In this special 10th anniversary episode, I’m revisiting one of my all-time favorite conversations from the Jump Start Your Joy archives: my 2016 interview with Danny Wood of New Kids on the Block. This conversation holds a deeply personal place in my heart, not just because of Danny’s inspiring story, but because it literally changed the trajectory of my life in ways I never could have imagined.
Danny opens up about his solo album “Look at Me,” created to benefit the Remember Betty Foundation, which he founded in honor of his mother who passed away from breast cancer in 1999. We explore themes of loss, transformation, and how tragedy can birth beautiful legacies.
Throughout our conversation, Danny shares powerful insights about navigating grief, the balance between holding on and letting go, and how his mother’s memory lives on through his daughters, his foundation work, and the incredible New Kids on the Block fan community. He discusses the practical, hands-on approach of Remember Betty—providing gift bags, rides to treatment, and financial assistance to breast cancer patients. But beyond the foundation work, this episode is about connection, family, and the unexpected ways that putting yourself out there can create ripple effects of joy. I also share my own jumpstart story – how this single interview led to a profound reconnection with my sister, new friendships, and a decade of joy I never saw coming.
In this episode, we cover:
- Danny Wood’s solo album “Look at Me” and the Remember Betty Foundation’s mission to support breast cancer patients through practical, everyday assistance
- How Danny navigated the devastating loss of his mother and transformed grief into a legacy of service and love
- The special relationship between Danny, his mother Betty, and the New Kids on the Block fan community
- Danny’s philosophy on health, fitness, and leading by example rather than preaching
- The power of embracing pain and staying connected to loved ones we’ve lost
- How one podcast interview became a 10-year jumpstart in my own life, reconnecting me with my sister through shared love of New Kids on the Block
- Heartfelt messages from fans about how Danny has inspired them through loss, health challenges, and personal growth
Resources:
- Danny Wood’s album “Look at Me” (Available on Amazon)
- Remember Betty Foundation: rememberbetty.com
- Danny Wood on Twitter: @DannyWood
- Danny Wood on Instagram: @DannyWoodOfficial
Keywords: Danny Wood, New Kids on the Block, NKOTB, Remember Betty Foundation, breast cancer awareness, grief and loss, transforming tragedy, mother-son relationship, fan community, health and fitness inspiration, solo music, charitable foundation, jumpstart your joy, Paula Jenkins podcast, personal transformation, sibling reconnection, living with purpose, embracing pain, legacy building, practical cancer support, New Kids on the Block cruise, Vegas residency