We Digress with Joi and Jess

By Joi Simpson and Jess Perry

Join hosts (and longtime friends) Joi Simpson and Jess Perry as they tackle the absurdities of life the only way they know how: with honesty, faith, and humor. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com

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Ep. 316 - New Year, Same Me, and Other Stuff

We Digress with Joi and JessJan 06, 2023

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01:19:06

Ep. 316 - New Year, Same Me, and Other Stuff

It's raining, it's pouring, it's a new year and our last episode of the season! We've got updates on Joi's mansplaining saga, and our dreams for 2023, and as a reminder, we are still taking applications for the role of Joi's Knight in Shining Armor. Please send your resume and a recent photo to podcast@joiandjess.com.

Check out Divine Detour Media (website in progress) at divinedetourmedia.com.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Jan 06, 202301:19:06

Ep. 315 - A Very Special Christmas Episode and Other Stuff

For our penultimate episode of Season 3, we're bringing out all the stops! This episode has everything: exploding turkeys, setting your hair on fire, David Alan Grier. (Imagine we said that last bit like Stefon from SNL) Plus, a surprisingly serious PSA from Joi at the end. It's a Very Special Christmas Episode this week on We Digress with Joi and Jess (cue '80s theme song).

Dec 23, 202201:21:01

Ep. 314 - Mansplaining Musicians and Other Stuff

BREAKING NEWS: Women know stuff. We understand that this is a groundbreaking revelation to some insecure menfolk, but don't worry, we'll all get through this together. Also, there's a possibility Jess' Great Aunt was in the mob in Vegas, and we take a very important detour to hype our girl, Joi. (Did you know she's sung with the Stone Temple Pilots? Don't worry...it was brand new info for Jess, too).

Las Vegas' Golden Era: Memoirs 1954-1974

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox: Hallelujah

Dec 16, 202201:43:28

Ep 313 - Intentional Relationships & Other Stuff (w/Autumn Acheampong) Pt 2

You can find Part 1 of this amazing conversation with our friend, Autumn Acheampong of The Storied In Between Podcast, over at thestoriedinbetween.com.

Dec 09, 202201:21:26

Ep 312 - Stepping Down, Stepping Up, and Other Stuff

When high-profile Christians step down from their platforms, how should the Church respond? We're talking Social Media, Sabbaticals, and the lessons we learn along the way on this week's episode.

Dec 02, 202201:24:13

Ep. 311 - Bigfoot, Boyfriends, (B)relationships, & Other Stuff

We're talking healthy marriages! Jess dives into some of the lessons she and John learned in their first year of marriage and the habits they've established to keep their marriage on the right track, Joi spills the tea about that time God broke off her engagement, and we explore the magic that is the Pumpkin Spread at Trader Joe's. And yes, there is a higher-than-average amount of Bigfoot content in this week's episode. You're welcome.

Episode Resources:
Mercier Orchards
The Love Language Assessment
Prepare-Enrich
Expedition Bigfoot

Nov 25, 202201:32:50

Taking a Break and Other Stuff

If you've been listening, you already know that the girls' lives get pretty crazy from time to time. They're taking a few weeks off to get situated and record some fresh content for you, but they'll be back in a few with new episodes to round out Season 3!

Oct 14, 202201:39

Ep. 310 - In the Fullness of Time and Other Stuff

Here it is, the whole sordid, amazing conclusion to Jess' house drama. Grab some popcorn, cuz it's a doozy! (Also, and we cannot state this strongly enough, please do NOT buy a home from Dream Finders Homes.) But honestly, it's a God story. He does some full-circle redemption on this one, guys.

Oct 07, 202201:11:23

Episode 309 - Love Hurts (In Elementary School) and Other Stuff

This week on "As the Schoolyard Turns," will Sasha finally tell Jack how she feels? Will Tiffany side with Amber? Will their relationships survive? Will someone please tell us why 5th Graders have more relationship drama than the grown folks? Also, Jess gets crowned and the girls discuss the random things people know from working in their fields.

Sep 30, 202258:42

Episode 308 - You Have to Play to Win and Other Stuff

Remember that billion dollar lotto jackpot? Yeah, we didn't win, but wouldn't it be cool if we had? Joi and Jess dream a bit about what they'd do with a billion dollars, but then they get sidetracked, per usual.

Sep 23, 202201:22:41

Episode 307 - Pink Sauce, Side Hustles, and Other Stuff

Pink Sauce: What is it, and why do we care, and what is botulism anyway? The girls dive into the TikkityTok drama du jour with a little detour into side hustles and using the brains the good Lord gave us.

