Emboldened with Jessica

Jessica Jackson
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

Emboldened with Jessica is a mental health and wellness podcast exploring belonging, trauma healing, adult friendships, burnout recovery, identity, and rebuilding community in an increasingly isolating world. Hosted by licensed therapist and somatic practitioner Jessica Jackson, alongside producer and co-host Ariele, with cultural commentary and insight from Cultural Chatterist Kathleen Onyejekwe, the show blends psychology, nervous system science, lived experience, and cultural analysis to explore how we navigate relationships, healing, visibility, and self-trust in complex times. Each episode explores topics like: • the loneliness epidemic and rebuilding community • somatic therapy and nervous system regulation • adult friendships and social exhaustion • trauma, shame, and healing • neurodivergence and masking • burnout and high-achiever recovery • decolonizing mental health • relationships, boundaries, and belonging • identity shifts, embodiment, and personal growth Rather than offering surface-level self-help, Emboldened with Jessica examines the deeper cultural, relational, and psychological forces shaping how we live, connect, and understand ourselves. Conversations are thoughtful, honest, reflective, and often humorous — inviting listeners to move away from comparison and performance and toward embodied, sustainable ways of living. This podcast is not therapy and is not a substitute for working with a licensed mental health professional. It is a space for reflection, learning, emotional wellness, and collective care. At its heart, Emboldened with Jessica is an invitation to embrace your worth, reconnect with yourself, and build a life that feels more honest, grounded, and fully your own. A space where complexity is welcome, curiosity is encouraged, and your worth is not up for debate.

  1. 1d ago

    The Group Chat: Current Obsessions, Pop Culture & Unfiltered Hot Takes

    What happens when the group chat gets microphones? After our conversation about grief resonated so deeply with listeners, we decided it was time for a little range. This week, Jessica is joined by Emboldened cohost and producer Ariele and resident Cultural Chatteriest Kathleen for a decidedly less heavy conversation about the things currently occupying our brains, making us laugh, and demanding discussion. Think of this episode as being added to the group chat without having to catch up on 87 unread messages. We're talking current obsessions, pop culture, the things we've been watching and thinking about, opinions nobody necessarily asked for, and the kind of conversational detours that happen when people who know each other well are finally given microphones. There's cultural commentary. There are hot takes. There are side quests. And beneath all of the laughter is something we talk about often on Emboldened: the importance of connection, shared joy, curiosity, and having people in your life with whom you can simply be yourself. In the conversation: What we're currently obsessed with Pop culture and cultural moments that have entered the group chat Unsolicited opinions and lovingly defended hot takes The joy of conversations that don't need to be productive Friendship, sisterhood, laughter, and connection Some conversations help us make sense of the hard things. Others remind us that laughing, connecting, being curious, and enjoying each other are part of a full life too. Pull up a chair—or consider yourself officially added to the chat. Listen to Emboldened with Jessica wherever you get your podcasts. Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica: ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations 💌If this episode feels meaningful to you, consider sharing it with someone who may need this conversation. ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:  https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.    Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Cohost: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe Produced by: Ariele & Jessica Edited by: Ariele

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing EZRA FRECH: "I Was Put on This Earth to Change the Way We See Disability" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Ezra Frech shares the mindset, discipline, and determination that have shaped his career and led him to win two Paralympic gold medals. From turning heartbreak in Tokyo into motivation to using visualization and meditation to perform under pressure, Ezra reveals how he prepares for the biggest moments of his career. He also opens up about competing on Dancing With the Stars, breaking down misconceptions about disability, and founding Angel City Sports to make adaptive sports more accessible to the next generation. Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. Learn More. At https://chase.com/sapphirereserve JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 "Pressure Doesn't Exist" 02:51 The Day Ezra Was Born 06:24 The 15-Hour Surgery At Age 3 11:15 The Kindergarten Letter 13:29 Learning To Handle The Stares 16:21 Overcoming Stigma And Bullying 23:18 Falling In Love With Sports 27:00 Changing Culture & Looking Ahead to LA 2028 31:09 Mentorship From Pau Gasol 33:56 A Message From Novak Djokovic 36:53 How Do You Define Confidence? 40:43 The Moment That Inspired His Paralympic Dream 44:35 Making Team USA At 14 48:41 How Running Blades Actually Work 52:09 Tokyo Heartbreak & "The Man In The Arena" 58:53 Visualizing Paris Gold Every Morning 01:04:50 Protecting His Good Leg 01:11:33 Winning Double Gold & The 20-Minute Rule 01:17:00 Meditation Under Pressure 01:20:34 A Lifelong Dream to Compete on Dancing With the Stars 01:24:14 Inside the Dancing With the Stars Family 01:27:19 Learning To Dance On A Blade 01:30:12 Pressure Is A Privilege 01:32:10 Making Adaptive Sports Mainstream 01:37:10 Ezra On Final 5 Episode Resources Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ezrafrech/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ezrafrech Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/teamezra05/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Aug 25

