

Unblocked
Jessica Smarro
Welcome to Unblocked with Jessica Smarro, the podcast for bold conversations, deep shifts, and real freedom. We go beyond surface-level hacks and dive straight into the real work of unlearning the conditioning, rewiring the patterns, and reclaiming the parts of you that were never broken, just buried.Each episode is a bold invitation to challenge your programming, expand your inner freedom, and lead a life that actually feels like yours. This is where insight meets integration, where success meets soul, and where high performers come to feel more fully alive.You are already whole. Now let’s live like it.Let's get Unblocked!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 146 Think Bigger: How Debbi-Jo Horton Is Revolutionizing Work, Mindset, and Abundance
What if you stopped putting limits on yourself and your dreams?In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Debbi-Jo Horton, owner of DJ Horton & Associates and the visionary behind Advantages to Aging. With over 50 years in the accounting world, Debbi-Jo has seen firsthand how outdated systems and burnout steal possibility from people. And she’s determined to change it.We talk about:Why mindset isn’t optional. It’s the air you breathe for achieving your goalsHow to build support systems, people, and cultures that make abundance inevitableThe difference between “busy” and “abundant” (and why you should never call yourself busy again)Debbi-Jo’s bold mission to revolutionize the accounting industry and create a culture that actually supports human thrivingWhy “thinking 10X” opens up possibilities that doubling your goals never willSimple practices you can use to catch limiting beliefs, redirect your brain, and expand what you believe is possibleThis episode is a reminder that you don’t have to settle for life in a box. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to align more deeply with what you were made for, Debbi-Jo’s story will help you believe bigger and step into a future you didn’t even know was possible.Click HERE to watch this episode on YouTube.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Order my #1 New Release book In PursuitIf you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Resources Mentioned:The Slight Edge by Jeff OlsonConnect with Debbie Jo:Website: https://djhortonandassociates.com/LinkedIn: @DJHortonLet's Get Unblocked!!

Sep 28, 2025 • 38min
Ep. 145 The Power of Risk, Resilience, and “Yes or No” with Kurt Karjalainen
In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with entrepreneur Kurt Karjalainen, owner of Premier Merchants Group, LLC. What started as a college side hustle with a single ATM has grown into a thriving business with more than 3,000 ATMs across 42 states.Kurt shares:How he spotted opportunity in a market others overlooked.Why being willing to start as a beginner matters more than being perfect.The sales mindset shift that took him from frustration to traction = “I want a yes or a no, but not a maybe.”His philosophy of time freedom and why it shaped every decision he made.The creative problem-solving that turned financial roadblocks into partnerships that fueled massive growth.If you’ve ever wrestled with fear of failure, indecision, or perfectionism, Kurt’s story is proof that persistence, clarity, and a bias for action can create unimaginable results.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Order my #1 New Release book In PursuitIf you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Kurt: kurt@pmgcom.com Let's Get Unblocked!

Sep 23, 2025 • 6min
BONUS - In Pursuit: Break Free from Perfection, People-Pleasing, and the Prison of Proving
It’s here!!!My new book In Pursuit is officially out in the world, and in this bonus episode I’m giving you a taste of what’s inside.So many of us are living in what I call the Prison - chasing approval, checking the boxes, proving our worth. Life looks fine on paper, but inside it feels gray and numb.This book (and this episode) is for you if:You’ve done everything “right” but still don’t feel fulfilledYou’re exhausted from performing instead of livingYou’re waiting for the next goal to finally flip the switch and make you feel enoughYou’re ready to stop fixing yourself and start coming home to yourselfIn In Pursuit, I walk you through three powerful movements: The Prison - seeing what’s been keeping you stuck The Path - learning to quiet the critic and practice self-loyalty The Pursuit - creating a life that feels alive, aligned, and fully YOUI’ll read a few excerpts, share my story, and give you a clear picture of why this book matters right now.👉 In Pursuit is available now in paperback and Kindle on Amazon. Grab your copy today and join me in this movement to stop proving and start living.📖 Order here: [Amazon Link] Connect with me on Instagram: @jessicasmarro

Sep 21, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 144 Safe and Stretched: The Keys to Transformation with Mireia Mugica
In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with Mireia Mugica, founder of Bare & Brave, to explore what it really takes to lead with courage, clarity, and consciousness. Mireia brings a unique perspective to leadership, blending deep inner work with practical strategy.We dive into:Why self-awareness is not just personal growth, but a business strategyThe difference between reactive vs. creative leadership and why 75% of leaders are stuck in reactive modeHow somatics and body awareness shape executive presence and decision-makingWhy transformation requires being both safe and stretchedPractical ways to start listening to your body, leading yourself, and shifting your relationshipsThis is one of those conversations that bridges the inner and outer game of leadership in a way that feels both human and actionable. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply leading yourself through life, you’ll walk away with powerful insights to create change from the inside out.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Order my #1 New Release book In PursuitIf you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Mireia's work: bareandbrave.com Let's Get Unblocked!

