Peaking

Latest Episodes:

S2E6: When Good Things Cause Burnout Too (Jess Thots Vol. 6) Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S2E5: For the Culture 🇱🇧 with Aleka Farha Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S2E4: The Fight Is Never About What You Think with Natasha Peavy, LMFT Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S2E3: Anxiety is a Habit and I'm Breaking It (Jess Thots Vol. 5) Feb 03, 2022

Show notes

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

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S2E2: Chasing Passion and Finding Fulfillment with Caroline Winkler Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

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!

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S2E1: These Are My Confessions (Jess Thots Vol. 4) Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S1E8: The Path to Sobriety with Josie Callahan Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S1E7: The Pros and Cons of Career Stability vs. Risk (Jess Thots Vol. 3) Aug 12, 2021

Show notes

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.

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S1E6: Navigating Illness as a Family with Drew Corbett Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

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!

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

S1E5: Reflecting on My 20s for My 30th Birthday (Jess Thots Vol. 2) Jul 16, 2021

Show notes

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!

www.peakingpodcast.com

IG: @peakingpodcast

Intro/Outro Music: "Have Mercy On Us" by Air Kid

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