Jordi - Happiness Hero

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, every episode in May will focus on Squashing the Stigma surrounding Mental Health. For today's episode, I decided to re-release one of my very first recordings, an Instagram Live where I discussed Self-care. What exactly is self-care, and where is the line between self-care and just being self indulgent or selfish? Listen as I brainstorm the whole thing. This episode reminds you that you cannot show up for others if you don't show up for yourself first.

Deanna Johnson's relationship with thrifting started at a very young age, out of necessity, and blossomed into a keen eye for vintage finds and an evolving side business. Besides being fun and economical, shopping second hand is also environmentally and ethically important. Join us as we dive into the many benefits of being thrifty and discuss how to optimize the thrifting experience. What is the best modality for finding sweet scores? Which thrift outlets should be avoided? Where is the best place to start? Listen and find out!

Deanna Johnson's relationship with thrifting started at a very young age, out of necessity, and blossomed into a keen eye for vintage finds and an evolving side business. Besides being fun and economical, shopping second hand is also environmentally and ethically important. Join us as we dive into the many benefits of being thrifty and discuss how to optimize the thrifting experience. What is the best modality for finding sweet scores? Which thrift outlets should be avoided? Where is the best place to start? Listen and find out!

Angela Kraker went from being an eighteen year old single mother who had dropped out of high school, to a college professor and non-profit ambassador who is changing lives. She defies odds and expectations in so many ways. Join Jordi as she interviews Angela about her journey, and about the challenges of being an atheist in the bible belt. Was it daunting to come from a deeply religious upbringing and to forge a new, non-religious path? Does being an atheist automatically make you a scary or immoral human? Can you be full of good and light as an "unbeliever?" What does a moral life actually look like? Can you find happiness and fulfillment outside of the status quo? Listen to the discussion and decide for yourselves.

Angela Kraker went from being an eighteen year old single mother who had dropped out of high school, to a college professor and non-profit ambassador who is changing lives. She defies odds and expectations in so many ways. Join Jordi as she interviews Angela about her journey, and about the challenges of being an atheist in the bible belt. Was it daunting to come from a deeply religious upbringing and to forge a new, non-religious path? Does being an atheist automatically make you a scary or immoral human? Can you be full of good and light as an "unbeliever?" What does a moral life actually look like? Can you find happiness and fulfillment outside of the status quo? Listen to the discussion and decide for yourselves.

In light of some recent events in my personal life, for today's episode, I have decided to re-release a past conversation I had on Instagram Live with my close friend and chosen brother, Spencer Dahl. I titled that conversation, "Navigating Grief." Grief is an inescapable part of the human experience. All of us will be faced with it at some point in our journey. If you are in the throws of grief today, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that you are seen.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or mental health specialist. Please, if you're hurting, reach out for help.

There is so much good & helpful advice to be found in podcasts, from loved ones, etc., but there's no substitute for, and no shame in, seeking professional help.

I would like to dedicate today's episode to everyone who is navigating grief at this time:

- To my sweet brother and sister in law who are grieving the loss of their precious fur baby, Blue.

- To my many friends and theatre family members who are hurting after our cancer warrior, Terry, took his final bow last week.

- To trans humans, especially children, who are feeling targeted, attacked, dehumanized, and afraid at this time.

- To everyone struggling with the senseless deaths of children and teachers in recent school shootings, and mass shootings throughout the decades.

To ANYONE who is grieving:

You are loved.

You are seen.

I hope that some nugget of wisdom in his episode speaks peace to your heart.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode does talk about suicide.

In light of some recent events in my personal life, for today's episode, I have decided to re-release a past conversation I had on Instagram Live with my close friend and chosen brother, Spencer Dahl. I titled that conversation, "Navigating Grief."
Grief is an inescapable part of the human experience. All of us will be faced with it at some point in our journey. If you are in the throws of grief today, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that you are seen.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or mental health specialist. Please, if you're hurting, reach out for help.

There is so much good & helpful advice to be found in podcasts, from loved ones, etc., but there's no substitute for, and no shame in, seeking professional help.
I would like to dedicate today's episode to everyone who is navigating grief at this time:
- To my sweet brother and sister in law who are grieving the loss of their precious fur baby, Blue.
- To my many friends and theatre family members who are hurting after our cancer warrior, Terry, took his final bow last week.
- To trans humans, especially children, who are feeling targeted, attacked, dehumanized, and afraid at this time.
- To everyone struggling with the senseless deaths of children and teachers in recent school shootings, and mass shootings throughout the decades.
To ANYONE who is grieving:
You are loved.
You are seen.
I hope that some nugget of wisdom in this episode speaks peace to your heart.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode does talk about suicide.

*Title credit - my ten year old, Venah.

In this episode, Jordi's friend Sara takes her on a ride through her journey to become a yoga instructor. They discuss how yoga has impacted both her happiness and her self awareness, and how powerful it can be as a grounding force. Yoga isn't just for the hip, ultra fit, unbelievably bendy kids. Yoga is a tool that anyone can use to find more peace in their life, and to help them exist in the present moment. If you've ever thought about giving yoga a try, this is your sign to DO IT. Trust yourself. Have grace with yourself as you learn, and grow, and make beautiful mistakes. And, have a great time on this ride with Sara and Jordi as they delve into all things yoga.

*Title credit - my ten year old, Venah.

In this episode, Jordi's friend Sara takes her on a ride through her journey to become a yoga instructor. They discuss how yoga has impacted both her happiness and her self awareness, and how powerful it can be as a grounding force. Yoga isn't just for the hip, ultra fit, unbelievably bendy kids. Yoga is a tool that anyone can use to find more peace in their life, and to help them exist in the present moment. If you've ever thought about giving yoga a try, this is your sign to DO IT. Trust yourself. Have grace with yourself as you learn, and grow, and make beautiful mistakes. And, have a great time on this ride with Sara and Jordi as they delve into all things yoga.

Follow along as Jordi explores the life journey of Thulani Ngazimbi, a lifelong friend and founder of the clothing brand The Rad Black Kids. From his roots in Zimbabwe, where he went to private schools and his family employed hired help, to the struggles endured to immigrate to the USA, and then the abject poverty they faced upon moving to Idaho, to chasing his dream to the sunny beaches of LA, and then New York City, and eventually Europe. He not only describes the feeling of seeing his clothing line in Bloomingdale's for the first time, Thulani also reflects on the importance of connection, compassion, trusting your intuition, and the wonders of existence. Yes, we get deep in the episode. It's even a bit of a trip at times. Thulani's amazing journey is an example of what relentlessly pursuing a dream can amount to.