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In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, Jess sits down with Connor Matthews: MMA fighter, Air Force Special Operations combat controller veteran, firefighter, and gym owner. Connor's path to the cage started with a hockey injury that changed everything. From there, he takes us through one of the military's most grueling pipelines, a deployment to Afghanistan, and the anger he had to learn to channel once he got home. Then came the big gamble: walking away from a reenlistment bonus to chase a UFC dream, starting with a makeshift training camp on a farm. Connor gets candid about the Dana White's Contender Series, what it really takes to earn a UFC contract, and what happens when the dream doesn't play out the way you pictured it. Plus, the story behind "Mom's Basement MMA," why he traded the octagon for the firehouse, and his no-nonsense take on what resilience really means.

In this episode, Jess sits down with Staff Sergeant Julianne Jackson from 6th Ranger Training Battalion—the infamous swamp phase of Ranger School. Julianne didn’t follow a straight path into the Army—and that’s exactly what makes her story hit. What started as a simple “why not?” turned into stepping into some of the toughest environments the military has to offer… and now she’s on the other side of it, training others to make it through. We talk mindset, discipline, and what it really takes to stay composed under pressure. Julianne also shares real, no-BS advice for women chasing hard goals—if you want it, go after it. We touch on the wild realities of Florida phase (yes… the wildlife is very real), her CrossFit-driven fitness journey, and a glimpse into life at 6 RTB. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of more… this one’s for you. Curious about Julianne’s world or want to learn more about 6 RTB? Tap into the show notes for more info and ways to connect. Follow, rate, and share Resilient & Rowdy with someone who needs to hear it. 💛 @ResilientandRowdy @JKiloj12 @6thRTB_official

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, Jess sits down with Olivera—a licensed therapist, yoga teacher, and business owner—to explore her path to opening a private practice and her holistic approach to mental health. Olivera reflects on how her passion for psychology began in high school and shares her experience working in addiction treatment and psychiatric settings. She breaks down her somatic, mindfulness-based style of therapy and explains how she uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) alongside yoga and trauma-informed practices. Olivera also compares ART to EMDR, emphasizing its efficiency and impact. The conversation wraps with insights on resilience, individualized care, and the power of a strong therapeutic relationship. Disclaimer: This episode features general education only. It doesn't create a therapist-client relationship and isn't a substitute for professional mental health care. For personal care, please consult a licensed clinician. If you're in crisis, contact 988 or 911.  instagram.com/oliveracounseling  https://www.oliveracounseling.com/ https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/therapist-directory/ Follow & Connect:  www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy    www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdy www.resilientandrowdy.com Give us a holler at [email protected] :)

After a five-month pause, Jess sits down to catch up — career shifts, private growth, quiet resilience, and rediscovering her voice. This isn’t a rebrand; it’s a rebirth. Resilient & Rowdy returns softer, wiser, and still a little chaotic — because healing doesn’t mean you lose your edge. Follow & Connect: www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdywww.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy   www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdywww.resilientandrowdy.comGive us a holler at [email protected] :)

Turning 30 hit harder (and sweeter) than I ever expected. In this solo episode, I'm taking you through my raw, messy, beautiful 2024 - the highs, the heartbreaks, the growth, and the gratitude.  From navigating mental health struggles, cutting ties with the wrong people, to learning what resilience looks like - we're talking about it all.  If you've ever felt like you're healing, hurting, and thriving all at once... this one's for you.  Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's get real.  If you laughed, cried, or yelled “same girl” at any point during this episode, go ahead and leave ya girl a 5-star review. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’ll bring you good karma. Probably.  Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! Follow & Connect:  www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy www.youtube.com/ ⁨@resilientandrowdy⁩   www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdy www.resilientandrowdy.com Give us a holler at [email protected] :)

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess brings back special guest Michael Ramos to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his book, 'The After.' Michael shares insights on the impact of his book, reader feedback, and how writing has been a therapeutic journey. The conversation delves into the personal and emotional aspects of military service and transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, community, and the power of creativity in healing. Michael also shares a reading from his book and discusses his upcoming projects. Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt discussion that sheds light on the veteran experience and the journey of personal growth. The After is available on Amazon, Kindle, and UNC Press. Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpbeelz_writes/ Buy his book here: https://uncpress.org/book/9781469678078/the-after/ Let us know what you think of the episode and send memes to [email protected] www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdy www.resilientandrowdy.com

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess Jaimes sits down with special guest James Spearman—a distinguished Air Force pilot and successful business owner. James takes us through his remarkable journey, from a childhood captivated by aviation to becoming an Air Force mechanic, earning his degree at Middle Tennessee State University, and ultimately completing Air Force Pilot Training. He opens up about the challenges he faced along the way, including a difficult upbringing, the high-stakes demands of military and commercial aviation, and the ongoing pursuit of mental well-being in such a pressure-driven field. James shares invaluable insights on resilience, the power of teamwork in aviation, managing stress, and the importance of self-assessment and personal growth. He also reflects on defining moments in his career, including a deeply meaningful flight with his late father and the honor of receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, perseverance, and a firsthand look into the world of aviation. Connect with James Spearman: www.instagram.com/TheJamesSpearman https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman  https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/ Let us know what you think of the episode and send memes to [email protected] www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdy www.resilientandrowdy.com

In this episode of Resilient Rowdy, Jess interviews Nora Latouja, the iconic first female Navy SEAL. Nora shares her journey from Ohio to the military, her challenges in joining during a downsizing period, and her eventual role as a logistics officer. Nora shares how her TikTok presence grew during COVID-19, where she faced criticism but used humor and advocacy to build a following. She talks about transitioning to the reserves, motherhood, and balancing personal and professional life. The episode explores women's experiences in the military and emphasizes resilience, adaptation, and genuine connections. Check out her funny posts at: www.instagram.com/fubar_actual **Support Resilient & Rowdy!** www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy www.tiktok.com/resilientandrowdy www.resilientandrowdy.com Send your questions, comments, concerns, lemon bar recipe to [email protected]

