Naked: With Janelle

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Madigan to talk about loss, love, and what it means to really live in the present. Sarah shares her story with such honesty and grace, it’s one of those conversations that makes you stop and breathe a little deeper.

She’s infectiously joyful, a light to everyone she meets, and she coaches people all over the world on how to live a life grounded in presence, gratitude, and joy. We talk about showing up, staying open, and finding beauty even in the middle of heartbreak.

This...

Ever opened your phone to look something up, only to find yourself an hour later, knee-deep in quotes, recipes, and strangers’ stories?

This episode is a reflection on that quiet tug between inspiration and distraction. Between the life we’re watching and the one we’re actually living.

It’s about the little box in our hands, the one that can connect us, numb us, or nudge us back toward what really matters.

Out of the hardest moments can come the greatest change. In this episode, Alan opens up about the moment a hospital stay forced him to face the reality of his health and sparked a radical transformation. From quitting smoking to making mental health a priority, Alan shares the hard truths, small victories, and ongoing challenges of choosing wellness every day. With honesty and courage, he reminds us that change is possible, support matters, and it’s never too late to take back your health.

Beyond his own journey, Alan—who serves as a police officer alongside his wife...

After more than twenty years together, we’ve learned that marriage isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about learning, failing, forgiving, and choosing each other again. In this candid Q&A, we answer your questions about how we reconnect in busy seasons, keep the romance alive, navigate conflicts that never seem to end, balance acceptance with growth, and even what happens when love feels like it fades. These are the honest, unfiltered lessons we’ve learned about marriage, family, and love.

Fifty episodes in—and I can hardly believe it. What started as a simple act of courage, sharing pieces of my own story, has grown into something so much bigger: a space where honesty, vulnerability, and connection meet. In this episode, I look back on the voices that shaped me—like my grandmother’s tender stories—and reflect on what it has meant to show up week after week, not always knowing how the words would land, but trusting they mattered. This is a celebration of courage, authenticity, and the incredible power of storytelling. Here’s to the stories that conne...

Becoming a mother sparked Elise Powers’ turn toward writing and gave her the courage to share her words publicly. She talks about the path to publishing her book, the courage it takes to write vulnerably, and the importance of authenticity in creative work. With honesty and heart, Elise reflects on balancing family and creativity, the emotional depth poetry uncovers, and the beauty of simple moments that shape both her art and her motherhood. Her upcoming book The Size of Your Joy is now available for preorder—check out the links to get your copy.

you can...

Joy isn’t only found in the big milestones—it’s in the small, ordinary, beautiful moments that make life feel full. In this episode, I reflect on the many ways joy shows up: in contagious laughter, quiet sips of coffee, messy pumpkin painting, and the silliness of my grandmother who embodied joy even in life’s hardest seasons.

Joy is never far away—hidden in the rhythm of ordinary days, tucked into simple pleasures, and always waiting for us to notice it.

Stay until the end for the wisdom of my grandma, whose laughter and outloo...

In this heartfelt episode, Janelle joins Shannon—a single mom and surrogate—for a conversation about the profound journey of surrogacy. Shannon shares openly about the emotional challenges, the rewarding connections formed with families, and the importance of breaking stigmas around surrogacy and motherhood. Together, they explore how these journeys shape not only parents but also children. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, empathy, and the power of community.

In this episode, Gregg and I share both sides of a breaking point in my life — the unraveling I lived inside, and the love he quietly held from the outside. Two perspectives, one story of breakdown, awakening, and the kind of love that stays.

If Naked has felt like a conversation you want to stay part of, come join me on Patreon. You’ll get full written versions of The Naked Notes and extended episodes you can find them here patreon.com/Nakedwithjanelle

Every freckle, every laugh line, every scar — they’re proof of a life fully lived.

In this episode, I explore the stories our bodies quietly carry: first steps, summer bike rides, winter chills, the weight of grief, the warmth of an embrace.

It’s about noticing the small things, honoring the miles you’ve traveled, and remembering that this is the only home you’ll ever truly live in.

