Brutiful Journey

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions? You’re not crying on the bathroom floor, but you’re not really laughing either. That, my friend, is apathy—and it’s sneakier than you think.In this episode, we’re talking about why apathy isn’t a failure—it’s a flag. You’ll learn how to recognize when your spark is fading and discover practical ways to reignite joy, purpose, and color in your everyday life.✨ You are not broken. You’re just ready for more.👉 Let’s move from surviving to thriving—together.🔗 Follow Brutiful Journey on Instagram → @brutifuljourney📔 Grab The Work Within journal bundle: https://brutifuljourney.myflodesk.com/selfdiscoveryjournalbundleKeywords: Keywordsapathy, self-care, healing, emotional health, mental wellness, personal growth, self-discovery, emotional numbness, therapy, empowerment

You juggle it all-work, family, the never-ending to-do list—and you do it well. But somewhere along the way, did you lose sight of you?In this episode of Brutiful Journey: The Podcast, we're peeling back the layers of responsibility to rediscover the woman underneath. If you’ve been feeling disconnected, lost in your own life, or like you're showing up for everyone but yourself, this is your permission slip to reconnect with the most important person in your life: you.You’ll walk away with:-A gentle reminder that you’re more than your responsibilities-A powerful perspective shift on what self-care really means-One simple step to start showing up for yourself todayYou don’t need a complete overhaul—just a moment to remember who you are.Let this be that moment.Grab your free journal and start your self-discovery journey: Click HERE!Follow the show so you never miss an episode!#BrutifulJourney #SelfDiscovery #YouAreMore

Imagine this. You wake up to an alarm and the to-do list starts before your feet even hit the floor.Get the kids ready.Be a good partner.Show up for work.Care for your parents.Volunteer, smile, keep it together.Sound familiar?Somewhere along the way, you became the one who keeps the machine running—but forgot what it feels like to be you.In this episode of Brutiful Journey: The Podcast, we’re talking about the quiet epidemic of self-abandonment. How so many women end up living like supporting characters in their own lives. We break down why “being fine” is not the goal, how we got here, and how to gently (but firmly) start showing up for yourself again.This one’s for you if:You feel like you’re doing everything right but still feel disconnectedYou’ve started to wonder: “Is this all there is?”You’re craving clarity, authenticity, and fulfillmentYou want permission—and a path—to rediscover who you are underneath all the roles💬 Let this be your wake-up call: You are more than what you do for others. And it’s time you remembered that.

What if the version of you the world sees isn’t the whole story?In this episode, Jessica Brubaker gives you permission to get curious about who you really are—beyond the roles, the routines, and the expectations. This isn’t about reinventing yourself for others. It’s about rediscovering the version of you that feels aligned, alive, and real.We’ll explore:Why self-discovery is an act of self-careHow to know when it’s time to reevaluate your identityPractical ways to reconnect with yourself (without burning your life down)This is your gentle (but honest) nudge: You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to want more. And you’re absolutely allowed to start again.✨ Let’s do the work of becoming… together.—🎙 Follow @brutifuljourney on Instagram#BrutifulJourney #SelfDiscoveryPodcast #YouAreAllowedToChange

How many times have you said, “I’m fine,” when you’re anything but?In this episode, Jessica Brubaker unpacks the quiet weight behind the word “fine” and why it’s often a sign that you’re stuck in emotional autopilot. We’ll explore how “fine” keeps us from fulfillment, why it’s become our default setting, and what it means to break free from it.You’ll walk away with insight, encouragement, and a few hard truths—plus a nudge to stop settling and start listening to what your life is really trying to tell you.In this episode:• The real meaning behind “fine”• How emotional disconnection shows up• Why fulfillment requires honesty• A gentle challenge to live more boldly✨ Let this episode be your permission to stop shrinking and start reaching. You deserve more than fine.👉 Join the journey on Instagram @brutifuljourney for more self-discovery, self-care, and real talk. Let’s build a life you actually want to live.

You’ve been told to believe you’re enough—and maybe, just maybe, you’re starting to. But what happens when you also feel the pull to grow, stretch, or dream a little bigger?In this episode of Brutiful Journey, host Jessica Brubaker unpacks the powerful truth that you can be both: grounded in your worth and wildly ambitious. We’ll explore what it means to live in the tension of contentment and curiosity, gratitude and desire, rest and growth. You’ll leave with a deep breath, a fresh perspective, and permission to want more—without guilt.✨ Plus: Reflection prompts, gentle mindset shifts, and encouragement to keep building the life you love to live.

