We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jade Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jade, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my first creative endeavor: a podcast called I’m Not In The Mood Podcast, which I host with my best friend of nearly 20 years. Starting a podcast had been a dream of mine for years. During the COVID-19 shutdown, as podcasts became more mainstream, I found myself struggling to connect with shows that truly resonated with me. This fueled my desire to create my own, but at the time, I didn’t have the bandwidth to bring the idea to life. Now, the timing feels divine-it’s as if this project was meant to begin at this exact moment. This project holds immense meaning for me because it’s deeply healing. We often discuss mental health, which has been incredibly therapeutic. But beyond that, having a creative outlet that feels so authentically me and allows me to spend quality time with my best friend has been transformative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in North Philadelphia, PA, attended middle and high school in South Philadelphia, and navigated through several colleges before finding my current path. Today, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Human Resources while working in the HR field. Although I’ve always been an avid social media consumer, stepping into the role of content creator is a new and exciting challenge for me.

The I’m Not In The Mood Podcast was a long-time dream for my best friend (and now co-host) and me. When the timing felt right, we jumped in wholeheartedly. This deeply personal and creative project was born from our shared passion for authentic conversations about mental health, self-discovery, and life’s ups and downs. Our goal is to create a space where listeners feel seen, heard, and less alone—whether they’re navigating challenges, celebrating victories, or just having one of those days.

I’m Not In The Mood is a bi-weekly podcast featuring candid, heartfelt, and often humorous discussions about real-life topics. We share personal stories and insights, and we’re excited to soon welcome guests who bring fresh perspectives and expertise. More than just entertainment, our show offers a sense of connection and community for those craving authenticity in a world that often feels overly filtered and curated.

At its core, our podcast is about mental health and emotional well-being. We aim to normalize conversations about feelings, break stigmas, and explore the often-overlooked aspects of personal growth and healing. Listeners have told us our podcast feels like sitting down with friends who just get it—and we’re incredibly proud to offer that sense of belonging.

What sets us apart is the deep bond we share as co-hosts. Two decades of friendship have fostered raw honesty, natural banter, and a vulnerability that feels genuine rather than rehearsed. We also embrace imperfection—life is messy, and so are we. That’s what makes our conversations relatable and real.

I’m immensely proud of I’m Not In The Mood and what we’ve accomplished together. Despite our busy lives, we’ve committed to pursuing this dream, and the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Reading the comments from listeners who resonate with our episodes makes every bit of effort worthwhile.

Our show is a journey of self-expression, personal growth, and connection. Knowing that we’ve created something meaningful for even one person is an honor. If you’re considering tuning in, here’s what we want you to know: we’re here to keep it real. Whether we’re laughing, crying, or just figuring things out, our goal is to remind you that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.

So, grab your favorite drink, tune in, and join us for conversations that feel like home.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the whirlwind of life, wearing multiple hats is an art. As a wife, mother, HR professional, graduate student, and creative, I often find myself juggling responsibilities that each demand more than 100% of your attention. There was a time, not too long ago, where it felt like every aspect of my life was demanding my attention. I was knee-deep in work, pursuing a Master’s degree that tested my intellect and time management, and tending to my family with love and devotion, all while trying to take care of myself. Despite the chaos, the desire to create I’m Not In the Mood Podcast never dwindled.

Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity. Starting the podcast became a powerful act of resilience: a way to channel my energy into something that would feed my soul while navigating life’s demands. The podcast wasn’t just about fulfilling a creative dream I shared with my best friend, it was about reclaiming a piece of myself.

Through this process, I learned that resilience isn’t about having endless energy or never feeling overwhelmed. It’s about listening to your inner voice, leaning into your passions, and showing up—even when you’re not “in the mood.” This podcast is more than a creative project; it’s a testament to my journey of balance and self-discovery. Looking back, I’m proud of how each role in my life has shaped me. They’ve taught me the art of persistence, the beauty of imperfection, and the power of storytelling. And now, through the podcast, I get to share those lessons with the world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding apsect of being a creative is being able to express myself authentically and connect with others on a deeper level. Through projects like my podcast, I get to explore mental health topics and engage in meaningful conversations that not only resonate with our listeners but also provide a space for healing and growth for myself and my co-host. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how creativity fosters connection, self-discovery, and empowerment in ways that feel genuine and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@pooh_1991
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pooh_1991 and www.instagram.com/imnotinthemoodpodcast_24
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JadePeteyCoker

Image Credits

Full body picture: Taken by Roy Jetson
Picture of Theo & I at the table: Taken by Roy Jetson
Podcast Pictures: created by Theodore Smith