Jessyl and Alex Podcast

This heartfelt discussion dives deep into personal loss and resilience. They share their journey through grief after losing their son, transforming pain into purpose. From New Year travels in Morocco to returning to the Dominican Republic, they explore how family dynamics evolved. The couple recounts the challenge of adapting to new roles while maintaining connection. Plans for future adventures spark hope, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty, presence, and vulnerability as they heal and shape their future together.

What holds a family together when life gets hard? We open up about the messy middle; career success without self-leadership, parenting while grieving, and the moment we stopped outsourcing decisions at home and started building a steady, honest presence our kids could trust.We dig into the shift from numbing to noticing: why self-regulation beats quick fixes, how a simple “Do you want me to listen or offer solutions?” changed our marriage, and why all emotions belong at the table. We talk about raising respectful, not obedient, kids by creating psychological safety, inviting real disagreement, and repairing after we miss the mark. You’ll hear how we designed our home for capability—step stools, reachable tools, clear routines—so independence becomes normal, confidence grows, and parental overwhelm drops.Vision turns chores into culture. We share how we moved from managing tasks to leading with meaning: defining how our home should feel, the standards we live by, and the way we welcome others. We also get honest about roles, playing to strengths, knowing when to follow, and regularly syncing on a shared direction. Positive psychology threads through it all: do more of what works, build on wins, and let joy compound. The result isn’t perfection; it’s a resilient family rhythm where kids learn by watching and parents lead by example.If you’re ready to trade survival mode for steady leadership, this conversation offers practical steps, from micro-moments of presence to systems that make capability the norm. Subscribe for more real talk on parenting, partnership, and living awake, then share this with someone who needs a reminder that their story and their choices matter.

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.