Jenna and Jeff decode "FAFO", a parenting trend that is at the forefront of a new fad parenting style. Jeff and Jenna take a journey down memory lane to help them understand this "new/old" style of parenting, as well as examining parenting styles over the past fifty years. "F-around and Find out" may be the answer, or may be a bit of nostalgia.
But what happens if we raise children without consequences and accountability? Could the next generation of adults be doomed and unable to fend for themselves?
We invite you to tune into Origin of Me, a podcast created as a space for storytelling, healing, and remembering. In each episode, guests step into the role of storyteller, sharing memories, family narratives, and life experiences that ripple across generations. These personal accounts honor the legacies we carry, the pain we inherit, and the resilience we continue to pass on.
Our intention is to offer a soft landing for voices that haven’t always had a place to be heard. Together, we create a grounded and thoughtful space to explore what it means to belong, to honor our stories, and to better understand the threads of our legacy as they unfold.
Whether you're tracing your roots, breaking cycles, or simply searching for meaning, Origin of Me invites you to return to where it all began.
Senator Mallory McMorrow joins Jeff and Jenna for a conversation about reshaping how we talk, think, and engage with one another in our communities. She addresses the deepening mistrust and division in today’s political climate and shares insights from her time on the campaign trail. Drawing from her background in problem-solving, Senator McMorrow speaks candidly about her 2026 run for U.S. Senate and her bold platform centered on what she calls “Safety, Success, and Sanity.” Tune in for an inspiring discussion rooted in the belief that hate must not win.
Jeff and Jenna are joined by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, former JAG Corp officer, lawyer, Judge, Author, lecturer who is well known for sentencing the infamous Larry Nassar at MSU. Her latest book, to be published soon, “Speak Up”, is the subject of a lively discussion related to leading with your gut, trusting your instincts and going with the heart fully open. Join Jeff and Jenna for a true gem and advocate.
Jeff and Jenna are joined by Ilya (I love you always) who discusses his own journey from victim to victor and the importance of the men's work he has done through the Mankind Project (MKP). He announces and promotes his up-and-coming YouTube Channel and Podcast entitled "Ilya".
Jeff and Jenna sit down with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor for an engaging conversation about the exciting projects shaping the city’s future. From innovation and economic development to building a strong sense of community pride, they explore how local leadership and residents alike can help Lansing thrive as a premier destination.
In part two of the conversation on The Four Agreements, Jenna and Jeff take a deeper look at what it means to stay grounded in your truth. How can we apply the principle of not taking things personally in our relationships, work, and everyday interactions, especially when criticism or conflict arises? We’ll talk about how to develop a strong inner foundation, how to respond rather than react, and how to honor your worth without letting others define it.
In this episode, Jenna and Jeff dive into the second agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements being, Don’t Take Anything Personally. Jenna and Jeff explore the liberating truth that what others say and do is more a reflection of their own reality than ours. Through real-life examples, insights from the book, and practical reflections, Jenna and Jeff begin to unpack how taking things personally can trap us in cycles of hurt, misunderstanding, and self-doubt. Tune in to start learning how to reclaim your emotional freedom and stop absorbing the projections of others.
Jeff and Jenna are invited to the Pokégnek Bodéwadmik (Pokagon band of Potawatomi) Peacekeeping Facilities to learn about the history, scope and importance of peacekeeping. Jason and Stacey join in the discussion seated in their sacred fire keeping room for an honest glimpse into the spiritual world of the POKAGON Band of Potawatomi. Listen in to learn more about their customs and methods for working through conflict and restoring peace.
Jeff and Jenna are invited to MSU’s Campus to learn about healing in the form of art and activism, “artivism”. They are joined by Scott Boehm, Assistant Professor of 20th/21st Spanish Culture and the Founder/Director of the MSU Latinx Film Festival. He is a Core Faculty member of the Global Studies in the Arts & Humanities Program, as well as an Affiliated Faculty member of the Film Studies Program. Dr. Boehm, currently working on a four-part documentary series highlighting the mass shooting that took place at MSU, is joined by his colleague John McKenna, Country Director (USA) for the Non-Violence Project (NVP), who works to inspire, motivate and engage people to manage and prevent conflicts without ever resorting to violence. With an educational focus based on both prevention, intervention and on measures that address root issues rather than punish behaviors or feed the blame. Together we discuss the Soul Box Project at MSU’s Broad Art Museum in recognition, remembrance , and healing after the shooting that took place at MSU two years ago.
