What we're watching
You can watch this episode on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsGoodwithJohnJoyce-rm9rv
Here is our list of what we mentioned and what we didn’t get to as well! We hope you’ll find something here to watch, especially during the summer and early fall months when we have many reruns airing. Let us know what you like or send us your own recommendations! You can email us @ johnjoycepodcast@gmail.com
Here’s a suggestion:
We recommended the movie “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Netflix, but, before watching this movie starring Oscar winner Sally Field, you may want to watch another Oscar winner – “My Octopus Teacher”, also on Netflix, which is an award-winning documentary. It’s an amazing and surprisingly emotional story that gives you a whole new appreciation for these fascinating sea creatures. By the end, you may find yourself seeing the octopus in “Remarkably Bright Creatures” in a completely different light. Both are beautifully done, filled with heart, and absolutely worth watching. Give them a try! 🐙
Binge Worthy Series – Drama:
Virgin River: An all-star cast that you’ll immediately recognize from so many great shows like Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Teryl Rothery, Alexander Breckenridge and many more! Each episode, each season is like opening a book and reading a great story about people you will begin to love, or dislike. It’s all good! Netflix
The Madison: New this year and it’s fabulous! Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, need we say more? The scenery is also a star. It’s an excellent story and we can’t wait for season 2! Paramount Plus, Prime & YouTube Subscription
Ozark: It’s been a few years – (2017 – 2022) but SO good. Jason Bateman, Laura Linney and Julia Garner are fantastic! When each episode ends … it leaves you wanting more. You may even root for the bad guy, or girl…or who actually are the bad ones? Netflix
Outlander: 8 seasons. Based on the best-selling historical, time-travel book series by Diana Gabaldon. Watch on Starz, or catch up on Netflix which currently has some episodes of season 7, if you don’t have Starz, Hulu, etc.
The Gilded Age: Fantastic acting, storylines … you’ll be transported back in time. Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and many more make you feel like you’re there. An hour once a week won’t feel like enough. It’s based on Mark Twain & Charles Warner’s novel “The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today” about the gleaming prosperity of the upper class, which was also masking widespread corruption and deep poverty. Highlighting tycoons like Carnegie, Rockefeller, JP Morgan, the Vanderbilts who amassed fortunes that reshaped the nation from railroads to skyscrapers. HBO
We Were Liars: It’s nothing that I thought it would be. It’s very binge-worthy – wait till you see the ending. That’s all I’ll say. Amazon Prime
The Year I Turned Pretty: While it’s considered a coming-of-age series … it’s for anyone who’s ever been young, in love and not sure about the decisions being made. Really enjoyed the storyline and the actors. Amazon Prime
His & Hers: This is a limited thriller series starring Jon Bernthal – you’ll want to binge this one! Only six episodes – based on a novel. It’s full of secrets, lies and powerful plot twists. Netflix
Rivals: Just started watching, love the lead actor, David Tennant. It’s a British comedy/drama set in the 80’s. It’s about TV executives’ rivalry filled with power struggles and illicit affairs. Fun! Disney or Hulu
Fun & Interesting Series:
The Hunting Wives: Did not think I would like this and it did take me a couple of episodes and then I saw how clever the writers are. Twists, turns and some wow moments! Netflix
The Burbs – 2026 Updated: So much fun and loaded with twists that will make you want to binge. Love all the characters – great acting. KeKe Palmer is a joy to watch. Love Jack Whitehall too. Peacock
Ginny & Georgia: This is probably my favorite. You will root for a “killer” who always has a darn good reason for doing so, and love the characters. All 3 seasons are on Netflix – season 4 should be out this summer or fall.
Rooster: One of John’s favorite series starring Steve Carell, Connie Britton. He said it’s funny, light and a real feel-good series. HBO
Rules of Engagement: John’s favorite fun, light series with Oliver Hudson. On Roku or Prime
Honorable Mention – Picks for Past TV Series and Old Movies:
Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013), currently on Netflix. This is a series I never thought I would like – got into it a bit late and have since viewed the entire series 3 times (as I watched again and again with different family members). Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are superb in their roles. Can’t say enough about it … needs to be watched. If you put yourself in his shoes (Cranston) you may understand why people get themselves into impossible situations for the sake of their family, at the start.
Watch some reruns of I Love Lucy, Andy Griffith, The Brady Bunch and the Partridge Family. Give your mind a pleasant rest and a few laughs too. Priceless!
Movies:
Shadow of a Doubt: 1943 – Alfred Hitchcock directed. Need I say more? It’s SO good. Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotton. One of the best psychological thriller stories.
Portrait of Jennie: 1948 – Supernatural romance film starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotton. Hauntingly delicious!
The Man Who Came to Dinner: 1939 – The lead actor who is “the man” played by former Yale Professor turned actor, Monty Woolley (he also played this role on stage) is superb as an opinionated, arrogant radio star. The dialogue is fast, fascinating and very witty. I find myself quoting from it many times. Nothing bad ever happens in life when you’re watching this classic movie!
Moonstruck: 1987 – Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis – the best! LOVE this story about family, choices and ultimately love wins and the ending always makes me weepy with joy for all. Famiglia!
