Shows
At the Table with Greg and Elliott'Show Biz' Part 2 with Producer Joe Carroll and Director Vanda LeeIn Show Biz Part 2, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper continue their hilarious, honest, and heartfelt conversation with producer Vanda Lee and director/writer/actor Joe Carroll. Picking up where Part 1 left off, the episode dives deeper into their journeys through Hollywood, the psychology behind navigating the industry, and the resilience required to keep creating when rejection is part of the job. Joe opens up about the decade-long success of his novel series Sinful Confessions and teases Book 3, while Vanda shares how his psychology background became one of his greatest tools for surviving and thriving in the entertainment world. From c...
2025-11-3036 min
Known Through Connection with Jess Collicott12: How’s the Weather? Erin Clark on a Kinder Way to Ask How We’re Really DoingIn this episode, Jess sits with Erin Clark, who adopted How’s the Weather? as a gentler way to stay connected after the loss of her husband Greg. In the months following his passing, Erin found herself unable to answer even the kindest questions. She needed a way to be honest without having to explain everything she was holding.So she turned to weather words.Stormy. Foggy. Sunny with clouds. Clear for the moment.Simple language that gave her room to breathe and helped others understand her without pressure.Their conversation re...
2025-11-2741 min
Wired for EnergyBuilding NRN's Solar Solution with Alan Hunter and Jess PadmanDr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Alan Hunter, CEO and Founder of NRN (National Renewable Network), and Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products, about their innovative approach to making renewable energy accessible to everyone—without the upfront costs, maintenance headaches, or complexity.This episode explores how NRN has reimagined solar and battery adoption by removing the financial barrier. Instead of customers buying their own systems, NRN installs, owns, and maintains the assets, then licenses them to energy retailers who use the capacity 24/7 for their hedging strategies. Customers simply get lower energy bills—typically saving $700-$1000 annu...
2025-11-2743 min
Leaders In PaymentsEpisode 449 | Jess Houlgrave, CEO of WalletConnectWhat if paying with crypto felt as effortless as tapping your card? We sit down with Jess Houlgrave, CEO of WalletConnect, to unpack how stablecoins, smarter wallet-to-app messaging, and a new wave of SDKs are collapsing the gap between crypto checkout and the one-click experiences consumers expect.Jess traces her path from investment banking to early Bitcoin research to leading a network that connects 700 wallets to 70,000 applications and moves hundreds of billions in value. We dig into the real merchant story: slashing fees from the typical 2–3% card rates to basis points, settling in seconds instead of days, an...
2025-11-2424 min
INSIDE THE ARTHOUSEOday Rasheed & Jess Jacobs: Love, Displacement & the Search for Belonging🎬 Inside the Arthouse | Oday Rasheed & Jess Jacobs on If You See Something — Love, Asylum & the Immigrant Experience
In this episode of Inside the Arthouse, hosts Greg Laemmle and Raphael Sbarge, sit down with Iraqi-American filmmaker Oday Rasheed and actor-writer-producer Jess Jacobs to explore their new drama If You See Something.
Rasheed’s American debut tells the story of Ali, an Iraqi doctor seeking asylum in New York, and Katie, an ambitious American art-gallery professional. When personal and social crises collide, their relationship becomes a powerful lens for examining identity, belonging, and human connection in a world of displacement.
Jacobs shares...
2025-11-0153 min
Baggage ClaimGreg's story of forgiveness. What if forgiveness is the only way you get your life back?Send us a textHeartbreak doesn’t send a calendar invite. One moment you’re doing everything “right”—serving, parenting, showing up—and the next you’re staring at a truth you never thought would touch your life. Greg opens up about growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and the vow he made to become a different kind of man, then walks us through the gut-punch of discovering an affair, the sleepless months of bargaining, and the quiet, stubborn decision to let go.We talk about the hidden drift that can sneak into a marriage and w...
2025-09-3048 min
Beat Around The Bench PodcastEp 119: Hootie & The Bubinga• Salad showdown opens with Greek salads loaded with gyro meat competing against Caesar dressing anchovy mysteries while coleslaw divides the group between vinegar-based Carolina styles and mayonnaise-heavy Southern versions plus jalapeño variations that actually work• New Patreon spotlight welcomes Greg Wally from Plat Valley Woodworks to the supporter family while Colton battles Centerpoint Energy over pole installations requiring five-foot holes through thick lake mud and mysterious wire connections nobody wants to hook up• Hurricane aftermath projects consume Jess with AC line covers running through townhouse garages after saltwater corroded underground Freon lines plus custom Kohler...
