Epic Stories

Jean Tillery

Meet Jean, the force behind Epic Living With Jean – your ultimate life navigator and cheerleader. As chief, everything officer, (CEO), she’s on a mission to infuse intention and purpose into the lives of all women. Jean is more than a guide, she’s your Certified Dream Manager, turning “I wish” into “I did!”. Her motto has always been, “it’s all about the story”, because she believes that everyone has a story to tell. Throughout her journey, she’s met remarkable people, learned their stories, and now she’s creating a space where their stories can be shared. Enter the #epicStories podcast where Jean conducts casual conversations with guest from all walks of life. She is on a mission to help her guests share their stories, and in the process inspire you to discover, tell, and even change your own story.

  1. Decluttering Your Life: How to Release What No Longer Serves You

    6D AGO

    Decluttering Your Life: How to Release What No Longer Serves You

    Are you overwhelmed by more than just the mess you see? Clutter isn’t just about the things piling up in your closet or the endless emails in your inbox—it’s often about the unspoken stories, habits, and identities we carry. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Young, a professional organizer who goes beyond surface solutions to help people uncover the “why” behind the clutter and find freedom in their physical, digital, and mental spaces. What We CoverWhy clutter is often rooted in emotional patterns, trauma, and learned behaviors—not just “too much stuff”How societal changes and family history shape our urge to hold on or accumulateThe real impact of mental and digital clutter, and why they’re often overlookedHow to honor the stories behind sentimental objects without letting them control your spaceSimple, functional strategies to start decluttering on your termsThe power of group support—and why sharing your decluttering journey can lighten your load Key TakeawaysClutter is about what we hold onto—and why. It’s more emotional than physical.Functional organization is personal. Find what actually works for you, not what looks good in a magazine or on Instagram.Sentimental items should be seen and enjoyed, not boxed and forgotten.Your clutter often hides in digital and mental spaces. Unsubscribing from emails or acting on repetitive to-dos can bring immediate relief.Asking for help isn’t a sign of failure—your ask may be the answer to someone else’s need.Progress doesn’t require perfection. Start with one small step—trash a single item, unsubscribe from one email, schedule a lingering task. Take ActionPick one area—your junk drawer, inbox, or to-do list—and do a single thing today: throw out rubbish, unsubscribe from five emails, or finally tackle that one nagging task. Share your experience with a friend or in our community—because you’re not alone on this journey. Ready to transform your relationship with stuff? Visit hiresteph.com/clutterescape for Stephanie Young's online support group, and join the conversation on the Epic Living with Jean Facebook page. Because it’s not really about having less. It’s about living with intention, creating space for what matters, and remembering—it’s all about the story. Mentioned in this episode: Epic Stories is Part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork eWomenPodcastNetwork

    58 min
  2. APR 15

    Saying Yes to the Moon: Embracing Willingness Over Readiness

    Welcome to Epic Stories. I’m Jean Tillery, and in today’s episode, I invite you to join me for a reflection that starts right here in Texas, where I find myself waiting to cheer on my son in his Ironman race. In these quiet moments, my mind drifts to big questions—like what I would say if NASA called me tomorrow and asked me to go to the Moon. Would I be willing to take that leap? And perhaps more importantly, would you? Thinking back to my roots in Houston, in the shadow of the NASA Johnson Space Center, I remember how awe-inspiring it is to stand beneath the massive Saturn 5 rocket and realize that before any human ever left Earth, someone simply believed it was possible. These reflections connect to the present-day Artemis program, where astronauts commit years to preparation, face uncertainty, and step forward with courage not because they're fearless—but because they're willing. In this episode, I want to talk about that difference between feeling ready and being willing. I often hear people tell me, “I wish I was brave like you,” or “I could never do what you do.” But I don't see myself as fearless. I’m just willing to say yes, even when I feel uncomfortable or unsure. Each time I take that leap, I grow a little; what once felt impossible starts to seem within reach. So today, we dive into the idea that moving forward isn’t about waiting for fear to disappear. It’s about deciding that now is the moment to take that first step, even if the path feels uncertain. I challenge you to try the "rocket test": think about something in your life you’ve been putting off, and ask yourself what you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail. The gap between “I could never” and “I did” is smaller than you think—just one decision, a willingness to move rather than to keep watching from the sidelines. If this stirs something inside you, know that you’re not alone. I’m passionate about helping people take their dreams from “someday” to something real. Because life is not meant to be watched from the ground; it’s meant to be lived, fully and bravely. And for the record—if NASA calls, I’m all in. Thanks for joining me for another episode of Epic Stories, where we explore the moments, decisions, and stories that remind us all that anything is possible. Mentioned in this episode: Epic Stories is Part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork eWomenPodcastNetwork

