Share

cover art for Jake Wesley Rogers | Embracing What Makes You Different

Good Life Project

Jake Wesley Rogers | Embracing What Makes You Different

Vogue Magazine named today’s guest, Jake Wesley Rogers, Gen Z's Elton John, but truth is, he is a wildly-talented, 25-year-old singer, songwriter and performer not only dazzles audiences but also stands powerfully in an identity that belongs to no one other than himself. How a queer kid from Springfield, Missouri, went from growing up in the deep South, then studying songwriting in Nashville, TN, to eventually gracing the stages of music festivals like Lollapalooza, headlining for artists like Panic At The Disco! and Ben Platt isn't all that of a mystery once you hear his music—and his story. 


Jake has this unique way of creating bold, emotional music that tells the stories of his life, yet feels universal at the same time. He invites us all to feel and sing and move and, in no small way, reclaim the parts and stories in our own lives that we’ve left behind. Elton John, himself, sang Jake’s praises while he was a guest on the 300th episode of Elton's Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour, saying Rogers reminded him of himself when he started out. And, all the while, what you’ll experience in this conversation, is how deeply grounded, loving, and intentional he is with everything he does.


In today's conversation, we dive into Jake's journey in music and life and explore some of the lyrics of his recently released six-song EP Pluto, which has been long-awaited since his signing to hit songwriter Justin Tranter's imprint of Warner Records, Facet Records, in 2020. We unpack the art of songwriting and storytelling and its ability to help us process difficult experiences and explore some interesting asides on identity, finding inspiration, his connection and love for his family, and how important it is for Rogers to keep himself centered and present as the rocket ship that has become his career as an artist takes off. 


His EP “Pluto” is filled with passionate ballads and poetic lyrics that tell the stories of his most formative years and dealings with love of all forms—from romantic to familial to self-love. And though Jake is early in the years, he’s deeply wise, we can all learn something from his outlook not just on storytelling but on gratitude, joy, and taking life in stride. 


You can find Jake at: Website | Instagram | Spotify


If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Justin Tranter about their life in music and creativity and really finding a place of power and beauty and creative expression.


Check out our offerings & partners: 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Rediscovering Who You Really Are After Trauma, Burnout or People-Pleasing | Thema Bryant, PhD

    59:15
    Have you lost touch with your authentic self after trauma, burnout or years of people-pleasing? Join psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant as she shares a powerful roadmap for reclaiming your true identity.Dr. Bryant, author of Reclaim Yourself: The Homecoming Workbook, unveils how to shed the inauthentic masks we adopt just to fit in. You'll learn to dismantle those facades, reconnect with your core values, and rebuild confidence in your genuine self-expression. Whether you've felt spiritually disconnected or simply adrift, this guide will help you rediscover your most authentic self.You can find Thema at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Bessel Van de Kolk about integrating trauma.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • 5 Ways to Wake Up Your Life

    49:19
    Embark on a transformative journey through Jonathan Fields' captivating spoken word essays. Explore profound insights on unlocking creativity, uncovering your deepest desires, and discovering the true nature of happiness. These thought-provoking pieces will challenge your perspectives on exercise, beauty, and what it means to live a fulfilling life. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered to embrace a life of purpose and authenticity.You can find Jonathan's new writing project: Awake at the Wheel | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the written essays from this episode. You can find them at Awake at the Wheel.Check out our offerings & partners: Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • How to Overcome Cravings & Reduce Inflammation | Spotlight Convo

    01:03:33
    Feeling powerless against hormone imbalances, insatiable hunger, and unrelenting cravings? This must-listen episode will transform your understanding as two brilliant pioneers in women's health - Dr. Aviva Romm and Dr. Amy Shah - blend ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science to demystify the driving forces behind hormonal chaos and food temptations.You'll gain profound insights into the interconnected web of your gut, hormones, mindset, and overall vitality unveiled in Dr. Romm's book Hormone Intelligence and Dr. Shah's I’m So Effing Hungry.Episode TranscriptYou can find Aviva at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. Aviva RommYou can find Amy at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. Amy ShahCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • How to Live with Invisible Pain | Samira Rajabi

    58:52
    Ever felt weighed down by invisible pain or chronic illness nobody else can see? In this powerful conversation, trauma specialist Samira Rajabi gets refreshingly candid about her own decade-long journey navigating conditions like a benign brain tumor, headaches, and hearing loss.Drawing from her book All My Friends Live in My Computer: Trauma, Tactical Media, and Meaning, Samira shares coping strategies for the daily struggle of invisible suffering. Discover mindset shifts, tactics for reducing stigma, and insights into radical presence despite inescapable pain.You can find Samira at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Sean Mackey about the science of pain.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • The Busy Brain Cure | Dr. Romie Mushtaq

    01:08:15
    Are you plagued by restlessness, lack of focus, and sleeplessness? Discover Dr. Romie Mushtaq's "The Busy Brain Cure" in this engaging interview. An award-winning neurologist, she reveals the surprising effects of chronic stress on our brains - and her revolutionary 8-week Brain Shift protocol to rewire for calm and clarity. Regain your mental edge through simple, research-backed micro-habits.You can find Dr. Romie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Light Watkins about meditation.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • A Rare Look at the Psychedelic Underground | Rachel Harris, PhD

    01:04:49
    Explore the mystical world of psychedelic guides with Rachel Harris, Ph.D., author of Swimming in the Sacred: Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground. In this fascinating discussion, Harris pulls back the veil on the intuitive, somatic ways women elders have been guiding others on sacred psychedelic journeys for decades. Discover the critical role of the shaman in holding the ceremonial container, the differences between Western guides and indigenously trained shamans, and wise advice for anyone curious about ethically exploring this realm. Whether you're new to psychedelics or a seasoned journeyer, this eye-opening conversation offers a rare glimpse into the underground traditions surrounding entheogenic medicines like ayahuasca.You can find Rachel at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Adam Gazzaley about the science of psychedelics.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • How to Reclaim Focus in the Age of Distraction | Johann Hari

    01:08:00
    Does it feel impossible to concentrate these days? You're not alone. In this fascinating discussion, the author of Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again reveals the hidden forces conspiring to hijack our attention spans. From predatory tech platforms to childhood culture shifts, Johann Hari exposes the surprising modern factors undermining our focus.But it's not all bad news - he also shares empowering solutions for reclaiming our minds. You'll learn practical tips to sharpen your concentration alongside Johann's vision for an "attention movement" to reshape society. If you want to think deeply, achieve your goals, and live more purposefully in our frantic world, don't miss this essential listen.You can find Johann at: Instagram | Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley on brain function, memory, focus, and his lab's psychedelics research impacting emotions and health.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • How to Reclaim Ease, Sanity & Success | Emma Gannon

    58:34
    When award-winning author Emma Gannon burned out writing a book redefining success, she took a radical year away from nearly all work. Hear her raw journey barely able to function, winding down her podcast, and stripping life's essentials.But one project remained: her Substack newsletter—a lifeline for creative rebirth. Emma shares the profound freedom of letting go, reclaiming her voice through solitude, and emerging with a "smaller but better" life of true integrity and ease.If you've ever felt disillusioned by society's idea of "making it," Emma's courageous reinvention is a bold masterclass in choosing yourself.You can find Emma at: The Hyphen Substack | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Cleo Wade on words for tender times.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Nooks and Crannies

    24:29
    As life and business partners, Jonathan and Stephanie Fields have gone through many different phases of life together. From moving cross country to Colorado to recently becoming empty nesters, exploring various parts of the world remains constant. Road trips like this allow them to find the time and space to experience new things together – no matter where they are in their lives.