All Episodes - It Is What It Is
Welcome to It Is What It Is. A podcast where you will hear stories from those who chose to try a different way, how they navigated it, and how things are on the other side. Hearing these stories can provide some validation of your own feelings and experiences, and hopefully make you feel a little less alone. These episodes are meant to offer you guidance, a safe space, and the permission to become the most empowered and authentic version of yourself. Sure, it is what it is. But it becomes what you make it. What will you choose? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/itswhatitis/support
View Podcast Details45 Episodes
Episode 45: Incredible AND Incredibly Difficult
In this episode I am joined by Jess Walker of Jet Artworks. Jess is an Intuitive Artist, Tarot Reader, and my friend. Over the past several months, Jess and I both went through a death cycle. We found ourselves feeling stuck and EXTREMELY uncomfortable in a dead timeline, swimming in the uncertainty of the unknown. It wasn't the first time, and it certainly won't be the last. Jess and I talk about what this was like for us, what we realized, and where we are at now on the other side of it. Death is not something we experience once. It's something we experience over and over and over again until we leave this earth. The process of waking up and coming home to yourself is both incredible and incredibly difficult. Remember, more than one thing can be true at once ;) How to get in touch with Jess Walker (Cover Art & Today's guest): @jet.artworks (Instagram) @jesswalker25 (TikTok) www.jetartworks.space How to get in touch with Doug Halliday (Music): https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 How to get in touch with me: @itiswhatitisat (Instagram) @itiswhatitis_pod (Youtube) @itiswhatitisat@gmail.com
Episode 44: My Non-Negotiables for Life
This episode was inspired by the thinking I did after recording the last episode. I was inspired to look at my own values after realizing I have never really defined them for myself. I looked at the values that were based my upbringing and what implications those have had for me. And then I made a list of what my values are now and why. This episode is pretty much a walk through my process. It also has not one, but TWO book pulls. ACA Schematic: https://acawso.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/SCHEMATICIZED_RECOVERY_PACKET_1-30-16.pdf How to get in touch with Jess Walker (Cover Art): @jet.artworks (Instagram) @jesswalker25 (TikTok) www.jetartworks.space How to get in touch with Doug Halliday (Music): https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 How to get in touch with me: @itiswhatitisat (Instagram) @itiswhatitis_pod (Youtube) @itiswhatitisat@gmail.com
Episode 43: Boundaries Rooted in your Values
In this episode I chat with Boundary Coach Kami Orange. Her story includes her wild journey from growing up in a small cult subset of Mormonism in Utah by religious extremists to teaching and empowering others how to come up with their own boundary rolodex rooted in their own personal values. We talk about the feelings that come up when you start setting boundaries, how to navigate those feelings, and so much more. You don't want to miss this one! Connect with Kami: On Tiktok and Instagram at @kami_orange Online at www.kamiorange.com Cover Art: Jessica Walker (jessica90walker@gmail.com) Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com (https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12)
Episode 42: Livin the Dream
What happens when you get two friends on a podcast talking without a script to guide the conversation? A one hour and 20 minute long episode. But it's one hour and 20 minutes of gold. We talk about our experiences in toxic relationships and how weird it is when you get into healthy ones. We share some things we've learned along the way and express gratitude for our friendship that has been so valuable during the ups and downs of life.
