The podcast that started in a studio is finding its voice in the world. This is the evolution of Only Human.
In this episode, Jess and Karli pull back the curtain to share what’s really been going on behind the scenes. They open up about the reality of an oversaturated podcast industry, what support really means when it comes to social media, and the struggles of their current season, feeling like they’re at the mercy of a “yes” that’s standing in the way of their potential. Through it all, they’re exploring how to reframe that mindset, create their own opportunities, and lean into what excites them most. This is only the beginning, but things might look a little different in the near future!
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In this episode, Jess and Karli tackle a topic that’s often considered taboo: money. They dive into why conversations about money can feel so uncomfortable, share their own personal feelings about money, and explore four different money archetypes and which ones they are after taking a quiz. From salary transparency to social spending expectations, they get real about the awkwardness of sharing salaries with friends, navigating wedding and bachelorette expenses, splitting dinner bills, and handling bar tabs when you barely drink.
This week on Only Human, Jess and Karli are mixing things up by blending two worlds: mental health and pop culture. They both brought a list of recent events and trends to the table, and together they dive into a casual, open conversation to dissect different scenarios and speculate as onlookers. From the US Open, to facelifts, to crashing out on TikTok, this one is a nice, light episode that takes you on a journey!
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into the realities of work-life balance and mental health in the workplace. From Jess’s experience as a pediatric ER nurse to Karli's perspective as a corporate consultant, they explore what work-life balance really means to them, how they personally guard against burnout, and whether companies are truly supporting employee well-being or just merely checking a box.
In this episode, Jess takes the hot seat. She shares what it’s been like to spend 11 years with her high school sweetheart — the highs, the challenges, and the misconceptions people often have about long-term relationships. Jess and Karli dive into what makes a partnership work: communication, loyalty, and the role of love languages (spoiler: Jess might have all of them). Jess also opens up about the unspoken rules she and her husband have built over the years — the quiet foundations that keep their relationship strong. Whether you’re single, dating, or years into your own relationship, this episode is a thoughtful, honest look at what it really takes to grow together.
In this episode, Jess & Karli dive into the realities of being single in your 20s. Karli opens up about her six-plus years of singleness in a season where many of her closest friends are engaged or married and the mix of emotions that come with feeling “behind.” They unpack the reasons behind her singleness, the moments it feels hardest, and what she’s looking for in a partner. Jess asks the tough questions, challenging Karli’s mindset and high standards as they debate whether chemistry can grow or if it’s instantaneous and break down the modern dating landscape—from apps to the way men are showing up (or not) today.
This episode contains discussions about disordered eating, food and exercise habits, and personal experiences within the healthcare system. Please listen at your own discretion. The content shared reflects personal experiences and is not intended as medical advice.
In this episode, Karli opens up about her healing journey after 8 years without a period. What began in college as an effort to control her weight and excel as a runner spiraled into disordered habits and long-term hormone dysfunction. After years of being told her missing cycle was “normal,” Karli turned to functional medicine. With patience, guidance, and self-trust, she was able to restore her period in just 8 weeks. In this episode, she shares the process, doubts, barriers, and breakthroughs along the way—reminding us that true healing takes patience, self-advocacy, and learning to listen to your own body.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into all things habits and routines. Karli's in a groove lately, while Jess is navigating the ever-changing nature of her nursing schedule, and the two compare how different lifestyles call for different approaches. They also unpack the pressure to follow routines we see online (hi, 10-step morning rituals) and why one-size-fits-all doesn’t actually benefit anyone. Karli also shares the exact morning routine that’s helped her drastically improve her mental health, allowing her to feel the healthiest, happiest version of herself.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive deep into the topic of therapy. They reflect on their own experiences, sharing how traditional talk therapy served them for a time, but eventually led them to explore other modalities like EMDR and NET. They break down what those therapies are, what the process actually looks like, and how they’ve helped reprocess negative memories and shift long-held emotional patterns. Therapy is such a personal journey, but we hope this episode offers a helpful glimpse into what to expect if you’re considering different approaches as well as a reminder that healing looks different for everyone.
Please note: We are not licensed therapists. This conversation is based on our personal experiences and is intended for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be taken as medical or mental health advice. If you’re struggling or feel you need support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into the deeply personal journey of doing the inner work and becoming the person you aspire to be. They share vulnerable moments—reading real journal entries from times they felt stuck or lost and open up about the identity shifts that shaped them. Jess talks about finding her sense of self outside of her relationship, while Karli reflects on life after being a student athlete. From letting go of the roles we cling to, to asking the hard questions and figuring out what actually brings us purpose and joy, this episode is a reminder that self-discovery isn’t linear—but it’s always worth it.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into the complexities of friendship—exploring how different personality types, upbringings, and social styles shape the way we connect with others. They reflect on how some people thrive in big groups while others feel more at ease one-on-one, and how those dynamics can impact our sense of belonging. They also open up about moments of comparison and insecurity within their own circles and the power of choosing aligned, like-minded friendships in adulthood.
