PODCAST · society
Listen for REAL
by Jen Oliver
Welcome to Listen for REAL — a podcast where we expand our perspectives and connect more deeply through earthy conversation, curiosity, and soul-level revelations. I’m Jen Oliver — a woman shaped by a lifetime of privilege, inherited beliefs, and an echo chamber that once kept my limited worldview comfortably intact.That way of living (and viewing others) no longer works for me. It kept me performative, judgmental, and disconnected from the fullest expression of my truth — and distanced from other people.This podcast began as the antidote to that echo chamber. A space to lean into conversation with others whose world view, lived experience or belief system differed from my own.And now, in this new season, the show is evolving.We’re doubling down on the practice of truth-telling - I ask my guests to share a moment of truth or personal revelation that pushes past the more palatable things that we have been trained to say. Each episode brings unfiltered conversations, raw human hone
Episodes
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They Offered Me a Payout to Stay Quiet. I Said No.
She ran $580 million in revenue and 10 stores when her boss asked her to lie to her team. Brin'na Rollins-Williams said no, walked away with nothing, and two years later calls it the best decision she's made. This conversation also covers what it costs to stay silent when you know something's...
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He Deleted Me From Facebook. Twice.
Staci Berkovitz reconnects with a man she'd all but forgotten, three dates and five years ago, and it turns into something real. Until it doesn't. Twice. There's a coach's line that still hasn't let Jen go, and a gut feeling Staci spent weeks trying to talk herself out of. We go there on both...
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Dad. Hollywood. If he were alive, how would he feel about me saying this?
Jeromy sat in the hot seat this episode, or as close to it as a chair across from an old friend can get. Jen asked him the question she asks every guest: name a moment you had to tell the truth. He came back with two. The first goes back to his dad. Big personality, bigger reputation, a…
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No One Judges You Harder Than You
She was discovered hitchhiking on a busy interstate. Barefoot. Tasmanian devil boxer shorts. Ripped t-shirt. Her dog — off leash — right beside her as cars raced past them. That's the story Michele Capots told her 16-year-old nephew over dinner. The nephew who had just ghosted her after finding…
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When they turn their back on you & you still tell the truth
J. Ross Parrelli is a rapper, slam poet, educator, and founder of Beats Lyrics Leaders — a hip hop arts education organization that has worked with over 50,000 students across 150+ classrooms, from military academies to Native American reservations. In this conversation, J. Ross and Jen go deep…
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The truth is…I left a “good” marriage with no villain and no logical explanation
Episode overview In this candid, tender conversation, Jen Oliver and Jen Aks discuss what it means to tell the truth and end a relationship—especially when it was seemingly “really good.” There was no villain and no tidy explanation that satisfies logic. Jen Aks shares the pivotal choice to leave...
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If AI was driven by your soul - what answers would it give!
I once believed - ignorantly - that “guidance” according to our star signs & astrological charts was for softheaded people needing the power of suggestion to make decisions. This conversation with Rachel Loewenherz blew my echo chamber wide open. Rachel shares her journey from a traditional...
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Online dating with no pics - just your values?
I was always intrigued by the premise behind “Love Is Blind” - a reality show where singles try to find a match and fall in love -- without ever seeing each other face-to-face, as emotional connection attempts to conquer physical attraction. Full disclosure, I don’t watch TV so I haven’t seen an...
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“Act like a man!” and Break the Glass Ceiling with Dr. Kasi Lacey
My conversation with Dr. Kasi Lacey speaks to a common experience among many; a woman and leader confronting the glass ceiling in an organization. Kasi was passed over more than once for positions she was eminently qualified for “because they were instructed to hire a man…” Her encounter with...
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Disordered eating and silencing yourself share a solution; listen to your body!
In this conversation, Amber Abila and I discuss the challenges many of us face when it comes to listening to our bodies, setting boundaries, and giving voice to what’s true for us. Amber is a binge and overeating coach, while I coach people to speak with impact and clarity from their truest…
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Coming home to yourself and the dismantling that requires
I don’t often use the word “enlightening” but this conversation with Lara Waldman was just that. We explored our stories of spiritual awakening, the ways that we understand this elusive term called “manifestation,” and our unique journeys of self-discovery. This was a topic of conversation that I...
