Shows
Emboldened with JessicaThe Loneliness Epidemic: Why Connection Feels Hard — and How We Rebuild CommunityIn times of uncertainty, people instinctively search for information. But historically, survival has depended on something else — gathering. Community has always been how people share truth, process reality, resist harm, and create moments of relief inside difficult conditions. Being able to sit together, eat together, laugh, grieve, and tell honest stories about what is happening around us is not extra — it's protective. This season opens with a conversation about what it means to gather now. Inspired by The Art of Gathering, Jessica explores how hosting has changed in a world shaped by coll...
2026-02-2545 minEmboldened with JessicaThe Year We Chose Ourselves: Season 3 Reflections on Healing and GrowthIn this special season recap episode of Emboldened with Jessica, 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 th...
2026-01-181h 01Emboldened with JessicaEmboldened Choices: Navigating the Child-Free JourneyIn this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we unpack what it means to live a child-free life — by choice, by circumstance, or simply for now. Jessica and Ariele sit down with special guest Kathleen Onyejekwe, a dynamic leader, wife, and advocate for living with ease, style, and intentional joy. Together, they explore how womanhood, success, and fulfillment can exist outside of motherhood, and what it looks like to challenge cultural and societal expectations — especially for Black women, who have long been positioned as the world's caregivers. This heartfelt conversation dives into the complexities of being child-free for now...
2025-10-1751 minEmboldened with JessicaPacking Up, Leveling Up: How to Move Forward (Literally & Emotionally)After a much-needed break and a bold move to a new state, Jessica returns with a powerful episode on what it really means to step into a new season of life. Joined by her friend Ariele, the two dive into the often-overlooked emotional terrain of big life changes—especially moving—and how to maintain connection with long-distance friends. They explore how to nourish meaningful relationships, even when miles apart, and how to welcome change with grace and intention. This episode is for anyone navigating transition, craving deeper connection, or ready to move toward the life they truly want...
2025-07-2942 minEmboldened with JessicaA Soft Summer: Rest, Heal & Choose PresenceThis week on Emboldened with Jessica, we're inviting you into the soft summer era—a season of saying no to overcommitment, yes to rest without guilt, and embracing joy as a radical act of healing. In this soothing, insightful conversation, Jessica and Ariele unpack what living softly in a world that rewards burnout means. From nervous system regulation and pleasure practices to reclaiming your time and energy, this episode is your permission slip to rest and not feel bad about it. ✨ You'll hear: What the "soft life" looks like in real-time...
2025-05-2624 minEmboldened with JessicaModern Dating Unfiltered: Breaking Norms, Navigating Connections & Embracing Self-AwarenessDating today looks nothing like it did a decade ago. With shifting societal expectations, online connections, and an evolving understanding of relationships, how can we navigate modern dating with clarity and confidence? In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica is joined by Cortenay Crosson—a trauma-focused somatic bodyworker. They break down the complexities of contemporary dating. They discuss the impact of societal norms, the role of personal experiences, and the dynamics of genuine connection. From online dating trends to understanding body language, setting boundaries, and dealing with rejection—this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help...
2025-03-2058 minEmboldened with JessicaFrom Dreaming Big to Thriving Businesses: Practical Strategies for Aspiring EntrepreneursIn celebration of Black History Month, Emboldened with Jessica spotlights the transformative role of entrepreneurship as a pathway to agency, sustainability, and community investment—especially for BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs navigating today's political and economic uncertainty. Host Jessica Jackson, LCPC, SEP, is joined by Jason Jackson, renowned entrepreneur, partner at Futaleufu Partners, and co-founder of The Black Search Network—a growing community committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs across every stage of business ownership. Together, Jessica and Jason explore what it truly takes to move from vision to viability. They discuss the importance of mentorship, supp...