In this episode, Jess and Karli get honest about the pressure pictures can hold—especially around moments like weddings, bachelorettes, and even just casual nights out with your best friends. They explore how social media has shifted the way we take and share photos, often uploading them to spark intrigue—whether through our appearance or the curated highlight reel we present as everyday life. From body image struggles to comparison spirals, they unpack how chasing the “perfect” photo can pull us out of the present moment. It’s a vulnerable conversation about shifting our mindset and returning to what pictures were always meant to be: memories we actually want to keep.
In this episode, Jess and Karli keep it light with an honest conversation about sober curiosity. It’s no secret—summer is often filled with social events, beach days, and plenty of drinks. While that can be fun, it can also bring up feelings of uncertainty, peer pressure, or simply the urge to pause and reflect.
Right now, both Jess and Karli are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, they share what got them to that point, what the journey looks like in real-time, and how they’re navigating an alcohol-centered world with a little more intention.
They talk about the mocktail they’re both loving, and share a laugh about a recent moment when they confidently ordered mocktails at the bar—proving that joy and connection don’t have to come with a drink in hand.
Even if you’re not personally sober curious, this episode offers something for everyone. It might just help you better understand the people in your life who are, and offer a reminder that choosing what feels right for you is always enough.
In this episode, Jess and Karli open up about a topic that hits close to home for both of them: anxiety. They dive into their earliest memories of anxiety, the triggers they face today, and how it physically shows up in their bodies. Sharing candid reflections and personal stories, they also reveal the small, practical habits that help them manage these feelings day-to-day. This episode isn’t just about coping—it’s about understanding anxiety on a deeper level and finding gentler, more compassionate ways to move through it. In a world that moves fast and keeps asking more of us, they hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone—and you're only human.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into the pressure of life timelines and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) comparisons that come with them. At 26, Jess is a married homeowner. At 28, Karli is single and living with her parents. Their lives couldn’t look more different on paper—and yet, they’re both asking the same thing: Am I doing life all wrong?In this honest conversation, they unpack how easy it is to feel behind when everyone else’s life looks perfectly on track—especially online. From unspoken expectations to the illusion of “success,” Jess and Karli explore the shame and self-doubt that can creep in when we measure ourselves against others. If you’ve ever questioned your path or wondered if you’re where you’re “supposed” to be, this episode is your reminder that you’re right on time.
In this episode, Jess and Karli dive into all things body image—sparked by their own recent struggles as summer begins. It’s not a topic Jess typically opens up about, while Karli has long felt drawn to these conversations, even back in her blog days. Together, they reflect on how childhood experiences and societal messages shaped their perception of their bodies, and open up about the internal pressure and external judgment that have influenced the way they see themselves. Throughout the conversation, they explore the ongoing pursuit of self-acceptance and share a reminder they’re both working to believe: your body is the least interesting thing about you.
In this episode, Jess and Karli open up about what it really feels like to start making changes—big or small—and the deep discomfort that often comes with it. They reflect on what it means to try something new when you're completely out of practice, and why climbing "cringe mountain" is often a necessary part of becoming more of yourself.They share how their routines started to feel empty, what led them to that quiet but powerful moment of “something’s gotta change,” and the small, brave ways they've begun reconnecting with themselves—even when it feels awkward or unfamiliar. From navigating new jobs to showing up solo at a gym class to admitting they’re not as fulfilled as they thought, this conversation is for anyone standing at the edge of something new and wondering if it’s too late to begin again.
In the very first episode of The Only Human Podcast, co-hosts Jess and Karli share the story behind The Only Human Project — a mission-driven space created to humanize the way we talk about mental health, identity, and the reality of being human.
They open up about how they met, the unexpected paths that led them to each other, and the shared desire to create something that goes beyond surface-level conversation. This episode sets the tone for everything to come — honest storytelling, emotional connection, and the reminder that none of us are meant to do life alone.
Jess and Karli aren’t here to give advice. They’re here to offer something more rare — a place to feel seen in your struggle, to feel connected in your humanness, and to know it’s okay to show up unfinished.
Follow along @theonlyhumanproject on Instagram and TikTok. This is only the beginning!