In this episode of Jess Saying, I sit down with Dr. Alexandra Dotcheva—author, healthcare professional, investor, and holistic confidence coach—for a conversation that might just change the way you see yourself.

Alexandra's journey isn't a highlight reel. It's twenty years of self-doubt, fear, and starting over. She immigrated to the U.S. with little more than a dream, earned her doctorate in music, pivoted into healthcare, and built multiple businesses from the ground up. Her story doesn't just inspire—it proves something most of us need to hear: confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.

In this episode, we dig into the real cost of playing it safe, why true freedom lives at the intersection of health and financial independence, and the everyday habits that can quietly turn anxiety into momentum.

If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you could be—this one's for you.

She survived Typhoon Haiyan. She started working online at 15. She became a CEO at 20, and now, at 29, Le-an Lai Lacaba leads a 50+ person outsourcing company while building a second startup in the AI space. In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Le-an to talk about trauma, tenacity, and the truth behind building a business and a life worth living. Together, they unpack what it means to stay grounded during chaos, how to find yourself again after survival mode, and what entrepreneurs—and mothers—can learn about balance, boundaries, and emotional agility. If you’ve ever juggled ambition with anxiety or questioned whether you’re doing enough, this conversation is a must-listen.

Tired of birthday parties that leave your living room buried under a mountain of forgotten toys?
In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Mic Foster, dad of three and founder of No Gifts Please, the experience registry helping families trade toy clutter for memories that last. Mic shares how one chaotic birthday inspired him to start a movement—one that’s changing how families celebrate milestones. From zoo trips to summer camps, he’s helping parents make “no gifts” feel natural (and even exciting). Get ready for a real conversation about family chaos, guilt-free boundaries, and the power of building memories over collecting stuff.

In this conversation, Dr. Emily Levy, an educational expert and founder of EBL Coaching, shares her journey in special education and the importance of recognizing children's learning challenges. She discusses the various strategies used to support students with ADHD and learning disabilities, the significance of IEPs, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Levy emphasizes the need for personalized learning approaches and building confidence in students while navigating their educational journeys.

In this conversation, Colleen Souza discusses the importance of core values such as self-control, respect, positivity, and hard work. She emphasizes how these values have influenced her family, classroom, and business. With a background in psychology and education, she shares insights from her research on how these values contribute to a strong mindset and personal development.

In this conversation, Steph Katzovi discusses her journey of transforming her childhood experiences into compelling stories. She reflects on her time at sleepaway camp, which was not a pleasant memory, and how it inspired her to write. Through writing, she explores the emotions tied to her past and emphasizes the therapeutic power of storytelling. Katzovi highlights the importance of rewriting one's history with humor and a positive outlook, allowing for personal growth and emotional processing.

The conversation delves into the complexities of human relationships and the significant impact of miscommunication in industrialized society. Jim Marshall emphasizes that a lack of understanding among individuals leads to widespread issues, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and social dynamics.

What happens when a U.S. Navy veteran becomes a Native American Holy Man—and devotes his life to battling evil, cleansing spirits, and healing the broken? In this gripping episode of Jess Saying, we welcome D. Paul—a Heyoka, healer, and ordained spiritual warrior who walks the razor’s edge between the seen and unseen. Rooted in Native American traditions and grounded by Christian faith, D. Paul has faced haunted houses, malevolent forces, and even physical danger—risking his life to bring healing to those afflicted by spiritual oppression. His sacred calling isn’t about ghost stories—it’s about restoration, truth, and divine light in the darkest places. From supernatural encounters to ancestral wisdom, this episode unpacks what it means to live as a “hollow bone”—a vessel for Great Spirit’s guidance.

In this conversation, John DeDakis discusses the deep connection between his identity and the characters he creates, particularly focusing on the emotional experiences that transcend gender. He emphasizes that while he is not a woman, the insights he has gained from the women in his life inform his writing and character development. The discussion highlights the universality of emotions and the importance of sharing them in storytelling. Join us as we explore how fiction can emerge from pain, how truth sneaks into our stories, and why sometimes the hardest things we live through become the most meaningful things we write.

In this conversation, Marisol James shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a best-selling romance author. She discusses her experiences with illness, the challenges of transitioning to writing, and the impact of narcissistic relationships on her life. Marisol emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional abuse and the need for supportive work environments for women facing domestic abuse. She offers valuable insights and advice for those in similar situations, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and seeking help.