    Living With Grief: Love, Loss & Humor with Lilli Lopez

    In this episode, we're talking about navigating grief, loss, and the ways love, connection, humor, and community can exist alongside it. Jessica, Ariele, and Kathleen are joined by comedian and storyteller Lilli Lopez, who shares openly about grieving her father and her beloved dog—and how music, friendship, storytelling, and comedy have helped her carry those relationships forward. If you're navigating grief yourself, we invite you to take what you need from this conversation. Pause when you need to. Come back when you're ready.    In This Episode We Discuss Why grief isn't linear or bound by a timeline Losing a parent and the often-minimized experience of pet loss Humor, creativity, and joy alongside grief Cultural traditions, remembrance, and honoring our ancestors Storytelling, remembrance and maintaining connection after someone dies What to say—and do—when someone you love is grieving  Emboldened with Jessica is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for therapy or other mental health services.   Connect with Lilli Lopez Lilli is a stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and longtime improv performer. Website: YoSoyLilliLopez.com Social: @ComboLoca     Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica: ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations 💌If this episode feels meaningful to you, consider sharing it with someone who may need this conversation. ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:  https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.   Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Cohost: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe Special Guest: Lilli Lopez Produced by: Ariele & Jessica  Edited by: Ariele

  4. Jul 16

    Is Anybody Still Dating? App Fatigue, Emotional Safety & Real Connection

    Is anybody still dating? Nearly half of U.S. adults are unpartnered, but that doesn't mean they're all out there swiping. On this episode, Jessica, Ariele, and cultural chatteress Kathleen sit down to talk about what's actually happening in the current dating landscape — the stats, the shifts, and the very online terms (looking at you, "alpine divorce") that are shaping how people feel about putting themselves out there. We go there on the hard parts first: red pill manipulation tactics, dating app burnout, and what it means to build felt safety with someone new — including an honest conversation about how race and fetishization show up in dating for women of color. But we don't stop in the bad. We flip it and talk about what's genuinely good about dating: what it teaches you about yourself, why dating yourself matters just as much as dating anyone else, and why long-term partners need to keep dating each other, too. And because we can't be serious the whole time, we close it out with a new segment — What Kind of Dater Are You? — to help you figure out your dating type once and for all. This one's for the folks actively swiping, the folks who took a step back, the folks who are happily partnered and want to keep the spark alive, and the folks who are just here for the tea. In this episode: What the current dating statistics actually say about who's out there — and who's opted out Red pill tactics and how manipulation shows up in early dating "Alpine divorce" — the viral term behind the trend, and what it signals about safety Dating app fatigue and the pull back toward in-person, community-based connection Race, fetishization, and the dating experience for women of color Felt safety: what to notice about how someone shows up when things get inconvenient The upside of dating: what it teaches you about yourself Dating yourself: pleasure, self-compassion, and enjoying your own company Keeping the romance alive when you're already partnered New segment: What Kind of Dater Are You? (coffee house, fancy restaurant, diner, brunch, or activity dater)   🌧️ Jessica's Cozy Book Nook "After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love" by Alexandra Elle Whether you're dating yourself this season or working on staying present with a long-term partner, this one's a gentle companion either way — its short chapters and end-of-chapter meditations make it easy to dip into for a few minutes of reflection on self-love and self-forgiveness, no matter where you are in your dating journey.   🪞 Reflection What kind of dating season are you in right now: dating others, dating yourself, dating your partner, taking a pause, or redefining what connection means for you?   💛 Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Emboldened with Jessica, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating dating, relationships, self-discovery, or personal growth. Every share and review helps more people find their way to this table — and keeps this community growing. ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica   This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other mental health services provided by a licensed professional.   🎙️ Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Cohost: Ariele Produced by: Ariele & Jessica Edited by: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe   Sources: Dating and partnership statistics referenced in this episode draw on Pew Research Center's ongoing analysis of unpartnered U.S. adults.

