Skip to main content
We Digress with Joi and Jess

We Digress with Joi and Jess

By Joi Simpson and Jess Perry

Join hosts (and longtime friends) Joi Simpson and Jess Perry as they tackle the absurdities of life the only way they know how: with honesty, faith, and humor. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com
Available on
Amazon Music Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
iHeartRadio Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

The Holy Spirit and Other Stuff (with Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson)

We Digress with Joi and JessAug 27, 2021

00:00
01:55:04
Ep. 411 - Crafted Conference 23 & Other Stuff

Ep. 411 - Crafted Conference 23 & Other Stuff

The Crafted Conference was a few weeks ago and Jess and Joi and super excited to debrief with each other about the conference and how it has impacted them and so many others. Special thanks to Autumn Acheampong, Ricki Downing, Christie Farley, and Candace Simpson for speaking at Crafted '23, as well as our friends at Encounter Christian Church (encounterccb.org) for hosting. To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Oct 20, 202359:04
Ep 410 - Fear is not my Future & Other Stuff

Ep 410 - Fear is not my Future & Other Stuff

Can you be a Christian and have fear? Let's be real, there are a lot of people who would say no. So let's talk about it. If you're uncertain about a lot of things and find yourself feeling fearful, this one's chock full of encouragement for you. To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Oct 13, 202359:34
Ep. 409 - For the Love Please Don't Use Sage & Other Stuff

Ep. 409 - For the Love Please Don't Use Sage & Other Stuff

We had a topic this week, but we never actually got there. Our bad. This one goes all the way from canine painkillers to saging your house and everything in between. Also, how NOT to be a narcissist.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Oct 06, 202301:05:32
Ep. 408 - The Devil's Lettuce & Other Stuff

Ep. 408 - The Devil's Lettuce & Other Stuff

The Devil's Lettuce, Mary Jane, Wacky Tobaccy. We're going suuuuper controversial (maybe?) with our discussion of Christians and Cannabis. Also, Jess is plagued by dehydrated amphibians. There's a lot happening in this one, guys.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 29, 202301:13:18
Ep. 407 - Getting Prayer Right & Other Stuff

Ep. 407 - Getting Prayer Right & Other Stuff

Prayer is one of the most important spiritual practices of people of faith, but it can get so complicated. So today, the girls are unpacking prayer and taking a hard look at how we often pack a lot of baggage onto our prayer lives. There's a detour around Messy TikTok and plenty of digressions in store.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 22, 202301:11:15
Ep. 406 - Cause & Effect & Other Stuff
Sep 15, 202301:06:07
Ep 405 - Bias, The Bible, & Other Stuff

Ep 405 - Bias, The Bible, & Other Stuff

Should personal bias play a role in our theology, and are Joi and Jess actually the same person? Both questions are equally important and will be answered in this week's episode. We know you really wondered.

Get Jess' video series on How to Read the Bible here: https://jessperrymedia.com/how-to-read-the-bible-video-series/ To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 01, 202301:14:12
Ep. 404 - Trademarking the Church & Other Stuff
Aug 25, 202358:22
Ep. 403 - Won't He Do It and Other Stuff

Ep. 403 - Won't He Do It and Other Stuff

Joi's got some gnarly laryngitis, but that won't stop the conversation! This episode is really a tribute to how awesome God has been to bring the Girls through some challenging seasons. Also, Joi's students think she's famous (and she low-key is).

Join hosts (and longtime friends) Joi Simpson and Jess Perry as they tackle the absurdities of life the only way they know how: with honesty, faith, and humor. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com

Aug 11, 202301:10:07
Ep. 402 - Doing It For the Kids & Other Stuff
Aug 04, 202301:06:16
Ep 401 - Seasons Change and Other Stuff

Ep 401 - Seasons Change and Other Stuff

We're back with Season 4, and it's a doozy! Lots of life changes for the girls and lots of fun stuff to look forward to. Let's catch up and get back into the swing of the shenanigans with Joi and Jess.