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The “echo chamber” of the American military expands my own
When echo chambers collide you get the best conversation! I sat down with Justin Cauthen, a man with 20 years of military service and five combat tours to his credit - not to mention leadership roles in situations and countries where hostility is often the norm. His story is powerful. And so is…
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We limit ourselves by the stories we believe
Y’all, this episode with Bara Mann was one that I want you to be a part of. We talked about belonging, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves—especially the ones that no longer serve us. Bara shared her childhood moments of trying to fit in - and I talked of what that looks like as an adult....
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“Horribly Lovely” - A conversation with Jon Kohrs
Reading “Horribly Lovely” was exactly that…and, I could not stop turning the pages. My conversation with the author, Jon Kohrs, went deep as we talked about his “Horribly Lovely” journey. I will avoid spoilers, but this newly released book may cause you to reconsider many things. I confess to...
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Tackling One Fear Per Year
Janice and I unpack our personal fears and the unique way she continues to overcome hers. I am someone who has historically craved certainty and safety - and as usual – my perspective shifts and so does our conversation! Our discussion pivoted into dating, love and our own relationships and...
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I received a love letter…
One year ago, a Valentine’s Day love letter came my way and I recorded my thoughts about it. This week’s episode is a replay and is the perfect precursor to my next conversation in which I unpack all that has changed (or not) in the last year…Join me. About Jen Oliver: Jen Oliver is a speaker,...
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REAL stories witnessed in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza
I am honored to be in conversation with Mark Patinkin, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting, as he shares an array of human stories that help us to grasp the complexities of life and war in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Patinkin moves from armchair commentaries to analyst…
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REAL talk on romance and the barrier to better love with Anna K. Morris
My limited view on love and relationships has been blown wide open again. Anna K. Morris is on the “couch” with me and we talk super candidly about true love and knowledge of self in our romantic partnerships. This is NOT the rom-com, cultural ideal, religiously formed, or social media driven...
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When expressing ourselves is a matter of life and death
My friend and guest, Kelley Sewell, says her voice felt small in her younger years –yet when she wrote, she found solace and empowerment in the act of writing—her pen becoming a powerful tool to express what couldn’t always be spoken. Join me in an intimate conversation with Kelley, a skilled…
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Boudoir photography & liberating women…from a man’s lens
I loved my conversation with Brad Walsh, a boudoir photographer and male ally in the women’s empowerment space. Brad has a quality about him that makes a potentially sensitive topic totally accessible - we delve right into the art and beauty we’ve uniquely experienced when clothing is removed.…
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From Amish to Empowered; one voice liberates others
I am “on the couch” in conversation with Saloma Fisher who lived until age 32 in a conservative Amish community; we covered stuff that shocked me right out of my own misconceptions. Yes, there are the typical things many are aware of…no cars, modern conveniences, outside influences, music, or TV....
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A different kind of matching platform: connecting sexual assault survivors
We got passionate and informed in this episode.I had the honor of hosting @TracyDeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a survivor-founded nonprofit that has been able to create an encrypted platform allowing sexual assault survivors to find others harmed by the same perpetrator, without requiring them to...
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No box can contain her! (And no box ever should)
Oh this conversation, EEEEEEK! Femily Howe joins me on the “couch” and we cover the best stuff - from unconventional relationships to gender equity at its creative and inclusive best in our corporate cultures. Add in a killer discussion on feminism and the value of keeping our labels and then top...
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This is a FREE Woman: Trauma Healed Through Movement
This conversation was powerful and a testimony to what is possible! Jacia Kornwise shares parts of her compelling journey from victimhood to survivorship, illustrating the liberating tool of emotional and physical expression. Her energy, clarity, strength and ability to thrive inspires me… Join…
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Mom turned activist; how we right a wrong
I spoke with Lisa Howard because I recall making assumptions about “activists” in previous years, especially as it relates to climate change. Full disclosure, I KNEW NOTHING about the state of our planet or the climate and simply parroted what I would hear conservative pundits assert. . SO now, I...
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Love stories without labels
I am upping the ante on REAL conversations as I sit down with my close friends, Jill Osur and Lisa Orrell. Jill and Lisa's not-so-random meeting led to a partnership that's as dynamic as it is loving. Their relationship teaches and challenges me and our open-hearted talks underscore the power of...