    8 min
  3. Are You Running Your Own Race?: Life Lessons from the Ironman

    APR 9

    Are You Running Your Own Race?: Life Lessons from the Ironman

    Am I Running My Race—Or Someone Else’s?Have you ever caught yourself sprinting through life, ticking off every box, yet wondering deep down, “Is this even my race?” This week, I share how supporting my son’s Ironman journey stirred up that very question for me—and why it might be time for you to ask it, too. What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeIt’s been a while since I sat down for a regular episode, but I felt compelled to unpack the powerful lessons from watching my son finish his first half Ironman and prepare for a full Ironman. Beyond physical endurance, it showed me truths about resilience, momentum, and the sacredness of choosing your own path. I talk about: How most of us inherit our race and stop asking if it fits the life we really want 00:17Vivid moments from the edge of the starting line, the lonely miles, and the finish that brings transformation 02:39, 06:10The eight big lessons I took from Ironman—including why momentum matters more than motivation, why rest is essential, and why running alone sometimes shapes us most 03:30, 04:13The sobering reality that not everyone finishes—and why respecting the journey and acting now matters 06:30What it means to build forward instead of starting over, and the decision my son made to keep training rather than lose momentum 09:03That the point of it all isn’t the medal, but the person you become through perseverance 07:16, 10:04 Key TakeawaysI don’t have to be ready—just willing. My growth comes when I step forward, even if I’m scared 03:20.Momentum carries me further than motivation. I keep showing up, trusting the process 03:30.Some miles, I have to run alone—but no one finishes alone. My family, friends, and community hold me up 04:13, 05:31.Rest and refueling aren’t rewards—they’re necessities. I need to plan for rest, not just push through 05:16.The finish line reveals transformation—not perfection. It’s never about how I look crossing it, but that I kept going 06:10, 07:16.Life won’t always give me another chance. If something’s stirring in me, I have to go for it 06:50.I don’t have to start over. I can build forward. The momentum, discipline, and growth I’ve earned are mine to keep 09:11.It matters that I choose my race, and decide to finish it. 10:31 Your ChallengeHere’s your chance—what race am I running right now? Is it one I chose for myself? I’m writing it down, and then I’m naming the very next step I need to take. If you’re ready for your own new race or dream, I created Jenny, your Dream Concierge, to walk you through every step. Find her at epiclivingwithjean.com and reach out if you want support. InvitationShare your own “mile 40” moments using #EpicLivingPodcast. Connect with me on Facebook and let’s support each other. Download my free guide, 7 Ways to Start Living Epic, and set up a call if you’re ready to explore what “epic” looks like for you. Thank you for listening, for reflecting, and for running your own race alongside me. Keep dreaming, keep going, and keep living your epic life—because it’s all about the story we create. Mentioned in this episode: Epic Stories is Part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork eWomenPodcastNetwork

    13 min
  4. Walk with Me: A Reflective Stations of the Cross Experience (Bonus Episode)

    APR 2

    Walk with Me: A Reflective Stations of the Cross Experience (Bonus Episode)

    Today’s episode is a little different… and deeply special. In this reflective experience, we walk through the Stations of the Cross , hearing not only the story of Christ’s suffering, but also the personal reflections that invite us to look inward. Each station challenges us to ask: Where am I in this story? How do my words, my actions, and my choices reflect love… or the lack of it? This is not just something to listen to. It’s something to pause with. To sit in. To feel. Whether this is part of your faith journey or simply a moment to reflect on love, sacrifice, and humanity — my hope is that this experience meets you exactly where you are. Take a breath. Slow down. And walk with us. If you’re not familiar with the Stations of the Cross, it is a tradition that takes you through the final moments of Jesus’ life- from His condemnation to His burial. Each “station” invites us to pause, reflect, and consider not only what happened… but what it means for us personally. While this practice comes from the Catholic faith, the heart of it is something universal: Love in the face of suffering Compassion for others Perseverance through hardship and the invitation to become better in the way we live and love You don’t have to be Catholic — or even religious — to walk through this experience. If you’ve ever struggled… If you’ve ever felt the weight of life… If you’ve ever wondered how to love people better… Then there is something here for you. Mentioned in this episode: Epic Stories is Part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork eWomenPodcastNetwork

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Meet Jean, the force behind Epic Living With Jean – your ultimate life navigator and cheerleader. As chief, everything officer, (CEO), she’s on a mission to infuse intention and purpose into the lives of all women. Jean is more than a guide, she’s your Certified Dream Manager, turning “I wish” into “I did!”. Her motto has always been, “it’s all about the story”, because she believes that everyone has a story to tell. Throughout her journey, she’s met remarkable people, learned their stories, and now she’s creating a space where their stories can be shared. Enter the #epicStories podcast where Jean conducts casual conversations with guest from all walks of life. She is on a mission to help her guests share their stories, and in the process inspire you to discover, tell, and even change your own story.