Join hosts (and longtime friends) Joi Simpson and Jess Perry as they tackle the stuff of life the only way they know how: with honesty, faith, and humor. Check us out at joiandjess.com, joisimpson.com, and jessperrymedia.com

Jul 28, 202301:03:45
Ep. 316 - New Year, Same Me, and Other Stuff

Ep. 316 - New Year, Same Me, and Other Stuff

It's raining, it's pouring, it's a new year and our last episode of the season! We've got updates on Joi's mansplaining saga, and our dreams for 2023, and as a reminder, we are still taking applications for the role of Joi's Knight in Shining Armor. Please send your resume and a recent photo to podcast@joiandjess.com.  

Check out Divine Detour Media (website in progress) at divinedetourmedia.com.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Jan 06, 202301:19:06
Ep. 315 - A Very Special Christmas Episode and Other Stuff

Ep. 315 - A Very Special Christmas Episode and Other Stuff

For our penultimate episode of Season 3, we're bringing out all the stops! This episode has everything: exploding turkeys, setting your hair on fire, David Alan Grier. (Imagine we said that last bit like Stefon from SNL) Plus, a surprisingly serious PSA from Joi at the end. It's a Very Special Christmas Episode this week on We Digress with Joi and Jess (cue '80s theme song).

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Dec 23, 202201:21:01
Ep. 314 - Mansplaining Musicians and Other Stuff
Dec 16, 202201:43:28
Ep 313 - Intentional Relationships & Other Stuff (w/Autumn Acheampong) Pt 2

Ep 313 - Intentional Relationships & Other Stuff (w/Autumn Acheampong) Pt 2

You can find Part 1 of this amazing conversation with our friend, Autumn Acheampong of The Storied In Between Podcast, over at thestoriedinbetween.com

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Dec 09, 202201:21:26
Ep 312 - Stepping Down, Stepping Up, and Other Stuff

Ep 312 - Stepping Down, Stepping Up, and Other Stuff

When high-profile Christians step down from their platforms, how should the Church respond? We're talking Social Media, Sabbaticals, and the lessons we learn along the way on this week's episode. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Dec 02, 202201:24:13
Ep. 311 - Bigfoot, Boyfriends, (B)relationships, & Other Stuff
Nov 25, 202201:32:50
Taking a Break and Other Stuff

Taking a Break and Other Stuff

If you've been listening, you already know that the girls' lives get pretty crazy from time to time. They're taking a few weeks off to get situated and record some fresh content for you, but they'll be back in a few with new episodes to round out Season 3! 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Oct 14, 202201:39
Ep. 310 - In the Fullness of Time and Other Stuff

Ep. 310 - In the Fullness of Time and Other Stuff

Here it is, the whole sordid, amazing conclusion to Jess' house drama. Grab some popcorn, cuz it's a doozy! (Also, and we cannot state this strongly enough, please do NOT buy a home from Dream Finders Homes.) But honestly, it's a God story. He does some full-circle redemption on this one, guys. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.


Oct 07, 202201:11:23
Episode 309 - Love Hurts (In Elementary School) and Other Stuff

Episode 309 - Love Hurts (In Elementary School) and Other Stuff

This week on "As the Schoolyard Turns," will Sasha finally tell Jack how she feels? Will Tiffany side with Amber? Will their relationships survive? Will someone please tell us why 5th Graders have more relationship drama than the grown folks? Also, Jess gets crowned and the girls discuss the random things people know from working in their fields.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 30, 202258:42
Episode 308 - You Have to Play to Win and Other Stuff

Episode 308 - You Have to Play to Win and Other Stuff

Remember that billion dollar lotto jackpot? Yeah, we didn't win, but wouldn't it be cool if we had? Joi and Jess dream a bit about what they'd do with a billion dollars, but then they get sidetracked, per usual. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 23, 202201:22:41
Episode 307 - Pink Sauce, Side Hustles, and Other Stuff

Episode 307 - Pink Sauce, Side Hustles, and Other Stuff

Pink Sauce: What is it, and why do we care, and what is botulism anyway? The girls dive into the TikkityTok drama du jour with a little detour into side hustles and using the brains the good Lord gave us. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 16, 202201:04:01
Episode 306 - Purity Culture and Other Stuff
Sep 09, 202201:17:03
Episode 305 - Migraines, Mental Health, and Other Stuff

Episode 305 - Migraines, Mental Health, and Other Stuff

Be gentle, guys. Joi has a migraine, so be sure to drop all the tips and tricks you have for managing that most gnarly of head pain in the comments or hit us up in the DMs over at Instagram. We're also talking mental health and why building a house with Dream Finders Homes will wreck your mental health. (Spoiler alert: Jess wrote this description). Plus, we have a little sidebar about why church singles ministries are, in the words of Jean Ralphio Saperstein, "the woooOOOOooooorst!"