Sep 16, 202201:04:01

Episode 306 - Purity Culture and Other Stuff

What happens when we get told that life will be a certain way if we do a certain thing and then it isn't? We're talking Purity Culture today, y'all, and it gets spicy. Also, 'Rona enters the chat, and Joi sings!

Sep 09, 202201:17:03

Episode 305 - Migraines, Mental Health, and Other Stuff

Be gentle, guys. Joi has a migraine, so be sure to drop all the tips and tricks you have for managing that most gnarly of head pain in the comments or hit us up in the DMs over at Instagram. We're also talking mental health and why building a house with Dream Finders Homes will wreck your mental health. (Spoiler alert: Jess wrote this description). Plus, we have a little sidebar about why church singles ministries are, in the words of Jean Ralphio Saperstein, "the woooOOOOooooorst!"

Sep 02, 202201:34:51

Episode 304 - Deconstruction, Reconciliation, and Other Stuff Pt. II

As promised, we're back with Part II of our discussion on church hurt and pastors behaving badly, and heads up, we talk about some sensitive subjects including SA, church abuse, and narcissism. There are surprisingly few digressions in this one, so grab a blendy coffee and pull up a chair. We're getting real today, y'all.

Aug 26, 202201:22:40

Episode 303 - Deconstruction, Reconciliation, and Other Stuff

"Celebrity Pastor behaves badly, covers up abuse..." How many times have we heard this sentence uttered? With the advent of the deconstruction movement, Joi and Jess have some thoughts, especially for pastors and ministry leaders. And because we can't not digress (it's literally in our name), Joi survives an ant invasion and Jess gives us an update on her house situation.

Aug 19, 202201:40:09

Episode 302 - Solving the World's Problems and Other Stuff

Ooof, we got ALL the hot takes on this week's episode. We're solving the world's problems, so grab a notebook and pen and write this down. And then email your congressperson or something. You're welcome, America! Also, The TikityTok thinks Jess is a black woman and Joi gets uncomfortable watching an internet cooking show.

Trigger Warning: There is a brief mention of SA towards the end of the episode.

Aug 12, 202201:23:22

Episode 301 - Satanic Tampons & Other Stuff

WE'RE BACK FOR SEASON 3, BABYYYYY! We're catching up on the past few months, and Joi's got a WHOPPER of a TikTok story to tell (Spoiler Alert: It's about feminine hygiene products, but it's not THAT kind of story. You're safe, trust us.) Also, we think Jess gets abducted by aliens around the 1:07 mark. Yeah, it's a long one, but we have a lot to catch up on. Besides. You know you missed us. Also: Jess has a story about a giant, mechanical Jesus.

Aug 05, 202201:09:39

Ep 219 - New Year Who Dis and Other Stuff

Guys, it's the Season 2 Finale and technical difficulties got us going out in some kind of way. Never fear, though, audio quality aside, you can tell it's going to be good when Jess immediately forgets her name, Joi reveals the best gift for the Gen Zer in your life, and Jess learns how to Google. Groundbreaking stuff, this.

Don't forget! You can purchase your very own copy of Joi's book, "Beautiflawed: The New Definition of Beauty" at Amazon.com or at JoiSimpson.com

Dec 31, 202101:02:07

Ep. 218 - Beautiflawed and Other Stuff

Guys, the day we've been waiting for is HERE! Joi has released her book "Beautiflawed: The New Definition of Beauty." We're so excited for this book and the message inside, so we're spending (most of) the episode chatting about all things Beautiflawed. We do get a little digression in towards the end. Don't worry. AND, we even throw in some technical difficulties right at the end.

You can purchase your very own copy of Beautiflawed at Amazon.com or at JoiSimpson.com

Dec 24, 202101:28:48

Ep 217 - Only a Hippopotamus and Other Stuff

It starts weird and it doesn’t get any better, guys. The girls cover a lot of ground from the perils of directing the school play to JOI’S NEW BOOK (Available December 20th) to porcine regulations and why an Egg McMuffin costs so much. Jess wraps things up with a benediction and we promise there’s nothing extra in our beverages.

Dec 17, 202101:19:15

Ep. 216 - Sugar Daddies, Cougars and Cubs, and Other Stuff

It's a very revealing episode, guys. Find out why we both hate Jurassic Park, how to mentally prepare for a trip to Jamaica, and why older dudes are hit and miss in the dating scene. Also, Joi turns 40 and reflects on her newly-expanded dating pool. (BTW, we're accepting applications for the role of "Joi's Suitor" at podcast@joiandjess.com).

