Up From Here

Sisterhood Soulmates, Super Gonorrhea, & Rejecting The Blueprint | Episode 28

In this episode, we talk about what it means to live a life that doesn't follow a traditional blueprint. Janai opens up about her growing desire to guide people who are curious about exploring "tripping," and how both of us are slowly accepting that our paths may never look conventional. We talk about embracing the fact that we'll probably do a little bit of everything throughout our lifetimes — evolving, redefining ourselves, and allowing our dreams to change as we do. At 23, the things we thought we wanted already look completely different. Kelsi gets honest about still trying to make peace with not working a traditional paycheck job, and learning to appreciate the freedom that comes with that lifestyle instead of feeling guilty for it. We talk about slowing down enough to actually discover what makes us happy, trying new hobbies, and building lives that feel aligned instead of performative. Another major part of this episode is sisterhood and conversation. The deep love language of talking. Feeling emotionally nourished through long conversations, shared perspectives, vulnerability, and simply being understood by the women around us. And of course… the conversation takes a turn into health and the current state of the world. From concerns surrounding the massive influx of people coming to Atlanta, to conversations around antibiotic-resistant STDs and the importance of being sexually safe, informed, and responsible — we unpack how important it is to protect your health in every sense of the word. This episode is reflective, curious, funny, slightly chaotic, and very much about learning how to build a life that actually feels like yours. If you've been questioning the traditional path, craving deeper connection, or trying to redefine success and happiness on your own terms — this one is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere

Questions You Should Ask Your Bestie | Episode 27

In this episode, we keep things light, fun, and surprisingly deep as we pull random questions out of a bowl and answer them in real time. What started as a simple game quickly turned into conversations that made us laugh, reflect, and learn even more about each other as best friends. From unserious takes to deeper reflections, these are genuinely the kinds of questions that bring people closer. We talk about the importance of curiosity in friendship — continuing to ask questions, evolve together, and make space for the versions of each other that are still unfolding. This episode feels like sitting in the group chat with your best friend, asking the random questions that somehow turn into life conversations. If you've ever wanted better conversations with your friends, needed new questions to ask your bestie, or just wanted to laugh with us for a while, this episode is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere

Why Don't We Understand Each Other? | Emotion, Disconnection, & Dating Reality | Episode 26

In this episode, we sit in a hard truth — what it feels like to be deeply misunderstood. We talk about a recent conversation with men that left us feeling unheard, unseen, and honestly… hopeless. Not because we expect perfection, but because it felt like there wasn't even a desire to understand where we were coming from as women. We unpack the emotional gap that can exist — how so much of women's lives are rooted in feeling, connection, and emotional awareness… and how painful it can be when the men we love struggle to meet us there. Not out of malice, but because many were never taught how. That realization brings up another layer — grief. Grief for the ways men are raised. Grief for the emotional limitations they're often socialized into. And grief for how that impacts relationships, communication, and the ability to truly connect. We also zoom out and talk about something bigger — the sense that community feels fractured. How, at times, it can feel like everyone is moving for themselves. How that lack of unity shows up not just in relationships, but in the way we exist with one another as a whole. This episode isn't about blame — it's about honesty. About naming what hurts, questioning what we've been taught, and sitting in the discomfort of not having all the answers. If you've ever felt emotionally disconnected, misunderstood, or unsure if real understanding between people is even possible… this conversation is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere

Quitting Habits, Religious Psychosis, Communicating to Comprehend | Episode 25

In this episode, we check in on where we actually are right now — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Janai gives an update on her bodybuilding journey as she hits 26 weeks out, and how the discipline is getting very real. From quitting smoking to stay on track with her physique goals, to realizing how much it was emotionally blunting her, she opens up about what it feels like to be fully present again. We also talk about how ADHD shows up in her day-to-day life, and how being properly supported has helped her focus, regulate, and move with more intention. Kelsi shifts the conversation into something heavier — what it feels like to exist in today's world. War, the economy, racism, human rights… and somehow still showing up online doing everyday things like filming a "get ready with me." The disconnect. The confusion. The question of what are we even doing? We also dive into deconstructing — the process of questioning beliefs, habits, and ways of thinking that were once second nature. Kelsi opens up about wanting to speak more publicly about it, while also feeling like she's still learning in real time. How disorienting it is to realize how many of your "norms" are rooted in something you're now questioning. And in the middle of all of that, we show what it really looks like to navigate communication when two people are wired completely differently. The patience, the grace, and the intentional effort it takes to understand someone who doesn't process things the way you do. This episode is honest, a little all over the place, and very real — because that's where we are right now. If you've been navigating discipline, questioning your beliefs, or trying to make sense of the world while still living your life… this one is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere

Unmet Expectations, Self-Forgiveness, & Trusting the Process | Episode 24

In this episode, we talk about something so many of us feel but rarely say out loud — the pressure of feeling behind. Kelsi shares her experience spending the weekend with a group of powerful female entrepreneurs while mentoring young girls around the city of Atlanta. Surrounded by women earning at the highest levels, she opens up about feeling inadequate and questioning what she had to offer… especially while navigating being unemployed. But through that experience, and a conversation with her man, she was reminded that impact isn't always measured in money. That speaking life into people, pouring into others, and showing up with intention is its own kind of value. Janai opens up about her own feelings of being behind. The pressure to have already reached certain financial milestones, and the internal voice that says she should be further along by now. Together, we unpack the weight of unmet goals and expectations, and the importance of forgiving yourself for not being where you thought you'd be. We also talk about how social media has distorted our perception of success, convincing an entire generation that we should be rich, accomplished, and "figured out" at unrealistically young ages. How that constant comparison feeds urgency, anxiety, and a need for instant gratification. This episode is about slowing down. Reframing success. And understanding that the time it takes to build something meaningful is not a flaw — it's part of the beauty of life. Because success isn't just money. And if you only chase one version of it, you might miss everything else that makes life worth living. If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or like you're not where you're "supposed" to be, this conversation is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere