The Year We Chose Ourselves: Season 3 Reflections on Healing and Growth
Emboldened with Jessica
In 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...
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Emboldened Choices: Navigating the Child-Free Journey
Emboldened with Jessica
In 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...
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Purity Culture Harms: Healing Shame, Reclaiming Pleasure, and Body Autonomy
Emboldened with Jessica
Purity culture has left deep scars—especially for people of the global majority, women, queer folks, and those navigating the intersections of religion, culture, and colonialism. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we explore the harms of purity culture, from shame and silencing of desire to the loss of body autonomy. Jessica breaks down how purity culture isn’t just a 1990s evangelical trend—it has roots in colonial control, patriarchy, and the policing of marginalized bodies. You’ll hear trauma-informed insights, somatic healing practices, and compassionate tools to help you...
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Packing Up, Leveling Up: How to Move Forward (Literally & Emotionally)
Emboldened with Jessica
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....
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A Soft Summer: Rest, Heal & Choose Presence
Emboldened with Jessica
This 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 How nervous system care supports...
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Modern Dating Unfiltered: Breaking Norms, Navigating Connections & Embracing Self-Awareness
Emboldened with Jessica
Dating 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...
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From Dreaming Big to Thriving Businesses: Practical Strategies for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Emboldened with Jessica
In 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...
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Big Goals, Bold Moves: A Guide to Personal Rebranding
Emboldened with Jessica
In 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...
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When Family Hurts: Navigating the Path of Estrangement
Emboldened with Jessica
Summary: In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, host Jessica Jackson a Decolonizing Somatic Therapist, sits down with special guest Madeline Ammar, an Afroecletic Queer Somatic Therapist, and cosmic Faerie, to dive into the complex and emotional world of family estrangement. Together, they explore the reasons behind family conflicts, the challenges of going no contact, and the grief that often accompanies these decisions. This conversation illuminates the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and protecting one's peace, especially during times like the holidays. Jessica and...
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More Than Fashion: How Style, Ballroom Culture, and Community Organizing Create Change
Emboldened with Jessica
In this episode of 'Emboldened with Jessica', the conversation explores the intricate relationship between fashion and personal style, emphasizing how they shape identity and self-expression. The hosts discuss the evolving definitions of fashion and style, the societal implications of clothing choices, and the importance of comfort and confidence in personal expression. The episode also features an insightful interview with Justin Michael Hendricks, who discusses the intersection of fashion, community, and social justice, particularly within the context of ballroom culture and empowerment....
info_outlineIn 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 various types of communities, such as online spaces, family ties, professional networks, and membership-based groups, reflecting on the diverse ways we find belonging and support.
For professionals or anyone struggling to meet new people, this episode is packed with actionable tips on building connections—like being approachable, recognizing body language cues, and starting conversations with shared interests or genuine compliments. Jessica also explores the “secret sauce” of maintaining strong friendships, emphasizing the power of love languages in nurturing and deepening those bonds.
But friendships and communities aren’t without their challenges. Jessica reflects on the shadow side of relationships, offering thoughtful insights into addressing conflicts, navigating toxic dynamics, and fostering healthier interactions.
Whether you're looking to expand your circle, strengthen existing relationships, or better navigate the complexities of community, this episode is filled with heart, humor, and practical wisdom to help you feel more connected. Tune in and join the conversation!
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This podcast does not replace therapy or counseling with a licensed professional.
Jessica’s Cozy Book Nook: -Bookshop
How to Win Friends and Influence People- Dale Carnegie - Amazon
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Credits:
Host: Jessica Jackson, LCPC, ASDCS
Produced by: Ariele & Jessica Jackson
Edited by: Ariele
Marketing: Afia Digital Solutions