Seasoned Michigan lawyers Jeff and Mike walk Jenna through her worker's compensation claim from start to finish. All employees should be aware of a few twists and turns if they find themselves injured at work. Listen in to find out more.
Jeff and Jenna talk with their guest Angie from the Women's Center of Greater Lansing about what the organization is all about. Jeff and Jenna find out how they and their listeners can show their support for an organization that has been helping the Lansing community for nearly 20 years. Jeff plays Santa to find out what is on the Women's Center of Greater Lansing's holiday wish list this year.
Jenna and Jeff welcome back their friends Kari and Pharra to discuss what could be next for their community in light of recent election results. Listen as the fear becomes a beacon for hope, and call to action for our future political relationships.
Join Jenna as she interviews Jeff, David, and Jay about the transformative journeys they've experienced within their men’s group. Together, they explore themes of personal growth, authentic living, and how this supportive community became a guiding force in their lives. Listen in for inspiring stories of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of a group for those seeking meaningful change.
Tune in to be inspired by stories of self-awareness, camaraderie, and the vibrant energy of a community dedicated to growth.
Jeff and Jenna dive into an honest conversation about the challenges Jenna currently faces regarding her appearance due to medical issues. Though it's a difficult topic to discuss, Jenna opens up about the medical procedure she needs and shares her journey leading up to this point.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains detailed descriptions of medical procedures. Jeff and Jenna aim to keep their episodes real, hoping their openness can offer support to others facing similar challenges.
Meet Monique Pollok: Your Guide to Navigating Social Security Disability!
In this episode, Jeff and Jenna sit down with Monique Pollok, a dedicated Social Security Disability Advocate who works tirelessly to support her clients through the complexities of the disability system. Monique shares valuable insights into the common challenges people face when applying for benefits and breaks down the essential steps for successfully securing the support they need. Whether you're just starting the application process or are stuck in the system, Monique offers expert advice to help you overcome obstacles and stay on track.
Jeff and Jenna are joined by Barbara McQuade, New York Times bestselling author of How Disinformation is Sabotaging America: Attack From Within, University of Michigan Law Professor, and NBC/MSNBC legal analyst, along with Steve Coon, Central Michigan University Journalism Professor, seven-time Michigan Press Association award winner, and former editor of The Mount Pleasant Morning Sun. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking discussion on how disinformation, lies, and AI are polarizing society and threatening the core of our democracy. They explore strategies to combat these challenges, addressing the impact of technology and social media, and highlight what we should embrace and remain cautious about as we navigate the election cycle and beyond.
Jeff and Jenna sit down with Sandy Jo, an experienced LAPD officer and conflict resolution expert, to discuss the ongoing issue of police brutality and how the LAPD has reshaped its approach to policing. Sandy Jo shares insights into the department's shift toward a community-centered model, focusing on open dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts and ensure everyone's voice is heard.
In this episode, Sandy Jo explores how law enforcement is making meaningful connections with the community, highlighting improved methods of engagement and trust-building. Jeff and Jenna encourage listeners to consider new ways of fostering relationships between communities and the officers sworn to protect them.
In this episode, Jeff and Jenna explore the roots of labeling, tracing its history and examining the modern-day "us vs. them" mindset that permeates social interactions. They share practical tips for overcoming their own labeling habits and invite listeners to join them in fostering a more inclusive perspective.
In this episode, Jeff and Jenna delve into the pressing issue of homelessness in their community. They share their fears and concerns for the increasing number of displaced individuals, explore the community's current efforts and shortcomings, and brainstorm potential solutions. Jeff and Jenna invite their listeners to provide feedback, aiming to transform how their community discusses and addresses the challenges faced by the homeless and displaced population.
