. It reveals how systems, structures, and everyday experiences quietly shape access to care, opportunity, and ultimately, longevity, often long before a person ever enters a doctor’s office. It also makes something just as important clear: these outcomes are not inevitable, and when we are willing to see clearly, we are better equipped to lead, to change, and to build something better. Because when the problem is this deeply rooted, awareness alone is not enough. Real change demands action.

Chris Denson is an award-winning innovation advocate, bestselling author, and former comedian who blends humor with sharp business insight. From the White House to Fortune 500 companies, he’s helped leaders break rules, spark creativity, and turn bold ideas into reality. He’s the author of Crushing the Box and host of the Innovation Crush podcast, and he returns to Ask JBH to share fresh lessons on creativity, leadership, and reimagining what’s possible.

Jack Kornfield is one of the most influential figures in bringing Buddhist mindfulness to the Western world. A former monk trained in Thailand, India, and Burma, he later co-founded both the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Center. With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and decades of teaching under his belt, Jack brings ancient wisdom into real, modern life. He’s the author of beloved books like After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, and No Time Like the Present. In this conversation, we explore how to stay grounded through it all, from embracing acceptance and taking action to practicing forgiveness and emotional healing. Jack shares guidance to help us stay present, awake, and open-hearted, even in the face of global uncertainty.

From cattle rancher to business psychologist, Dr. Camille Preston’s unconventional journey led her to help leaders optimize their potential in today’s hyper-connected world. As the founder of AIM Leadership and author of Rewired, she tackles technology overwhelm and champions authentic leadership.In this conversation, we explore the hidden costs of being "overwired," practical strategies for digital wellness, and her insights on female leadership, including the unique strengths women often undervalue. Whether you're battling tech overload or seeking to lead more authentically, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply right away.

Ask JBH welcomes Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a former Harvard professor behind the university's most popular course on Positive Psychology. His bestsellers Happier and The Joy of Leadership have transformed how we understand fulfillment. We explore the surprising relationship between happiness and difficult emotions, why embracing failure fuels growth, and how self-discipline actually increases joy. Tal shares universal truths about happiness that transcend cultural boundaries, while offering clear strategies for finding meaning in our hyperconnected world. This conversation will transform how you approach success and struggle on your journey to a more purposeful life.

Joining Ask JBH, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin brings her insights on happiness and human nature. Her books, including The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, and the recent release Secrets of Adulthood, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Host of the popular Happier podcast and creator of the award-winning Happier app, Gretchen brings research-backed strategies to help people build meaningful lives. A former lawyer who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, she now dedicates herself to exploring what truly makes us happy.

Dr. Jen Douglas, former Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford School of Medicine and mental wellness expert, pulls back the curtain on perfectionism in this revealing conversation. Beyond the organized, high-achieving face we recognize, Dr. Douglas uncovers perfectionism's surprising hidden masks - from procrastination to relationship struggles.Through her 15+ years of experience, she explains why seemingly successful people feel overwhelmed and offers practical strategies for breaking free. Whether you're battling burnout or wondering why 'doing your best' never feels good enough, this episode provides transformative tools for building a life you truly love.