“What Even Is This?” with Jane and Jordan

About “What Even Is This?” with Jane and Jordan

"What Even Is This?" is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time—working, parenting, believing, doubting, laughing, crying, and spiraling along the way. We’re not here to fix your life. We’re here to name the mess and talk about it honestly. Because: - Life is messy - Chaos is real - None of us have it all figured out …and that’s exactly why we’re here.

Publisher

What Even Is This?

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jan 2026

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Episode 5: Ambition Didn’t Die, It Just Got Complicated | Kelley Johnson

   Did your ambition change—or did the rules around it? Before kids, maybe you had a pretty clear picture of what you wanted: a career, a goal, a next step. But then life got fuller. Your priorities shifted, your capacity changed, and the things you once wanted might not feel the same anymore. Does that mean you've lost your ambition? Or are you simply growing into a new definition of success? In this episode of What Even Is This?, Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone sit down with Kelley Johnson, a talent and culture executive with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders navigate change. Together, they unpack the complicated relationship between ambition, motherhood, identity, and success—and explore what happens when the goals we once chased no longer fit the lives we're living. In this episode, we discuss: Why ambition can feel different after becoming a mom What happens when achieving your goals leaves you questioning what you really want Whether it's possible to be ambitious without constantly striving for more Why asking “What do I actually want?” can be harder than it sounds How to redefine success for your current season without feeling like you're settling Where to start when you know something needs to change but aren't sure what comes next A question to take with you: What do you actually want right now? Not what you should want, what you wanted ten years ago, or what everyone else seems to be doing—but what you want in this season of life. Maybe it's a bigger career. Maybe it's more time, a different dream, or the freedom to figure it out. You don't have to have the whole plan figured out to give yourself permission to want something different. About Kelley Johnson Kelley Johnson is a talent and culture executive with more than 20 years of experience in leadership and corporate communications. She has worked in Fortune 500 leadership and founded KEIRUS, a leadership and talent advisory firm partnering with organizations across industries and around the world. As a wife and mom, Kelley brings both professional insight and personal perspective to conversations about ambition, identity, and navigating life's transitions. Connect with What Even Is This? We want to hear from you! Find us on social media and let us know what you're wrestling with, laughing about, or figuring out right alongside us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587151132405 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com If this episode made you laugh, made you think, or made you realize you might be carrying around a few “shoulds” that aren't actually yours, send it to a friend who needs to hear it, too! Like, subscribe, and follow What Even Is This? wherever you listen to podcasts. Because life is messy, chaos is real, and none of us have it all figured out. What even is this?!

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Episode 4: The Guilt Isn’t Yours — It Was Handed to You

   You know that feeling that you’re failing at everything…even when you’re doing a million things? You should be more present. You should work less. You should work more. You should make dinner. You should exercise. You should call your mom. You should be a better wife, mom, friend, employee…honestly, just be better at being a human. We shouldn’t “should” all over ourselves…but we do. And it is exhausting. In this episode of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan are talking about guilt—the kind that can sneak into nearly every part of our lives and leave us wondering if we’re ever doing enough. But what if the guilt isn’t actually yours? What if some of it was handed to you through family expectations, culture, social media, motherhood, work, or the impossible standards you’ve created for yourself? And what if you’ve been carrying it around like it’s your job? Jane and Jordan are asking: Who told you that? Together, they unpack the difference between healthy guilt and false guilt, where our “shoulds” come from, why feeling guilty doesn’t automatically mean we’ve done something wrong, and how we can begin letting go of expectations that were never ours to carry in the first place. In this episode: The difference between healthy guilt and false guilt Where our endless “shoulds” come from Why guilt doesn’t always mean we’ve done something wrong The pressure to balance everything Why rest and doing something for ourselves can trigger guilt The impossible standards we place on ourselves How to recognize expectations we’ve absorbed without realizing it How to decide what guilt we need to address—and what we’re ready to put down The next time you hear that little voice saying, “You should…” Pause and ask: Who told you that? And then ask: Is this actually mine to carry? Because feeling guilty doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done something wrong. Maybe it’s time to resign from the Guilt Olympics. Connect With Us What’s one “should” you’ve been carrying around that you’re ready to question? Find us on social media and let us know! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587151132405 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com If this episode made you laugh, made you think, or made you realize you might be carrying around a few “shoulds” that aren't actually yours, send it to a friend who needs to hear it, too. And don’t forget to follow What Even Is This? wherever you listen to podcasts! Life’s a mess. Let’s talk about it.

3. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Episode 3: Why Do We Make Healthy Habits So Complicated? | Dr. Ioana Popa

   What if your healthy habits aren’t sticking because you lack discipline—but because you’ve been making them way too complicated? Somewhere along the way, we started believing that becoming healthier, more productive, and even more spiritually grounded requires a perfectly optimized life: wake up at 5 a.m., drink the lemon water, work out, journal, read your Bible, meditate, meal prep… and somehow do it all before the kids wake up. But what if healthy habits don’t have to look like that? In Episode 3 of What Even Is This?, Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone are joined by Dr. Ioana Popa, a Christian executive, life, and leadership coach, speaker, and trainer who helps high-responsibility professionals and servant leaders prevent burnout, renew their capacity, and lead from their soul. After experiencing two burnouts herself, Dr. Ioana developed the Renewal Blueprint, an approach to daily renewal that brings together the body, mind, heart, and soul while staying rooted in Christ. Together, we talk about why we make healthy habits so complicated, how “healthy” practices can accidentally become another scorecard, and what it looks like to build simple rhythms that actually fit the season of life we're living. In This Episode Why the pressure to have a “perfect” morning routine can actually make healthy habits feel overwhelming Whether you really need to wake up at 5 a.m. to have a productive day Why missing a day—or even a week—doesn't mean you've failed How to recognize burnout before you completely hit the wall Why more habits don't necessarily equal more growth The difference between renewal and simply adding another productivity system How Christian women can accidentally turn healthy habits and spiritual practices into another scorecard Dr. Ioana's Renewal Blueprint and her holistic approach to caring for body, mind, heart, and soul How to create habits that adapt to different seasons of life Why small, sustainable rhythms can be more meaningful than a complete lifestyle overhaul The surprising possibility that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is less One small rhythm you can start—and one thing you might consider letting go of HABIT OR HYPE? Before bringing Dr. Ioana into the conversation, Jane and Jordan put some of the most common wellness and productivity advice to the test. Do you really need to wake up at 5 a.m.? Does a habit only count if you do it every day? Does rest have to be earned? Do healthy habits need to look the same in every season? And does missing a week mean you've failed? Let's just say… we uncover some habit baggage. The Big Question Are your habits actually helping you live well—or have your habits become another way to measure whether you're doing enough? Maybe our habits are supposed to serve our lives—not the other way around. So here's the question for you: What's one habit or expectation you've been making way more complicated than it needs to be? And what's one thing you might simplify—or even stop doing—in this season of your life? Let us know in the comments! Connect With Us We want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast. Find What Even Is This? on social media or reach out by email. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587151132405 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Have a question, a topic you want us to tackle, or a “what even is this?” moment of your own? We want to hear it. About Dr. Ioana Popa Dr. Ioana Popa is a Christian executive, life, and leadership coach, speaker, and trainer who helps high-responsibility professionals and servant leaders prevent burnout, renew their capacity, and lead from their soul. After experiencing two burnouts herself, Dr. Ioana became passionate about helping people pursue a more integrated approach to renewal—one that honors the body, mind, heart, and soul while staying rooted in Christ. Connect with Dr. Ioana: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamforthesoul About What Even Is This? What Even Is This? is a podcast for working moms navigating the beautiful, complicated, hilarious mess of real life. Hosted by Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone, we're asking the questions that come up when the life we thought we'd have collides with the life we're actually living. Because life is messy. Chaos is real. And none of us have it all figured out. What even is this?! #WhatEvenIsThis #HealthyHabits #Burnout #ChristianWomen #Productivity #WorkingMoms #Wellness #FaithAndWork

4. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Episode 2: Why Are Moms Still the Default Parent—and Do We Actually Have to Keep Doing It This Way?