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess sits down with Alex from The Sticky Green Beret. Alex opens up about his journey growing up in Texas, his decision to join the military at 24, and his extensive training and career as a Green Beret. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, navigating grief, and how psychedelics have played a pivotal role in his healing process. Alex also shares insights into his work in Oregon's cannabis industry, his humorous Instagram presence, and exciting upcoming projects. His story is a testament to the power of courage, community, and self-awareness in navigating the path from the structured discipline of military service to embracing individuality and personal freedom. https://www.instagram.com/thestickygreenberet https://sgbsupplyco.myshopify.com/ **Support Resilient & Rowdy!**   https://www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy https://www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientandrowdy Got questions, comments, and dad jokes? Sent to [email protected]

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess interviews the influential military YouTuber Nicky MGTV. They discuss Nicky's intriguing background and his journey in the Navy over the past 16 years. Nicky explains his unique role as a hospital corpsman and independent duty corpsman, and his path as a content creator. The conversation shifts to his recent hiatus from YouTube due to regulatory issues, the mental health impact of this break, and his plans to navigate these challenges while adhering to official guidelines. They explore the importance of having open discussions, evolving content creation in the military community, and the need for better policies to support military content creators. Stay tuned & up to date with Nicky MGTV on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nickymgtv/?hl=en **Support Resilient & Rowdy!** https://www.instagram.com/resilientandrowdy https://www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientandrowdy Any questions, comments, and dad jokes send em to [email protected]

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess sits down with Jackie Jones, an art therapy professional, to delve into the profound impact of art therapy and holistic health. Jackie opens up about her culturally rich background and her journey from art education to influential roles in art therapy. She shares her experiences at Georgetown University Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she’s worked with everyone from children to veterans facing challenges such as cancer, blood disorders, PTSD, and TBI. Jackie reveals how art therapy, alongside practices like yoga, meditation, and energy healing, fosters emotional resilience and holistic well-being. Connect with Jackie and learn more about her work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flourish_momentum and her website https://flourishmomentum.com **Support Resilient & Rowdy!** https://www.instagram.com/resilient.rowdy https://www.youtube.com/@resilientandrowdy https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientandrowdy Questions, comments, or even a dad joke? Reach out at [email protected]

Welcome and welcome back! Today's episode is with a special guest, Autumn Schlimmer, founder of Frauline K9. Autumn shares her inspiring journey from the Navy to becoming a professional dog trainer. Tune in to learn about her experience in military canine training, her passion for working with dogs, and the transition to starting her own business. Don't miss this engaging conversation about perseverance, adaptability, and dedication in the field of dog training. Give Autumn a follow! www.instagram.com/fraulinek9 https://www.fk9training.com Help support Resilient & Rowdy! Subscribe, like, share, follow 3 www.instagram.com/Resilient.Rowdy

In this episode Jess interviews Michael, a veteran turned creative writing professor, about his journey from military life to academia. They explore Michael's transition from the Navy, the role of education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in his career shift, and his discovery of creative writing as a therapeutic and fulfilling path. Michael's story underscores the adaptability of military skills in civilian life and the healing power of the arts. Michael Ramos is an Iraq war veteran, a writer, teacher, book designer, editor, and the art director for Ecotone magazine. His work focuses on dispelling myths about war, warriors, and veterans, and bringing military and civilian communities together through the power of art. You can find his work in Fourth Genre, Slice, PANK Daily, and other places. His essay collection The After: A Veteran's Notes on Coming Home (UNC Press 2024) received a starred Kirkus review and is available now from UNC Press Follow Michael on Instagram: @RPBeelz_Writes  Follow Resilient & Rowdy: @Resilient.Rowdy  Please like, share, and subscribe!

In this episode of Resilient and Rowdy, host Jess welcomes Sean Ambriz with a unique Army combat experience. Originating from Los Angeles, California, Sean joined the military as an MP, but his career took unexpected turns, including roles as a medic, SRT NCOIC, and marksman during deployments in Afghanistan. Sean shares his journey from combat experiences, dealing with PTSD, to writing a book that chronicles his story and honors his fallen comrades. His book aims to support and inspire others through his detailed accounts of historic battles and personal growth. Now serving as a senior enlisted advisor at Fort Carson, Sean remains an advocate for mental health and resilience, continuously offering support to those in need. Sean has many accolades including the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal, Purple Heart, and two Bronze Stars with valor.  Check out his book: https://mentormilitary.com/products/ghosts-of-the-valley Follow Sean: www.instagram.com/chief_pinkmist  Follow Resilient & Rowdy: www.instagram.com/resilient.rowdy

Donald McAlister AKA Mac is a retired Airborne Infantry Command Sergeant Major with over twenty-four years of dedicated service to the United States Army. He served on multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan where he led his troops into battle. While deployed to Iraq in the 2003 invasion, Mac was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device. He ultimately recovered from his injuries and continued to serve and deploy until he retired in 2017. Since retiring, Mac continues to stay involved in the veteran community. He has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations that serve our nation’s warriors. Mac is also a family man, actor and metalhead.   In 2021 CSM Mac made his first foray into acting on Steven Grayhm’s first film “The Secret of Sinchanee” and continues to sit on the board at Team House Studios as the Veteran Outreach Liaison Officer.  Follow him on Instagram @ don_mcalister_aka_mac  Follow & support the podcast @ Resilient.Rowdy