We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Rose McDowell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess Rose, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk Taking: how do I think about risk?

I will endorse all levels of risk taking! It’s the ultimate form of getting out of your comfort zone, pushing boundaries, & honestly – one of the biggest expressions of confidence. Before I started writing, I researched different ways to describe “risk-taking”, one answer in particular stood out to me & that was – “willingness to engage in behaviors or actions that involve uncertainty, potential loss, or danger – in pursuit of reward or gain.” Though I personally don’t condone putting yourself in danger – I resonated with the rest of the words because it takes a strong, capable, healthy, & worthy person to willingly give their physical, financial, social, emotional, & intellectual being into chasing after their purpose or goals.

How boring would life be if it were predicable. Hard work would be obsolete because we would know the outcome. Sadly, our society is highly driven based off of judgement, appearance, social tiers, instant gratification, & unrealistic expectations for big outcomes. It has instilled fear into us that in order to take risks you must have it figured out, which makes zero sense. The most rewarding part of risk taking is that you can control the outcome if you stick to your moral values & trust in yourself. All of the sh*t that happens between starting & getting to your ultimate goal is simply living & learning. Accepting you’ll have to be vulnerable, sacrifice, make difficult decisions, & be resilient, but if said “risk” is truly worth it you’ll go through it with unwavering confidence.

My biggest advice when it comes to taking risks – do it privately, until you’re prepared to share it with the world. Write everything down, make a plan & follow through. Consult only three people if you need advice, feedback or to bounce ideas off of. You don’t need too many cooks in the kitchen! Remember this is YOUR risk, you’re going to take on all the highs & lows. If it requires education, certification, business consulting, branding/marketing, etc. DO IT. Don’t cut corners. Lastly, trust your gut it never lies. Reality is taking risks means sacrifices, accept you might lose people, have to set boundaries, & create new standards. Remain humble & kind. Be willing to never stop learning.

What role has risks played in your life/career?

To be honest I’ve been taking risks my entire life, it doesn’t come easy but in order for me to continue to manifest my ultimate reality I’m dedicated to expanding myself & career to reach the most amount of people with the biggest impact. My most recent risk I’ve taken is starting my own podcast, The Weekly Warm-Up. I believe by the time this article is published episode 3 will be out! Starting my own podcast has been on my “risk list” for roughly 3 years, but I wasn’t ready, until now. It had nothing to do with my extroverted personality, but more towards my level of “talking maturity” let’s call it. Where I can sit in a space solo talking to my community keeping them engaged, educated, & entertained. I also knew I needed to stay focused on what was at the time my current “risks”, before starting new endeavors. It’s all about working smarter, not harder! Side note: did I just come up with the 3 E’s to podcasting! I’m at a point in my career where taking on a project, such as launching my own podcast, is the ideal addition to my many roles. To bring everyone up to speed that is reading this & doesn’t know me, I’m Director of Fitness & Health Programming, a fitness & nutrition expert, long-distance runner, host for the Fabletics Miami Run Club, digital creator (influencer), community leader, & now podcaster. I’m fortunate that all my roles coexist together, which is key to building a personal brand, while not overextending yourself in multiple directions.

The Weekly War-Up Podcast is your weekly dose of all things running, wellness, nutrition & real-balanced living. Each week I share quick tips, mindset shifts, product faves, & the little things that help me stay grounded, energized, moving & grooving — on the run & off. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or just need something short & sweet to keep you going. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning on Spotify & YouTube.

I wanted to create a podcast that wasn’t for a specific age demographic, of course it targets towards women, but episodes can resinate with men too. This is my way of offering a trusting space where my community can get to know me on a deeper level. I would put The Weekly Warm-Up under the fitness/wellness/lifestyle category, as it’s not designed to be self-help. Each episode you’re going to learn valuable information that is practical & relatable, while not being taken too seriously.

Ever since I was a little tomboy I was drawn to leading, speaking, & bringing people together in meaningful ways. Whether it was hosting a neighborhood dog club as a kid, traveling to countries like Denmark to teach students my age about the US, or serving as student body president. I always felt most alive when creating space for connection & purpose. I balanced school leadership with playing on three competitive soccer teams, where I learned the value of discipline, drive, & teamwork. I’ve always had a natural ability to unite people—making others feel trusted, seen, & inspired to show up as the best version of themselves. That same energy fuels my entrepreneurial spirit today, one that’s been with me for as long as I can remember. Deep down, I’ve always known I was meant to use my voice & belong in the public eye. Timing is everything, & my time is just getting started.

Thus far creating The Weekly Warm-Up Podcast has fired a spark inside me that I’m continuing to let burn. I’m truly thriving planning out each episode, marketing/branding, recording & editing. The goal is to eventually have my podcast signed by a media company – they’re a few I’m eyeing & manifesting. But my focus right now is to stay consistent, I need to get a few more episodes under my belt.

In typical me fashion I’ve got a few other business ideas up my sleeve that I intend to get started, once the timing is right. Thank you to Shoutout Magazine & their incredible team for continuing to feature me. It’s always a pleasure! I like to end how I typically do on my other platforms – You’re strong, capable, health & worthy.

I welcome everyone to connect with me, as I want to learn about your risks & what fuels your soul.
To access The Weekly Warm-Up Podcast follow on Spotify & Subscribe on YouTube.
Follow me on Instagram @FitWithJessRoseMcD
Follow my podcast on Instagram @TheWeeklyWarmUpWithJess

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe I answered a lot of this in my original interview question. But nothing truly worth it comes easy. Overcoming challenges is both a physical & mental. When you’re struggling remove yourself from what is distracting you. What is the point of making yourself suffer? You’ve got to dig deep into your soul to find yourself again. Instead of spiraling, accept you’re facing challenges, then rewire your brain to make a plan how you’re going to get back to thriving. You’re never alone, don’t let it ever get to a place of solitary confinement mentally.

Without saying too much, because I like to work hard in private. Let’s say this, in 5 years I see myself as an known entrepreneur, public figure & community leader in the creator, podcasting, public speaking world for running, fitness, nutrition, & wellness.

I’d like the world to know that I’m ready for you. That there is a space here for everyone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami has a lot of actives to offer in the fitness & wellness space. As someone that isn’t big into the nightlife. It also has a ton of culture. I’d say we’d go for a long run, take a class at my home studios Mimi Yoga & Studio Three. Grab a coffee at True Baristas or Magdalena Coffee & Houseplants. Grab a bite & walk around in Coconut Grove. Have a beach club day to cut loose & swing by Palm Tree Club. Plan a private Omakase dinner at The Queen. Go shopping & have lunch in the Design District – big fan of Le Jardinier & Mother Wolf (dinner). Saturday market in Coconut Grove. Spa day at The Standard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to my younger tomboy self – she would be beyond impressed with what I’m creating for us. My mother, Karen, aka KarBear. Also known as CEO/President, County/State Level Trustee, Women Of The Year, Operator Of The Year, the list goes on & on. The term I get it from my mama is no joke. To be half of the women she is, I’d be set. I also want to shoutout my community – my people. None of what I do would mean anything with my community. Thank you for sticking by me & your continuous support.

Instagram: @FitWithJessRoseMcD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeeklyWarm-Up

Other: Follow The Weekly Warm-Up Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6xRKjA7dHW5yhyKmVSgvpm?si=Fw685K-3QLm-jz3qdkbYXQ

Follow me on TikTok
@JessRoseMcD

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