In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into the concept of “life purgatory”— that weird in-between season where you have clarity on what you want, you’re doing the work, and yet… things still aren’t clicking into place. They unpack the anxiety and emotional toll of waiting, the pressure of comparing timelines when others are moving forward while you feel stagnant, and the push-pull between hustling for what you want vs. trusting what’s meant for you will arrive.

In this episode of Only Human, Karli and Jess dive into that unmistakable feeling of clarity, creativity, and presence that shows up when we step outside our normal routines.

They explore how changing your environment can fundamentally shift your mindset, nervous system, and sense of self, unpacking the neuroscience behind familiarity — why our brains cling to routine (even when it no longer serves us) — and how novelty plays a key role in neuroplasticity and personal growth.

Karli shares her transformative experience of quitting her corporate job at 25 and moving solo to Australia for two months, opening up about the fear, loneliness, homesickness, and unexpected freedom that came with doing something radically unfamiliar.

The episode also touches on big life transitions, including Jess’s thoughts on relocating to Florida, redefining community, and designing a life that feels aligned.

This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need all the answers to take action and you don’t need to uproot your entire life to introduce change. Sometimes novelty starts with a single decision, a new environment, or the courage to break autopilot.

This New Year–themed episode is part reflection, part reset. We step away from the headlines and pop culture conversations to get personal, looking back on 2025 and naming where the year fell short and what challenged us the most. We talk about fear, consistency, and the false narratives we’re ready to leave behind, along with the intentions and mindset shifts we’re carrying into 2026. If you’re entering the new year and want to take inventory of where you’re at, this episode will help you feel less alone and offers actionable prompts you can use to reflect on the year behind you and dream up an amazing year ahead.