A powerful new media project rooted in personal transformation and purpose-driven storytelling is emerging from Somerset County and drawing national attention. Created by longtime New Jersey public servant, author, and thought leader Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., the newly launched series “Say Yes When Life Says No” brings a fresh, deeply personal approach to conversations about adversity, faith, and rebuilding after life-altering challenges.
The series officially debuted in January 2026, introducing audiences to a format that blends intimate dialogue with practical life insight. A preview episode premiered at the start of the year, followed by the full series launch days later. Each episode centers on candid, one-on-one conversations between Dr. Soaries and influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who have navigated highly visible setbacks and emerged with renewed clarity and purpose. The opening episode featured entrepreneur and former reality television winner Randall Pinkett, setting the tone for a series that favors honesty, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom over surface-level motivation.
Produced inside a custom-designed studio in Somerset, the series reflects New Jersey’s growing reputation as a hub for meaningful and high-quality content creation. The production also marks a significant collaboration with Desiree Peterkin Bell, CEO of DPBell & Associates, who serves as co-executive producer. Bell’s involvement brings an added layer of strategic storytelling and cultural relevance, positioning the series to resonate with both regional and national audiences seeking substance-driven programming.
“Say Yes When Life Says No” is more than a show title—it represents a fully developed self-improvement framework and literary platform authored by Dr. Soaries. His companion book and workbook provide what he describes as a practical blueprint for navigating adversity. Drawing from his own experiences, including surviving cancer, Dr. Soaries examines the “no” moments that often define life’s most difficult chapters: illness, financial hardship, discrimination, isolation, and unexpected loss. Rather than framing these obstacles as endpoints, his work challenges readers and viewers to view them as inflection points for personal and spiritual reinvention.
Central to the framework is the concept of choosing “yes”—a conscious decision to embrace possibility, clarity, and what Dr. Soaries describes as radical hope. The teachings are grounded in biblical themes, particularly the story of the blind man in John Chapter 9, which serves as a symbolic roadmap for restoring personal vision and rediscovering purpose amid uncertainty.
The timing of the series has aligned naturally with broader wellness and self-reflection trends taking shape across New Jersey in 2026. The “yes and no” philosophy has quickly gained traction within life coaching circles, wellness collectives, and community workshops in towns such as Montclair and Jersey City, where residents are increasingly favoring intentional self-care and personal boundaries over traditional New Year’s resolutions.
As New Jersey continues to expand its footprint in meaningful entertainment, “Say Yes When Life Says No” stands out as a homegrown project that blends faith, storytelling, and personal development into a cohesive media experience. Its launch adds momentum to the state’s evolving role in thoughtful programming, complementing Explore New Jersey’s growing coverage of the region’s creative landscape within its film and television community.
With a compelling mix of personal testimony, spiritual insight, and real-world application, the series positions New Jersey not just as a filming location, but as a source of authentic, purpose-driven content designed to inspire audiences far beyond state lines.