2025-09-262h 03
Rox Lyfe - The HYROX PodcastJess Pettrow on HYROX Elite 15, World Records, and the Story Behind “The Bucket”In this week's episode of the Rox Lyfe podcast we are joined by Jess Pettrow after a huge season in HYROX. A regular in the Elite 15, Jess raced all of last season’s Majors, finished 9th at the 2025 World Championships in Chicago, won the relay with Australia, and recently set a new Pro Doubles World Record with Joanna Wietrzyk in 54:24.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Her journey into HYROX and what keeps her motivated✔️ Why training with a group has elevated her performance✔️ The mindset and preparation behind competing at the top level✔️ The story of “the bucket” - a motto central to her...
2025-09-2545 minBaggage ClaimConversations: Where Understanding Begins and Hate EndsSend us a textWhen did "if you disagree with me, you're against me" become our cultural default? Greg, Jess, and Producer Michael tackle this question head-on in their most profound and timely conversation yet.Sparked by recent tragic events, this deeply reflective episode examines why we've seemingly lost the ability to connect with those who think differently. The hosts share personal stories of meaningful relationships they've maintained despite significant differences in beliefs and values, demonstrating that understanding doesn't require agreement.Greg introduces his powerful "what, so, now" framework—a simple but transformative ap...
2025-09-231h 02Baggage ClaimChoosing Forgiveness: Jessica's story part 2Send us a textWhat happens when forgiveness isn't just a nice idea but your only path forward? In this raw and deeply moving conclusion to our two-part series on forgiveness, Jess bravely continues sharing her journey after losing her husband TJ in a tragic accident.The story takes us through the impossible decision Jess faced: whether to press charges against the man responsible—someone whose wife worked alongside her at their small school. For months, she navigated the excruciating reality of daily interactions with this family while processing her own grief and raising two yo...
2025-09-1645 minBaggage ClaimChoosing Forgiveness: Jessica's story part 1Send us a textForgiveness may be one of the most misunderstood yet transformative powers we possess as humans. What does it truly mean to forgive? Is it something we feel, or something we choose? And perhaps most importantly, who is forgiveness actually for?Greg and Jess open this powerful episode with light-hearted banter about daily habits and modern tipping culture before skillfully transitioning to deeper waters. They share personal stories about physical scars—Greg's knife accident on his grandfather's farm and Jess's childhood playground injury—using these visible reminders as a metaphor for the emot...
2025-09-0936 minBaggage ClaimTime: The Currency You Can’t Earn BackSend us a textDo you know exactly where every dollar in your budget goes, but have no idea where your hours disappear to each day? Time—our most precious and finite resource—often slips through our fingers without the careful attention we give to our finances. In this heartfelt episode of Baggage Claim, Greg and Jess tackle the uncomfortable truth about how we mismanage our most valuable asset.Drawing inspiration from the hit show "The Bear" and its mantra "every second counts," they explore how our perception of time evolves throughout life. That shocking real...
2025-09-0538 minBaggage ClaimThe Untalked-About Leadership RoleSend us a textLeadership is everywhere in the corporate world – books, seminars, workshops – but why don't we talk about it at home? That's the question Greg and Jess tackle in this revealing conversation about what leadership actually looks like within a marriage and family.The truth? Someone is leading in your household right now, whether you've acknowledged it or not. But contrary to what many believe, leadership isn't about being bossy or controlling – it's about trust, direction, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As Jess puts it, true leadership makes you think, "I can...
2025-08-1344 minBaggage ClaimFrom Sparks to StabilitySend us a textWhat draws us to our partners initially, and what makes a relationship last through decades of change? In this intimate conversation, Greg and Jess explore the profound question of how to truly love someone for who they are—not who we wish they might become.The journey begins with attraction, where we discover what initially draws us to our significant others is often qualities completely different from our own. Greg shares how Jess's independence and deep connections with others captivated him, while Jess was drawn to Greg's drive, risk-taking nature, and ad...
2025-08-0641 minBaggage ClaimWhy Kids Don’t Need Perfect Parents—They Need Present OnesSend us a textThe dance between loving our children and setting appropriate boundaries can be one of parenting's greatest challenges. This becomes even more complex when guilt enters the equation—whether from divorce, loss, or simply wanting to give our kids "better than we had."Have you ever caught yourself saying yes when you should say no? Buying gifts to compensate for time apart? Working longer hours to afford opportunities while missing precious moments with your children? You're not alone. In this raw and honest conversation, we explore the hidden patterns of guilt-driven parenting th...
