Motherhood, Messy Middle Years & Figuring It Out Anyway with Jessica Danel

In this episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, we dive into real-life motherhood, parenting, special needs advocacy, and what it looks like to start over when life doesn’t go as planned. Host Kayla is joined by author, podcast host, and former mom entrepreneur Jessica Danel for an honest conversation about marriage, burnout, business, and resilience.

Jessica shares her journey from building a million-dollar preschool business from the ground up to stepping away when motherhood — and advocating for a child with special needs — required everything she had. She opens up about identity loss, grief, faith, marriage after 25+ years, and the unexpected courage it takes to begin again in midlife.

Together, Kayla and Jessica talk about:

• Parenting children with special needs and navigating IEP advocacy
• Trusting your gut when professionals don’t listen
• The emotional toll of being the “default parent”
• Marriage, motherhood, and long-term commitment
• Walking away from a successful business without losing yourself
• Using humor to survive trauma, burnout, and overwhelm
• Why sharing your story matters — even when it’s messy

Jessica also dives into her memoir, Bucket List From a Redneck Girl, a raw and heartfelt collection of stories about childhood trauma, faith, resilience, and the moments where God shows up when you least expect it.

This episode is for any mom who has ever felt exhausted, unseen, or unsure if she’s doing enough — and needs the reminder that starting over doesn’t mean starting from nothing.

Guest Information

Jessica Danel
Author • Podcast Host • Mom • Entrepreneur

🌐 Website:
 www.jesssaying.net

🎙 Podcast: 

Jess Saying with Jessica Danel

📚 Book:
Bucket List From a Redneck Girl
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC9M66CB

📱 Social Media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessdanel

X (Twitter): https://x.com/Jessdanel  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-danel-mba-88970283/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessdanel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessicadanel3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-danel-mba-88970283/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicadanel4240

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/jesscuz

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jessdanel

Truth: https://truthsocial.com/@JessicaDanel

Podcast Information

🎙 Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain

📱 Follow us on social media:
@Momsbrainisacoffeestain

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout:
https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com