In this episode of Brutiful Journey: The Podcast, we dive into the core concept of personal development and explore why it's such a powerful tool for creating a more fulfilled and meaningful life. Your host, Jessica Brubaker, is back and explains what personal development is—an intentional process of improving oneself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—and why it matters for anyone looking to grow and thrive. Key Takeaways: Definition of Personal Development: Personal development is the active pursuit of bettering yourself across key areas like mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Why It Matters: Investing in your personal growth helps you build resilience, gain clarity on your goals, improve relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Your turn: Start your personal development journey today by reflecting on one area where you'd like to grow. Write it down and stay tuned for actionable steps in future episodes.

Dre Penn was one of the most fun interviews I have done.  I get to see him twice a week, but it is in a different capacity because he is telling me to life heavy stuff and hold planks for what feels like forever.  Today, though, I got to talk to him about his story and how he has used the disappointment that injury can bring to an athlete to build a life he loves.  If you want to find Dre, you can check out his Instagram @dreday_05.  I hope that our conversation brings you some inspiration for pushing through your obstacles, too! 

Lauren is one of my mentors in the world of therapy and I have so much respect for what she has done in the field.  The wisdom that she brings to the table, whether we are talking about as a mentor, teacher, therapist, etc, is SO valuable.  It was so wonderful to chat with her about all things therapy, and especially about trauma therapy and addiction.  After you listen, I am sure you will love her as much as I do so make sure to check her out on Insta @lkinstitute or the good ole' world wide web at www.lkinstitute.com

Megan Good is the artistic genius behind the newly launched Brutiful Journey website.  I was so grateful to her for taking the time to sit down with me to talk about entrepreneurship, self-care, and being a woman in this crazy, mixed-up world.  It was such a blast to talk to her today AND to work with her on the thing of beauty that is www.brutifuljourney.com.  Check out her work by visiting the website and you can grab my self-care guide, too!  But, for now, just enjoy my conversation with the delightful Megan Good!  

Boundaries are an elusive topic.  We don't always know what the word means, we don't always know if what we are feeling is right, we don't always know if we should set a boundary or let one be violated.  This episode features some overarching thoughts about the topic-a little bit of a definition and a few tips.  At less than 20 minutes, it is just enough to get your brain going.  Are your boundaries working for you?

I talked all about how hard the comparison monster makes my fitness journey, but now I want to talk about something that makes it easier.  Or rather someone.  Cassie Smith is my Beach Body Coach and also my long-time gal pal.  Like, we met in a college dorm long time gal-pal.  Getting to sit down with her to talk about how health and fitness shows up in the lives of busy people was so wonderful and I am grateful to be on this road with her.  If you are interested, you can find her on The Gram @cdsmith33.  If you need some help and support in the fitness area, she is your gal.  Just tell her Jessica sent you! 

I jumped back behind the mic today to talk a little bit about my thoughts on why we compare ourselves to other people.  And why we need to stop comparing ourselves to other people!  If you enjoy what you hear, or you think someone needs to hear my message, take a screenshot for your social!  Tag me @jessicambru so I can say thank you personally.  Thanks for being a part of my journey, and for allowing me to be a part of yours.  

The dynamic of my family is really interesting.  I am the oldest of 11 grandchildren on my Dad's side and, when I say oldest, I mean oldest.  There is almost 20 years between myself and my youngest cousin and I was the only granddaughter for 12 years before another gal graced the Brubaker family.  I was reflecting the other day and I realized that this podcast was born out of my heart for mentorship for gals in their twenties.  And that heart for mentorship was born out of my relationship with my cousins.  So, I reached out and asked them if they would be willing to participate in a question and answer style podcast so that listeners can get to know me a little better and a little differently.  Honestly, I love these gals so much that the interview felt just like we were sitting around my grandma's table at Thanskgiving.....except for the fact that we were on Zoom and also that there was no turkey.  But, hearing their experience of me and how they are growing into themselves was so beautiful.  I hope you can relate and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having this conversation with these beautiful young ladies. 

I sat down with myself and the microphone to share a little bit more about my story and the things that have been coming up in my reflections in the last few weeks.  Like most of us, I have been spending a lot more time in my mind lately-as life altering experiences usually cause us to do.  But the result of those reflections was some increased awareness around this journey that I am on and I am so grateful to share it with all of you today.  I hope that it provides a little bit of inspiration, but what I really hope it inspires is your curiosity.  Consider the possibilities if you let yourself dream. 

