What if the ladder you’ve been climbing your whole career… is leaning against the wrong building?

In this episode of Coffee Unlimited with J & D, we unpack the powerful metaphor of “the ladder” — success, ambition, promotions, and the unspoken rules many of us inherit about what it means to live a good life.

Inspired by Janelle’s Monday Mindset newsletter, we explore:

• Why so many people chase upward mobility without ever asking where they’re headed
• How societal conditioning shapes our definition of success
• What it really means to pause, reassess, and choose intentionally — even if that means staying put, stepping off, or switching ladders entirely
• Why turning down promotions, redefining ambition, or choosing freedom over status isn’t failure — it’s wisdom

We also talk about transferable skills, sabbaticals, entrepreneurship, and how to recognize the moments when you feel most alive as clues toward what’s next.

If you’ve ever felt restless, burnt out, or quietly wondered “Is this it?” — this conversation is your invitation to pause, reflect, and choose on purpose.

What if the most grounded way to start the new year… is to not go all in?

In this Season 2 kickoff of Coffee Unlimited, we’re giving you permission to half-ass your New Year—on purpose. Instead of rushing into resolutions, reinventions, and “new year, new you” pressure, we explore why January is better suited for rest, reflection, and gentle curiosity.

We talk about:

• Why winter is not the season for intensity and overhauls
• Letting go of arbitrary timelines and external pressure
• The power of small, imperfect steps over big declarations
• How slowing down can actually create more clarity and alignment

If you’ve been feeling behind, unmotivated, or resistant to goal-setting this year, this episode is your reminder that you’re not broken—you’re just human. ☕️
Pull up a chair, take a breath, and let’s ease into the year together.

In this celebratory and reflective Season 1 finale of Coffee Unlimited with J & D, Janelle and Danielle pause to look back on the year that was — sharing festive drinks, honest reflections, and heartfelt conversations about growth, discipline, joy, and peace.

Danielle opens up about unmet creative goals and the realization that while rest and ease were necessary after leaving corporate life, it’s now time to lean into discomfort, discipline, and consistency — especially when it comes to writing, marketing, and showing up even when motivation fades.

Janelle reflects on navigating the emotional weight of the year, particularly the impact of constant news and political content, and how intentionally curating what she “lets in” — from social media to friendships — helped her find her way back to joy. From animal accounts to new, laughter-filled friendships, she shares how small shifts created meaningful emotional change.

Together, they reflect on how we consume information, the simplicity of childhood, and the importance of boundaries — for ourselves and for our kids. They close the episode by sharing a deeply personal wish for the year ahead: more peace, more joy, and more kindness — for ourselves, our communities, and the world.

A warm, thoughtful conversation that perfectly captures the heart of Coffee Unlimited: honest reflection, meaningful connection, and showing up for yourself — one sip at a time.