Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Shea.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
This is such a loaded question for me! I really believe that the sum of my life experiences has led me to this career path—from childhood trauma to addiction, to battling Lyme disease. I’ve always been highly empathetic, wanting people to feel loved and included (this sensitivity certainly DID NOT gain me any popularity as a young girl).
I found performing in middle school, decided I wanted to audition for LaGuardia High School Performing Arts, got in and that began many years of a career as an actor. Fantasy and playing pretend were my very first addictions, a way for me to transport myself from the horrors in my home and into a pretend, safe world. (This is normal behavior for young kids in trauma when it’s too much, they turn off, affecting the brain’s development and *maybe, sometimes* leading to addiction).
Here’s the reason why this performance piece is important:
I love to act, yes. It’s fun and spiritual, and I’m good at it. BUT, since I’m a little, little thing the real intent behind being an actress was to gain a platform big enough so I could spread love to the masses, letting ALL know that it’s OK to be human and F***** UP. For years, I experienced internal conflict about the self-centeredness a career as an actress came with for me. So, during my battle with life-threatening Lyme disease, after I learned ALL about what it really is to be human and had a deeper experience of unconditional love, I thought: “I need to start loving the masses and changing the conversation NOW.” And, as a person who healed from Lyme, the responsibility felt still greater.
The original idea was to do a one-woman show (which IS coming), but I was still too sick to perform, so I started blogging weekly. (all blogs are still available at jackieshea.com). I wrote an essay weekly for over a year as I progressively got better and better, then started my podcast, “Healing Out Loud with Jackie Shea.” The blog turned into a podcast and a coaching business flourished organically as more and more people reached out to me for guidance.
I NEVER thought I’d work in wellness and I NEVER thought I’d be a coach. I was dead set on staying an actress and doing a one-woman show and writing a book. Life had other plans for me because I LOVE this work and I love my clients and I feel more fulfilled and excited about being alive than I ever have in my life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth!? No, definitely not. Is it ever? Look, I don’t know that the road will ever be smooth. I think what makes it “smooth” is a sense of peace and faith on the bumpy ride. I have my moments of intense faith, and I have my moments of intense inner -turbulence.
My struggles vary from self-worth issues, fear, and tangible things like working too many jobs and being spread too thin. I also needed accountability. I really think that all of these pieces get addressed in 1:1 coaching. I wouldn’t be able to battle my negative inner-voices and keep going without that level of support.
I believe there will always be challenges to navigate. I need a support system, a spiritual life, the willingness to engage with radical self-care, and lots of self-compassion to get through. Get those things in place, and you can meet any challenge that comes your way.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a life coach and podcaster specializing in health and further specializing in Lyme disease, chronic illness and addiction. I work with private 1:1 clients—many with health challenges and trauma— helping them get to their most empowered, healthy and authentic self. I produce my podcast (Healing Out Loud) as free content for anyone looking to get through health issues, injury, trauma or simply looking to be their best selves
You can also get loads of free content at my blog, on my instagram and signing up for my newsletter. My mission is patient empowerment. This means I aim to make it possible for you to take the best care of yourself possible—to heal without total reliance on “professionals.”
Come heal out loud with my beloved community!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Oh, my… I don’t love this question because I don’t like the “should” feeling. I think that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, and I trust my experience.
BUT, for the reader, here is my suggestion:
Get a coach ASAP. Don’t wait. You’re only delaying your income and your progress. Here’s the deal:
I started caring a lot about monetizing. I’m 30, I want children, I want a comfortable income and a home. So, I started listening to podcasts and reading blogs and following all of the people that have what I want in life. The number 1 piece of advice that came up, AGAIN and AGAIN, was to invest in yourself now. Stop wasting time, get a coach, your life will change. It was when I took that advice and hired my own coach (Sascha Alexander) that it all started to change for me. Coaching is a life-changing, game-changing, experience. I LOVE that I provide that for others and I’m so grateful I made the leap and got my own.
If you are a podcaster, wait to launch it until you have a game-plan to monetize it and reach the masses—it’s harder than you think!
John Lee Dumas and Podcaster Paradise is a great resource that I wish I knew about before I launched. Have patience. And slow down.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jackieshea.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/sheajackie/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/jackie.shea.3572 - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
TheJackieShea
Image Credit:
Jameson Baltes
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
