In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica sits down with trauma-focused somatic bodyworker Cortenay Crosson to unpack the realities of modern dating. Together they explore how online dating, relationship dynamics, and personal history influence the way we connect today.

• how modern dating culture has evolved • navigating online dating and dating apps • relationship dynamics and genuine connection • setting healthy boundaries in dating • self-awareness and dealing with rejection

What would it look like to approach dating with curiosity instead of pressure?

🌿 Connect with Our Guest: Cortenay Crosson

If this conversation resonated with you, you can learn more about Cortenay Crosson and the work she does through The Healing Collective, LLC.

Website www.CortenayCrosson.com

Follow The Healing Collective, LLC Instagram | TikTok | Facebook @TheHealingCollectiveLLC

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: Cortenay Crosson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

Starting a business requires more than a great idea. In this episode, Jessica and entrepreneur Jason Jackson explore practical strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In celebration of Black History Month, Emboldened with Jessica highlights entrepreneurship as a powerful pathway to agency, sustainability, and community investment.

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

Together they explore what it takes to move from vision to viability. Jason shares insights from his own entrepreneurial journey, offering practical strategies around mentorship, partnership, resilience, and building a business when traditional safety nets may not exist.

This conversation also reflects on how entrepreneurship can create ripple effects—strengthening families, reinvesting in communities, and expanding opportunity for future generations.

Whether you're developing your first business idea or growing something you've already started, this episode offers grounded perspective and practical guidance for building a business with purpose.

• practical strategies for starting a business • the realities of entrepreneurship and resilience • the importance of mentorship and support systems • building businesses rooted in values and community investment • how entrepreneurship can create generational opportunity

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

Personal rebranding can help align who you are becoming with how you show up in the world. Jessica and Ariele explore how to reinvent your story with intention.

Reinvention is often part of growth. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica Jackson and Ariele explore the concept of personal rebranding and why aligning your internal identity with how you present yourself to the world can be transformative.

They discuss how intentional self-reflection can help people clarify their goals, reshape their narrative, and step more fully into the life they want to create. Rather than viewing rebranding as superficial image management, this conversation reframes it as a process of alignment—bringing your values, identity, and aspirations into clearer focus.

Jessica shares creative and practical tools that can help listeners move through a personal rebrand, including vision boards, bingo cards, intention boxes, and even hosting a personal "rebrand party" to mark a new chapter.

Whether you're navigating a career shift, redefining your identity, or simply feeling called toward something new, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical ideas for stepping into the next version of yourself.

• what personal rebranding really means • aligning your internal identity with external perception • tools like vision boards, intention boxes, and reflection prompts • how to intentionally mark the beginning of a new chapter • embracing change while staying grounded in your values

If you were to intentionally rebrand your life right now, what would you want the next chapter to represent?

The book referenced in this episode was 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

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

🎙️ Show Credits

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele

Family estrangement is more common than many people realize. In this episode, Jessica explores boundaries, grief, and how people navigate going no contact with family.

In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica sits down with Somatic therapist Madeline Ammar, to explore the complex realities of family estrangement. Together they discuss boundaries, grief, and protecting your mental health when family relationships become harmful.

• what family estrangement and "no contact" really mean • common reasons families experience long-term conflict • cultural expectations around family loyalty and respect • the grief that can come with stepping away from family • protecting your peace during holidays and family gatherings • ways to reconnect or test the waters after estrangement

What would protecting your peace with family look like right now?

📚 Jessica's Cozy Book Nook

Mother Hunger — Kelly McDaniel Children of the Self-Absorbed — Nina W. Brown Drama Free — Nedra Glover Tawwab

Find these and more recommendations here: 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, LCPC, ASDCS

Guest: Madeline Ammar, LCSW

Produced by: Jessica & Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

In this episode of 'Emboldened with Jessica', the conversation explores the intricate relationship between fashion and personal style, emphasizing how they shape identity and self-expression. The hosts discuss the evolving definitions of fashion and style, the societal implications of clothing choices, and the importance of comfort and confidence in personal expression. The episode also features an insightful interview with Justin Michael Hendricks, who discusses the intersection of fashion, community, and social justice, particularly within the context of ballroom culture and empowerment.

We explore the intersection of fashion and personal identity. Our wardrobe choices serve as a visual representation of who we are, conveying messages of confidence and individuality.