   Be honest: when something falls through at home, whose name gets called first? The doctor’s appointment. The school email. The missing snack. The birthday gift you forgot to buy. The schedule change nobody mentioned. Somehow, it’s usually Mom. And that can be true even when Mom works full-time, too. In Episode 2 of Season 2 of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan are asking a question a lot of moms have probably wondered at some point: Why are moms still the default parent—and do we actually have to keep doing it this way? This isn't a conversation about whether dads are involved. It's about something a little more subtle: the assumption that Mom is the one who will know, remember, plan, notice, anticipate, and handle whatever needs to happen next. Jane and Jordan start with a round of “Whose Job Is It Anyway?” before diving into the mental load, the expectations surrounding motherhood, and what a genuinely shared family responsibility can look like. In this episode: The everyday moments that reveal who the default parent really is A hilarious round of “Whose Job Is It Anyway?” Why moms often become the person everyone assumes will know and handle everything The invisible work of remembering, planning, anticipating, and noticing Whether moms sometimes unintentionally reinforce the default-parent dynamic Why “I’ll just do it myself” can make sharing responsibility harder What an equal partnership actually looks like—and why 50/50 isn't always the goal The expectations about motherhood we may need to stop accepting One simple question to ask when you find yourself automatically taking something on: “Does this actually have to be my job?” Maybe the answer is yes. But maybe it isn't. And maybe changing the default doesn't mean doing less for your family—it means creating a family where responsibility doesn't automatically land on one person. If you're a working mom who has ever thought, “How does everyone know to ask me?”—this conversation is for you. If this episode made you laugh, nod your head, or recognize yourself as the default parent, share it with another mom who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe, follow, and leave us a review! What Even Is This? is hosted by Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone. Because life's a mess, let's talk about it! Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com

5. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Episode 1: What Happened To The Girl Who Had Dreams?

   Remember when people used to ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer could have been anything. Then life happened. Marriage. Kids. Careers. School calendars. Grocery lists. Aging parents. A hundred little responsibilities that somehow became yours to carry. And one day, you realize it’s been a really long time since you asked yourself, “What do I want?” In the Season 2 premiere of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan are asking a question many women quietly stop asking somewhere along the way: What happened to the girl who had dreams? Not because we don’t love the lives we’ve built—but because sometimes the girl we once were gets buried beneath all the roles we’re trying so hard to do well. In this episode, Jane and Jordan unpack the stories women are often handed about adulthood, success, motherhood, responsibility, and what it means to be a “good woman.” They also dig into why pursuing our own interests and dreams can feel surprisingly uncomfortable—and how to reconnect with the person we are becoming now. In this episode: A five-word summer check-in The Annual Life Audit—five questions designed to help us remember we’re people, too Why “What do I want?” can be such a difficult question to answer The narratives women absorb about putting themselves last Why reconnecting with old dreams can bring up guilt How to tell the difference between a dream you've outgrown and one you've simply buried What it looks like to bring your whole self into the season of life you're living right now Maybe the girl who had dreams isn't gone. Maybe she's just been quiet. And maybe you don't need to become who you used to be—you just need to start asking yourself better questions. This week’s question: What do I want? If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a friend who might need the reminder that she is more than everything she does for everyone else. And don't forget to subscribe, follow, and leave us a review! What Even Is This? is hosted by Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone. Because life's a mess, let's talk about it! Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RNCybGcX9/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com (mailto:thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com)

6. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Summer Escapes: What We're Reading, Watching & Loving Right Now | Episode 4

   Fantasy summer self is thriving. She's reading all the books on her TBR, lounging by the pool, watching critically acclaimed television, and somehow becoming a more interesting person every day. Actual summer self? She's reheating coffee, folding laundry, rewatching comfort shows, and trying to remember what day it is. In this episode of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan embrace the reality of summer life and share what they're actually reading, watching, and loving right now. From favorite books and comfort shows to entertainment hot takes and listener recommendations, this conversation is a fun and honest look at finding small moments of escape in the middle of motherhood, work, and everyday chaos. You'll also hear from members of our community about what's helping them survive summer, plus Jane's sister Kaley joins the show to share her recommendations for what deserves a spot on your summer watchlist. Whether you're looking for your next beach read, a new comfort show, or simply permission to enjoy the summer you're actually having, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Fantasy summer self vs. reality Books we're reading this summer How to get back into reading The joy of comfort shows and "laundry TV" Summer movie and TV recommendations Listener favorites and entertainment escapes Why your summer reset doesn't have to be impressive to count Connect With Us Instagram: @thewhatevenisthispodcast https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com If You Enjoyed This Episode Please subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps us reach more women navigating the beautiful, messy middle of motherhood, work, faith, and life. Thanks for listening to What Even Is This?

7. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Why Doesn't Summer Feel Like Enough? | Episode 3

   Summer is supposed to be magical... at least that's what we're told. But what happens when your summer feels more ordinary than extraordinary? When everyone else seems to be making memories, taking trips, and creating Pinterest-worthy moments while you're just trying to keep up with work, kids, and everyday life? In this episode, Jane and Jordan explore the pressure to make summer feel meaningful and why so many moms find themselves wondering if they're doing enough. They discuss the comparison trap, working mom guilt, the pressure to create "core memories," and the reality that sometimes the most meaningful moments aren't the ones we planned. You'll also hear from women in our community through our Summer Survival Voices segment as they share when the pressure to make summer magical hits them the hardest. In This Episode: • Why summer can feel emotionally heavier than we expect • The pressure to make every moment count • How social media fuels comparison during the summer months • Working mom guilt and shifting family expectations • Why boredom isn't a parenting failure • Practical ways to lower the bar and enjoy the season you're actually living If you've ever found yourself wondering whether your summer is "special enough," this conversation is for you. Because maybe summer doesn't need to be magical to be meaningful. Connect With Us: Instagram: @thewhatevenisthispodcast https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need the reminder that she's already doing enough. Because life is messy, chaos is real, and none of us have it all figured out. And that's exactly why we're here.

8. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Summer Meals, Snack Chaos & Feeding Kids Without Losing Your Mind | Episode 2

   Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 p.m. wondering what you’re supposed to feed everyone… again? Same. In Episode 2 of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan dive into the chaos of feeding families during summer break — from endless snacks and lunch burnout to the meals we keep making because everyone will actually eat them. This episode is full of real-life parenting moments, funny confessions, summer meal survival tips, and the reminder that sometimes frozen pancakes and pizza are enough. Because honestly? Feeding people is the win. In This Episode: Summer meal survival strategies Easy dinners moms actually make Why lunch is the worst meal of the day “Would You Rather: Summer Food Edition” Snack chaos and picky eater confessions Meal planning hacks that save sanity Lowering the bar on family dinners The emotional support role of hot dogs and popcorn Favorite Moments: “I’m hungry” every 17 minutes Skyline Chili explained Why kids reject your best cooking The great pancake debate Snacks officially becoming meals The reality of feeding kids all summer long Mentioned in This Episode: Joy the Baker: https://joythebaker.com/ - Apricot Balsamic Chicken: https://joythebaker.com/2016/03/apricot-balsamic-chicken/ Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/ -Skillet Shrimp with Orzo, Feta and Aspragus: https://www.seriouseats.com/skillet-shrimp-with-orzo-recipe Eating Bird Food: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/ - Shrimp Scampi Sheet Pan Meal- https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/shrimp-scampi-sheet-pan-meal/ Skyline Chili Chick-fil-A survival dinners Join the Conversation: What’s your go-to survival meal during the summer? Drop it in the comments — we’re crowdsourcing easy meal ideas from parents everywhere. And if this episode made you feel seen, share it with another parent trying to survive summer one snack at a time. Connect With Us: Instagram: @thewhatevenisthispodcast https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email:thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com 👇 Don’t forget to: LIKE 👍 SUBSCRIBE 🔔 SHARE with your group chat moms #MomLife #ParentingPodcast #SummerMeals #MealPlanning #WhatEvenIsThisPodcast #PickyEaters #FamilyMeals #SummerSurvival

9. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Why Summer Feels Harder Than the School Year | Ep. 1 of the Summer Survival Guide

   Summer is supposed to feel relaxing and magical… so why does it sometimes feel harder than the school year? In this kickoff episode of our Summer Survival Guide series, Jane and Jordan are getting honest about the chaos that can come with summer parenting. From disappearing routines and endless snack requests to working from home with kids around full-time, we’re talking about the emotional load many parents carry this time of year. If you’ve ever wondered: Why does summer feel so overwhelming? Is it okay not to love every moment? How do I balance work, parenting, and making memories? Why does social media make me feel behind? …you are not alone. In this episode, we discuss: Summer overstimulation and emotional exhaustion The pressure to create a “magical” summer Social media comparison and summer FOMO Working from home while kids are home Why boredom can actually be good for kids Learning to lower the bar and release unrealistic expectations Plus, Jane and Jordan play a round of “Survive or Skip” and share their weekly “Lower the Bar” moments. This week’s challenge: Choose ONE thing you’re not doing perfectly this week — and let it go. Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com (mailto:thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com) We’d love to hear your own “Lower the Bar” moments, summer wins, or hilarious fails. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode: “What Do I Feed These People All Day?” — our Summer Food Survival Guide. Because life is messy, chaos is real, and none of us have it all figured out — and that’s exactly why we’re here.