Episode 41: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
In this episode I talk about the reasons why I left my career as a probation officer and the reasons why I stayed as long as I did. Spoiler alert: it's ok to change your mind. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 40: It Is What It Is
In this episode I talk about many of the things I haven't talked about over the last 10-11 months. The things I felt I couldn't or shoulldn't talk about, and I share some of the reasons why I felt that way. I started this podcast to be seen and heard as I truly am and to encourage others to do the same. This episode is me recommitting to that vision and recommitting to myself. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 39: Optimism Absent Validation
This week I talk about toxic positivity and how invalidating it can be. I think most of us have done it with the best intentions, and I think most of us experienced it as well. I give examples about what it might sound like and how to make some shifts to be a more supportive and validating presence for yourself and those you love. Sources available upon request. I pasted them here, and it became one giant hyperlink mess. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 38: A Letter to Myself
I'm back! This week I share a letter I wrote to my 28 year old self. The self that took her first big risk. She wanted better for herself and went looking for it, even though she had little confidence that anything better existed. I wouldn't be who I am without her. Also, I reference the feelings wheel which you can find here: https://images.app.goo.gl/sf2nR4ksEc9R3kRj9 Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 37: You Are Your Own Movie
This week I am joined by another truly magical being, Amanda Sachartoff. Amanda is a queer, nonbinary psychic energy worker who works with cycle breakers to help them trust their intuition and heal from their trauma. In this episode we talk about the importance of one's relationship with the inner child and inner child healing. Find Amanda on instagram at @amandasachartoff and @witchyandweirdpod Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 36: I Don't Know What To Do With My Hands
This is a very special episode with a very special guest. I am joined by my new boyfriend, Sam. We talk about what it has been like to be in a healthy relationship after some not so healthy ones. Most of the time I feel out of my depth, and I don't know what to do with my hands. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 35: Releasing Log Jams
This week I am joined by my friend Shannon Hatton. She is a Bioenergetic Practitioner and a Timeline Relocation Specialist. She shares her story and we talk about her work with The Body Code and The Emotion Code. Shannon is certified in these healing modalities, and they are a gentle way of acknowledging and releasing what your subconscious is no longer willing to carry. In the last hour or so of the episode you get to hear Shannon at work as she does a Body Code session with me. We work through 3 blockages relating to me feeling stuck in my current career path. This was such a great experience and I am so excited for you to hear it! Find Shannon at www.unitylovehealing.com and shannon_sevens on Tiktok. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 34: Thirty, Flirty and Thriving
I'M BAAAACK. And I am so excited. In this episode I catch up on what's been going on in my world and I take a look back at everything the last 10 years of my life was. I came out of my 20s with a lot of wisdom that I am excited to share. The last 20 minutes or so is a pick a pile reading on what lessons you might be learning right now and what is on the other side of those lessons for you. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 33: Standing up to Shame
In this episode I get pretty vulnerable and share about some of the work I have been doing. I have a lot of shame coming up around my sexual trauma and sexual experiences. I find that when shame is given a voice it loses it's power. Shame likes to exist in the muck where it can grow and fester. But when we bring it out into the light and share it with others it can no longer survive. This episode is an attempt to relieve some of that for myself. I hope it reaches who it needs to. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 32: Swiper No Swiping
In this episode I talk about my most recent experiences with online dating. I share my top 5 pet peeves when it comes to online dating and some examples of some profiles that made me say "huh?" I also spend some time talking about how this whole experience has been different now that I am aware of some of my relationship patterns. The episode ends with a quick little card reading as well. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 31: The Thief of Joy
Back with a solo episode this week to talk about the thief of joy: comparison. I talk about my recent struggles comparing myself and my experience to that of others and how I am working to shift that. I also speak to an experience I had this week that would usually derail me for days on end but only derailed me for less than 24 hours. You'll hear how I pulled myself out of a shame spiral, and how I'm trying to be nicer to myself when these "slip ups" happen. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 30: Just Breathe
This week I am joined by Tracy Holemeyer - Breathwork Facilitator, Meditation Guide, and Soul Worker. We talk about how healing is not meant to be a full time job, how to integrate and recalibrate as we learn more about ourselves and our trauma, how you can use your own breath to heal and so much more. You can find Tracy at www.uncontrollablyme.com and on IG @uncontrollably_me Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 29: Recovery is Alchemy
