Hot Takes on Healing with Jess Leone

"Fly on the Wall” Series – Episode 3: When Toxic Patterns Show Up in Unexpected Places (Round 2 w/ Mary!)

Welcome to my series within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends.
These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us.
Mary is BACK, and this conversation is powerful. (You can listen to our first 'Fly on the Wall episode HERE)
She’s opening up about finally leaving her toxic job and the hard lessons she’s learned about boundaries, backhanded compliments, and navigating a toxic work environment—especially when narcissistic behavior is at play.
The biggest realization? Toxic relationships don’t just happen in romance. Mary recognized the signs but didn’t immediately connect the dots—because this time, it wasn’t a romantic relationship. It was work. And yet, the patterns were exactly the same.
We also dive into:- How to spot red flags in any relationship—work, friendships, family, and more- How Mary reclaimed her independence and started living for herself again- Her firsthand experience escaping an abusive ex (who nearly took her life) and reclaiming her power over the last four years- The wake-up call that made her finally see the truth- How to redirect your energy into your passions instead of draining relationships- The role of true friends—the ones who stand by you, help you see the light, and remind you of your worth
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt trapped in a situation that was slowly draining you, or wondered “why does this keep happening?”—this episode is for you.
You don’t have to stay stuck. And as Mary put its: don’t have to let anyone rob you of your sunshine.
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to join us in the Soundboard community, where these kinds of raw, honest conversations happen regularly. Together, we can continue to build spaces that support and nurture our journeys.
And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it and let us know your thoughts.
Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows—you might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible.

Episode Throwback: Self Love Isn’t Selfish (Hold the Eye Roll & Stay with Me—This One’s Different!)

Tonight, I’m speaking at Trailblaz-HER (a night of community & connection with other women) and the conversation is really centered around worthiness and breaking free from the conditioning that holds us back. This episode throwback is the perfect continuation of what I’ll be sharing on stage—so whether you’re at the event or not, this message is for you!
I originally recorded this episode last month, and it has quickly become my most listened-to episode. Clearly, this message is hitting home for a lot of people, so I knew I had to bring it back for those who haven’t heard it yet—or need to hear it again.
I think this might be my favorite episode to date, y'all. I literally grabbed my dictionary a few times because—spoiler—I needed to get clear on what words like selfish and perfection actually mean. (And trust me, the definitions will surprise you.) Here's what I'm jamming out about:
The difference between your self and your ego—because you are NOT the loudest voice in your head.
The power of self-reflection and introspection in understanding your thoughts and emotions.
How societal and family conditioning shapes our beliefs—and how to unlearn the stuff that doesn’t serve us.
Reparenting yourself, parenting differently, and showing up with more mindfulness and compassion.
Ditching perfectionism. (Don’t worry, I define that too. and you will be REALLY surprised by it's definition )
Checking in with my energy every day and adjusting my plans without feeling guilty—and why you should try it too.
I also talk about the importance of finding—or creating—safe spaces for healing and growth. Whether that’s through personal reflection or connecting with a supportive community, it’s all about surrounding yourself with what helps you thrive.
Speaking of community… If you’re ready to get off the sidelines, join The Soundboard—my virtual space for real talk, connection, and support.
Let’s connect!Find me on Instagram @hottakesonhealing or visit www.jessleone.com
If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Episode #15: The Hardest Thing to Admit—You Have a Choice with Shondra Leigh

The hardest thing to admit? You have a choice.
Because once you do, you have to own the choices that haven’t made you happy—and that’s where real change begins.
This episode was recorded LIVE in our Soundboard community, where we dive deep into accessible somatic techniques to help you ground into your body and regulate your nervous system—because the issues are in our tissues. 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Movement as Release: Whether it’s dancing, stretching, or subtle micro-movements, repetitive motion allows the body to relax and let go of tension.
Orienting for Grounding: Start externally—what are you looking at? What’s around you? Then, tune in internally—what sensations are you feeling?
Creating Safety in the Body: Learn how to put yourself in a stance of security and connection with the earth. You can only heal when you feel safe.
Humming Technique: A simple yet powerful tool to interrupt intrusive thoughts and regulate the nervous system.
We also discuss the Reclamation Retreat and the power of choosing how you show up for yourself.
💡 Final Thought: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it thirsty. The same goes for healing—you have to want the change.
If you want to connect with me, you can find me on Instagram (@hottakesonhealing) or visit my website at www.jessleone.com.
To connect with Shondra, follow her on Instagram (@shondraeleigh) or check out her over at: https://anantawellnessspa.com/themindbodymaster.
Want to be part of the next LIVE conversation? Join us inside The Soundboard and connect with a community that’s all about growth, healing, and real talk!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to keep the conversation going! We will see you next week on Hot Takes on Healing! 

