Known Through Connection with Jess Collicott

Julie Finley spent years believing the weight she carried in her marriage was hers to hold, until clarity came from a place she didn't expect. As the founder of Revelation Coaching in Omaha and an NPC Bikini competitor, Julie rebuilt her strength in the gym first, then found the wholeness that finally gave her the courage to walk away and start over for herself and her two daughters. This is a conversation about trusting your gut, knowing it was never your fault, and believing there's a future of hope on the other side of what feels impossible.Connect with Julie Finley:Instagram: instagram.com/j.finley_fitRevelation Coaching: instagram.com/revelation_coachingWebsite: revelationcoachingomaha.comIf you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788

Jason Hamer was three years into building Hamer Business Toolbox with his wife Katie when a multiple myeloma diagnosis arrived on top of everything else he was already carrying.He kept doing client calls from his hospital bed, showed up for his daughters one small moment at a time, and leaned on the people who refused to let him face it alone.This is a conversation about the values of authenticity and understanding that held him through all of it, and what he would say to anyone who feels like the hard things just keep coming.

Deion Wells-Ross grew up in the inner city of Omaha navigating environments shaped by gun violence, gang activity, and limited horizons. Nobody sat him down and told him he could build a different life. He had to figure that out himself.What followed is a story about pattern recognition, unlearning, and the kind of choosing that does not happen once but over and over again across years. It includes walking into a coach's office as a complete stranger days before the school year started, earning a spot on a team that would go on to win a national championship at Nebraska Wesleyan, and eventually building a career at the intersection of human development and technology.Then, on January 1st, 2024, life dropped a different kind of adversity on him. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis. And Deion made a decision: he was not taking anything to the grave.In this conversation, Deion and host Jess Collicott talk about what it actually takes to walk away from the life your environment scripted for you, the painful and often unspoken process of unlearning, what made a national championship team great, and how the adversity equation, E plus P equals R, has shaped the way Deion approaches everything, including MS.This is Episode 16 of Known Through Connection. Leave Nothing to the Grave.Real People. Worth Connecting.

Christy Johnston spent years as a Chief People Officer at one of the fastest-growing companies in her industry and never lost her humanity. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually looks like to love your people well through hard seasons, including layoffs, and why the leaders doing it right today are about to pull away from everyone else.Connect with Christy Johnston on LinkedIn or at magneticcultures.com.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Clark and Angie Hanson, two returning guests who have also become friends behind the scenes. This conversation is honest and grounding, grief, strength, and giving yourself grace when life feels heavy.Angie and Erin share about the “both and,” how people can be strong and still feel fragile, and why giving yourself grace is not a cliché, it’s a practice. If you are carrying loss, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating a hard season, this episode is a steady reminder: you are allowed to be human.In this episode, we talk about:The unexpected way Angie and Erin connected through the show“Strong” and “fragile” living in the same personWhy grief changes you, but does not erase youHow to hold space for yourself and for othersGiving yourself grace, especially when you feel behindLinksErin Clark, How’s the Weather: https://www.hows-the-weather.com/Angie Hanson, Butterflies and Halos: https://butterfliesandhalos.com/

In this episode, Creighton Clewis shares a story of strength that reaches far beyond the gym. Her journey started in a season marked by loss, grief, and questions about identity and worth. Through faith, community, and a commitment to healing, Creighton has become stronger in every part of her life.We talk about the connection between inner transformation and outer change, how to build healthy relationships, and what it looks like to reframe negative thoughts and rebuild your sense of self. Creighton opens up about grief, mental health, community support, and the role her faith is playing as she moves forward with clarity and purpose.This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, anyone navigating a hard season, or anyone searching for the higher version of themselves. Creighton’s honesty and strength offer a grounded reminder that healing is possible and that you do not have to walk your journey alone.Special thank you to Tim Rexius, Brittney Rexius, and Nick Langer for welcoming us into Iron Heaven Gym and allowing us to record this episode there. Their gym community has been an important part of Creighton’s journey.Connect with Iron Heaven: https://ironheavenomaha.com/Connect with Creighton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myy__sunshine__/Thank you for listening to Known Through Connection. Subscribe or follow for more conversations about presence, identity, and the relationships that help us grow.

In 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 reflects Erin’s warmth, her humor, her faith, and the deep love she shared with Greg. It also explores how this softer check-in has begun helping kids, teens, and adults name what they’re carrying in a way that feels safe and manageable.If you’ve ever wanted a kinder way to ask how someone is really doing, or you’ve struggled to find words in a hard season, this episode offers language, compassion, and steady hope.

