Listen for REAL
A podcast for honest people in progress.
Hosted by Jen Oliver — former people-pleaser, chronic sugarcoater turned truth teller.
This show is my ongoing experiment in living (and listening) without the scripts. We’re here to ditch echo chambers, challenge passive thinking, and speak from that fire-lit part of us that knows when we’re bullshitting—and is done with it.
What can you expect?
Unfiltered conversations. Soul-level storytelling. Coaching sessions and tangible tools for getting free from beliefs that keep you quiet, small, or apologetic.
We go deep—often. But we don’t take ourselves too seriously. This is depth with edge. It’s emotional honesty served with a wink, not a lecture.
You’ll also hear nuanced, table-shaking dialogues with guests who aren’t afraid to be real—about identity, growth, culture, spirituality, relationships, power, and the honest chaos of becoming yourself in public.
Themes around here are always current (and sometimes spicy), but the takeaways are timeless. Emotional messiness is encouraged. Growth is expected. Word-vomit moments are safe.
If you’re craving conversations that wake you up, give you something useful to walk away with, and remind you that your most true voice is your most powerful one—you’re home.
This isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about getting real—and getting free.
Come as you are. Stay for the honesty. Leave with something that matters.
I once believed - ignorantly - that “guidance” according to our star signs & astrological charts was for softheaded people needing the power of suggestion to make decisions. This conversation with Rachel Loewenherz blew my e...
I was always intrigued by the premise behind “Love Is Blind” - a reality show where singles try to find a match and fall in love -- without ever seeing each other face-to-face, as emotional connection attempts to conquer phys...
My conversation with Dr. Kasi Lacey speaks to a common experience among many; a woman and leader confronting the glass ceiling in an organization. Kasi was passed over more than once for positions she was eminently qualified for “because they were instructed to hire a man…” Her encounter with gend…
In this conversation, Amber Abila and I discuss the challenges many of us face when it comes to listening to our bodies, setting boundaries, and giving voice to what’s true for us. Amber is a binge and overeating coach, while I coach people to speak with impact and clarity from their truest voice. …
I don’t often use the word “enlightening” but this conversation with Lara Waldman was just that. We explored our stories of spiritual awakening, the ways that we understand this elusive term called “manifestation,” and our unique journeys of self-discovery. This was a topic of conversation that I o…
When echo chambers collide you get the best conversation! I sat down with Justin Cauthen, a man with 20 years of military service and five combat tours to his credit - not to mention leadership roles in situations and countries where hostility is often the norm. His story is powerful. And so is his…
Y’all, this episode with Bara Mann was one that I want you to be a part of. We talked about belonging, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves—especially the ones that no longer serve us. Bara shared her childhood moments of trying to fit in - and I talked of what that looks like as an adult. I…
Reading “Horribly Lovely” was exactly that…and, I could not stop turning the pages. My conversation with the author, Jon Kohrs, went deep as we talked about his “Horribly Lovely” journey. I will avoid spoilers, but this newly released book may cause you to reconsider many things. I confess to sitti…
Janice and I unpack our personal fears and the unique way she continues to overcome hers. I am someone who has historically craved certainty and safety - and as usual – my perspective shifts and so does our conversation! Our discussion pivoted into dating, love and our own relationships and divorce…
One year ago, a Valentine’s Day love letter came my way and I recorded my thoughts about it. This week’s episode is a replay and is the perfect precursor to my next conversation in which I unpack all that has changed (or not) in the last year…Join me.
I am honored to be in conversation with Mark Patinkin, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting, as he shares an array of human stories that help us to grasp the complexities of life and war in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Patinkin moves from armchair commentaries to analyst to…
My limited view on love and relationships has been blown wide open again. Anna K. Morris is on the “couch” with me and we talk super candidly about true love and knowledge of self in our romantic partnerships. This is NOT the rom-com, cultural ideal, religiously formed, or social media driven versi…