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Soulgasm? I’ll have what she’s having
I am doing my level best to get out of my head and connect more deeply with my soul and this conversation with Michal Spiegelman was right on time (aren’t all REAL conversations that way?) Michal is a master at helping us to tune into and dialogue with our soul. We discuss the spectrum of...
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Straight talk beyond gender transition
My preconceived notions on the gender transition experience got BLOWN UP thanks to this conversation with Andrea Leigh - a powerful woman of influence straight outta Oklahoma - with an affinity for fashion, tattoos, sports cars, Harleys and guns. Andrea has the unique perspective and wisdom that...
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The non-negotiables of divorce, kids, and our emotional healing
I invited Poonan Bhuchar on the pod because I believed her lived experience of marriage, divorce, and career differed from mine and would expand my perspective. Well...Poonan did teach me a great deal - but ultimately, we are more stunningly alike than different. From overriding our gut…
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How do we name this episode??? And other questions about touch.
This conversation was a little edgy, but so illuminating for me. I connect with Jaclyn Foster, the insightful author of "I Touch Myself" and we navigate awkward waters with laughter and REAL talk. There is more to consider with the intricacies of self-love and the art of body awareness. Plus, we...
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Am I allowed to call you disabled? And other confusing questions…
REAL conversation with Alycia Anderson - a wheelchair user who responds with candor to discriminatory assumptions and uncomfortable conversations that happen in her presence or after she has rolled away. Alycia helped me to remove the fear and pity lens that I was looking at disabled folks…
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When Motherhood Looks (and feels) Different
I learned so much during this conversation with Emelda De Coteau. Our motherhood journeys look very different - as we talk about the emotional terrain of raising a child with unique needs. Tears were definitely shed in this episode; Emelda speaks honestly about her journey as a mother to her...
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Sisterhood: We are Stronger as a Collective!
I am back with the insightful Christie Watrous for a heartfelt conversation on the intricacies of sisterhood. We get REAL about the social conditioning that often pits women against each other and share our own journeys toward meaningful connections. Christie and I discuss our shared passion…
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Pleasure is our birthright
My conversation with Christie Watrous expands my limited viewpoint…again. We unpack what it means to connect with our bodies and each other, defining intimacy and pleasure in REAL terms. Spoiler alert: intimacy and pleasure are not always sexual and wow sometimes they are - AND it can look...
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Two women and a conversation about race and grace
Here I am, a white chick, learning what’s appropriate to ask of a black woman when it comes to her lived experience. Thank God for Wanda Smith who is grace and wisdom embodied into one beautiful human. I ask a lot of careful, race-related questions because I am so afraid of doing it wrong - but…
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The Valentine letter I received
A love letter ended up in my hands. It’s the week of all things LOVE and I’m feeling moved to record an impromptu, mini-episode with just us…you and me – as I share a message received on Valentine's Day. I hope that revealing something this personal - and then unpacking all that it represents -...
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REALity check: Listening to our bodies
Another REALity check on the couch with one of my besties - Christina and I share honest stuff about our bodies and how to process emotions and the sensations we feel. This episode comes with a CONTENT WARNING given I speak on matters relating to sex and trauma work and Christina discusses her...
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Adversity to REAL Impact with Dr. Sarah Almilli
This talk with Dr. Sarah Almilli underscores the very reason I started this podcast! We start with my recap of when I was called a racist (among other fun things) on social media – and my determination to pursue conversations that broaden my limited perspective. AND, Sarah delivered a REAL convo…
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A spiritual conversation with no suitable title
As someone who spent decades experiencing God and a faith practice in a limited, narrow way - I am always looking to learn and stretch my perspective. Kerri Naber and I delve into an honest chat - touching on various aspects of faith plus the challenges of navigating religious constructs. She and…
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This is the face of PTSD?
Megan explains the struggle of putting on a brave face while wanting to disappear in plain sight - the sheer exhaustion and sense of hopelessness when searching for help. This is the experience of countless individuals affected by post traumatic stress injuries. Megan also shares hopeful insight...