2025-02-0858 minEmboldened with JessicaBig Goals, Bold Moves: A Guide to Personal RebrandingIn this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, host Jessica Jackson, a Decolonizing Somatic Therapist, and Ariele examine personal rebrands and why they matter. They unpack how aligning your internal identity with your external perception can be transformative, allowing you a "cheat code" towards the life you've been working to create. Jessica explores the importance of personal branding, guiding listeners through the stages of change involved in rebranding. From creative tools like vision boards, Bingo cards, and intention boxes to actionable advice on hosting a personal rebrand party, this episode is packed with strategies to help you own...
2025-01-0625 minEmboldened with JessicaLiving "That Girl" Energy: Boundaries, Relationships & Choosing Yourself DailyIn Part 2 of this two-part series, Jessica and Ariele move from becoming "that girl" to living it—daily, imperfectly, and in real relationships. This episode explores how confidence shows up in practice: in the boundaries we set, the relationships we choose, and the ways we stop over-explaining our needs. Jessica reflects on what it means to protect your energy, prioritize yourself without guilt, and recognize when connection feels mutual—or when it's time to recalibrate. The conversation also touches on: Letting go of people-pleasing and over-functioning Choosing relationships that feel...
2024-08-3012 minEmboldened with JessicaBecoming "That Girl": Confidence, Self-Worth & Rewriting the Rules of Who You Get to BeIn Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jessica, Ariele and returning special guest Lisa Holmes unpack what it really means to be "that girl"—beyond aesthetics, trends, or social media personas. This episode explores confidence as something rooted in self-trust, self-worth, and embodied presence, not productivity or external validation. Together, they reflect on how many of us were taught to dim ourselves, shrink our desires, or perform likability—and what it looks like to gently unlearn those patterns. Jessica shares reflections on identity, self-esteem, and the quiet work of becoming more at home in yourself. The conve...
2024-08-3017 minEmboldened with JessicaSummer Body ShenanigansCatch Jessica Jackson in this bite-sized episode as she unpacks the pressure to shrink your body for summer and the societal narratives around it. Through Jessica's health journey, she highlights the lifestyle switches that boosted her health. Jessica and Ariele tackle the often overlooked topic of perimenopause to the influence of social media on our body image. Jessica touches on the role of social media and weighs in on some of the latest fitness trends like rebounders and vibration plates. 💜 Love the show? Support Emboldened with Jessica! 💜 Your donation helps cover production costs and impro...
2024-08-0313 minEmboldened with JessicaWe OutsideSummary: Brace yourselves for an honest and hilarious chat with Jessica and Ariele as we dive into the summer dating scene and the art of being 'outside'. Jessica breaks down the essentials of setting clear intentions and being real with yourself and your dates. We also discuss the importance of setting ground rules with friends to keep everyone safe while having fun. From reconnecting with exes ('circling the block') to dealing with guys who expect financial indulgence ('drizzle drizzle'), and being upfront about what you want ('applying pressure'), this episode covers it all. Tune in as we...
2024-07-0418 minEmboldened with JessicaAdult Friendship Levels: How to Build Healthy, Lasting Friendships & Strengthen Social WellnessAdult friendships are powerful, healing, complicated, and constantly evolving. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica and Producer Ariele unpack the psychology of friendships, the different tiers of connection, and how friendships support mental wellness and emotional resilience across life stages. Together, they explore research showing that strong friendships are directly linked to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased longevity. The conversation breaks down how friendships naturally exist on different levels — from acquaintances and activity-based friendships to deeply intimate, chosen-family relationships — and why understanding these distinctions helps us create healthier expectations and stronger bonds. J...
2024-04-2229 minEmboldened with JessicaEras, Which one are you in?Summary: Host Jessica Jackson, a decolonizing somatic therapist and expert in holistic healing, brings her perspective to this thought-provoking discussion on the "eras" of life. In this episode, Jessica and producer Ariele explore the dynamic phases we all go through—from transformative healing and alignment to the hustle and grind seasons of life. They dive deep into the importance of recognizing and embracing distinct eras, encouraging listeners to honor their unique journeys. Together, they unpack what it means to find softness after hardship, redefine ambition with authenticity, and embrace your version of the "girl boss" era...