In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Glen opens up about his journey from decades in policing to a life centered around healing, connection, and nature. He shares candid reflections on the emotional weight of the job, his battle with addiction and PTSD, and the turning point that came through the love and insight of his partner.

Together, we explore how policing has changed, the stigma around asking for help, and the quiet power of telling your story out loud. Glen’s journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, that peace can be found in unexpected pl...

I heard Elizabeth Gilbert talk about writing letters from Love. I tried it, let it go, and recently came back to it. This episode is about that return—and what it reminded me about the things we resist, the practices we forget, and how powerful it is to start again.

If Naked has felt like a conversation you want to stay part of, come join me on Patreon. You’ll get full written versions of The Naked Notes and extended episodes you can find them here patreon.com/Nakedwithjanelle

Edited by Mikkel Nordin

In this episode, Charlotte opens up about what it really means to trust yourself, especially when the path forward feels uncertain. She shares the moment she stopped waiting for permission, picked up her brush, and chose to create anyway. What followed was more than just art; it was a homecoming.

This isn’t just a story about making something beautiful. It’s about the quiet power of listening to your own voice, following the nudge, and doing the thing that calls to you, even if it scares you.

Come sit with us. You might just feel...

This episode is the beginning of something new—every few weeks, my husband Gregg will be joining me here on the podcast for an honest, unedited conversation about the moments that shaped our life together.

In this one, we go back to 2007. We had three kids under five, more bills than money, and a dream house that couldn’t hold the weight of what we were carrying. We were tired, disconnected, and quietly becoming strangers. Until one day, Gregg surprised me—with a furnace room.

What he created in that little space helped us find someth...

This was supposed to be the first episode of Us—a new kind of conversation between me and my husband of 26 years. In these episodes, we each write separately about a shared moment in our lives, then come together to read and reflect.

But… our first recording didn’t go as planned. So instead, here’s a quick note from me about what we’re building with Us, why it matters to us, and how even when things go wrong—it’s still part of the story.

If Naked has felt like a conversation you want to stay p...

What do you do when your body changes, your closet feels like it belongs to someone else, and you’re grieving the version of you that used to be? In this raw, personal episode, I talk about aging, identity, elastic waistbands, and the quiet rebellion of saying: F**k this wardrobe. Maybe you’ve outgrown more than your jeans — maybe this is where we begin again.

🔗 Painting reference: Jenny Saville on Gagosian

If Naked has felt like a conversation you want to stay part of, come join me on Patreon. You’ll get full written versions of...

What if the life you want is just one small step away?

In this inspiring conversation, life coach Linda Ward breaks down what it really takes to create lasting change. We explore the power of small daily actions, the importance of shifting negative thought patterns, and how affirmations and connection can transform even the hardest seasons.

Linda shares her journey of overcoming personal struggles, embracing change, and finding strength through adversity, offering real, actionable wisdom along the way. Linda’s life has proven that joy, growth, and resilience aren’t found in grand gestures, they’re bui...

In this episode, I’m sharing something I’ve never shared publicly before — a piece of my writing.

Choosing is about what happens when you finally stop trying to fix, save, or carry the people you love — and start choosing yourself instead.

It’s about letting go without losing your heart, and learning how to come home to who you really are.

This is the beginning of a bigger story I’ve been holding onto — and maybe, you’ll find pieces of your own story in it too. 🤍

Thanks for being here for this first...

Some conversations stay with you long after they end.

This one will.

In this episode, I sit down with Mikkel, my son, and the guy behind The Naked Podcast. He’s the one who shapes each episode from the quiet background.

But today, we turn the mic around.

We talk about the changes ahead in Season 2 and a chapter in his life that reshaped everything, a story woven from loneliness, intuition, and finding the courage to trust himself.

It’s a conversation about where we’ve been, and where we’re...

We’re back! New season coming soon!

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Harry bravely shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of an eating disorder. Together, we dive into the moments of struggle, the isolation, and the courage it took to recognize the need for help. Harry opens up about the turning points in his recovery—how professional guidance, family support, and reconnecting with nature became pillars of healing.

