In this special season recap episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica and Ariele take time to look back on the conversations, lessons, and moments that shaped Season 3—a season centered on healing, boundaries, identity, and choosing ourselves with more honesty and care.

From exploring softness as a foundational human need to unpacking family estrangement, modern dating, purity culture, child-free living, entrepreneurship, friendship dynamics, and major life transitions, this season held space for the real, the tender, and the complicated parts of being human.

Jessica reflects on what it means to choose yourself in a world that often asks us to abandon our needs, bodies, and boundaries—and how this season invited listeners to move toward more presence, more honesty, and more agency in their lives and relationships.

This episode is both a celebration and a pause—a chance to honor the growth that's happened, the conversations that lingered, and the community that continues to make this podcast what it is.

We also share a few behind-the-scenes reflections, listener-favorite moments, and a sneak peek at what's coming in Season 4, where we'll dive into conversations about how being delulu has its benefits, the loneliness epidemic, belonging, and how we rebuild connection in a disconnected world.

This season reminded us that healing isn't linear, growth doesn't need to be externally dictated, and choosing yourself is a daily, gentle self-embrace.

Thank you for walking alongside us this season.

Until next season—stay Emboldened.

Thank you for listening, sharing episodes, leaving reviews, and being part of this growing community. This podcast continues because of you.

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In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we unpack what it means to live a child-free life — by choice, by circumstance, or simply for now. Jessica and Ariele sit down with special guest Kathleen Onyejekwe, a dynamic leader, wife, and advocate for living with ease, style, and intentional joy. Together, they explore how womanhood, success, and fulfillment can exist outside of motherhood, and what it looks like to challenge cultural and societal expectations — especially for Black women, who have long been positioned as the world's caregivers.

This heartfelt conversation dives into the complexities of being child-free for now, the grief that can accompany shifting life timelines, and the freedom that comes from defining your own version of legacy and love. Whether you're confidently child-free, exploring your options, or simply curious about reimagining womanhood beyond motherhood, this episode offers reflection, compassion, and empowerment for every listener.

• Being child-free doesn't mean being incomplete—it's a valid and empowering choice.

• Societal expectations often pressure women, especially Black women, to nurture and care for others.

• Some people are child-free by circumstance, not choice—and that reality deserves compassion.

• There's freedom in designing a life that aligns with your personal values and desires.

• Conversations around parenting choices must include cultural, historical, and emotional context.

📢 Call to Action:

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Purity culture has left deep scars—especially for people of the global majority, women, queer folks, and those navigating the intersections of religion, culture, and colonialism. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we explore the harms of purity culture, from shame and silencing of desire to the loss of body autonomy.

Jessica breaks down how purity culture isn't just a 1990s evangelical trend—it has roots in colonial control, patriarchy, and the policing of marginalized bodies. You'll hear trauma-informed insights, somatic healing practices, and compassionate tools to help you release shame, reconnect with desire, and reclaim your pleasure.

✨ If you've struggled with shame around your body, desire, or relationships, or you're supporting someone who has, this episode offers resources, reflection prompts, and hope for a more embodied, liberated life.

✨ Topics we cover:

• What purity culture is and how it extends beyond white evangelicalism

• How it uniquely impacts BIPOC, Asian, and Latine communities through colonialism

• The hidden harms: shame, sexual disconnection, and silencing of desire

• Somatic + body-based practices for healing

• How caregivers can teach consent to protect kids from purity culture's harm

• Steps toward reclaiming pleasure, autonomy, and embodied freedom

Books referenced in this episode are thoughtfully curated to support healing, sexual health education, and reclaiming bodily autonomy. You can explore these titles through Emboldened with Jessica's Bookshop, or access them through your local library.

• Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith by Camden Morgante
  A compassionate and practical guide for unpacking purity culture, releasing shame, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with faith, sexuality, and self-trust.

• The Vagina Bible by Dr. Jen Gunter
  A science-based, myth-busting resource that offers clear, affirming information about vulvovaginal health and bodily literacy.

• Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz
  An accessible and affirming exploration of pleasure, desire, and closing the pleasure gap through education and self-awareness.

• Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life by Vanessa Marin
  A practical framework for building intimacy, communication, and clarity in relationships—without shame or performative vulnerability.

• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
  A foundational text on desire, arousal, and sexual well-being that centers context, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion.

• Come Together by Emily Nagoski
  A follow-up guide focused on cultivating intimacy, pleasure, and connection within relationships through curiosity and attunement.

🔗 Browse these and more in Jessica's Cozy Book Nook:
👉 https://bookshop.org/shop/Emboldenedwithjessica

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Host: Jessica Jackson
Produced by: Ariele & Jessica
Edited by: Ariele

After a much-needed break and a bold move to a new state, Jessica returns with a powerful episode on what it really means to step into a new season of life. Joined by her friend Ariele, the two dive into the often-overlooked emotional terrain of big life changes—especially moving—and how to maintain connection with long-distance friends.

They explore how to nourish meaningful relationships, even when miles apart, and how to welcome change with grace and intention. This episode is for anyone navigating transition, craving deeper connection, or ready to move toward the life they truly want.

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

This week on Emboldened with Jessica, we're inviting you into the soft summer era—a season of saying no to overcommitment, yes to rest without guilt, and embracing joy as a radical act of healing.

In this soothing, insightful conversation, Jessica and Ariele unpack what living softly in a world that rewards burnout means. From nervous system regulation and pleasure practices to reclaiming your time and energy, this episode is your permission slip to rest and not feel bad about it.

