What happens when your life looks perfect from the outside… but no one is actually there for you?

In this episode, Joey Marcus sits down with CJ to unpack a story that challenges what we assume about wealth, family, and stability.

CJ grew up in a world that looked ideal—money, travel, opportunity. But behind it was silence, emotional isolation, and a lack of support. From being labeled and misunderstood to navigating abuse, betrayal, and a devastating loss, her story isn’t about falling apart—it’s about what comes after.

It explores what happens when no one advocates for you… when you’re forced to figure life out alone… and how identity is built when everything you believed about yourself turns out to be wrong.

CJ shares:
• Growing up in a family that doesn’t communicate
• The impact of emotional neglect
• Losing her son after 46 hours of labor—and the emotions that followed
• Why she felt relief—and how she made sense of it
• The years-long “fog” after loss
• Walking away from expectations and rebuilding from nothing
• Why being “homeless and unemployed” became a turning point
• How human connection changed everything

This isn’t a clean, inspirational story.

It’s messy. It’s real. And it asks a question most people avoid:

Because sometimes… that’s where everything begins.

_____________________________

CONTACT CJ

·       Email: [email protected]

·       TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cj_louise

·       Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CJ_Louise

_____________________________

ABOUT MISFITS AMONG US:

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences. Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points. No safe lanes. No topics off limits.
Because the misfits aren’t rare. They’re among us.

If you are if you know someone who has a great story and lived a great life, please reach out. Misfits would love to chat!

·       [email protected]

Find us everywhere:

Apple Podcast

·       podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/misfits-among-us/id1874680505

Spotify

·       open.spotify.com/show/3pn5swLhuTnRDL4TeiPXq3?si=03bed449dc2547ba

TikTok

·       tiktok.com/@misfitsamonguspodcast

Instagram

·       instagram.com/misfitsamonguspodcast

What happens when someone spends a lifetime not chasing the spotlight, but learning how to listen?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey Marcus sits down with veteran Chicago journalist Charlie Meyerson—a longtime voice in news who has watched media evolve from radio to the internet to AI.

This conversation is about more than journalism. It’s about how stories are chosen, how truth gets shaped, and what happens when trust erodes in a world where everyone has a platform.

Charlie reflects on traditional media, the pressures inside newsrooms, the rise of influencers, and the blurred line between storytelling and selling. He also shares stories from his own career and the thinking behind Chicago Public Square, his independent newsletter built for a noisier, faster world.

At its core, this episode is about identity, trust, and responsibility in a time where anyone can speak—but not everyone is heard.

Because in a world full of voices, the real question is: Who gets to tell the story?

Charlie Meyerson:

• Chicago Public Square
• Charlie Mayerson Strategy
• Beany Copter Paper
• Jim Lovell Interview
• The Glass Desk Investigation
• Who is Emanuel ridiculing Now?
• School Board Investigation
• Linkedin

ABOUT MISFITS AMONG US:

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences. Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth. No talking points. No safe lanes. No topics off limits. Because the misfits aren’t rare. They’re among us. If you are if you know someone who has a great story and lived a great life, please reach out.

Misfits would love to chat!

• [email protected]

Find us everywhere:

• Youtube
• Apple Podcast
• Spotify
• TikTok
• Instagram

004: Beauty, Identity, and the Mirror

What if “beauty” has nothing to do with vanity… and everything to do with identity?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with Natalie—aka Nurse Nat—who left the chaos of critical care nursing to build a concierge aesthetics business that quite literally meets people where they are… in their homes, in their lives, and often at their most vulnerable.

On the surface, this is a conversation about Botox, fillers, peptides, and the exploding world of aesthetics.

But underneath? It’s about something much deeper.

Why do people really want to change how they look?

Where’s the line between confidence and insecurity?

And what happens when “fixing” the outside doesn’t solve what’s underneath?

Natalie shares what most people never hear:

• What clients ask for vs. what they actually need
• The pressure to look a certain way in a hyper-visible world
• Why “natural” results are harder than extreme
• The truth about trends like GLP-1s, peptides, and modern wellness
• And the responsibility of shaping someone’s self-image in real time

This episode goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about control, perception, reinvention, and the quiet decisions we make about who we want to be.

