Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand
Episode: Hustle Meets Healing
Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory
Guest: Jackie Leitner (CEO, Light Work Therapy and Recovery)
Date: February 18, 2026
Episode Overview
This inspiring episode explores what it takes to build a lasting legacy by blending hustle with healing. Host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory delves deeply into the raw personal journey of guest Jackie Leitner—a licensed clinician, entrepreneur, and CEO of Light Work Therapy and Recovery. Together, they discuss Jackie’s path to sobriety, her professional evolution, and the importance of authentic connection, community, and self-compassion in both personal and entrepreneurial pursuits. The conversation is honest and encouraging, filled with actionable insights for anyone seeking meaning, healing, and impact.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Jackie Leitner’s Journey Into Therapy & Recovery
[02:15 – 05:47]
- Jackie shares how her lived experiences—including substance use to cope, personal loss, and pursuing sobriety six years ago—shaped her career.
- She was originally a social worker focusing on youth but found her calling in connecting with young women and eventually expanded into private practice.
- The idea for Light Work evolved from the realization that women struggling in isolation needed deeper community and group-based healing environments.
- “A big portion of the sober community winds up going to work in the sober community. Like, that experience changes you quite a bit.” – Jackie Leitner [05:33]
- She highlights the transition from one-on-one sessions to creating dynamic, group-focused programs and events (like therapeutic hikes and yoga partnerships) that quickly sold out, proving the need for supportive connection.
Advice for Those Considering Help, Especially in Difficult Seasons
[05:47 – 07:41]
- Jackie discusses how the winter season brings extra challenges, particularly in the Northeast, amplifying struggles with mental health.
- “We are glorified plants… New Year's is this big month where everyone’s like, I’m gonna reinvent myself. And it’s like, with what energy?” – Jackie Leitner [06:11]
- Her core advice: Don’t wait—seek help now and focus on inward healing and resetting instead of overextending with resolutions.
The Power of Community in Healing
[07:31 – 07:41]
- Emphasizes healing through community, not isolation.
- “There’s such a community and a connection that people can thrive in and you can be supported by other people versus having to carry that all yourself.” – Jackie Leitner [07:31]
A Day in the Life: Realistic Routines and Self-Care
[07:55 – 09:39]
- Jackie gives a candid walk-through of her daily routine as an eight-months-pregnant entrepreneur—prioritizing work, minimal stress over routines, self-compassion with fitness, and evening wind-downs with journaling and reading.
- “I wake up, I go pee… that’s number one.” – Jackie Leitner [08:05]
- “Journaling and getting that out is super helpful for me, especially to help me unwind so my mind doesn’t spin into outer space, you know, all evening.” – Jackie Leitner [10:13]
Leadership Insights: Building Empowered Teams
[10:19 – 12:32]
- Jackie discusses the philosophy behind her employee-first approach and the critical role of clear communication, supportive feedback, and hiring for attitude over skills.
- “If your employees are bought in and feel appreciated… it shows to the clients. Clients have a good experience if your employees are having a good experience.” – Jackie Leitner [11:18]
- She values teachable skills but insists that positivity and hardworking attitudes are foundational in startups or fast-moving organizations.
Authentic Self-Expression & Style
[12:32 – 13:13]
- Jaclyn and Jackie discuss how color reflects personality. Jaclyn praises Jackie's “white monochromatic bomb look,” connecting the choice of white to openness and authenticity.
Overcoming Rock Bottom—Hope and Reaching Out
[13:13 – 15:17]
- Jackie offers gentle but powerful advice for those at their lowest:
- “If you’re at rock bottom… that’s usually a really good indication things are about to change drastically for the better for you.” – Jackie Leitner [13:39]
- She stresses that the worst life moments often precede the best opportunities, and she credits her recovery and success to support from mentors, women in business, and safe, intuitive connections.
- “It’s about people. People helped me.” – Jackie Leitner [14:29]
- Finding the right therapist or support circle may take time; it’s okay to keep searching: “Sometimes you gotta kiss a few frogs first.” – Jackie Leitner [15:52]
Rapid Fire Game: Preferences & Season of Life
[15:55 – 17:23]
- Quick insights into Jackie's preferences:
- Journaling > Talking it out
- Therapy > Coaching
- Flexible flow > Strict routine
- Intuition > Structure
- Music > Silence
- Group work > One-on-one
- Deep conversations > Light laughter
- Compassion > Accountability
- Song for this season:
- “‘Love Yours’ by J. Cole… it’s about appreciating where you’re at, even if your success is skyrocketing… still being grateful.” – Jackie Leitner [16:48]
Staying Connected
[17:23 – 18:03]
-
Jackie shares how to connect:
- Website: jackielightner.com
- Light Work Therapy: lightworktr.com
- Instagram: @_jackieleitner
- TikTok: @lightworktherapy
“You can book Jackie for her speaking and all that… speaking, podcast appearances, conferences.” – Jacqueline Zukerman Delory [17:57]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The more we allow ourselves to be human, the more powerful our impact becomes.” – Jacqueline Zukerman Delory [00:53]
- “Getting help for your mental health… is not about reinventing yourself and going to the gym five days a week. Why not flip the script… turn inward and recharge by getting yourself the help that you need?” – Jackie Leitner [06:39]
- “You're so inspiring. Thank you for all the nuggets today.” – Jacqueline Zukerman Delory [15:56]
- “Deep conversations or light laughter? … Deep conversations.” – Jackie Leitner [17:19]
Key Timestamps
- 02:15 – Jackie Leitner’s origin story and pivot into group-based therapy
- 05:47 – Advice for mental health help during hard seasons
- 07:31 – On the healing power of community
- 10:19 – Building successful, people-first teams
- 13:13 – Guidance for those at rock bottom
- 15:55 – Rapid fire Q&A about Jackie’s values and routine
- 16:48 – Song that defines Jackie's season of life
- 17:29 – Where to find and connect with Jackie
Episode Takeaways
“Hustle Meets Healing” candidly explores how true legacy and visibility are built on embracing vulnerability, creating meaningful communities, and practicing self-compassion—especially when the path gets tough. Jackie Leitner’s down-to-earth wisdom and Jaclyn Zukerman Delory’s encouraging style make this a must-listen for anyone navigating messy middles, seeking connection, or hoping to channel personal transformation into service and impact.