Discover
Pathfinders
Pathfinders
Author: Jessa van Meerten
Subscribed: 0Played: 4Subscribe
Share
© 2025 Pathfinders
Description
Welcome to Pathfinders! I’m your host, Jessa, and in this podcast, I bring you heartfelt conversations with those who have found their own paths in life while dealing with its challenges. My hope is that it inspires you to make choices that feel true to you so that you can live your life in the most authentic and fulfilling way.
11 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode of Pathfinders, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Rana Dajani, a pioneering epigenetics researcher and professor in molecular biology. Rana is a great example of what it means when you lead with curiosity instead of fear and shows us how we can heal through connection and community. From her early life steeped in curiosity and an openness to learn, combined with stories of displacement and trauma to her groundbreaking discovery of the transmission of generational trau...
From Leeds to the West End stage, Matt Mills shares his inspiring journey and the transformative power of storytelling. Hear how he brings seemingly complex characters to life in our latest episode! In this episode of Pathfinders, host Jessa sits down with actor Matt Mills, who shares his journey of becoming an actor, singer, and dancer. They discuss his impressive performance in the London West End musical about Michael Jackson, where Matt plays both Joe Jackson and Rob the manager. The conv...
Thor Pedersen: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying In this episode of Pathfinders, I talk with Thor Pedersen, the first person to travel to every country in the world without flying. Thor recounts his incredible 10-year journey, overcoming numerous challenges and meeting diverse people along the way. He delves into the experiences that motivated him, the obstacles he faced, and the insights he gained about human nature and the world's state. As Thor reflects on the im...
What it’s really like as a woman in the military - with Colleen Maclean In this powerful episode, I sit down with former Air Force life support fitter Colleen Maclean. She shares her journey through a decade of military service and the challenges faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She opens up about her experiences of sexual assault and PTSD, detailing how she eventually found empowerment and reclaimed her identity through experiences like bodybuilding. We also talk about what it's l...
Ever felt stuck and unable to get out of it? Then this episode is for you. In this insightful episode, Britt discusses the core concepts from ‘The Science of Stuck,' and explores how our brains often hold us back not out of laziness, but due to hardwired survival mechanisms. She delves into practical strategies for overcoming feelings of being stuck—whether it's difficulty getting off the couch, dealing with anxiety, or making significant life changes. Britt also shares her personal experienc...
Learning to Trust Yourself Again: Practical Ways of Healing and Growth with Ruth Clare | Pathfinders with Jessa In this insightful episode, Ruth Clare joins me again to unpack the idea that trauma isn’t something to erase or overcome, but a part of your story to be understood and integrated. This time we don't just talk about trauma, but we focus on practical ways in which you can start the work of learning to trust yourself again. We reflect on the themes from the first episode, focusing on ...
Join us in this insightful conversation with Lisa Schlosberg as we explore the complex relationships between food, emotions, and body image. Lisa shares her personal journey of struggling with being morbidly obese as a child, to then turning to extreme dieting to eventually finding balance and freedom in her relationship with food and her body. We also delve into the harmful impacts of diet culture, the significance of self-awareness, and the transformative power of curiosity and compassion f...
In this episode of Pathfinders, I talk with German psychologist, trainer, and palliative care expert Christiane Steffens-Dhaussy. Christiane shares four essential life insights she wishes she had known when she was younger. These insights include understanding that life doesn't follow a straight line, how the brain shapes our perceptions and decisions, the importance of human connections, and the power of gratitude. Through relatable anecdotes and professional expertise, Christiane offers pra...
Your Story Isn't Over: Healing Childhood Trauma with Ruth Clare | Pathfinders Podcast with Jessa How do you deal with the aftermath of growing up in an abusive home? In this episode of Pathfinders, we get the opportunity to learn from Ruth Clare's experiences. Ruth grew up with a father who had undiagnosed PTSD as a result of his experiences in the military. She shares about the childhood trauma she went through, but also the ways she's found to heal and unpack that trauma. She shows ho...
When Your Inner Critic Is Loud: Unshaming the Voice Within with David Bedrick | Pathfinders Podcast with Jessa How do you deal with that voice in your head - the inner critic - that constantly puts you down and judges you? In this episode, I speak with renowned psychologist and author David Bedrick about how criticism from within often carries wisdom - it reflects old stories, past traumas, hidden needs, and parts of ourselves we've learned to exile. Together, we explore ways to recogn...
In this brief introduction to Pathfinders, I'll give you a taste of what this podcast is all about—real stories, real advice, and a journey toward finding your own path in life. Follow for more.



