Hot Takes on Healing with Jess Leone

In this episode, I sit down with Leah Mitchell, a love and relationship coach blending neuroscience, energy, and embodiment to help people build healthier, more secure relationships. Leah opens up about her own journey from trauma and PTSD to discovering the science behind attraction — including how stress hormones, pheromones, and brain chemistry all influence who we’re drawn to (and why). Together, we dive into the deep intersection of biology and behavior — exploring how an unregulated nervous system can quietly sabotage connection, create anxious attachment, or pull us toward partners who reinforce old wounds. Leah explains how stress and elevated cortisol can actually change pheromone production, influencing chemical compatibility and attraction patterns. We also unpack the difference between anxiety and discernment, and how learning to calm your body is the key to seeing people clearly. When you’re regulated, you can finally tell the difference between a red flag and your own fear. Leah introduced her signature PheroGlow Method, a process that works with the body’s natural chemistry and alpha brainwave states to shift attachment patterns and make secure love your new normal. She shares how tapping into these brain states not only helps heal attachment wounds but also increases magnetism — attracting partners aligned with safety, authenticity, and growth. Throughout the conversation, Leah and Jess explore how brain science can be applied to real life: from gratitude and movement to oxytocin-boosting connection practices (like cuddling and conscious touch). We also discuss how regulating your nervous system isn’t just about self-soothing — it’s about reprogramming your body to experience love without chaos. Leah’s story is a reminder that healing your nervous system is the first step to changing your love story. When you stop living in survival mode, you stop settling for relationships that mirror your pain — and start attracting ones that match your peace. To join her free class, click HERE.  If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or learn more over at www.jessleone.com! We will see you next Wednesday for our next episode!

In this powerful, embodied conversation, I sits down with Majo Torreli, a somatic coach who found healing after a decade of struggling with PCOS, body image issues, and disempowering relationships. What started as a painful chapter in her 20s became the catalyst for radical transformation when she learned to stop overanalyzing and start feeling. Majo shares how years of therapy and mindset work couldn’t compare to what she found through somatic healing and embodiment practices, learning to listen to her body instead of trying to control it. We also dive into how to tell the difference between a gut instinct and a trauma response, and why intuition can’t speak clearly when your nervous system is dysregulated. Majo shares grounding tools (like naming objects or focusing on sensations) to reconnect to the body’s wisdom. True healing means honoring both the wounded and empowered parts of ourselves, not trying to fix or silence one. The body reacts to triggers based on past experiences and how to ground back into the present moment with compassion. Together, we explore what it really means to come home to your body, why traditional healing methods often fall short, and how embodiment work can unlock the kind of power and peace that self-help alone can’t touch. Majo is a somatic coach and the creator of the upcoming podcast Tell Me How Good It Got, where she shares stories of women who’ve defied societal expectations and found true happiness on their own terms. Wanna be on her podcast? Apply HERE to share your story! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or learn more over at www.jessleone.com!

In this episode, I sit down with Raditia Lasry and dive into a conversation about personal growth, resilience, and the small, intentional steps that shape a meaningful life. Raditia shares her approach to breaking big goals into manageable pieces, redefining concepts in a way that aligns with who she is, and rewriting her own story through curiosity and presence. She opens up about childhood moments that taught her self-reliance, including early experiences that made her realize she could trust her own decisions and take responsibility for her happiness. We also explore how discomfort, miscommunication, and honest conversations can deepen relationships and build accountability. We talk about the value of staying open to feedback, meeting challenges head-on, and resisting the urge to avoid tough moments. The conversation also touches on parenting, independence, and the lessons Raditia continues to pass on to her own son. They reflect on the importance of letting go of control and allowing life to unfold naturally, even when unexpected changes feel uncomfortable. Raditia shares her perspective on finding positivity in difficult experiences, including her journey of losing her job at 37 while raising a young child and transforming that moment into an opportunity for reinvention. We discuss mindfulness, presence, and community, highlighting how shared stories create connection and healing. Together, we explore what it means to follow the flow, trust yourself, and embrace the unexpected moments that push you toward growth, clarity, and purpose. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or learn more over at www.jessleone.com! 