In this episode I am joined by my friend and sponsor Marie. We talk about many of the various 12 step programs, and how Marie has worked to develop what she calls the 12 step remedy for all. We discuss how when it comes to our addictions, whether it's to a substance, to food, to chaos, etc. we tend to be reactice rather than proactive. Marie hopes to help shift this by encouraging all who may be suffering to take the journey through the 12 steps. Find Marie @ www.mariespiroff.com Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 28: Good Grief
In this episode I talk about how some times (ok, most of the time) things will get worse before they get better when you're on this journey of coming home to yourself. I talk about why this is actually a good sign, and how to ride this wave of emotions to the other side. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 27: Fellow Travelers
This week I am joined by a fellow podcast host and fellow traveler Andrea Ashley. Andrea is the host of the Adult Child Podcast. In this episode we talk about what an adult child is and how we came to realize we are one. Andrea shares her experience, strength and hope which shows us that recovery is not just possible, but it's necessary. You can find Andrea on instagram and tiktok at @adultchildpod Are you an adult child? Find out here: https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/agzWO1fK5OAh Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 26: Soul Driven Living
Happy New Year! In this episode I have a surprise... Tina is making a special appearance! We talk about intentions versus resolutions. We talk about what we learned in 2021, what we are leaving there, and what we want to call in this year. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 25: No is a Complete Sentence
This episode is all about boundaries. What are they? Why do we need them? How do we set them? I answer all of these questions and get really vulnerable about some of my own struggles. To access the future self journal I reference in this episode, check out Dr. Nicole LaPera on instagram @the.holistic.psychologist Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 24: Flying Purple People Pleaser
In this episode I talk about how people pleasing has shown up in my life and speak to some of the ways I have grown in this area. I offer some questions to ask yourself if you believe this might be a pattern for you and pull a few cards to see what message you may need to hear about the people pleasing in your life. It's more than ok to have standards for how you want your relationships and your life to feel. It's more than ok to ask for what you want. This didn't always feel true for me, but it does now and it can for you too. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 23: Trust the Process
In this episode I talk about how I have come to learn and truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Yes, even the "bad" things. I talk about how I came to believe this, and how it was more so a string of small moments rather than one big aha moment. In the second half of the episode I pull some cards to help you figure out what you are releasing and what you are making space for by releasing it.Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 22: Having the Audacity to Live Out Loud
This week I'm talking with my friend, mentor and coach Tammi Lipp. She very bravely shares her story with us, highlighting how some of her most painful experiences have been her greatest gifts. I talk about my main takeaways from working with her and knowing her, highlighting one specific moment where she talked me through a BIG panic attack. She also shares with us four of the main flavors of resistance and gives some tips for how to work through those moments where we want to change but feel like we can't. Please excuse the random computer sounds and the few times where my dogs were apparently VERY thirsty... Get in touch with Tammi: www.novacancies.us tammilipp@gmail.com Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 21: The Multipassionalites
In this episode Brittany and I talk about how we both came to realize that we are multipassionalites. We believe there is a lot of pressure in life and business to niche down. To find and stick with your "one thing". We both tried to do this and realized it was hurting us more than anything. Connect with Brittany: Instagram and Tiktok @soulharmonyhealing or www.soulharmonyhealing.as.me Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 20: A Couple of Enlightened Ass Women
In this episode I'm joined by one of my best friends Tori Eger and we are talking about friendship. We share the story of how our friendship started, how it grew, how it fell apart, and how we reunited this year to put the pieces back together. We talk about how we have come to realize that good friendships are built on setting boundaries, clear communication, and being honest about what you are really available for. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Connect with Tori: @charcu.torie on IG
Episode 19: It's OK If You Don't Like Legos
In this episode I continue to talk about codependency and anxious attachment. I share some more stories and examples from my past my relationships and talk about how these patterns and behaviors can show up in other relationships too. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 18: An Emotional Rollercoaster of Hypothetical Situations
Don't worry... listening to this episode will not feel like riding that rollercoaster... it's another solo episode with Amanda! In this episode I talk about codependency and the anxious attachment style. This will likely be the first part of a two part series. This episode focuses on codependency and anxious attachment within the context of romantic relationships, specifically my own. I talk about what this has looked like for me and how I have started to heal it. I get a little emotional at the end so this was a hard to post. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 17: The Highlight Reel
