We're All Going To Die, Anyway

A message from Jess: “Hello and thank you so much for listening and watching our first season of ‘We’re All Going To Die, Anyway.’  Exploring the topics of life, death, and living a Good Life you make on your own terms has been nothing short of transformational for me. And I hope for you, too.  In this episode I wanted to recap this incredible season and the guests that so beautifully came on to share their stories filled with vulnerability, wisdom and love. Many of them were dear friends that I was happy to share with you. Some of them were strangers at first and have now definitely become part of my soul-family. During this show, most of which was filmed during Covid-19, I experienced some of the most harrowing losses in my life, including the death of two beloved cats and, most painfully, the passing of my mother-in-law and brother-in-law, both due to complications from COVID-19. These conversations ranging from grief to joy have only helped to solidify why I set out on this journey in the first place. We’re all going to die anyway, so why not choose to live an urgent, beautiful, curious life….a Good Life...right now.  And because of YOU, we have created a group called the Good Life Community -- sign up here - www.jessweiner.com. I am going to be offering workshops and courses on what it means to live a Good Life and I’d love for you to join me! Thank you for your support.

In this last interview of the season, Jess sits down with Catherine Zinger -- the older sister of Jess’s friend Myra, who was her inspiration for doing this show.  If Jess’s brief yet life-changing relationship with Myra helped launch this series, then Catherine serves as its future. These two women began their relationship at a most unique time: while Myra was dying. And both regard their encounter as divinely orchestrated, for they now remain forever tied together in love, hope, and gratitude.   Jess and Catherine quickly delve into their own perspectives on Myra’s last few weeks, particularly through the lens of grace and heartbreak, reflecting on their personal relationships with Myra, their reactions to the devastating news of her terminal illness, and the resulting love, compassion, and gratitude that sprang between their families. IG: @catherine.zinger TW: @catherinezinger

In this episode, Jess speaks with Michael Hebb, founder of “Death Over Dinner” and the “End of Life Collective.” The groundbreaking work of both of these organizations in helping to normalize death and dying and democratize resources for end of life support have both served as huge inspirations in Jess’s journey to better understand the fragility and urgency of life.  In this interview, Jess and Michael explore how destructive the path of dying has become the last few decades -- particularly in the field of medicine -- where there is often no real connection to end of life needs and rituals. Michael shares wisdom on the beauty of human connection and vulnerability, emphasizes a necessary collective shift in our perspective on dying, and he and Jess both reflect on how our wounds and pain can also provide a path to understanding and healing.  Websites: www.hebb.life www.eol.community

In this episode, Jess sits down with her longtime friend and executive recruiter, Tammi Ramsey. Their friendship spanning close to 30 years has seen incredible highs and dark lows, like the recent loss of Tammi’s younger brother, Phil, to cancer. Tammi’s unwavering faith in a higher power has always been a foundational tool for her grounded and positive outlook on the world. Tammi shares how her decision to post about her daily gratitude online every single day for a year while she approached her 50th birthday changed her entire mindset to always look for the good. In this conversation, Jess and Tammi explore her childhood memories to piece together how she developed and formed a deep spiritual connection and how this faith has been a foundation to her idea of living a Good Life.

In this episode, Jess sits down with Morra Aarons-Mele, a renowned internet marketer and author of Hiding in the Bathroom: A Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You'd Rather Stay Home). Morra has been very open and vocal about her anxiety and depression and how she handles the highs and lows of navigating a mental illness inside of a work culture that values “hustle porn” and success at all costs (or at least the appearance of success!). In this convo, Jess and Morra talk about creating a Good Life that includes developing a relationship with your anxiety, boldly and vulnerably sharing your truth so that others are unburdened to share their own, and normalizing the everyday presence of mental illness even and especially with high functioning successful people. FB: www.facebook.com/WomenOnline Twitter: @morraam

