
Growing a Joyful Heart Even in Difficult Seasons with Karen Whiting and Pam Farrel
From Fierce Calling by Doris Swift
October 14, 2025 · 45 min
About this episode
Doris Swift and her guests discuss how to cultivate joy even in difficult times.
Are you feeling weighed down and searching for more joy in your life? Well, you’re in the right place! Welcome to another uplifting episode of Fierce Calling! This week, Doris Swift invites us to explore and rediscover joy — what joy truly is and how we can reclaim it, even in life’s toughest seasons. Doris is joined by two extraordinary guests: Karen Whiting, a prolific author, speaker, and certified writing coach, and Pam Farrel, beloved for her wisdom on relationships and joy, and co-author of more than 61 books alongside her husband Bill. Together, Pam and Karen share their personal stories of facing adversity — from health crises and loss to everyday struggles —while living out their message of “choosing joy.” You’ll hear Pam’s powerful testimony of transformation and perseverance through illness, and Karen’s gentle wisdom born from raising a family across the country and sharing joy through creativity and kindness. The conversation delves into their collaborative devotional, Growing a Joyful Heart , filled with practical ways to cultivate, nurture, and spread joy, as well as the impact of biblical and historic joy-givers. If you’re craving encouragement and ready to…
People in this episode
Host: Doris Swift
Guests: Karen Whiting, Pam Farrel
Topics covered
- joy
- adversity
- spiritual growth
- encouragement
- relationships
- devotional
Keywords
- joy
- adversity
- spirituality
- encouragement
- transformation
- devotional
- relationships
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Florida Women’s Ministry
Books & works: Growing a Joyful Heart
More episodes of Fierce Calling
- When Mothering is Hard: Finding Hope in God’s Eternal Plan for Moms with Shalene C. Roberts · June 9, 2026 · 43 min
- Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say”: Navigating Grief Conversations with Grace with Cheri Fletcher Ep 224 · May 26, 2026 · 42 min
- An Honest Caregiver: Ann Coker’s Reflections on Love, Loss, and Legacy · May 13, 2026 · 45 min
- Hope Ignited: Be Set Free From the Grip of Anxiety and Depression with Maria Morgan · February 19, 2026 · 50 min
- America Reads the Bible: Igniting a Nation Through Scripture with Bunni Pounds · January 27, 2026 · 37 min
- Does Your Soul Feel Its Worth? How to Experience True Christmas Joy · December 23, 2025 · 8 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Fierce Calling podcast page.