Jessyl and Alex Podcast

What happens when you stop auditioning for life? The journey from a vision board to winning a world-class speaking competition is explored. Raw stories of financial risks, daily rituals, and the power of mindset reveal how to manifest dreams. Emotions run high as competition unfolds, with moments of self-doubt and triumph. Connections, healing, and signs from loved ones shape their experience. They stress the importance of choosing faith over perfect timing, presenting a practical path to pursue bold dreams.

A stranger's comment about looking 'too happy' during grief sparks a deep conversation about societal expectations. The hosts share how joy and sadness coexist in grief, exploring personal experiences with parenting amidst loss. They discuss honoring a loved one's memory through meaningful actions, and how acknowledging the full spectrum of emotions enhances joy. Listeners are reminded that grief is seasonal, love remains a powerful force, and it's okay to embrace happiness even in sorrow.

Voice is medicine, and sharing personal truths can heal. The hosts explore the power of storytelling, touching on their experiences of grief and growth. They highlight AI as a creative ally, using it to manifest dreams visually and organize thoughts. Vision boards serve as tangible tools for setting intentions and recognizing progress. With practical methods and nightly visualization exercises, they emphasize the importance of holding onto your vision while letting go of control. The journey of self-discovery encourages presence, service, and love.

A casual question during deployment unearths a complex family saga. Alex shares his shocking journey of discovering his biological father, starting with a childhood rumor and blood-type clues. A Facebook search leads to a face that shares his features, sparking an emotional Skype call with his newfound dad. The reactions of his siblings unfold in disbelief during a family reunion, and Alex navigates the delicate balance between nurture and nature. The experiences reveal the profound impact of truth on identity and belonging.

Eight months after their loss, the hosts explore the evolving nature of grief, defining it as unspent love. They candidly discuss the challenges of sharing their journey online, facing criticism, and finding connection through storytelling. A surprise gender reveal stirs emotions, as they prepare for a new chapter while honoring their son’s memory. They delve into the medical mysteries surrounding their son’s heart condition, share parenting insights, and emphasize the importance of presence and gratitude amidst the turmoil.

Explore the reality of living in a Caribbean paradise, where palm trees come with sweat and unfiltered challenges. Discover the trade-offs of power cuts and aging cars, and the privileges tied to relocating abroad. Journey through parenting lessons learned on the sidelines and the importance of community. They emphasize that true paradise is a mindset, cultivated through gratitude and aligning actions with values. Join them as they redefine success beyond the picture-perfect beach day.

The hosts discuss the confusing sensory changes during pregnancy, like aversions to smells, and the importance of communication between partners. They delve into the evolving dynamics of relationships, shifting from traditional medical to more intuitive approaches to birth. Alex highlights the emotional adjustment fathers face during the fourth trimester, while Jessyl emphasizes the necessity of practical support over social expectations. They advocate for protected recovery periods, community support, and maintaining connection beyond physical intimacy.

Family boundaries are crucial to maintain harmony without cutting ties. The hosts share personal stories about facing cultural assumptions and pressures from extended family. Raising bilingual children becomes a hot topic, leading to discussions on managing family dynamics. They emphasize the importance of clear communication and creating a shared vision as a couple. Listeners learn practical strategies to protect their values and navigate tense family interactions, all while reminding us that it's okay to prioritize immediate family over extended expectations.

Join Alex and Jessyl as they share their journey through unimaginable challenges, including a brain tumor diagnosis and the heartbreaking loss of their son. They challenge the idea of 'fake positivity', highlighting how pain can actually reveal important lessons. Discover how viewing struggles as teachers rather than enemies fosters growth and healing. Their candid insights emphasize the power of connection and service, showing that true purpose often emerges from helping others. Explore practical ways to find meaning amid suffering and transform your perspective!

Alex and Jessyl reunite on the podcast, exploring how their family adapts when one parent is away and the deeper lessons they've learned parenting four children.• Jessyl shares how she manages parenting solo while Alex was delivering a TEDx talk in Tampa• The importance of teaching children independence and responsibility from an early age• How their parenting approach differs with four children versus families with fewer kids• The distinction between natural consequences and imposed rules in parenting• Alex's transformative experience sharing their son Liam's story on the TEDx stage• Cultural differences observed between life in the Dominican Republic and the United States• The choice we all face: letting our past define us or using it as fuel for positive change• Why personal growth doesn't require a dramatic transformation, just consistent small steps