Prep With JD

Every great party (and project) needs a clean exit. This episode teaches you how to close your project with gratitude, documentation, deliverable signoff, and a champagne-worthy wrap-up. Last call has never looked so professional.

Monitoring & Controlling is your project’s reality check. We talk scope control, performance reports, and issue logs — all with the precision of a bouncer who knows what’s not on the guest list.

Need a binge recap? This special episode reviews the PMP Principles and Domains we’ve covered so far — with Netflix-style storytelling, study tips, and callbacks to your favorite moments. Pop your popcorn and let’s get caught up.

The planning’s done — now we execute. This episode covers how to deliver real results, lead your team, manage resources, and actually do the thing while keeping the playlist (and the project) in sync.

Welcome to Planning — the most extra (and essential) process group. You’ll build baselines, organize deliverables, and create your full PMP party plan. Think of it as project management meets Pinterest board perfection.

Initiating is all about getting your people, purpose, and permissions in place. This episode kicks off the PMP party series by building your stakeholder list, creating the project charter, and setting the tone before anyone hits the dance floor.

If you’ve ever checked your budget and spiraled… this one’s for you. We’re breaking down EVM formulas, CPI, SPI, and the true difference between “broke” and “off track.” It’s project math with paycheck energy.

It’s not one-size-fits-all, and neither are your projects. This episode explores tailoring your project management approach — with Met Gala levels of intentionality. Because if your methodology doesn’t fit? You better hem it.

Grab your wand — we’re unlocking the PMP spellbook. From process models to artifact definitions, this episode casts clarity on the tools that make project management magical. Perfect for visual learners, spreadsheet nerds, and secret Hogwarts grads.

Uncertainty got you feeling psychic? This episode breaks down the Uncertainty Performance Domain — where foresight, risk thinking, and agility help you manage change like Raven Baxter in a crisis. (Just without the dramatic zoom.)

This Planning Performance Domain episode is not for the weak. We're channeling Specter-level control, strategy, and clarity to help you lock in project success from day one. Scope, schedule, and forecasting? Handled.

Teamwork makes the dream work… even when you’re out of snacks and patience. This episode dives into the Team Performance Domain — with inspiration from the most lovable underdogs in public education. You’ll laugh, reflect, and finally figure out how to lead a team like Janine (with just a touch of Barbara-level calm).

Welcome to the Measurement Performance Domain — where feelings aren’t facts and metrics don’t sugarcoat. We’re talking KPIs, EVM, and performance analysis that exposes the truth. If the deliverables don’t match the plan? It’s giving Catfish.

Delivery Performance has entered the chat — and it’s fierce. Walk through the final phase of the work cycle with PMP precision and ANTM confidence. Because delivery isn’t just about what you built — it’s about how you serve it.

This episode is giving order, accountability, and real-world execution. Explore the Project Work domain with Olivia Benson–level composure, justice, and yes — protocol. You’ll leave knowing how to work the process and the people.

Development Approach and Life Cycle chaos? We’re talking Agile, Predictive, Hybrid — and yes, we’re doing it through the lens of Michael Scott’s project “management.” Learn how to actually pick the right methodology without turning your team into an improv troupe.

It's giving stakeholder strategy and boundary setting. Learn how to manage stakeholder drama, feedback, and ghosting with the same finesse you use to control the group chat. We're not just updating people, we're engaging with power and purpose.

This one’s for the playlist girlies, the study-with-a-vibe learners, and anyone who wants a certified remix of all 12 PMP Principles. In this special recap episode, we’re turning dry project theory into a full-blown audio experience — one track (aka principle) at a time. From Beyoncé-level integrity to Rihanna-style leadership, each principle gets its moment to shine, complete with real-world exam...

🎙️ PMP Principle 11: The Comeback Code – Embracing Adaptability and Resiliency Like a Boss Projects flop. Plans fail. People ghost. But YOU? You bounce back. This episode is your guide to navigating change with grace and grit. We’ll talk about staying grounded when the ground is shifting—and building your team’s resilience like it’s part of the work plan. This one’s all about the bounce back. Beca...

🎙️ PMP Principle 12: Control-Alt-Glow Up – The Kim K Framework for Enabling Change To get to the future, you’ve got to stop clinging to the past. In this finale episode, we study Kim Kardashian’s glow-up from tabloid fodder to business mogul and prison reform advocate—aka a real case study in change enablement. If you’re leading a transformation (or just trying to get your team to stop using that...

🎙️ PMP Principle 10: Risk Management Like a Reality Show – Plot Twists, Petty Drama, and Plan B’s Risk management isn’t about being scared—it’s about being strategic . In this episode, we treat risk like it’s a reality show: unpredictable, juicy, and full of side-eye. You’ll learn how to anticipate the drama, build backup plans, and come out looking like the composed queen of the reunion special (...

🎙️ PMP Principle 9: It’s Like Planning a Friend’s Trip – But Half the Group Has Commitment Issues If you’ve ever tried to plan a group vacation, you already understand stakeholder engagement. This episode dives into Principle 9 by comparing flaky friends, over-planners, and passive participants to project stakeholders—and how to get everyone aligned without losing your mind (or your Airbnb deposit...

🎙️ PMP Principle 8: Tesla vs. Toyota – Perception Ain’t Quality Just because it’s shiny doesn’t mean it’s reliable. In this episode, we talk about what actual quality means in project management—beyond branding and buzzwords. Using Tesla and Toyota as metaphors, we’ll explore how to define, measure, and protect quality in any project, and how to survive when your stakeholders care more about sizzl...

🎧 Episode 7: Lead Like Rihanna – The Anti-Basic Guide to Leadership Behaviors In this episode, we channel Rihanna’s unapologetic leadership style to break down what it really means to “Demonstrate Leadership Behaviors.” From commanding a room without saying a word to leading with emotional intelligence, we’re flipping the script on basic management advice. If your project team feels more like bac...

🎙️ PMP Principle 7: DJ the Room – How Tailoring Your Project Is the Secret to Getting Everyone Dancing Your team is the crowd. Your plan is the playlist. If you don’t know how to read the room, you’re getting skipped. This episode dives into tailoring—adapting your project approach to match the people, the context, and the chaos. Think of this as your VIP set for mastering PMP Principle 7 with rhy...