What if being overwhelmed is the beginning of something great? In this episode, Denise and Jackie explore what it means to sit in uncertainty, embrace possibility, and stay grounded while navigating huge life transitions.

Key Times:

00:00:00 – A grounding breath and a quick disclaimer

00:02:12 – Jackie gets into grad school! Processing the surprise

00:05:29 – Decision-making anxiety and the infamous undergrad coin toss

00:10:20 – Logistics spiral: moving, driving, renting, storage, the dog

00:14:00 – Denise reflects on decision-making as a catalyst

00:21:00 – Facing change with curiosity instead of fear

00:24:00 – Grieving the shift as Jackie prepares to leave LA

00:29:00 – Spiritual resets, purposeful activism, and staying regulated

00:36:00 – Creativity, community, and finding the next expression of self

00:38:00 – The podcast continues! A look ahead at remote collaboration

Show Notes / Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Denise and Jackie reflect on Jackie’s acceptance into not one, but two graduate school programs—both out of state. What should be an exciting moment is also fraught with the anxiety of big choices, logistical chaos, and emotional goodbyes.

Jackie opens up about the shock of getting in (despite a sub-3.0 GPA), the validation of receiving scholarships, and the layered overwhelm of what's to come: deciding between programs, planning a move, and figuring out how to bring her dog across the country. Denise reflects on how different this version of Jackie is from the young adult who once flipped a coin to choose her undergrad—and what it means to make decisions rooted in self-trust.

The conversation weaves between personal growth, political tension, community building, and spiritual practice. From somatic resets at 11:11 to book recommendations and AA reflections, they hold space for both the fear of the unknown and the freedom it can bring.

Topics Covered:

• The shock, relief, and joy of grad school acceptance
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• The emotional labor of big life changes
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• Decision fatigue and choosing from abundance
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• Rejection tolerance and the power of perseverance
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• Staying spiritually grounded in times of crisis
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• Activism, burnout, and choosing balance
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• Creating new rituals and community around growth
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• Looking ahead: how the podcast will evolve with Jackie’s move
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Follow Us:

• Follow Jackie: @jackiefreed.la
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• Follow Denise: @denise.freed
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• Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone
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• Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone
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