Sep 14, 2025 • 39min
Ep. 143 Leading with P.R.I.M.E. Values with Joshua Culp
What does it look like to lead a business, and a life, rooted in purpose and integrity? In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with Josh Culp, retired military officer, entrepreneur, and owner of Hammerdubs. After 26 years of service, Josh has translated his discipline and leadership into building businesses alongside his wife, including their current venture where P.R.I.M.E. values are the foundation.Josh shares candidly about:The lessons he carried from the military into entrepreneurshipWhy mistakes can be some of our greatest teachersHow attention to detail and values-driven leadership fuel long-term successHis upcoming book on the 10 lessons that shaped his life and businessIf you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead with clarity, resilience, and excellence, this episode is for you.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Josh Culp on LinkedIn Let's Get Unblocked!

Sep 7, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 142 The Silent Power of Partnerships with Phil Hayes-St Clair
What if the next big leap in your business isn’t about more leads but better partners?In this episode of Unblocked, I’m joined by Phil Hayes-St Clair, founder of PHILHSC and trusted advisor to growth-minded leaders around the world. Phil pulls back the curtain on the quiet force behind exponential business growth: strategic partnerships built on trust, not tactics.We talk about:· Why partnerships—not funnels—are the real growth hack· How to recognize when you’re chasing the wrong lever· The “IDEAL” framework for evaluating partnerships· What makes a great partner in both business and lifeThis isn’t just business strategy. It’s human strategy.Phil’s insights are as practical as they are profound, whether you're leading a company, building a coaching practice, or simply rethinking how you show up in relationships. This one’s packed with gems (including a surprise cameo from PJ The Goldendoodle, if you're watching on YouTube.)If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Phil: Website: philhsc.comLinkedIn: Phil Hayes-St ClairLet's Get Unblocked!

Aug 31, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 141 Collective Liberation, True Freedom, and Coming Home to Yourself with Caverly Morgan
What does it really mean to be free?In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with Caverly Morgan—spiritual teacher, author, nonprofit founder, and one of 2025’s most powerful women in the mindfulness movement. With a background that includes eight years in a silent Zen monastery and the creation of the nation’s first for-credit mindfulness program in public high schools, Caverly brings profound wisdom to the conversation on awakening, belonging, and liberation.Together, Jessica and Caverly explore:How Caverly’s SNAP framework helps us notice and disidentify from the stories that keep us stuckWhat she learned from eight years of monastic life and how those lessons translate into everyday modern livingThe power of neti neti (“not this, not this”) and the realization that we are more than our thoughts, emotions, or identitiesWhy true freedom isn’t something to achieve but something you can never lose... your very beingThis conversation is a grounding, soul-expanding reminder that you are not separate from life, love, or truth. You’ve never left home.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Caverly's work: caverlymorgan.orgLet's Get Unblocked!

Aug 24, 2025 • 34min
Ep. 140 The Inner Work Behind Growth with Laura Bokobza
On today's episode I’m joined by Laura Bokobza, strategic consultant and founder of LBK Consulting. Laura is known for helping bold founders uncover the real reason their business isn’t growing, and more often than not, it has nothing to do with the market, pricing, or product.In this episode, we explore how your mindset as a leader is often the greatest factor in whether your business scales or stalls. Laura brings her signature blend of straight forward strategy and deep human insight to help you identify how you might be holding yourself back and what to do about it.Whether you're a founder, solopreneur, or executive leader, this episode offers the hard truths and loving nudges to help you grow your business without losing yourself in the process.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Laura:LinkedInInstagram

Aug 17, 2025 • 38min
Ep. 139 Reclaim Your Time and Redefine Success with Dana Zellers
On today's episode, I’m joined by Dana Zellers. She's an executive coach, founder of Dana Zellers Coaching, and creator of the Career Control Framework. In this conversation, Dana and I explore something we both witness daily. It's the constant pressure to do more, achieve more, and be more. But rarely do we stop to question whether it's actually working. Dana shares how to get way more done in way less time, without sacrificing your health, freedom, or personal life.We explore:Why the “I don’t have time” mindset is a trap and how to escape itHow Dana’s Career Control Framework helps you define success on your termsThe surprising truth about freedom, productivity, and schedulingWhy reflection, experimentation, and values alignment are the real productivity hacksHow to stop letting your calendar control you and start reclaiming your powerWhether you’re a leader, a high-achiever, or someone feeling stuck in the grind, this episode is packed with practical tools and powerful shifts to help you design a career and life that actually fits you.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Dana Zellers:Grab Dana’s Better Week Blueprint (free resource): danazellers.com/betterweekConnect with Dana on Instagram and LinkedInLet’s Get Unblocked!

Aug 10, 2025 • 37min
Ep. 138 Stop Being the Bottleneck: Joe Patneaude on Scaling Your Life & Business Without Burnout
Are you the bottleneck in your own business or life?In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with Joe Patneaude, creator of the STAR Scalability Method, to unpack why so many high-performers unknowingly build businesses that drain them instead of freeing them. For 15 years, Joe has been coaching leaders in financial services to scale smarter, delegate with clarity, and build teams that align with their values, not just their bottom line.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying your entire business on your back, or you’re stuck in “do more, be more” mode, this conversation is your wake-up call. Joe shares how the STAR Method helps business owners shift from solo-grinding to strategic scaling, without losing control of what matters most. Joe drops powerful insights on leadership, scalability, and unlearning outdated success strategies that are keeping you stuck.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:If you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Joe Patneaude:Website: jpcoachingnow.com Book: Follow the STAR (Available now) LinkedIn: Joe PatneaudeLet’s Get Unblocked!