Doing It Anyway

Jess Hugo

The podcast for high achieving women who do it anyway. Hosted by Jess Hugo, known for her 20kg transformation and her grounded, no fluff approach to discipline, confidence, and self-trust. This show is about navigating a full life: ambition, identity shifts, relationships, routines, and showing up for yourself when things aren’t perfect. Expect honest conversations about growth, consistency, and becoming the woman who leads her life, not just her schedule. New episodes every Wednesday. Connect with me on IG @itsjesshugo or visit https://msha.ke/successwithjess

  1. Sep 22

    Your 20s Are the Perfect Time to Be Bad at Something

    When was the last time you did something you weren’t already good at? In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I’m chatting about what it’s actually been like picking Physie back up again after 10 years and why starting a new sport or hobby in your 20s has taught me WAY more than I expected about confidence, mindset, strength and backing yourself. Coming back to Physie has been humbling in the best way. I strength train consistently and consider myself a pretty strong person, but getting back on the floor has shown me completely different weaknesses in my body. Balance, stability, control, mobility and all the little things you don’t necessarily notice when you’re doing your normal gym training. It’s also changed the way I’m approaching my own training because I’m not just training to look a certain way anymore. I want my body to actually be capable of doing the things I’m asking it to do. But the biggest shift has probably been mentally. I chat about my mindset going into competitions, learning to be on the floor without putting ridiculous pressure on myself, supporting the people around me and how important your self-talk becomes when you’re doing something that genuinely challenges you. I’ve realised I naturally become a bit of a rock within the group too. I LOVE encouraging the people around me to back themselves, especially when I can see that they’re capable of more than they think they are. Because the more I do this, the more I realise performance isn’t necessarily just about how many times you’ve practised a routine. It’s everything happening outside of it too. Your strength. Your stability. Your balance. Your confidence. Your mindset. How you speak to yourself when something doesn’t go perfectly. If you’ve been thinking about starting a new hobby in your 20s, returning to a sport you used to love, trying something completely outside your comfort zone or finding something that makes you feel like YOU outside of work, relationships and your normal routine, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one. Work with me Instagram:

  2. Sep 15

    The Difference Between Independence & Isolation

    I've Always Been Hard to Crack... Here's What I've Learnt My parents have always described me the same way: "You're hard to crack." I've always had a tough exterior. I've never been someone who naturally lets people in, and I've always been incredibly strong-minded. Once I've made my mind up, good luck changing it. But over the last couple of years, I've realised something that's completely changed the way I look at confidence, friendships and self-growth... There's a huge difference between being independent and shutting people out. In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I'm sharing what being strong-willed has taught me, why I've always backed myself (even through moments of self-doubt), and why learning to nurture friendships has been one of the biggest personal growth lessons of my twenties. We dive into why I never want one person to be responsible for my happiness, how I've intentionally become a better friend, and the surprising thing that happens when you start showing up for the people you care about... you quickly realise who shows up for you too. I also share why I believe self-trust is far more powerful than confidence. Confidence comes and goes. Self-trust is knowing that even if things don't work out, you'll figure it out anyway. Whether it's posting content online, competing in physie, building a business or taking a risk, I've learnt that backing yourself is one of the greatest skills you can develop. If you've ever struggled with opening up, found yourself relying too much on other people for your happiness, or you're trying to become more confident while building meaningful friendships, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why being independent doesn't mean doing life alone. The difference between confidence and self-trust. How to back yourself even when you're feeling nervous. Why I never rely on one person for my happiness. The friendship lessons that have changed me over the past two years. How to recognise reciprocal friendships and healthy relationships. Why investing in the right people can completely change your life. How to become resilient without losing your softness. If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's this: You can be strong and soft.Independent and deeply connected.Confident and still vulnerable. The goal isn't to need no one. The goal is to build enough self-trust that you know you'll be okay on your own, while also creating meaningful relationships that make your life even better. If you loved this episode, I'd be so grateful if you shared it with a friend, left a review, or tagged me on Instagram so I can hear your biggest takeaway. Work with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjesshugo/ LAST CHANCE - PHOTOSHOOT READY.

  3. Sep 8

    How to Actually Be a Good Friend (And Attract Better Ones)

    You Want Better Friends? Become a Better Friend. Making friends in your 20s can feel weirdly hard. Everyone is busy, everyone has their own lives going on, and suddenly you’re wondering why friendships that used to feel effortless now require so much more intention. But what if the problem isn’t that good friends are impossible to find? What if you need to become a better friend first? In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I’m getting brutally honest about what it actually takes to build good, healthy friendships in your 20s and the standards I think matter when it comes to friendship. Because having good intentions isn’t enough. You can think about your friend while driving, tell yourself you’ll message them later or plan something nice for them… but if you never actually do it, does the intention count? We’re talking about actions over intentions, respecting your friends’ time and boundaries, reciprocity, one-sided friendships, showing up for people and knowing when a friendship genuinely feels out of alignment. I’m also getting into the uncomfortable stuff: being the friend who constantly makes everything about herself, pretending to care about someone’s life just so you can get back to talking about yours, and why people can feel that energy a mile away. And then there’s the other side of friendship: attracting good friends. I’m sharing why I think you need to stop playing the victim, stop dwelling on bad experiences and start looking at the energy and effort you’re bringing into your own friendships. Plus, why I’ve recently realised that some of the best friendships can come from the most unexpected people, even when they don’t fit the picture you had in your head of who your “people” would be. Because you don’t need 30 friends. You need good people who respect you, show up for you, make your life feel lighter and genuinely want to see you win. And if you want those friendships? Start by becoming that friend yourself. Work with me:msha.ke/successwithjess Instagram:@itsjesshugo

