Stay ConnectedIntroducing the podcast you’ve been missing – the type of self-help that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Tune in to hear everyone’s best friend Jess DeBakey chat with her guests (and herself) about low moments in life that are actually opportunities to grow.
Follow @peakingpodcast on IG for more ~times~
Copyright: © Jess DeBakey
Jess is still not a Swiftie, though the contents of this special announcement episode have been in the vault for a couple of months now. Amidst her usual rambles, distractions, and stream of conscious feelings, Jess is ecstatic to share with the boo fam the launch of a brand new podcast (cohosted with her friend and former guest Caroline Winkler): Not For Everyone.
Go support her growing podcast dreams by following on Instagram @not4everyonepod, and look out for the first episode on December 8th, 2022!!! She couldn't have done it without y'all and looks forward to popping into Peaking every now and again for continued connections with her day ones.
Peaking IG: @peakingpodcast
Not For Everyone IG: @not4everyonepod
Jess's Personal IG: @jzdebakey
Caroline's Personal IG: @thegoodsitter
Caroline's YouTube Channel: @Caroline_Angelica
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Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Mastermind" by Taylor Swift
LOLOLOL right when you thought you had me allllll figured out. "That Jess, she got a a new job and suddenly doesn't have time for us anymore." THINK AGAIN! I may not have time (read: energy/patience/motivation) to edit a highly polished episode for you, but I always have tons to say. So here's a random Jess Thots episode on a Tuesday morning* because THERE ARE NO RULES.
Anyway. I don't know the next time you'll hear from me, but I promise I'll be back soon. Preferably when you least expect it again - like a dude you just got over who's craving attention because the girl he usually texts finally found a guy that treats her right, and his mom is busy at a conference or something.
*Correction: Monday night
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "New Rules" by Dua Lipa
🚨FIRST COLLAB ALERT🚨
In this episode, Jess takes part in her very first podcast collab! She was thrilled when the ladies of In Bed With Books (Bethany and Melissa) reached out to guest on each other's shows, even though that meant she'd have to read. Connecting with new people seems to supersede that for her - noted!
The ladies discuss all things celebrity crushes, astrology, and of course peaking. Bethany and Melissa share about their time moving abroad for the grad program where they met, a particularly challenging time for them both but for very different reasons. Before getting into it with her guests though, of course Jess had to bring you some of her trademark chaotic energy, giving the boo fam an update on her new job and ongoing existential crisis.
You can find In Bed With Books on Instagram @inbedwithbookspod and check out their YouTube channel for full videos of their episodes (including the one with Jess!). Or, if you're more of an audio purist, go find it on Apple, Spotify, or Google Podcasts - it's the May 2, 2022 episode.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Dreams" by The Cranberries
Back to the OG "interview" format, in this episode Jess goes deep with her fitness coach and friend, Alex Martinez. Alex opens up about his journey coming out as trans, from those little moments growing up that started to accumulate all the way through to his post-transition life and how he's turned his authentic self into his superpower. This episode is full of breakthroughs, pushes both of them to uncomfortable places of growth and learning, and of course hinges on the innate connection between two water sign brethren (Alex the Pisces to Jess' Cancer). It was a gift to have him on the show.
Alex is the owner of Above the Bar (ATB), a personal and small group training gym in Chicago that works with clients holistically in the gym, kitchen, and their lives. All are welcomed, empowered, encouraged, important & respected at ATB. And, if you decide to pop in, you may see your very own Jess (or JZ as she is known when lifting heavy weights) cracking jokes and getting those gains. You can find him on Instagram @abovethebar.life.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Freedom" by Jon Batiste
So, Jess lied when she said there wouldn't be another Jess Thots anytime soon. After pushing her Peaking schedule back and taking a week of rest, she felt it was time to ~address the public~ and fill the boo fam in on what's gotten her so drained lately. Her realization? You can be burnt out from things other than a full-time job, and you can even be burnt out from things you love to do! Wild. Also, a much anticipated update on her job search, and some TV recommendations for those days when you're screening everyone's calls.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Perfectly Lonely" by John Mayer
In this new wave version of Jess Thots, Jess opens up her internal monologue to a guest: her cousin (not first) Aleka Farha. In this cousin kiki, they have a raw conversation about the ambiguity of their Middle Eastern heritage, commiserating over shared experiences around microaggressions and racial identity in a post 9/11 America. Ultimately, they just wish the boxes on a standardized test or job application would leave room for them; or, how about the wild concept of getting rid of those boxes altogether?
Aleka is an independent consultant, an activist, and the host of her own podcast - What in the Actual Factual (WITAF). You can follow WITAF on Instagram for all things current events, social justice, and more.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Family Business" by Kanye West
In this Valentine's adjacent episode of Peaking, Jess chats with her friend and soon-to-be licensed family and marriage therapist (LMFT) Natasha Peavy. They talk all things relationships: couples counseling, content vs. process, attachment styles, and even some questions submitted by the boo fam on cultural differences, finances/gender roles, and family. They resolve that it all comes down to self awareness and values, and each share what some of that looks like in their own lives. Basically, it's never actually about the thing you think you're fighting about, and also, don't bring up a heavy conversation while driving through a snowstorm or after 2am.
Natasha is a fellow Hopkins Blue Jay, a fellow water sign (Scorpio to Jess' Cancer), and a fellow Enneagram 2/9 depending on the day. It's an honor to have the next Esther Perel on the show!
