Words Are Life Podcast

Jess Upchurch-King

Here's the deal: words are powerful. They can help someone realize their potential, bring a smile to their face, and remind them they're not alone in this crazy world. This podcast is for women who knows deep down their life isn't made for the ordinary. We dive into conversations that matter about how everyday women can create extraordinary impact - through storytelling, reminding you that you've got all it takes, sharing tools to help bring your dreams to life and connecting us all to feel more freer and bolder.

Episodes

  1. 03/01/2025

    The Audacity to Create with Martina Barksdale

    8. In this episode of Words Are Life, we sit down with Martina Barksdale, a multimedia powerhouse and Director of Communications for VisitLEX. From acting in New York City to hosting Everyday Kentucky on WKYT, Martina has dedicated her career to storytelling—shining a light on culture, community, and the voices that often go unheard. Martina opens up about her journey as a Black woman in media, navigating an industry where representation matters but isn't always present. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective—the realization of what it truly means to show up in spaces that weren't always designed for her and how she's used her platform to challenge the status quo. But beyond storytelling, Martina embodies the audacity to create—to build spaces of inclusion, acceptance, and belonging where marginalized communities don't just exist but thrive. She shares how a little bit of delusion, boldness, and unwavering belief fuels her drive to disrupt norms, amplify Black voices, and cultivate spaces that shift culture. Through projects like SoulFeast Week, she's proving that representation isn't just about visibility—it's about ownership, celebration, and impact. Join us for a powerful conversation about breaking barriers, trusting your vision (even when others don't see it), and creating the world you want to see. Martina's insight, passion, and fearless creativity will leave you inspired to own your story, take up space, and move forward with audacity. Follow Martina: @martibarksdale Learn more about SoulFeast Week: soulfeastweek.com

    44 min
  2. 02/11/2025

    How Thought Work Is The Foundation In Building A Life You Love

    4. In this episode, Jess dives deep into the profound impact of thought work as the cornerstone of building a life you truly love. Jess begins by recounting her personal journey discovering thought work and how it became a catalyst for profound transformation in her own life. She shares her initial skepticism, the pivotal moments of realization, and how embracing thought work allowed her to shift from merely existing to actively creating a life filled with purpose and joy. Central to Jess's message is the concept of mind-body harmony—an essential understanding for anyone seeking to reclaim their power in shaping their reality. By mastering thought work, Jess explains, women can break free from the cycle of reactive living or not-enoughness, and instead step confidently into the driver's seat of their lives. To further explore and apply these principles, Jess invites listeners to join her exclusive 8-week signature experience, Trust, Move & Evolve. Trust, Move & EVOLVE is an 8-week online experience to grow your confidence and embolden you as you step into the era where your daydreams become reality. Trading self-doubt and inadequacy for audacious trust in yourself, moving you forward with confidence to evolve into the highest version of yourself.  For more details about Trust, Move & Evolve and to connect with Jess, visit her website at ⁠jessupchurch.com/trust-move-evolve-experience⁠ or send her a message on Instagram @jessupchurch.

    21 min

About

Here's the deal: words are powerful. They can help someone realize their potential, bring a smile to their face, and remind them they're not alone in this crazy world. This podcast is for women who knows deep down their life isn't made for the ordinary. We dive into conversations that matter about how everyday women can create extraordinary impact - through storytelling, reminding you that you've got all it takes, sharing tools to help bring your dreams to life and connecting us all to feel more freer and bolder.