“Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s an awakening. It’s your soul calling you home.” — Kena SiuThis week on Beyond the Margins, I sat down with empowerment guide Kena Siu, whose work helps women reconnect to the wholeness that’s always been theirs—body, mind, heart, and sensual self.Kena believes that joy, pleasure, and presence are sacred tools for healing. Through her Midlife Butterfly community, she’s created a space where women can safely explore who they truly are—beneath the roles, routines, and expectations that once defined them.We talked about her path from yoga and mindfulness to spiritual coaching, her powerful insights on radical self-love, and her belief that midlife is not an ending but a beginning:“We’ve been told midlife is about decline, but really, it’s a return to play. To pleasure. To home.”Kena’s story is one of courage and curiosity—of rediscovering the power of embodiment and building sisterhood that heals. Her upcoming Reset Retreat in Montreal is the latest expression of that vision: four days of nature, community, and soulful reconnection.If you’ve ever felt the tug to reinvent yourself—to remember the version of you that danced, laughed, and lived from her heart—this episode is your reminder: you are already whole. This story will bein the upcoming anthology Mended With Gold. Listen now on Beyond the Margins wherever you get your podcasts. Find Kena on IG Kena Siu or her podcast Midlife Butterfly wherever you get podcasts.Quote to linger on:“The more we know who we are, the less we people-please, the more we love ourselves, and the more we live from abundance—not scarcity.” — Kena Siu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
A new way to shape your memoir, find your message, and share your truth.🎧 INTRO Hey friends, welcome back to Your Voice Matters. I’m Jen Chambers, and I’m ridiculously excited about today’s episode.We’re flipping the script this week—literally. We’re talking about writing your life story… as a TED Talk.Now, I’m not just saying this as someone who binge-watches TED on YouTube in fuzzy socks with tea—although, yes, guilty. I’m saying it as someone who actually hosted a TEDx event—TEDxVenetaWomen. I dreamed it up, applied through TED, built it from the ground up with nothing but heart and hustle—and it changed me.Today, I want to show you how writing your own TED Talk—even just for yourself—can be one of the most powerful memoir tools you ever use.PART 1: TED Talks as Memoir Let’s talk TED.TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design—but what it really represents is ideas worth spreading.TED Talks are short. Usually under 18 minutes. But the best ones? They’re personal. They’re vulnerable. And they often revolve around a single transformative idea—just like a great memoir.📌 Think about:* Brené Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability”* How to Figure Out What You Really Want | Ashley Stahl* Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story”* Amanda Palmer’s “The Art of Asking”* Lydia Yuknovitch’s The Beauty of Being A misfit”These aren’t tech demos. They’re memoir moments, distilled into a single truth.When Amanda Palmer talks about asking—she’s really telling the story of rejection, connection, art, and self-worth. It's a memoir, hiding in plain sight.PART 2: How TED Builds the Message According to official TED guidelines:* Every talk needs one clear idea* It should include a personal story or anecdote* It builds connection through vulnerability, clarity, and relevanceSound familiar? That’s memoir with a mic.🧠 Here’s what TED asks of its speakers:* Share your idea in a new way* Tell real stories, not hypothetical ones* Be specific, not generalThey even have a rule: “Don’t sell from the stage. Teach from the heart.”Isn’t that the goal of every story we write?PART 3: Why Write a TED Talk, Even If You Never Give One? So maybe you’re thinking—“I don’t want to stand on stage in a red circle in front of 500 people!” Totally fair. But hear me out.Writing your own TED-style talk can:* Help you distill your life story into one powerful message* Boost your confidence in your voice and story* Become the foundation for your memoir, keynote, or brand* Give you a tight, 10-minute story you can use in bios, speaking, or even family storytelling🎯 TED asks: What’s the idea you can’t stop thinking about?Now ask yourself: What experience in my life taught me that lesson?That’s where your talk begins. That’s where your memoir grows.PART 4: Writing Prompts to Craft Your TED-style Memoir Let’s get writing. Below are three writing exercises to help you start shaping your TED Talk-style memoir story.✏️ Exercise 1: “The Idea I Can’t Let Go Of”Start with the idea that keeps returning to you. It might be a belief, a lesson, or even a question.Prompt:* What is one belief or truth you’ve come to through lived experience?* How did life teach it to you?* What memory does it always take you back to?💬 Example: “I believe asking for help is the most generous thing we can do.” Now tell the story that proves it.