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PODCAST

If Not For This Podcast

Hi, I"m Jess! If Not For This Podcast is our space to talk about the moments and choices that really shape our lives. The big ones, the small ones, and the ones we didn"t even see coming. It"s a mix of honest conversations, stories, and reflections about the "what if"s" we all have. Sometimes its funny, sometimes its real, but it"s always exploring how we ended up where we are and maybe where we"re heading next.

education self-improvement

All Episodes

01:07:36

When Opposites Attract (and Do a Little Healing Too)

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/11/13

This week, Jess grabs the mic to take you right into the heart of her beautifully blended life, joined by her guest, co-parent, and husband, Jay. Together, they unpack the wonderfully weird dynamics of merging families, comparing their totally different upbringings and how those backgrounds still clash, or blend, into their everyday routines and parenting choices.Jess gets real about what it’s been like learning to loosen her grip on control, while Jay tags in with his own take on navigating love,

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42:56

A Simple Shame-Storm

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/10/30

This week, Jess takes us on a wild ride through the messy, guilt-filled terrain of growing up Southern Baptist, where perfection was expected and mistakes were mortal sins. She shares how straying from those rigid expectations didn’t just ruffle feathers, it triggered a full-blown shame storm that left her questioning everything about faith, identity, and whether she’d ever be “good enough.”Through some brutally honest self-reflection (and a game-changing heart-to-heart with her pastor), she

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49:35

First Year Feels: Social Anxiety, Sorority Picnics &...

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/10/02

In this episode, Jess sits down with her daughter Lily. They discuss Lily’s raw, real, and unexpectedly emotional journey into college life, the kind that doesn’t show up in the brochures. From the nerves of move-in day to a panic attack at a sorority picnic, Lily opens up about facing social anxiety head-on in a brand-new world. Jess offers an honest look at what it’s like to support your kid from the sidelines, proud, worried, and just trying to hold it together as your firstborn steps into the

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01:06:12

Love Multiplies: Navigating Blended Families with...

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/09/18

On this episode, Jess chats with author and counselor Summer Butler about the ups, downs, and everything in between of blended families. They explore how love doesn’t get divided, it multiplies, and how kids can thrive across multiple homes.Summer also shares her new children’s book, “Mallie’s Two Homes and a Deer Named Darla,” a comforting guide for kids navigating stepfamily life. Listen as Jess and Summer chat about resilience, connection, and growing stronger through life’s twists.About JessJess

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59:38

Move Your Body, Lift Your Mind

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/09/02

In this episode, Jess dives into the powerful connection between getting moving and feeling amazing, both physically and emotionally. She shares how working out isn’t just about muscles or stamina; it’s a secret weapon for clearing your mind, melting stress, and boosting overall well-being. Jess opens up about her own fitness journey over the past four and a half months, showing how sticking to a routine has transformed her day-to-day feelings.She also breaks down the science, think endorphins,

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50:42

Jess Screams at Jay, Twice

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/08/14

This week, Jess gets real about the power of vulnerability, the magic of genuine connection, and how both can completely change the way we experience life and relationships. She talks about moments of self-doubt and podcast jitters to the surprising clarity that came from honest conversations with the people who matter most.Jess explores why opening up about our struggles isn’t weakness, it’s where healing begins. Jess also reveals an exciting new chapter for our community, one rooted in holistic

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53:38

The Bigger Alpha Has Joined the Chat

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/07/24

What happens when two strong-willed “Alpha” personalities fall in love and try to do life together without (completely) driving each other bonkers?Jess gets real about the sparks that fly, not just the romantic kind, but the occasional post-vacation tension that pops up when the bags are unpacked, but the emotions… not so much. Jay joins her and they explore big revelations, like how moments of friction can lead to a deeper connection if you're brave enough to face them.If you've ever found yourself

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42:01

If Not For Two Alphas Getting Married

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/07/10

In this episode, Jess opens up about what turning 45 has brought into focus for her, the beauty of self-acceptance, the power of imperfection, and the ongoing evolution that comes with age. She shares moments from her recent birthday and how they sparked deeper reflection on life, relationships, and the ways we show up for each other.She talks honestly about the ups and downs of marriage, especially the tough stuff like communication and unmet needs, and how those challenges can lead to greater

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54:32

Bullets and Bridges

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/06/19

This week, Jess invites you into a story that didn’t go as planned. What was supposed to be a recording session turned into a deep, unexpected conversation with a dear friend, showing how life’s detours often bring the richest moments of connection.She explores what it means to show up in your life’s arena, especially when things feel heavy, and shares gentle tools to help you navigate emotional struggles through movement, vulnerability, and connection.Jess reminds you that even in the hardest

