Welcome to our new website!

Listen for REAL

I'm Jen - a white, cisgendered, straight-identifying, American-born woman with a history of Christian and conservative influences. My lived experience is one of solid economic security and educational privilege. All of this shaped the lens through which I viewed life for the majority of my adult years - and it created a comfortable echo chamber where “my existing views were neatly reinforced and alternative ideas were rarely considered…”

This no longer works for me.

I decided to pursue meaningful work, passion projects, and relationships that would serve as "antidotes to the echo chamber." This podcast is part of that work. Rather than put people in stereotypical boxes - I want to grow more curious and open minded. This means listening deeply to another person’s perspective, especially those who differ from me. It means challenging my old paradigms and assumptions.

I pursue this on a public platform because I want to foster this mindset shift in our culture. My guests and I believe that conversations heard here will spur more healthy exchanges, marked by a spirit of inquiry with and for the people in our lives (especially those whom we don’t know or understand yet).

Join the conversation.

Visit other offerings by Jen

Recent Episodes

Dec. 2, 2024

Boudoir photography & liberating women…from a man’s lens

I loved my conversation with Brad Walsh, a boudoir photographer and male ally in the women’s empowerment space. Brad has a quality about him that makes a potentially sensitive topic totally accessible - we delve right into the art and …

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Nov. 25, 2024

From Amish to Empowered; one voice liberates others

I am “on the couch” in conversation with Saloma Fisher who lived until age 32 in a conservative Amish community; we covered stuff that shocked me right out of my own misconceptions. Yes, there are the typical things many are …

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Oct. 8, 2024

A different kind of matching platform: connecting sexual assault surv…

We got passionate and informed in this episode.I had the honor of hosting @TracyDeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a survivor-founded nonprofit that has been able to create an encrypted platform allowing sexual assault survivors to find others harmed by the same …

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Oct. 1, 2024

No box can contain her! (And no box ever should)

Oh this conversation, EEEEEEK! Femily Howe joins me on the “couch” and we cover the best stuff - from unconventional relationships to gender equity at its creative and inclusive best in our corporate cultures. Add in a killer discussion on …

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Sept. 16, 2024

This is a FREE Woman: Trauma Healed Through Movement

This conversation was powerful and a testimony to what is possible! Jacia Kornwise shares parts of her compelling journey from victimhood to survivorship, illustrating the liberating tool of emotional and physical expression. Her energy, clarity, strength and ability to thrive …

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Aug. 12, 2024

Mom turned activist; how we right a wrong

I spoke with Lisa Howard because I recall making assumptions about “activists” in previous years, especially as it relates to climate change. Full disclosure, I KNEW NOTHING about the state of our planet or the climate and simply parroted what …

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July 29, 2024

Love stories without labels

I am upping the ante on REAL conversations as I sit down with my close friends, Jill Osur and Lisa Orrell. Jill and Lisa's not-so-random meeting led to a partnership that's as dynamic as it is loving. Their relationship teaches …

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July 15, 2024

Soulgasm? I’ll have what she’s having

I am doing my level best to get out of my head and connect more deeply with my soul and this conversation with Michal Spiegelman was right on time (aren’t all REAL conversations that way?) Michal is a master at …

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July 2, 2024

Straight talk beyond gender transition

My preconceived notions on the gender transition experience got BLOWN UP thanks to this conversation with Andrea Leigh - a powerful woman of influence straight outta Oklahoma - with an affinity for fashion, tattoos, sports cars, Harleys and guns. Andrea …

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June 17, 2024

The non-negotiables of divorce, kids, and our emotional healing

I invited Poonan Bhuchar on the pod because I believed her lived experience of marriage, divorce, and career differed from mine and would expand my perspective. Well...Poonan did teach me a great deal - but ultimately, we are more stunningly …

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June 3, 2024

How do we name this episode??? And other questions about touch.

This conversation was a little edgy, but so illuminating for me. I connect with Jaclyn Foster, the insightful author of "I Touch Myself" and we navigate awkward waters with laughter and REAL talk. There is more to consider with the …

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May 20, 2024

Am I allowed to call you disabled? And other confusing questions…

A REAL conversation with Alycia Anderson - a wheelchair user who responds with candor to discriminatory assumptions and uncomfortable conversations that happen in her presence or after she has rolled away.

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