Hot Takes on Healing with Jess Leone

Episode #18: At Some Point, You Have to Put Yourself in the Equation with Stacy Attenberg

Putting yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s survival. This conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to wait until you break to tend to yourself.
This week’s episode is a heart-opening, deeply grounded conversation with Stacy, an independent cat rescuer in Connecticut who’s currently in the process of opening her own feral cat sanctuary! She’s a force of compassion, honesty, and intentional living, and her wisdom is for anyone who gives and gives… but is learning to put themselves back into the equation.
We talk about what it really means to honor yourself without guilt, and how nervous system regulation and daily check-ins can shift everything. Stacy shares why caregivers often feel like they have to suffer to prove their love, and how failed help can lead to deep trust issues and the belief that you have to do it all yourself. We explore the emotional weight of grief, caregiving, and bearing witness to constant loss, and the ways empathy can sometimes feel like a burden.
(If you’d like to support Stacy’s mission and the animals she cares for, you can check out her Amazon Wishlist here!)
This episode is packed with insight around finding mindfulness in the small moments; you don’t need an hour, you just need presence—and how reciprocal spaces are essential before burnout sets in. We talk about practical tools like Mindful Markers that can gently pull you back into your body throughout the day, especially when you’re on the edge of overwhelm.
Stacy opens up about the reality of working in a field that takes a toll on your body, your relationships, and your heart, and how she continues to find her center through self-awareness and community.
She also shares how Sacred Circle became her “emotional defibrillator”—a space unlike any other she’s been a part of—and how deeply impactful it has been to be witnessed and supported in her healing. As she says, “this group is literally my life raft.”
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Episode #17: Breaking Up with Corporate America with Lindsey Ryan

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Ryan—entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and co-owner of the Blender Bar (in Cheshire, CT)—to talk about what it really looks like to walk away from a “safe” 9-5 career in Corporate America and choose the wild, messy, and meaningful path back to yourself.
After years in higher education, a major health transformation, and a powerful reset in Ireland, Lindsey had a wake-up call: her inner voice told her to quit her job. No backup plan, no roadmap, just a deep knowing that the ladder she was climbing wasn’t leading where she wanted to go.
What followed? A wild leap into entrepreneurship during the height of the pandemic, the launch of a wildly successful smoothie bar with lines out the door, and a journey full of detours, pivots, purpose, and REAL-ass growth. And guess what? She's opening a second location this fall!
We talk about:— The inner nudge that changed everything— Building a business in a time of global uncertainty— Making “being miserable” no longer an option— How failure is part of the path—but so is success— Living with purpose, not performance— Why perpetual progress beats chasing perfection, and— How your life is a reflection of the work you put in
Lindsey’s story is proof that you don’t need it all figured out to start over. Sometimes, you just need to listen to your gut, leap into the unknown, and trust that you’ll figure it out on the way down.
🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to check out Lindsey’s journey (and maybe grab a smoothie!) over at @blenderbar.ct!
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Glitching the Matrix with Carrie Walker: "Fly on the Wall” Series – Episode 4

In this episode, Carrie and I are breaking down the loop—the mental replay, the Groundhog Day energy, the autopilot patterns that keep us stuck—and how something as simple as ChatGPT (or whatever name you’ve given your AI… go ask it!) can actually help you get out of your own head and into a new rhythm. We talk about how to “glitch the loop” on purpose:
Taking a different route to work
Going to a new coffee shop
Intentionally interrupting your routine to come back to your body
Because survival mode makes us seek comfort, predictability, and practicality—but growth? Alignment? That sh*t requires disruption. We also get into:
The difference between the Matrix and the Universe (yes, it matters!)
Why not every “bad” thing is actually bad—it might just be inconvenient
What alignment actually feels like (hint: it’s not all bliss and butterflies)
How your algorithm reflects your reality and what to do if it’s full of doom and gloom
Plus: a powerful moment from our Sacred Circle community as Carrie shares how one random TikTok led her to our group… and changed her life. Her story is a living reminder that we don’t heal in isolation—we heal in sisterhood. Our Sacred Circle community is over four years strong and built on women showing up for each other through it all.
The butterfly effect is real, y’all.
This one’s spicy, funny, and full of hot takes on energy, intention, and choosing a new path—even when it’s messy.

