Jesse Jackson in the hot seat

What if the thing you think makes you “not interesting”… is actually the exact reason people need to hear you?

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Jesse Jackson, a multi-podcast host and creator, to talk about what really makes a podcast work—and why most people talk themselves out of starting.

They get into the real reason people believe they don’t have a story, how podcasting creates connection in a world addicted to surface-level opinions, and why sharing your perspective matters more than trying to be impressive.

Jesse breaks down his journey from niche music podcasting into broader conversations about culture, connection, and meaning—plus what it actually takes to stay consistent, build momentum, and not quit when nobody’s listening yet.

They also dive into finding common ground in a divided world, how music shapes identity and healing, and why conversations—not comment sections—are where real change happens.

If you’ve been sitting on your voice, overthinking your message, or waiting to feel “ready”… this episode will call you out and push you forward.

 Jesse Jackson – Podcast Host & Storyteller
Jesse Jackson is a veteran podcaster and lifelong believer in the power of conversation. He currently hosts or co‑hosts four podcasts spanning music, television, fandom, and pop culture.

He is the co‑host of Next Stop Everywhere: A Doctor Who Podcast, exploring all things TARDIS and Time Lord.
🎧 https://nextstopeverywhere.libsyn.com/ (nextstopeverywhere.libsyn.com in Bing)

He also co‑hosts JKL Media, a pop‑culture roundtable currently deep‑diving into The Expanse.
🎧 https://jklmedia.libsyn.com/

On Perfectly Good Podcast, he and his co‑host discuss every John Hiatt song in alphabetical order.
🎧 https://perfectlygoodpodcast.libsyn.com/ (perfectlygoodpodcast.libsyn.com in Bing)

And he is the creator and host of Set Lusting Bruce, a Bruce Springsteen fan podcast where he has interviewed thousands of fans from around the world about the power, magic, and joy of music.
🎧 https://setlustingbruce.libsyn.com/ (setlustingbruce.libsyn.com in Bing)

Jesse lives in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by too many books in his “to be read” pile and a DVR always full of shows waiting for him to catch up. You can find him on social media at @jessejacksondfw.