Musicals That Always Stop Me in My Tracks to Watch Again and Again:
Meet Me in St. Louis: 1944 – Judy Garland. It’s not overly musical, though it’s always played at Christmastime as the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was written for this movie and sung so beautifully, yet sad, by Judy. The youngest child, played by Margaret O’Brien, is beyond weirdly charming…if you know this movie, then you know what I mean. Another one that makes me weepy at the end due to pure joy & family love.
South Pacific: 1958 – From the playwrights Oscar Hammerstein & Joshua Logan … magnificent! In the midst of all the great songs, it is wartime and you’ll see a couple of them struggling with their racism towards the Polynesians with a perfect song to match it “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” … it will touch your heart. And, Mitzi Gaynor, Rossano Brazzi are beautiful to watch. You’ll find yourself humming those tunes long after the movie.
Sound of Music: 1965 – with Julie Andrews … need we say more? The Hills are indeed Alive with the Sound of Music!
West Side Story: 1961 – Rita Moreno, Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, and so many more wonderful actors, dancers … it’s a feast of memorable music, dances, and a Romeo and Juliet modern style story as well. “Maria, say it loud and there’s music playing, say it soft and it’s almost like praying. Maria … I’ll never stop saying Maria.”
Every Day Is a Fresh Start
We often wait for the “right” moment to begin again; the start of a new year, a new
month, or even a new week. But the truth is, you never missed your moment. You don’t
need a special date on the calendar to make a fresh start. Every single day offers that
opportunity.
A fresh start begins with something simple yet powerful: a shift in your thinking. When
you change how you see your circumstances, you change how you respond to them.
Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen or what went wrong, you can choose to focus
on what’s possible right now.
From there, preparation becomes an act of self-respect. Preparing doesn’t mean having
everything figured out—it means gently asking yourself what you’d like your life to feel
like and taking one small step in that direction. A new habit. A new boundary. A new
way of speaking to yourself. These small, intentional choices add up to meaningful
change.
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. You just have to begin – today! Because
today is enough. Today is powerful. And today is always a perfect place to start.🌱
.
Living a Grateful Life — From Sunrise to Sweet Dreams
Every day is a gift — from the moment we open our eyes to the moment we rest our
heads at night. Gratitude isn’t just something we feel during the holidays; it’s a way of
living.
When we take a moment to appreciate the simple things — a warm bed, a comforting
meal, the laughter of a friend — we begin to see how much goodness truly surrounds
us. Life gets brighter when we notice the little things we often take for granted.
The more you focus on what’s good, the more you’ll experience amazing things
showing up in your life. Pay attention – it will! So today, pause and give thanks — for
your breath, your body, your home, your journey. Gratitude turns ordinary moments into
extraordinary blessings.
That’s What’s Good with John & Joyce — finding joy and appreciation in every
Finding Peace in the Storm
When the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, or you’re faced with illness, loss, or tragedy—it’s easy to feel powerless. But even in chaos, peace is possible. It starts within.
Inner peace isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending all is perfect. It’s about creating space for calm in the middle of the storm. That might mean turning off the constant stream of news and tuning into your own breath, your body, your spirit.
We’ve found that quiet moments—whether it’s prayer, meditation, a walk in nature, or simply sitting still—can restore clarity. It helps us remember that no matter the outcome, there is a deeper current of peace that never leaves us.
Faith plays a big role. Not blind hope, but a deep knowing that life has a rhythm beyond our understanding. Even when things don’t make sense, we can trust that there’s a bigger picture unfolding.
Choose to uplift yourself: play music that stirs your soul, spend time with people who bring you joy, speak kind words, and nourish your body with good food and rest. These aren’t just coping mechanisms—they’re lifelines.
At What’s Good with John & Joyce, we believe in the power of light in dark times. Hold on to that light. Tend to it. Share it. And remember, even when life gets heavy, your spirit can still rise.
All is well.
Welcome to "What's Good with John & Joyce"
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to lose sight of the good around us. That’s why we created What’s Good with John & Joyce — a podcast dedicated to celebrating the positive, uplifting moments in life. Every episode is a heartfelt conversation about the importance of focusing on the good, no matter what challenges come our way.
Why is it so important to talk about what’s good? Because what we focus on expands. When we shift our energy to gratitude, hope, and faith, we elevate our vibration and create a ripple effect of positivity in our lives and the lives of others. Speaking positivity daily isn’t just about ignoring hardships; it’s about affirming that no matter what happens, we have the strength, grace, and resilience to handle it with ease.
Faith plays a central role in this journey. Believing that all is well — even when life feels chaotic — anchors us in hope. It reminds us that we’re not alone and that there’s a higher purpose guiding us. By embracing this mindset, we cultivate a deep sense of peace, knowing that brighter days are always ahead.
Our podcast is more than just a show; it’s a movement to inspire people to see the beauty in their everyday lives. Whether it’s sharing a story of kindness, reflecting on lessons learned, or discussing how to stay grounded in faith, our mission is to help you discover and celebrate what’s good.
Join us on this journey to raise your energy, deepen your faith, and embrace the incredible power of positivity. Together, we can create a life filled with grace, ease, and endless possibilities. Tune in to What’s Good with John & Joyce and let’s focus on what truly matters!