Talk to Jess: Conversations with Today's Thinkers, Movers, and Shapers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Lynn Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of Spotlight: Girls, a multi-media platform and summer camp that educates and inspires girls to step into the spotlight and be leaders in their community. Through her work, Lynn is empowering young girls to fight against the constant media messages that tell them to sit down and be quiet. She’s helping them harness their power and use their voice. In this episode, Jess and Lynn talk entrepreneurship and business as a social good.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Ilana is the creator of Mommy Shorts, where she blogs about her experiences as a working mom raising two young girls with her husband in New York City. Ilana is also a successful writer, having turned her hilarious essays on parenting and her family into a book on being an average but successful parent. In this episode, Jess and Ilana talk advertising, self-esteem, and the myth of the perfect mother.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Kristin Hayden is a speaker, an Ashoka Fellow, the CEO and co-founder of VisionVenture and the Chief Partnership Officer at IGNITE, a non-partisan organization that helps young women find their passion for civic engagement. In all of her work, Kristin helps young women to find their voice and their vision through a journey of self-discovery. In this episode, Jess and Kristin talk cutting through the noise to find their passion for changemaking, blazing their own path, and how they both inspire others to do the same.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by our friends at Dove Real Beauty Productions. To help celebrate their 60th Anniversary, we’re here at Mom 2.0, to create conversations with inspiring women around the topics of self-discovery and redefining beauty. KJ Dell’Antonia is the lead writer and editor of the New York Times’ Well Family, where she offers advice on handling everything from classroom bullies to healthful eating to facing racism in high school. She also co-hosts the “#AmWriting” podcast, where she and co-host Jess Lahey discuss writing, reading, and getting things done. In this episode, Jess and KJ talk how finding the confidence of a mediocre white man can help you achieve your goals.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Jeannette Kaplun is the CEO of Hispana Global, a bilingual platform where she addresses tips and trends for the modern woman, offering advice on everything from parenting to travel to fashion and food. She is an amazing connector between multicultural women across the globe; empowering them with positivity and self-love. In this episode, Jess and Jeannette talk creating your own path instead ofwaiting around for mainstream media to tell the stories you want to see.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Monique Coleman is an actor and activist best known for her role in the Disney Channel phenomenon High School Musical, and now she’s back for part two of her Talk to Jess conversation. Unemployed and feeling unwelcome in Hollywood, Monique talks to Jess about making ends meet while out of work, coming back to a completely changed industry, and how she had to find her confidence as an actor to find her next role.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Back again this week is Ana Flores, who founded the #WeAllGrow Latina Network, the first and largest network of Latina digital influencers in the country. Beyond being a successful entrepreneur and changemaker in how Latina women are portrayed in media, marketing, and advertising, Ana is a mom to a young girl and she cares deeply and passionately about changing the next generation’s view of themselves. In this episode, Jess and Ana talk the heterogeneity of Latinos and how to tear down tired stereotypes in media.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Jill Krause was an early standout in the blogging community and has been recording her journey of motherhood since 2007 at her site BabyRabies.com. Through her platform she playfully illustrates how we can all be better at supporting mothers and women. In this episode, Jess and Jill talk the myth of the perfect mother and how to forgive yourself when you can’t live up to society’s expectations.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Monique Coleman is an actor and activist best known for her role in the Disney Channel phenomenon High School Musical, but she’s been in everything from Gilmore Girls to Boston Legal and even Dancing with the Stars. Even in the face of insecurity and self-doubt, Monique is not afraid to let herself grow. In this episode, Jess and Monique deconstruct fame and discuss the highs and lows of superstardom.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Kita Bryant is the blogger behind ItsReallyKita.com, where she helps small businesses, start-ups, and bloggers develop the confidence they need to succeed. In this episode, Kita tells Jess her story — the good, the bad, the loss — and she tells it her way. As Kita puts it: “I am me. If you don’t like it, BYE!” 