In this episode, Ji and Mel explore what it means to take a non-traditional path in midlife, living without a partner or children, whether by choice, chance, or circumstance. They dive into how family expectations, cultural pressure, and societal stigma shape women’s decisions about marriage and motherhood, and what life looks like when you choose a different path. With honest reflections on love, independence, and aging, this conversation is for women defining what happiness and purpose mean on their own terms.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why early family experiences shape how we view marriage and children.
• The stigma—and freedom—of being single or child-free in your 40s.
• The narratives women must release to embrace their authentic choices.
• The financial and emotional realities of aging without children or a partner.
• Practical advice for women undecided about marriage or children.
• What Ji and Mel would tell their younger selves about self-worth, independence and love.

What We Discuss:

00:24 — Why Ji and Mel chose to have this conversation.

03:00 — Early influences on views about marriage and kids.

09:25 — Choice vs. circumstance in deciding not to have children.

19:26 — The freedoms and gains of being single and child-free.

21:52 — The challenges: loneliness, aging, and financial security.

28:34 — Advice to their younger selves and to women still undecided.

Connect with Jam Session:

• Follow Jam Session on Instagram
• Share Your Journey with Ji and Mel
• Visit Second Act Coaching
• Episode Webpage
• Disclaimer

In this episode, Ji Kim and Mel Hightower explore the complexities of being the 'fixer' in family dynamics. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional toll of this role, and the importance of setting boundaries. Through candid conversations, they reflect on their journeys and offer insights on how to navigate the challenges of being a fixer while prioritizing self-care and healthy relationships.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to recognize the signs that you might be the “fixer” in your family.
• The emotional and financial toll of constantly stepping in to solve others’ problems.
• Why fixers often suffer in silence—and how that affects relationships.
• The role of cultural and family dynamics in shaping fixer behavior.
• How unspoken expectations can create long-term pressure and resentment.
• The power of honest conversations in reshaping family roles.
• Practical ways to set and reinforce healthy boundaries without guilt.
• How shifting your role can strengthen your family relationships.

What We Discuss:

00:00 What it means to be the “family fixer” and how to spot the signs.

06:55 Mel’s story — stepping into the role after her father’s passing and its impact.

18:50 Ji’s story — how fixing shaped her career, relationships, and choices.

27:09 The turning points, boundary setting, and redefining support.

38:57 What healing looks like when you step back from fixing.

Connect with Jam Session:

• Follow Jam Session on Instagram
• Share Your Journey with Ji and Mel
• Visit Second Act Coaching
• Episode Webpage
• Disclaimer

In this episode of the Jam Session podcast, hosts Ji Kim and Mel Hightower delve into the essential topic of self-care. They explore its definition, the importance of both internal and external self-care, and share personal stories of their journeys. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing the signs of neglecting self-care, setting boundaries, and the role of sacrifice. They also discuss various non-conventional self-care modalities, including energy healing and Akashic records, and how these practices have influenced their lives. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of faith, journaling, and finding joy beyond self-care routine.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days—and how internal self-care can be just as vital as external.
• How to spot the warning signs that you’re running on empty before burnout hits.
• Why boundaries, therapy, and honest conversations are game changers when you're depleted.
• How childhood roles and cultural expectations shape our relationship with self-care.
• What energy healing and Akashic readings are—and how they helped Ji reconnect with her inner self.
• Why journaling, faith, and daily rituals like walking can be powerful and free self-care tools.
• How purpose, not productivity, became the north star for both Ji and Mel.
• Why doing something outside yourself—like solo travel or fostering rescue dogs—can expand your heart and your healing.