We also explore the transformative power of personal growth, resilience, and finding gratitude for the body and the simple joys of life. This conversation is a tender reminder of the strength fo...

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Harry bravely shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of an eating disorder. Together, we dive into the moments of struggle, the isolation, and the courage it took to recognize the need for help. Harry opens up about the turning points in his recovery—how professional guidance, family support, and reconnecting with nature became pillars of healing.

We also explore the transformative power of personal growth, resilience, and finding gratitude for the body and the simple joys of life. This conversation is a tender reminder of the strength fo...

In this episode, my daughter Lexi joins us to share how life transformed after we were rejected at the U.S. border—a pivotal moment that sparked our journey into full-time travel. She reflects on how this experience broadened her perspective, taught her the art of resourcefulness in unfamiliar cultures, and deepened her appreciation for the magic in each place we’ve explored.

Lexi opens up about how these adventures reshaped her views on life, gratitude, and finding contentment wherever she is. She also shares the challenges and triumphs of making the bold decision to move to Nica...

In this episode, Julio, a former biotechnologist who made the bold leap from science labs in Copenhagen to brewing Masala Chai in sunny Barcelona! Julio opens up about how a life crisis turned into a whole new adventure in entrepreneurship. He shares the ups and downs of building his brand, the creativity and resilience it’s taken to get here, and the joy he’s found serving up a bit of his culture through chai. From cycling around town for deliveries to drawing inspiration from his travels, Julio’s story is full of insights on embracing change, finding support in com...

Join Mike as he opens up about his journey through acting and life’s deeper meanings, sharing hard-won insights on joy, purpose, and the true nature of success. In this heartfelt conversation, Mike reflects on how fulfillment in his work has always meant more than fame, revealing how life’s challenges have taught him the beauty of self-acceptance and the wealth of memories over material possessions. His story is an inspiring call to embrace who you are, pursue what makes you feel alive, and redefine happiness in ways that truly matter. To hear more from Mike, tune into his podc...

In this episode of The Naked Podcast, Jess opens up about the pivotal moment that led her to leave her marriage and the emotional struggles that followed. She talks about the importance of truly feeling your emotions, embracing change, and how helping others who were going through similar experiences became a big part of her healing. A key part of Jess’s recovery has been reflecting on the kind of woman she wants to become—this vision has guided her every step, shaping her choices and fueling her healing process. With vulnerability and compassion, Jess shares how defining her futu...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Penny shares her deeply personal journey through a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis and the painful realities of domestic abuse. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of feeling trapped in an abusive relationship, the effects on her children, and the moment she realized she needed to seek help. Penny discusses how community support, faith, and personal empowerment were crucial in her battle with cancer, protecting her children, and breaking free from the cycle of abuse. She highlights the importance of trusting one’s intuition and the power of sharing her story to...

In this episode, Gregg and I dive into the emotional and practical journey of selling much of what we owned before traveling the world. We reflect on the years before our adventure, when our garage, closets, basement, and even kitchen junk drawers were filled with things we rarely used or had forgotten about entirely. This experience of decluttering has been a continual process of learning to let go, as we’ve discovered that physical clutter in our home or suitcases often reflects the mental clutter in our minds. Tune in as we explore how simplifying our lives has brought us...

In this episode, Alex shares his journey from a troubled teen to a successful Taekwondo instructor in Nicaragua. He talks about key moments, from being bullied to homelessness to drug addicted to training for world championships to working as a correctional officer, and how he found his purpose in teaching. Alex reflects on the life lessons he learned from his Taekwondo master and how he now inspires kids to pursue their passions and believe in themselves. His goal is to create a safe space and make a lasting impact on others. Tune in to hear how Alex found his...

In this episode, Mariel shares her journey from growing up in Nicaragua, caring for her siblings at a young age, to facing a difficult marriage with domestic violence. She discusses finding the courage to leave her abusive husband and start a new life, meeting her current partner Tim, and the importance of happiness and peace. She speaks about the power of resilience, the need to be seen and respected in relationships, and encourages women to leave toxic situations, pursue independence, and prioritize self-love.