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Jennifer Borget is a journalist, writer, photographer, and most importantly, a storyteller. On her blog, Cherish365, she writes about the nitty gritty of parenting and encourages families to focus on defining their own vision, values, and mission. In this episode, Jess talks to Jennifer about never feeling represented in media, wanting to blend in, and why she’s finally throwing comparisons out the window.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Taylor Trudon is a writer and youth commentator who has written for every publication from Seventeen to O! to Huffington Post to MTV News. With so much to discuss, Taylor and Jess return for part two to talk the good, the bad, and ugly the sides of the internet; changes you can make in your community; and the responsibility that we ALL have to include young people in the conversation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Danielle is a wellness coach and the blogger behind OK Dani, where she inspires her readers to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle — or to at least try their best. In this episode, Jess and Danielle talk finding community and overcoming imposter syndrome through the power of honesty.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by our friends at Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Dove, we’re here at the Mom 2.0 Summit, creating conversations with inspiring women around the journey of self-discovery and redefining beauty. Jess Lahey is the co-host of the #AmWriting Podcast with KJ Dell’Antonia, and author of the The New York Times bestseller, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. She encourages parents and educators to confront the myths of perfection that we pass on to our kids and to trust our children as they start to make their own choices. In this episode, the Jesses discuss raising young girls with intention, modeling positive behavior, and overcoming the fear of failure.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Taylor Trudon is a writer and youth commentator who has written for every publication from Seventeen to O! to Huffington Post to MTV News. Oh, and she’s only 27. Taylor’s writing celebrates youth culture and lifts up young girls and women in a society that often discounts their experiences. She approaches each topic with a grace and passion well beyond her years and isn’t afraid to tell the more uncomfortable stories. In this episode, Jess and Taylor discuss growing up through three divorces, writing as a career path, and getting young people involved in politics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Amiyrah Martin is the founder of the parenting blog, “4 Hats & Frugal,” where she empowers parents to be financially responsible while still experiencing all that life has to offer for them and their children. In this episode, Jess and Amiyrah talk the lessons we learn from our mothers, bonds that last lifetimes, and the importance of being an imperfect but authentic parent.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Kristen Howerton is the mom behind the popular parenting blog, “Rage Against the Minivan,” where she writes openly about her experiences as a mother of four kids via birth and adoption. She’s an eloquent writer, successfully tackling hard topics like the challenges of raising two adopted black boys in predominantly white spaces — even in her own home. In this episode, Jess and Kristen talk about dealing with online trolls, raising daughters who know their beauty and their worth, and the myth of the perfect mom.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Lulu is the founder of LemonAID Warriors, a charitable organization she created when she was just ten years old. Seven years later and she has published her own book, PhilanthroParties! A Party-Planning Guide for Kids Who Want to Give Back, a guide for adding social activism to your social life. Lulu’s work helps people see that they can create change on a small, everyday level and still have a big impact. In this episode, Jess and Lulu talk philanthropy for kids, the progression of the LGBT movement, and the confidence that comes with being your most authentic self.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. LaShawn Wiltz is the award-winning blogger behind Everyday Eyecandy, where she uses her platform to discuss finding balance as a working mom, and to celebrate the everyday beauty that women may often miss in their busy lives. LaShawn is teaching her community that it’s totally possible to drown out the noise and make time for the little things that mean a lot. In this episode, Jess and LaShawn talk the importance of giving children positive affirmations, the myth of the perfect mom, and the value of letting kids learn lessons for themselves. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Africa Miranda is an actress, reality TV star, and CEO of Beauty by Africa Miranda. After spending twelve years helping brands shape their authentic stories, and now she’s ready to start telling her own. Africa uses her platform to expand our visual representation of beauty and body positivity, especially for women of color. In this episode, Jess and Africa talk important female role models, entrepreneurship in the beauty space, and defining beauty on your terms.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

