Life Amplified with Joyce Skala: Inwood Park Podcaster Turns Stories into Soulful Soundtracks of the Human Experience
When Joyce Skala, a longtime Inwood Park resident, first stepped behind the microphone, it wasn’t to perform, promote, or even pursue a dream. It was to answer a question—one that had been tugging at her soul for years: Do I have something to offer?
“I didn’t step up to the mic with a plan,” Joyce shared. “I stepped up to the mic with a willingness—a willingness to try something new and to do my part to find the answer to the question that called me to the microphone.”
That single moment of spiritual curiosity set in motion what would become Life Amplified, the flagship video podcast produced by her brand Joyce Behind The Mic (JBTM). More than just an interview series, Life Amplified has become a powerful platform for amplifying deeply personal stories from neighbors, musicians, small business owners, and community heroes. Today, it streams across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audacy Radio, reaching between 75,000 to 80,000 viewers every month.
From Stage Lights to Studio Spotlights
Before podcasting, Joyce was a familiar name in the Cypress music scene. In 2024, she accomplished a major bucket list goal—organizing the CMS Music Fest, which drew over 1,000 attendees and raised $20,000 for charity. But the emotional toll was heavier than expected. Instead of fulfillment, she was met with bitterness and burnout.
“Even though I discovered working in the music business wasn’t a right fit for me, I DID get the answer to my initial question—and that was good enough for me,” she recalled, reflecting on one quiet afternoon in her backyard. “God told me that the thing I was going to step into next wasn’t going to be something I had already done.”
What emerged from that moment of clarity was a vision not of the spotlight, but of shining the light on others.
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Life Amplified: A Show with a Loud Heartbeat
Joyce didn’t set out to become a podcaster—and that’s what makes Life Amplified feel so organic and human. “It was never something that ran through my head repeatedly,” she explained. “It was, however, a thought that hit me like a bullet one sunny afternoon.”
Each JBTM episode features 60–90 minutes of intentional, unfiltered conversations—complete with gameplay, deep-dive interviews, and often live performances from local musicians. The show is professionally filmed in her home studio using three cameras, studio microphones, a full sound mixing suite, and a dedicated crew. In total, each episode takes 40 to 60 hours of preparation, editing, and post-production to bring to life.
“It’s not hollow, empty and forgettable,” Joyce emphasizes. “JBTM content is real, valuable, meaningful and impactful.”
Though Joyce’s brand is rooted in music, she’s clear about the podcast’s purpose: “JBTM is not a show for the music geek,” she says. “It’s a show that features testimonies and tell-all’s from our hometown heroes, good deed doers, music makers, organizations, charities, and small businesses who entertain, educate, inspire, motivate, and have a positive impact on our local communities.”
A Community Rooted in Humanity
What makes Life Amplified resonate is its unshakable foundation in human truth and shared experience. “There is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by on my show,” Joyce explains. “The more I let ‘life’ do the talking, the truth will always be at the center of the conversation.”
Her guests have taught her about the power of vulnerability and the importance of speaking up. “Every story, every tear, every laugh, every hug, and every song… they all stay with me, in my heart forever.”
And it’s that heart—open, honest, and raw—that forms the soul of Life Amplified. With longform storytelling, Joyce hopes to invite viewers into a space of transformation. “I’ve included hilarious gameplay with guests, candid deep dive interview segments, musical performances from top local talent—and I’ve done it all with you in mind,” she said. “I hope to connect the community through visibility, accessibility, and open hearts.”
Setbacks, Solutions, and the Strength to Keep Going
Joyce is no stranger to podcasting setbacks. From lost footage to sound glitches to long hours of behind-the-scenes labor, she’s encountered nearly every frustration an entrepreneur can face. But quitting was never an option.
“Abso-freaking-lately there have been moments of setbacks! All which came with buckets of tears, angry squeezed up fists, questioning my why and wondering ‘What am I doing anyway?’” she shared. “Speed bumps are frustrating, but they just slow my roll for a moment—they don’t stop me.”
What carries her forward is faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the value of storytelling. Or, as she puts it: “You never know you can until you do.”
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Legacy
The future for JBTM is wide open—and Joyce isn’t holding back. She hopes to one day sit down with Daniel Lamarre, Vice Chairman of Cirque du Soleil and author of Balancing Acts. “He’s built an empire based on a vision,” she said. “That would be Empowerment City for me.”
But even more than dream guests, Joyce is focused on impact. Her vision is for Life Amplified to become a living testament to authenticity, courage, and the beauty of imperfection.
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“The expectation of Perfection is bull,” she says plainly. “If my story can help change one person's life, I’m willing to tell it.”
And what does “Life Amplified” mean to her now, in this very moment? Joyce doesn’t hesitate.
“To me, ‘Life Amplified’ is what you get when you put people behind a microphone, in front of a few cameras and interview them about the specific subjects of their life that are meaningful to them. It’s a simple phrase but has a loud heartbeat.”
Stay connected with Life Amplified on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audacy Radio—and keep following My Neighborhood News for local stories that inspire, uplift, and connect us all.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