In this episode, I sit down with Carrie for a raw, honest, and refreshing conversation about The Gratitude Myth and what it really means to practice grounded, authentic gratitude without slipping into toxic positivity. We explore how to stay true to yourself during the holiday season, especially when outside pressure pushes people to act cheerful, grateful, or “fine” even when that doesn’t match what they’re actually feeling. Together, we talk through what it means to be authentic around family and friends, and how to tell the difference between genuine gratitude and the kind of forced positivity that shuts down emotional movement. We explore why trying to “stay positive” all the time can actually disconnect you from your body, your intuition, and your emotional needs. We also discuss the power of asking better questions—like “What’s going well right now?” or “What are you genuinely enjoying?”—and how shifting your focus can support emotional honesty without bypassing the hard stuff. Carrie and I dive into how to release attachment to specific outcomes and instead focus on what you can actually control: your choices, your actions, and how you show up. We discuss how to approach seeing family through a lens of gratitude if it feels aligned for you—and how to honor your boundaries when it doesn’t. We touch on the importance of recognizing your own value system so you can show up as your real self, without letting other people’s expectations override what you know to be true for you. And throughout this conversation, we return to one core truth: gratitude becomes more powerful when you get into your body. Presence, movement, and embodiment help anchor emotional honesty in real time and keep gratitude rooted in what’s real—not what you think you “should” feel. When we stop pretending everything’s fine and start being honest about where we are, we make more space to see the good that’s already here. 🎧 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or learn more over at www.jessleone.com! 

Every October, I gather with women for something that looks a little wild from the outside: "The Great Pumpkin Smash". We write down the things we’re done carrying — the guilt, the grief, the rage — and then we smash those damn pumpkins into the ground. And this ritual actually comes in two parts: Part one: expressing anger in a safe way: through sound, movement, & symbolic release so the energy has somewhere to go instead of living inside you. Part two: being witnessed in your anger: surrounded by others who don’t flinch, fix, or fear it so your body learns that expression doesn’t equal rejection. That you can be fully seen in your fire and still be loved. Why? Because women are taught that anger is ugly, that expressing it makes us dramatic or ungrateful. For so many of us, anger directed at us was never safe. It came as yelling, silence, punishment, or withdrawal. So our bodies learned early that anger — any anger — meant danger. So instead, we swallow it. It turns into headaches, anxiety, exhaustion, people-pleasing. We become experts at smoothing things over, shrinking our reactions, smiling through it. And every time we do, that unexpressed fire gets stored somewhere in the body — our chest, our throat, our gut — simmering quietly under the surface. Rituals like this give that fire somewhere safe to go. They let you express anger in a way that doesn’t harm you or anyone else and be witnessed in it without judgment. Because that’s the other piece of healing: realizing that your power, your voice, your raw emotion don’t make you “too much.” They make you whole. Join us for this episode as I share the story of that night, guide you through a short somatic practice for safely expressing anger, and let you hear directly from a few of our Sacred Circle sisters about their experience in the ritual. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or learn more over at www.jessleone.com! We will see you next Wednesday for our next episode!

This week I sit down with one of our Sacred Circle sisters Melissa, whose story of resilience and redirection reminds us that sometimes losing what we thought defined us is what sets us free. After being forced to retire from her long-standing, respected career due to MS, Melissa found herself grieving not just her work, but her identity. For years, she’d pushed through anxiety and depression, believing her worth was tied to productivity because that’s what society taught her: school was your job, then your job was your job. But when her body said enough, she was finally forced to listen. Melissa opens up about her experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), explaining how trauma lives in the body and how healing can happen even through simple, non-clinical practices at home. She shares how reconnecting with her past self helped her realize it wasn’t her fault and that she didn’t have to carry it anymore. Through community, therapy, and her involvement in Sacred Circle, Melissa has learned it’s okay to be angry, to feel deeply, and to still love the people who’ve let you down. She also shares how taking "From Victim to Villain" helped her redefine boundaries and start asking for help, realizing that self-care isn’t selfish...it’s NECCESARY. As she puts it, “Not everyone is equipped to handle your story,” but finding a safe space to share it can change everything. Her healing has brought stability to her health, peace to her mind, and strength to her family. “If more women came together to do what we do, we’d be unstoppable,” Melissa says, and this episode proves just that. Tune in to hear a raw, honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the brave act of healing your body, mind, and story. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter or follow me on TikTok/Pinterest! We will see you next Wednesday for our next episode!

