In this episode, Zaya sits down with the radiant Jaycie O’Day to explore the strange, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying side of happiness. Together, they unpack what it means to finally experience joy after seasons of survival — and why that joy can feel unfamiliar, even frightening.

From chasing dreams to confronting the fear of losing what you’ve longed for, Zaya and Jaycie dive deep into how self-worth, love, and healing redefine what happiness looks like. This conversation is raw, reflective, and full of light — a reminder that joy doesn’t always come easy, but it’s always worth choosing.

JAYCIE O'DAY INFO:

Jaycie O’Day (@jaycieoday) • Instagram photos and videos

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Zaya takes listeners on an intimate journey through the lives and legacies of the people who have shaped him most — the icons who’ve inspired his creativity, resilience, and sense of self. From legendary trailblazers in entertainment and queer history to personal heroes who guided him through defining moments, Zaya shares how their stories became the blueprint for his own. Blending heartfelt storytelling with nostalgic reflection, The Icons of My Life is both a love letter to influence and a reminder that our idols can ignite the courage to become icons ourselves.

You ever have one of those days where you’re smiling for everyone else, but deep down you’re just… tired? In this clip, Zaya gets real about that exact feeling — the side of happiness no one likes to talk about. He dives into what it’s like to wear a smile that doesn’t quite fit, to perform joy for the world while silently dealing with your own mess behind the curtain.

It’s honest, it’s raw, and it’s the kind of moment that makes you stop and think about how often we hide behind “I’m fine.” Zaya reflects on the pressure to appear happy — especially when the world expects you to be the strong one, the positive one, the one who has it all together. But what happens when that version of happiness starts to feel more like a mask than a mindset?

If you’ve ever struggled to balance how you feel with how you want to be seen, this clip will hit home.

🎧 Listen to “The Dark Side of Happiness,” then dive into the full Scripted Smiles episode for a deeper conversation about authenticity, healing, and learning to find joy that isn’t performed — but lived.