✏️ Exercise 2: “The Moment That Changed Everything”TED Talks often hinge on a turning point. This is your “what happened” story.Prompt:* What’s a moment where everything shifted?* What did you believe before? What do you believe now?* Who were you before, and who are you now?💡 You don’t need to be dramatic. Some of the best TED Talks are about quiet, invisible changes—like forgiving yourself, or standing up when no one else did.✏️ Exercise 3: “Say It Like You’re on Stage”This is where you step into your red-circle energy. Write the opening lines of your TED-style talk. Pretend you’ve got just 2 minutes to grab our hearts and make us lean in.Prompt:* How would you open?* What image or memory would you share?* What question would you ask the audience?📣 Hint: Start with a story, not a statement. Amanda Palmer opens with being a living statue on a crate. Not with a thesis—with a moment.PART 5: Tips From TED for Strong Storytelling Here are five golden TED-style storytelling tips that apply beautifully to memoir:* Start strong – Begin with a story, image, or surprise. Get us in the door fast.* Keep one thread – Don’t try to tell your whole life. Focus on one core idea.* Be yourself – Authenticity is everything. Speak it like you’d say it to a friend.* Make it universal – Use your personal story to highlight something we all feel.* End with impact – Land your story with clarity. A lesson, a moment, a question.💬 Brené Brown ends by saying: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection.” Can you do that with your own truth?PART 6: Final Encouragement & Next StepsWhether you want to stand on a TED stage or not, writing your story as a talk is a powerful tool. It forces clarity. It helps you find your point. It lets you discover what you actually believe.So here’s your challenge this week: Write a 3–5 minute TED-style talk that captures one personal truth from your life. Use story, memory, meaning. Practice it out loud. Record it. Or just keep it in your journal. But write it.And remember:* You don’t need a license to be heard.* You don’t need a platform to matter.* You just need your story—and your voice.Because your voice absolutely matters.🔔 NEXT WEEK TEASERNext week, we’re diving into Memory to Meaning, and how to find value in writing your story. Until then, write your truth, speak your idea, and maybe… step into that red circle—if only on the page. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textWhat if you don’t need to write an entire memoir—but just one powerful story that captures a moment of change?In this final episode of the Write Your Story series, Jen guides you through how to craft one personal narrative that holds the emotional depth and power of a full-length book. Whether you’re brand new to writing or deep into your draft, this episode will help you zoom in on a life-shaping moment and tell it with clarity and heart.✨ What’s inside:A grounding meditation to connect to your voiceHow to write a 250-word pitch or queryHow to draft a compelling “back cover blurb”Memoir mini-structure tips that make a single story singRevision tools to make your writing sharper and more resonantA few gentle yoga stretches to help your creativity flowResources for what to do after your story is writtenThis isn’t goodbye—it’s a turning point. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let’s write about the one that changed everything.Resources mentioned in this episode: The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith – Honest, practical guidance.ProWritingAid.com – Amazing editing tool.The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr – Raw and real advice.Submittable.com – For sending your story into the world.📥 Download the free companion worksheet: www.jennifer-chambers.com💌 Want to share your story or thoughts? Email Jen at jbchambersmail@gmail.com or visit www.jennifer-chambers.com Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text✨ In this special episode of Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers, we begin a 12-week creative recovery journey inspired by Julia Cameron’s beloved book The Artist’s Way. Week One is all about recovering a sense of safety—unlearning creative fear, quieting the inner critic, and making space for your true voice to emerge. 💬 Jen shares personal insights, practical tools, and reflective prompts to help you uncover and challenge the limiting beliefs that have held your creativity hostage. From morning pages and artist dates to affirmations and inner rewrites, this is where the healing begins. 🧘♀️ You’ll also enjoy a gentle guided stretch and meditation to ground your creative self, and you’ll leave with actionable exercises to carry into the week ahead. 📚 Whether you're an artist, a writer, a dreamer, or just curious about reconnecting to your creativity—this series is for you. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: The Artist’s Way by Julia CameronJen’s workbook companion on Canva (linked in show notes)Insight Timer app for creative meditationsjuliacameronlive.com 🎨 Remember: your voice matters, your art matters, and the world needs the stories only you can tell. Subscribe, follow along, and let’s recover your creative spark—one safe step at a time. ✨ Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textIn this week’s Your Voice Matters, Jen walks you through the transformation phase of storytelling: revision. Not just about fixing grammar or trimming words, revision is where your story takes shape, gains power, and becomes the version that speaks to others—and to you. 📚 Highlights include: 3 deep-dive revision exercises to make your chapters popTips from Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King (memoirists, this one’s gold too!)How to cut 10% from a scene without losing its heartReal examples from published memoirs that mastered revisionThis episode helps you shape not just your pages, but your chapters. Because every writer needs to know how to take what’s raw and revise it with love, clarity, and purpose. ✏️ Mentioned in this episode: ProWritingAid (self-editing tool) Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King Jane Friedman’s Blog (essential reading) Your Voice Matters Revision Toolkit (free download) Let’s turn your draft into a story that sings. 🎙️ Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text What if personal growth isn’t about “fixing” yourself—but about discovering new layers of who you already are?In this inspiring episode of Your Voice Matters, Jen shares her own ongoing journey of growth, from training to become a yoga teacher to strumming her way through ukulele lessons to experimenting with electronic music production (spoiler: it’s weirdly meditative, and she shares a tiny piece at the end of the episode). We explore how trying new things opens creative doorways, even if they scare us a little. Jen also introduces her plan to lead listeners through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron over the next 12 weeks—your creative soul is invited.✨ Plus: Easy yoga stretches to release tension and get out of your headFour resources for igniting personal growth (books, apps, tools)Journal prompts for growing through discomfort, not avoiding itYour story matters. And so does who you’re becoming. 🎨 Mentioned in this episode: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Insight Timer (free meditation app) Skillshare (for creative learning) Atomic Habits by James Clear The Creative Self workbook by Your Voice Matters 🧘♀️Let’s grow. Let’s write. Let’s begin. COMPANION WORKSHEET HEREPodcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textEver get stuck in a scene that just won’t move? Or find yourself over-explaining something that felt so powerful in the moment? You’re not alone—and today, we’re cracking the code on pacing and structure. In this episode of Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers, we’ll explore how to keep your story emotionally rich and well-paced so your readers stay engaged from start to finish. Through writing exercises, real memoir examples, a calming mini-meditation, and practical storytelling tips, you’ll learn how to: 🖋️ Identify and energize draggy sections ✂️ Cut the fluff and keep the soul 📖 Shape your story with the classic three-act structure 🧘♀️ Tap into your story’s rhythm with breathwork and reflection Whether you're revising a memoir chapter or just starting your story, this episode will help you write with momentum and clarity—without losing the meaning that matters. ✨ Plus: A 2-minute guided meditation, writing prompts, and resources to keep you moving forward. Because your story isn’t just what happened—it’s how you tell it. And once you find your rhythm, everything changes. Download a worksheet for this episode HERE:Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textIn this special episode of Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers, we’re diving into healing and reclaiming our power—one breath, one choice, one story at a time. Drawing from the transformative "Paths to Recovery" section of The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, we explore what it means to own your story, reconnect with your body, and trust your intuition again. You’ll learn: How trauma affects self-perception and embodimentThe power of self-leadership and finding your voiceTools to rebuild inner strength and self-trustThis episode includes: ✨ A grounding meditation 🖋️ Reflective writing prompts 📚 Quotes and practical insights from the book 🧭 Resources to support your healing journey This isn’t just about recovery—it’s about remembering who you are. 🔗 Download your free companion PDF with prompts, resources, and the full meditation on Instagram at @jennifer_chambers_ 🗣️ Share this with a friend who needs a reminder that healing is possible—and powerful. 📸 Instagram Caption ✨New episode!✨ “Developing Inner Strength” is live on Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers 🎙️ We’re talking trauma, healing, embodiment, and trusting yourself again—featuring insights from The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. This one’s for anyone learning to listen to their own voice and rebuild from the inside out. What’s inside: 🌿 Self-leadership & self-trust 📖 Writing prompts to help you reconnect 🧘♀️ A soothing meditation 💬 Quotes & insight from the book 📥 A gorgeous FREE companion PDF! Grab it on IG or HERE You are not broken. You are healing. And your voice? It’s powerful. 