Dec 03, 202101:13:07

Ep 215 - Thanksgiving and Other Stuff

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and we are full of food and thankful hearts. In today's episode, we shout out some of the people we are thankful for, as well as an organization truly doing the Lord's work in Tema, Ghana. City of Refuge Ministries exists to be the rescuing hands of Jesus for kids that are sold into slavery. They work with the Community to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking by providing a safe place for these precious kids to heal, get an education, and meet Jesus. To learn more about CORM and help them meet their $15,000 fundraising goal, check out cormghana.org.

Nov 26, 202101:33:13

Ep. 0214 - Reunited and It Feels So Good and Other Stuff

We're back! Jess has made her way across the country, and we're not sure if it's the time difference, but get ready for some wacky hijinks! (Please imagine that last part said in an over-the-top 80's voiceover guy voice). The whole episode is a digression, honestly, but if you need some laughter in your life, this is the episode from you!

Nov 19, 202101:38:26

A Vision Realized and Other Stuff w/Sherron Breaux Welch

Earlier this year, Sherron Breaux was the very first guest on We Digress with Joi and Jess. In the year since then, a lot has changed. For starters, your girl got hitched up. And as if that wasn't enough, on November 12th, 2021, she's launching her very own plus-size athletic brand, Excentrique Athletics! In this episode, we'll talk about what it takes to launch a brand from the ground up, and we'll also detour into that annoying thing where your workout pants end up not covering your butt. You can catch up with Sherron on IG at @fashionistabreaux and @ExcentriqueAthletics

Oct 29, 202157:02

Leading with Love and Other Stuff with Maza Zimmerman

We are so excited to have our friend Maza Zimmerman join us on today's episode. After coming to the realization that the life he had planned wasn't working out the way he thought it would, Maza changed course. It was supposed to be temporary, but one global pandemic later, Maza shares the leadership lessons that have transformed a sojourn into a new passion and way of life. You can find Maza on Instagram at @maza_zimmerman

Oct 22, 202101:23:09

Episode 211 - The Holy Spirit Part 2 and Other Stuff

Our favorite guest is back! Elder Candace Simpson joins us for another discussion of the Holy Spirit and faith in general. And because she's Joi's Mama, you know it will be a TON of fun with plenty of shenanigans. We talk sponsorships, book deals, and the fine line between living in the fullness of God's blessing and using God as a magic genie.

Oct 15, 202102:03:17

Church Hurt and Other Stuff

This week, we're diving into a topic that we both wish didn't exist: The Tony Awards. Just kidding! While we do spend some time discussing Broadway's biggest night, we're talking about the harsh reality of church hurt. If you've ever been wounded by the people you thought were supposed to help you draw closer to Jesus, we've been there, too, and we have some practical steps for dealing with church hurt in healthy ways. Plus, find out what happens when your podcasting platform drops the first 9 minutes of your show! It's super exciting.

Oct 08, 202101:18:57

Latkes, Impossible Odds, and Other Stuff

We Digress....from the very beginning on this one, guys. We promise we have a topic. And it's a good one, too. But first, we're going to dive into other faith traditions, hidden SoCal gems, and the best pastrami of your life. If you stick through that, Jess has some big news, we're going old school with Kings Hezekiah and Jehoshaphat, and we talk about what hosting this podcast has done for both of us.

Check out:

shermansdeli.com

zooies.com

Pastor Bianca Olthoff

Pastor Mike Tood

Oct 01, 202101:24:09

Episode 208 - Small Humans and Other Stuff

Kiddos. Crumb Crunchers. Living Petri Dishes. Small Humans. Whatever you call those adorable, crazy kids, someone has to teach them. In today's episode, Joi shares what it's like to teach kids during a global pandemonium, Jess shares her theory about the fate of humanity, and we detour into a discussion of some of the best food in New Orleans. Speaking of NOLA, to help those affected by Hurricane Ida, particularly the town of Houma and the Greater New Orleans area, you can volunteer and donate through Samaritan's Purse. To learn more about their disaster response, go to https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#volunteer-now

Sep 24, 202101:13:58

Waiting on a God-Sized Dream and Other Stuff

It's a real one, y'all. We talk a lot about faith. Faith over fear. Faith that moves mountains. But sometimes faith is easier said than done, especially when you're tired. Today, we're talking (and crying) about the in-between times; the times when you have the God-sized dream, but can't yet step into it. We're leaking every which way over here, so grab some tissues and strap in.