2025-07-2233 minBaggage Claim"We Built This Together: The Power of Inclusion in Blended Families"Send us a textThe foundation of any successful blended family begins with intentionality, especially when it comes to involving children in the process. In this deeply personal episode, Greg and Jess take listeners back to the earliest days of their relationship, sharing how they purposefully included their four children from the very beginning.Rather than presenting their new relationship as a fait accompli, they created meaningful opportunities for their children to feel ownership in the family-building process. From carefully planned introductions to a memorable meeting at a small-town park where they conducted a powerful...
2025-07-1541 minBaggage Claim"We Promised You Real – So Here's Real"Send us a textThere's something powerful about admitting you're in a valley. In this raw and unscripted 20th episode, we break from our usual format to have an honest conversation about the seasons of life we're currently navigating.Greg, Jess, and Producer Michael (making his on-mic debut) dive deep into what it means to practice genuine self-care versus slipping into selfishness. We carefully define the difference: self-care is actively taking care of yourself to improve your overall well-being, while selfishness prioritizes your needs at the expense of others. This distinction becomes our compass as...
2025-07-0855 min
BioJam PodcastS1 E1: Movement Jail & Bioplasticity🎙️ BioJam Podcast - Season 1, Episode 1: Movement Jail & BioplasticityHave you ever been told you have a “bad back”, “worn-out knees,” or that you should “stop running before you ruin yourself”? Too many people feel trapped by fear and misinformation about their bodies, stuck in what we call movement jail - afraid to move, exercise, or live fully because they believe their body is fragile.In the very first episode of the BioJam Podcast, hosts Jess & Sam break down what movement jail really is, where it comes from, and… most importantly… how you can break free.Whe...
2025-07-0627 minBaggage ClaimSelfishness vs. Selflessness: The Trade-offs of Marriage (Part 1)Send us a textWhat's the real enemy of a thriving relationship? According to Greg and Jess, it might be something we don't like to admit: selfishness. In this deeply personal and sometimes emotional conversation, the Baggage Claim hosts unpack the complex tension between selfishness and selflessness that exists in every meaningful relationship.The discussion begins with Jess sharing a thought-provoking statement from 12 years ago: "The greatest enemy of marriage isn't from the outside, it's something that comes within each of us - selfishness." This launches a candid exploration of how cultural messages about self-care...
2025-07-0143 minBaggage ClaimTaco Bell, Talladega Nights, and Talking About SexSend us a textEver notice how marriage comes with an instruction manual for everything except the bedroom? That silence might be more damaging than you realize.We tackle the conversation every couple needs but few actually have – honest communication about sex in marriage. Despite being married for years (13 for Greg, 24 for me), discussing intimacy can still make cheeks flush with embarrassment. This vulnerability highlights exactly why this conversation matters so desperately.Our different backgrounds created wildly different perspectives. Growing up where sex was considered dirty and shameful versus environments where it was di...
2025-06-2440 minBaggage ClaimThe Argument That Wrote This EpisodeSend us a textEver sit across from your partner during an argument and wonder why the simplest disagreement suddenly feels like World War III? You're not alone. Every couple fights—it's how you fight that makes all the difference between relationship growth and relationship destruction.When we planned this episode on fighting fair, something ironic happened—we found ourselves in a heated disagreement while preparing our notes. That experience perfectly illustrates what makes conflict so challenging: we approach disagreements with different perspectives, communication styles, and emotional triggers, all shaped by our past experiences. For Greg...
2025-06-1841 minBaggage ClaimBeyond I Do: Creating a Shared Journey That Actually WorksSend us a textMarriage is a team sport that nobody prepared us for. What happens when two different people try to build a life together? How do you create a truly functional partnership rather than just two people sharing space?Greg and Jess dig deep into what makes relationships work as teams by examining three crucial elements: shared vision, effective communication, and the delicate balance between trust and leadership. They reveal how establishing family values created their roadmap for raising "likable, contributing members of society" and how contentment with both plenty and little stems...
2025-06-0548 minBaggage ClaimWe Have No Idea What We're Doing, And That's Perfectly OkaySend us a text"We had no idea what we were doing." Those words might not be what you expect to hear from podcast hosts sharing advice about blended families, but that's exactly what makes Baggage Claim so refreshingly honest. In this vulnerable episode, Greg and Jess pull back the curtain on their 13-year journey of blending families to reveal the messy, beautiful truth: nobody really knows what they're doing.The highlight reels we often see of blended families can be intimidating. Core values, behavior lists, and carefully structured routines make it seem like some...