What We Discuss:

01:49 – The difference between internal and external self-care—and why we often neglect the internal

03:50 – Mel’s burnout story and the wake-up call that forced her to prioritize her wellbeing

08:27 – Ji’s journey from external self-care to deep internal healing after a breakup

13:23 – Exploring holistic modalities: energy healing, reiki, and Akashic readings

22:06 – How faith and journaling helped Mel reconnect to her purpose

27:30 – Why doing something outside yourself—like solo travel or fostering dogs—can be deeply healing

34:43 – Free self-care practices you can start today, from morning walks to meditation

Connect with Jam Session:

• Follow Jam Session on Instagram
• Share Your Journey with Ji and Mel
• Visit Second Act Coaching
• Episode Webpage
• Disclaimer

In this episode of the Jam Session podcast, hosts Ji Kim and Mel Hightower explore the complexities of friendship, particularly how transitions in life can affect the dynamics of relationships. They discuss the different tiers of friendships, recognizing when a friendship has changed, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on navigating toxic friendships and the beauty of evolving connections, emphasizing that friendships can grow stronger or fade away as individuals change and grow.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to categorize your relationships into meaningful tiers - Discover a framework for understanding the difference between transactional acquaintances, social companions, and deep authentic friendships.
• The warning signs that a friendship is changing - Learn to recognize when you feel drained, burdened, or disconnected after interactions, and what these feelings signal about the relationship's health.
• How to identify your true "ride or die" friends - Understand the characteristics of tier one friendships, including unconditional support, genuine celebration of your wins, and absence of competition.
• Why speaking up early saves friendships - Discover how addressing concerns directly and honestly can either strengthen the relationship or help it end more gracefully, rather than letting resentment build.
• When and how to gracefully let go of friendships - Learn that it's healthy to release relationships that no longer serve you, creating space for new connections and deeper bonds with existing friends.
• How friendships can transform and deepen over time - Explore how casual acquaintances can evolve into profound connections when both people are willing to be vulnerable and authentic with each other.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(1:24) Defining Friendship Tiers

(12:00) Recognizing Changes in Friendships

(17:30) Setting Boundaries with Friends

(25:50) Sunsetting Friendships

(35:45) Evolving Friendships and New Connections

Connect with Jam Session:

• Follow Jam Session on Instagram
• Share Your Journey with Ji and Mel
• Visit Second Act Coaching
• Episode Webpage
• Disclaimer

In this episode of the Jam Session podcast, hosts Ji Kim and Mel Hightower share their personal journeys of transformation and self-discovery. They discuss their backgrounds, the pivotal moments that led them to reevaluate their lives, and the importance of community and support during times of change. Ji recounts her breakup and the subsequent healing process, while Mel reflects on her career pivot from a workaholic to an entrepreneur. Together, they emphasize the significance of embracing change and finding one's purpose.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How major life pivots can happen at any age - there's no timeline for having life "figured out"
• The difference between external validation and internal healing - why achieving outward success doesn't always translate to inner fulfillment
• How to recognize when you're operating from trauma versus your authentic self, and why the people you attract often reflect where you are mentally and emotionally
• Why vulnerability isn't weakness - it's actually the pathway to building deeper, more meaningful relationships
• How low self-esteem can masquerade as high achievement and keep you stuck in cycles of proving your worth through accomplishments
• That pivotal moments, even painful ones, can be the catalyst for the most transformative periods of personal growth

What We Discuss:

(00:10) Finding Purpose Through Life Changes

(09:11) Navigating Heartbreak and Self-Discovery

(20:01) Healing, Growth, and Transformation Journey

(24:40) Navigating Self-Worth and Vulnerability

(38:49) Embracing Authenticity and Purpose

Connect with Jam Session:

• Follow Jam Session on Instagram
• Share Your Journey with Ji and Mel
• Visit Second Act Coaching
• Episode Webpage
• Disclaimer

What happens when you're standing at a crossroads—asking how did I get here? Jam Session is the podcast where, by tuning in, you tune into your purpose.

Hosted by Ji Kim and Mel Hightower—two longtime friends navigating big pivots in love, career, and life—this show shares real stories of transformation. From endings that made us pause and pivot to new chapters we never saw coming, we talk about the moments that changed us—and how we found our way forward.

This trailer is your invitation to join the conversation, laugh with us, heal with us, and take the next step in your own story—one episode at a time.

Subscribe now. First episode drops July 9.