✨ You'll hear:

• What the "soft life" looks like in real-time
  
  

• How nervous system care supports emotional well-being
  
  

• The myth of multitasking and the truth about presence
  
  

• Why saying no is a love language
  
  

• A fun quiz to discover your soft summer score
  
  

• Somatic tools for tuning in to your breath and honoring your rhythm
  
  

🎧 Subscribe to receive episode companions Subscribe
📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
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Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

Stay Connected:

Instagram: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Facebook: @EmboldenedwithJessica

TikTok: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Youtube: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Dating today looks nothing like it did a decade ago. With shifting societal expectations, online connections, and an evolving understanding of relationships, how can we navigate modern dating with clarity and confidence?

In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica is joined by Cortenay Crosson—a trauma-focused somatic bodyworker. They break down the complexities of contemporary dating. They discuss the impact of societal norms, the role of personal experiences, and the dynamics of genuine connection. From online dating trends to understanding body language, setting boundaries, and dealing with rejection—this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you curate a dating experience that aligns with your needs and values.

If you're ready to take charge of your dating life, embrace self-reflection, and build deeper connections, this episode is for you!

Takeaways:

🔹 How societal expectations shape dating dynamics
🔹 The role of embodiment and nervous system awareness in relationships
🔹 How to recognize red flags, set boundaries, and navigate rejection with self-compassion
🔹 The importance of humor, direct communication, and emotional wellness in dating
🔹 How to curate relationships that honor your personal needs and values

🔹 How social media and dating apps shape modern relationships
🔹 Why self-awareness is the key to authentic connections
🔹 The art of gracefully ending relationships and moving forward with clarity

💜 Love the show? Support Emboldened with Jessica! 💜

Your donation helps cover production costs and improve audio quality. Click here to donate and keep the bold conversations coming! Thank you for your support! 🙌✨

To follow and support Cortenay Crosson, or The Healing Collective, LLC

Website: www.CortenayCrosson.com

TikTok: TheHealingCollectiveLLC

Instagram: TheHealingCollectiveLLC

Facebook: TheHealingCollectiveLLC

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Guest: Cortenay Crosson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

Stay Connected:

Instagram: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Facebook: @EmboldenedwithJessica

TikTok: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Youtube: @EmboldenedwithJessica

In celebration of Black History Month, Emboldened with Jessica spotlights the transformative role of entrepreneurship as a pathway to agency, sustainability, and community investment—especially for BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs navigating today's political and economic uncertainty.

Host Jessica Jackson, LCPC, SEP, is joined by Jason Jackson, renowned entrepreneur, partner at Futaleufu Partners, and co-founder of The Black Search Network—a growing community committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs across every stage of business ownership.

Together, Jessica and Jason explore what it truly takes to move from vision to viability. They discuss the importance of mentorship, support systems, and strategic dreaming, especially when building a business without a traditional safety net. Jason shares his personal journey from startup to sustained success, offering candid insight into the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of partnership, and the discipline required to keep going when challenges arise.

This episode is packed with practical business strategies, inspiring stories, and real-world guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful while staying grounded in their values. You'll also hear how entrepreneurship can create ripple effects—strengthening families, reinvesting in communities, and expanding what's possible for future generations.

Whether you're considering your first business idea, building alongside a full-time job, or looking to grow what you've already started, this conversation offers actionable insight, perspective, and encouragement to help you thrive.

🎧 Listen now and learn how entrepreneurship can be a tool for freedom, sustainability, and collective impact.

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica:

• 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening platform so you never miss an episode

• ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations

• 💌 Share this episode with someone you think would appreciate it

• ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:
  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.

🎙️ Show Credits

Host: Jessica Jackson

Guest: Jason Jackson

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele

In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, host Jessica Jackson, a Decolonizing Somatic Therapist, and Ariele examine personal rebrands and why they matter. They unpack how aligning your internal identity with your external perception can be transformative, allowing you a "cheat code" towards the life you've been working to create.

Jessica explores the importance of personal branding, guiding listeners through the stages of change involved in rebranding. From creative tools like vision boards, Bingo cards, and intention boxes to actionable advice on hosting a personal rebrand party, this episode is packed with strategies to help you own your story and step into the life you're working towards.

The episode wraps up with a book recommendation from the Cozy Book Nook and a listener challenge to reflect on how they want to proceed with their personal brands.

Takeaways:

• Personal rebranding aligns your internal identity with your external perception.

• Your name is your brand—it enters the room before you do.

• Rebranding can be a transformative tool to help you create the life you desire.

• Define who you are on your own terms, not based on external expectations.

• Vision boards and intention boxes are powerful tools for goal setting.

• A personal rebrand party fosters community, accountability, and support.

• Audacious goals inspire growth and push boundaries.

• Visualization techniques help clarify aspirations and shape your next steps.

• Community and mentorship are invaluable in personal development.

• Sharing your rebrand journey inspires others and builds meaningful connections.

• The book referenced in this episode and curated to support reflection, self-trust, and taking up space with intention. You can explore this title through Emboldened with Jessica's Bookshop, or borrow it from your local library.

  • More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are by Elaine Welteroth
    A powerful memoir and reflection on identity, worth, and choosing yourself—especially in spaces that were never designed to hold all of who you are.
    
    

  🔗 Browse this and other carefully curated books in Jessica's Cozy Book Nook:
  👉 https://bookshop.org/shop/Emboldenedwithjessica

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica:

• 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening platform so you never miss an episode

• ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations

• 💌 Share this episode with someone you think would appreciate it

☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

🎙️ Show Credits

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele