If Not For This Podcast

The holidays don’t come with a manual, especially when blended families, shared custody, and big emotions are involved. In this episode, Jess and Jay unpack the real-life challenges of navigating family dynamics while keeping their children’s hearts at the center of it all. They share what it looks like to set aside their own expectations, embrace changing relationships, and create meaningful moments, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. With faith as the foundation and grace as the guide, Jess and Jay remind us that resilience, love, and connection can carry us through even the most complex seasons.Chapters00:00 - Intro00:18 - Finding Balance09:38 - Returning to the Gym23:49 - Navigating Christmas After Divorce52:00 - Holiday Emotions and Family DynamicsAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

This week, Jess sits down with Emily Sharkey, key voice of the Shark Farmer media world, for a fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt conversation. Shark Farmer is a storytelling hub spotlighting the real, raw, and often hilarious lives of rural America, spanning podcasts, radio, TV, and a whole lot of Midwest charm. Em talks about career plot twists, the chaos-and-charm combo of motherhood, and the magic of embracing the unexpected.Packed with plenty of laughs, real-talk moments, and a dash of “wait, how did we get here?”, this episode celebrates the messy, hilarious, heartwarming ride of figuring life out, with a little help from your people.About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

This week, Jess grabs the mic to take you right into the heart of her beautifully blended life, joined by her guest, co-parent, and husband, Jay. Together, they unpack the wonderfully weird dynamics of merging families, comparing their totally different upbringings and how those backgrounds still clash, or blend, into their everyday routines and parenting choices.Jess gets real about what it’s been like learning to loosen her grip on control, while Jay tags in with his own take on navigating love, boundaries, and the chaos of step-parenting. Along the way, they share the surprisingly practical strategies, communication hacks, and mindset shifts that help stepparents and kids actually understand each other (or at least try to).About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

This week, Jess takes us on a wild ride through the messy, guilt-filled terrain of growing up Southern Baptist, where perfection was expected and mistakes were mortal sins. She shares how straying from those rigid expectations didn’t just ruffle feathers, it triggered a full-blown shame storm that left her questioning everything about faith, identity, and whether she’d ever be “good enough.” Through some brutally honest self-reflection (and a game-changing heart-to-heart with her pastor), she discovered that grace isn’t just a churchy buzzword, it’s real, and life-saving. Jess explores how the past doesn’t get to write the future, and that even in the middle of shame, chaos, or epic personal fails, redemption is totally possible.About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

In this episode, Jess sits down with her daughter Lily. They discuss Lily’s raw, real, and unexpectedly emotional journey into college life, the kind that doesn’t show up in the brochures. From the nerves of move-in day to a panic attack at a sorority picnic, Lily opens up about facing social anxiety head-on in a brand-new world. Jess offers an honest look at what it’s like to support your kid from the sidelines, proud, worried, and just trying to hold it together as your firstborn steps into the unknown.Together, they walk us through the messy middle: the lonely moments, the quiet victories, and the surprising ways connection and resilience can grow.About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

On this episode, Jess chats with author and counselor Summer Butler about the ups, downs, and everything in between of blended families. They explore how love doesn’t get divided, it multiplies, and how kids can thrive across multiple homes.Summer also shares her new children’s book, “Mallie’s Two Homes and a Deer Named Darla,” a comforting guide for kids navigating stepfamily life. Listen as Jess and Summer chat about resilience, connection, and growing stronger through life’s twists.About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

In this episode, Jess dives into the powerful connection between getting moving and feeling amazing, both physically and emotionally. She shares how working out isn’t just about muscles or stamina; it’s a secret weapon for clearing your mind, melting stress, and boosting overall well-being. Jess opens up about her own fitness journey over the past four and a half months, showing how sticking to a routine has transformed her day-to-day feelings.She also breaks down the science, think endorphins, stress hormones, and all the brain-boosting magic that happens when you sweat it out. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs honesty, consistency, and a little self-care.About JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

This week, Jess gets real about the power of vulnerability, the magic of genuine connection, and how both can completely change the way we experience life and relationships. She talks about moments of self-doubt and podcast jitters to the surprising clarity that came from honest conversations with the people who matter most.Jess explores why opening up about our struggles isn’t weakness, it’s where healing begins. Jess also reveals an exciting new chapter for our community, one rooted in holistic wellness and the beautiful connection between mind, body, and spirit.Chapters00:00 - Intro06:06 - Navigating Vulnerability and Transparency17:07 - The Power of Friendship and Support28:09 - Clutter and Connection: A Journey of Rediscovery32:40 - Emotional Release: The Power of a Scream45:02 - The Journey to Holistic HealthAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

