Philanthropy

Philanthropy & Convergence Partnership (with Amanda Navarro)

This episode features a conversation between Jessica and Amanda Navarro, the Executive Director of Convergence Partnership. They discuss the organization's mission to transform systems and policies to be racially just and inclusive, focusing on community health and well-being. Amanda shares her journey in public health and her commitment to equity and justice, highlighting the importance of collaboration and narrative change in philanthropy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of addressing systemic racism and the need for white allyship, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives and the power of storytelling in driving social change.The episode is inspiring as it highlights the impact of collective efforts in creating a more equitable society, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful community work.

Jealousy & Yoga (solo)

This episode delves into jealousy, envy, and insecurity from a yogic perspective. Jessica distinguishes jealousy (fear of loss) from envy (desire), linking both to a sense of lack and ego (Maya). She references Patanjali’s sutras and introduces a framework for responding to others' jealousy: compassion for the unhappy, friendliness with the happy, joy towards the virtuous, and disregard for wicked energy. The discussion highlights how social hierarchies, wealth, beauty, youth, and social media fuel comparison and insecurity, but yoga can help us to understand the soul’s wholeness, dharma, and karma. Practical advice is given for managing jealousy, including recognizing patterns, setting boundaries, and using inner work like meditation and gratitude for personal growth.

Adoption & Identity (with Dale Theisen)

In this conversation, Dale Theisen shares his personal journey as an Indigenous man adopted into a non-Indigenous family. He discusses the complexities of navigating his identity, the impact of family upbringing, and the challenges he faced with racism and stereotypes. Dale emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in society, particularly regarding issues like homelessness and the need for collective healing and progress. His experiences reflect a broader narrative about race relations and the importance of recognizing individual humanity beyond cultural labels.

Over-functioning (solo)

In this episode, Jessica explores the concept of over-functioning, a behavior characterized by taking on excessive responsibility for the emotions and well-being of others. She shares her personal journey of discovering this pattern in her life, the emotional toll it has taken, and the importance of setting boundaries. Through the lens of emotional sovereignty and the Hindu Trinity, she discusses how to recognize over-functioning behaviors and offers practical steps to transform these patterns into empowerment and healthier relationships.

Addictions & Recovery (with Janet Ireson)

In this powerful conversation, Jessica Iron and Janet Ireson discuss the complexities of addiction and sobriety. They explore the stages of addiction, the importance of coping mechanisms, and the role of community support in recovery. Janet shares her insights on how personality traits can influence addiction, while Jessica reflects on her personal journey to sobriety. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassionate approaches to addiction treatment and the significance of recognizing addiction as a human experience rather than a moral failing. Together, they highlight the importance of healthy coping strategies and the impact of societal perceptions on individuals struggling with addiction.