Wearing what makes us feel good can significantly enhance our mental well-being. We'll also discuss the evolving nature of personal style in the context of social media and inclusivity, focusing on the stories behind trends rather than just the trends themselves.

Joining us is special guest Justin Michael Hendricks, a prominent figure and advocate for social justice, and bringing ballroom culture to central Illinois. Together, we'll examine how fashion can act as a tool for activism and community empowerment.

So, grab your drink and join us as we delve into dressing with purpose and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Remember, style reflects who you are, and feeling good in your skin is paramount. Let's get started!

💜 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! 🙌✨

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fashion and Personal Style

03:00 Defining Fashion vs. Style

06:09 The Impact of Style on Identity and Perception

09:00 Fashion, Gender, and Social Norms

11:49 Sustainability and Accessibility in Fashion

15:14 The Role of Alter Egos in Personal Expression

18:09 Interview with Justin Michael Hendricks

25:01 Community and Fashion as a Tool for Empowerment

32:01 The Be Yourself Ball and Ballroom Culture

To follow Justin Michael Hendrix's grassroots organization HitNHomeBoy

Food can be donated to 102 N. Neil St. Champaign IL. 61820

Government Municipality Building

Venmo: @HitNHomeboy88

CashApp: $HitNHomeboy88

Instagram: HITNHOMEBOY

Facebook: HITNHOMEBOY

Twitter: HITNHOMEBOY

Jessica's Cozy Book Nook - Bookshop

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love - Bookshop

Stay Connected:

Instagram: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Facebook: @EmboldenedwithJessica

TikTok: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Youtube: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson, LCPC, ASDCS

Guest: Justin Michael Hendricks

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Jessica and Ariele move from becoming "that girl" to living it—daily, imperfectly, and in real relationships.

This episode explores how confidence shows up in practice: in the boundaries we set, the relationships we choose, and the ways we stop over-explaining our needs. Jessica reflects on what it means to protect your energy, prioritize yourself without guilt, and recognize when connection feels mutual—or when it's time to recalibrate.

The conversation also touches on:

• Letting go of people-pleasing and over-functioning

• Choosing relationships that feel supportive, not draining

• Navigating visibility, self-trust, and being seen

• How gratitude, discernment, and rest support confidence over time

This episode is for anyone who is:

• Practicing boundaries in friendships, work, or dating

• Learning to choose themselves consistently—not just conceptually

• Rethinking what confidence looks like beyond performance

• Building a life that feels grounded, spacious, and aligned

✨ Part 1 focused on identity and internal shifts. ✨ Part 2 brings those insights into the relational and day-to-day world.

Books referenced in this episode were thoughtfully chosen to support reflection, confidence, and belonging. You can explore these titles through Emboldened with Jessica's Bookshop, or borrow them from your local library.

• You're That Bitch by Bretman Rock A candid, humorous, and affirming reflection on confidence, self-expression, and becoming more yourself—on your own terms.

• Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic by Kenya Hunt A powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexity of Black womanhood in a world that often flattens it.

🔗 Browse these and more in Jessica's Cozy Book Nook: Emboldened with Jessica Bookshop

⭐ Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform

📲 Follow the new Instagram page: @EmboldenedwithJessica

💌 Share an episode with someone who will enjoy it

If you'd like to support the show and help cover production costs, you can leave a tip here: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

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

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jessica, Ariele and returning special guest Lisa Holmes unpack what it really means to be "that girl"—beyond aesthetics, trends, or social media personas.

This episode explores confidence as something rooted in self-trust, self-worth, and embodied presence, not productivity or external validation. Together, they reflect on how many of us were taught to dim ourselves, shrink our desires, or perform likability—and what it looks like to gently unlearn those patterns.

Jessica shares reflections on identity, self-esteem, and the quiet work of becoming more at home in yourself. The conversation also touches on gratitude, celebrating personal wins, and surrounding yourself with people who recognize your value—not just your output.

This episode is for anyone who is:

• Redefining confidence on their own terms

• Letting go of comparison and external validation

• Learning to take up space without apology

• Curious about what "being that girl" could mean for them

✨ Part 1 focuses on mindset, identity, and internal shifts. ✨ Part 2 will dive deeper into boundaries, relationships, and living this work out loud.