Episode Throwback: (This Episode *JUST* Might Save Your Life) – ”New Cells Every Day” with Amy Conroy

Whether you missed it the first time or need a reminder, this conversation with Amy Conroy is packed with insights that will land differently depending on where you are in your journey.
Amy and I are friends in real life, and over the past few months, we’ve spent a lot of time together—especially after she joined one of my recent workshops. Her story is one of the most incredible I’ve ever heard, which is why I knew this episode needed to be re-aired. You don’t want to miss it.
Amy is a true anomaly—she beat an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer, and her journey not only transformed her own life but contributed to medical advancements. She shares how, even on her hardest days, she reminded herself: new cells every day. This mantra became her anchor, a reminder of renewal, healing, and the power of small, daily victories.
She also introduces her powerful concept of "invisible paint"—an energy so strong that people notice when it’s missing. It’s a testament to the power we all carry within us, even when we don’t realize it.
Hit play and soak up this powerful conversation. Then, let us know—what’s YOUR invisible paint?
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to join us in the Soundboard community, where these kinds of raw, honest conversations happen regularly. Together, we can continue to build spaces that support and nurture our journeys.
And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it and let us know your thoughts.
Remember to subscribe, share your thoughts in a review, and stay tuned for our next conversation on Hot Takes on Healing!

Episode Throwback: Unlocking Your Soul Path & Escaping the “Fire Tower” with Barbara Yager

So nice, I had to post it twice.
There are a few episodes I always go back and listen to—because the message hits every time.
And this is one of them.
Whether you missed it the first time or need a reminder, this episode with Barbara Yager is packed with insights that will hit differently depending on where you are in your journey.
Barb is an intuitive consultant, coach, and author known for empowering spiritual seekers with tools to align their lives with their soul's purpose. With over a decade of experience guiding clients through transformation, she combines her extensive knowledge of the Akashic Records with powerful coaching practices to help individuals and businesses find true alignment and unlock their potential.
We dive deep into what it means to live authentically from the soul level, and Barb shares invaluable insights on how we can realign our energies to make the greatest impact in our lives. 
Curious about the fire tower and whether you’re stuck in it? You’ll have to tune in to find out what that means and why most of us aren’t supposed to be there!
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Book a reading or connect further with her HERE!

Episode #14: The Overlooked Secret—Celebration & Compassion

Life isn’t always a straight climb up—sometimes it’s a goddamn rollercoaster.
But here’s the thing: No matter what season you’re in, you deserve self-compassion. You deserve to recognize how far you’ve come. And you deserve to celebrate yourself—right now, not just when you hit some imaginary finish line.
In this episode, I go LIVE in 'The Soundboard' to reflect on my own life—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how I’ve learned to stop comparing my journey to everyone else’s. We’re talking about:
🔥 KNOWING your why & ASKING why—because getting to the root of what drives you is the key to truly knowing yourself.🔥 Having compassion for yourself in the tougher seasons—because beating yourself up won’t get you where you want to go, boo boo.🔥 Recognizing your growth—it’s easy to focus on what’s next, but have you taken a second to appreciate what you’ve already done? (Our members reflect on this one alongside me!)🔥 The importance of ‘borrowed belief’—why you don’t need to “fake it till you make it,” but you can lean on others’ belief in you until you believe it yourself.
Join our community where we dive deeper, support each other, and have the kind of unfiltered conversations you won’t find anywhere else.
AND—big news!
We’re taking this energy offline for the first time ever! Join us THIS SATURDAY, March 1 at ETV in East Haven, CT, from 11-2 PM for our first-ever LIVE podcast recording & community event! (A HUGE thank you to MMoonchild Scented Creations for sponsoring our event!)
This is your chance to connect, network, and be part of something special—whether you're looking to meet like-minded people, grow your small business, or just soak up the energy of a live show! You don’t want to miss this!!
Friendly reminder to PLEASEEE subscribe, comment, review, and stay tuned for our next episode! We will see you next week!

Episode #13: The S#IT NO ONE Talks About — The Part AFTER the Pain

Sometimes ya just gotta hit record on a GOOD conversation. Excuse the low quality audio — it was worth the high quality conversation. 
My beautiful friend, Mindy and I went LIVE back in 2024 in The Soundboard and had a powerful conversation about her healing journey over the last five years. What we've learned is healing isn’t just about moving through the hard stuff—it’s about learning to exist in the good without waiting for the other shoe to drop. 
Mindy also shares how participating in ketamine clinical trials changed her life, helping her break through emotional barriers, shift her perspective, and truly feel a sense of peace for the first time. We also talk about:
The fear of things being too good and why we wait for something to go wrong,
Why healing doesn’t mean bypassing hard emotions (especially ANGER)—it means facing them head-on,
Why you DON'T actually need an apology from the people who hurt you,
Taking stock of your life and your relationships,
How to stop living in survival mode and start embracing the life you worked for, and
The reality of healing: it’s not just about fixing pain, it’s about learning to accept joy.
You. Are. Not. Broken.
You are still you underneath the pain, the trauma, the emotions—you are not what happened to you. And when you finally start to uncover you, it helps to have people in your corner reminding you that you’re not alone. When you decide to burn it all to the ground, to walk away from what no longer serves you, to rebuild from scratch… you need a support system. Healing isn’t a solo journey.
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This episode was streamed and recorded LIVE in our community ⁠—a space where we dive deeper into conversations like this and connect on a more personal level. Want to be part of the action and get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content? Join us ⁠HERE⁠! And don’t miss our first-ever in-person LIVE podcast and community event, sponsored by MMoonchild Scented Creations on March 1st, 11am-2pm!
(Friendly reminder to PLEASEEE subscribe, comment, review, and stay tuned for our next episode!)