Sep 17, 202101:29:36

Every Time A Firework Goes Off A Neighborhood Gets a Karen & Other Stuff

We're exploring the dark psyche of our hosts this week with a mess of revenge stories and tales of neighborhood tyranny. Since you know we're going off-topic, we'll also explore the state of our country on the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and discuss the history we didn't learn in school. Joi tells us about brisket fries and seasoning mixes, while Jess gives Joi plenty of ideas for neighborly payback.

Sep 10, 202101:32:48

Episode 205 - The Great White Way and Other Stuff

In this week's episode, Joi and Jess share their deep love of all things musical (with a few notable exceptions). Joi brings us an interesting story from Redditland, and the girls take a quick detour into why people stay in bad relationships. And also, Jess REALLY hates Les Mis.

Sep 03, 202101:32:05

The Holy Spirit and Other Stuff (with Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson)

This may be our favorite episode of the podcast so far, we're not gonna lie. We've got a special guest with us for this week's episode. One part preacher, one part scholar, several parts Joi's mom, Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson joins us to help us unpack the nature and character of the Holy Spirit. The 3rd person of the godhead can be confusing and intimidating to engage with, but Candace gives us some very practical tips on how to more fully operate in the power that we are given access to when we come to a relationship with God. Along the way, we'll figure out once and for all which of the Simpson girls has a higher pain tolerance, and Jess cries (again).

Aug 27, 202101:55:04

All the Stuff and Other Things

Guys, we tried to stay on a topic, but that did not happen. Instead, we're talking about everything from post-panorama Work From Home arrangements to the will of God to getting older and midnight burrito runs.

Aug 20, 202101:32:12

Happy Eating and Other Stuff

We're talking Summer Eats on today's episode. BBQ, desserts, elote, all the wonderful foods that immediately put you in a summer mood. We'll chat all about Jess' childhood home and find out why she can only plant fruit-bearing trees. Meanwhile, Joi shares her hatred for most things dairy, but regales us with tales of the ridiculous milkshake her nephew had on vacation. If you're not hungry when you start the episode, you will be by the end!

Aug 13, 202101:39:59

Together Again and Other Stuff (The Juneteenth Story)

Weeee're back! And this time with video!

To launch Season 2, we're hanging out in Jess' office, and are joined by our friend Jenn for some games, lots of laughter, and an absolutely insane Juneteenth story that will make you feel some kinda way.

Aug 06, 202101:23:19

Women in Ministry

We're closing out Season 1 of We Digress with Joi and Jess with a bang! It's time to talk about women in ministry. The struggles, challenges, and joys of over 20 years of being in the trenches. And, because it's Joi and Jess, there's a few detours along the way.

We want to apologize for the audio quality in this week's episode. There was an issue with microphones that we've done our best to correct, but Jess' audio is a little blown out despite our best efforts.

Apr 23, 202101:38:44

Sex, Love, Relationships, and Other Stuff

What do situationships, James the Gemologist, rejection, body image issues, and 3,000 giggling 12-year-old girls have in common? They're all on this week's episode. Joi and Jess discuss singleness, marriage, dating, sex outside of marriage, the hierarchy of Christian dating apps, and that awful macaroni and cheese "recipe" that's going around on the internet, so brace yourselves: we digress.

Apr 16, 202102:01:25

Influence and Other Stuff

What's that line from Spider-Man? "With great power comes great responsibility?" In this week's episode, Joi and Jess talk about the dangers of putting our leaders on pedestals, what happens when they fall, and how to create a culture that keeps spiritual influencers on the Safe and Narrow. Also, Jess busts out her News Anchor voice and Joi sings one of the most well-known theme songs in television history.

Apr 09, 202101:43:33

Stuff and Other Stuff Pt 2

We're all over the place on this one, guys: Dutch soda, eHarmony gym rats, Elle McPherson, weird Communion, and a lot of other stuff. Plus, we get an update on Joi's room redecorating saga and we discuss how buying a bed is peak adulting.

Apr 02, 202101:20:16

Stuff and Other Stuff

We're letting the words flow on this week's episode. And boy, do we flow. Everything from Britney Spears and Boy Bands to Planners, the Covid Vaccine, treating God like a Genie, and why Jess constantly buys new website domains.

In This Episode:

The Boy Band Con
When the Dream Never Dies
The Prayerful Planner

Mar 26, 202101:34:23

Faith Over Fear and Other Stuff

Oooo....this one gets spicy, guys. Joi and Jess dive headfirst into what Faith Over Fear means, what it doesn't mean, and how the insanity of 2020 has affected the Church and mental health in general. We'll also get some hot takes on SNL, discover Joi's deep love for Nick Jonas, and get a recap of the season 4 premiere of 9-1-1 (#NotSponsored).