High 5 Strength Test - https://high5test.com/

• ⭐ Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform

• 📲 Follow the new Instagram page: @EmboldenedwithJessica

• 💌 Share an episode with someone who will enjoy it

If you'd like to support the show and help cover production costs, you can leave a tip here: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Special Guest: Lisa Holmes Produced by: Ariele & Jessica Edited by: Ariele

The phrase "summer body" trends every year — alongside viral phrases like "unbig your back," body transformation challenges, and seasonal pressure to get in shape.

In this summer mini episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica and Ariele unpack body image culture, diet culture messaging, and the mental health impact of "summer body" expectations. They explore how body shame can hide behind humor, how social media amplifies appearance-based pressure, and why sustainable wellness matters more than seasonal reinvention.

The conversation also includes a personal health scare involving high blood pressure, health anxiety, and the millennial wake-up call many people experience around preventative health. Instead of crash dieting or extreme fitness resets, this episode focuses on sustainable healthy habits — including walking, nervous system regulation, mindful movement, and increasing fruits and vegetables without moralizing food.

From "hot girl walks" to bilateral movement and the mental health benefits of walking in nature, this episode reframes wellness as nervous-system friendly, accessible, and grounded in long-term health rather than body punishment.

Because every body is a summer body — and real health includes mental health.

• The viral "unbig your back" trend and how body shame gets disguised as humor

• Why "every body is a summer body" still matters

• Health anxiety and the wake-up call of thinking something might be wrong

• Blood pressure, millennial health shifts, and lifestyle awareness

• Sustainable changes vs. extreme summer resets

• Why walking (including "hot girl walks") supports both mental and physical health

• Bilateral movement, nature sounds, and nervous system regulation

• Adding fruits, vegetables, and movement without moralizing food

• Health as wealth — without body punishment

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

Summer is here, and after years of isolation because of the pandemic, many of us feel ready to be outside — socially, romantically, and energetically. But being "outside" doesn't have to mean being ungrounded.

In this summer mini episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica and Ariele explore modern dating culture, intentional dating, and how to clarify your relationship goals before stepping into the streets. Whether you're dating for fun, companionship, long-term partnership, or marriage, this conversation centers self-awareness, boundaries, and emotional clarity.

This episode invites you to ask:

• What do I actually want right now?

• Am I dating from clarity or from pressure?

• Do my actions match my intentions?

Intentional dating isn't about rigidity — it's about alignment between your values, your goals, and your behavior.

• "We outside" culture and post-pandemic social energy

• Dating intentionally vs. dating impulsively

• Dating for marriage vs. dating for fun

• Clarifying your relationship goals before you start dating

• Setting dating boundaries and protecting your emotional health

• Being single without being "for the streets"

• Self-awareness in romantic relationships

• Knowing your purpose in dating

• Summer dating advice for adults

• How cultural expectations shape modern relationships

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

Adult friendships are powerful, healing, complicated, and constantly evolving. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, Jessica and Producer Ariele unpack the psychology of friendships, the different tiers of connection, and how friendships support mental wellness and emotional resilience across life stages.

Together, they explore research showing that strong friendships are directly linked to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased longevity. The conversation breaks down how friendships naturally exist on different levels — from acquaintances and activity-based friendships to deeply intimate, chosen-family relationships — and why understanding these distinctions helps us create healthier expectations and stronger bonds.

Jessica and Ariele introduce the concept of social fitness, highlighting that friendships require intentional nurturing, emotional awareness, and flexibility over time. They also discuss how neurodivergent individuals may experience unique challenges navigating friendship dynamics and offer affirming, accessible insights for building connection in ways that honor individual needs.

Throughout the episode, they share candid personal stories and professional insight about:

✨ Navigating friendship changes during major life transitions ✨ Understanding the difference between trauma bonding and authentic connection ✨ Balancing romantic relationships without deprioritizing friendships ✨ Communicating needs, boundaries, and expectations clearly ✨ Practicing self-compassion when friendships shift, deepen, or end

This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their current friendship ecosystem, celebrate the ways they already show up for others, and consider how they want to cultivate deeper, more intentional connections moving forward.

💌 Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

⭐ Rate and review Emboldened with Jessica 📲 Share this episode with someone who values friendship and connection ☕ Support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

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