About this Newsletter
Crazy. Mad. Joy. is my weekly newsletter—a mental health journal—of musings and other things in life that we all go through but often aren’t discussed.
As an Asian-American born in the late 70’s, I grew up in a time and culture where mental health was not part of any conversation. I learned much later in life how important it is for me (and for everyone) to have the tools to help us cope…with whatever life throws our way.
Through this newsletter, I’ll be sharing meaningful, funny, inspiring, poignant things that I have learned through my own mental health journey (with past or present therapists, life coaches, books that actually help, or on my own), and how I navigate it, fail at it, and laugh at it all as an entrepreneur, mom, wife, friend, sister, and human. I talk about lots of things that suck—but don’t have to—if we know how to get through them together. I hope that the things I learn or share will help you in your marvelous journey on this earth, too.
Some of the most popular past episodes include:
Episode 5: Therapy vs. Life Coaching
Episode 13: The Cloud of Body Image
Episode 15: When Friends Break Up with You
Crazy. Mad. Joy. is a play on a play on words. We use the first two words in both positive way and negative ways. Yet, Joy only has one meaning, and it’s what we all ultimately strive for in our lives. We get through the crazy and the mad to—hopefully—find the joy.
About Me
I am Joy Cho, the Founder and Creative Director of Oh Joy!, a business I started over 18 years ago. I’ve written 7 books (3 for adults, 4 for kids), been on the cover of magazines, collaborated with some of the most amazing brands to create over 45 product lines, and have been a business coach to hundreds of small businesses all over the world. Oh, and I am somehow the most followed person on Pinterest. I have done this all while living with high-functioning anxiety and being a Highly Sensitive Person with SAD who has cried in the bathroom at work many, many times. You can still find all things Oh Joy! and all the cool stuff we’re doing in our usual places, but this is a different space where you’ll hear only from me as myself, not as a brand. It’s a part of me you may have seen a glimmer of, but now I’m here in my full, honest glory.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro on how your brain works, a newbie who needs some pep talks, or someone who is scared shitless to ask for help, I am here to hold your hand and take the joyride along with you.
What Will I Get if I Subscribe?
As of April 2024, all posts going forward will be free (for now) with occasional posts on no set schedule. After a year of doing this Substack both with paid and unpaid posts, I have decided to remove paywalling for now and allow my posts come when they are meant to come without the pressure that I set up for myself for the first (wonderful) year. However, if you would still like to support you can chose to have a paid subscription at:
$5/month
$50/year (or $4.16 monthly)
$125/year to become a Crazy. Mad. Joy. Gold Star Supporter receiving my sincerest gratitude for your financial support on this passion project.
If you’re still here, thank you for subscribing and supporting this newsletter. As an early blogger (hello 2005!), this space brings me back to those golden days of writing and sharing within a community that wants to be here and really being able to get in it with you again. I have lots of hopes and dreams for what this could become, so thank you for coming along for the ride.
