Jess Saying With Jessica Danel

Jess Saying

Jess Saying is where real talk meets real life—with a side of sass. From parenting curveballs and small-town drama to building businesses and surviving life’s messiest moments, host Jessica Danel dives headfirst into the unfiltered truth. It’s honest, hilarious, sometimes heavy, and always human. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or shouting “YES!” in your car, you’re not alone. She’s just saying what we’re all thinking.

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21 episodes
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Avg 58 min
English

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#70
Yesterday · 48 min
Episode 70, Emily Cadiz on Healing, Music, and Starting Over
In this conversation, Jessica Danel speaks with Emily Cadiz, a teacher and musician, about her journey from being a special education teacher to creating Prelude Early Learning, a music-based literacy program. Emily shares her personal story of overcoming a significant injury that affected her ability to communicate and how music played a crucial role in her recovery. They discuss the impact of screen time on children's language development, the importance of communication in early education, and how music can be an effective tool for enhancing literacy skills. Emily also provides insights into her curriculum and its implementation in classrooms, emphasizing the need for a more engaging and interactive approach to learning.
#69
October 19 · 53 min
Episode 69, Finding Light After the Unthinkable with Michelle Ebersole
In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Braider-Ebersol shares her journey of love, loss, and healing after the death of her husband. She discusses the challenges of navigating grief, the importance of community support, and how she found purpose in helping other widows. Through her experiences, Michelle emphasizes the coexistence of joy and grief, the misconceptions surrounding mourning, and the vital role of faith and humor in the healing process. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of connection in overcoming life's most difficult challenges.
#68
October 12 · 28 min
Episode 68, Healthy, Rich, and Happy. The Formula for a Balanced Life with Jacopo Iasiello
In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Jacopo Iasiello, an international investor and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from aspiring soccer player to successful businessman. Jacopo discusses the importance of resilience, defining success on personal terms, and his MPBE method for achieving a balanced life. He emphasizes the role of real estate in wealth creation and offers actionable strategies for well-being while pursuing goals. The episode concludes with insights into his book, 'Healthy, Rich, and Happy', and its mission to help others.
#67
October 5 · 57 min
Episode 67, Finding Your Voice in a Noisy World with Dr. Fred Moss
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Fred Moss, known as the un-doctor, shares his unique perspective on mental health, emphasizing the importance of communication, creativity, and authenticity in healing. He discusses misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses, the normalcy of anxiety and depression, and the power of self-expression. Dr. Moss encourages listeners to reconnect with their true selves and embrace their individuality, while also offering insights into life coaching and the journey of finding one's true voice. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding our experiences as part of the human condition and the potential for transformation through creative expression.
#66
September 28 · 54 min
Episode 66, Healing the Scars of Fatherhood and Forgiveness with Steven Eichenblatt
When you’ve been abandoned by the people meant to protect you, how do you ever learn to trust again? In this powerful episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Steven Eichenblatt, attorney, father, and author of the bestselling memoir Pretend They Are Dead: A Father’s Search for the Truth. Steven’s story begins with abandonment, abuse, and a cruel piece of advice — “pretend they are dead.” But what could have destroyed him instead became the foundation for a life built on resilience, compassion, and purpose. Today, Steven shares how surviving trauma shaped him into a devoted father, passionate advocate, and a man determined to break the cycle. This is a conversation about truth, forgiveness, and the healing power offacing your past head-on.
#63
September 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 65, Decode This: Turning Your Kid’s Obsession into a Reading Superpower
What do dyslexia, X-Men, and the GRE have in common? Today’s guest, Russell Van Brocklen, is about to show us. He’s a dyslexia researcher whose groundbreaking program turned struggling students into confident college grads—all without accommodations. In this episode, we talk about how your child’s obsessions (yes, even the one with comic books or video games) can unlock literacy breakthroughs. We explore what it means to “start specific,” Why word analysis is the secret weapon your child might need, and how letting go of academic anxiety can be the greatest gift you give as a parent. If you’ve ever begged your kid to read a real book or cried into a spelling packet, this episode is your new therapy.