What happens when two strong-willed “Alpha” personalities fall in love and try to do life together without (completely) driving each other bonkers?Jess gets real about the sparks that fly, not just the romantic kind, but the occasional post-vacation tension that pops up when the bags are unpacked, but the emotions… not so much. Jay joins her and they explore big revelations, like how moments of friction can lead to a deeper connection if you're brave enough to face them.If you've ever found yourself arguing over who left the hotel light on or questioning why your dream trip ended in a weird silence, this one’s for you. Jess and Jay remind us that love isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, staying curious, and doing the work together.Chapters00:00 - Intro04:00 - Alpha Dynamics in Marriage12:05 - Understanding Triggers and Emotional Responses28:22 - Communication in Relationships40:26 - Unexpected Restaurant Drama48:03 - Marital Clarity and ConnectionAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

In this episode, Jess opens up about what turning 45 has brought into focus for her, the beauty of self-acceptance, the power of imperfection, and the ongoing evolution that comes with age. She shares moments from her recent birthday and how they sparked deeper reflection on life, relationships, and the ways we show up for each other.She talks honestly about the ups and downs of marriage,  especially the tough stuff like communication and unmet needs, and how those challenges can lead to greater understanding and growth. This is a conversation about embracing it all: the joy, the messiness, and the lessons we can learn from loving others and ourselves.Chapters00:00 - Intro00:58 - Reflections on Turning 4511:34 - Navigating Relationships and Expectations23:34 - The Complexity of Love and Relationships39:56 - Connecting Moments: Embracing Family BondsAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!

This week, Jess invites you into a story that didn’t go as planned. What was supposed to be a recording session turned into a deep, unexpected conversation with a dear friend, showing how life’s detours often bring the richest moments of connection.She explores what it means to show up in your life’s arena, especially when things feel heavy, and shares gentle tools to help you navigate emotional struggles through movement, vulnerability, and connection. Jess reminds you that even in the hardest seasons, you’re never truly alone.#IfNotForThisPodcast #JessTheHost #EmotionalResilience #AuthenticConnection #LifeDetours #VulnerabilityIsStrength #HealingThroughConversation #MentalHealthSupport #SharedHumanity #PodcastWithHeartChapters00:00 - Intro03:05 - Entering the Arena: Challenges and Reflections24:15 - The Challenges of Farming in the Rain36:11 - Confronting Anxiety: A Journey of Control46:03 - Emerging from the Pit51:56 - Managing Racing Thoughts and Mental HealthAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

Turns out, beauty can rise from the ashes (and messy custody schedules). This week, Jess dives into the wild ride of life post-divorce—and spoiler alert—it’s not all doom and gloom.She’s peeling back the layers on her story—messy stepmom moments, blended family chaos, and all. But instead of hiding the cringeworthy bits, Jess is owning them, because healing doesn’t happen on the surface. You’ve gotta dive deep!Along the way, she gives major love to you, the listeners, for your DMs, your support, and your shared stories that make the shame feel just a little lighter. Chapters00:00 - Intro06:24 - Embracing My Story: The Journey of a Stepmom14:24 - Embracing Change and Forgiveness26:36 - Navigating Emotions: From Disappointment to Connection31:24 - The Importance of Family Bonds Through MusicAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

Jay Norman is here! (Jess' man.) They talk about that one wild day when the family cat, Tommy, went missing—and how a simple pet search turned into this unexpectedly emotional rollercoaster. The kids got involved, everyone was on edge, and somehow it all made them reflect on what really matters in a family. Jess and Jay also go off on a tangent about a super awkward public moment—one of those things that’s equal parts mortifying and hilarious—and how showing up as your real, messy self is kind of the bravest thing you can do. Listen as Jess and Jay have an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, community, and how even in the middle of panic or embarrassment, we find connection.Chapters00:00 - Intro03:54 - The Mysterious Missing Cat11:53 - Dreaming Big: A New Chapter25:51 - The Game Begins: Confronting Fear and Performance47:04 - Reflections on Togetherness and Separation54:41 - Navigating Change: The Impact of Growing UpAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together, the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

What happens when two high school besties grow up, grow families, and still find time to laugh (and cry) through it all?In this episode, Jess and her soul-sister Amber take a walk down memory lane—complete with awkward teen moments and heartfelt confessions. From navigating the beautiful chaos of blended families to learning how to show up for each other in big life transitions, they crack open what it really means to hold space for someone over the years. It’s refreshing, raw, and a little ridiculous—in the best way. This one’s for the ride-or-dies, the sister-friends, and anyone who knows that friendships like this don’t come around often.Chapters00:00 - Intro11:46 - Memories of Friendship and Growth20:26 - Life Changes31:00 - Confronting Addiction and Seeking Change45:52 - The Evolution of Family DynamicsAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

Think: less “perfect morning routine” and more “how do I keep going when life is messy and motivation ghosts me?” Jess and Meg are diving deep into the beauty and struggle of caring for our bodies, minds, and hearts, especially in a world full of noise and distractions.Through some soul-baring stories and laughter, Jess and Meg explore the magic that happens when we stop doing it all alone. From gym fails to quiet wins, they unpack the power of connection, community, and showing up for yourself even when it’s hard.If you’ve ever felt like you're fumbling your way toward feeling good—physically, emotionally, or spiritually, this one’s your sign that you’re not alone. Jess and Meg are here to remind you: your journey is yours, it’s beautiful, and it’s worth celebrating.Chapters00:00 - Intro11:10 - Transitioning to Deeper Conversations16:40 - Starting the Journey Towards Health and Wellness30:04 - Understanding Lipedema and Its Impact55:00 - Exploring Connection: A New Chapter in Our LivesAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years, and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