We spend so much time chasing what’s next that we forget to stop and look at what’s already in our hands. In this episode, I’m inviting you to slow down, breathe, and actually notice your harvest: the things you’ve grown through, not just the things you’ve grown. I share how this season has been teaching me the difference between producing and harvesting...how one is loud and visible, and the other is soft and deeply personal. There’s something powerful about allowing yourself to rest, to put things down, and to stop forcing growth for a little while. In that stillness, you start to see what’s been working, what’s asking to be released, and what’s ready to be celebrated. As you listen, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: 1. What am I most proud of this year? 2. What grew despite the odds? 3. What feels ready to be celebrated? These are the quiet reflections that bring you back home to yourself. If something in this episode resonates, I’d love to hear about your harvest. Send me a message or share your reflections online and tag me so we can celebrate together. And next week, we’ll talk about what happens when the harvest doesn’t look like what you expected, and why those moments often carry the deepest lessons. We will see you next Wednesday with Melissa for our next episode! For now, remember this: when you stop overproducing and start honoring what’s already blooming inside you, that’s where the real magic starts to grow. 💬 Want to be a guest on the podcast? If you have a story, perspective, or hot take on healing that you think the world needs to hear, I’d love to connect. 👉 Apply to be on the show: Podcast Guest Application To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, join our free "Hot Takes" Channel on Telegram or visit www.jessleone.com for more. 

Dani is back for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time we go deeper into what the second year of grief really feels like. For many, the first year is about survival—going through the motions, trying to build some kind of routine, and leaning on the support that’s more available in those early months. But as Dani shares, year two can hit harder. The world expects you to be “better,” yet the grief often grows heavier. In this episode, Dani opens up about why her second year felt more challenging than the first, how expectations from others play into grief, and what it looks like to keep navigating when the support systems quiet down. We also talk about her trip to Oklahoma City and found herself stumbling into a new home “on purpose on accident,” a beautiful manifestation in the midst of her healing journey. And then there’s the ripple effect of Dani and Austin’s story: it quite literally saved someone’s life. While treating a patient, Dani's friend's recognized the potential for the same condition Austin had faced. That awareness set off alarm bells and because of it, the patient got the care he needed in time. If you’ve ever wondered why grief doesn’t follow a timeline, how love continues to move through the world, or how to support someone beyond the one-year mark, this episode will meet you in that tender, honest space. Stay Connected with Dani & Austin: to follow more of their journey, reflections, and memories, check out Dani’s TikTok: @sociallybamboozled *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

This week’s Fly on the Wall episode, I sit down with my good friend Dani Collins to talk about what it really looks like to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss. Together, we explore: -The raw reality of navigating trauma and grief while raising children alone -The courage it takes to step into single motherhood after losing a partner -How to hold space for both heartbreak and healing in the same breath And so SO much more. This conversation is full of truth, tenderness, and the kind of honesty we don’t often hear about grief and survival. Whether you’ve faced loss yourself or are supporting someone who has, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of resilience, boundaries, and the power of choosing yourself even in the hardest seasons. Stay Connected with Dani & Austin: to follow more of their journey, reflections, and memories, check out Dani’s TikTok: @sociallybamboozled *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

This week’s Fly on the Wall episode takes a sharp left turn into truth-telling, breakdowns, and what it really looks like to come back to life after years of numbness. I’m joined by Melissa, a friend I’ve known since high school who I reconnected with just ten months ago when a mutual friend brought her to Sacred Circle. What followed wasn’t just a nostalgic reunion, but a deep, soul-level remembering. Of who she was. And who she was becoming. Melissa shares what it’s like to be completely disconnected from your body, your emotions, and everything that makes you you. After spending years institutionalized, medicated, and emotionally flatlined, she reached a breaking point—again. Not one, but two full-on mental breakdowns forced her to ask: “Is this really it? Because it can’t be.” What unfolds is her raw story of unraveling, rebooting, and clawing her way back to feeling human. We talk about growing up in the perfectionist world of dance, chasing academic success at a prestigious college, and still finding herself totally lost. She opens up about what it looked like to be deeply unwell… and what it took to slowly, sacredly rebuild. Melissa doesn’t sugarcoat her healing journey and that’s exactly why it hits. She also shares how Sacred Circle became part of her rebirth, helping her finally land back in her body after decades of dissociation. This episode is real, messy, moving, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt too far gone, too numb, too broken to find your way back, then this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. *Also, please consider purchasing her book "Panic Attacks in Parking Lots" to help her and her kitties move into their new home! *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this weeks episode, I sat down with Natalie and Dale Glover, the soulful minds behind LumenKind, a brand dedicated to helping people reconnect with what truly matters. I am excited to share the powerful story behind their latest offering, the 'Light Through Loss Pack', and how grief became a catalyst for deeper presence, purpose, and healing. This episode isn’t just about loss, but about what grief cracks open. It’s about the rituals that help us keep going, and it’s about the difference between being held accountable and being witnessed. Whether you’re deep in your own season of loss or holding space for someone else, this episode is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn’t have to be done alone. And that sometimes, presence is more powerful than progress. You can explore The Light Through Loss Pack at lumenkind.com/light-pack, use the code ✨ HOTTAKES15 ✨ for 15% off, and discover more soulful gifts and mindful experiences at LumenKind. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