  4. Sep 1

    How to Stop Caring What People Think

    The Reason I Don't Care What People Think Anymore What if I told you my love for social media didn't start when I became a fitness coach... it actually started when I was 13 years old? In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I'm sharing a story I've never properly told before. From running a Tumblr inspired Instagram account with over 20,000 followers, joining Instagram growth group chats, saving up for my first camera and falling in love with creating content, I genuinely believe the signs of what I was meant to do were there all along. But there was one problem... I got bullied relentlessly for it. I open up about what was said, how it affected me at the time, and why that experience ultimately shaped the way I show up online today. Looking back, I'm actually grateful I went through it because it taught me one of the biggest lessons I've carried into adulthood: if you let other people's opinions dictate your life, you'll never build the life you truly want. Whether you're scared to post on social media, worried about being judged, holding yourself back from starting a business, or simply trying to become the most confident version of yourself, this episode is your reminder that people will always have opinions. The question is... are you going to let them stop you? In this episode, we chat about: How my love for content creation and social media started at just 13 years old. Growing an Instagram account to over 20,000 followers before content creation was even a career. The bullying I experienced for simply doing something I loved. How those experiences shaped my confidence and resilience. Why I no longer let the fear of judgment stop me from showing up. The mindset shift that helped me stop caring what other people think. Why taking messy action is the only way to build confidence and create your dream life. If you've ever felt held back by the fear of being judged, embarrassed or criticised, I hope this episode gives you the push to keep showing up anyway. Because the people who laugh today often become the people watching tomorrow. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love if you shared it with a friend, left a review, or tagged me on Instagram so I can hear your biggest takeaway. Work with me: Instagram: PHOTOSHOOT CHALLENGE (Starts September 7):

  5. Aug 25

    Your Growth Will Change Your Relationships

    When People Can’t Handle You Becoming “That Girl” Nobody really tells you that becoming a better version of yourself can change your relationships. You start working on yourself. You get serious about your goals. You start taking your career, health, fitness, business or dream life more seriously. You’re excited about where you’re going… And then someone close to you makes a comment that makes you question whether you’re actually doing the right thing. “You’ve changed.” “You used to be fun.” “One workout won’t hurt.” And sometimes it’s obvious jealousy or a lack of support. But sometimes it’s more complicated than that. Maybe they’re scared of losing you. Maybe your growth is reminding them that they’re not growing themselves. Maybe they genuinely don’t understand why you’re changing. But the dangerous part is what happens when you hear those comments enough times. Eventually, their voice becomes your inner voice. You start thinking maybe I’m not disciplined enough, maybe I’m not smart enough, maybe I’m not actually capable of doing this. And sometimes we even start subconsciously keeping ourselves small because failing feels safer than succeeding and having to leave people behind. In this episode of Doing It Anyway, we’re talking about jealousy, comparison, friendship, relationships, lack of support, self-doubt and what happens when the people closest to you struggle with your growth. Because the people meant for your next chapter won’t need you to stay the same to keep them comfortable. And becoming that girl might mean becoming someone your old relationships don’t recognise anymore. Work with me:msha.ke/successwithjess Instagram:@itsjesshugo THE PHOTOSHOOT READY EXPERIENCE IS HERE - FIND THE ⁠DETAILS HERE!!⁠

  6. Aug 18

    The Older I Get, The Higher My Standards Become

    We spend so much time wondering if people like us that we rarely stop and ask ourselves a much more important question… do we actually like the qualities the people around us bring into our lives? In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I'm unpacking how my standards for friendships and relationships have completely changed over the last few years. This isn't about expecting perfection or creating an unrealistic checklist. It's about recognising that the people you surround yourself with influence your mindset, confidence, habits, happiness and ultimately the life you create. I chat about why communication has become non-negotiable for me, why I value people who take responsibility for their health and wellbeing, the importance of keeping promises to yourself, and why I believe surrounding yourself with people who celebrate your wins instead of competing with you can completely change your life. We also dive into what it means to be solution-focused, why I love being around people who are growing and chasing goals, and how I've learnt that the best relationships are the ones that leave you feeling inspired, supported and lighter—not emotionally drained. This isn't about judging other people. These are the same qualities I work on within myself because I want to be the kind of friend, partner and coach who brings those things into other people's lives too. If you're in your 20s (or beyond) and you're working on becoming the best version of yourself, building healthier friendships, setting higher standards, protecting your peace and creating a life that feels aligned, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why your friendships and relationships shape your habits, mindset and future.The communication standard I refuse to compromise on.Why taking care of yourself is attractive (and it's not about having the "perfect" body).The importance of integrity and following through on your own promises.How to tell the difference between someone who's struggling and someone who refuses to help themselves.Why celebrating your friends' wins matters more than you think.The qualities I now prioritise in the people closest to me.How raising your standards can help you become the best version of yourself.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⁠Work with me⁠: Instagram: THE PHOTOSHOOT READY EXPERIENCE - DM me 'SHOOT'