10. 

    25 Mar 2026

    Episode 10: Okay But Really… What Are We Doing Here?

    We made it to the end of Season 1… and we’re still asking the same question: "What are we doing here?" In this finale episode, Jane and Jordan pause to reflect on what it’s actually been like to build this podcast in real time—while navigating work, motherhood, exhaustion, and the everyday chaos that never quite turns off. This isn’t a polished wrap-up or a listener Q&A. It’s an honest conversation about what surprised us, what stretched us, and what kept showing up again and again this season. Because somewhere along the way, we realized every episode kept circling the same themes: comparison, guilt, and exhaustion. And underneath it all, one quiet question: Am I doing enough? In this episode, we cover: The invisible mental load of motherhood The constant tension of working mom guilt What surprised us most about starting a podcast The emotional side of showing up and being seen (and heard) Burnout, productivity culture, and why “doing more” isn’t the answer Our favorite moments from Season 1 What this podcast has meant to us personally A look ahead at what’s coming in Season 2 Season 2 Preview: If Season 1 was about naming the chaos, Season 2 is about shifting the narrative. We’re diving into the conversations many women are having quietly but rarely saying out loud—about identity, pressure, motherhood, and the expectations we’ve been handed. Less hustle. More honesty. More room to breathe. If this episode (or any from Season 1) resonated with you, we’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps more women find the show and reminds them they’re not alone in the chaos. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Or email us: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being here this season. We’re just getting started.

11. 

    18 Mar 2026

    Episode 9: What If Your Worth Isn’t Tied to Your Work? (with Emma Sharma)

    What happens when achievement becomes part of your identity? In this episode of What Even Is This?, Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone sit down with leadership coach Emma Sharma to unpack a question many high-achieving women quietly wrestle with: What if your worth isn’t tied to your productivity? For working moms and ambitious professionals, the pressure to constantly perform can make rest feel uncomfortable—and contentment feel like settling. But what if the constant striving isn’t actually where our value comes from? Through an honest “question spiral,” Jane, Jordan, and Emma explore how achievement subtly becomes tied to identity, why it’s so difficult to believe we’re already enough, and what it might look like to lead, parent, and live from a place of authenticity instead of pressure. They also dive into how hustle culture impacts women, why stillness can feel so challenging, and how reconnecting with who we are beneath titles and to-do lists can reshape the way we show up in work, leadership, and family life. Plus, Emma joins the hosts for a rapid-fire round of Unqualified Advice, sharing everything from her definition of rest to the belief about success she wishes we’d all throw in the trash. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your worth through achievement, this conversation will resonate. In This Episode: • Why achievement often becomes part of our identity • The hidden cost of always needing to “do” in order to feel valuable • Why contentment feels uncomfortable for ambitious women • How hustle culture shapes our view of success • What we might discover if we stopped striving—even briefly • Why authenticity starts with asking: What do I actually want? Connect With the Podcast Have a moment where you thought “What even is this?!” Send us your chaotic, messy, or hilarious life stories—they might be featured in a future episode. Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ About the Show What Even Is This? is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time—working, parenting, believing, doubting, achieving, unraveling, and trying to make sense of it all. We’re not experts. We’re not pretending to have it together. We’re just asking the questions everyone else is thinking. Because life is messy, chaos is real, and sometimes the only honest response is: WHAT EVEN IS THIS?

12. 