Episode #16: Addicted to the Struggle with Kate Sullivan

In this raw and powerful episode, I’m joined by Kate Sullivan, who drops this #hottake: mental health struggles can be just as devastating as addiction—instead of healing the root, we keep slapping Band-Aids on the symptoms. Together we dig into what it really means to live with that weight, including the addiction to sorrow and suffering, the link between dyslexia and addiction (learning something new every day!), and the life-changing moment Kate was finally placed in a school with kids who learned like her, where she actually felt seen. She also speaks to the deep need for belonging and community, and how so much of addiction stems from the lack of both. When we’re disconnected, the spiral is easier to fall into...and harder to crawl out of.
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation? The truth about relationships and safety. Kate shares what it was like being in a relationship so unsafe, she had to tell coworkers to check on her if she ever didn’t show up. Her story is a wake-up call and a reminder that choosing yourself is rarely easy, but always necessary. What followed was five years of chaos, but also growth, reclamation, and the kind of strength that can only come from walking through fire.
This episode is full of real talk and reflection, including:- Why you’ve gottaaaaa stop letting people “squat in your mind”- How to create a list of what you actually want in relationships based on your values, not your wounds- The magic of being brave enough to date your friends- How apps and multigenerational friendships are expanding the way we connect- And why making eye contact, talking to strangers, and being human AF is the actual way we rewrite our view of the world
Because if you grew up guarded, hypervigilant, or disconnected...we need new evidence! We need reminders that most people are good, and that being human doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being real. We close with this reminder: You are not a robot. You are human. And that’s your superpower. Healing isn’t just about surviving, but remembering how to live.
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Episode #15: How to Become a High Value Woman with Kay Robbs

This episode features Kay Robbs, a Connecticut-based lifestyle blogger whose platform is all about wellness, food, self-care, and fun date ideas. Kay’s grounded presence and honest perspective make her the perfect guest to dive into a conversation about healing anxious attachment and stepping into your high-value era.
We talk about the deep fear of abandonment that drives anxious attachment, and how often that fear shows up as anxiety, overthinking, and people-pleasing. Kay and I unpack what it means to truly begin healing—from reparenting yourself and regulating your nervous system, to finally learning how to emotionally support yourself rather than relying on constant validation from others. We also talk about something so many women struggle with: over-giving. We overextend because it feels good to love people, and because somewhere along the way, we never learned where the line was. But the truth is, you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. At some point, your body, your energy, your peace—will ask for more.
Kay shares her personal mindset shift: “I don’t want to wake up and have regrets.” That perspective led us to discuss emotional reactivity, learning to communicate from a regulated place, and how to speak the same love-language as your partner. I also opened up about my own experience being triggered in my relationship with my husband, and how I’ve learned to de-escalate conflict by leading with curiosity and compassion.
We also talk about the art of detachment, and how real healing begins with self-awareness. You don’t heal by shaming your past—you heal by owning your patterns, recognizing your power, and choosing differently. As Kay puts it, “Anxiously attached people don’t live in the present.” And if you want something different, it’s on you to create it. 
This episode is full of wisdom around becoming a high value woman—not in the hustle, toxic-femininity kind of way—but in a grounded, peaceful, self-led way. We explore what it means to trust yourself deeply, stop taking things personally, set boundaries with grace, let go of people-pleasing, and create a life that feels aligned and beautiful to you.
Want to connect with Kay Robbs and find your next spot for a facial, a date, or some seriously yummy food? Follow her at @kayrobbsmua and let her guide your next self-care moment or local adventure!
If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Episode #14: Seeking Something Greater with Robyn Miller Brecker & Karen Loenser

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Miller Brecker & Karen Loenser and dive into their personal "hot takes" on healing and the journey that led them to create The Seeking Center.
Robyn, an Emmy® award-winning producer, spent over 20 years working alongside Oprah Winfrey (YEAAAAH, THAT Oprah!), shaping impactful programming with some of the world’s most brilliant thought leaders. She has a background in media innovation, having helped launch Noggin and worked at Nickelodeon.
Karen, an award-winning producer and digital strategist, has played a key role in major platforms like Discovery+. She’s also the author of the Amazon bestseller LifeMapping and co-host of Seeking Center: The Podcast, where she and Robyn explore life’s biggest questions.
Together, they created The Seeking Center, your go-to space for wellness and spirituality. They cut through the noise to bring you real, tested insights on personal growth, healing, and living fully. Think of them as your 24/7 Seeking B.F.Fs!
(Want to learn more? Visit The Seeking Center at theseekingcenter.com)
We talk about what it means to be a seeker and how to find what truly resonates with you. Grief is a major theme in this conversation, as we explore its role in the healing process. Robyn shares her "hot take" that people don’t really die when they leave this physical plane, while Karen believes that the reason we are here is to learn and grow, and that the hard lessons we face are happening for a reason. This conversation goes deep into spirituality as we discuss G.U.S.S (God, Universe, Source, Spirit) and how it influences our journeys.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of seeking together and the power of community in healing. Growth doesn’t have to be a solo journey—finding like-minded people to explore, question, and evolve with can make all the difference. Healing happens in connection, and The Seeking Center is built on the belief that we are stronger when we navigate life’s big questions side by side.
That’s exactly why I created Sacred Circle—to give women a space to return to themselves, to each other, and to something greater. Over the last four years, this community has grown into something powerful, a place where friendships are forged, resilience is celebrated, and support is unconditional. I’ve watched women walk in feeling lost, disconnected, unsure—and leave feeling lighter, empowered, and held. And the truth is, we all need that.
I invite you to join us in circle this Friday (April 11th) or on Friday, April 25th from 6-8:30pm at Ananta in Wallingford. The journey starts with one step, one decision, one evening, ONE MOMENT of saying yes to yourself. (Here's a sneak peek of what you're getting when you come join the magic!)

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

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.
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.
If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Episode #13: 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!!
If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Episode #12: 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!
If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!

Episode #11: 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. 
If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!