011. Vanessa McNeal is a life coach, national speaker and host of Cracked Open Podcast with an MSW in social work. We recorded this episode back in early 2023 when I was feeling as if I was in a void period, almost like a waiting room in between two worlds of wanting to find my person and create my dream career. The first half of the episode is here, and you can find the second half on episode 8 of Cracked Open. In this episode, we discuss:

+ how to trust in your own magnetism

+ how trying to control other people's opinions of us keeps us from showing up as our full selves

+ why it's important to let go of making sure our hearts make sense to other people

+ dealing with feelings of desperation, AKA: “I’m desperate for this thing I haven’t been able to get yet, but not desperate enough to settle for I know is not that."

+ surrendering to Saturn return and reframing scarcity mindset

+ why life is forcing me to be alone and fully embodied in myself first

Enjoy :)

SECOND HALF: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cracked-open-podcast/id1654509900?i=1000600505551

More Vanessa: @thevanessamcneal | https://www.vanessamcneal.com/

010. Put your hands together for one of the best people (and episodes) that has ever graced this podcast. Naomi Rawitz is a licensed master of social work, certified sex therapist and sex educator, and one of Jami's closest childhood friends. In this episode, we discuss:

More Naomi: https://www.rawitzcounseling.com/ | @colormenaomi

009. Please welcome one of my favorite actresses, co-stars and real life barbies APARNA BRIELLE! In this episode, Aparna shares a very important pop culture update, how she was bullied for years in school and what led her to choose acting as a career. The majority of this episode details the emotional and physical abuse she experienced while being in relationship with a narcissist. Aparna can help everyone understand how easy it is to fall into this kind of dynamic and how to find the strength to leave. Most importantly, she talks about her journey creating a stronger relationship with herself. FULL interview with video is on youtube. Enjoy!!!

More Aparna: @aparnabrielle | https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4367180/

007. In this episode, Jami spills all about that time in her life where she genuinely wanted to be a pop star, why fashion blogging eventually felt unfulfilling and how that led her to discover acting. She shares how acting brings her closer to her inner child, the real reason this industry is heartbreaking, and why it's important to hold two truths at once. Enjoy!!!

006. In this episode, Jami shares all of her thoughts and feelings about the word "artist," why she avoided it for a long time and what her new definition of art means. She shares how growing up with two creative parents shaped her personality and why modesty is not humility. Most importantly, you'll learn all about her new theory around "Pick Me Artists" and the two different types we see on social media. Enjoy!!!

005. In this episode, Jami shares a VERY important thing she learned about herself this week, a huge life update and an explanation of all the events that led her to this decision. She opens up about why these changes feel serendipitous and how we might need a new word for failure. The writing sample of the week is a special one, recorded while crying in her bedroom. Because we all cry alone in our bedrooms. Enjoy!!

004. THE FIRST INTERVIEW/CONVERSATIONAL EPISODE!! *made to feel like you're sitting in the room hearing one of our weekly deep dives* In this episode, Allysa Breanne shares her story of why she started as a social media influencer and how it eventually lead her down a path of comparison, insecurity and ultimately: finding herself. Allysa takes us through the moment she knew she needed help, learning her human design, the difference between being an introvert and an observer, and why rest has saved her mental health. After years of performing on Instagram and trying to fit her identity into being "that girl," she has finally come home to herself. Enjoy!!

More Allysa: @allysabreanne | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfPPmFNjPN4O6mTxgVT2tw

003. In this episode, Jami discusses having scoliosis and wearing a back brace to eventually getting spinal fusion surgery. She shares how she compared herself to her mom growing up and never felt "feminine" in her body. But is this really our fault? Or is it rooted in patriarchy? Or both? She talks about internalizing the male gaze and developing an eating disorder, and where she stands on plastic surgery. Enjoy!!

002. In this episode, Jami shares important life updates, a letter to her younger self, and most importantly: every single thing she's learned about romantic relationships. As always, this is a raw and honest conversation about why Jami's dating life was toxic, what made her finally leave her long-term relationship and how she went from an anxious attachment style to finally identifying as a securely attached person *through loads of therapy.* Oh, and how rom coms screwed us all. Enjoy!!

001. Jami talks about her mental health diagnosis, navigating loneliness at the ripe age of 29, and gives you an exclusive, inside look at ALL of her adorable unsexy childhood trauma. From wearing a back brace and undergoing spinal fusion surgery at 14 to her journey as an influencer and actor in Los Angeles, her desperation to discover herself truly knows no bounds. She explains why she started social media and acting, her relationship to it now, and why it's important that she uses her full name. Enjoy!!!