Today was such a treat to get to have a Zoom call with Krystal and Zack of Hughes Crafted. They are local creatives who are doing their part to make our world and our space more beautiful. These two run a blog showcasing their own DIY projects at home as well as the custom pieces that they design and create from idea to execution. Krystal and Zack are DIYing their home and their life and I was so grateful to them for taking the time to share a little bit about their journey. I am also grateful to them for creating a custom built in piece for my home, photos of which can be found on all of my social media platforms, so go check it out! But not until after you delight in my conversation with Krystal and Zack of Hughes Crafted!  If you like what you hear, you can check out these two crafty makers on all of the social platforms @HughesCrafted or send them an email with an idea at [email protected]!

Emily Rieve and Lindsey Schoenemann took the leap from the classroom into entrepreneurship, and they did it together.  These Besties in Business sat down with me to share the journey that got them to where they are now.  In the uncertain times that we are currently facing, small businesses are definitely at risk.  If you want to support these gals and GenuWine Arizona, remember that they are still offering retail options at their location in Downtown Phoenix.  You can find them at 888 N. 1st Ave #101, Phoenix, AZ 85003 each day from 1pm to 7pm for grab and go wine and retail items.  You can also send an email to [email protected] to place and order to pick up.  Follow their journey on social @genuwine_az and/or @besties.in.business 

In these uncertain times, I find I am having a lot of conversations about feeling out of control.  We are only in control of ourselves, our bodies, our thoughts, our emotions and our behaviors.  This little bonus episode is the body scan meditation that I did with my staff today.  This is an exercise that should NOT be attempted while driving.  Find a quiet spot in your home, bedroom, backyard, office, etc and take some time to get grounded into the sensations of your body.  I think that the feeling of being settled, even if it just for a few minutes, will benefit you more than you realize.  

What a pleasure it was to have the lovely and talented Sarah Quinn, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Director and Owner of Arcadia Wellness Center in Phoenix.   We had such a beautiful conversation about business and self care.  I loved spending time with her and being able to talk about empowering each other as women and how beauty is both inside and out.  You can find Sarah on Instagram @arcadiawellnesscenter or online at arcadiawellnesscenter.com

I am so lucky because I got to have a beautiful conversation with Sarah Rice of Rice Design Studio in Tucson, Arizona. This gal is such a beautiful example of how life can throw you a curve and that you can survive it. I am so grateful for our discussions about self care, how your physical space can make such an impact and creating order out of chaos. Find her on social media @sarahricedesignstudio or on her website rdsinteriordesign.com   A million thanks to the incomparable Sarah Rice-enjoy.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Scott Ellis. A physical therapist by trade and an endurance athlete by nature. This guy has run more Ironman races than I can count and I am over here like “I will run that 5k if there is brunch at the end.” So much fun talking to Scott about how he got himself to where he is, his journey helping other athletes achieve their goals as a coach and how he can possibly run, bike and swim for an entire day. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Scott Ellis.  If you like what you hear, you can find him on Instagram @scottecoaching or by email at [email protected]

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lesley Meek.  Veteran teacher, MLM business owner and one of my favorite gal pals.  We talked business, personal development and how quickly things change in our world.  This episode is sure to inspire you to find the power that exists in taking care of and working on your relationship with you.  

Meet Katrina Taylor-she is bilingual, artistic and joyous.  Today, we talk about the power of choice in our lives and how choosing joy beats misery any day.  You can find out more about Katrina on Instagram @trinnalynne and @trinaslifeinfilm or on her blog trinalynne.blogspot.com/

What a delight it was to sit down with Counselor and Lead Wedding Planner at Riding Tandem-Carlie Gonzales.  We talk about emotional health, self care and planning your spontaneous moments.  As a note, we had some technical difficulties with the audio that were not editable but stick with us through the bumps because the great insight and tips on emotional balance are such gems that you may not even notice!  For more on Carlie, check her out on "the gram" @riding_tandem and @mscarliejo_ or on her website ridingtandem.com

In this episode, you will meet Jessica Brubaker, therapist and personal development enthusiast.  Gain a little bit of insight into who she is, the journey she is on and how she got here.  More interview style podcasts to come, but this episode features just Jessica telling her story.  Follow her journey on social Jessica M Brubaker on Facebook and @jessicambru on Instagram.  Check out her blog at www.bru-tifuljourney.com