In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Maggy, a pediatric nurse, yoga instructor, and proud dog mom, to talk about navigating life’s uncertainties in her late 20's. Maggy shares her journey of figuring out what’s next in her career while grappling with the question of whether—and when—she wants to become a Mom. With her 30th birthday on the horizon, she reflects on the pressure of timelines, the societal expectations she feels, and how her yoga practice helps her find balance and clarity. This heartfelt conversation dives into the challenges of making big life decisions and embracing the unknown.

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Brandi, a young stay-at-home mom of three. Brandi opens up about navigating the ever-changing journey of grief after losing her mom this year, sharing how each day brings new challenges and emotions. She reflects on her decision to start therapy—something she was hesitant about at first—and how the encouragement of others helped her realize its value in her grief journey. Through this heartfelt conversation, Brandi shares what it means to show up for her kids while still giving herself the space to grieve, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the ongoing process of finding healing in her own time.

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Tyler B, a journalist and creative who is navigating her career, exploring her passions, and embracing creativity. After moving back in with her parents, Tyler has been working to figure out where she fits in the media industry while launching her own music podcast. She opens up about the decision of moving back home as an adult, balancing personal and professional growth, overcoming health setbacks and learning to redefine success on her own terms. This conversation dives into the importance of staying true to yourself, following your interests, and trusting the journey—even when it looks different than you imagined.

You can connect with Tyler B on Instagram @thetylerb

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Alex Pagano, an owner of a mortgage company, content creator, and podcast host (@progresswithpagano), to talk about his journey with anxiety. Alex opens up about how he learned to identify his triggers, ground himself, and do the hard mental work to regain a sense of clarity and calm. From his first experiences with anxiety in high school to navigating the pressures of commission-only work, Alex reflects on the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned. He also advocates for trying new approaches—whether in mental health or life—and reminds us that if one thing doesn’t work, it’s okay to try something else until something helps. From a male perspective, Alex emphasizes the importance of persistence, inner work, and showing up for yourself every day. This is an inspiring conversation about tackling life’s pressures and finding your own path to clarity.

You can connect with Alex @progresswithpagano or @mortgagewithpagano on Instagram

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica shares her personal experience completing the 75 Hard challenge. From the initial motivation to take it on after her wedding to the obstacles she faced along the way, Jessica opens up about how the program pushed her limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. She reflects on the lessons learned about discipline, mindset, and self-growth—and how they continue to shape her daily life. Whether you're curious about the challenge or just looking for inspiration to stick to your own goals, this episode is a candid look at figuring it out, one step at a time.

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Brandon McDonnaugh, an entrepreneur who recently went full-time with his business. Brandon shares his approach to staying grounded, managing stress, and embracing personal growth while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of patience, creating a positive environment, and having a supportive partner in life. Brandon’s journey offers insights into the power of resilience and finding balance in both personal and professional pursuits.

In this episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Gigi Kempf, a psychology doctorate student, personal trainer, and advocate for mental health. Gigi opens up about her journey through recovery from an eating disorder and how this experience has shaped her passion for helping others. They dive into her studies in psychology, exploring how she uses her knowledge to build healthier relationships and approaches life with a quality-over-quantity mindset, especially in friendships. Gigi’s story reflects resilience, insight, and the power of turning personal challenges into a path toward helping those on similar journeys.

In this first episode of Figuring It Out, Jessica sits down with Allie Volpe, senior reporter at Vox, to discuss her recent article, 'The Impossible Promise of Making It.' Together, they explore the pressure of 'making it' in today’s world, the idea of success, and how social media intensifies the pressures we feel by constantly comparing ourselves to others. Tune in for a conversation about redefining success, navigating social media, and embracing the journey of figuring life out.

You can read the full article or explore more of Allie's work at www.vox.com/authors/allie-volpe

Welcome to the Figuring It Out podcast! In this intro episode, host Jessica shares the inspiration behind creating this space for real, unfiltered conversations about life’s challenges and experiences. Learn more about her passion for psychology, the importance of hearing different perspectives, and why there’s no perfect way to navigate life. Whether you're here to listen, learn, or connect, this podcast reminds us all that we're just figuring it out together. Feel free to watch with your favorite cup of tea!