Operation Be: The Podcast

How This Founder Built a Purpose-Driven Beauty Brand | Ep 106 with Jessica McTaggart

In this episode of Operation Be, I welcome the magnetic and mission-driven Jessica McTaggart, owner of The Curl Sanctuary in St. Louis. What begins as a conversation, becomes a full-bodied journey through Jessica’s evolution from a makeup counter employee to a leader reshaping the curly hair industry from the inside out.
We wander through the origin story of The Curl Sanctuary, the philosophy that fuels it, and the intention-packed choices that turned it into a safe haven for natural curls and the people who wear them. 
We dig into what it takes to build a purpose-driven business: the quiet bravery of saying no, the courage to create a culture that feels like home, and the discipline required to grow without losing yourself in the process.
Jessica also opens up about training new stylists, honoring boundaries, and protecting the harmony between work, artistry, and real life. Expect heartfelt stories, grounded wisdom, and a look behind the curtain at what authenticity in leadership truly looks like.
If you’re building something that matters, or simply craving a reminder that intention is a superpower, this episode delivers. 
🎧Tune in. Fill up. And be inspired to build your world with purpose. 💫
 
00:21 Meet Jessica McTaggart: Visionary Behind The Curl Sanctuary
02:25 The Journey to The Curl Sanctuary
07:42 Transformations and Client Stories
12:38 Building a Business with Integrity and Intention
28:47 The Importance of Mentorship and Community
37:05 The Importance of Community and Support
38:04 Intentional Living and Personal Growth
40:23 Building a Business with Faith
55:50 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries
01:01:57 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals
01:04:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Connect with Jessica:
https://curlsanctuary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/curlsanctuary
https://www.instagram.com/thecurlsanctuary/
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com

Your Life Isn’t Stuck…You Just Need a New Perspective | Ep 105

In this episode of Operation Be, we’re going all-in on one of the most underrated tools for growth: perspective shifts. We’re unpacking how seeing things differently—intentionally, clearly, and without burning yourself out—can radically reshape your life.
We’ll get into: ✨ Why unlearning society’s “rules” is the first step to freedom ✨ How challenging your mindset creates space for real alignment ✨ The truth about clarity (and why most people skip this part) ✨ Real stories from my clients who transformed once they changed how they saw things ✨ Practical, doable steps you can start today to shift your perspective and reconnect with your core values
This episode is your reminder that you don’t need a massive life overhaul—sometimes you just need a new lens.
🎧Hit play, take a breath, and let’s shift your perspective together.
Reflection Prompt: Try ONE perspective shift this week.
Identify something that doesn't feel great, or doesn't flow well in your life. Approach that thing with an open mind, and consider what YOU really think or feel about it, and how it is impacting your life. Do you really still need it?
 
00:21 Shifting Your Mindset
00:58 The Power of Perspective
08:04 Real-Life Examples of Perspective Shifts
11:58 Staying Present and Making Decisions
17:04 Action Steps and Conclusion
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Says F*cking Who Gear:
https://homesweetdefiance.com/products/says-who-womens-short-sleeve-t-shirt?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=d3a92bbd8&pr_rec_pid=7203248046142&pr_ref_pid=7203257778238&pr_seq=uniform
 
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com

The Power of Showing Up—Even When It’s Hard | Ep 104

In this short solo episode, I wanted to build on my recent conversation with former NHL enforcer Kelly Chase—reflecting on the powerful lessons hidden inside resilience, mindset, and purpose. From facing life-changing challenges to showing up with grit and grace every single day, this episode was all about what it really takes to live with intention.
I want to share how mindset shifts can help you find clarity, create freedom, and stay in alignment without burning out. There is so much to explore…the value of storytelling, the power of learning through experience, and the daily practice of showing up—especially when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever needed a reminder that strength isn’t just about pushing harder—but about staying grounded in who you are—this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to build a mindset that won’t quit.
 
00:30 Recap of Last Episode with Kelly Chase
01:35 The Power of Personal Stories
03:19 Mindset and Determination
 
Mentioned in this episode:
The Fight After the Fight: A Story of Grit & Growth | Ep 103 with Kelly Chase
https://youtu.be/DpwCK8m8wuQ
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com

The Fight After the Fight: A Story of Grit & Growth | Ep 103 with Kelly Chase

In this powerful episode of Operation Be, I sit down with the legendary Kelly Chase — former NHL enforcer, proud St. Louis Blues alum, and a man whose story goes far beyond the rink.
Kelly opens up about his incredible journey through life after hockey — from battling cancer to building businesses — and how grit, gratitude, and community have shaped every step of his path. We talk about what it really means to live with intention, to lead with heart, and to keep showing up even when life knocks you down.
He shares stories from his farm upbringing, the deep importance of relationships, and how his work with cancer fundraising and the Carbon Club is helping others find strength and purpose through connection.
This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t about toughness — it’s about heart. 💙
🎧 Tune in for an episode full of truth, perspective, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.
 