Finally, in the episode we make reference to the book "Attached" by Amir Levine. Highly recommend if you are interested in understanding attachment styles to improve your relationships, and as always, Peaking stands by how normal and underratedly powerful it is to go to therapy - whether alone or with your partner.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
In this edition of Jess Thots, your girl muses on how her anxiety has morphed into another seasonal flu to add to the list. Where this type of vaccine at?!
In all seriousness, Jess has recently had a breakthrough around the habitual nature of her anxiety, and she's working on breaking the pattern by asking "what?" instead of "why?" She references the podcast Ten Percent Happier when describing this approach, and recommends the January 26, 2022 episode entitled "How to Break Your Anxiety Habit | Judson Brewer" for those who want more food for thought on this topic.
As always, please remember that Jess is your friend - not a professional. If you are struggling with your mental health, she encourages you to seek the help you need <3
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Positions" by Ariana Grande
On this episode of Peaking, Jess catches up on the last 12 years with a friend she's known since the 2nd grade - Caroline Winkler. They find themselves stunned by the overlapping experiences they've had since they were last in each other's lives, all in the search for fulfillment. The two of them discuss their shared pattern of "enduring to a fault" and resolve that maybe quitting is something to be celebrated. They also commiserate over the shame they feel about being performers, Caroline having pursued acting for 8 years and Jess dreaming of the next time she takes the stand-up stage. Not sure if this episode was more for them or for you, boo fam, but either way, it made an impact.
Caroline is a brilliant and hilarious individual who works in tech by day and hones her creative passions (including interior design and DIY projects) whenever else she can. You can find her on Instagram @thegoodsitter and check out her YouTube channel here: youtube.com/CarolineWinklerAngelica. You won't regret following this talented soul!
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi
Welcome back to Peaking, boo fam! In the first episode of Season 2 and 2022, Jess leans on the show as a much needed self-help outlet. She lets her listeners in on what she's been up to since last season, reflects on 2021 as a whole, and challenges her own thinking along the way. And she hopes that's ok with you.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Confessions Pt. II" by Usher
In the Season 1 finale of Peaking, Jess gets sappy thanking everyone who made these eight episodes possible. Then she dives into one of her favorite conversations yet with guest Josie Callahan, who shares the ups and downs of her peaking journey to sobriety. Josie is refreshingly raw and honest in the retelling of her story and all of the decision points that led to this new and improved chapter of her life. She hopes to celebrate four years of continuous sobriety come November 2021.
Josie works in media production, is writing her first book, has a rich history as a competitive Irish dancer, and is generally a name you should look out for in the future.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help with a mental or substance use disorder, know that there are many free and full-time resources available to you. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a good place to start.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: Blend of "This Is Me Trying" by Taylor Swift and "Changing" by John Mayer
This week, Jess wraps up her every-other-episode solo series "Jess Thots" with the last one of this season. She spills the tea on how she's feeling about her break from corporate life and what might come next, including what might happen with Peaking. She also opens up about the two sides of herself that always seem to be at odds (the side that is risk-taking vs. the side that values security), and how they factor into her next career decisions. And of course, she cracks herself up with stories of unattended chores and references to The Bachelorette.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "What's Next" by Drake
This week, Jess talks with her friend and fellow John Mayer groupie Drew Corbett, whose peaking story is different from past guests because it's still in progress. He opens up about his recent cancer diagnosis and how it's challenging him to consider peaking in a time that feels anything but. They explore big questions like how to strike a balance between remaining present with your life and remaining present with your illness, and discuss what has been most helpful for him and his family as they navigate the unknowns.
Drew is an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry, a father to a little girl, and wanderlustful soul. Peaking is humbled that he chose this space to share such a personal story so openly. We love a vulnerable king!
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "In Repair" by John Mayer
This week, Jess continues her every-other-episode solo series "Jess Thots" with a very timely topic - turning 30. Released on her 30th birthday, this episode gives Jess an opportunity to explore how she feels about entering this new decade and leaving her 20s behind. Plus, a Q&A with her Instagram boos!
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Episode Title Lyric: "Bound 2" by Kanye West
This week, Jess opens with a top-five-life-moment kind of story, then chats with friend of the pod, Kate Berman, about her recent peaking journey coming out of the pandemic. They get real about mental health and therapy, and keep coming back to this concept of duality that allows them to accept themselves through not only their highs but more importantly their lows.
Kate is a healthcare professional working in the digital innovation space, a certified yoga instructor, and a lover of all things connection. Peaking is so grateful to have had her as the second guest on the show!
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
This week, Jess kicks off her every-other-episode solo series "Jess Thots" by sharing her musings on dating. She opens up about her own relationship-related peaking moments and wraps with a segment on Peaking's Dating Best Practices...because her ex-consultant self is nothing without a framework.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
This week, Jess is chatting with one of her best friends, Sarah Schwarzschild, about peaking through major life changes - which, for both of them, hit an all-time high in 2019. They discuss all things from breakups to exploring your sexual identity to the elusive concept of a "happiness plateau." Also, astrology.
Sarah is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner working in the community health space. She cares for patients of all ages and backgrounds, and is particularly passionate about LGBTQ+ health. Peaking is honored to have her as our first guest to kick off Pride Month!
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
Introducing the podcast you’ve been missing - the type of self-help that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
This week, join your host and everyone's best friend, Jess DeBakey, as she journeys through the depths of her mind to answer the question, "Why Peaking?"
Thank you to Peaking's presenting sponsor, Spite Candle Co, a business that exists because someone said it couldn't be done. Enjoy 15% off, plus free shipping on orders of $50+, by using the discount code PEAKINGPOD at checkout. Burn better scents.
IG: @peakingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid
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