What if the truth you’re avoiding is the very thing that could set you free? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Aalbers, coach and catalyst for self-healing, to explore what it really means to choose healing, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Michelle brings a grounded, honest voice to the conversation, reminding us that real kindness often shows up in the form of hard truths. Hot take: Consider the possibility that you can change your relationship to fear. Fear doesn’t always mean stop. Sometimes it’s asking you to pay attention. When we stop treating fear like the enemy and start listening to what it’s trying to show us, we build a deeper kind of self-trust—the kind that creates momentum, not paralysis. And that trust becomes a gateway. It can open us to our own resourcefulness, clarity, and power. But let’s be honest: you weren’t meant to do this alone. We need people who can reflect our truth back to us, hold space for our process, and walk alongside us without rescuing or judging. In this conversation, we unpack: • Why the “hard thing” can be the kindest thing • How to shift your relationship to fear and discomfort • Why self-trust is the foundation of true healing • The importance of having support on this path This episode is your invitation to stop outsourcing your healing and start reclaiming your power with compassion, honesty, and community. If you would like to learn more about Michelle or work with her 1:1, you can check her out at www.chooseyourself.com If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Putting yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s survival. This conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to wait until you break to tend to yourself. This week’s episode is a heart-opening, deeply grounded conversation with Stacy, an independent cat rescuer in Connecticut who’s currently in the process of opening her own feral cat sanctuary! She’s a force of compassion, honesty, and intentional living, and her wisdom is for anyone who gives and gives… but is learning to put themselves back into the equation. We talk about what it really means to honor yourself without guilt, and how nervous system regulation and daily check-ins can shift everything. Stacy shares why caregivers often feel like they have to suffer to prove their love, and how failed help can lead to deep trust issues and the belief that you have to do it all yourself. We explore the emotional weight of grief, caregiving, and bearing witness to constant loss, and the ways empathy can sometimes feel like a burden. (If you’d like to support Stacy’s mission and the animals she cares for, you can check out her Amazon Wishlist here!) This episode is packed with insight around finding mindfulness in the small moments; you don’t need an hour, you just need presence—and how reciprocal spaces are essential before burnout sets in. We talk about practical tools like Mindful Markers that can gently pull you back into your body throughout the day, especially when you’re on the edge of overwhelm. Stacy opens up about the reality of working in a field that takes a toll on your body, your relationships, and your heart, and how she continues to find her center through self-awareness and community. She also shares how Sacred Circle became her “emotional defibrillator”—a space unlike any other she’s been a part of—and how deeply impactful it has been to be witnessed and supported in her healing. As she says, “this group is literally my life raft.” 👇👇👇 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Ryan—entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and co-owner of the Blender Bar (in Cheshire, CT)—to talk about what it really looks like to walk away from a “safe” 9-5 career in Corporate America and choose the wild, messy, and meaningful path back to yourself. After years in higher education, a major health transformation, and a powerful reset in Ireland, Lindsey had a wake-up call: her inner voice told her to quit her job. No backup plan, no roadmap, just a deep knowing that the ladder she was climbing wasn’t leading where she wanted to go. What followed? A wild leap into entrepreneurship during the height of the pandemic, the launch of a wildly successful smoothie bar with lines out the door, and a journey full of detours, pivots, purpose, and REAL-ass growth. And guess what? She's opening a second location this fall! We talk about: — The inner nudge that changed everything — Building a business in a time of global uncertainty — Making “being miserable” no longer an option — How failure is part of the path—but so is success — Living with purpose, not performance — Why perpetual progress beats chasing perfection, and — How your life is a reflection of the work you put in Lindsey’s story is proof that you don’t need it all figured out to start over. Sometimes, you just need to listen to your gut, leap into the unknown, and trust that you’ll figure it out on the way down. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to check out Lindsey’s journey (and maybe grab a smoothie!) over at @blenderbar.ct! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this episode, Carrie and I are breaking down the loop—the mental replay, the Groundhog Day energy, the autopilot patterns that keep us stuck—and how something as simple as ChatGPT (or whatever name you’ve given your AI… go ask it!) can actually help you get out of your own head and into a new rhythm. We talk about how to “glitch the loop” on purpose: Taking a different route to work Going to a new coffee shop Intentionally interrupting your routine to come back to your body Because survival mode makes us seek comfort, predictability, and practicality—but growth? Alignment? That sh*t requires disruption. We also get into: The difference between the Matrix and the Universe (yes, it matters!) Why not every “bad” thing is actually bad—it might just be inconvenient What alignment actually feels like (hint: it’s not all bliss and butterflies) How your algorithm reflects your reality and what to do if it’s full of doom and gloom Plus: a powerful moment from our Sacred Circle community as Carrie shares how one random TikTok led her to our group… and changed her life. Her story is a living reminder that we don’t heal in isolation—we heal in sisterhood. Our Sacred Circle community is over four years strong and built on women showing up for each other through it all. The butterfly effect is real, y’all. This one’s spicy, funny, and full of hot takes on energy, intention, and choosing a new path—even when it’s messy. *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this raw and powerful episode, I’m joined by Kate Sullivan, who drops this #hottake: mental health struggles can be just as devastating as addiction—instead of healing the root, we keep slapping Band-Aids on the symptoms. Together we dig into what it really means to live with that weight, including the addiction to sorrow and suffering, the link between dyslexia and addiction (learning something new every day!), and the life-changing moment Kate was finally placed in a school with kids who learned like her, where she actually felt seen. She also speaks to the deep need for belonging and community, and how so much of addiction stems from the lack of both. When we’re disconnected, the spiral is easier to fall into...and harder to crawl out of. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation? The truth about relationships and safety. Kate shares what it was like being in a relationship so unsafe, she had to tell coworkers to check on her if she ever didn’t show up. Her story is a wake-up call and a reminder that choosing yourself is rarely easy, but always necessary. What followed was five years of chaos, but also growth, reclamation, and the kind of strength that can only come from walking through fire. This episode is full of real talk and reflection, including: - Why you’ve gottaaaaa stop letting people “squat in your mind” - How to create a list of what you actually want in relationships based on your values, not your wounds - The magic of being brave enough to date your friends - How apps and multigenerational friendships are expanding the way we connect - And why making eye contact, talking to strangers, and being human AF is the actual way we rewrite our view of the world Because if you grew up guarded, hypervigilant, or disconnected...we need new evidence! We need reminders that most people are good, and that being human doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being real. We close with this reminder: You are not a robot. You are human. And that’s your superpower. Healing isn’t just about surviving, but remembering how to live. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Miller Brecker & Karen Loenser and dive into their personal "hot takes" on healing and the journey that led them to create The Seeking Center. Robyn, an Emmy® award-winning producer, spent over 20 years working alongside Oprah Winfrey (YEAAAAH, THAT Oprah!), shaping impactful programming with some of the world’s most brilliant thought leaders. She has a background in media innovation, having helped launch Noggin and worked at Nickelodeon. Karen, an award-winning producer and digital strategist, has played a key role in major platforms like Discovery+. She’s also the author of the Amazon bestseller LifeMapping and co-host of Seeking Center: The Podcast, where she and Robyn explore life’s biggest questions. Together, they created The Seeking Center, your go-to space for wellness and spirituality. They cut through the noise to bring you real, tested insights on personal growth, healing, and living fully. Think of them as your 24/7 Seeking B.F.Fs! (Want to learn more? Visit The Seeking Center at theseekingcenter.com) We talk about what it means to be a seeker and how to find what truly resonates with you. Grief is a major theme in this conversation, as we explore its role in the healing process. Robyn shares her "hot take" that people don’t really die when they leave this physical plane, while Karen believes that the reason we are here is to learn and grow, and that the hard lessons we face are happening for a reason. This conversation goes deep into spirituality as we discuss G.U.S.S (God, Universe, Source, Spirit) and how it influences our journeys. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of seeking together and the power of community in healing. Growth doesn’t have to be a solo journey—finding like-minded people to explore, question, and evolve with can make all the difference. Healing happens in connection, and The Seeking Center is built on the belief that we are stronger when we navigate life’s big questions side by side. That’s exactly why I created Sacred Circle—to give women a space to return to themselves, to each other, and to something greater. Over the last four years, this community has grown into something powerful, a place where friendships are forged, resilience is celebrated, and support is unconditional. I’ve watched women walk in feeling lost, disconnected, unsure—and leave feeling lighter, empowered, and held. And the truth is, we all need that. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Mary is BACK, and this conversation is powerful. (You can listen to our first 'Fly on the Wall episode HERE) She’s opening up about finally leaving her toxic job and the hard lessons she’s learned about boundaries, backhanded compliments, and navigating a toxic work environment—especially when narcissistic behavior is at play. The biggest realization? Toxic relationships don’t just happen in romance. Mary recognized the signs but didn’t immediately connect the dots—because this time, it wasn’t a romantic relationship. It was work. And yet, the patterns were exactly the same. We also dive into: - How to spot red flags in any relationship—work, friendships, family, and more - How Mary reclaimed her independence and started living for herself again - Her firsthand experience escaping an abusive ex (who nearly took her life) and reclaiming her power over the last four years - The wake-up call that made her finally see the truth - How to redirect your energy into your passions instead of draining relationships - The role of true friends—the ones who stand by you, help you see the light, and remind you of your worth If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt trapped in a situation that was slowly draining you, or wondered “why does this keep happening?”—this episode is for you. You don’t have to stay stuck. And as Mary put its: don’t have to let anyone rob you of your sunshine. *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Life isn’t always a straight climb up. Sometimes it’s a goddamn rollercoaster. But here’s the thing: No matter what season you’re in, you deserve self-compassion. You deserve to recognize how far you’ve come. And you deserve to celebrate yourself—right now, not just when you hit some imaginary finish line. In this episode, I go LIVE in my Facebook Community to reflect on my own life—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how I’ve learned to stop comparing my journey to everyone else’s. We’re talking about: 🔥 KNOWING your why & ASKING why—because getting to the root of what drives you is the key to truly knowing yourself. 🔥 Having compassion for yourself in the tougher seasons—because beating yourself up won’t get you where you want to go, boo boo. 🔥 Recognizing your growth—it’s easy to focus on what’s next, but have you taken a second to appreciate what you’ve already done? (Our members reflect on this one alongside me!) 🔥 The importance of ‘borrowed belief’—why you don’t need to “fake it till you make it,” but you can lean on others’ belief in you until you believe it yourself. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Sometimes ya just gotta hit record on a GOOD conversation. Excuse the low quality audio, it was worth the high quality conversation.  My beautiful friend, Mindy and I went LIVE back in 2024 in The Soundboard and had a powerful conversation about her healing journey over the last five years. What we've learned is healing isn’t just about moving through the hard stuff—it’s about learning to exist in the good without waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Mindy also shares how participating in ketamine clinical trials changed her life, helping her break through emotional barriers, shift her perspective, and truly feel a sense of peace for the first time. We also talk about: The fear of things being too good and why we wait for something to go wrong, Why healing doesn’t mean bypassing hard emotions (especially ANGER)—it means facing them head-on, Why you DON'T actually need an apology from the people who hurt you, Taking stock of your life and your relationships, How to stop living in survival mode and start embracing the life you worked for, and The reality of healing: it’s not just about fixing pain, it’s about learning to accept joy. You. Are. Not. Broken. You are still you underneath the pain, the trauma, the emotions—you are not what happened to you. And when you finally start to uncover you, it helps to have people in your corner reminding you that you’re not alone. When you decide to burn it all to the ground, to walk away from what no longer serves you, to rebuild from scratch… you need a support system. Healing isn’t a solo journey. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

This one’s different. Hit play—you’ll see. I think this is my favorite episode to date y'all. I literally grabbed my dictionary a few times because—spoiler—I needed to get clear on what words like “selfish” and “perfection” actually mean. (And trust me, the definitions will surprise you.) Here's what I'm jamming out about: The difference between your self and your ego—because you are NOT the loudest voice in your head. The power of self-reflection and introspection in understanding your thoughts and emotions. How societal and family conditioning shapes our beliefs—and how to unlearn the stuff that doesn’t serve us. Reparenting yourself, parenting differently, and showing up with more mindfulness and compassion. Ditching perfectionism. (Don’t worry, I define that too. and you will be REALLY surprised by it's definition ) Checking in with my energy every day and adjusting my plans without feeling guilty—and why you should try it too. I also talk about the importance of finding—or creating—safe spaces for healing and growth. Whether that’s through personal reflection or connecting with a supportive community, it’s all about surrounding yourself with what helps you thrive. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this 'Fly on the Wall' episode, I sit down with Mary Rauber, owner of MMoonchild Scented Creations. Mary isn’t just an incredible entrepreneur, but my soulmate best friend for over 20 years. Together, we share laughter, raw truths, and the kind of connection that only decades of friendship can build.  