In this episode shot on location in Brooklyn, NY, Jess sits down with journalist and “Gen-Z whisperer” Taylor Trudon. Known for her savvy awareness of teens and youth culture, Taylor also provides an insightful and vulnerable account of her own personal challenges and successes, discussing her plights as an “overachiever,” the fallbacks of finding your identity through work, and learning to fight toxic perfectionism. Throughout their conversation, Jess and Taylor reflect on the importance of vulnerability, the fact that not all dreams were meant to come true, and that we can always use our past experiences to support and engage with those who are younger than us. Taylor’s version of a Good Life includes weekly doses of therapy, an urgency to share her own stories, and a reminder that done is better than perfect. Twitter + IG: @TaylorTrudon

In this episode, Jess sits down with two phenomenal young women, Taylor Richardson and Khloe Thompson. At just 17-years-old, Taylor is a STEM and girls’ empowerment advocate who’s led literacy and fundraising campaigns to inspire other girls of color to go after their dreams -- especially in the science and tech fields. Khloe is the 13-year-old founder of “Khloe Kares,” a charity committed to providing handmade bags to homeless women and men on the streets in her community. In a truly inspiring conversation, Jess, Taylor, and Khloe discuss what led them to care about activism at such a young age, how they are learning to redefine the way they lead by creating community connection and how the legacies they wish to leave in the world will inspire other kids to take action in their everyday lives - now! These bright young activists remind us that a quest for social change can start at any age, and when you seek a world where people have equal access and opportunity -- everyone can enjoy a Good Life. Twitter: @Astrostarbright + @khloekares IG: @astronautstarbright + @khloekares

In this episode, Jess sits down for a deeply spiritual conversation with Derek and Sophia Luke. You may know Derek for his performances in “Antwone Fisher,” “Friday Night Lights,” and “13 Reasons Why,” but Derek and his wife Sophia have also dedicated their lives to empowering families, working with underserved and incarcerated youth, and championing STEAM education. Although they were strangers before this podcast, Jess, Derek, and Sophia quickly bond over their shared vision of changing the media industry to tell more inclusive stories and how their version of The Good Life involves purpose, service and helping the next generation see themselves in the media they consume.  IG: @DerekLuke + @SophiaAdella Twitter: @DerekLuke

In this episode, Jess sits down with actor, producer, and activist Monique Coleman, who is best known for playing ‘Taylor Mckessie’ in Disney’s “High School Musical” franchise. Monique reveals a story she doesn’t usually share publicly about a traumatic accident she had as a child and how that introduced her to the concept of mortality at an early age. Jess and Monique talk about their recoveries from traumatic experiences and how facing their pain helps them heal and face loss. Now decades later, Monique has dedicated her life to a path of self-discovery with the intention of uplifting women and girls around the world along with her. This conversation really dives into how building The Good Life using strength, fortitude, and self-compassion can be more valuable than any amount of fame or fortune. IG: @_moniquecoleman + IG: @gimmemoyouth TW: @gimmemotalk   Books mentioned: “Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer “The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk

In this episode, shot on location in Los Angeles during the “It’s Our Turn Young Women’s Conference,” Jess sits down for a hilarious, energizing, and inspiring interview with her former mentee, Berna Anat. Now known to the world as a Financial Hype Woman, Berna is helping young people (and specifically People of Color) better understand their finances, budgeting, and how to ultimately create generational wealth. As a daughter of Filipino immigrants, talking about money was off limits in Berna’s house. Now she’s helping to demystify financial literacy for a new generation. In fact, Berna shares the story about how she and her partner, Peter, quit their jobs, paid off student debt, and traveled around the world for a year all on a budget. We often believe we can’t live The Good Life until we are rich, but this conversation will help reshape the way we think about what we value, from money, to love, to living life on our own terms (debt free!). Twitter + IG: @HeyBerna Website: www.heyberna.com YouTube: youtube.com/HeyBerna

In this episode, Jess sits down with David and Andrea LaFrance, two people she met during a rare encounter -- while stranded in the middle of the Bahamas airport, to be exact -- and with whom she developed a deep connection and long-lasting relationship. Together, they have endured many ups and downs, but one of the most tragic events was the sudden loss of their son Connor at the age of 14. How David, Andrea, and the rest of their family responded to their son’s passing is what makes their relationship with Jess and this conversation in particular so impactful. This couple have committed their lives to celebrating Connor’s life and the inevitable long-lasting joy in doing so. They are steadfast in their approach to honoring his legacy, learning to seek out and read the signs from above, and understanding that The Good Life can be found by simply doing what we love.