This week, Jess gets real about what it’s like to return to her farming roots while juggling home renovations, self-doubt, and the ever-complicated world of family dynamics. From planting multiple varieties of corn (because why do things the easy way?) to learning the art of patience and communication, she shares the highs, the lows, and the unexpected lessons the land keeps teaching her.But this episode isn’t just about farming—it’s about the messy, beautiful tension between chasing personal dreams and showing up for the people around us. It’s about the loneliness that can creep in when you feel like you don’t quite fit in and the power of finding (or building) a community that truly sees you.So, whether you're knee-deep in your big life transition or just here for the ride, this one’s for you. Chapters00:00 - Intro05:21 - Returning to Farm Life11:26 - Turning a Page: The Storm After the Storm26:39 - Navigating Life's Questions37:35 - The Importance of Leaning Towards Each OtherAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

Ever feel like you’re starring in a movie written by your parents? In this episode, Jess and Courtney dive into the messy, beautiful journey of personal growth—unpacking how childhood experiences shape who we become (for better or... let’s be honest, sometimes for worse). They’re getting real about fear, expectations, and those sneaky inherited narratives that hold us back. But don’t worry, it’s not all deep dives and existential spirals—they’re also celebrating the freedom that comes with rewriting our own stories. Because let’s face it: breaking cycles isn’t just for us; it’s for the generations that come after. Join Jess and Courtney for plenty of laughter, aha moments, and reminders that we’re all just figuring it out as we go.Chapters00:00 - Intro06:40 - Reflections on First Impressions14:07 - Navigating Change and Personal Growth30:12 - The Complexity of Adult Relationships39:47 - Parenting Challenges01:00:41 - Navigating Family Dynamics: Communication and Relationships01:29:13 - Taco Bell MemoriesAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

This week, Jess and Jessie get real about the magic of community and connection—because let’s be honest, life would be pretty dull without it. They both share the weird and wonderful ways they have built deep friendships despite living miles apart, and how opening up (even when it’s terrifying) has led to some of their most meaningful relationships. Jess and Jessie also geek out about how the internet, for all its chaos, has been a surprising lifeline in bringing kindred spirits together. Listen as Jess and Jessie remind us that if not for the relationships we cultivate, our lives would lack the richness and depth that come from genuine interactions.Chapters00:00 - Intro09:39 - The Journey to Lisbon: A Midlife Reckoning17:04 - Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Adaptation28:31 - Navigating Parenthood and Connections49:33 - Awkward Encounters in the Kitchen01:01:33 - If Not for This Podcast: A Journey of ConnectionAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

This week, Jess is digging into the lore. She gets real about how personal memories shape who we are—especially when it comes to motherhood and healing deep emotional wounds. Jess shares a story about her son that haunted her for years, a time when depression had her drowning in shame and self-doubt. It wasn’t pretty. But through therapy, self-reflection, and an unexpected reality check from her own kid, she found a way to break free from that weight. This is a raw, unfiltered look at how our connections with others can heal us in ways we never see coming. So, grab a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine, and let’s unpack those defining moments together.Chapters00:04 - Intro12:35 - Facing the Past: A Journey Through Therapy15:39 - Healing and Memory28:58 - Emerging from Darkness: A Journey of Transformation31:47 - Finding Hope in Unexpected PlacesAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!

Welcome to a messy, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic season premiere of the If Not for This Podcast! In the first episode, Jess gets real about why she hit "record" in the first place. She opens up about past struggles—relationships, identity, and the general rollercoaster of life—and how storytelling became her way of making sense of it all.This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a safe space for anyone feeling a little lost, a little curious, or just in need of some honest conversation. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s navigate this wild ride together.  Chapters(00:00) Introducing Jess(05:04) The Birth of the Podcast (08:23) A New Show(20:57) Finding Purpose in Community and ConnectionAbout JessJess is a storyteller and seeker of meaningful connections in Texas by way of Baton Rouge, LA. Geaux Tigers!  With a passion for humor and authenticity, she explores life’s complexities and embraces each experience with wild grace. You can find Jess rearranging her room for the third time this month, designing the perfect outfit for an upcoming rodeo, or hugging a friend for way too long! She has been married to her Texas farmer for eight years and the two have blended a beautiful crew of five children, ages 12-19. You can hear all about their marriage and world over at their joint podcast, Moving On Again. Together the duo has set out to get ALL of the goodie from this life they have graciously been given! Deeper connections with themselves and others, an even stronger family, a bulletproof marriage, and a life you have to recover from in the end! Giddy up!ConnectWebsite: https://jessrushnorman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_rush_norman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessrushnorman?lang=enGot thoughts you'd love to share? Put them in the comments below!