We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jess Dukes. Check out our conversation below.
Jess, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I have two new nieces that have been added to our bunch and my niece that just turned three is the most epicly tornadic of the bunch- she has the best ideas and recently used all of her my little pony tattoos to make a rib tattoo to match mine. Her little sister is almost 4 months and has learned THE BEST side eye in the world- i just laugh at how amazing their little personalties blossom!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Howdy honey! I’m Jess, just a Midwest gal who has lived in Texas for almost 20 yrs, dog mama x 3, with an adorably needy and humorous husband. I am in property management during the day & in my spare time basically doing anything that’s creative! I don’t really have a niche or brand as you’ll find very quickly and i love to be multi-passionate.
I have been the host of The BabeAF podcast since 2019- it’s full of women empowerment (highlighting badass women in business) , boosting confidence through confetti celebration & something i like to call The Unfu*kery Chronicles that helps you get unstuck. I launched a true crime podcast (Saloon Sleuths, March 2024) that focuses on women that do the terrible things & their last meals while on death row- I host what I call ‘unhappy hours’ where i gather girlfriends and we discuss out thoughts on active & cold cases. Whew, lastly, another podcast (what a surprise!) called Birdies & Babes- it just launched this year and while it’s still getting its footing, it’s about women’s golf and the history of the game (i am a former D1 athlete in the early 2000s, golf). I hope to host more women’s workshops in 2026 to bring better since of community to Hays county.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In spring of 2017, i was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after having Hashimotos since 2008 and you hear words like that, no matter your age, your mental health goes straight in the dumpster right after. While recovering, I had a really hard time showing up for myself and being optimistic about my health. Even though it was caught early with no chemo needed, I knew I had to do something. So each day I got dressed and talked about it to not only empower myself but others who may be in a similar place. My Gran always taught me ‘you’re not put together without a lipstick- fearless bright and bold’ so every day for a very long time, i wore a red lipsticks. All of this to say, the overwhelming encouragement lead me to create the BabeAF Podcast with a girlfriend Karina (it was called becoming babeaf then, now changed as I am the solo host) but it gives me quite the opportunity to celebrate others, give back to those who give me inspiration and really bring excitement to their airwaves each week.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This past year has been quite challenging for our family, we’ve lost our first dog Banner and too many loved ones unexpectedly. So while I strive to have the motivation to record & produce as actively as I have in previous years, the frequency has definitely slowed down. But I think there is such love to yourself when you listen to what you need in a time such as we are navigating. The grace from myself & my listeners is magical because even if there have been many stops and restarts, the community is lovely and I adore these babes!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I show up in public and online exactly as I am, I think. I mean oftentimes a bit of an introvert creeps out of the extrovert but all in all, you’re greeted with a high five and/or hug, an outfit that makes me feel like a badass, endless snorts when laughter is taking over a room & I do my best to meet everyone when in mixed company.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
As a mid 40s daughter of a blue collar Midwestern man, I have been told that if you don’t live up to your word and doing the job you’ve been directed to do to the best of your ability – then what’s the point? I go above and beyond to a level of perfectionism that feels unreachable at times and I am a recovering people pleaser, so bear with me on that, ha. I feel as though when my plate is full, I often don’t take the plate that someone else hands to me bc I didn’t do it myself, there’s a hyper independence in that that I am working through- I appreciate recognition but don’t need it to know that my checklist is clear and I leave it all on the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/thebabeafpod?fbclid=PAdGRleAODhltleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac_h6G_4UpkmLU4klNptZasErJvvfwNFAJxsLDnEctkoi9slguCQf8yO_pVnw_aem_uUgdhQomlNRfCxsmxCyQQw
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/jessrosedukes
- Other: Podcast handles:
@thebabeafpod
@saloonsleuths
@birdiesandbabespodAll other socials are @jessrosedukes
Image Credits
Most photos taken by @samijophotograpghy Sami Berryhill
