Hot Takes on Healing with Jess Leone

Hot Takes on Healing with Jess Leone is a community-centered podcast where REAL stories spark REAL change!

Join us as we unpack the sh*t we don’t talk about enough when we’re growing: the messy middle, the “feeling good after the pain,” and the narratives that quietly keep us small. Each episode blends honest storytelling, spoken-word style reflections, and moments that hit you right in the chest. This space was created to remind you what’s possible when you start questioning who you were taught to be... and *finally* decide come home to yourself.

Head over to www.jessleone.com to connect further!

Episodes

Feb 26, 2025

21 min

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 my Facebook Community 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.
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!

Feb 19, 2025

53 min

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.
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!

Feb 12, 2025

36 min

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.
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!

Feb 5, 2025

55 min

In this 'Fly on the Wall' episode, I sit down with Mary Rauber, owner of MMoonchild Scented Creations.
Mary isn’t just an incredible entrepreneur, but my soulmate best 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.
*This is a series I created 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. 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!

Jan 15, 2025

1hr 13 min

Welcome to my new 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 very first episode of the Fly On a Wall series, I’m joined by my bestie Sarah where we talk about grief, love, family, and the messy, beautiful journey of finding connection and healing in unexpected places.
Sarah opens up about her journey and how stepping into Sacred Circle (aka: 'circle') profoundly changed her life; when she first walked in, she was skeptical, closed off, and, in her own words, an atheist who thought we were all a little nuts. (Spoiler: she doesn’t think that anymore! LOL.) We explore how the women in circle have truly become closer to us than our own 'blood'.
Speaking of "family", we both share some deeply personal stories about our relationships with our blood relatives—we've come accept that unfortunately, we can't change people who aren't ready. In my case, I chose my family, and Sarah is one of those people. It's a reminder that family doesn’t always mean those you’re born into; sometimes, it’s the people you find along the way who become the most meaningful part of your journey.
As we wrap up this deeply personal conversation, I invite you to reflect on the power of community and the healing that comes from sharing our stories in sacred spaces. Whether you’re part of Sacred Circle or you’re looking for that kind of connection, remember that there’s always room for growth, love, and understanding when we open ourselves to what’s possible.
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!

Jan 8, 2025

33 min

Happy 1st Episode of 2025! 🎉🎉🎉
This episode was *actually* recorded LIVE into my Facebook group on the last #MindfulMonday of 2024! Quite a few of our members contributed to this discussion about morning routines, momentum, and finding balance in the chaos. It was beautiful to peel back their layers of fear surrounding new/old habits, all-or-nothing thinking, and more!
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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!

Dec 30, 2024

27 min

In my very last episode of 2024, I’m taking a moment to reflect—not just on this past year, but on the last seven years, the time when I feel I really started living my life. I will never forget my husband (during the first six months of dating, might I add) saying:"You're a bird in a cage with the door wide open, I have no idea why you aren’t flying."
Since then, I've started shared my journey publicly of learning to spread my wings and fly, leaving behind the safety of the cage I had unknowingly built around myself.
In this episode, I will share what my career and life looked like before starting my business and how I’ve embraced a new way of LIVING...one where I’ve let go of trying to control every single goddamn outcome. I’ve learned to trust that what is meant for me will always find its way no matter what. It’s a lesson in faith, in surrender, and in realizing that detaching from the outcome is the ultimate act of freedom.
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✨Don’t miss our Manifestation Letter Workshop—the perfect way to start 2025 with clarity, intention, and purpose. Together in community, we will reflect on 2024—the good, the bad, and the lessons. We will also be writing a letter to our future selves, envisioning who we *really* want to be.
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!

Dec 29, 2024

45 min

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Jade Starbala, founder of Spring Fed Solutions, educator, writer, holistic healer, and Wayfinder Life Coach-in-Training. Jade’s work is all about helping you discover your innate power to heal, thrive, and align with your truest self. In this episode, we explore a tool she uses called ⁠The Body Compass—a powerful method for connecting with your body’s wisdom to guide you in making aligned decisions.
This begins with tuning into your physical sensations, using both positive and negative emotions as cues. By identifying how your body reacts to different feelings, you start to build awareness of what feels good and what doesn’t. Jade shares how this practice is more than just tuning in—it’s reclaiming your power.
You start with small experiences, focusing first on identifying negative sensations. Why? Because it builds the muscle you’ll need to navigate those tricky moments in real time, like when a negative thought or emotion pops up. From there, you can apply this method to bigger decisions, moving toward choices that feel attuned and aligned with your values and desires.
I had a session with Jade and can personally attest to how transformative this process can be. It’s like learning a new language—one where your body does the talking, and you finally learn how to listen. This February, Jade and I are hosting a group session, where we’ll be using the Body Compass in a community setting. This is your chance to try this powerful practice in real-time and be witnessed by others who are on a similar journey!
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!

Dec 23, 2024

47 min

In this episode, I sit down with Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and personal trainer Jen Harris to dive deep into the choices that shape our physical, emotional, and mental health. She shares her no-nonsense approach to understanding the why behind our habits—whether it’s food, sleep, or boundaries—and how to build a lifestyle that works for you, not against you.
Key Topics Covered:
The importance of correcting your posture and being aware of your body’s signals.
Why carrying too many responsibilities is a recipe for burnout—and how to prioritize.
Setting boundaries not just with others, but with yourself.
The truth about January: It’s NOT the ideal time to take on new goals. (Habits take time and accountability is key to long-term success!)
The danger of canceling plans with yourself—and what it teaches your brain.
How to start today with small, actionable steps toward a new way of being.
Jen’s mission is to empower individuals to build a sustainable, balanced lifestyle by creating personalized nutrition and wellness strategies that last. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking to break through a plateau, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, dig into your why, and make changes that stick. Learn more about working with her HERE!
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This episode was streamed and recorded LIVE in our Facebook community! 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!

Dec 15, 2024

25 min

Hello and WELCOME to 'Hot Takes on Healing'!
In this episode, I kick things off by sharing a bit of my own story—how my healing journey began and how the recent challenges of grief have shaped me. These experiences inspired me to create Hot Takes on Healing, which offers an honest voice in wellness where healing isn’t just a journey of positivity— it also embraces "the mess" and the pain.
Community played a huge role in my journey (and still does). Here, I'll talk about my Facebook community, which brings people together for real, vulnerable discussions about life and growth, where we can share our experiences, even those that are painful, and find comfort in connection. Stories connect us, empower us, and help us heal — and we need more spaces to share our real, unfiltered experiences.
If you’re ready for bold conversations, deep dives, and perspectives on healing that honor both joy and pain, you’re in the right place. Thank you for tuning in to Episode 1 and stay tuned for our next episode – we’re only getting started!
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!

Jessica Leone

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