Meet Jackie Brubaker | Podcast Host of Love You Even More

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Brubaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? I have thought about how to figure this out so much I actually wrote a whole book on it called That Girl: A Novel. In it the lead character wonders whether to leave the security of the job she hates and pursue her music career full time or to quit her music career and give into the power of a weekly paycheck. It’s this kind of crossroads most of us find ourselves in. Should I stay or should I go? It doesn’t matter if it’s a romantic relationship, a job, going back to school or finally moving to your dream city. The answer lies in how well do you know yourself. Can you make the right decision for you even if it disrupts your security? Can you find a better balance instead? Or, can you finally trust yourself enough to take a risk and do what you feel called to do? The universe gives us opportunities all of the time. The choice is always ours and we can change our lives whenever we feel like it. It’s about how much you’ll let the fear of change and of letting go for the greater good stop you from having what’s truly yours.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multi-hyphenate creative and it’s taken me most of my life to be settled in that. I once had someone tell me to pick one thing and be really good at it. But when you’re creative you’re naturally good at a lot of things creatively.

I have been a singer/songwriter/producer who has been fortunate enough to write for others, put out my own albums and be signed with a publishing company. When I left the music industry I wrote a novel called That Girl: A Novel, which is based on my career in music and the plights of falling in love and trying to make it in L.A. That lead to my podcast, Love You Even More where I bring on inspiring guests to talk about their inspirational stories and give advice on self-development and relationships. As a current grad student who is becoming a marriage and family therapist the podcast gives me a chance to learn from experts and spread my wings as a therapist.

I trained from childhood into college to do Broadway and finally after leaving the music industry am back at it again and auditioning. Musical theater has been a huge part of who I am as an artist and having experienced a public #metoo experience in high school in the musical theater world I put that dream on hold. I have since worked through it and am so grateful for the people who support my journey in pursuing what my passion is.

I’ve been lucky enough to interview writer, directors and celebrities as a producer for NBCUniversal and have won two Emmy Awards as a makeup artist in film and tv.

As you can see I’ve done a lot of things. But the one thing that I always did was take everything seriously. I work very hard at everything I’m doing and that kind of dedication is what creates results down the line. While there is a long list of accomplishments there were also years of making these things happen. It wasn’t over night. I’m fact, because I’d be working on multiple things at once sometimes they would all hit one after the other. It probably looked amazing to someone watching. But no one knows just how hard you’re working behind the scenes. Nothing happens over night.

Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced are having to stay in careers that paid well that I didn’t like while I worked so hard to create a career that I loved and not seeing it work out. I’m not one to have hobbies and I work hard to make each goal successful. But sometimes what becomes successful isn’t what you want to have work out. I think learning to be flexible with what success actually means to you is key here. Can you make the majority of your money from one job while still doing a passion that you are successful at but don’t make a lot of money at? I know this has been my challenge to overcome. Spoiler alert: I still don’t have the answer, but I’m getting there.

What I’d like people to know most about me and my brand is to be learning along the journey. To be open to new ideas coming to you and striking when they do. But also knowing when to let an idea pass you by if you already have your hands full. You don’t have to say yes to everything. You can relax a little more and let what’s yours come to you. My favorite quote is: success is when preparation meets opportunity. Be prepared, do your homework and when an opportunity comes up take it and learn as you go.

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?
Well, I’m a foodie so naturally we’re going to go on a food crawl. I was lucky enough to work as a producer for Bobby Flay and helped choose the restaurants he and his daughter Sophie tried in L.A.

So, we’d start with a fun little hike up to the Griffith Observatory. Then we’d grab a smoothie at my neighborhood juice spot, EarthBar in West Hollywood. Then it’s over to The Grove for a little shopping trip. We’d have a lovely Apperol Spritz and work our way through the Farmers Market buying up fresh fruits and homemade pasta. Then we’d make our way over to The Roosevelt Hotel. We’d dine at The Barish, which is chef Nancy Grace’s restaurant, and make sure to have the cheese rolls (which you will absolutely thank me for later) along with whatever the special of the day is. I’d end the night at the look out spot on Mulholland and look at the city lights. I’m a romantic, what can I say?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kristine Bautista is my number one supporter and with her encouragement I have created magical things in my life! It was her suggestion that I start my podcast Love You Even More. Within three months the podcast was reaching 10k downloads within days. It was her telling me that if people knew me the way she knew me they’d love what they heard and that struck a chord with me. She’s one of the best people on this Earth and I’m so grateful for her.

Website: www.jackiebrubaker.com

Instagram: @jackiebrubaker @loveyouevenmorepodcast

Twitter: @jackiebrubaker

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jackiebrubakershine?si=-2rZ7pSbY0noO83d