You may know her as GabiFresh — Gabi Gregg is an entrepreneur, fashion and style blogger, brand ambassador, and creator of her own line of swimsuits for Swimsuits for All. Gabi is a trailblazing pioneer in the plus-sized fashion and women’s empowerment space; she uses fashion as a means to tell stories about loving the skin you’re in and always being true to your authentic self. In this episode, Jess and Gabi talk about building a career post-Recession, being more than the “plus-sized blogger” label, and the message behind her branding. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Morra Aarons-Mele is the founder of “Women Online” and the author of the upcoming book, Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert’s Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You’d Rather Stay Home). What I love about Morra is that she is a true kindred spirit; she is a fellow podcaster and a fierce advocate for how women in media and pop culture are represented. In this episode, Jess and Morra discuss entrepreneurship while being introverted, successful marketing campaigns aimed at women, and the importance of messages about leadership for young girls.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Despite not feeling represented in the media around her, Mimi Scarlett’s mother instilled a sense of self-worth in her from a young age — a message she shares with other mothers on her blog, UnlikelyMartha. In this special edition episode, Jess and Mimi discuss entrepreneurship, moms in media, and how to actually enjoy being a mom.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Taylor Barnes is the Director of The United State of Women (USOW), a program created by the Civic Nation to mobilize civic engagement and push the movement forward for gender equality. Five thousand women from autoworkers, to midwives, to CEOs came to D.C. to talk about gender equality at the program’s inaugural summit last year. Taylor’s infectious energy and commitment to helping young women to turn their passion into action is inspiring to all! In this episode, Jess and Taylor discuss the purpose of USOW, the program’s future plans, and the state of gender equality around the world.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

To celebrate #FathersDay, I want to share a special #TTJPodcast conversation featuring my dad Michael Weiner.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Katie Reed is the founder of AMotherThing.com, a blog that shares the uncensored stories of her motherhood journey. In this episode, Jess and Katie discuss how she found great hope and inspiration through building a community that shared their parenting experiences alongside her own. Katie shows her daughter and others that being authentic is necessary when building a community and cultivating confidence.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jennifer Romolini is the acclaimed editor of websites like Yahoo Shine, HelloGiggles, and most currently, Shondaland.com! She’s spent many years as a writer and creative, and now she’s sharing her not-so-easy journey to success in her new book “Weird In A World That’s Not: A Career Guide for Misfits, F*ckups and Failures.” In this episode, Jess and Jenn discuss how she found a way to create her own lane and shape her career to fit her set of values and her personality, rather than allowing her job to dictate her path.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This special edition episode is powered by Dove Real Beauty Productions. To celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Mom 2.0 Summit, we are creating conversations with inspiring women around the evolution of self-discovery and the definition of real beauty. Julianna Margulies is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress. In addition to spending many years playing the feisty head nurse Carol Hathaway on ER and the gorgeously flawed Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife, Julianna is also the proud mother of a little boy. In this episode, Jess and Julianna discuss her honest insights from working in Hollywood, investing in your passions, ignoring tired stereotypes, and raising confident feminist men.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ana Flores has spent more than 15 years holding various positions in her career in media. Her most notable work is pioneering the first and largest network of Latina digital influencers in the country, formally known as the #WeAllGrow Latina Network. In this episode, Jess and Ana discuss how she shapes culture by increasing representation of Latinas in media and advertising through a network that she built herself from the ground up.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jess partnered with Dove Real Beauty Productions to take the Talk to Jess podcast on the road – all the way down to the Mom 2.0 Summit in Orlando, Florida! She captured insightful conversations with powerful women about raising confident children, building engaged communities, increasing media representation, and learning to love the skin you’re in. This special edition episode also marks the first anniversary of our Talk to Jess podcast! Jess reflects on one year of her guest’s willingness to share their struggles, risks, and reasons “why” behind the world-changing work they do every day.