Episode #12: Self Love Isn’t Selfish (Hold the Eye Roll & Stay with Me—This One’s Different!)

This one’s different. Hit play—you’ll see.
I think this is my favorite episode to date y'all. I literally grabbed my dictionary a few times because—spoiler—I needed to get clear on what words like “selfish” and “perfection” actually mean. (And trust me, the definitions will surprise you.) Here's what I'm jamming out about:
The difference between your self and your ego—because you are NOT the loudest voice in your head.
The power of self-reflection and introspection in understanding your thoughts and emotions.
How societal and family conditioning shapes our beliefs—and how to unlearn the stuff that doesn’t serve us.
Reparenting yourself, parenting differently, and showing up with more mindfulness and compassion.
Ditching perfectionism. (Don’t worry, I define that too. and you will be REALLY surprised by it's definition )
Checking in with my energy every day and adjusting my plans without feeling guilty—and why you should try it too.
I also talk about the importance of finding—or creating—safe spaces for healing and growth. Whether that’s through personal reflection or connecting with a supportive community, it’s all about surrounding yourself with what helps you thrive.
Speaking of community… If you’re ready to get off the sidelines, join The Soundboard—my virtual space for real talk, connection, and support. And don’t miss our first-ever in-person LIVE podcast and community event, sponsored by MMoonchild Scented Creations. 

"Fly on the Wall” Series – Episode 2: Your Life, Your Rules: Boundaries & Big Truths with Mary Rauber

Welcome to my series within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends.
These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us.
In this episode, I sit down with Mary Rauber, owner of MMoonchild Scented Creations and the generous sponsor of our first in-person Soundboard event on March 1st in East Haven, CT (Want the deets? Click HERE to get access to it all!).
Mary isn’t just an incredible entrepreneur—she’s been my soulmate friend for over 20 years. Together, we share laughter, raw truths, and the kind of connection that only decades of friendship can build. 
We dive deep into topics that hit home for anyone navigating life’s complexities like breaking free from people-pleasing and learning how to use your voice authentically. And of course, we go all-in on boundaries—what they are (hint: they’re about YOUR actions, not someone else’s) and how to set them unapologetically when you have SELF-RESPECT. This conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, and I can’t wait for you to listen.
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to join us in the Soundboard community, where these kinds of raw, honest conversations happen regularly. Together, we can continue to build spaces that support and nurture our journeys.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it and let us know your thoughts. And who knows—you might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible.

Episode #11: Midlife, ”Seasons”, & Self-Care: Redefining Rest & Rewriting the Rules with Melanie Tarr

In this episode, I’m joined by my best friend and co-founder of Woogle (woahhh-flashback! IYKYK), Melanie Tarr!
Melanie is a compassionate advocate for people seeking to live brighter, overcome the effects of trauma, and embrace their own intuitive gifts. With a background in energy healing, psychology, and recovery support, Melanie brings incredible wisdom and warmth to our #MindfulMonday call we had LIVE in our Facebook Community last week!
Together, we dive deep into:
the shifting seasons of life and what it means to navigate midlife,
societal programming many of us grew up with and,
the work it takes to undo those old narratives—especially the one that says you have to earn rest. (Spoiler: You don’t, boo!)
We share personal stories about how self-care evolves in your 40s, why fun and joy are so critical for your well-being, and how tricking your brain by prioritizing something playful can help you reclaim balance. Melanie and I also reflect on the beauty of midlife as a season of growth, change, and unapologetic self-prioritization. This conversation is packed with relatable moments, insightful reflections, and plenty of laughs (aka- the first minute or so of this recording!).
Connect with Melanie:
Website: www.MelanieTarr.com
Resources: TriCircle | SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program
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Let’s keep the conversation going:
This episode was streamed and recorded LIVE in 'the soundboard' community ⁠⁠—a space where we dive deeper into conversations like this and connect on a more personal level. Want to be part of the action and get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content? Join us ⁠HERE⁠!
✨Interested in the "Self-Love Revival Challenge? Join us HERE!
✨Friendly reminder to PLEASEEE subscribe, comment, review, and stay tuned for our next episode! I will be entering the first 100 people (I'm more than 1/2 way there!) into a raffle for a $50 gift card of your choice to thank you for your support. (P.S. - Make sure you COMMENT on an episode to get entered, as it's the only metric I can actually use to enter you into the raffle. Thank you!)
We will see you next Wednesday for our next episode!