What starts as a conversation about social media really ends up becoming a conversation about energy. Where is your time and energy going? How is that reflected in your social media feeds? How do you feel about the content you are consuming? And most importantly, are you your own energy vampire? We also end the episode with a mini pick a card reading. Tune and see which message is for you! Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 16: Dark & Twisty
This week we talk about diving into the deep, dark parts of yourself. The parts that may be difficult or painful to look at. That's right, we're talking about shadow work. What is it? How can you do it? Why do it in the first place? We answer all of this and more in this episode. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 15: Spiritual Libido
We're baaaaaaaack! And this week we are talking all about CARDS. We dive into our own use of tarot and oracle cards.. where it started and how it's going. We share some of our personal tips and tricks whether you are reading for yourself, a friend, or a total stranger. We finish up with mini readings for each other as well as a little reading for all of you! Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 14: Big Death Energy
Amanda here with a solo episode where I talk about how I felt like I was dying and realized that I am. Parts of me anyway. This episode is all about the cycles of death and rebirth that we go through, and the grief that comes along with it. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 13: You Have Earned Your Stripes
**We apologize in advance for the weird chirping sound in the background. If you can get past it, it's a really great episode** In this episode we talk about Letting go: specifically letting go of our Bullsh*t stories. The stories that we tell ourselves that aren't actually true, but they get in the way of us living our best lives. We also have a surprise guest! Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12
Episode 12: There's Always a Seat at Our Table
Sorry about the wonky sound at the beginning... it gets better!! This week we sit down with one of our dearest friends to talk about all things pride. Becca shares some of the history of pride month, resources for those in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as her own coming out story. Becca lives her life according to the three E's - Explore, Educate and enjoy. We love that, and we love her. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 11: Shit Adults Never Taught Us
This week we have our first guest, Natasha Sattler. She's an author, traveler, and just released her first book "Shit Adults Never Taught Us." The book covers 98 topics, all of which are informed by her own life experience. It's like self help without all the judgment and shame! In this episode we talk healing, anxiety, break ups, relationships, and so much more. Mostly we acknowledge that no one really has it all figured out, and the difference between you and the person you think does have it all together is confidence. Find Natasha/The Book @shitadultsnevertaughtus on IG. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 10: This New Pond Be Bussin
We've talked about our individual awakenings here and there on previous episodes. But what does that mean? What has that looked like for us? What might that look like for you? Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 9: Thank U, Next!
Forgive and forget? Nah. We'll do you one better. Forgive and make peace so you can live your best life. Why? Because you are worth it. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 8: This Isn't Funny Anymore
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It also gives you unhealthy coping mechanisms and a dark sense of humor... but we're not laughing anymore. In this episode we talk coping: healthy, unhealthy, and everything in between. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 7: Venti Depressos & Bustin' Ruts
It's ok to not be ok, and after last week's episode we realized we haven't been. We go full send in this episode, diving into our realization that we have been depressed, how we've been managing it, and what we plan to do now that we are aware of it. This episode is sprinkled with synchronicities and this time it's Amanda's dogs that do the disrupting. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 6: Body - Ody - Ody Image
In this episode we go through the highs and lows of our relationship with our bodies. But first, you get to hear what happened after we recorded the whole episode despite not being super prepared. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 5: My Own Worst Enemy
Please tell me whyyyyyyy..... why we get in our own way. Tina and Amanda try to get to the bottom of it in this episode. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Tammi Lipp: @tammilipp on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 4: Head Shrinking
In this episode, we talk about the first big step we took on our healing journey... THERAPY. Shoutout to Danielle and Rebecca for helping us sort through our messy lives. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 3: Tina
In this episode, Tina shares how she started to prioritize her mental health, and how she ultimately connected her mental health with her spirituality. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 2: Amanda
In this episode, amanda gives a run down of how she came to her whole healing journey and ultimately how she came home to herself. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12 Melanie: @nakedladymandalas on IG Chelsie: @merkabalighthealing on IG Tree: @_treemay on IG Ascension Studio: @ascensionobx on IG
Episode 1: Syllabus Week
Welcome to Syllabus Week, where we don't cover much more than what we plan to cover in the future. There won't be any homework.. Cover Art: Jessica Walker jessica90walker@gmail.com. Music: Doug Halliday DJxH12@gmail.com ; https://youtube.com/user/DJxH12