  7. Aug 11

    The Truth About Relationship Weight Gain

    The Truth About Relationship Weight Gain You get into a relationship, you’re happy, you’re comfortable, and then suddenly 10kg has crept on and you’re wondering when the hell that happened. But is it actually your relationship’s fault? In this episode, I’m talking about the reality of relationship weight gain, how those little habits can slowly add up, and the uncomfortable question of whether your interests have genuinely changed… or whether you’ve slowly started hiding behind your relationship. Because your boyfriend didn’t force you to order takeaway, skip the gym or spend every night on the couch. But maybe you’re someone who is constantly putting everyone else first. Your partner. Your job. Your family. Your friends. And eventually, you’re left with the leftovers. I’m sharing my own experience with gaining 10kg in a relationship, the impact it had on my confidence, and why the weight itself wasn’t actually the hardest part. It was realising I’d stopped prioritising myself and, in a lot of ways, lost parts of my identity. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost yourself in a relationship, struggled with weight gain after getting comfortable with someone, or realised you’ve been putting your own goals on the back burner, this episode is for you. Because you don’t need to love your partner less. You might just need to start choosing yourself again. Work with me:msha.ke/successwithjess Instagram:@itsjesshugo THE PHOTOSHOOT READY EXPERIENCE IS HERE - FIND THE DETAILS HERE!!

  8. Aug 4

    The Exact Plan I'd Follow to Lose 5kg Before Summer

    If I Had 12 Weeks to Lose 5kg, Here's Exactly What I'd Do If you came to me today and said, "Jess, I want to lose around 5kg before summer. What would you actually have me do?"… this is exactly how I'd coach you. No fad diets. No detoxes. No cutting out carbs. No "eat less and move more" advice. In this episode of Doing It Anyway, I'm walking you through the exact 12 week fat loss plan I'd use to help you lose around 5kg in a sustainable way while building habits that actually last. We cover everything from tracking calories in MyFitnessPal, building nutrition literacy, understanding why the scales fluctuate, following a structured strength training program, progressive overload, hitting your daily step goal and, most importantly, why consistency will always beat perfection. I also explain why I believe so many women struggle with fat loss, not because they aren't trying hard enough, but because they're overwhelmed with conflicting advice on social media. One person tells you to eat intuitively, another says don't track calories, someone else blames your hormones… and before you know it, you're completely paralysed. This episode cuts through the noise and gives you a practical, realistic roadmap to losing fat without obsessing over food or giving up your social life. We also chat about something that has become a huge part of my coaching philosophy: having something exciting to work towards. For me, confidence has never come before action. Whether it was travelling interstate by myself, doing photoshoots in busy Sydney CBD or posting online, every opportunity that has helped me grow started by feeling uncomfortable. That's exactly why I created my 12 Week Photoshoot Ready Challenge. It isn't just about losing weight. It's about proving to yourself that you can commit to something, build confidence, celebrate your progress and finally stop hiding from the camera. My exact 12 week fat loss strategy to lose around 5kg. Why tracking calories isn't forever, and why it's the fastest way to build nutrition literacy. The biggest mistakes women make when trying to lose weight. How to use MyFitnessPal without becoming obsessed. Why collecting data beats relying on emotions. How often you should weigh yourself (and why daily fluctuations don't matter). The importance of progressive overload and structured strength training. Why increasing your daily steps is one of the most underrated fat loss habits. How coaching removes the mental load and keeps you accountable. Why taking messy action is the key to building confidence and long term results. If you've been waiting for the "perfect time" to start your fat loss journey, let this be your sign. You don't need another Monday.You don't need another meal plan saved on Instagram.You don't need more information. You just need one decision… and the courage to follow through. - Wanting to join my 12 Week Photoshoot Ready Challenge? The challenge starts September 7 and finishes with a professional photoshoot designed to celebrate everything you've achieved. DM me "SHOOT" on Instagram to have a chat and see if it's the right fit for you. Work with me Instagram 12 Week Photoshoot Ready Challenge

    The Exact Plan I'd Follow to Lose 5kg Before Summer

About

The podcast for high achieving women who do it anyway. Hosted by Jess Hugo, known for her 20kg transformation and her grounded, no fluff approach to discipline, confidence, and self-trust. This show is about navigating a full life: ambition, identity shifts, relationships, routines, and showing up for yourself when things aren’t perfect. Expect honest conversations about growth, consistency, and becoming the woman who leads her life, not just her schedule. New episodes every Wednesday. Connect with me on IG @itsjesshugo or visit https://msha.ke/successwithjess

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