The Last Two Percent with Alina Patton Jones

On this deeply personal episode of The Last Two Percent, Alina opens up about navigating one of the most difficult experiences of her life — the loss of her mother.

As someone who has spent years helping others through trauma, crisis, and emotional pain, Alina believed she understood grief. She has worked in crisis management, served as a suicide counselor, and supported clients through unimaginable heartbreak. But nothing prepared her for the reality of losing her own mom.

In this raw and vulnerable conversation, Alina shares how grief doesn’t always arrive in dramatic moments — sometimes it appears in the middle of ordinary life. A simple trip to the grocery store became an emotional breaking point, reminding her that grief has no schedule, no rules, and no “appropriate” place to show up.

This episode is an honest reflection on:

• The shock and paralysis that can come with profound loss
• Why grief can feel unpredictable and physically overwhelming
• The difference between helping others heal and experiencing your own heartbreak
• Learning to function while carrying deep sadness
• Giving yourself permission to grieve without shame or timelines
• Finding moments of grace, healing, and humanity through pain

If you are grieving someone you love, feeling emotionally stuck, or simply trying to make sense of loss, this conversation is for you.

Because sometimes healing doesn’t begin with having the answers.
 Sometimes it begins with admitting: this hurts.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

After a year of caregiving, loss, and putting everything else before herself, Alina made a simple decision — she cut her hair.

What followed wasn’t just a new look… it was a wave of opinions, judgment, and unexpected reactions from people who felt entitled to weigh in.

In this episode of The Last Two Percent, Alina opens up about the moment that sparked “The Great Hair Debate” — and how something as personal as a haircut revealed deeper truths about identity, grief, healing, and the courage it takes to choose yourself again.

This isn’t just about hair.
 It’s about letting go.
 It’s about reclaiming your voice.
 It’s about the last two percent — the part no one sees, but changes everything.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

Why do we show up for everyone else—but leave ourselves for last? In this episode of The Last Two Percent, I dive into the real reasons so many of us struggle to put ourselves first—and how to begin creating habits that center your needs without guilt.

To help guide that shift, I reference Gretchen Rubin’s insightful framework from her book The Four Tendencies, which breaks people down by how they respond to expectations:

• Upholders meet both inner and outer expectations
• Questioners question all expectations; they’ll meet an expectation if it makes sense to them
• Obligers readily meet outer expectations but struggle with inner ones (often putting themselves last)
• Rebels resist all expectations—both outer and inner

Understanding which tendency you fall into can help you design habits, systems, and boundaries that actually work for your personality—and support your journey to stop putting yourself second.

💛 A huge thank you to @gretchenrubin for her groundbreaking work in The Four Tendencies, which serves as a foundation for this episode’s insights.

Inside this episode:

• Why self-prioritization feels uncomfortable but is essential
• How your tendency may be shaping your patterns around burnout, boundaries, and follow-through
• Specific tips tailored to each tendency to start putting “you first”
• A mindset shift to help you reclaim your energy, time, and attention

This is your moment to stop waiting for permission—and start showing up for you.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

The Last Two Percent: Burnout Edition
Breaking the cycle of exhaustion and reclaiming your energy.

As I talk to people—family, friends, even strangers on the street—one thing is clear: everyone is experiencing burnout. It’s not just work; it’s everything. The uncertainty of the future, the relentless news cycle, and the constant crises of daily life—it all takes a toll. We’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to keep up.

Have you ever just hit a wall—physically, mentally, emotionally—where you feel like you have nothing left to give? Burnout isn’t just exhaustion; it’s feeling stuck and disconnected. And you’re not alone. Everywhere I turn—family, friends, even strangers on the street—everyone is experiencing burnout. It’s not just work; it’s everything. The uncertainty of the future, the relentless news cycle, and the constant crises of daily life all take a toll.

When You Hit Burnout...From Overwhelm to Empowerment is a space to unpack the weight of burnout—not just what causes it, but how we heal from it. Through raw conversations, personal insights, and real-life stories, we’ll uncover the tools to reset, recharge, and reclaim your energy—so you can keep going.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the devastating impact of the recent LA fires, reflecting on my own experience of losing my home to a fire five years ago. For those who’ve lost everything, the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming, filled with grief, trauma, and moments of uncertainty.

Together, we explore the emotional toll of such loss, the long road to rebuilding, and the resilience it takes to find a new normal. I also share practical coping mechanisms, insights into navigating trauma, and the importance of advocating for yourself during recovery.

Whether you’ve been personally affected, want to support someone who has, or simply wish to understand this experience with greater compassion, this episode offers a space to connect, heal, and hope.

Tune in to hear stories of loss and resilience, and to learn how we can walk this road together.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

Silent Nights: Navigating Holiday Grief

The holidays can be a challenging time for those dealing with loss and grief. In "Silent Nights: Navigating Holiday Grief," we explore the emotional landscape of mourning during the festive season. Join Alina Patton Jones, MSW, as she shares heartfelt stories, expert advice, and comforting insights to help you navigate through the tough times. Each episode offers a compassionate space to honor your feelings, find solace, and discover ways to cope with grief while still finding moments of peace and hope.

Whether you're facing your first holiday season without a loved one or have been struggling for years, this podcast is here to support you. Tune in and find community and understanding during one of the most emotionally complex times of the year.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

The Last Two Percent: Que Sera Sera

In this episode of "The Last Two Percent," Alina Patton Jones dives into the timeless philosophy of "Que Sera Sera" – whatever will be, will be. She explores how embracing this mindset can help us navigate life's uncertainties and transitions with grace. Whether you're facing a major life change, dealing with unexpected challenges, or simply trying to let go of control, this episode offers insightful discussions and practical tips to help you find peace in the unknown.

Join Alina Patton Jones, MSW, as she shares personal stories, expert advice, and heartfelt conversations that will inspire you to embrace the unpredictable nature of life. Tune in and discover how the "Que Sera Sera" approach can lead you to a more fulfilled and resilient existence.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

From Nest to Next: Embracing the Empty Nester Journey and Thriving
(Grief of Life's Transitions)

In this episode, Alina dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with becoming an empty nester, especially from a mom’s perspective. She explores the grief and sense of loss that accompany life's transitions and offer compassionate advice to help navigate this challenging time. Whether you’re excited about the newfound freedom or feeling the pangs of an empty home, this episode offers insightful advice, heartwarming stories, and practical tips to help you not just cope, but thrive in this new chapter. Join Alina as she explores the journey from nest to next, and discover the unexpected joys and opportunities that lie ahead.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

"Navigating the Role Reversal: Insights and Stories on Parenting Your Parent"

Welcome to Parenting Our Parents, this podcast explores the unique challenges and emotional journeys of caring for your aging parents. On this episode Alina delves into personal stories, advice, and practical strategies to help you balance compassion with practicality. From managing medical needs to maintaining family dynamics;  join Alina as she provides support, share experiences, and uncover resources to help you navigate this profound role reversal with grace and confidence.

Part 1 of 2.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton

We all struggle.  No matter how well intentioned we are, life happens and we find ourselves off track, and then frustration sets in and then the negative voices in our head kick in.  All of a sudden you are in a monotonous cycle and your life feels like the movie "Ground Hogs Day".

On this podcast, I talk about some strategies to help overcome those moments when the negative voices happen and how to move from a place of  feeling stuck to self empowerment.

This is Alina Patton Jones from The Last Two Percent, thanks for listening.  Would love to hear from you, follow me on instagram. And subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

https://www.instagram.com/alina_patton