2025-05-2756 min
ROASTBUSTERSEpisode 43: Jess Everett and a big announcementJess Everett is a local favorite and will be headlining at Tacoma Comedy Club. He placed 3rd place in the 2024 Seattle International Comedy Competition. We talk about the gigs we have done together and He also has another announcement to make so please support him on his new venture
2025-05-131h 23Baggage ClaimEvery Moment Matters: How Being Present Creates Lasting Family MemoriesSend us a textHave you ever wondered how to make each child in a blended family feel uniquely valued? Sometimes the answer lies in being purposefully present in both big adventures and small everyday moments.When Greg and I merged our families, we quickly realized that intentionality would be our lifeline. After a chance encounter at Target revealed how our daughter Callie felt about sharing "her time" with us, we knew we needed a better approach. This moment of clarity sparked what would become one of our most cherished family traditions – the "Sweet 16 Adventures."
2025-05-1247 min
Next EpisodeRich People Problems: The White Lotus Season 1The stunning shores of Hawaii serve as the backdrop for HBO's White Lotus, a darkly comedic examination of privilege that will leave you both laughing and squirming uncomfortably. At the luxurious White Lotus resort, three sets of wealthy guests arrive for what should be paradise but quickly reveals itself as anything but.Jennifer Coolidge delivers a tour-de-force performance as Tanya McQuoid, a wealthy, boundary-less woman who arrives alone to scatter her mother's ashes. Desperately lonely and emotionally wounded from childhood trauma, Tanya latches onto Belinda, the resort's spa manager, whose natural healing presence becomes both a comfort...
2025-05-0644 minBaggage ClaimFrom Burned Furniture to Rebuilt Lives, How loss and healing reshaped our view of faith.Send us a textWhat happens when your faith gets shattered? How do you rebuild trust in something bigger than yourself when life deals devastating blows? This deeply personal episode reveals the spiritual journeys that have profoundly shaped our marriage and blended family.Greg shares his transformation from substance abuse to ministry after a rock-bottom moment in a bar bathroom. His story includes unexpected miracles—like the time four catering vans mysteriously appeared with food after a simple prayer for homeless people in Atlanta. You'll hear how his faith was later tested through divorce despite "do...
2025-05-0347 minBaggage ClaimThe Scheduling Dance of Blended FamiliesSend us a textThe scheduling dance of blended families might be the most challenging choreography you'll ever learn. In this heartfelt episode, Greg and Jess dive deep into the complexities, frustrations, and unexpected joys of figuring out who gets the kids when—and how to do it with grace.Drawing from their 13 years of experience navigating the waters of shared custody, they reveal how color-coded calendars became their lifeline and why perspective changes everything. With a simple yet powerful finger-pointing exercise, they demonstrate how two people can look at the exact same situation yet se...
2025-04-2543 minBaggage ClaimLove, Loss, and the Little Things That Matter MostSend us a textWe're all guilty of seeking that elusive "silver bullet" – the one magical secret that transforms an ordinary marriage into an extraordinary one. But what if the answer isn't found in grand gestures or revolutionary techniques, but rather in simple, consistent choices made day after day?In this deeply personal episode, Greg and Jess pull back the curtain on their 13-year relationship to share four foundational principles that have sustained them through blended family challenges, busy schedules, and life's inevitable ups and downs. Their candid conversation reveals how intentionally having fun together, em...
2025-04-0943 minBaggage ClaimFrom Victim to Victory: Rewiring Your Perspective on Life and LoveSend us a textYour perspective shapes everything about how you experience your marriage. Are you constantly focusing on what your partner does wrong, or are you actively looking for the good? In this candid conversation, Greg and Jessica share how their vastly different life experiences shaped their mindsets about family, relationships, and overcoming trauma.Jessica reveals the profound shift that occurred when she had to decide whether to live as "the widow" after losing her first husband at 32 with two small children. Through counseling and learning about "Eucharisto" - the practice of active gratitude...
2025-03-1845 minBaggage ClaimLove in the Blender: Navigating Romance While Raising Four KidsSend us a textGreg and Jess share their dating journey from first meeting through getting engaged and married, exploring how they've maintained their relationship while raising four children in a blended family.• Started with Facebook messages and texts before meeting at Waffle House for their first date • Second date was at a rock climbing gym in Atlanta • Realized they were in love on the same day while Greg was installing a bike rack• Nanny (Jess's grandmother) gave Jess a ring to give to Greg, unknowingly answering his private prayer• Got engaged at S...
2025-03-1154 min