    11 Mar 2026

    Episode 8: Let’s Normalize the Fact That No One Knows What They’re Doing

    What if the big secret of adulthood is that no one actually knows what they’re doing? Not your boss. Not the mom with the perfectly packed lunches. Not the person confidently leading the meeting. This week on What Even Is This?, hosts Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone talk about the strange moment in adulthood when you realize you’re the adult in the room… and it feels slightly illegal. From imposter syndrome at work to parenting moments that require asking the pediatrician to explain things like you’re five, Jane and Jordan unpack the quiet pressure to appear confident while secretly wondering if everyone else got a handbook you somehow missed. Spoiler: they didn’t. If you’ve ever stared at your calendar, your responsibilities, or your life and thought “How am I in charge of anything?” — this episode is for you. Because sometimes the most freeing realization is this: Everyone is just figuring it out in real time. In This Episode: • Why imposter syndrome shows up in work, parenting, and social life • The viral internet truth: “Adulthood is mostly whispering ‘what the heck is going on’” • Why we assume everyone else has the manual • What changes when we normalize being beginners • How learning in motion builds real confidence Segments in This Episode: WHAT EVEN IS THAT? Jordan brings internet trends that prove we’re all collectively winging adulthood. WHAT EVEN IS THIS QUESTION? Jane and Jordan unpack the pressure to have life figured out and why most of us are just guessing with confidence. WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING? Listener chaos stories including lunchbox mix-ups, a 24-hour crockpot situation, and a child who hums elevator music after being told “hold please.” We Want to Hear From You Have a chaotic moment that made you think “WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?!” Email us: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Your story might be featured in a future episode. About the Podcast What Even Is This?! is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time — working, parenting, believing, doubting, achieving, unraveling, and trying to make sense of the chaos. Because: Life is messy. Chaos is real. And none of us actually have it all figured out. Which is exactly why we’re here.

13. 

    4 Mar 2026

    Episode 7: We’re Not Failing…Right? Redefining Success

    Hosts: Jane Doerman & Jordan Johnstone Guest: Cheyanne Skeldon Are we actually failing… or are we just measuring our lives with the wrong ruler? In this episode, Jane and Jordan sit down with certified LifePlan coach Cheyanne Skeldon to unpack the pressure so many women feel to constantly achieve, produce, and prove. Some days you accomplish a lot and still feel behind. Other days you’re barely hanging on and wondering how everyone else seems so confident. This conversation challenges the idea that success is about trophies, titles, or checking every box—and invites you to consider that maybe the definition you’re chasing doesn’t even fit your season anymore. Together, we explore what it looks like to redefine success in a way that aligns with your real life, your current capacity, and your deeper purpose. In This Episode: Why it’s so hard to feel like we’ve done “enough” The exhausting reality of shifting goalposts Comparison, capacity guilt, and invisible expectations How success changes in different seasons of life The difference between purpose and performance One practical step you can take today to redefine success Why “whose you are” matters more than “who you are” Small wins that don’t show up on Instagram—but absolutely count We also wrap the episode with our signature segment, Unqualified Advice, where we tackle modern dilemmas like inbox overwhelm, fake-it-till-you-make-it culture, and whether binge-watching counts as strategic downtime. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why doesn’t this feel like enough?” — this episode is for you. Connect with Cheyanne Skeldon: Website: https://cheyanneskeldon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyanneskeldon/?hl=en Connect With Us: Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who might need permission to breathe—and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Life is messy. Chaos is real. And maybe… we’re not failing after all. WHAT EVEN IS THIS?!

14. 

    25 Feb 2026

    Episode 6: Relationships Are WEIRD — Let’s Talk About It

    Why does one “K.” feel like a declaration of war? Why does making friends as an adult require three calendar confirmations and a childcare miracle? And when did marriage start feeling like co-managing a small, chaotic company? In this episode of What Even Is This?, Jane and Jordan unpack the strange, hilarious, and occasionally fragile world of adult relationships — friendships, partners, coworkers, group chats, Slack tone, and all. Because sometimes you’re not even fighting… you’re just both tired and your nervous systems are freelancing. Today’s big question: Why do relationships feel harder in adulthood — and how do we communicate without spiraling? In This Episode, We Talk About: Why adult friendship feels logistical instead of effortless The emotional risk of sending “too many” exclamation points The viral “We listen and we don’t judge” confession trend Golden Retriever vs. Black Cat relationship archetypes The “roommate phase” of marriage How logistics quietly replace flirtation Slack tone, emoji politics, and read-receipt anxiety Why most fights are actually stress + depletion + bad timing How to tell when you’re misreading tone A simple repair script you can use immediately: “When you said __, I heard __. Is that what you meant?” We also play Relationship Translation Hotline, where phrases like “No worries!” and “All good.” get interpreted four different ways. And in this week’s WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?! segment: The mom-friend coffee plan that disappeared into a 12-day scheduling void Accidentally starting a Cold War over “I’m fine.” A Slack message that unintentionally launched emotional warfare Key Takeaways Adult friendship isn’t hard because you’re bad at it — it’s hard because life is heavy. If you’re depleted, everything sounds like criticism. Most relationship tension is misinterpretation + exhaustion. Relationships need maintenance, not perfection. If relationships feel harder right now, it might not be because you’re doing them wrong — it might be because you’re doing too much. Have a chaotic relationship moment that made you say, “WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?!” Email us at: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ What Even Is This? is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time — working, parenting, believing, doubting, laughing, crying, and spiraling along the way. Life is messy. Chaos is real. None of us have it all figured out. And that’s exactly why we’re here. 🎙 Hosts: Jane Doerman & Jordan Johnstone ⏱ Runtime: ~45–60 minutes