In this episode, Steve shares his journey from becoming a drug addict to a dealer, a path that began at just 13 years old and continued until he sought rehab at 31. He opens up about the denial, fear, and the addiction not only to substances but also to the lifestyle it offered. Steve's story is an honest exploration of the struggles of addiction, the journey to recovery, and the freedom he's found from this illness.

In this episode, Gregg and I chat about the unexpected moments that changed us in ways we never saw coming. We talk about how even the smallest connections with people have had a huge impact on our lives. We also dive into those stressful, exhausting travel days and how we managed to turn them around, shifting from frustration to an act of kindness travel day.

Our focus moved from just seeing museums and beautiful sights to really connecting with people. We share stories about the unique bonds we formed with incredible humans from all over the world...

Part 1 - Join Gregg and I as we share our journey from a heart-wrenching US visa rejection to a life-changing adventure. After hours of interrogation and the shocking news of Gregg's ban from the US, we spent 15 weeks hoping for a legal solution. Realizing we couldn't live in uncertainty any longer, we decided to embark on a journey we knew little about.

In this episode, Ruth shares her personal journey of losing her mother suddenly and the emotional and practical challenges that followed, including clearing out her mother's house. She talks about how the loss impacted her life and reflects on grieving both her parents. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel all the emotions of grief and not rushing the process. She also highlights the value of support from others and holding space for those who are grieving.

Savannah shares her journey through the challenges of her parents' divorce due to her father's alcoholism, and the sexual abuse she experienced in high school, and how these experiences shaped her life. She opens up about the protective role she assumed, her battles with self-sabotage, and the impact on her relationships. Despite these struggles, Savannah discusses how the support and guidance of her mom, along with therapy and medication, have helped her create a healthier space and prioritize her healing. Tune in to hear Savannah's inspiring story of resilience, self-discovery, and taking control of her healing.

Be...

Eryck and his partner Dominique left their comfortable lives in Montreal to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Exploring new opportunities in Los Angeles and Nicaragua, they trusted their intuition and embraced uncertainty. Their journey led them to start International Souls, partnering with hotels in Nicaragua and Tulum to offer wellness programs, content creation, and music. Tune in to hear how they learned to trust their instincts, stay curious, and embrace change.

In this episode, Gabrielle opens up about her journey with food and body image, and the moment she realized its deep impact on her identity and self-love. She reflects on recovering from an eating disorder, the role of counseling, and the path to true self-acceptance. Gabrielle shares how she learned to separate her thoughts from her true self and embrace her story. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding joy and self-acceptance.

Join Anya as she shares her journey of self-discovery, beginning with her decision to stop taking hormonal pills after 13 years due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Feeling disconnected, Anya sought a more authentic life, reconnecting with her body, emotions, and music. The episode delves into personal growth, authenticity, and the power of music, highlighting Anya's experiences as a street musician in Barcelona. Discover how embracing both life's highs and lows has brought her joy and connection, reminding her of the impact of her music on others.

Join Delaney as she recounts her and her partner's bold move from the comforts of American life to starting anew in Nicaragua. Facing initial challenges, including living in a traditional Nicaraguan house without air conditioning, Delaney shares how this humbling experience transformed her perspective on life.

Discover the highs and lows of her journey in establishing an animal rescue and veterinary clinic, navigating a steep learning curve, and finding fulfillment in making a community impact. Delaney emphasizes the importance of taking risks, pursuing passions, and embracing discomfort. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, passion, and...

In this episode, I share my journey to becoming a mom, including the challenges of miscarriage and the feelings of loss and loneliness. I talk about the fears and anxieties of trying to conceive again and the importance of finding support and being open about parenting struggles. I emphasize the need for parents to be honest and vulnerable with their kids, promoting hope and clear communication—one of our most frequent phrases is "clear is kind," so be clear. I'll share personal experiences and tips for navigating different parenting seasons, appreciating both the firsts and lasts, and cherishing the sm...