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Redefining Success: From Big Law to Self-Care
“How is this going to serve me?” I bristle when I hear that phrase because I once believed words like that were the epitome of “self-ish” — NOT SO! Julian Sarafian speaks to his high-pressured path from Berkeley to Harvard to a career in Big Law and then his decision to go a different direction.…
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Embracing peace in the wake of loss
Christina reflects on her anxiety and desperate need for control along with the anticipatory grief she wrestled with for nearly 17 years, since her Mom’s first cancer diagnosis. And now, she has the gift of deeper insight and peace - something she never anticipated in the wake of losing her…
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How to begin again, NO MATTER WHAT
With humor and a crazy level of wisdom and instinct that comes only with pain and vulnerability – Erin and I talk about what it is like to build your own life for the first time. AND she is building something incredible, having lived through more than most before the age of 40. Guest Bio: Erin...
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Imposter syndrome, DEI=B, and reframing the word “should”
It took us a few minutes to get rolling in this episode because I was speaking carefully…and NOT because Tiffany K. Martin makes conversation difficult (quite the contrary - she is an exceptional woman). I was playing it safe. We talk about life’s ever-shifting rules of engagement and our…
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Speaking y(our) truth by getting out of your head
Never underestimate the power of a person who can connect to their truth and bring THAT voice forward! Maybe you relate, as I do, to the individual who is detached from their real feelings and stories. How often do we find ourselves in a battle with the constant chatter in our head - delivering...
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We decide the end of the story even when we didn’t choose Chapter 1
Albert and I are close in age and shared values but we arrive at our conversation with very different origin stories…he grew up as a Mexican-American in LA surrounded by gangs, violence, insecurity and pain. I am a white girl raised in Silicon Valley with all of the privilege that comes with a...
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It’s not grandiose or sexy - but it sure is effective!
I’m the kind of person who dreams and plans in grand fashion. For years, I operated under a notion that big ideas require even bigger action plans - and that small actions are insignificant and a waste of time. And predictably, my workload became unsustainable and I would stall in overwhelm.…
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Reframing ADHD and it’s about time!
Michelle Raz has a statement on the back of her business card that says, “ADHD is a gift…what’s yours?” Not gonna lie, I am not sure many kids and adults with ADHD would agree with her statement; for many it is excruciating terrain to navigate. There are answers! Guest Bio: Michelle Raz is an...
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Domestic abuse, family court and a behind the scenes perspective (part 2)
We have another kind of “me too” movement on our hands. This conversation with Eunice Brownlee blew my mind as she shared her personal experience with domestic abuse and the inequities often found in the family court system. It is enough to experience abuse at the hands of another; but to endure...
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Domestic abuse, family court and a behind the scenes perspective (part 1)
We have another kind of “me too” movement on our hands. This conversation with Eunice Brownlee blew my mind as she shared her personal experience with domestic abuse and the inequities often found in the family court system. It is enough to experience abuse at the hands of another; but to endure...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Listen for REAL — a podcast where we expand our perspectives and connect more deeply through earthy conversation, curiosity, and soul-level revelations. I’m Jen Oliver — a woman shaped by a lifetime of privilege, inherited beliefs, and an echo chamber that once kept my limited worldview comfortably intact.That way of living (and viewing others) no longer works for me. It kept me performative, judgmental, and disconnected from the fullest expression of my truth — and distanced from other people.This podcast began as the antidote to that echo chamber. A space to lean into conversation with others whose world view, lived experience or belief system differed from my own.And now, in this new season, the show is evolving.We’re doubling down on the practice of truth-telling - I ask my guests to share a moment of truth or personal revelation that pushes past the more palatable things that we have been trained to say. Each episode brings unfiltered conversations, raw human hone
HOSTED BY
Jen Oliver
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Listen for REAL have?
Listen for REAL currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Listen for REAL about?
Welcome to Listen for REAL — a podcast where we expand our perspectives and connect more deeply through earthy conversation, curiosity, and soul-level revelations. I’m Jen Oliver — a woman shaped by a lifetime of privilege, inherited beliefs, and an echo chamber that once kept my limited worldview...
How often does Listen for REAL release new episodes?
Listen for REAL has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Listen for REAL?
You can listen to Listen for REAL on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Listen for REAL?
Listen for REAL is created and hosted by Jen Oliver.
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