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 02, 202201:34:51
Episode 304 - Deconstruction, Reconciliation, and Other Stuff Pt. II
Aug 26, 202201:22:40
Episode 303 - Deconstruction, Reconciliation, and Other Stuff

Episode 303 - Deconstruction, Reconciliation, and Other Stuff

"Celebrity Pastor behaves badly, covers up abuse..." How many times have we heard this sentence uttered? With the advent of the deconstruction movement, Joi and Jess have some thoughts, especially for pastors and ministry leaders. And because we can't not digress (it's literally in our name), Joi survives an ant invasion and Jess gives us an update on her house situation. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 19, 202201:40:09
Episode 302 - Solving the World's Problems and Other Stuff
Aug 12, 202201:23:22
Episode 301 - Satanic Tampons & Other Stuff

Episode 301 - Satanic Tampons & Other Stuff

WE'RE BACK FOR SEASON 3, BABYYYYY! We're catching up on the past few months, and Joi's got a WHOPPER of a TikTok story to tell (Spoiler Alert: It's about feminine hygiene products, but it's not THAT kind of story. You're safe, trust us.) Also, we think Jess gets abducted by aliens around the 1:07 mark. Yeah, it's a long one, but we have a lot to catch up on. Besides. You know you missed us. Also: Jess has a story about a giant, mechanical Jesus.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 05, 202201:09:39
Ep 219 - New Year Who Dis and Other Stuff
Dec 31, 202101:02:07
Ep. 218 - Beautiflawed and Other Stuff
Dec 24, 202101:28:48
Ep 217 - Only a Hippopotamus and Other Stuff

Ep 217 - Only a Hippopotamus and Other Stuff

It starts weird and it doesn’t get any better, guys. The girls cover a lot of ground from the perils of directing the school play to JOI’S NEW BOOK (Available December 20th) to porcine regulations and why an Egg McMuffin costs so much. Jess wraps things up with a benediction and we promise there’s nothing extra in our beverages.  

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Dec 17, 202101:19:15
Ep. 216 - Sugar Daddies, Cougars and Cubs, and Other Stuff
Dec 03, 202101:13:07
Ep 215 - Thanksgiving and Other Stuff
Nov 26, 202101:33:13
Ep. 0214 - Reunited and It Feels So Good and Other Stuff
Nov 19, 202101:38:26
A Vision Realized and Other Stuff w/Sherron Breaux Welch

A Vision Realized and Other Stuff w/Sherron Breaux Welch

Earlier this year, Sherron Breaux was the very first guest on We Digress with Joi and Jess. In the year since then, a lot has changed. For starters, your girl got hitched up. And as if that wasn't enough, on November 12th, 2021, she's launching her very own plus-size athletic brand, Excentrique Athletics! In this episode, we'll talk about what it takes to launch a brand from the ground up, and we'll also detour into that annoying thing where your workout pants end up not covering your butt. You can catch up with Sherron on IG at @fashionistabreaux and @ExcentriqueAthletics

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Oct 29, 202157:02
Leading with Love and Other Stuff with Maza Zimmerman
Oct 22, 202101:23:09
Episode 211 - The Holy Spirit Part 2 and Other Stuff
Oct 15, 202102:03:17
Church Hurt and Other Stuff
Oct 08, 202101:18:57
Latkes, Impossible Odds, and Other Stuff
Oct 01, 202101:24:09
Episode 208 - Small Humans and Other Stuff

