Just Jess

About Just Jess

Just Jess is a raw, unfiltered podcast diving into health, mental health, and the tough, often stigmatized topics most people shy away from. From personal experiences to deep discussions on medical ethics, social issues, and beyond—Jess challenges the norm, asks the hard questions, and gives a voice to stories that need to be heard.

Publisher

Jess Faulkner

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

4 Feb 2024

Latest episode

19 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

56 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Nov 2025

   Episode 041: Identity Uncensored

   In this episode, Jess takes listeners on a deeper, fuller journey into queerness — what it means, where it comes from, how language has evolved, and how community shapes identity. From pansexual to ace, from trans masc to nonbinary, Jess breaks down the words we use with clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of personal experience. This episode explores queer history, the movements that paved the way, and the importance of chosen family. Jess also shares their own story: growing up without language for who they were, finding queerness later in life, and learning how to raise the next generation with openness, love, and truth. Alongside the personal storytelling, Jess offers a curated set of LGBTQIA+ resources, support networks, and educational tools — both national and Pittsburgh-based — to help listeners better understand themselves or support the queer people they love. This is an episode about identity, honesty, and belonging. It’s educational, heartfelt, messy in all the right ways, and rooted in queer joy. It’s Jess — louder, prouder, and more themselves than ever.

2. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Episode 040. Steel, Soul, and Sandwiches.

   In this episode, Jess explores the flavor, language, and grit of Pittsburgh — from the Steel City’s immigrant roots to the diner counters and hospital halls that still define it today. Featuring stories from the Glassport Diner, deep dives into local food staples like Primanti Bros. and Turner’s Tea, and reflections on resilience, healing, and finding home in a city that never stops rebuilding. Visit Pittsburgh – Official city tourism board for events, attractions, and local guides. https://www.visitpittsburgh.com (https://www.visitpittsburgh.com) Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation – Preserving and documenting Pittsburgh’s architectural and industrial heritage. https://phlf.org (https://phlf.org) Heinz History Center (Smithsonian Affiliate) – A detailed look at Pittsburgh’s cultural, sports, and industrial history. https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org (https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org) Pittsburghese Dictionary (Carnegie Mellon Project) – A linguistic deep dive into the region’s most famous accent. http://pittsburghese.com (http://pittsburghese.com) Primanti Bros. (Est. 1933) – Home of the original Pittsburgh sandwich, born in the Strip District during the Great Depression. https://primantibros.com/our-story (https://primantibros.com/our-story) Turner Dairy Farms / Turner’s Premium Tea (Est. 1930) – The local dairy that created Pittsburgh’s beloved orange-and-white iced tea carton. https://drinkturners.com (https://drinkturners.com) Mancini’s Bread Co. (Est. 1926) – Family bakery in McKees Rocks, known for its signature twist bread and century-long tradition. https://mancinisbakery.com (https://mancinisbakery.com) Woley’s Fish Market (Strip District) – Historic fish market supplying fresh seafood to Pittsburgh homes and restaurants for decades. https://woleys.com (https://woleys.com) Eat’n Park Restaurants – A Pittsburgh staple for family dining and home of the iconic smiley cookie. https://www.eatnpark.com (https://www.eatnpark.com) Bombay to Burgh – Beloved Indian restaurant offering a Sunday buffet experience that has become a local favorite. https://bombaytoburgh.com (https://bombaytoburgh.com) Pascual’s Pizza (Glassport) – A community favorite known for classic pies and local flavor. https://www.facebook.com/pascualspizza (https://www.facebook.com/pascualspizza) Mama Pepino’s (Clairton & Elizabeth) – Family-owned pizzeria serving traditional pizza and Italian comfort food. https://www.mamapepinos.com (https://www.mamapepinos.com) Bottoms Up Grill & Bar (Glassport) – Neighborhood bar famous for its buffalo chicken pizza and laid-back vibe. https://www.facebook.com/BottomsUpGlassport (https://www.facebook.com/BottomsUpGlassport) La Gourmandine Bakery & Pastry Shop – Authentic French bakery offering pastries, croissants, and artisan bread across Pittsburgh. https://lagourmandinebakery.com (https://lagourmandinebakery.com) Hazelwood Café – Cozy community café serving locally roasted coffee and seasonal fare in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood. https://hazelwoodcafe.com (https://hazelwoodcafe.com) UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) – One of the nation’s leading healthcare systems, headquartered in Pittsburgh. https://www.upmc.com (https://www.upmc.com) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine – Academic partner to UPMC and a hub for groundbreaking medical research. https://www.medschool.pitt.edu (https://www.medschool.pitt.edu)

3. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Episode 039. The Aftermath of October.

   October was heavy — chemo, Wig Out, grief, and growth. In this episode, Jess sits down in the quiet after the chaos to talk about what comes next: healing, exhaustion, and finding light in the aftermath. This is Jess's FIRST video episode of Just Jess. -reSolve Crisis Services (Allegheny County) — 24/7 free crisis hotline: 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (1-888-796-8226). Walk-in center at 333 N Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208. -YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh — Community and mental-health support, referrals, and programming for families. -Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. (PCSI) — Anti-poverty agency offering food & nutrition assistance, employment support, housing resources in Pittsburgh. -Center for Community Resources — Information & referral line for assorted supports: 844-360-4372, or call/text 988 for 24/7 crisis help. -Crisis Center North — 24/7 domestic-violence support: Hotline 412-364-5556 or text/chat line 1-877-522-6093. -Allegheny Link — For housing/homelessness assistance: 866-730-2368 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

4.6 / 5

10 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Just Jess

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.