In this special episode, Jess shares a story that she has never shared publicly before...her first experience with death. When she was only 13 years old, she lost her friend and her first love, a boy named Bobby. He was the son of a high ranking politician in Florida and was tragically murdered by his mother, who then took her own life. Because the death was public news, the family held a closed funeral and Jess was never able to grieve for him, which left a lasting impact on the way she viewed and came to understand loss. Jess also shares a special poem that has brought much solace to her life called “The Dash.” We all have a birth date and we will all have a day that we die. But it’s the dash between those dates that really constitutes our LIFE. And Jess reminds us all that paying attention to that “dash” and filling it with love, memories, and connections will help make our life a Good Life worth living.

In today’s episode, Jess speaks with Tim Federle, the producer of Disney+’s hit show “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” He shares incredible insights throughout the conversation about his own experience being bullied as a boy, how being a theatre kid “saved his life,” and how he now gets paid for doing all the things for which people used to make fun of him. Tim’s search for living The Good Life has him redefining his version of success, and he talks about how, as adults, we need to give ourselves permission to change our aspirations and dreams. Jess and Tim bond over  their shared theatre roots, their love of connecting with kids, and how they both feel leadership is ultimately about bringing out the good in people.  IG + Twitter: @TimFederle

In today’s episode, Jess sits down with TV director Michael Medico to discuss the most influential moments of their past, including the death of loved ones, the loss of relationships, and how they are both discovering new and unexpected passions. Michael shares how as a child, his mother’s mental illness helped shape his ability as a performer to think about people’s emotional needs and how he and his partner, Brian, now approach modeling a “realistic relationship” for their children. And in a way only good friends can do, Michael brings Jess to tears with some very kind words about what it means to be a true mother and nurturer.  IG + Twitter: @michaelmedicola Website: www.michaelmedico.com   Books mentioned by Michael: “Genius Foods” by Max Lugavere “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell

In this episode, Jess sits down with writer, poet, and artist Megan Baca. Though at the beginning of the conversation, they start as strangers, they soon discover so many similarities about their creative passions, the emotional trauma of childhood bullying, and learning how to “reparent” yourself later in life. Megan candidly shares her struggles to fit into a world that didn’t appear ready to accept her for her extroverted, talkative, unapologetic self. She and Jess connect over what it means to finally be “seen” by a loving partner, and Megan reveals a powerful story concerning the birth of her third daughter. Most importantly, she and Jess talk at length about how the deaths of loved ones have positively influenced their search for The Good Life and how it is never too late to passionately run in the direction of our dreams. Twitter + IG: @themeganbaca

In this episode, Jess sits down with her longtime friend, writer, author and media strategist, Jennifer Romolini. If Jenn had a superpower it would be calling out bullshit, helping people see the value in their “weirdness,” and  leaving the world a better place for the next generation. In this convo, Jenn opens up about her complicated childhood being raised by teen parents and how it has informed her own relationship to motherhood. She’s worked for some of the biggest media and digital brands in the world and yet here she is “tearing her old self down” along with all of the hustle and grind nonsense this culture of overachievers is pushing on us. In the middle of her life, Jenn is changing the way she thinks about what matters most. She and Jess share some hilarious and vulnerable truths about their changing bodies and don’t hold back on their excitement to build The Good life, especially as they dare to tear down some walls and start anew. IG + Twitter: @jennromolini

In this episode, Jess sits down with two stellar cast members from Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series -- Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini. They dive into conversations surrounding breaking into Hollywood, the necessity and desire to always lead with kindness, and how you’re never too young to utilize your success for advocacy and platforms you believe in. Both Joe and Frankie are portraying an iconic gay couple on a Disney+ show, and they explore the weight of being a role model and the responsibility and opportunity this show has of normalizing this relationship for a young audience. Jess’s conversation with these two passionate, curious, and thoughtful young performers demonstrate that we are indeed never too young to live and explore The Good Life. IG: @frankiearodriguez +  @joe_serafini_ Twitter: @MrFrankieAR +  @joe_serafini_