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Nicola Yoon is the author of two bestselling YA novels “The Sun is Also a Star” and “Everything, Everything” (in theaters May 19th) which have touched millions of readers. In this episode, Jess and Nicola discuss how she creates diverse characters that are truly reflective of real, ordinary people and their real interests, instead of relying on stereotypes or tropes. For any aspiring creatives listening, Nicola also shares advice from the lessons she’s learned on her journey from bestseller all the way to the box office.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Dr. Knatokie Ford is the founder and CEO of Fly Sci Enterprise, LLC, an innovative consulting organization that delivers science to people through creative content, focusing on presenting the “cool” and relatable aspects of STEM. In this episode, Jess and Knatokie discuss how she found her path in STEM that ultimately led her to the position of Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) during the Obama Administration. Today, Knatokie is focused on leading an extremely important conversation about how our media and entertainment represent diversity in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

After working the advertising industry for almost 30 years, Kat Gordon saw first-hand how the lack of female creative directors at ad agencies (at that time, just 3% of creative directors were women) impacted the way women were depicted in advertising media. In this episode, Jess and Kat discuss how she turned her love for writing into a career in creative advertising and the growth of inclusion that she’s built for her industry along the way. Once Kat realized what was happening to female creatives from inside the ad-world, she connected with people who supported her mission and trailblazed a movement to take the percentage of women in creative advertising beyond 3%. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

After spending 13 years as an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Tracy Van Houten is on a mission to fight the Trump agendas from her very own seat at the table. She recently decided to run for a House seat in the 34th District of California Special Election. In this episode, Jess and Tracy discuss the path she took that has led her from being a woman in rocket science to aspiring to be a woman in political science. Learn how she got her campaign for office off the ground (and how you can run, too), and what she plans to do if she is elected to Congress on April 4th.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Muslim voices have been silenced in mainstream media, but Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, the founder of MuslimGirl.com, is building a platform for amplification. In this episode, Jess and Amani jump right back in for a “part two” of their conversation from our last episode. This time, Amani is getting real about Islamophobia, intersectional feminism, and how we can all be better allies to Muslims during a Trump presidency.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Author and entrepreneur Samantha Ettus is an expert on creating work-life balance. Her most recent publication of “The Pie Life” sparked a lot of conversation around the idea that moms shouldn’t step away from their careers to raise their children. In this episode of Talk to Jess, Sam & Jess dive deeper into some of the work-life balance philosophy expressed in her book and why she feels it’s best to protect her children from the sexism prevailing in this year’s election.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tammy Tibbetts and Christen Brandt first connected through a scholarship that afforded them the opportunity to be the first in their families to attend and graduate college. Years later, they came together to pay-it-forward and make quality education accessible to girls around the world through their non-profit organization, She‘s The First. They’ve raised over $1M to fund scholarships, resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for more than 800 girls worldwide. In this episode, Jess talks with Christen & Tammy about what it took to take a risk to follow their dreams and how by educating girls, we are truly able to change the world.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Luvvie Ajayi has spent years cultivating “Awesomely Luvvie,” a go-to humor blog for the latest in pop culture. In her authentic voice of snark, humor, brilliance, and activism all rolled into one, Luvvie covers all grounds from celebrity news to tech and social justice. In this episode, Jess and Luvvie explore how she has developed her savvy in the digital and tech spaces, built an insatiable audience, the importance of Black voices and representation in media, and how you can become an ally in speaking up against everyday racism. Luvvie also tells Jess just how she manages to judge us all and share her honest advice in the upcoming debut of her book: “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual.” 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When it comes to representing women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, Hollywood doesn’t do the best job at challenging old stereotypes. As the Entertainment Industry Educator-in-Chief at Google, Julie Ann Crommett works with Hollywood creatives to help them break away from writing stereotypical characters, think deeper about bias in media representation, and tell more compelling stories about women and people of color. Giving much credit to her mother and Abuelita for influencing her passion for social change, Julie Ann believes that the only way women will see better media representation is if we lift each other up along the way.