
How do powerful women turn pain into purpose—and gratitude into their greatest strength?
In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, Jenn Cassetta, sits down with Jamie Hess — TEDx and keynote speaker, media personality, and lifestyle expert — for a raw and inspiring conversation. Jamie opens up about her powerful journey from addiction to 20+ years of sobriety, sharing how fitness and gratitude became the foundation for her transformation.
We dive into what it really takes to reinvent yourself, build a personal brand rooted in authenticity, and step boldly into a purpose-driven life.
Tune in to learn how to rebrand yourself, rise stronger, and live a life filled with fulfillment and gratitude.
Listen to the episode here
Watch the episode here
Introduction
In this episode, Jenn Cassetta invites us into an intriguing conversation with the multifaceted Jamie Hess. Known for her dynamic background as a TEDx and keynote speaker, media personality, and entrepreneur, Jamie is not only the host of the Gratitudeology podcast but also a lifestyle expert and social media creator. Her robust career has inspired countless individuals, and today, she delves deep into the experiences and insights that shaped her journey.
A Journey from Partying to Purpose
The story Jamie shares is one of transformation and resilience. She provides a heartfelt narration about her upbringing, highlighting the significant influence of her mother, Joan Lunden, a pioneer in television journalism. Despite a loving start, Jamie found herself immersed in a life of drugs and alcohol at a very young age. Her candid account of battling addiction while managing to uphold a life of success showcases the duality often present in high-functioning addicts.
Her narrative reveals the immense struggle and eventual victory over her addiction, crediting much of her survival to the discovery of fitness and the transformative power of gratitude. A fitness enthusiast, Jamie describes how the rhythm and community she discovered on the floors of Barry’s Bootcamp mirrored the camaraderie she had sought on nightclub dance floors.
The Road to Redemption
Jamie’s recovery introduced her to the power of fitness and wellness, embedding them into her daily routine as a substitute for her past addictions. Discovering gratitude as a practice became a cornerstone of her healing, a lesson passed down through rooms of recovery and therapy.
Her transformation didn’t end there. After years in public relations and marketing, Jamie made a bold transition into the role of an influencer, leveraging her knowledge and skills to build a personal brand. Her decision to leave a corporate job and dive into content creation turned into a flourishing career, proving that living life aligned with one’s passion can herald a new path to success.
Mastering Your Own Narrative
Today, Jamie runs a course called Brand Ninja, teaching others to monetize their personal brand. However, her insights extend beyond brand building. Jamie educates people on how to reframe their personal narrative to evoke positive change and attract good energy.
What emerges from this conversation is a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their aspirations, can benefit from understanding and defining their personal brand. As Jamie articulates, living life with gratitude and stepping into one’s true self is a daily practice that opens doors not just professionally, but personally as well.
Final Insights
Before wrapping up, Jamie emphasizes the importance of connection, encouraging listeners to share gratitude with others. Her insights, combined with actionable advice on personal branding and embracing life’s challenges with a positive outlook, make this episode an inspiring listen.
3 Key Takeaways from the Episode:
- Gratitude is Transformative: Embracing gratitude as a practice can profoundly change one’s life perspective, providing a sense of purpose and aligning one’s actions with their values.
- Authenticity in Personal Branding: Building a personal brand is not solely for influencers. By intentionally presenting oneself, aligning with core values, and consistently projecting that identity, anyone can enhance their personal and professional life.
- Connection and Communication: The importance of maintaining open, honest communication with loved ones cannot be overstated. Sharing gratitude and seeking help when needed strengthen relationships and enable personal growth.
Important Links
- Jamie Hess’ Website
- Her Podcast Gratitudeology
- Subscribe to Jenn’s newsletter so you never miss an episode
- Book Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo
- Burnout to Badass
- The 6 Habits Of High Performance With Jenn Cassetta – Past episode
- Art of Badassery Retreat
- Art of Badassery Newsletter
About Jamie Hess
Jamie Hess is a wellness entrepreneur, mindset coach, media personality, and a former public relations executive. She is also the daughter of former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden. After overcoming a struggle with addiction in her twenties, she co-created the popular fitness and wellness platform @NYCfitfam with her husband, George Hess.
Learn more at https://meetjamiehess.com/


