Jess Saying With Jessica Danel

Parenting a child with disabilities is never simple—but it can be profoundly transformative. In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica sits down with John Fela, who calls himself the “Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy.” As the father of a 16-year-old son with autism who is also nonverbal, a former elementary educator of 20 years, and now a national advocate through his work with Joni and Frien...

Motherhood is beautiful but messy, and sometimes it feels like life’s challenges pile on all at once. In this episode of Jess Saying, I sit down with Fiona Demark — a professional speaker, coach, and author — to talk about how moms can cultivate resilience, reframe challenges, and prioritize their wellbeing. Fiona shares her powerful story of living with a disability, as well as practical tools fo...

In this conversation, Tommy Kilpatrick shares his journey of overcoming $85,000 in credit card debt through a unique legal approach. He discusses how he uncovered what he believes to be bank fraud and the importance of understanding the nature of credit cards and loans. Tommy emphasizes the need for financial literacy and encourages listeners to question the banking system and their own financial...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Michelle Choairy discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with complex needs. They share personal stories about their experiences in the NICU, the journey of diagnosis, and the importance of advocacy and support for parents. Michelle introduces her Thrive method, which helps parents organize their approach to caring for their children. They...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Lucy Milligan Wahl discuss the intricacies of home organization, emphasizing the psychological aspects of clutter and the importance of establishing effective systems. Lucy shares her expertise on decluttering, organizing, and the emotional ties people have to their belongings. They explore practical steps for maintaining an organized home, the role of famil...

What happens when you trade bachelor life for caregiving? Mark Steven Porro, author of the award-winning memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode, shares his unforgettable journey caring for his ninety-year-old mother. Through humor, love, and resilience, Mark found joy in one of life’s hardest roles — and became a better man for it. In this heartfelt episode of Jess Saying, we celebrate caregivers, tal...

What does it take to rise when the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful and inspiring episode, Jessica Danel sits down with Pauline Victoria—an unstoppable thought leader born without arms or legs—who’s made it her mission to help others transform their struggles into strength. From redefining limitations to launching a purpose-driven business, Pauline shares how she turned “impossible”...

What does a law enforcement officer turned mystery novelist know about parenting that most of us don’t? A lot, it turns out. In this episode, Jessica sits down with Rodney, a millennial dad of an 11-year-old girl, to talk about the highs and lows of raising kids in today’s world. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, Rodney Carpentier shares the raw truth about seeing families in crisi...

In this engaging conversation, Sid Mohasseb, an entrepreneur philosopher, shares his journey from being an immigrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator. He discusses the importance of igniting creativity in education through his non-academic academy, Anabasis Academy, which focuses on personalgrowth and self-motivation. The conversation delves into the role of AI in education, rede...

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Craig, a seasoned camp director, youth educator, musician, and father of two, including one child on the autism spectrum, to discuss how exhausted parents can reclaim their joy. With over 30 years of experience wrangling wild kids and calming the daily chaos, Craig shares real-life tools that use music, mindfulness, and simple rituals to help you survive (an...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Barbara Mojica, an experienced educator and author of children's books. They discuss Barbara's extensive teaching career, her transition to special education, and the importance of early intervention for children with special needs. Barbara shares her passion for creating educational children's books that integrate history and critical thinking, empha...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel speaks with Kate Mageau, author of 'The Rose-Colored Glasses,' about her personal journey through an abusive relationship and her subsequent work as a therapist. They discuss the complexities of toxic relationships, the importance of support systems, and the challenges individuals face when trying to leave such situations. Kate shares insights on emotional abuse...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Shannon Curtis, author of 'No More Monsters Under My Bed,' a children's hybrid book that addresses trauma and healing. Shannon shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and the healing process through various therapies, including plant medicine. The discussion delves into the themes of forgiveness, the importance of storyt...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Patrick Boylan, co-founder of Museflow, a music app designed to teach piano in an engaging and gamified manner. Patrick shares his background in music and the creative process behind Museflow, emphasizing the importance of real-time feedback and the role of human creativity in music education. The discussion also touches on the integration of AI in mu...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and D. Tanner discuss the complexities of dating as a single mom, the importance of healthy expectations in relationships, and the red and green flags to look for in potential partners. They explore the significance of wisdom, discernment, and the role of faith in building lasting relationships. The discussion also touches on the challenges of modern dating, inc...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Karen Rudolph explore the transformative power of self-reflection and personal growth through the Tranquil Solutions Mind Mosaic tool. Karen shares her journey from being a people pleaser to empowering herself and others through self-discovery techniques. They discuss the importance of understanding subconscious patterns, building confidence, and the daily p...

On May 1, 1992, Lindhurst High School became the epicenter of a tragedy that would leave a permanent mark on a generation. When a former student, Eric Houston, opened fire, four lives were lost, 11 others were wounded, and nearly 80 classmates were held hostage in aharrowing standoff. For those of us who lived through that day, the trauma wasn’t just physical—it cut deep into our hearts and minds,...

In this enlightening conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Kerry Blaser, a mother, author, and shaman, who shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. They explore the impact of emotional wounds on relationships, the role of energy and emotions in the healing process, and the intersection of shamanism and psychology. Kerry emphasizes the importance of transforming pain into wisdom...

In this episode, I sit down with Henry Woodman, an entrepreneur and angel investor. We explore his journey of entrepreneurship, discussing personal stories, challenges, and the importance of adaptability in the business world. We will dive into the impact of AI on various industries, the significance of angel investing, and the risks associated with starting a business. The discussion emphasizes t...

Ever feel like you need an escape from carpool chaos, endless laundry, and the pressure to “do it all”? In this episode, I sit down with romance novelist Beth Pellino-Dudzic to talk about why every mom deserves her guilty pleasures—and how her Perfection Saga delivers exactly that. Romance novels aren’t just about love and heat; they’re about reclaiming a piece of yourself, exploring fantasy, and...

In this conversation, Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical and child forensic psychologist, discusses the evolution of discipline across generations, focusing on the shift from corporal punishment to modern techniques. He emphasizes the importance of teaching responsibility through logical consequences and positive reinforcement, while also addressing the challenges parents face in today's society. The d...

In this enlightening conversation, Howard Berg, the world's fastest reader, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Brooklyn tobecoming a renowned educator. He discusses the importance of teaching effective learning techniques to families, emphasizing emotional intelligence and adapting learning methods to individual needs. Howard highlights the flaws inthe education system, particular...

Many families dream of owning a home—but in today’s market, it can feel nearly impossible. In this episode of Jess Saying , we dive into the realities of homeownership in our current climate: the challenges, the roadblocks, and the creative strategies that can make it happen. I’m joined by two guests bringing fresh perspectives: ✅ Nathan Turner – a mortgage note investor who offers an alternative...

One near-fatal moment changed everything. After a life-altering car accident, Alan Lazaros left behind a high-powered corporate career and stepped into a purpose-driven life. In this powerful episode, we will unpack the lessons trauma can teach us, how to rebuild from rock bottom, and why transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re at a crossroads or still healing fro...

Are you constantly hovering over your kids, making sure they don’t fail, get hurt, or make mistakes? In this episode, we dive into the world of helicopter parenting—what it is, why we do it, and how to know if you’re doing more harm than good. Tune in as we talk about landing the helicopter, letting go of control, andhelping our kids build the skills they need to stand on their own two feet.