In this episode, Jess and her husband, Felipe, sit down for a second interview after grappling with two recent and devastating losses in his family: The passing of his mother, Rosario (age 72) and his brother José (age 40), who both succumbed to COVID-19 within five days of each other. Recorded exactly one month after they passed, Felipe discusses the very real, very raw range of emotions that he continues to navigate while grieving. They both discuss the rampant misinformation about COVID and the circumstances and choices that led to his family members contracting the virus. But most of all, they visit the lives and legacies of the two souls they’ve lost and what it means to search for The Good Life in the middle of indescribable loss. IG: Flopez_woodworker Website: www.felipelopezwoodworker.com

In perhaps her most personal episode yet, Jess sits down for a candid conversation with her husband and acclaimed woodworker, Felipe Lopez. It’s their first public interview together and they delve into Felipe’s upbringing in Mexico City, the loss of his cousin to HIV/Aids, and of course, the journey of their relationship as a couple who married later in life and are childless by choice. Felipe, a self described feminist, bravely shares his questioning of the toxic masculinity present in his culture. This touching and inspiring dialogue between husband and wife reminds us that as we seek out living The Good Life, or “La Buena Vida,” having a partner along for the ride can make all the difference. We encourage you to stick around for the following episode, where Felipe and Jess are confronted with some shocking and life-altering losses that came only a few months after this initial recording, yet continue to shape their dialogue around The Good Life while balancing death, loss and grief.  IG: Flopez_woodworker Website: www.felipelopezwoodworker.com

In this episode, Jess sits down with her friend, kickboxer, stuntwoman, celebrity trainer, and former WWE Pro Wrestler Kendra Smith. While Kendra’s background and expertise lean heavily on physical abilities, her spiritual transformations throughout her life and career leave no doubt that a quest for The Good Life always starts from the heart. They discuss how Kendra witnessed heartbreaking deaths as a child and how that impacted the way she looks at life now as an adult. Jess and Kendra share a beautiful conversation about how each chapter of our lives -- no matter how messy or complicated -- is just another stepping stone towards joy and embracing the unknown.  IG + Twitter: @RealKendraSmith Forge Studio IG: @forgestudiola

In this episode, Jess sits down with the daring and provocative writer Rebecca Woolf to discuss how she coped with death and parenting through the very real, very raw side of grief.  What would you do if you were preparing to separate from your husband or partner and they are diagnosed with terminal cancer? Oh, and you have four kids together. Rebecca chose not to run from the complicated journey unfolding before her and in this no-holds-barred conversation, she dives into how she navigated becoming a mother, a widow, and a new woman in search of herself during such a tumultuous time. This deeply vulnerable conversation explores the long-lasting effects of death on our day-to-day lives and how we can create for ourselves The Good Life, even amidst our darkest hours.  IG: @rebeccawoolf Twitter: @GirlsGoneChild Website: girlsgonechild.net

In this episode, Jess sits down with Alex Jackson, a gifted musician, singer, and one of her closest friends. Alex has performed all over the world, including at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil and for (our forever) President Barack Obama at the White House. She comes from an incredible family legacy. She is the daughter of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor and the first Black mayor of any other major city in the South. Alex shares her unique experience growing up in the public eye and how that impacted her experience of her father’s sudden death while she was in college.  Jess and Alex create a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about recognizing the gifts in grief, experiencing unexpected miracles, and how to continue to focus on the joy we receive from our loved ones, long after they’ve passed.  Alex hasn’t spoken much publicly about her experience with the grief and loss of losing her dad...until now. www.alexandrajmusic.com FB/IG: @alexandrajmusic

