Resilient and Rowdy

In this episode, Jess sits down with Staff Sergeant Julianne Jackson from 6th Ranger Training Battalion—the infamous swamp phase of Ranger School. Julianne didn’t follow a straight path into the Army—and that’s exactly what makes her story hit. What started as a simple “why not?” turned into stepping into some of the toughest environments the military has to offer… and now she’s on the other side...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy , Jess sits down with Olivera—a licensed therapist, yoga teacher, and business owner—to explore her path to opening a private practice and her holistic approach to mental health. Olivera reflects on how her passion for psychology began in high school and shares her experience working in addiction treatment and psychiatric settings. She breaks down her somatic...

After a five-month pause, Jess sits down to catch up — career shifts, private growth, quiet resilience, and rediscovering her voice. This isn’t a rebrand; it’s a rebirth. Resilient & Rowdy returns softer, wiser, and still a little chaotic — because healing doesn’t mean you lose your edge. Follow & Connect: www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdywww.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy   www.tiktok.c...

Turning 30 hit harder (and sweeter) than I ever expected. In this solo episode, I'm taking you through my raw, messy, beautiful 2024 - the highs, the heartbreaks, the growth, and the gratitude.  From navigating mental health struggles, cutting ties with the wrong people, to learning what resilience looks like - we're talking about it all.  If you've ever felt like you're healing, h...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess brings back special guest Michael Ramos to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his book, 'The After.' Michael shares insights on the impact of his book, reader feedback, and how writing has been a therapeutic journey. The conversation delves into the personal and emotional aspects of military service and transitioning to civilian life, hi...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy , host Jess Jaimes sits down with special guest James Spearman—a distinguished Air Force pilot and successful business owner. James takes us through his remarkable journey, from a childhood captivated by aviation to becoming an Air Force mechanic, earning his degree at Middle Tennessee State University, and ultimately completing Air Force Pilot Training. He o...

In this episode of Resilient Rowdy, Jess interviews Nora Latouja, the iconic first female Navy SEAL. Nora shares her journey from Ohio to the military, her challenges in joining during a downsizing period, and her eventual role as a logistics officer. Nora shares how her TikTok presence grew during COVID-19, where she faced criticism but used humor and advocacy to build a following. She talks abou...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy , host Jess sits down with Alex from The Sticky Green Beret . Alex opens up about his journey growing up in Texas, his decision to join the military at 24, and his extensive training and career as a Green Beret. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, navigating grief, and how psychedelics have played a pivotal role in his healing...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess interviews the influential military YouTuber Nicky MGTV. They discuss Nicky's intriguing background and his journey in the Navy over the past 16 years. Nicky explains his unique role as a hospital corpsman and independent duty corpsman, and his path as a content creator. The conversation shifts to his recent hiatus from YouTube due to regulatory is...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess sits down with Jackie Jones, an art therapy professional, to delve into the profound impact of art therapy and holistic health. Jackie opens up about her culturally rich background and her journey from art education to influential roles in art therapy. She shares her experiences at Georgetown University Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Me...

Welcome and welcome back! Today's episode is with a special guest, Autumn Schlimmer, founder of Frauline K9. Autumn shares her inspiring journey from the Navy to becoming a professional dog trainer. Tune in to learn about her experience in military canine training, her passion for working with dogs, and the transition to starting her own business. Don't miss this engaging conversation abou...

In this episode Jess interviews Michael, a veteran turned creative writing professor, about his journey from military life to academia. They explore Michael's transition from the Navy, the role of education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in his career shift, and his discovery of creative writing as a therapeutic and fulfilling path. Michael's story underscores the adaptabil...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess welcomes Sean Ambriz with a unique Army combat experience. Originating from Los Angeles, California, Sean joined the military as an MP, but his career took unexpected turns, including roles as a medic, SRT NCOIC, and marksman during deployments in Afghanistan. Sean shares his journey from combat experiences, dealing with PTSD, to writing a book tha...

Donald McAlister AKA Mac is a retired Airborne Infantry Command Sergeant Major with over twenty-four years of dedicated service to the United States Army. He served on multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan where he led his troops into battle. While deployed to Iraq in the 2003 invasion, Mac was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device. He ultimately recovered from his injur...

Welcome to Resilient and Rowdy, Zack! Zack Knight is a dynamic leader, operations consultant, and media specialist with a distinguished background in law enforcement and the military. From serving as a metro-Atlanta police officer to leading infantry units in the Army, Zack’s career has always been defined by a commitment to leadership and service. Leveraging his expertise, he assists clients in s...

Welcome to RNR Tina! Tina is a musician and BJJ white belt, and veteran spouse powering through life through her faith and melodies. Explore Tina Smith's journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and embracing authenticity through music. Through discussions on multicultural upbringing, family struggles, and creative process insights, Tina emphasizes the power of authenticity, growth mi...

Meet Amanda! You may know her as my co-host on Department of the Dead, where we also have a segment called "The Ghouls Room." This is our first crossover episode and we're diving right into the recent allegations of Dan Schneider from the documentary called Quiet On Set on (HBO) Max. Join Amanda and I while we explore the controversies surrounding Dan Schneider and Nickelodeon, the g...

In this candid and unfiltered conversation, we get to know Emily, a lifelong entrepreneur having scaled multiple companies to millions of dollars in revenue and constantly pursuing more. Emily discusses her past experiences, her journey of self-discovery, and her commitment to embracing her authentic self. She shares insights on the importance of trusting one's instincts, confronting difficult...

Welcome back to Resilient and Rowdy! The episode focuses on the discussion of mental health, notably men's mental health. The host, Jess, welcomes her guest, Kian, an Air Force veteran, mother, and mental health advocate. They discuss the stigma around discussing mental health, especially in the male and military populations. Jess expresses the importance of celebrating vulnerability and talki...

In this episode, the host, Jess, discusses her experiences and self-reflections during 2023. She addresses various topics such as self-growth, the impact of travel, dating experiences, and setting boundaries with friends and family to maintain her mental health. She also talks about the changes she has made, such as going sober and the challenges these changes brought to her life. Towards the end,...

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess talks with special guest Jessica Rose, a Marine Corps veteran, active caregiver and mental health advocate. Jessica Rose shares about her own personal passion for suicide prevention and mental health and the power of gratitude in shaping our attitudes and behaviors. She also discusses the importance of taking proactive measures such as understandin...

A fellow podcaster joins Resilient and Rowdy! In this episode, the conversation revolves around Josh's life and experiences, including his struggles with alcoholism, his experiences in the military, his traumatic family situation, and his journey towards sobriety and self-discovery. Also, he talks about the creation of the "Hero Front Podcast," his interactions with military leaders,...

Welcome Alex Aun! In this episode, we get to know Alex through both his personal and professional life. Alex discusses despite set backs and failures, the opportunity for development will always be given. Alex is an active duty Army Special Forces soldier with a passion and persistence in entrepreneurship. He showcases his knowledge of various subjects of self, business, and financial improvement...

This week's episode is featuring a very special guest, Jennifer Aun! Jennifer is an engineer, entrepreneur, and Army Veteran. Jess & Jennifer crossed paths in the women veteran space and have shared many similar experiences with happenings in the community. We sit down and discuss the what and why, acknowledge the unfortunate and perpetual behavior witnessed over the years, and our hopes f...

HELLO??!! Mama's home. It's been awhile, so here's a lil catch up episode on what's been going on lately with me. Why am I whispering?? UGH Anyways. Today I share with y'all some life changes and choices I've made and how they've effected me to this day. Getting your sh*t together, mental health breaks and checks, sobriety, all SUPER fun things right.. Next few episodes...