Making It Without Losing Yourself Feat. Jess Ekstrom

Making It Without Losing Yourself Feat. Jess Ekstrom

From THE ED MYLETT SHOW by Ed Mylett

July 21, 2026 · 1h 0m

About this episode

Jess Ekstrom shares her transformative experience visiting Bernie Madoff in prison and discusses the true nature of success and fulfillment.

What would you ask if your uncle was Bernie Madoff? My guest actually sat across from him in prison and the conversation changed the course of her life forever. When I found out that today's guest, Jess Ekstrom, is Bernie Madoff's great niece, I knew we had to start there. Her family didn't just watch one of the biggest financial scandals in history unfold on television. They lived it. They lost nearly everything. Years later, Jess made the decision to visit Bernie Madoff in prison, searching for answers that most people would never have the courage to ask. What he confessed to her during that visit was shocking. He told her that his downfall didn't begin with money or investing. It began as a lonely child trying to buy friendship and approval. That conversation became the foundation for everything Jess teaches today about success, validation, and living a meaningful life. But this episode is about so much more than Bernie Madoff. Jess went on to build an incredible business, sell it for millions, and accomplish goals most entrepreneurs spend a lifetime chasing. Yet after reaching everything she thought would finally make her happy, she realized something almost all high…

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Host: Ed Mylett

Guest: Jess Ekstrom

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