Jess Saying With Jessica Danel

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 the subsequent custody battle, which s...

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 narcissistic a...

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 resilience it takes to self-pub...

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 reinforcement, and the impact of generational ...

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 not enough. With humor, warmth, ...

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 shares how his faith, failures, ...

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, self-belief, and the need for practica...

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 move you can make. With wisdom, wit, and z...

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 connection, rede...

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 for women to pursue their passions...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews entrepreneur and inventor David Ask, who shares his journey from invention to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating innovative solutions, the importance of authenticity, and the role of fathers in shaping identity. David emphasizes the significance of self-discovery, grit, and the impact of community on personal growth. The conversation also to...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Rosa Maria Mancini, a podcaster and author of the memoir 'SOS Podcasts.' Rosa sharesher journey of moving from Italy to Germany, the cultural challenges she faced, and how podcasts became a lifeline during her expat life. The discussion delves into the expectations of living in different countries, the experience of motherhood abroad, and the importance of finding community th...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Bill Senyard, an award-winning fantasy author, about his book series, 'The Kingdom Quest.' They explore the intersection of faith and fantasy, the importance of storytelling in shaping values, and the impact of social media on youth. Bill shares insights on the writing process, themes of identity and forgiveness, and the role of humor in storytelling. The discussion also touch...

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel and Maria Garaitonandia explore the multifaceted world of solopreneurship, communication,and personal reinvention. Maria shares her journey from being a professor to becoming a solopreneur and award-winning speaker, emphasizing the importance of effective communication across cultures and generations. They discuss the challenges of managing conflict, the impact of ghosting in professiona...

In this engaging conversation, T.L. McCoy shares the inspiration behind her children's book, 'Delilah's Versus the Gastly Grimm,' which was written for her grandchild with Gervais syndrome. The discussion delves into the importance of representation in children's literature, the challenges of advocating for children with disabilities, and the journey of self-publishing. T.L. emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in soci...

In this engaging conversation, Nurse Jennifer Johnson shares her journey as an ER nurse and author of 'Nursing Intuition.' She discusses the importance of trusting one's gut in patient care, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding nursing career, and the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession. Jennifer emphasizes the need for empathy and kindness in healthcare, the therapeutic power of writing, and the signifi...

In this conversation, Steve Ward shares his transformative journey from a high-functioning alcoholic to a purpose-driven individual dedicated to helping others. He discusses his struggles with addiction, the pivotal moments that led to his recovery, and the founding of his nonprofit, Steps Ministries. Steve emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards improvement and the power of community support in overcoming personal ...

In this engaging conversation, Jim Tracy, affectionately known as the Grampian, shares his insights on leadership, culture, and the importance of family in business. He discusses his unique approach to understanding workplace culture by connecting with employees at all levels, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of maintaining strong relationships both in marriage and business. Jim emphasizes the value of liste...

In this conversation, Jessica Danel interviews licensed professional counselor Stacy Schaefer, who shares her personal journey of overcoming a traumatic childhood and how it shaped her path into counseling. Stacy discusses the importance of addressing childhood trauma, the impact of generational trauma, and the significance of play therapy in helping children process their emotions. She emphasizes the need for parents to engage in ...