Because sometimes…

looking better is really about trying to feel like yourself again.

_____________________________

CONTACT NATALIE HARASIM

• https://beautybynursenat.com
• https://www.instagram.com/beautybynursenat/

_____________________________

ABOUT MISFITS AMONG US:

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences. Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points. No safe lanes. No topics off limits.
Because the misfits aren’t rare. They’re among us.

If you are if you know someone who has a great story and lived a great life, please reach out. Misfits would love to chat!

• [email protected]

Find us everywhere:
Apple Podcast

• podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/misfits-among-us/id1874680505

Spotify

• open.spotify.com/show/3pn5swLhuTnRDL4TeiPXq3?si=03bed449dc2547ba

TikTok

• tiktok.com/@misfitsamonguspodcast

Instagram

• instagram.com/misfitsamonguspodcast

Part 4 of 4

What happens when your identity, beliefs, and life story are completely turned upside down?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with Charna Jacobson (The Unconventional Jew) to discuss trauma, identity, religion, spirituality, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything falls apart.

Charna’s story is one of survival and transformation — from a childhood filled with hidden truths, to experiences with abuse, addiction, and trafficking, to finding purpose through faith, culture, and spirituality. Her journey explores the complexity of identity and what happens when the life you were given no longer fits who you are becoming.

This episode dives into deep topics like personal growth, healing, religion vs spirituality, identity crisis, and finding meaning after trauma.

• Identity and personal transformation

• Trauma, survival, and rebuilding your life

• Religion vs spirituality

• Jewish identity and cultural belonging

• Healing, purpose, and self-discovery

• Life after abuse and adversity

Charna Jacobson, known as The Unconventional Jew, shares content focused on spirituality, identity, and personal growth across TikTok and YouTube.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theunconventionaljew.com
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theunconventionaljew
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theunconventionaljew
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theunconventionaljew

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences.

Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points.

No safe lanes.

No topics off limits.

Because the misfits aren’t rare.

They’re among us.

Part 3 of 4

What happens when your identity, beliefs, and life story are completely turned upside down?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with Charna Jacobson (The Unconventional Jew) to discuss trauma, identity, religion, spirituality, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything falls apart.

Charna’s story is one of survival and transformation — from a childhood filled with hidden truths, to experiences with abuse, addiction, and trafficking, to finding purpose through faith, culture, and spirituality. Her journey explores the complexity of identity and what happens when the life you were given no longer fits who you are becoming.

This episode dives into deep topics like personal growth, healing, religion vs spirituality, identity crisis, and finding meaning after trauma.

• Identity and personal transformation

• Trauma, survival, and rebuilding your life

• Religion vs spirituality

• Jewish identity and cultural belonging

• Healing, purpose, and self-discovery

• Life after abuse and adversity

Charna Jacobson, known as The Unconventional Jew, shares content focused on spirituality, identity, and personal growth across TikTok and YouTube.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theunconventionaljew.com
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theunconventionaljew
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theunconventionaljew
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theunconventionaljew

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences.

Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points.

No safe lanes.

No topics off limits.

Because the misfits aren’t rare.

They’re among us.

Part 2 of 4

What happens when your identity, beliefs, and life story are completely turned upside down?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with Charna Jacobson (The Unconventional Jew) to discuss trauma, identity, religion, spirituality, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything falls apart.

Charna’s story is one of survival and transformation — from a childhood filled with hidden truths, to experiences with abuse, addiction, and trafficking, to finding purpose through faith, culture, and spirituality. Her journey explores the complexity of identity and what happens when the life you were given no longer fits who you are becoming.

This episode dives into deep topics like personal growth, healing, religion vs spirituality, identity crisis, and finding meaning after trauma.