#64
September 14 · 54 min
Episode 64, A Holistic Path to Confidence with Dr. Alexandra Dotcheva
In this episode of Jess Saying, I sit down with Dr. Alexandra Dotcheva—author, healthcare professional, investor, and holistic confidence coach—for a conversation that might just change the way you see yourself. Alexandra's journey isn't a highlight reel. It's twenty years of self-doubt, fear, and starting over. She immigrated to the U.S. with little more than a dream, earned her doctorate in music, pivoted into healthcare, and built multiple businesses from the ground up. Her story doesn't just inspire—it proves something most of us need to hear: confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. In this episode, we dig into the real cost of playing it safe, why true freedom lives at the intersection of health and financial independence, and the everyday habits that can quietly turn anxiety into momentum. If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you could be—this one's for you.
#63
September 7 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 63, From PTSD to Powerhouse. The Journey of Le-an Lai Lacaba
She survived Typhoon Haiyan. She started working online at 15. She became a CEO at 20, and now, at 29, Le-an Lai Lacaba leads a 50+ person outsourcing company while building a second startup in the AI space. In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Le-an to talk about trauma, tenacity, and the truth behind building a business and a life worth living. Together, they unpack what it means to stay grounded during chaos, how to find yourself again after survival mode, and what entrepreneurs—and mothers—can learn about balance, boundaries, and emotional agility. If you’ve ever juggled ambition with anxiety or questioned whether you’re doing enough, this conversation is a must-listen.
#62
August 31 · 51 min
Episode 62, Trading Clutter for Memories with Mic Foster
Tired of birthday parties that leave your living room buried under a mountain of forgotten toys? In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica Danel sits down with Mic Foster, dad of three and founder of No Gifts Please, the experience registry helping families trade toy clutter for memories that last. Mic shares how one chaotic birthday inspired him to start a movement—one that’s changing how families celebrate milestones. From zoo trips to summer camps, he’s helping parents make “no gifts” feel natural (and even exciting). Get ready for a real conversation about family chaos, guilt-free boundaries, and the power of building memories over collecting stuff.
#61
August 24 · 54 min
Episode 61, Helping Kids with ADHD Learn Their Way with Dr. Emily Levy
In this conversation, Dr. Emily Levy, an educational expert and founder of EBL Coaching, shares her journey in special education and the importance of recognizing children's learning challenges. She discusses the various strategies used to support students with ADHD and learning disabilities, the significance of IEPs, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Levy emphasizes the need for personalized learning approaches and building confidence in students while navigating their educational journeys.
#60
August 17 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 60, Real Talk on Raising Responsible Kids with Colleen Souza
In this conversation, Colleen Souza discusses the importance of core values such as self-control, respect, positivity, and hard work. She emphasizes how these values have influenced her family, classroom, and business. With a background in psychology and education, she shares insights from her research on how these values contribute to a strong mindset and personal development.
#59
August 10 · 54 min
Episode 59, From Boardrooms to Bookworms. How One Woman Shook the World—Gently
In this conversation, Steph Katzovi discusses her journey of transforming her childhood experiences into compelling stories. She reflects on her time at sleepaway camp, which was not a pleasant memory, and how it inspired her to write. Through writing, she explores the emotions tied to her past and emphasizes the therapeutic power of storytelling. Katzovi highlights the importance of rewriting one's history with humor and a positive outlook, allowing for personal growth and emotional processing.
#58
August 3 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 58, Understanding Human Nature with Septemics created by Jim Marshall
The conversation delves into the complexities of human relationships and the significant impact of miscommunication in industrialized society. Jim Marshall emphasizes that a lack of understanding among individuals leads to widespread issues, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and social dynamics.
#57
July 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 57, Real Stories from a Spiritual Warrior with D Paul
What happens when a U.S. Navy veteran becomes a Native American Holy Man—and devotes his life to battling evil, cleansing spirits, and healing the broken? In this gripping episode of Jess Saying, we welcome D. Paul—a Heyoka, healer, and ordained spiritual warrior who walks the razor’s edge between the seen and unseen. Rooted in Native American traditions and grounded by Christian faith, D. Paul has faced haunted houses, malevolent forces, and even physical danger—risking his life to bring healing to those afflicted by spiritual oppression. His sacred calling isn’t about ghost stories—it’s about restoration, truth, and divine light in the darkest places. From supernatural encounters to ancestral wisdom, this episode unpacks what it means to live as a “hollow bone”—a vessel for Great Spirit’s guidance.
#56
July 20 · 42 min
Episode 56, Finding Healing Through Storytelling with John Dedakis
In this conversation, John DeDakis discusses the deep connection between his identity and the characters he creates, particularly focusing on the emotional experiences that transcend gender. He emphasizes that while he is not a woman, the insights he has gained from the women in his life inform his writing and character development. The discussion highlights the universality of emotions and the importance of sharing them in storytelling. Join us as we explore how fiction can emerge from pain, how truth sneaks into our stories, and why sometimes the hardest things we live through become the most meaningful things we write.
#55
July 13 · 1 hr 22 min
Episode 55, When High-Achieving Women Are Targeted by Narcissists with Marysol James
In this conversation, Marisol James shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a best-selling romance author. She discusses her experiences with illness, the challenges of transitioning to writing, and the impact of narcissistic relationships on her life. Marisol emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional abuse and the need for supportive work environments for women facing domestic abuse. She offers valuable insights and advice for those in similar situations, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and seeking help.
#54
July 6 · 1 hr 20 min
Episode 54, The Power of Words, How One Mom Defied Doctors’ Predictions
In this conversation, Jessica Danel speaks with Jeaneen Tang, a speech language pathologist and mother, about her journey into the field of speech therapy, the challenges she faced as a parent of a child with special needs, and the importance of early intervention and advocacy in education. Jeaneen shares her personal experiences, including the traumatic events surrounding her son's injury and the subsequent custody battle, which shaped her perspective as both a mother and a professional. She discusses her upcoming book, 'Play Dumb and Sabotage,' aimed at helping parents understand and promote language development in their children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to advocate for their children's needs and the importance of communication between parents and therapists.
#53
June 29 · 58 min
Episode 53, One Mother’s Fight to Reclaim Her Life with Julie Barth
Welcome back to Jess Saying. Today’s episode is about rising from the ashes — literally and emotionally. My guest, Julie Barth, is a mother of six, author, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a nonprofit helping women rebuild after trauma and crisis. Julie’s story is one of heartbreaking loss and unbelievable resilience — from losing her first husband to cancer to surviving years of narcissistic abuse that nearly destroyed her family. Her memoir, Notes from a Blackberry, is a raw, powerful look at how even in the darkest moments, there’s a way forward.
#52
June 22 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 52, From Pages to Purpose with Mila Maxwell
In this heartfelt episode of Jess Saying, I sit downwith mother, and volunteer firefighter Mila Maxwell, author of Finding Lady Baltimore. Mila shares the deeply personal story of growing up alongside her sister with disabilities—and how that experience shaped not only her book, but her approach to motherhood, business, and life. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of memoir writing, the resilience it takes to self-publish, and what it means to wear multiple hats in a world that never slows down. Whether you’re a writer, a caregiver, or a woman juggling more roles than there are hours in the day, this episode reminds you of the power of your story.
#51
June 15 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 51, How to Stay Grounded with Strong-Willed Kids with Melissa Schulz
In this conversation, Jessica Danel and Melissa Schulz discuss the challenges and rewards of parenting, particularly for neurodiverse and strong-willed children. Melissa shares her journey from working with at-risk youth to founding a behavioral health company and transitioning into parenting coaching. They explore various strategies for emotional regulation, the importance of positive reinforcement, and the impact of generational differences in parenting styles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents and offers practical tools for managing challenging child behaviors.

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