Jess Saying With Jessica Danel

In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Braider-Ebersol shares her journey of love, loss, and healing after the death of her husband. She discusses the challenges of navigating grief, the importance of community support, and how she found purpose in helping other widows. Through her experiences, Michelle emphasizes the coexistence of joy and grief, the misconceptions surrounding mourning, and the...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Jacopo Iasiello, an international investor and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from aspiring soccer player to successful businessman. Jacopo discusses the importance of resilience, defining success on personal terms, and his MPBE method for achieving a balanced life. He emphasizes the role of real estate in wealth creation and offers act...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Fred Moss, known as the un-doctor, shares his unique perspective on mental health, emphasizing the importance of communication, creativity, and authenticity in healing. He discusses misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses, the normalcy of anxiety and depression, and the power of self-expression. Dr. Moss encourages listeners to reconnect with their tru...

When you’ve been abandoned by the people meant to protect you, how do you ever learn to trust again? In this powerful episode of Jess Saying , Jessica Danel sits down with Steven Eichenblatt , attorney, father, and author of the bestselling memoir Pretend They Are Dead: A Father’s Search for the Truth. Steven’s story begins with abandonment, abuse, and a cruel piece of advice — “pretend they are d...

What do dyslexia, X-Men, and the GRE have in common? Today’s guest, Russell Van Brocklen, is about to show us. He’s a dyslexia researcher whose groundbreaking program turned struggling students into confident college grads—all without accommodations. In this episode, we talk about how your child’s obsessions (yes, even the one with comic books or video games) can unlock literacy breakthroughs. We...

In this episode of Jess Saying , I sit down with Dr. Alexandra Dotcheva—author, healthcare professional, investor, and holistic confidence coach—for a conversation that might just change the way you see yourself. Alexandra's journey isn't a highlight reel. It's twenty years of self-doubt, fear, and starting over. She immigrated to the U.S. with little more than a dream, earned her doct...

She survived Typhoon Haiyan. She started working online at 15. She became a CEO at 20, and now, at 29, Le-an Lai Lacaba leads a 50+ person outsourcing company while building a second startup in the AI space. In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Le-an to talk about trauma, tenacity, and the truth behind building a business and a life worth living. Together, they unpack what...

Tired of birthday parties that leave your living room buried under a mountain of forgotten toys? In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Mic Foster, dad of three and founder of No Gifts Please, the experience registry helping families trade toy clutter for memories that last. Mic shares how one chaotic birthday inspired him to start a movement—one that’s changing how families...

In this conversation, Dr. Emily Levy, an educational expert and founder of EBL Coaching, shares her journey in special education and the importance of recognizing children's learning challenges. She discusses the various strategies used to support students with ADHD and learning disabilities, the significance of IEPs, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Levy emphasizes the nee...

In this conversation, Colleen Souza discusses the importance of core values such as self-control, respect, positivity, and hard work. She emphasizes how these values have influenced her family, classroom, and business. With a background in psychology and education, she shares insights from her research on how these values contribute to a strong mindset and personal development.

In this conversation, Steph Katzovi discusses her journey of transforming her childhood experiences into compelling stories. She reflects on her time at sleepaway camp, which was not a pleasant memory, and how it inspired her to write. Through writing, she explores the emotions tied to her past and emphasizes the therapeutic power of storytelling. Katzovi highlights the importance of rewriting one...

The conversation delves into the complexities of human relationships and the significant impact of miscommunication in industrialized society. Jim Marshall emphasizes that a lack of understanding among individuals leads to widespread issues, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and social dynamics.

What happens when a U.S. Navy veteran becomes a Native American Holy Man—and devotes his life to battling evil, cleansing spirits, and healing the broken? In this gripping episode of Jess Saying , we welcome D. Paul —a Heyoka, healer, and ordained spiritual warrior who walks the razor’s edge between the seen and unseen. Rooted in Native American traditions and grounded by Christian faith, D. Paul...

In this conversation, John DeDakis discusses the deep connection between his identity and the characters he creates, particularly focusing on the emotional experiences that transcend gender. He emphasizes that while he is not a woman, the insights he has gained from the women in his life inform his writing and character development. The discussion highlights the universality of emotions and the im...

In this conversation, Marisol James shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a best-selling romance author. She discusses her experiences with illness, the challenges of transitioning to writing, and the impact of narcissistic relationships on her life. Marisol emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional abuse and the need for supportive work environments for women f...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel speaks with Jeaneen Tang, a speech language pathologist and mother, about her journey into the field of speech therapy, the challenges she faced as a parent of a child with special needs, and the importance of early intervention and advocacy in education. Jeaneen shares her personal experiences, including the traumatic events surrounding her son's injury and...

Welcome back to Jess Saying . Today’s episode is about rising from the ashes — literally and emotionally. My guest, Julie Barth , is a mother of six, author, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach , a nonprofit helping women rebuild after trauma and crisis. Julie’s story is one of heartbreaking loss and unbelievable resilience — from losing her first husband to cancer to surviving years of...

In this heartfelt episode of Jess Saying , I sit downwith mother, and volunteer firefighter Mila Maxwell, author of Finding Lady Baltimore . Mila shares the deeply personal story of growing up alongside her sister with disabilities—and how that experience shaped not only her book, but her approach to motherhood, business, and life. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of memoir writing, the...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Melissa Schulz discuss the challenges and rewards of parenting, particularly for neurodiverse and strong-willed children. Melissa shares her journey from working with at-risk youth to founding a behavioral health company and transitioning into parenting coaching. They explore various strategies for emotional regulation, the importance of positive reinforceme...

In this powerful episode of Jess Saying , I sit down with Canadian clinical counsellor and author Sabrina Trobak to explore how early messages around worth, importance, and value shape the way we think, feel, and show up in our lives. Sabrina shares tools from her book Not Good Enough and breaks down why anxiety, anger, and emotional overwhelm are often rooted in one destructive lie: that we’re no...

What does it take to lead at home, at work, and within yourself—especially in a world that celebrates the spotlight over service? In this episode of Jess Saying , I sit down with Marine Officer, father, and award-winning author Olaolu Ogunyemi to explore the life-shaping power of intentional leadership and resilient parenting. From his humble beginnings to the discipline of the military, Olaolu sh...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Gail Showalter discuss the challenges faced by single mothers, particularly in pursuing education and career opportunities. Gail shares her personal journey and the founding of her organization, Single Moms Empowered, which aims to support single mothers in overcoming barriers to education and employment. They explore the importance of community support, sel...

Who says your best years are behind you after 40? On this episode, Jessica Danel sits down with helicopter pilot, angel investor, and midlife troublemaker Terri Hanson Mead —a woman on a mission to help others blow up the boxes society handed them. Terri shares her unapologetic take on the "messy middle," midlife identity crises, career pivots, and why playing it safe is the riskiest mov...

Step into a world where angels, demons, and humans collide—and where the line between love and duty isn’t so clear. In thisepisode, Jessica Danel sits down with fantasy author J.F. Monroe , whose LegendaryGuardians series reimagines the Four Horsemen mythology through heart, humor, and high stakes. We’ll explore how fantasy can be more than just magic and monsters—it’s a mirror for human connectio...

In this engaging conversation, Wendy Alexander shares her remarkable journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to becoming a successful career coach and author. She discusses the challenges of single motherhood, the importance of resilience, and the journey of reinventing oneself in midlife. Wendy emphasizes the significance of health and well-being, the power of storytelling, and the need...