What happens when the group chat gets microphones?

After our conversation about grief resonated so deeply with listeners, we decided it was time for a little range. This week, Jessica is joined by Emboldened cohost and producer Ariele and resident Cultural Chatteriest Kathleen for a decidedly less heavy conversation about the things currently occupying our brains, making us laugh, and demanding discussion.

Think of this episode as being added to the group chat without having to catch up on 87 unread messages.

We're talking current obsessions, pop culture, the things we've been watching and thinking about, opinions nobody necessarily asked for, and the kind of conversational detours that happen when people who know each other well are finally given microphones.

There's cultural commentary. There are hot takes. There are side quests. And beneath all of the laughter is something we talk about often on Emboldened: the importance of connection, shared joy, curiosity, and having people in your life with whom you can simply be yourself.

In the conversation:

• What we're currently obsessed with
• Pop culture and cultural moments that have entered the group chat
• Unsolicited opinions and lovingly defended hot takes
• The joy of conversations that don't need to be productive
• Friendship, sisterhood, laughter, and connection

Some conversations help us make sense of the hard things. Others remind us that laughing, connecting, being curious, and enjoying each other are part of a full life too.

Pull up a chair—or consider yourself officially added to the chat.

Listen to Emboldened with Jessica wherever you get your podcasts.


Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica:

⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations

💌If this episode feels meaningful to you, consider sharing it with someone who may need this conversation.

☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:
https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.

Show Credits

Host: Jessica Jackson

Cohost: Ariele

Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele

In this episode, we're talking about navigating grief, loss, and the ways love, connection, humor, and community can exist alongside it.

Jessica, Ariele, and Kathleen are joined by comedian and storyteller Lilli Lopez, who shares openly about grieving her father and her beloved dog—and how music, friendship, storytelling, and comedy have helped her carry those relationships forward.

If you're navigating grief yourself, we invite you to take what you need from this conversation. Pause when you need to. Come back when you're ready.

• Why grief isn't linear or bound by a timeline

• Losing a parent and the often-minimized experience of pet loss

• Humor, creativity, and joy alongside grief

• Cultural traditions, remembrance, and honoring our ancestors

• Storytelling, remembrance and maintaining connection after someone dies

• What to say—and do—when someone you love is grieving

Lilli is a stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and longtime improv performer.

Website: YoSoyLilliLopez.com
Social: @ComboLoca

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few meaningful ways you can support Emboldened with Jessica:

• ⭐ Rate and review the show—this helps more people find these conversations
  
  

• 💌If this episode feels meaningful to you, consider sharing it with someone who may need this conversation.
  
  

• ☕ Support the podcast financially by leaving a tip to help cover production costs:
  https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica
  
  

Your listening, sharing, and support help sustain this space—thank you for being here.

Show Credits

Host: Jessica Jackson

Cohost: Ariele

Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe

Special Guest: Lilli Lopez

Produced by: Ariele & Jessica

Edited by: Ariele