What does it mean to stay grounded, human, and connected in a world that is accelerating faster than any of us imagined?In Part 2 of their heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Jess Collicott and former technology leader turned realtor, Bridget Knaub, continue exploring what it feels like to navigate personal and societal change in the age of AI. Together they ask deeper questions about identity, authenticity, and what truly sets humans apart in a world where machines can replicate almost everything except our lived experience.This episode dives into real stories and honest reflection. Jess and Bridget talk about the rise of AI-generated people, the value of imperfections, the role of human touch, and why genuine connection may become even more precious as technology advances. They explore how AI can free us to be more human, how to recognize when we have drifted from our core, and what it means to raise children in a future defined by both imagination and disruption.They close by looking ahead. Ten years from now, what will we hope we got right about this season of change? And how do we stay grounded and authentic in the midst of so much uncertainty?If Part 1 sparked your curiosity, Part 2 will deepen it.If Part 1 felt like opening the door, Part 2 invites you to step inside.Connect with Bridget:Instagram: @bridget_knaub_omaha_realtorIf you have not listened to Part 1, we encourage you to start there.Thank you for being part of the Known Through Connection community. Keep choosing connection. Keep choosing presence.

What does it mean to stay human in a time when technology is changing faster than we can comprehend?In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jess talks with former technology leader Bridget Knaub, who is navigating a new season of life and work as a real estate agent. Their dynamic is warm and natural, filled with honest curiosity and the kind of trust that allows the conversation to unfold with depth and ease.Together they explore what it feels like to stand at the edge of rapid change while personal life is shifting too. They reflect on their shared background in technology, the fast acceleration of AI, and how it is reshaping everything from education to careers to the quiet moments of everyday life. The dialogue moves through curiosity and caution, and into the growing importance of presence and connection as the world speeds up.Part 1 lays the foundation for a deeper discussion about purpose, identity, and what it means to stay human in Part 2.If you have ever wondered how to stay grounded in an age of constant change, this conversation will help you breathe and remember what matters most.Connect with Bridget on Instagram at: @bridget_knaub_omaha_realtor

When you’ve walked through unimaginable loss, finding your way back to faith can feel impossible.In this episode, Known Through Connection host Jess Collicott sits down with Angie Hansen, founder of Butterflies & Halos, whose story embodies grace through grief.After losing her infant son, her husband, and her brother within a few short years, Angie turned her pain into purpose by becoming a certified grief coach and creating spaces where others can heal. She shares what it means to sit in sorrow, how to support friends who are grieving, and the hope that faith can return even after silence.Angie also offers gentle guidance and resources for anyone walking through loss this season:Butterflies & Halos: gifts, writings, and faith-rooted support for healing hearts.The Collective for Hope: Omaha-based programs for grieving children and families.Get Griefy Magazine: free issues featuring stories of resilience and hope.The Holiday HeartLift: launching November 1, 2025, a 25-day series of short audio messages, journal prompts, and reflections to help you navigate the holidays after loss.Use code KTCHOLIDAY50 at checkout on ButterfliesandHalos.com for 50% off.This conversation is tender, faith-filled, and practical — a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, love and grace still hold us.

In this special episode, the spotlight turns inward. Host Jess Collicott shares pieces of his own journey through a year marked by disruption, loss, and rebuilding.With honesty and care, Jess opens up about moments that tested his health, faith, and identity, and the unexpected ways God, family, and community have carried him forward.This is not a story of perfection. It is a story of resilience, love, and presence in the middle of pain. It is an invitation to sit with the hard, to honor the process of becoming, and to remember that connection has the power to heal and restore.If you have ever wondered how to keep going when life unravels, Jess’s story will meet you there.

Tim “TC” Collins is a man whose life reflects strength, humility, and love. From being bullied as a child to losing his younger brother at 18, TC’s journey forged resilience and discipline, but it’s his faith and compassion that define him.In this episode of Known Through Connection, TC shares how pain became the foundation for his strength, why he treats every relationship as a gift, and how love is the true power that overcomes. His perspective on fatherhood, fitness, faith, and healing is timely, inspiring, and deeply human.If you want to be reminded of what high character and high values look like today, this episode is worth your time.

Five Simple Practices for Stronger In-Person ConnectionIn Episode 6, you’ll learn five field-tested ways to create genuine connection when meeting face-to-face. These small shifts can transform an ordinary coffee, lunch, or walk-and-talk into a moment where people feel truly seen.What you’ll learn:How to greet with a handshake that actually connects (and a quick tip if it doesn’t land right).Why opening with “It’s good to see you” sets the right tone.How being interested, not interesting, deepens conversation.Why steady eye contact matters more than scanning the room.How to carry the connection all the way through the goodbye.These practices come straight from Jess’s own playbook and are simple to apply in your very next interaction.If this format resonates, let us know. We’ll continue to weave in more short, practical episodes alongside guest conversations. Thanks for listening, and for helping others be known through connection.

On her birthday, Alexis Maust and her family lost their home to a sudden fire. What followed was a season marked by faith, resilience, and a community’s love that poured in when they needed it most.In this conversation, Alexis shares the events of that day, the vulnerable work of receiving help, and the ways she has learned to see life through the lens of love. We talk about surrender, asking for help, and discovering what cannot be taken, even when everything changes.Listen as Alexis reflects on:The moment she realized her family was safeHow a week-old prayer prepared her to receive loveWhy asking for help can deepen connectionChoosing faith over fear in the aftermath of lossConnect with Alexis:Facebook: Alexis MaustCoaching Instagram (Women’s Coaching): @beyour.awesomePersonal Instagram: @alexis_maustLinkedIn: Alexis Maust

Rebekah Bradford is more than an Olympian. She is a comeback champion and a model of faith-fueled strength. In this episode, Rebekah opens up about her journey through Olympic sport, the role of faith in the hardest seasons, and what it means to build real strength and resilience through family, setbacks, and second chances.We talk about:How to keep showing up after disappointment and lossFaith as an everyday anchor, not just a feelingThe slow, steady process of rebuilding after setbacksWhat it means to be seen and supported in both the spotlight and ordinary lifeBuilding a family and a future beyond medalsThis is not just a conversation about achievements. It is about the in-between moments that shape who we are and the growth that comes from showing up, even when things do not go as planned.Connect with Rebekah:LinkedIn: Rebekah BradfordInstagram: @bekahbradIf someone in your life is facing a setback or tough season, send them this conversation. It just might offer the hope or encouragement they need. ☀️

Grit and joy are woven through every part of Kelli Foreman’s life on Kodiak Island. In this episode, Kelli invites us into her real, unscripted world as a wife, mom, farmer, and the heart behind The Last Small Farm. Whether she’s caring for animals before sunrise, guiding her boys, or welcoming her online community, Kelli’s story is grounded in resilience, faith, and an honest love for simple things.Our conversation isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up—finding meaning in early mornings, in caring for others, and in the courage it takes to let life be both messy and beautiful. Kelli opens up about the challenges she’s faced on the farm, lessons learned through loss and recovery, and the choice to keep showing up with joy even on the hardest days. For Kelli, presence matters more than performance, and connection is found in the quiet, faithful rhythms of daily life.Connect with Kelli:🌱 Website: thelastsmallfarm.com📸 Instagram: @kodiakgoatdairyJoin the conversation:What part of Kelli’s story stayed with you? Share a moment of grit or joy from your own journey in the comments, or reach out to Kelli’s community to keep the connection going.

What does it mean to become known - not just for what you’ve survived, but for the way you live, lead, and lift others up? In this episode, Jess Collicott sits down with Hannah Soderstrom: founder, advocate, cancer survivor, and the heart behind Even Mermaids Get Leukemia.Hannah shares her journey from a normal 13-year-old to navigating a life-changing leukemia diagnosis. She opens up about the hardest moments, the power of presence, and how the support of family, friends, and generous strangers made survival possible. Together, Jess and Hannah explore the real meaning of connection, and how simple acts—like giving blood or showing up for a friend—can change a life.In this episode:​Hannah’s honest account of childhood cancer and the scariest hour she faced waiting for a blood transfusion​The story behind Even Mermaids Get Leukemia and its mission to help kids feel like kids again after cancer​How to support survivors, nominate a child, or make a difference in someone’s journey​The impact of small kindnesses and why presence always matters more than performanceSupport Hannah’s mission:→ Nominate a childhood cancer survivor, donate, or learn more at evenmermaidsgetleukemia.org→ Follow Even Mermaids Get Leukemia on Facebook and InstagramConsider donating blood.Every transfusion is a lifeline for kids like Hannah. Visit your local blood bank to make a real difference.Share this episode.If you know someone who needs encouragement, hope, or a reminder that they’re not alone, please send them this conversation.Thank you for being a part of Known Through Connection. Here, presence matters more than performance—and every story is an invitation to connect. ☀️

Welcome to the very first episode, where Jess Collicott opens the door to a new kind of podcast space: one where showing up matters more than showing off, and guests are truly seen. Jess shares personal stories and honest moments, inviting you into a space shaped by presence, dignity, and quiet strength.Key takeaways from this conversation:​Presence matters more than performance in meaningful connection.​True connection is about seeing, hearing, and honoring others.​There are four directions of connection: with others, those close to us, ourselves, and God.​Every story is treated as sacred - each guest is met with dignity and care.​Community support is vital, especially in hard times.​You’re invited, not just as a listener, but as part of this growing room.Have a story or feedback to share? Reach out anytime at [email protected] People. Worth Connecting. Built Under Resonance.