• Identity and personal transformation

• Trauma, survival, and rebuilding your life

• Religion vs spirituality

• Jewish identity and cultural belonging

• Healing, purpose, and self-discovery

• Life after abuse and adversity

Charna Jacobson, known as The Unconventional Jew, shares content focused on spirituality, identity, and personal growth across TikTok and YouTube.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theunconventionaljew.com
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theunconventionaljew
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theunconventionaljew
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theunconventionaljew

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences.

Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points.

No safe lanes.

No topics off limits.

Because the misfits aren’t rare.

They’re among us.

Part 1 of 4

What happens when your identity, beliefs, and life story are completely turned upside down?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with Charna Jacobson (The Unconventional Jew) to discuss trauma, identity, religion, spirituality, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything falls apart.

Charna’s story is one of survival and transformation — from a childhood filled with hidden truths, to experiences with abuse, addiction, and trafficking, to finding purpose through faith, culture, and spirituality. Her journey explores the complexity of identity and what happens when the life you were given no longer fits who you are becoming.

This episode dives into deep topics like personal growth, healing, religion vs spirituality, identity crisis, and finding meaning after trauma.

• Identity and personal transformation

• Trauma, survival, and rebuilding your life

• Religion vs spirituality

• Jewish identity and cultural belonging

• Healing, purpose, and self-discovery

• Life after abuse and adversity

Charna Jacobson, known as The Unconventional Jew, shares content focused on spirituality, identity, and personal growth across TikTok and YouTube.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theunconventionaljew.com
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theunconventionaljew
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theunconventionaljew
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theunconventionaljew

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast exploring how people develop their beliefs, identities, and worldviews through life experiences.

Each episode focuses on real conversations about identity, reinvention, trauma, success, and personal growth.

No talking points.

No safe lanes.

No topics off limits.

Because the misfits aren’t rare.

They’re among us.

What happens when you realize you don’t have to be just one thing?

In this episode of Misfits Among Us, Joey sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and franchise consultant Kelly Amshoff to talk about reinvention, identity, and building a life that evolves with you.

Kelly has built a career across multiple worlds — from fitness and wellness to business ownership and helping others find the right franchise opportunities. Along the way she’s learned that success isn’t about staying in one lane — it’s about recognizing when it’s time to grow into the next version of yourself.

In this conversation we explore:

• Why so many people feel stuck in careers that no longer fit

• The courage it takes to reinvent yourself

• How motherhood, business, and personal growth reshape identity

• What people misunderstand about entrepreneurship and franchising

• Why you don’t have to be just one thing to live a meaningful life

If you’ve ever felt pulled toward something new but weren’t sure how to take the leap, this episode is for you.

Connect with Kelly

Website:

• https://www.imwithkelly.com
• https://www.imwithkellyfranchising.com

Email:

• [email protected]

Instagram:

• @imwithkelly

LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-amshoff/

About Misfits Among Us

Misfits Among Us is a conversation-driven podcast built on one simple idea:

People don’t think the way they do by accident.

Each episode explores the life behind someone’s worldview — the experiences, pivots, mistakes, wins, and transformations that shape how they see the world.

No talking points.

No safe lanes.

No topics off limits.

Because the misfits aren’t rare.

They’re among us.

The conversation delves into the journey of Scott Bartosiewicz, from pursuing the dream of big agency life to leaving it behind and facing the aftermath of a rogue tweet. It highlights the resilience in the face of adversity and the impact of a social media faux pas, as well as the value of a supportive network in times of crisis. The conversation covers Scott's journey through career transitions, work-life balance, and the decision to exit the advertising and marketing industry. It explores the challenges, bold moves, and personal reflections that shaped his professional path. The conversation delves into the journey of career transition and business ownership. It begins with the recognition of the need for change, followed by seeking career guidance and exploring new career paths. The final chapter discusses the transition to franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of this new venture.

Takeaways

• Adversity breeds resilience
• The impact of a social media faux pas
• The value of a supportive network in times of crisis Career transitions
• Work-life balance Career transition
• Business ownership

Everyone has opinions. We ask why.

Misfits Among Us brings real people together for open conversations about life, culture, and the beliefs we usually avoid — with honesty, curiosity, and a sense of humor.