Episodes

In this episode, I join forces with Ronna Detrick to explore the impact of our personal narratives. We delve into the origins of these stories, from spiritual texts to family tales, and discuss their profound influence on our lives. The focus is on the power of revising stories that no longer serve us, and how this can lead to a more empowered and insightful way of living.

After a six-month hiatus, I return to discuss a challenging personal period. Joined by coach Emily Nascimento, we aim to encourage openness about personal struggles and mental health, and the importance of self-care and authenticity in tough life choices.

In this episode, we dive into an adult version of the sex talk, featuring Allison Carver and her husband Ian. We explore dismantling outdated beliefs about sex and relationships, with Ian providing a candid male perspective.

This episode features a frank discussion with Allison Carver about misconceptions and shame surrounding sex. We focus on reconnecting with our bodies and challenging unhelpful cultural narratives about sexuality and feminine power.

This episode delves into the use of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Alya Ahmad and Dr. Tasnim Khan. We discuss how this approach helps in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of ketamine in therapeutic settings for deep mental and physical healing.

In this episode, Lisa May Bennett and I discuss our experiences with grey-area drinking and sobriety. We explore how alcohol affects our ambitions and the tough choices involved in pursuing a fuller life, highlighting Lisa's journey to sobriety and becoming a published author.

The new season starts with Jen and Shannon discussing codependency, including their struggles with seeking approval and prioritizing others' needs over their own.

In this episode with Shannon O’Brien, we discuss body image and personal confidence, inspired by candid conversations during intimate beauty treatments like bikini sugar waxing.

This episode features Becca Kannapell, co-founder of POUND, discussing the intersection of spirituality, relationships, and self-discovery.

I discuss with Deborah Brown-Volkman her transformation from a challenging childhood to a successful career, using her survival skills as professional strengths. We also delve into the WomanSpeak™ program, emphasizing the importance of authentic voice and overcoming imposter syndrome in business and life.

Jen and guest Kellita Maloof explore conscious burlesque as a means of self-expression and healing, discussing its role in addressing consent, trauma, and the deeper artistry involved.

“She designed a life she loved…” it’s not just a cute sign from Home Goods. There are plenty of people who pursue the life and work they love. I once thought it was a bit precious and indulgent to say things like that. I am a worker - a put-your-head-down and make-things-happen - kind of girl. No wonder I developed some pretty unhealthy coping mechanisms!So I ask Lia Venet for her perspective; she’s spent her entire adult life designing a full, non-conforming, and delicious existence. I admire her manner of living in the best of ways. We discuss the tyranny of socially approved boxes and the word “should.” We wonder aloud if it is a function of privilege to even have discussions like this. And, we both acknowledge that the best life comes from doing our own growth work; triggers and pain points may just be golden portals that take us where we ultimately want to be.

I have an admission. For many years, I chose not to work outside of the home while raising my kids. I wanted this way of life and erroneously assumed that those who didn’t were less committed to their kids’ well-being. UGGHH. There is so much wrong with that perspective. Melissa Hoffman joins the conversation this week and we talk about motherhood, meaningful work, and moving toward that which brings us joy. We discuss the value of pivoting through multiple careers and the varied seasons of motherhood -and the importance of being a stand for others, whether or not their decisions mirror our own.

Jen explores racial equity work with two people who are creating change; Dr. Tamu Green and Judah Sanders are determined to spare us from another injustice - another atrocity - based simply on race. Messy conversations are most productive when a spirit of curiosity and grace is present. When Jen did not know ways to approach aspects of this topic or how to admit her ignorance as a white woman, she was met with “amnesty always.” Thus, she learned a bit more about her part in the work. May it be so for all of us.

I assumed intuition was all in the mind - a sort of cerebral knowing that guides our decision making. I also thought this was a rare gift that few possess - akin to psychic abilities. So…I sought out Kara Lynn Edwards, a woman with a different perspective and asked her to share her own intuitive journey. Kara talks about intuition as a process of “...anchoring into the body and clearing the mind…” I don’t know about you, but I find this incredibly difficult. Little by little, I am starting to notice faint, internal murmurings in my body, but I still need help calibrating that inner compass so I can interpret those feelings reliably. My mind attaches some pretty confusing labels on the sensations in my body. Couple that with a deep spiritual hunger and desire to connect with the Divine and you can imagine my questions during our conversation. As Kara puts it, “We all experience intuition to some degree - it is simply a function of whether we acknowledge or dismiss it.”

PART 2 of the conversation between Jen and Jessica Michaels on the reality of sexual assault and its solutions. The publicity around Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and the recent trial of Ghislaine Maxwell was a trigger for Jess and countless other SA survivors. It also provided visibility that delivers lasting change. We discuss many of the common misconceptions around SA; an assault is an assault -sexual or otherwise - so how can we talk about this kind of violence in a productive way? How can we be allies for one another instead of unwittingly contributing to the problem?

Picture this familiar scene - a woman bravely steps forward to reveal that a sexual assault was perpetrated against her. Then comes the barrage of ignorant questions such as: “Were you drunk?” “What’s your motive in this?” “How can you make these bold accusations and be so fuzzy on the details?” Jen admits to doubting women in the past and wonders if these "questions" are actually a form of veiled judgment (if we are willing to be honest). With a huge desire to be on the productive side of our response to sexual assault, Jen asks Jessica Michaels to speak about her own experience at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and the movement she is creating to protect and empower others.

A few short years ago, Jen was clueless to the reality of patriarchal influence on our human behavior - she admits thinking the term “patriarchy” was made up. It was time to get educated on the very systems that impact ALL OF US, regardless of where one falls on the gender spectrum. Jen and Dr. Valerie engage in a fascinating conversation that debunks misconceptions around the patriarchy. Knowledge is power, setting us free from the internalized stress and self-condemnation that patriarchal oppression lends to. Did you know there is an insidious and unspoken demand to be “patriarchy perfect?” Oh, and if you don’t believe that shared, generational trauma exists in our very makeup - ask the mice referenced at minute 31:15 in this episode! You can’t dismantle something if you don’t know it exists.

Jen’s limited perspective around mind-altering drugs was simple; they’re wrong, damaging, and a form of escapism - something you do when you want to party. In recent years, Jen listened to several people who shared thoughtfully about their own ceremonial experience with psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca. This piqued her curiosity along with the growing body of scientific work supporting plant medicine as one more tool to combat the symptomatology of many common illnesses. Jen asks Julie to educate her on this entire topic and it yielded another amazing conversation.

Many hear the term “domestic abuse” and assume it manifests in the obvious ways - violence, screaming, physical assault, etc. Jen hosts Kay Solomon to discuss lesser acknowledged forms of abuse that also take their toll; control, manipulation, gaslighting, and other issues of emotional and psychological abuse are exposed. Knowledge is power! We address the particularly troubling nature of certain religious settings where “remaining faithful and submissive” allows abuse to flourish.

Imagine talking with someone who told you more about yourself than you knew possible; AND, all they had to work with was the date and time of your birth along with location. Jen’s mind is blown as she continues to explore the science and practical application of human design with Stacy Rowan. Stacy has invested years studying and utilizing the principles behind this life changing and illuminating system on human understanding.

Jen is navigating some big life changes this year and is striving to operate more authentically. This feels like a moving target, so she asked Rebecca to share her experience and perspective. They discuss the invisible world, human energy and vibrational levels, and how our unique Human Design plays a profound role in the way we operate. So many revelations in this conversation!

Big Tobacco may not be fond of discussions such as these. Jen invites Dr. Tamu Green to talk about a controversial approach designed to spare the next generation from tobacco dependence and compromised health. This is an example of steadfast pursuit of a worthy cause despite powerful opposition from deep-pocketed conglomerates.