Episode 208 - Small Humans and Other Stuff

Kiddos. Crumb Crunchers. Living Petri Dishes. Small Humans. Whatever you call those adorable, crazy kids, someone has to teach them. In today's episode, Joi shares what it's like to teach kids during a global pandemonium, Jess shares her theory about the fate of humanity, and we detour into a discussion of some of the best food in New Orleans. Speaking of NOLA, to help those affected by Hurricane Ida, particularly the town of Houma and the Greater New Orleans area, you can volunteer and donate through Samaritan's Purse. To learn more about their disaster response, go to https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#volunteer-now

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 24, 202101:13:58
Waiting on a God-Sized Dream and Other Stuff

Waiting on a God-Sized Dream and Other Stuff

It's a real one, y'all. We talk a lot about faith. Faith over fear. Faith that moves mountains. But sometimes faith is easier said than done, especially when you're tired. Today, we're talking (and crying) about the in-between times; the times when you have the God-sized dream, but can't yet step into it. We're leaking every which way over here, so grab some tissues and strap in.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 17, 202101:29:36
Every Time A Firework Goes Off A Neighborhood Gets a Karen & Other Stuff

Every Time A Firework Goes Off A Neighborhood Gets a Karen & Other Stuff

We're exploring the dark psyche of our hosts this week with a mess of revenge stories and tales of neighborhood tyranny. Since you know we're going off-topic, we'll also explore the state of our country on the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and discuss the history we didn't learn in school. Joi tells us about brisket fries and seasoning mixes, while Jess gives Joi plenty of ideas for neighborly payback.

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 10, 202101:32:48
Episode 205 - The Great White Way and Other Stuff

Episode 205 - The Great White Way and Other Stuff

In this week's episode, Joi and Jess share their deep love of all things musical (with a few notable exceptions). Joi brings us an interesting story from Redditland, and the girls take a quick detour into why people stay in bad relationships. And also, Jess REALLY hates Les Mis. 

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Sep 03, 202101:32:05
The Holy Spirit and Other Stuff (with Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson)

The Holy Spirit and Other Stuff (with Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson)

This may be our favorite episode of the podcast so far, we're not gonna lie. We've got a special guest with us for this week's episode. One part preacher, one part scholar, several parts Joi's mom, Elder Candace Metoyer Simpson joins us to help us unpack the nature and character of the Holy Spirit. The 3rd person of the godhead can be confusing and intimidating to engage with, but Candace gives us some very practical tips on how to more fully operate in the power that we are given access to when we come to a relationship with God. Along the way, we'll figure out once and for all which of the Simpson girls has a higher pain tolerance, and Jess cries (again).

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 27, 202101:55:04
All the Stuff and Other Things

All the Stuff and Other Things

Guys, we tried to stay on a topic, but that did not happen. Instead, we're talking about everything from post-panorama Work From Home arrangements to the will of God to getting older and midnight burrito runs.  

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 20, 202101:32:12
Happy Eating and Other Stuff

Happy Eating and Other Stuff

We're talking Summer Eats on today's episode. BBQ, desserts, elote, all the wonderful foods that immediately put you in a summer mood. We'll chat all about Jess' childhood home and find out why she can only plant fruit-bearing trees. Meanwhile, Joi shares her hatred for most things dairy, but regales us with tales of the ridiculous milkshake her nephew had on vacation. If you're not hungry when you start the episode, you will be by the end!  

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 13, 202101:39:59
Together Again and Other Stuff (The Juneteenth Story)

Together Again and Other Stuff (The Juneteenth Story)

Weeee're back! And this time with video!  

To launch Season 2, we're hanging out in Jess' office, and are joined by our friend Jenn for some games, lots of laughter, and an absolutely insane Juneteenth story that will make you feel some kinda way.  

To learn more about Joi and Jess, check us out at joisimpson.com and jessperrymedia.com, and follow us on Instagram @WeDigresswithJoi_Jess. Got suggestions for the podcast? Email us at podcast@joiandjess.com. And for the chance to be featured in a future episode, drop us a voice message at joiandjess.com.

Aug 06, 202101:23:19
Women in Ministry
Apr 23, 202101:38:44
Sex, Love, Relationships, and Other Stuff
Apr 16, 202102:01:25
Influence and Other Stuff
Apr 09, 202101:43:33