Transform Your Talk

In this episode, we explore how childhood experiences shape the “survival skills” we carry into adulthood—especially when we grow up in environments marked by neglect, self-reliance, or emotional absence. Through a candid, cross-generational conversation, we reflect on what it means to raise yourself, adapt quickly, and learn to navigate life without much guidance.

From stories of sun-up-to-sun-down independence to the humor and grit of “mini-survivor” childhoods—complete with lawn-dart injuries patched up by friends instead of parents—we unpack how resourcefulness, hyper-independence, and toughness can be both strengths and wounds. We also look at how those early lessons trickle into adulthood and what it takes to move from pure survival to actual healing and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered how your childhood shaped who you are—or how different generations make sense of resilience—you’ll find something real, raw, and relatable in this conversation.

In this episode, Jenna and Jeff explore the evolving sense of identity, how who we think we are can shift from week to week, and how self-love and curiosity are key to that process. From childhood dreams of being astronauts or rock stars to finding peace in simply being, they unpack what it means to grow, redefine yourself, and stay open to possibility. Inspired by The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, this conversation invites listeners to meet themselves with compassion, humor, and imagination.

Jenna and Jeff decode "FAFO", a parenting trend that is at the forefront of a new fad parenting style. Jeff and Jenna take a journey down memory lane to help them understand this "new/old" style of parenting, as well as examining parenting styles over the past fifty years. "F-around and Find out" may be the answer, or may be a bit of nostalgia.

But what happens if we raise children without consequences and accountability? Could the next generation of adults be doomed and unable to fend for themselves?

We invite you to tune into Origin of Me, a podcast created as a space for storytelling, healing, and remembering. In each episode, guests step into the role of storyteller, sharing memories, family narratives, and life experiences that ripple across generations. These personal accounts honor the legacies we carry, the pain we inherit, and the resilience we continue to pass on.

Our intention is to offer a soft landing for voices that haven’t always had a place to be heard. Together, we create a grounded and thoughtful space to explore what it means to belong, to honor our stories, and to better understand the threads of our legacy as they unfold.

Whether you're tracing your roots, breaking cycles, or simply searching for meaning, Origin of Me invites you to return to where it all began.

Senator Mallory McMorrow joins Jeff and Jenna for a conversation about reshaping how we talk, think, and engage with one another in our communities. She addresses the deepening mistrust and division in today’s political climate and shares insights from her time on the campaign trail. Drawing from her background in problem-solving, Senator McMorrow speaks candidly about her 2026 run for U.S. Senate and her bold platform centered on what she calls “Safety, Success, and Sanity.” Tune in for an inspiring discussion rooted in the belief that hate must not win.

Jeff and Jenna are joined by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, former JAG Corp officer, lawyer, Judge, Author, lecturer who is well known for sentencing the infamous Larry Nassar at MSU.   Her latest book, to be published soon, “Speak Up”, is the subject of a lively discussion related to leading with your gut, trusting your instincts and going with the heart fully open. Join Jeff and Jenna for a true gem and advocate.

Jeff and Jenna are joined by Ilya (I love you always) who discusses his own journey from victim to victor and the importance of the men's work he has done through the Mankind Project (MKP). He announces and promotes his up-and-coming YouTube Channel and Podcast entitled "Ilya".

Jeff and Jenna sit down with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor for an engaging conversation about the exciting projects shaping the city’s future. From innovation and economic development to building a strong sense of community pride, they explore how local leadership and residents alike can help Lansing thrive as a premier destination.

In part two of the conversation on The Four Agreements, Jenna and Jeff take a deeper look at what it means to stay grounded in your truth. How can we apply the principle of not taking things personally in our relationships, work, and everyday interactions, especially when criticism or conflict arises? We’ll talk about how to develop a strong inner foundation, how to respond rather than react, and how to honor your worth without letting others define it.

In this episode, Jenna and Jeff dive into the second agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements being, Don’t Take Anything Personally. Jenna and Jeff explore the liberating truth that what others say and do is more a reflection of their own reality than ours. Through real-life examples, insights from the book, and practical reflections, Jenna and Jeff begin to unpack how taking things personally can trap us in cycles of hurt, misunderstanding, and self-doubt. Tune in to start learning how to reclaim your emotional freedom and stop absorbing the projections of others.