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36:18

If Not For the Divorce Our Family Would Not Be Here

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/06/05

Turns out, beauty can rise from the ashes (and messy custody schedules). This week, Jess dives into the wild ride of life post-divorce—and spoiler alert—it’s not all doom and gloom.She’s peeling back the layers on her story—messy stepmom moments, blended family chaos, and all. But instead of hiding the cringeworthy bits, Jess is owning them, because healing doesn’t happen on the surface. You’ve gotta dive deep!Along the way, she gives major love to you, the listeners, for your DMs, your support, and

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56:10

A Big Sigh of Relief for Jess, Velvet Thunder i.e....

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/05/22

Jay Norman is here! (Jess' man.) They talk about that one wild day when the family cat, Tommy, went missing—and how a simple pet search turned into this unexpectedly emotional rollercoaster. The kids got involved, everyone was on edge, and somehow it all made them reflect on what really matters in a family. Jess and Jay also go off on a tangent about a super awkward public moment—one of those things that’s equal parts mortifying and hilarious—and how showing up as your real, messy self is kind of

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55:42

Text Me When You're Hiding in the Bathroom:...

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/05/08

What happens when two high school besties grow up, grow families, and still find time to laugh (and cry) through it all?In this episode, Jess and her soul-sister Amber take a walk down memory lane—complete with awkward teen moments and heartfelt confessions. From navigating the beautiful chaos of blended families to learning how to show up for each other in big life transitions, they crack open what it really means to hold space for someone over the years. It’s refreshing, raw, and a little

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01:04:25

Healing, Hustling, and Holding On with Meg Andersen

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/04/23

Think: less “perfect morning routine” and more “how do I keep going when life is messy and motivation ghosts me?” Jess and Meg are diving deep into the beauty and struggle of caring for our bodies, minds, and hearts, especially in a world full of noise and distractions.Through some soul-baring stories and laughter, Jess and Meg explore the magic that happens when we stop doing it all alone. From gym fails to quiet wins, they unpack the power of connection, community, and showing up for yourself even

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43:46

The Fliphouse Takes a Hit, So Jess Takes Up Farming...

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/04/10

This week, Jess gets real about what it’s like to return to her farming roots while juggling home renovations, self-doubt, and the ever-complicated world of family dynamics. From planting multiple varieties of corn (because why do things the easy way?) to learning the art of patience and communication, she shares the highs, the lows, and the unexpected lessons the land keeps teaching her.But this episode isn’t just about farming—it’s about the messy, beautiful tension between chasing personal dreams

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01:21:48

Blame This Strong Friendship On Courtney Benson

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/04/02

Ever feel like you’re starring in a movie written by your parents? In this episode, Jess and Courtney dive into the messy, beautiful journey of personal growth—unpacking how childhood experiences shape who we become (for better or... let’s be honest, sometimes for worse).They’re getting real about fear, expectations, and those sneaky inherited narratives that hold us back. But don’t worry, it’s not all deep dives and existential spirals—they’re also celebrating the freedom that comes with rewriting

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01:12:47

Blame This Intercontinental Conversation on Jessie...

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/03/13

This week, Jess and Jessie get real about the magic of community and connection—because let’s be honest, life would be pretty dull without it. They both share the weird and wonderful ways they have built deep friendships despite living miles apart, and how opening up (even when it’s terrifying) has led to some of their most meaningful relationships. Jess and Jessie also geek out about how the internet, for all its chaos, has been a surprising lifeline in bringing kindred spirits together. Listen as

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38:39

Deeper Roots; Digging Into The Lore

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/02/27

This week, Jess is digging into the lore. She gets real about how personal memories shape who we are—especially when it comes to motherhood and healing deep emotional wounds. Jess shares a story about her son that haunted her for years, a time when depression had her drowning in shame and self-doubt. It wasn’t pretty. But through therapy, self-reflection, and an unexpected reality check from her own kid, she found a way to break free from that weight.This is a raw, unfiltered look at how our

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21:37

You Can Blame it All on My Roots

If Not For This Podcast ·

2025/02/12

Welcome to a messy, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic season premiere of the If Not for This Podcast! In the first episode, Jess gets real about why she hit "record" in the first place. She opens up about past struggles—relationships, identity, and the general rollercoaster of life—and how storytelling became her way of making sense of it all.This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a safe space for anyone feeling a little lost, a little curious, or just in need of some honest conversation. So, grab your

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18 results

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