00:21 Meet Kelly Chase: Beyond the Ice
02:15 Kelly's Battle with Leukemia
03:34 The Business Side of Kelly Chase
06:29 Maintaining Lifelong Friendships
09:55 Lessons from the Farm
13:01 The Importance of Team and Leadership
22:46 Transitioning from Hockey to Business
25:50 The Success of Puck Cancer and Other Ventures
30:43 Inside the Exclusive Carbon Club
34:47 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
39:23 Family Support and Resilience
44:27 Challenges and Determination
48:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
 
 
Connect with Kelly:
https://www.instagram.com/chasenpucks39/
 
Ice Guardians Pod: 
https://www.youtube.com/@IceGuardiansPod
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com
 

Unlearn the Rules: The Truth About Living Life on Your Own Terms | Ep 102

In this episode of Operation Be, I’m diving into something that might ruffle a few feathers — unlearning the rules. This conversation was sparked by a moment that stopped me in my tracks and made me ask, “Wait…who decided this was how it’s supposed to be?”
From money to relationships to the invisible “shoulds” we’ve all been handed, I’m sharing my personal journey of realizing that most of the rules we live by weren’t even written by us. Somewhere along the way, we absorbed them — from family, society, or fear — and called it normal. But here’s the truth: you get to write your own rulebook.
In this episode, I’ll challenge you to look at what beliefs you’ve been carrying that don’t actually serve the life you want. We’ll talk about how to recognize them, release them, and replace them with new standards that feel like you.
💭 Reflection prompt: Identify one inherited belief or “rule” in your life that no longer feels right—and decide what it would look like if you rewrote it on your own terms?
It’s time to stop living by someone else’s blueprint. Let’s unlearn, realign, and build a life that fits.
🎧 Tune in now — your freedom might start right here.
 
00:46 Unlearning the Rules
03:25 Diversity and Perspective Shifts
06:52 Money Mindset Transformation
10:54 Questioning Assumptions and Self-Growth
17:06 Personal Life and Relationships
22:58 Conclusion and Prompt
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
You're Allowed to Want More - and Here's Why | Ep 101
https://youtu.be/JcbHdC2O3gY
 
Says F*cking Who Gear:
https://homesweetdefiance.com/products/says-who-womens-short-sleeve-t-shirt?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=d3a92bbd8&pr_rec_pid=7203248046142&pr_ref_pid=7203257778238&pr_seq=uniform
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #hyperproductive #breaktherules

You’re Allowed to Want More — Here’s Why | Ep 101

Welcome back to Operation Be! Today, we’re talking about something that’s been a massive theme in my own journey — believing in more. ✨
In this episode, I open up about the pivotal moments that taught me how powerful it is to see beyond your current reality and choose a possibility mindset. We’ll talk about breaking free from limits, valuing purpose over money, and how to design a life that actually feels like yours — not just one that looks good on paper.
Here’s the thing: real change doesn’t start with action — it starts with clarity. When you know what you crave and why you crave it, your choices become aligned, intentional, and magnetic.
As you listen, I want you to reflect on these two questions: 1️⃣ Identify one area in your life where you crave more. 2️⃣ Get really, really clear on why you crave more.
That’s where your next chapter begins. 💭
🎧 Tune in now — this episode will inspire you to believe bigger, think deeper, and move closer to the life you’re meant to live.
 
00:27 A Rejuvenating Realization
02:21 The Possibility Mindset
04:57 Journey Through Career Transitions
17:13 The Importance of Clarity
19:13 Action Steps for a Fulfilling Life
22:07 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
Mentioned in this episode:
“Wild One”  by Faith Hill 🎵
https://music.apple.com/us/album/wild-one/264602889?i=264604056
 
Dan Young
https://www.instagram.com/dansmillionairecode/
 
Email me!
me@jamiethurber.com
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
 

Growth, Healing, & Returning to Self | Ep 100 with Kathryn Tague

100 episodes. Wow. I can hardly believe it. In this very special milestone episode of Operation Be, I sit down with my best friend, Kathryn, to reflect on the evolution — both personally and professionally — that’s brought us here.
We dive into what it really means to live with intention and authenticity, the lessons that come from falling and getting back up again, and how growth often looks nothing like we imagined (but ends up being exactly what we needed).
Kathryn also shares the inspiration behind her new women’s group, Connection to Soul: A Return to Self — a space dedicated to helping women reconnect with who they truly are beneath the noise.
This one’s raw, honest, and full of heart. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder that we’re always evolving. 💫
Tune in and grow with us — it’s only up from here. 🎧
 