We dive deep into topics that hit home for anyone navigating life’s complexities like breaking free from people-pleasing and learning how to use your voice authentically. And of course, we go all-in on boundaries—what they are (hint: they’re about YOUR actions, not someone else’s) and how to set them unapologetically when you have SELF-RESPECT. This conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, and I can’t wait for you to listen. *This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Welcome to my new series within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us. In this very first episode of the Fly On a Wall series, I’m joined by my bestie Sarah where we talk about grief, love, family, and the messy, beautiful journey of finding connection and healing in unexpected places. Sarah opens up about her journey and how stepping into Sacred Circle (aka: 'circle') profoundly changed her life; when she first walked in, she was skeptical, closed off, and, in her own words, an atheist who thought we were all a little nuts. (Spoiler: she doesn’t think that anymore! LOL.) We explore how the women in circle have truly become closer to us than our own 'blood'. Speaking of "family", we both share some deeply personal stories about our relationships with our blood relatives—we've come accept that unfortunately, we can't change people who aren't ready. In my case, I chose my family, and Sarah is one of those people. It's a reminder that family doesn’t always mean those you’re born into; sometimes, it’s the people you find along the way who become the most meaningful part of your journey. As we wrap up this deeply personal conversation, I invite you to reflect on the power of community and the healing that comes from sharing our stories in sacred spaces. Whether you’re part of Sacred Circle or you’re looking for that kind of connection, remember that there’s always room for growth, love, and understanding when we open ourselves to what’s possible. Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Happy 1st Episode of 2025! 🎉🎉🎉 This episode was *actually* recorded LIVE into my Facebook group on the last #MindfulMonday of 2024! Quite a few of our members contributed to this discussion about morning routines, momentum, and finding balance in the chaos. It was beautiful to peel back their layers of fear surrounding new/old habits, all-or-nothing thinking, and more! 👇👇👇 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In my very last episode of 2024, I’m taking a moment to reflect—not just on this past year, but on the last seven years, the time when I feel I really started living my life. I will never forget my husband (during the first six months of dating, might I add) saying:"You're a bird in a cage with the door wide open, I have no idea why you aren’t flying." Since then, I've started shared my journey publicly of learning to spread my wings and fly, leaving behind the safety of the cage I had unknowingly built around myself. In this episode, I will share what my career and life looked like before starting my business and how I’ve embraced a new way of LIVING...one where I’ve let go of trying to control every single goddamn outcome. I’ve learned to trust that what is meant for me will always find its way no matter what. It’s a lesson in faith, in surrender, and in realizing that detaching from the outcome is the ultimate act of freedom. 👇👇👇 ✨Don’t miss our Manifestation Letter Workshop—the perfect way to start 2025 with clarity, intention, and purpose. Together in community, we will reflect on 2024—the good, the bad, and the lessons. We will also be writing a letter to our future selves, envisioning who we *really* want to be. If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Jade Starbala, founder of Spring Fed Solutions, educator, writer, holistic healer, and Wayfinder Life Coach-in-Training. Jade’s work is all about helping you discover your innate power to heal, thrive, and align with your truest self. In this episode, we explore a tool she uses called ⁠The Body Compass—a powerful method for connecting with your body’s wisdom to guide you in making aligned decisions. This begins with tuning into your physical sensations, using both positive and negative emotions as cues. By identifying how your body reacts to different feelings, you start to build awareness of what feels good and what doesn’t. Jade shares how this practice is more than just tuning in—it’s reclaiming your power. You start with small experiences, focusing first on identifying negative sensations. Why? Because it builds the muscle you’ll need to navigate those tricky moments in real time, like when a negative thought or emotion pops up. From there, you can apply this method to bigger decisions, moving toward choices that feel attuned and aligned with your values and desires. I had a session with Jade and can personally attest to how transformative this process can be. It’s like learning a new language—one where your body does the talking, and you finally learn how to listen. This February, Jade and I are hosting a group session, where we’ll be using the Body Compass in a community setting. This is your chance to try this powerful practice in real-time and be witnessed by others who are on a similar journey! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this episode, I sit down with Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and personal trainer Jen Harris to dive deep into the choices that shape our physical, emotional, and mental health. She shares her no-nonsense approach to understanding the why behind our habits—whether it’s food, sleep, or boundaries—and how to build a lifestyle that works for you, not against you. Key Topics Covered: The importance of correcting your posture and being aware of your body’s signals. Why carrying too many responsibilities is a recipe for burnout—and how to prioritize. Setting boundaries not just with others, but with yourself. The truth about January: It’s NOT the ideal time to take on new goals. (Habits take time and accountability is key to long-term success!) The danger of canceling plans with yourself—and what it teaches your brain. How to start today with small, actionable steps toward a new way of being. Jen’s mission is to empower individuals to build a sustainable, balanced lifestyle by creating personalized nutrition and wellness strategies that last. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking to break through a plateau, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, dig into your why, and make changes that stick. Learn more about working with her HERE! 👇👇👇 This episode was streamed and recorded LIVE in our Facebook community! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Hello and WELCOME to 'Hot Takes on Healing'! In this episode, I kick things off by sharing a bit of my own story—how my healing journey began and how the recent challenges of grief have shaped me. These experiences inspired me to create Hot Takes on Healing, which offers an honest voice in wellness where healing isn’t just a journey of positivity— it also embraces "the mess" and the pain. Community played a huge role in my journey (and still does). Here, I'll talk about my Facebook community, which brings people together for real, vulnerable discussions about life and growth, where we can share our experiences, even those that are painful, and find comfort in connection. Stories connect us, empower us, and help us heal — and we need more spaces to share our real, unfiltered experiences. If you’re ready for bold conversations, deep dives, and perspectives on healing that honor both joy and pain, you’re in the right place. Thank you for tuning in to Episode 1 and stay tuned for our next episode – we’re only getting started! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the power of being your own advocate with Amy Conroy, a true anomaly who beat an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer. Amy’s journey not only contributed to advancing medical understanding of her rare condition, but underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the miraculous ability of our bodies to regenerate every seven years. Amy shares how, even on her worst days battling cancer, she reminded herself: new cells every day. This mantra became her anchor, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the power of small, daily victories in her healing journey. She also talks about her powerful concept "invisible paint"—an energy she carries with her everywhere she goes (so vibrant that people notice when it’s missing!). The episode concludes with Amy sharing her favorite song, "Rise Up" by Andra Day, which has been added to our ✨ Official HTOH Podcast Playlist✨ I created for our listeners! Join us for this heartfelt conversation that will leave you inspired to advocate for your health and to see the miracles in everyday life. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!  

In this episode, I reflected on a pivotal moment back in 2020 when Jenn asked me, "Why do you hate yourself?" — a question that shifted my entire healing journey with Fibromyalgia. Together, we discussed the process of recognizing and transforming limiting beliefs, the role of the body in signaling authenticity, and the importance of taking small, intentional steps toward change. The conversation also explores: ⭐How the "merry-go-round" of spiraling thoughts impacts healing and how to step off. ⭐The connection between spiritual gifts, self-acceptance, and personal growth. ⭐Practical tools, like AI, for breaking down big goals into actionable steps. ⭐The role of community and storytelling in the healing journey. The episode concludes with Jenn sharing her favorite song, “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME”, which has been added to our ✨Official HTOH Podcast Playlist✨ I created for our listeners! Jenn is a Psychic medium, medical medium, tarot reader, and energy worker. Her journey began over a decade ago when she realized she was channeling messages for her salon clients—something she had unknowingly done since the age of three. Based in Colorado, Jenn she hosts LIVE group readings, private parties, and vendor events, connecting individuals to Source, Guides, and the Akashic Records to provide clarity on life paths and romantic journeys. Connect with her further here: http://psychicjennsanders.com 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Lima for #MindfulMonday inside my Facebook Community a Certified Professional Health Coach and practicing Herbalist, to explore her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and what it truly means to thrive where you are. Jen shares her personal story of leaving a nearly 30-year career in clinical research to pursue a life of authenticity, plant-based wellness, and helping others reconnect with their best selves. We dive deep into the challenges of transitioning from survival mode to a state of thriving, discussing the physical and emotional process that comes with such a shift. Together, we unpack: the habits of learned behavior that often keep us stuck, the importance of showing up for yourself every day, even in small ways, and how connecting with the earth and embracing plant-based wellness can support personal growth. Jen’s insights and personal journey remind us that it’s okay to thrive right where we are and that taking care of ourselves is not just about surviving—it’s about creating a life of meaning and alignment. You can learn more about her work at www.BellaVitaAlchemy.com. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Curious about the fire tower and whether you’re stuck in it? You’ll have to tune in to find out what that means and why most of us aren’t supposed to be there! In this episode, I’m joined by the insightful Barbara Yager—an intuitive consultant, coach, and author known for empowering spiritual seekers with tools to align their lives with their soul's purpose. With over a decade of experience guiding clients through transformation, Barbara combines her extensive knowledge of the Akashic Records with powerful coaching practices to help individuals and businesses find true alignment and unlock their potential. We dive deep into what it means to live authentically from the soul level, and Barb shares invaluable insights on how we can realign our energies to make the greatest impact in our lives. Book a reading or connect further with her HERE! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

In this special LIVE episode of Hot Takes on Healing, recorded within my online Facebook community, we explore impactful yet *often* overlooked healing practices that involve connecting with others, even if that “other” is yourself. With plenty of personal stories shared by both myself and our community members, we dive into the power of these unique approaches. If you’re curious about trying new practices and hearing real-life stories of healing journeys, this episode will give you fresh, simple ways to connect with yourself and others on your path to well-being. I wanna know what you think - what's a healing practice/modality that doesn't get enough credit? Let me know in the comments! If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!