On May 1, 1992, Lindhurst High School became the epicenter of a tragedy that would leave a permanent mark on a generation. When a former student, Eric Houston, opened fire, four lives were lost, 11 others were wounded, and nearly 80 classmates were held hostage in aharrowing standoff. For those of us who lived through that day, the trauma wasn’t just physical—it cut deep into our hearts and minds, leaving emotional scars that still echo decades later.

In this enlightening conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Kerry Blaser, a mother, author, and shaman, who shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. They explore the impact of emotional wounds on relationships, the role of energy and emotions in the healing process, and the intersection of shamanism and psychology. Kerry emphasizes the importance of transforming pain into wisdom and offers practical steps for listeners to begin their own healing journeys.

In this episode, I sit down with Henry Woodman, an entrepreneur and angel investor. We explore his journey of entrepreneurship, discussing personal stories, challenges, and the importance of adaptability in the business world. We will dive into the impact of AI on various industries, the significance of angel investing, and the risks associated with starting a business. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience, continuous learning, and the ability to pivot when necessary.

Ever feel like you need an escape from carpool chaos, endless laundry, and the pressure to “do it all”? In this episode, I sit down with romance novelist Beth Pellino-Dudzic to talk about why every mom deserves her guilty pleasures—and how her Perfection Saga delivers exactly that. Romance novels aren’t just about love and heat; they’re about reclaiming a piece of yourself, exploring fantasy, and stepping into a world where the heroine always wins. Beth also takes us behind the curtain of her own writing process—sharing how music, imagination, and twenty years of story-building turned into a spicy six-book series that readers can’t put down.

In this conversation, Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical and child forensic psychologist, discusses the evolution of discipline across generations, focusing on the shift from corporal punishment to modern techniques. He emphasizes the importance of teaching responsibility through logical consequences and positive reinforcement, while also addressing the challenges parents face in today's society. The discussion highlights the need for parents to be specific in their praise and to catch their children being good, as well as the significance of understanding the impact of their children's actions and behavior.

In this enlightening conversation, Howard Berg, the world's fastest reader, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Brooklyn tobecoming a renowned educator. He discusses the importance of teaching effective learning techniques to families, emphasizing emotional intelligence and adapting learning methods to individual needs. Howard highlights the flaws inthe education system, particularly regarding special education, and advocates for a focus on each student's unique strengths. He also addresses the business aspect of education and the need for a positive learning environment to foster success. Whether you're studying for a test, launching a business, or helping with homework, this episode delivers practical tools that transform the way your brain works.

Many families dream of owning a home—but in today’s market, it can feel nearly impossible. In this episode of Jess Saying, we dive into the realities of homeownership in our current climate: the challenges, the roadblocks, and the creative strategies that can make it happen.

I’m joined by two guests bringing fresh perspectives:
✅ Nathan Turner – a mortgage note investor who offers an alternative way to carry your mortgage note and build passive income.
✅ Sundee Martineau – a local real estate expert helping families navigate the housing market and make smart property decisions.

We talk about why homeownership matters for long-term stability and wealth-building, what’s standing in the way of so many families, and how to take small, intentional steps toward your dream. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and packed with ideas you might not have considered before.

One near-fatal moment changed everything. After a life-altering car accident, Alan Lazaros left behind a high-powered corporate career and stepped into a purpose-driven life. In this powerful episode, we will unpack the lessons trauma can teach us, how to rebuild from rock bottom, and why transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re at a crossroads or still healing from your past, this conversation is your invitation to rewrite your story.

Are you constantly hovering over your kids, making sure they don’t fail, get hurt, or make mistakes? In this episode, we dive into the world of helicopter parenting—what it is, why we do it, and how to know if you’re doing more harm than good. Tune in as we talk about landing the helicopter, letting go of control, andhelping our kids build the skills they need to stand on their own two feet.

In this raw and relatable solo episode, Jessica pulls back the curtain on her struggles with being a helicopter parent, where love and fear collide. From micromanaging every move to learning when to land the chopper, she shares honest confessions, hard-earned lessons, and why letting go might be the bravest parenting move of all. If you've ever hovered a little too close, this one's for you.