00:25 Celebrating 100 Episodes
02:14 Navigating Multiple Roles and Businesses
04:42 The Struggle with Niching Down
08:23 Embracing Authenticity in Business
12:05 Challenging Conventional Wisdom
14:12 The Importance of Support and Adaptability
16:45 The Evolution of Content and Authenticity
21:18 Overcoming Self-Abandonment and Finding Freedom
28:25 Integrity and Personal Growth
33:18 The Birth of 'Connection to Soul'
40:36 Rediscovering Self and Simplifying Life
43:06 The Transition from Operation Do to Operation BE
48:56 Reflections and Future Conversations
 
 
Connect with Kathryn:
https://go.connectiontosoul.com/optin
https://www.influencedigitalmedia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kat.tague
https://www.instagram.com/kat_tague/
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com
 
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #healfromwithin #wellnessjourney

The Truth About Security in Relationships (It’s Not What You Think) | Ep 99

In this episode of Operation Be, I’m pulling back the curtain on what security and stability in relationships really mean. This conversation started with a personal story that hit me hard and made me reflect on how often we, especially as women, are conditioned to value the wrong things when it comes to love and partnership.
I’ll share my perspective on the importance of being whole before entering a relationship, how codependency can sneak in and steal our power, and why emotional stability, communication, and reliability matter so much more than the surface-level stuff society tells us to chase.
True security isn’t just about finances—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and aligned. Let’s talk about what that looks like and why you should never settle for anything less.
🎧 Tune in now. This one is a game changer.
 
00:56 A Story of Long-Time Acquaintance
03:01 The Importance of Security in Relationships
08:09 Understanding Codependency
16:20 Financial Security and Personal Growth
23:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #hyperproductive #security

Hot Tubs, Healing, and Hope | Ep 98 with Angi Hess

What does it really look like to run a business, care for your family, and still show up for yourself while living with chronic illness? In this episode of Operation Be, I sit down with the amazing Angie Hess, Vice President & General Manager of Spas and More in St. Louis, who opens up about her journey of navigating fibromyalgia and other conditions while building a thriving life and career.
She shares what it was like navigating the path to a diagnosis, the daily reality of managing conditions like fibromyalgia, and the mindset shifts that help her keep moving forward with grace and positivity.
We also dive into the role of wellness—everything from setting boundaries to prioritizing mental health—and even how tools like swim spas and hot tubs can support both physical and emotional healing.
This conversation is packed with honesty, resilience, and encouragement. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance real life with real challenges, Angie’s story is a reminder that it is possible—and that you’re not alone.
Tune in today! 🎧
 
00:33 Meet Angie Hess: A Multifaceted Life
01:26 The Journey with Chronic Illness
03:12 Finding Balance and Self-Care
06:15 The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
15:33 Setting Boundaries and Mental Health
20:10 Understanding Enmeshment and Personal Growth
23:16 About Spas and More
23:58 Health Benefits of Spa Products
28:45 Michael Phelps and Master Spa Collaboration
35:07 Twilight Series for Lupus Patients
38:00 Choosing the Right Spa
40:23 Daily Mindset and Wellness Tips
 
Connect with Angi:
http://www.spasandmorestl.com
https://www.facebook.com/angichess
https://www.instagram.com/angichess/
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com
 
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #healfromwithin #wellnessjourney

Seasons of Change: Grief, Growth & Finding Your Path | Ep 97

I decided it’s time to open my heart to you a bit. Life has a way of moving in seasons—some filled with joy and clarity, others heavy with loss and transition. I’ve walked through grief, through moments that cracked me open, and through the slow process of rediscovering who I am on the other side.
I’ll share pieces of my own story—the hard parts, the healing, and the reminders that showed me it’s okay to honor every emotion along the way. Because none of us are meant to carry it all alone.
If you’re navigating your own season of change, my hope is that this conversation meets you with comfort, connection, and the reminder that you’re not walking it by yourself.
🎧 Take a listen. Find some comfort in knowing you are not alone.
 
00:39 – Introduction and Return to Home Studio
01:27 – Seasons of Life and Personal Reflection
04:34 – Processing Recent Losses and Their Impact
12:48 – Dealing with Loss and Friendship
17:51 – Closing Thoughts on Storytelling and Connection
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #hyperproductive