In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we unpack what it means to live a child-free life — by choice, by circumstance, or simply for now. Jessica and Ariele sit down with special guest Kathleen Onyejekwe, a dynamic leader, wife, and advocate for living with ease, style, and intentional joy. Together, they explore how womanhood, success, and fulfillment can exist outside of motherhood, and what it looks like to challenge cultural and societal expectations — especially for Black women, who have long been positioned as the world’s caregivers.

This heartfelt conversation dives into the complexities of being child-free for now, the grief that can accompany shifting life timelines, and the freedom that comes from defining your own version of legacy and love. Whether you’re confidently child-free, exploring your options, or simply curious about reimagining womanhood beyond motherhood, this episode offers reflection, compassion, and empowerment for every listener.

• Being child-free doesn’t mean being incomplete—it's a valid and empowering choice.

• Societal expectations often pressure women, especially Black women, to nurture and care for others.

• Some people are child-free by circumstance, not choice—and that reality deserves compassion.

• There’s freedom in designing a life that aligns with your personal values and desires.

• Conversations around parenting choices must include cultural, historical, and emotional context.

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Purity culture has left deep scars—especially for people of the global majority, women, queer folks, and those navigating the intersections of religion, culture, and colonialism. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we explore the harms of purity culture, from shame and silencing of desire to the loss of body autonomy.

Jessica breaks down how purity culture isn’t just a 1990s evangelical trend—it has roots in colonial control, patriarchy, and the policing of marginalized bodies. You’ll hear trauma-informed insights, somatic healing practices, and compassionate tools to help you release shame, reconnect with desire, and reclaim your pleasure.

✨ If you’ve struggled with shame around your body, desire, or relationships, or you’re supporting someone who has, this episode offers resources, reflection prompts, and hope for a more embodied, liberated life.

✨ Topics we cover:

• What purity culture is and how it extends beyond white evangelicalism

• How it uniquely impacts BIPOC, Asian, and Latine communities through colonialism

• The hidden harms: shame, sexual disconnection, and silencing of desire

• Somatic + body-based practices for healing

• How caregivers can teach consent to protect kids from purity culture’s harm

• Steps toward reclaiming pleasure, autonomy, and embodied freedom

Chapters:
00:00 – What is Purity Culture?
07:45 – The Colonial Roots of Purity Culture
14:30 – Shame, Desire, and the Body
21:55 – Healing Through Somatic Practices
33:10 – Caregivers & Teaching Consent
42:20 – Reclaiming Pleasure and Living Liberated

Jessica’s Cozy Book Nook: - Bookshop

1. Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith by Camden Morgante - Bookshop

2. The Vagina Bible- by Jen Gunter - Bookshop

3. Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz - Bookshop

4. Sex Talks: The Five Conversations that will transform your love life by Vanessa Marin - Bookshop

5. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

6. Come Together by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

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After a much-needed break and a bold move to a new state, Jessica returns with a powerful episode on what it really means to step into a new season of life. Joined by her friend Ariele, the two dive into the often-overlooked emotional terrain of big life changes—especially moving—and how to maintain connection with long-distance friends.

They explore how to nourish meaningful relationships, even when miles apart, and how to welcome change with grace and intention. This episode is for anyone navigating transition, craving deeper connection, or ready to move toward the life they truly want.

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele