Just Jess

Jess recounts the wild, uncomfortable, and slightly chaotic experience of their most recent colonoscopy—complete with burning IVs, double sedation attempts, and a surprise post-op hangover that still hasn’t worn off.

Two polyps removed, IBS confirmed, and a whole lot of “what the hell just happened?” energy.

This isn’t a deep dive—it’s a dazed check-in from someone who’s still floating but still showing up.

🖤 Still dizzy. Sti...

In this deeply personal episode, Jess opens their heart and shares a letter written to the daughter they gave up for adoption at nineteen—Lizzie. With raw honesty, tenderness, and courage, Jess revisits the pain of letting go, the complexity of love from afar, and the dreams they’ve always held for Lizzie’s future. This isn’t just a letter—it’s a legacy.

What unfolds is part confession, part celebration, and all love. Jess refle...

Listeners Be Advised

Surviving your diagnosis is only half the battle — surviving the meds is the other.

In this raw and brutally honest episode, Jess Faulkner opens up about the real cost of life-saving medications: side effects, withdrawal, polypharmacy chaos, and the everyday fight to keep moving forward.

From vomiting in trash bags to managing 17 prescriptions at once, Jess gets real about what it means to stay alive when your...

You ever wonder what a chronically ill, chaos-driven, emotionally loaded person keeps in their survival bags?

Today, we’re getting real.

In this mini episode, I’m taking you through my everyday clutch and my hospital emergency bag —

the essentials, the ridiculous, the sentimental, and the downright necessary.

From love tickets and lip balm to medication lists and comfy sweatpants,

these bags aren’t about looking cute — they’re a...

Starting over isn’t failure — it’s survival.

In this episode, Jess gets real about what it means to shed old lives, old dreams, and old versions of yourself in order to rebuild something new. From bounty hunter to cannagirl to survivor of homelessness and heartbreak, Jess shares raw stories of the many “mini deaths” she’s lived through — and why starting over isn’t just allowed, it’s necessary.

If you’ve ever felt like you ha...

(LISTENERS BE ADVISED)

Grief isn’t just an emotion — it’s a full-body experience. It shows up in your skin, your bones, your lungs, and your heart.

In this episode, Jess talks about how grief physically and emotionally affects us, why it doesn’t follow a straight line, and how we can survive it with softness, patience, and real self-compassion.

If you’ve ever wondered why grief feels so heavy — or how to keep living with the love and ...

What does it mean to raise kids when the world feels like it’s constantly on fire?

In this episode, Jess gets real about the heavy reality of parenting during chaotic times — from global pandemics to mass shootings, climate change, political unrest, and everything in between. It’s about raising strong, kind, emotionally intelligent kids while balancing fear, exhaustion, and the deep desire to give them a future worth believing i...

🩺 Episode 023.5 – Life as a Sick Bitch

In this short but honest check-in, Jess shares what it really looks like to live with chronic illness while parenting, managing meds, and just trying to stay awake. From pain flare-ups to kitchen table chaos, it’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a life built around survival—with a little softness, a little rage, and a lot of reality.

Because being sick isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it...

Be advised. In this episode, Jess Faulkner delves into the sensitive topics of circumcision and female genital mutilation (FGM), exploring their historical, cultural, and ethical implications. The conversation begins with personal updates and transitions into a discussion about the societal norms surrounding these practices. Jess highlights the differences between male circumcision and FGM, questioning the ethics of making such dec...

In this special episode, Jess shares the story of Lorelei, a brave 7-year-old living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Through honest conversation and deep compassion, this episode highlights what it means to live with a chronic illness from such a young age—and why awareness, support, and advocacy matter now more than ever.

Learn about CF, the daily challenges Lorelei faces, and how we can all show up for kids like her who are fighting ba...

020. The first episode of Season 2!

In this episode, Jess Faulkner shares her journey of resilience and personal growth, reflecting on her struggles with health, family dynamics, and the importance of community. She discusses the challenges of making difficult choices for mental well-being, the joy of volunteering, and the lessons learned through her experiences. Jess emphasizes the significance of connection and support in overcomi...

Season Two is here, baby—and Jess is back with more grit, heart, and brutally honest storytelling. Jess also introduces the themes for this season (hello, #SickBitchSummer), gives a sneak peek at upcoming guest episodes, and breaks down their full med list—no filter, no fluff.

Expect laughter, tears, and at least one shark figurine mention.

Plus: new merch drops, a return to poetry, and that familiar reminder—no matter how me...