💛 🎧 Listen now at the link in bio #YourVoiceMattersPodcast #InnerStrength #TraumaRecovery #BodyKeepsTheScore #SelfTrust #HealingJourney #WomenWhoHeal #MentalHealthAwareness #SomaticHealing #MemoirWriting Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text Theme isn't just for English class — it's the emotional heartbeat of your story. In Week 9 of our Write Your Story series, we’re exploring how theme gives your writing depth, clarity, and resonance. Whether it’s resilience, freedom, love, or transformation, your theme helps guide both you and your reader toward meaning. 🎧 In this episode: How to uncover the theme in your personal storyUsing symbols and motifs to reinforce your messageA simple rewrite trick to help your theme shine✍️ Writing prompts this week will help you: Boil your story down to one powerful sentenceIdentify repeated symbols and explore what they might meanRewrite a scene through the lens of your themeGet creative with a hands-on symbolic drawing or collage exercise📚 Plus, we highlight two powerful writing resources: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and You Don’t Have to Be Famous by Steve Zousmer — both packed with encouragement, wisdom, and down-to-earth advice. 🕯 Final Thought: Theme isn’t something you force — it’s something you find. It’s the deeper truth that’s already there, waiting to be seen and shaped. Remember, your story matters. Your truth is a gift. And your words? They’re more powerful than you know. — Jen 💛 Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text 🎸 Ready to swap your mom jeans for a band tee and hit that music festival like the seasoned legend you are? In this solo essay episode, Jen shares a heart-filled, humor-laced how-to on embracing live music—no matter your age, stage, or sock-and-sandal situation. From navigating digital tickets to packing the ultimate concert survival kit (hello, band-aids and earplugs), this is your permission slip to dance like nobody's watching... or like you still own your original Doc Martens. Whether you're heading to Metallica in a stadium or vibing out at a local show, Jen’s got you covered with tips, laughs, and an encouraging nudge to go find your summer soundtrack. 🎶 Yes, you should wear the band shirt. 🎟️ Yes, you should go with your kids (or without them). 🤘 And yes, it's still cool to shout "hell yes!" to live music at any age. Tune in and get inspired to claim your joy, one show at a time. Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textWhat happens when your story tugs at the tender parts of your heart? In this week’s episode of Your Voice Matters, we explore how to write through difficult emotions — not by forcing the pain out, but by approaching it with intention, safety, and self-compassion. Jen gently guides you through techniques like the two-versions method, sensory grounding, and finding flickers of strength in your hardest scenes. You’ll hear powerful examples from memoirs like The Glass Castle and When Breath Becomes Air, along with trusted resources to support you, including Writing as a Way of Healing and tools from The Center for Journal Therapy. This episode offers reflection, writing prompts, and encouragement every step of the way. Remember: writing through pain isn’t about performing — it’s about honoring your truth. ✨ Plus: A gentle 5-minute writing practice to help you crack open a moment and maybe find your own light through it. You’re not alone. And your voice — yes, your voice — truly matters. Resources:Writing As a Way of HealingThe Center For Journal TherapyBonus WorksheetPodcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Your Voice Matters, host Jen Chambers honors the extraordinary life and legacy of Hazel Ying Lee — the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military, and a fearless pioneer who refused to let racism, sexism, or wartime danger ground her dreams. Born in Portland, Oregon, Hazel blazed trails both in the skies and in history books. From elevator operator to high-speed aircraft pilot, she carved her path with courage and defiance — flying for China during its war with Japan, joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII, and breaking barriers every step of the way. Jen shares Hazel’s incredible journey, personal reflections from her book Remarkable Oregon Women, and moving moments from Hazel’s too-short but impact-packed life. You’ll hear about her near escapes, her signature sense of humor, and the heartbreaking story of how she gave her life in service — only to be recognized decades later. Hazel Ying Lee’s story isn’t just history — it’s a call to rise above limitations and live boldly. ✨ If you’ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or like the odds were stacked against you, this episode is a must-listen. Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textWelcome to Week 7 of the Write Your Story series on Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers! Whether you’ve jotted a few lines on a napkin, filled pages in a journal, or simply spent time reflecting—guess what? It all counts. In this episode, Jen gently guides you from scattered thoughts to story structure, helping you shape your personal narrative for the upcoming anthology Woven With Light, Mended With Gold (or wherever your words are meant to go). You’ll learn: Why every scribble, voice memo, and memory mattersHow to choose one experience and take us deepA simple story structure that brings clarity and meaningPractical tips to draft your piece—without editing yourself to deathThis episode is your permission slip to write messy, write honestly, and write now. Because your story is worth telling—and someone out there needs to hear it. 📥 Download the free story planning worksheet in the show notes HERE 🧘♀️ Follow Jen on the Insight Timer App for calming meditations—this week’s is a Lovingkindness practice Your voice doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours. Let’s go. Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textIn this special bonus episode of Your Voice Matters, I’m sharing a heartfelt, laughter-filled, and deeply real panel conversation originally recorded on The Midlife Butterfly Podcast with the ever-inspiring Kena Siu. I was joined by five phenomenal women and dear friends: Dana Hunter Fradella – Girls Who RecoverJama Pantel – Brand Building: Living the Whole PictureTracy Hill – A Beautiful FixCasey Taton – Inner SparkKena Siu - Midlife ButterflyWe got vulnerable about what it means to grow, heal, and reimagine our lives in midlife. We talked about identity, resilience, reinvention—and the power of showing up with radical honesty and compassion. 💬 “We’re not fixing ourselves—we’re remembering who we are.” That one line sums up the spirit of this entire conversation. ✨ Tune in for soul-deep wisdom, a few belly laughs, and the unmistakable magic that happens when women gather in truth and love. 🎧 Be sure to follow these incredible women and support their work—links to all of their shows are above and in the show notes! 📝 And if this episode lit a fire in your heart, consider submitting your own story to Woven with Light, my upcoming anthology honoring the voices of women who’ve walked through the dark and come out shining. Submission link Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text This week on Your Voice Matters with Jen Chambers (formerly Resilient with Jen Chambers), we’re digging deep—into the details that bring your personal story to life. In Week 6 of our How To Tell Your Story series, we explore how rich, specific imagery can unlock memory, deepen emotional connection, and help your story resonate on a whole new level. Whether it’s the smell of your grandmother’s perfume or the creak of a familiar hallway floor, the smallest details often carry the most meaning. This episode includes: 3 powerful writing exercises to help you "zoom in"A mini sensory writing challengeBook recommendations from masters of memoirA heartfelt invitation to submit your story to Woven with Light, Mended with Gold, an upcoming anthology of resilience✨ Your voice matters. Your story is worth telling. And those little details? They're where the magic lives. Submit your story or learn more at www.jennifer-chambers.com Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text What would you do if fear wasn’t running the show?In this episode of Resilient with Jen Chambers, we’re talking about doing the things that scare us—not the "run-from-a-bear" kind of fear, but the quieter, sneakier kind that pops up when you’re about to try something brave and bold.Jen shares the behind-the-scenes story of organizing and hosting a TEDx event in her small town—from the nerve-wracking first steps to the unforgettable moment on stage. She talks about the fear, the failures (hello, missing video footage!), and the fierce joy of doing something totally out of her comfort zone. You’ll hear about the science behind fear, celebrity stories that remind us we’re all human, and why pushing your limits (gently) can literally rewire your brain.Stick around for a short guided meditation, a writing prompt to explore your next brave step, and an invitation to connect—because fear doesn’t have to mean stop. Sometimes, it just means go carefully.✨ Featuring: • The neuroscience of courage • Quotes from Maya Angelou, Beyoncé, Eleanor Roosevelt & more • A TEDx tale of grit, grace, and gear struggles • A writing prompt + meditation to help you move forwardWhether you’re dreaming of giving a TED talk or just want to hit “send” on that scary email, this episode is your permission slip to show up afraid—and do it anyway.🎧 Listen in, take a breath, and let's do the brave thing together.This episode is sponsored by the A Beautiful Fix podcast.Meditation music: Music by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay. Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text Hello, Resilient Listeners! This week’s episode is a little different—I’ve lost my voice and can’t record, but I didn’t want to leave you without some inspiration. For this week’s How To Tell Your Story exercise, I invite you to explore a powerful writing prompt: write about one room from your life. Maybe it’s the bedroom where you grew up, the basement that gave you chills, or even a garden that felt like home. Set a timer for ten minutes and describe this space in rich detail—what happened there, and why does it still matter? Let your memories guide you, and use sensory details to bring your story to life. And don’t forget—if you have a story of resilience, I’d love for you to be part of Woven with Light, Mended with Gold: True Stories of Resilience. Submit your true personal stories by June 30, 2025 at the link on my website: www.jennifer-chambers.com. I’ll be back next week—until then, keep writing, keep sharing, and remember—your voice matters. ❤️ Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textJoin Jen Chambers in one of the most loved episodes of this show for a magical conversation with Gilly the Sunshine Wizard! Gilly (pronounced Gill-y), an international sorcery sensation and advocate for queer, trans, and autism acceptance, shares their journey from Alabama to the mystical mountains of Colorado. Discover how Gilly uses their unique brand of wizardry to spread positivity and build community.In this episode, Gilly recounts a day filled with enchanting experiences, from attending the Festival of Faery and embracing their inner Gilly Wampus to receiving heartwarming recognition from their new town, Greeley, Colorado. They also discuss their journey of self-discovery, including their autism diagnosis, and their commitment to creating inclusive spaces.Hear about Gilly's powerful message of love, acceptance, and the magic of living intentionally. Learn how small acts of kindness and embracing your true self can transform your world and the world around you. Get ready for a dose of sunshine and a reminder that the universe has your back!In this episode, you'll learn:Gilly's inspiring journey of self-discovery and acceptance.How to use social media for positivity and community building.The magic of the Festival of Faery and embracing your inner fae.The importance of self-diagnosis and autism acceptance.How to find joy and create a life you love.Tune in for a truly magical episode filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of sunshine! Gilly says,"If your listeners like what I have to say, tell them to look in their hearts and use my magic as well as theirs to be so themselves that no one could ever confuse them for anyone else ." Note: A.I. was used to record the intro and outro to this podcast due to illness on the part of Chambers. This episode was sponsored by A Beautiful Fix podcast.Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text Welcome to the (former) final episode of our four-week How to Tell Your Story series! You’ve identified your story, shaped it, and refined your words—now it’s time to take the next step: sharing your story. In this episode, we’ll tackle: ✨ Overcoming fears about sharing your story ✨ Polishing your final draft for clarity and impact ✨ Different ways to share, from private reflection to public storytelling Your story has power, and your voice matters. Whether you’re writing for yourself, sharing with a trusted group, or publishing for a wider audience, the most important step is taking action. Breaking news, though: so many of you have told me how much you like the series that we're bringing the series back for at least 8 more weekly episodes! Look for more next Friday. Need inspiration? Looking for a safe place to share? Submit your story to Woven with Light, Mended with Gold (details at www.jennifer-chambers.com or on Instagram at my link in bio). Let me know what this series has meant to you—send me a message or tag me on Instagram @jennifer_chambers_. 🎧 Listen now and start sharing your story today! Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a text In this episode of Resilient with Jen Chambers, we’re diving into practical tools for building resilience when adversity strikes. Join Jen as she shares actionable steps to help you face challenges head-on, reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth, and cultivate self-compassion along the way. This episode also features a guided meditation to reconnect with your inner strength and a discussion of key themes from Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl—a timeless exploration of finding purpose in even the darkest moments. Tune in for inspiration, strategies, and a reminder that you are stronger than you think. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep showing up for yourself! 🎧 Listen now and embrace the power of resilience. #StayResilient Meditation music: "Aura," by DayNigthMorning Book Source: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Link to Amazon Podcast theme "Resiient," By Joey Helpish. Full podcast theme, "Resilient," by Joey Helpish. All rights reserved.Support the showThank you for listening! Jennifer Chamberswww.jennifer-chambers.comIG: @jennifer_chambers_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jbchambers.substack.com/subscribe