  5. Jun 2

    Is Delulu the Solulu? The Psychology of Radical Self-Belief

    In this milestone 25th episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica, Ariele, special guests Bri and Monse explore the viral phrase "Delulu is the Solulu" through the lens of psychology, nervous system science, identity, and radical self-belief.  Together, we unpack why confidence sometimes feels uncomfortable, how internal validation changes the way we move through the world, and what happens when we stop waiting for permission before building the lives we want. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, life transitions, self-trust, relationships, identity shifts, and the science behind believing in yourself before external validation catches up. Because sometimes the thing that looks "delusional" is simply believing you deserve more.   The group explores: why self-belief changes the way we move through the world the neuroscience behind confidence and internal validation navigating fear, visibility, and imposter syndrome identity shifts and becoming the version of yourself you imagine the difference between fantasy, manifestation, and grounded self-trust why community matters when building a new life Through humor, storytelling, and honest reflection, this episode invites listeners to examine the narratives shaping their lives—and what becomes possible when we stop waiting for permission to believe in ourselves. 💛 Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica: 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening platform so you never miss an episode ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations 💌 Share this episode with someone you think would appreciate it ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.   🎙️ Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Cohost: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe Special Guest: Bri & Monse Produced by: Ariele & Jessica  Edited by: Ariele

  6. Apr 3

    You're Not Behind: Letting Go of Timelines & Decentering Work Identity

    We were taught that if we followed the steps — work hard, get the degree, build the career — life would fall into place. For many people, that hasn't happened. In this episode, Jessica, Ariele, and Kathleen explore what it means to outgrow the timelines and expectations we were given before we even knew ourselves — and how deeply those expectations are tied to productivity, work, and identity. Drawing from current labor statistics, cultural shifts, and lived experience, this conversation names a reality many are quietly navigating: the path we were promised has changed — and for some, it was never built for us to begin with.   In this episode, we explore: Why traditional life timelines no longer match today's economic and social realities The impact of job instability, layoffs, and shifting labor markets How productivity and career became central to identity Decentering work and asking: who am I outside of what I do? The pressure to "prove yourself" in your 20s — and the cost of that mindset Releasing inherited expectations around success, relationships, and adulthood The rise of "micro-retirements" and rethinking rest Why success doesn't have a fixed timeline — and often happens later than we're told How comparison (especially through social media) distorts our sense of progress 💛 Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica: 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening platform so you never miss an episode ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations 💌 Share this episode with someone you think would appreciate it ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.     🎙️ Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Produced by: Ariele & Jessica  Edited by: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe

  7. Feb 25

    The Loneliness Epidemic: Rebuilding Community Through Intentional Gathering

    Loneliness is rising worldwide. In this episode, Jessica explores why connection feels harder today and how intentional gathering can rebuild community. In this conversation, Jessica explores the growing loneliness epidemic and the role community plays in helping people process stress, uncertainty, and collective change. Drawing inspiration from The Art of Gathering, Jessica reflects on how hosting and gathering have evolved in a world shaped by chronic stress, chronic illness awareness, neurodivergence visibility, and shifting social energy. Rather than focusing on perfect events, this episode invites listeners to think about gatherings as spaces where people can feel supported, seen, and able to show up as they are. The episode also welcomes back Kathleen Onyejekwe, who helped launch the podcast alongside Jessica and Ariele and now returns as Creative Strategist, helping guide the next chapter of Emboldened with Jessica. If you've been craving deeper connection or wondering how to build meaningful community right now, this conversation offers thoughtful reflection and practical ways to gather with care and intention.   In This Episode We Discuss • the loneliness epidemic and why connection feels harder today • how intentional gatherings can strengthen community • hosting in ways that support neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive guests • creating welcoming spaces for immunocompromised or cautious attendees • how gathering can help people process uncertainty and reconnect   Jessica's Cozy Book Nook 📚 The Art of Gathering — Priya Parker Practical and thoughtful guidance on how intentional gatherings create belonging, depth, and shared meaning — far beyond just getting people in the same room. Find it here: https://bookshop.org/shop/Emboldenedwithjessica You can also explore it through your local library.   💛 Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica: 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening platform so you never miss an episode ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations 💌 Share this episode with someone you think would appreciate it ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.   🎙️ Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Produced by: Ariele & Jessica  Edited by: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe

  8. Jan 18

    The Year We Chose Ourselves: Season 3 Reflections on Healing and Growth

    Personal growth often begins when we decide to choose ourselves. In this Season 3 reflection, Jessica explores healing, life transitions, and the courage it takes to redefine your path. Jessica and Ariele take time to look back on the conversations, lessons, and moments that shaped Season 3—a season centered on healing, boundaries, identity, and choosing ourselves with more honesty and care. From exploring softness as a foundational human need to unpacking family estrangement, modern dating, purity culture, child-free living, entrepreneurship, friendship dynamics, and major life transitions, this season held space for the real, the tender, and the complicated parts of being human. Jessica reflects on what it means to choose yourself in a world that often asks us to abandon our needs, bodies, and boundaries—and how this season invited listeners to move toward more presence, more honesty, and more agency in their lives and relationships. This episode is both a celebration and a pause—a chance to honor the growth that's happened, the conversations that lingered, and the community that continues to make this podcast what it is. We also share a few behind-the-scenes reflections, listener-favorite moments, and a sneak peek at what's coming in Season 4, where we'll dive into conversations about how being delulu has its benefits, the loneliness epidemic, belonging, and how we rebuild connection in a disconnected world. This season reminded us that healing isn't linear, growth doesn't need to be externally dictated, and choosing yourself is a daily, gentle self-embrace. Thank you for walking alongside us this season. Until next season—stay Emboldened.   We appreciate you!  Thank you for listening, sharing episodes, leaving reviews, and being part of this growing community. This podcast continues because of you.     Let's Stay Connected ⭐ Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform 📲 Follow the new Instagram page: @EmboldenedwithJessica 💌 Share an episode with someone who will enjoy it     ☕ Support the Podcast If you'd like to support the show and help cover production costs, you can leave a tip here: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Emboldened with Jessica is a mental health and wellness podcast exploring belonging, trauma healing, adult friendships, burnout recovery, identity, and rebuilding community in an increasingly isolating world. Hosted by licensed therapist and somatic practitioner Jessica Jackson, alongside producer and co-host Ariele, with cultural commentary and insight from Cultural Chatterist Kathleen Onyejekwe, the show blends psychology, nervous system science, lived experience, and cultural analysis to explore how we navigate relationships, healing, visibility, and self-trust in complex times. Each episode explores topics like: • the loneliness epidemic and rebuilding community • somatic therapy and nervous system regulation • adult friendships and social exhaustion • trauma, shame, and healing • neurodivergence and masking • burnout and high-achiever recovery • decolonizing mental health • relationships, boundaries, and belonging • identity shifts, embodiment, and personal growth Rather than offering surface-level self-help, Emboldened with Jessica examines the deeper cultural, relational, and psychological forces shaping how we live, connect, and understand ourselves. Conversations are thoughtful, honest, reflective, and often humorous — inviting listeners to move away from comparison and performance and toward embodied, sustainable ways of living. This podcast is not therapy and is not a substitute for working with a licensed mental health professional. It is a space for reflection, learning, emotional wellness, and collective care. At its heart, Emboldened with Jessica is an invitation to embrace your worth, reconnect with yourself, and build a life that feels more honest, grounded, and fully your own. A space where complexity is welcome, curiosity is encouraged, and your worth is not up for debate.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Jackson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Emboldened with Jessica