I Turned a Hard Chapter Into a Book w/ Jessi Dunnagan

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Jessi Dunnagan—author and founder of Big Time Publishing—for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to follow the nudge, tell the truth, and create before you feel “ready.” Jessi shares how writing her first book started with a title in her head, became an unexpected kind of personal therapy, and ultimately turned into a business helping others stop sitting on the stories they’re carrying.Together, they talk about ditching the fear of being seen, why “failure” isn’t real if you keep going, how to protect your excitement by sharing wins with the right people, and why self-publishing can be one of the most empowering ways to own your story—without waiting for permission.If you’ve been holding a manuscript, a message, or a story you keep pushing off… this is your sign to start with the next sentence.Episode Highlights:Owning your story without waiting for permissionNot being afraid to be “mediocre” in public while you learnFollowing intuitive nudges that lead to the right next stepSelf-publishing as empowering, healing, and creatively freeingSharing wins with the right people and protecting your momentumChapters:00:01 — Meet Jessi + wearing many hats00:48 — Not afraid to be “mediocre” in public05:06 — When she knew she’d write a book10:27 — Why people don’t follow the nudge16:07 — Self-publishing: healing, empowering, no permission25:43 — Leaving corporate + building Big Time Publishing40:25 — Rapid fire: Hanson, skating, and owning your storyConnect with Jessi Dunnagan:Instagram & TikTok: @bigtimepublishing and @especiallyjessiWebsite - bigtimepublishing.comResource library: https://app.heartbeat.chat/bigtimepublishing/invitation?code=233E3CUpcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.