What happens when you've checked every box—the PhD from Yale, the six-figure job, the marriage—and still feel like you're living someone else's life?

This week, I sit down with Jasmine Escalera, the self-proclaimed "Queen of Reinvention," who walked away from a prestigious career in science to help women rewrite their stories with themselves at the center. Despite achieving everything she was told would make her happy, something felt profoundly wrong.

Jasmine shares how she broke free from the weight of expectations—one domino at a time. We explore the emotional cost of choosing yourself when it disappoints the people you love and why "midlife crisis" should be reframed as "midlife awakening,"

This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if there's more to life than the path you've been told to follow.

About Jasmine Escalera

Jasmine Escalara is a reinvention coach who teaches women the art of rewriting their stories with themselves at the center. After earning her PhD from Yale and achieving all the traditional markers of success, she chose to leave it all behind to help other women navigate life transitions, tap into their internal desires, and practically go after what they want.

She is the founder of The Courage Crew, a monthly membership community where women support each other through reinvention, healing, and choosing themselves—without having to do it alone.

Connect with Jasmine:

• Join The Courage Crew
• Instagram

About You Are Here

You Are Here is a personal development podcast hosted by Rachel Rhee that features in-depth conversations with individuals who've taken the road less traveled—people navigating meaningful career pivots, life transitions, health challenges, personal growth, and more.

Each week blends personal storytelling with expert insight, offering actionable guidance from specialists on managing change, defining core values, healing from health struggles, and designing purposeful lives.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.