2024-02-2022 minEmboldened with JessicaPursuing Your Passions In this episode, host Jessica Jackson a decolonizing somatic therapist, and Ariele takes you on a transformative journey of discovering and pursuing your passions, exploring how following what excites and ignites you can profoundly enhance your mental health and overall happiness. Jessica dives into the ways aligning with your true passions can bring clarity, purpose, and fulfillment to your life. With her signature blend of insight and warmth, Jessica shares actionable, research-backed strategies to help you implement your plans and take meaningful steps toward the things that light you up. Whether you're looking to reignite an old p...
2023-12-2922 minEmboldened with JessicaThe Rise of the Soft LaunchIn this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, host Jessica Jackson, a Decolonizing Somatic Therapist, and Ariele dive into the fascinating world of relationship launches—both soft and hard. Joined by the brilliant Jae Johnson, a dedicated advocate for underserved communities, they unpack the nuances of navigating relationship changes and the art of sharing those moments with friends, family, and the ever-watchful eyes of social media. Jessica, Ariele and Jae explore the many layers of deciding when, how, and if to reveal your relationship status, offering thoughtful perspectives on boundaries, privacy, and trust in today's hyperconnected world. With a b...
2023-09-0131 min
Emboldened with JessicaBuilding Community and Friendships In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, host Jessica Jackson, a Decolonizing Somatic Therapist and Ariele takes a deep dive into the art of connection by exploring the dynamics of building community and cultivating meaningful friendships. From the shared foundations of these relationships to the unique ways they impact our lives, Jessica and Ariele unpacks what it means to truly create and sustain connections that matter. We dive into the joys and challenges of mixing friend groups, shedding light on the potential for deeper bonds—and the occasional awkward moment. Jessica also expands the conversation to include vari...
2023-06-2719 min
Emboldened with JessicaNegotiating For SuccessNegotiation isn't just for boardrooms—it's a life skill we all need, especially in today's world where inflation impacts everything from salaries to everyday purchases. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we dive into how to stand up for your worth and navigate negotiations with confidence. Jessica kicks things off by sharing her journey of negotiating for a new car, revealing the surprising (and sometimes sneaky) sales tactics dealerships use. From there, she and Producer Ariele explore how negotiation extends beyond money, touching on how we negotiate boundaries, relationships, and everyday situations. Finally, the ep...
2023-05-3014 min
Emboldened with JessicaEmbracing the Villain Era: Exploring Boundaries and Self-CareIn this episode, mental health therapist Jessica Jackson and her friend Ariele discuss the concept of the "villain era" and what it means to embrace your inner villain. They explore the differences between main character energy and the villain era, as well as popular culture examples of complex villains like Cruella and Killmonger. They also discuss the importance of community and support in shaping whether someone becomes a superhero or a villain and share tips for identifying your own villain origin story and setting healthy boundaries. This podcast is not a replacement for therapy or counseling with...
2023-05-3016 min
Emboldened with JessicaHot Auntie Summer Emboldened with Jessica: Hot Auntie Summer Welcome to the debut episode of Emboldened with Jessica! 🎉 In this kick-off conversation, we dive into all things dating—yes, the good, the bad, and the awkward—and introduce the empowering phenomenon of "Hot Auntie Summer." 🌟 What exactly is "Hot Auntie Summer," you ask? It's a celebration of women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond who are unapologetically embracing their independence, sexuality, and the freedom to live life on their own terms. Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this movement is all about owning your power and j...
2023-05-1217 min
Emboldened with JessicaTrailerNew Episodes will be released on 5/30/23 Stay Connected: Instagram: @EmboldenedwithJessica FaceBook @EmboldenedwithJessica TikTok: @EmboldenedwithJessica Credits: Host: Jessica Jackson Produced by: Ariele Edited by: Ariele Marketing: Afia Digital Solutions Transcription JessicaJ: Welcome to the podcast Emboldened with Jessica. I'm Jessica, a licensed mental health counselor. This podcast is for you, if you're interested in personal growth and relatable community conversations. Emboldened with Jessica examines the nuances of holistic wellness, popculture, and sh...
2023-05-0600 min