In this episode, Jess sits down with 19-year-old Joshua Bassett, star of Disney+’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” In addition to his immense talent as a singer-songwriter and actor, Josh’s curiosity, humility, and energetic ability to tap into his own personal growth serve as a reminder that you’re never too young to investigate what it means to live The Good Life - a life you love on your own terms! Jess and Josh share a candid conversation filled with spiritual coincidences, an immediate bond over their love of self-discovery books and meditation, and the necessity to take a break from social media in order to really connect to our true selves. IG: @joshuatbassett Watch + Listen to Josh’s new hit single “Anyone Else” https://joshuatbassett.lnk.to/anyoneelsevideo https://joshuatbassett.lnk.to/anyoneelse

In this episode, shot on location at the Brentwood School’s “It’s Our Turn” Young Women’s Conference, Jess sits down with Aerie Role Model and NEDA Ambassador Iskra Lawrence, and activist, speaker, and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. Iskra shares her surprising thoughts on finding out she’s becoming a mom for the first time, and Ibtihaj opens up about leaving a legacy and the recent loss of her older sister. This thoughtful, heartfelt, and hilarious conversation dives deep into our childhood dreams, adulthood realities, and the relationships that ultimately bring us closer to ourselves. Instagram: @iskra, @ibtihajmuhammad Youtube: Iskra TikTok: @iskralawrence

In this episode, shot on location in Brooklyn, NY, Jess sits down with Tiff McFierce, who most certainly lives up to her name! Tiff is a motivational maestro, combining meditation and music to host wellness retreats and programs worldwide. She is the first African American female resident DJ at Madison Square Garden and a staple in the musical team for the NBA’s New York Knicks. Jess and Tiff’s passion for social justice and personal empowerment is on full display in this dynamic episode, where they explore how to rebound from the deep losses that shape us and how to rewrite the lessons of pain into a powerful narrative about rebirth and joy. Instagram: @Tiff McFierce + @Look_INvsLookin Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Soundcloud: @TiffMcFierce

In this episode, Jess and Zuri discuss the loss of Zuri’s father in the midst of a pandemic, what it’s like to celebrate someone in a virtual funeral, and how to harness joy, love, and liberation even in uncertain times. Zuri talks about the power of portraying the character of Malika on Freeform’s hit show, “Good Trouble,” based on real life activist and author, Patrice Cullors of the Black Lives Matter movement, and how she started the Zuri Adele Fellowship for HBCU Alumni at UCLA with the intention of making Master of Fine Arts education more accessible to people of acknowledged African descent. TW: @zuriadele IG: @zuriadele

In this episode, Damone and Jess -- who have shared a friendship spanning over 20 years -- talk about everything from the devastating loss of his mother soon after his wedding, to bucking stereotypes and discrimination in Hollywood, to the painful climb of a beauty pioneer creating a self-made successful business of shaping the brows of some of the world’s most famous faces, including Oprah, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Oh -- and then there is the story of what really did happen to the drunken guest at Jess and Felipe’s wedding that Damone said he “took care of”.... Web: www.damoneroberts.com IG: @damoneroberts FB: https://www.facebook.com/DamoneRobertsBrows

In this inaugural episode, Jess and Sara discuss the importance of how now -- more than ever before -- we have to protect our mental health, re-examine our dreams, and use our art and creativity to be in service of others. It’s this commitment to service that really guides Sara’s incredible body of work: From her widely successful hit "Love Song,” to the smash Broadway debut, “Waitress,” to her recent partnership with Apple as an executive producer for the series “Little Voice” where she created the original music, Sara’s heart for helping others is as huge as her talent. Jess and Sara, who share a mutual commitment to the empowerment of young women, talk about how they are both learning to embrace shifting away from people pleasing and overworking to prioritizing meaningful social justice, advocacy, work, and relationships. Twitter: @sarabareilles IG:@sarabareilles

What makes a good life? Is it money? Fans or followers? Health? Success? Having a family? Creating a spiritual practice? Hosted by cultural expert, speaker, and consultant Jess Weiner, “We’re All Going To Die, Anyway,” is a podcast and video series dedicated to embracing the joy and urgency of living a good life. Jess, along with her inspiring guests, will joyously delve into conversations exploring what it means to live urgently and asking: “What is the life you’ve always wanted to create that you’ve avoided creating?" We are being called right now to reconsider what is essential and necessary in our lives. The world as we know it is changing, and so can we.