Mar 19, 202101:48:10

Body Positivity and Other Stuff (w/Sherron Breaux)

We've got our very first guest on We Digress and we are SO excited! Sherron Breaux is a fashion and fitness influencer who understands the struggles plus-size people go through in trying to live a healthy lifestyle and look good while we do it. Her IG and YT channels are full of inspiration and encouragement. This episode is a BLAST! We talk Kale, Weddings, and those Peach booty leggings everyone's losing their minds over on TikTok.

Follow Sherron on Youtube and IG: @fashionistabreaux

Mar 12, 202101:43:26

Church Stories and Other Stuff Pt 2

What does having Wednesday night Youth Group at the martini bar, getting triggered by the phrase "We want to start a contemporary service", and flaming underwear have in common? They're all on this week's episode of We Digress with Joi and Jess. We even throw in some church leadership lessons at no extra charge!

You can get your very own (not quite as discounted as Jess') copy of Dr. Paul McReynolds' excellent Greek Interlinear New Testament at Amazon.

Mar 05, 202101:11:34

Church Stories and Other Stuff Pt 1

The names probably should have been changed to protect the innocent? Joi and Jess have some crazy church stories for you today. From flying soloists to offroading in a 15-passenger van to the deacon who wanted us to sing his new club track, we've got an episode that will keep you laughing. And because it's Joi and Jess, we'll get a little off-topic talking YouTube and eyelash weaves.

How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (Book)

How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (YouTube Series)

Feb 26, 202101:39:27

Finding Balance and Other Stuff

Our world pulls us in so many different directions. If you don't feel like you're drowning in the spin cycle, wait 5 minutes for it to start. On this week's episode, Joi and Jess dive into finding balance in life. From the mental exercise of setting meaningful boundaries to practical tips for living your day with an eye toward balance, you'll walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and equipped. Oh, and the girls talk about being musicians in their sleep. It's a whole thing.

Feb 19, 202101:18:22

Chronic Illness and Other Stuff

Grab a box of tissues because things get a little real in this episode as Joi and Jess talk about chronic illness, mental health, love, and loss. And since it's We Digress, you know there's some other stuff in there, too.

Our almost-guest host, Amanda Biederman, Invisible Illness Advocate, can be found at amandabiederman.com

Feb 12, 202101:35:40

Food and Other Stuff

You'll want to grab a snack for this one.

Joi and Jess reminisce about the good old college days: fruit loop chicken, Mafia game nights, and spicy chicken before it was a thing. They'll ask the tough questions, like "What kind of food best represents your personality?" and "What's your favorite fruit?"

It's about to get real in here, y'all. Real tasty.

Feb 05, 202101:24:09

Music, Worship, and Other Stuff

Joi and Jess chat about worship music, creativity, and what the future of live music might look like post-Covid. And because it's Joi and Jess, they'll talk about dogs, DNA sequencing, TikTok, and flying during a global pandemic.

We're trying out a new, longer format for this week's episode. What do you think? Send us an email at podcast@joiandjess.com

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess.

Jan 29, 202101:30:12

Living Your Purpose Part 2

On this episode, Joi and Jess talk Beyonce, Song Lyrics, Ice Cream and living out what you were created to be.

Check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com

Jan 22, 202101:11:37

Living Your Purpose Part 1

With 2020 being a dumpster fire of a year, a lot of us are looking inward and wondering what our purpose on this earth is. If you've ever wondered what you were born to do, Joi and Jess have a few thoughts on how you can not only find your purpose but live it out every day.

Check out our friend, Autumn, and City of Refuge Ministries at cormghana.org.

Check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com

Jan 15, 202101:01:38

A World on Fire Part II

When the world's on fire, how should the Church respond? Plus, we take a quick detour into the Popeye's vs. Chic-Fil-A debate and wrap it all up with a word of encouragement for anyone who feels like they didn't do enough last year.

Check us out at joisimpson.com, and jessperrymedia.com

Jan 08, 202151:03

A World on Fire Part 1

Pandemics, civil unrest, and losing our song. In a World on Fire, how do you make sense of it all? Join Joi Simpson and Jess Perry for the first episode of We Digress with Joi and Jess. (Spoiler Alert: We have a lot to learn about podcasting....)

Check us out at joisimpson.com, and jessperrymedia.com

Jan 01, 202143:31

Coming Soon

We Digress with Joi and Jess launches January 1st!

Dec 31, 202000:29