In this solo episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham unpacks one of the most emotionally charged conversations happening right now: adult children going no contact with a parent.

Drawing from her work as a therapist and her own lived experience, Tess challenges the oversimplified narratives dominating social media and reframes "no contact" not as a trend, punishment, or failure, but as a response to long-standing emotional disconnection and a lack of acknowledgement.

This episode explores the generational divide shaping these conversations, why intent does not erase impact, and why emotional safety, accountability, and repair matter more than endurance or tradition. Tess also shares a deeply personal story about her relationship with her father, illustrating how acknowledgement - not perfection - creates the possibility for healing.

For leaders, HR professionals, and parents alike, this episode offers a powerful reminder: relationships break down not because people are “too emotional,” but because discomfort is avoided instead of addressed.

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What if the person giving you life advice is, behind the scenes, completely falling apart?

In this deeply moving solo episode of Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham pulls back the curtain, sharing the raw, unfiltered story of a year that shook the very foundations of her life. From the staggering loss of her father to the painful journey of caring for her mother as dementia set in, Tess Brigham—the certified coach and licensed therapist—describes what happens when every piece of her own identity is "activated in crisis mode."

Far from the highlight reels and inspirational soundbites, this episode reveals the messy, complicated realities even therapists and coaches face. Tess Brigham explores generational differences in dealing with grief, mental health, self-reliance, and asking for help—drawing wisdom (and exposing blind spots) from Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. She reflects on the exhausting duality of caring for aging parents while supporting her own child through mental health struggles, and how real-life heartbreak changed her perspective as both a professional and a human being.

Key highlights include:

• The overlooked emotional cost of being the "strong one" in the family
• Generational patterns and how each age group defines asking for help and resilience
• Why anticipatory grief and caretaking are acts of love—and also sources of silent pain
• Lessons Tess Brigham is carrying forward, and the generational beliefs she's choosing to leave behind
• A vulnerable reminder that "hanging tough" means allowing yourself to soften, seek support, and be human

This solo episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating family caregiving, loss, or simply questioning how we all handle life's hardest seasons.

Episode Overview 00:00 – Intro Announcer sets up the show's generational lens

00:31 – Tess Brigham addresses why sharing her own story matters

03:02 – Navigating simultaneous personal crises: parental loss, caregiving, and self-identity

06:33 – The unique grief of losing a parent's mind versus a parent's body

08:40 – Generational patterns: independence, vulnerability, and the cost of stoicism

11:32 – Tess Brigham on what Millennials and Gen Z are teaching the rest of us

13:05 – The realities of “functioning” through grief and anticipatory loss

17:17 – Each generation’s wisdom, and what Tess Brigham plans to carry—and leave behind

20:35 – A gentle call to "hang tough" in a way that honors both strength and softness

Ready to feel seen and understood in the messiest moments of life? Hit play and join the conversation.

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What if finding your dream job actually takes a year—or even longer?

In this eye-opening episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham sits down with career strategist Liz Helton to pull back the curtain on the realities of job searching and career transformation in today's ever-evolving workforce. If you've ever wondered why sending off hundreds of applications can feel like shouting into a void, this episode will reveal why—and most importantly, what you can do about it.

Together, Tess Brigham and Liz Helton dig into:

• The shocking length of the modern job search—and why it’s no longer a "three-month process"
• How technology and AI have totally transformed the hiring landscape (for better and worse)
• Actionable strategies for networking that actually work, whether you’re an introvert, a new grad, or making a mid-career pivot
• The key differences in how Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X approach work, fulfillment, and branding themselves
• Why keeping your own “brag book” is essential for beating imposter syndrome and keeping your confidence alive amid career changes
• How AI isn’t taking jobs, but people who know AI are—and how you can upskill right now

You’ll learn practical tips for standing out in a crowded applicant pool, making LinkedIn work for you, and reframing both rejection and uncertainty as essential steps toward meaningful work. Plus, Liz Helton shares her own journey from PR exec to career consultant, and why sometimes your superpower is that thing that feels as natural as breathing.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step—no matter your age—this heartfelt, actionable episode is for you.

Episode Overview with Timestamps:

• [00:00:01] Introduction: Bridging generational gaps at work
• [00:01:16] Meet Liz Helton: From PR to guiding career transformations
• [00:06:44] The evolving job search: Why it takes so much longer now
• [00:08:47] Why everyone feels like they’re “shouting into a void”
• [00:13:13] How to beat interview anxiety and imposter syndrome
• [00:17:44] Building resilience: The emotional side of job hunting
• [00:19:38] Essential networking tips for introverts and extroverts alike
• [00:27:40] AI in the job hunt: What you need to know now
• [00:36:42] How Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X view work differently
• [00:43:01] Liz Helton’s #1 piece of advice for anyone feeling stuck
• [00:46:49] Where to find Liz Helton and free career resources

Tune in to discover why you’re not alone in your career mess—and how you can thrive in it.

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