BONUS: Embracing Endings & New Beginnings | Jesse Israel

For today’s special bonus episode, Judd welcomes meditation teacher and entrepreneur Jesse Israel to Behind the Armor—discussing the natural cycles behind the beginnings and endings we all walk through. Jesse begins the conversation by leading us through a grounding meditation—drawing attention to the body, breath, and environment—which sets the tone for the conversation. 

Together, Judd and Jesse dive into some of the common myths about meditation, but the heart of the episode centers on how to embrace the closing of life chapters well. Judd chooses to share about his impending divorce and the emotional tumult of major life shifts, asking Jesse how to ritualize milestones like letting go of past identities. In turn, Jesse highlights his experience with The Big Quiet and underscores the importance of grieving, crying, and letting go of shame to open space for new energy.

The episode concludes with Jesse encouraging Judd to write his own closure letter and invite others to bear witness—anchoring endings in ceremony and moving into new beginnings with presence, clarity, and energetic readiness.

5 Lessons from the Episode:

Mindfulness myth: Meditation isn’t about emptying the mind—it's about practicing awareness when thoughts arise.

Lead by being: Your transformation is the most effective invitation for others to follow.

Ritual closure: Monumental endings deserve ritual—a letter, a ceremony, public acknowledgment.

Trust cycles: Past experiences show that trust and letting go pave the way for new growth.

Cultivate the soil: In transitions, focus on nourishing yourself—the flower blooms in its season.

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CHAPTERS:
 00:00 Guided Meditation & Introduction
 01:20 Debunking Meditation Myths
 04:42 Teaching Meditation & Building Habit
 10:00 Recognizing Cycles & Honoring Endings
 14:33 How Jesse Closed The Big Quiet
 19:25 Ceremony & Grief in Transitions
 24:15 Overcoming Attachment & Fear
 27:26 Anchoring Intuition & Trust
 29:41 Cultivating Soil Between Chapters
 32:47 Advice for Crafting Closure & Ceremony