15. 

    18 Feb 2026

    Episode 5: The Overstimulated, Overwhelmed & Over It Club

    Why does everything feel so loud… all the time? In this episode, Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone dive into a season so many of us are living in: overstimulated, overwhelmed, and honestly… a little over it. From Slack notifications and school emails to social media scroll spirals and the mental load that never clocks out, we’re talking about what noise overload actually does to our brains—and why your nervous system sometimes just shuts down. If you’ve ever: Walked into a room and forgotten why Stared at your inbox like it was written in Ancient Greek Snapped when someone asked, “What’s for dinner?” Felt irritable, sad, or fried for no clear reason …you’re not broken. You might just be at capacity. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why overstimulation isn’t weakness—it’s capacity overload The “Overstimulated Mom Kit” trend (hello, noise-canceling headphones) How digital clutter adds to mental clutter The impact of short-form video on memory and focus What brain shutdown looks like in real life Visual clutter and why it can trigger overwhelm Reset rituals that actually help (silence, boundaries, decompression time) The practice of self-compassion in high-demand seasons The concept of “Trying Softer,” inspired by Aundi Kolber Becoming a “soul minimalist,” a phrase often used by Emily P. Freeman We also introduce a new segment: WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?! — where we share our own chaotic life moments (including a grocery pickup saga involving 40 minutes, questionable arugula, and a strongly worded email). This episode is equal parts humor and honesty—because sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is shut the door, lie flat on the floor, and not talk to anyone for ten minutes. If you’re in the Overstimulated, Overwhelmed & Over It Club… you’re not failing. You’re likely carrying too much noise. 💬 Connect With Us We want to hear your spiral moments. Do you have: A brain-shutdown story? A reset ritual that saves your sanity? A chaotic moment that made you say, “WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?!” 📩 Email us: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com 📱 Follow & DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Your story might be featured in a future episode. Thanks for spiraling with us. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who’s overstimulated, overwhelmed, and quietly wondering: WHAT EVEN IS THIS?

16. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Episode 4: Burnout, Overwhelm, & Why Rest Feels Impossible

    Why does rest feel so hard—even when we desperately need it? In this episode of What Even Is This?, hosts Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone dig into burnout, overwhelm, and the guilt that shows up the moment we try to slow down. If you’ve ever felt exhausted but unable to rest because there’s always more to do, this conversation is for you. Jane and Jordan are joined by Mindy Caliguire, author and founder of Soul Care, for an honest discussion about productivity culture, soul neglect, and what real rest actually looks like. Together, they explore why our worth is often tied to output, how burnout sneaks up on working moms, and why caring for your soul isn’t optional—it’s foundational. This episode offers permission to rest, language for what you’re experiencing, and practical insight for anyone running on empty. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why rest feels impossible in a productivity-driven culture The guilt working moms feel when slowing down How burnout shows up before we recognize it What “soul neglect” looks like in everyday life Why rest is a necessity, not a luxury What real rest looks like beyond sleep and scrolling Beliefs about work, success, and worth that need to be unlearned About Our Guest: Mindy Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care and the author of Soul Care and Ignite Your Soul. For decades, she has helped leaders and everyday women reconnect with God by tending to their inner lives, creating space for rest, renewal, and sustainable living. Connect With Us: We want to hear from you. What resonated with you in this episode? What beliefs about rest or productivity are you questioning? Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ About the Show: What Even Is This? is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time—working, parenting, believing, doubting, laughing, crying, and spiraling along the way. We don’t pretend to have the answers. We name the chaos and talk about it honestly. Hosts: Jane Doerman & Jordan Johnstone Episode Type: Guest Episode Runtime: Approximately 45–60 minutes If this episode helped you feel a little less alone, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need permission to rest. Because life is messy, chaos is real, and none of us have it all figured out—and that’s exactly why we’re here.

