Jess Saying With Jessica Danel

In this heartfelt episode of Jess Saying, I sit downwith mother, and volunteer firefighter Mila Maxwell, author of Finding Lady Baltimore. Mila shares the deeply personal story of growing up alongside her sister with disabilities—and how that experience shaped not only her book, but her approach to motherhood, business, and life. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of memoir writing, the resilience it takes to self-publish, and what it means to wear multiple hats in a world that never slows down. Whether you’re a writer, a caregiver, or a woman juggling more roles than there are hours in the day, this episode reminds you of the power of your story.

In this engaging conversation, T.L. McCoy shares the inspiration behind her children's book, 'Delilah's Versus the Gastly Grimm,' which was written for her grandchild with Gervais syndrome. The discussion delves into the importance of representation in children's literature, the challenges of advocating for children with disabilities, and the journey of self-publishing. T.L. emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in society, particularly for children with special needs, and how storytelling can empower them. The conversation also touches on future aspirations and the impact of Delilah's story on readers of all ages.

In this conversation, Steve Ward shares his transformative journey from a high-functioning alcoholic to a purpose-driven individual dedicated to helping others. He discusses his struggles with addiction, the pivotal moments that led to his recovery, and the founding of his nonprofit, Steps Ministries. Steve emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards improvement and the power of community support in overcoming personal challenges. He also highlights the significance of spirituality and intentional living in achieving a fulfilling life.

In this conversation, Jessica Danel interviews licensed professional counselor Stacy Schaefer, who shares her personal journey of overcoming a traumatic childhood and how it shaped her path into counseling. Stacy discusses the importance of addressing childhood trauma, the impact of generational trauma, and the significance of play therapy in helping children process their emotions. She emphasizes the need for parents to engage in their own healing to better support their children and offers practical tools for fostering open communication within families. The conversation also touches on Stacy's journey of writing her book, which combines her personal experiences with insights gained from her years of practice as a therapist.

In this engaging conversation, Anil Gupta, known as 'The Love Doctor, ' shares insights from his book 'Immediate Happiness.' He discusses his journey from despair to fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of support from loved ones, self-awareness, and effective communication in relationships. Anil introduces his happiness formula, which includes giving, gratitude, and personal growth, and offers practical advice for strengthening relationshipsand overcoming hopelessness. The discussion highlights the significance of kindness and living with purpose, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships.

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Danel interviews Teri M. Brown, an author and resilience advocate, who shares her transformative journey of healing through a tandem bike adventure across the United States. Teri discusses her past experiences with emotional abuse, the importance of communication in relationships, and the life lessons learned during her ride. She emphasizes the importance of not giving up on bad days, the power of self-expression, and the courage it takes to reinvent oneself at any stage of life. The discussion is filled with insights that resonate with anyone facing challenges, particularly mothers balancing family and personal growth.

In this conversation, I’m joined by high-conflict divorce strategist and author Lisa Johnson to unpack legal abuse—when an ex weaponizes the justice system to exhaust you emotionally and financially. We get practical: red flags to watch for, how to document every interaction without losing your mind, why “parallel parenting” often beats “co-parenting,” and what to do when your ex starts turning your kids against you (a reality facing an estimated 22 million parents in the U.S. and Canada). Lisa blends story with step-by-step tactics you can use this week—communication scripts, evidence logs, and court-ready timelines—so you can show up calm, credible, and prepared. If you or someone you love is stuck in a custody war with a relentless ex, this one’s a lifeline. This episode offers education, not legal advice.

Motherhood is beautiful but messy, and sometimes it feels like life’s challenges pile on all at once. In this episode of Jess Saying, I sit down with Fiona Demark — a professional speaker, coach, and author — to talk about how moms can cultivate resilience, reframe challenges, and prioritize their wellbeing. Fiona shares her powerful story of living with a disability, as well as practical tools for shifting mindset and finding joy in everyday moments. Ifyou’ve ever needed a reminder that you’re stronger than you think, this episode is for you.