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Are there too many Dicks in office? She Should Run Co-Founder & CEO, Erin Loos Cutraro, and Director, Clare Bresnehan, think so. They run a non partisan social change organization working to dramatically increase the number of women & girls who see elected leadership as a real possibility. Why is this important? Because at the rate of progress we’re seeing it’ll take 500 years to see parity in politics. In this episode we’re introducing the how-to’s and benefits of running for office and breaking down the stereotypes and myths surrounding political leadership. Erin and Clare are telling us why She Should Run.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What does it mean to really thrive in your life? Karen Walrond has an idea…she is a photographer, speaker, and author of “The Beauty of Different,” as well as the award winning photo blog “Chookooloonks,” which focuses on living your life with intention and adventure. In today’s episode, Jess and Karen dive deep into how we can gain wisdom from all areas of our lives: from beauty to aging, loss and break ups, career highs and lows. Together they are reinventing what it means to thrive.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Charlie Capen is an actor, musician, writer, storyteller, and husband who has played many roles, but his favorite is being a dad. Charlie co-runs an entertainment website for parents called, “How To Be A Dad,” that focuses on the ridiculous and humorous side of parenthood. In today’s episode, Jess and Charlie will be talking about rebranding the idea of fatherhood and expanding the definition of masculinity. Charlie works through the enjoyable struggles of being a parent by finding humor in the hard stuff. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Leeza Gibbons is an Emmy award-winning TV and radio host, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for health and caregivers. As a New York Times best-selling author, Leeza has reached countless individuals with her stories about living life with kindness and positivity. In this episode, Leeza and Jess are talking serious self-care, how to build trust and loyalty in business, and why it’s important to stay sane in a world full of cynics. Leeza is not shying away from showing you exactly why it’s practical (and better for business) to lead with a positive point of view and spread fierce optimism.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Nobody know more than Jess Weiner that even confidence experts experience self-doubt. In this bonus episode, she explores how the labels we apply to ourselves (“creative”, “leader”, “expert”) can also stop us from remaining open and curious about our journey, and how ultimately we need to allow ourselves to embrace our “inner beginner.” While she may have been in the self-esteem space for 22 years, Jess Weiner’s just getting started.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The moment that a snapshot of his life unexpectedly went viral, Doyin Richards was thrust into the spotlight for doing something he considers “ordinary” — loving and caring for his daughters. In this episode, Jess and Doyin jump into his journey beyond becoming a social media superstar and discuss confronting racism, living with depression, and the double standards both men and women face in parenting. You may know him as “the ultimate Mr. Mom,” but this dad is challenging traditional parenting roles and is flipping the script on fatherhood.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, philanthropist, and CEO of Starfish media company. From her ground-breaking coverage of race in her “Latino in America” and “Black in America” series to her Emmy-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina, Soledad strives to bring a variety of rich, authentic stories to her audiences.  In this exciting episode, Jess and Soledad discuss media representation, immigration, race, and privilege, as well as proactively seeking the source of power in whatever work you do. Soledad is thinking fresh thoughts, moving herself forward while bringing everyone with her, and shaping the way our culture connects with the news and current events. Listen up, because Soledad O’Brien is telling the stories you need to hear. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

“Eyebrow King” and celebrity make-up artist, Damone Roberts, built his kingdom from the ground up, dodging every “box” people tried to put him in along the way. In this episode, Jess talks to her close friend Damone about his bumpy but fabulous path to success and what it’s like to become both a Jeopardy and Trivia Pursuit question! Damone is talking about something we all do – but just don’t admit: “Faking it While We’re Making It”.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In her debut episode, Social Entrepreneur and Confidence Expert Jess Weiner shares her own story of self-discovery, from a young girl longing for more connection with the people around her to a thought leader and CEO working with major brands like Dove and Barbie to change the way our culture represents women and girls.