17. 

    4 Feb 2026

    Episode 3: Life Comes at You FAST… SEND HELP!

    Life’s a mess—let’s talk about it. In this episode, hosts Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone lean into the season of life where everything feels new, overwhelming, and completely unscripted. You know the one—where life is moving fast, control is an illusion, and everyone else seems to know what they’re doing (they don’t). From internet chaos to real-life “SEND HELP” moments, Jane and Jordan talk honestly—and humorously—about surprise seasons, survival strategies, control issues, and the messy process of becoming who you’re growing into. In this episode, we talk about: The life moments that completely caught us off guard What it feels like to navigate a season with no syllabus Survival strategies when everything feels overwhelming Letting go of control and managing imposter syndrome What we wish someone had told us before this season Chaotic, relatable moments that make you say, “WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING?” We want to hear from you! Have a chaotic, messy, or downright unhinged life moment? Send us your “SEND HELP” stories. 📩 Email: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ About the Show: What Even Is This? is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time—working, parenting, believing, doubting, laughing, crying, and spiraling along the way. We’re not here to fix your life. We’re here to name the mess and talk about it honestly. Life is messy. Chaos is real. None of us have it all figured out. 🎙 Hosts: Jane Doerman & Jordan Johnstone ⏱ Runtime: ~35–45 minutes Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share with a friend who’s also asking: WHAT EVEN IS THIS?

18. 

    28 Jan 2026

    Episode 2: Am I the Only One Who Feels Behind?

    Ever feel like everyone else has their life together—and you’re quietly falling behind? In this episode, hosts Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone name one of the most common (and isolating) spirals of adulthood: comparison. Joined by leadership coach Kristin Bartholomew, this episode explores why the “put-together life” is often an illusion, how rejection and detours shape our stories, and what actually helps when shame and comparison start to spiral. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it just me?”—this conversation is for you. In This Episode: Why feeling behind is more common than we admit The pressure of life timelines and unmet expectations Rejection, grief, and learning to reframe the story you’re telling yourself Practical ways to spiral less and lean into community Why confidence is built through courage, not certainty Plus, a round of Unqualified Advice, where we offer unsolicited wisdom on burnout, boundaries, parenting guilt, exhaustion, and everyday chaos—with zero credentials and full honesty. Learn more about Kristin and her work: Website: https://kmbcoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momlife_balance/ We Want to Hear From You! Have a spiral, hot take, or “what even is this?!” moment? Email us: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com Instagram: DM us your hot takes → https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Facebook: Join the conversation → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587151132405 Your story may be featured in a future episode. About the Show: "What Even Is This?" is a podcast for women navigating adulthood in real time—working, parenting, believing, doubting, laughing, crying, and spiraling along the way. We’re not here to fix your life. We’re here to name the mess and talk about it honestly. Don’t forget to listen, follow, rate, review, share, and send this episode to a friend who’s also asking: What even is this?!

19. 

    21 Jan 2026

    Episode 1: No One Told Me THIS About Being a Working Mom

    Life’s a mess—let’s talk about it. Welcome to the pilot episode of What Even Is This?, the podcast where we spiral out loud about faith, work, motherhood, and the chaos of everyday adulthood. Hosts Jane Doerman and Jordan Johnstone kick things off by asking the question no one prepared us for: What is the most surprising part of being an adult who’s also a career girly and a mom? From Googling basic life skills to switching personalities between work and home, we’re naming the tension, laughing through the chaos, and reminding each other we’re not alone. In This Episode: The things we thought we’d have figured out by now (we haven’t) Boss energy vs. lunchbox chaos Internet moments that make you question everything A very real Send Help parenting moment We Want to Hear From You Have a spiral, question, or chaotic life moment? 📩 Email us: thewhatevenisthispodcast@gmail.com 📱 Follow & DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatevenisthispodcast/ Because life is messy, chaos is real—and none of us have it all figured out. WHAT EVEN IS THIS? 🎙️

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact “What Even Is This?” with Jane and Jordan

Guest appearances

Books guests

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