Podcast Summary: "The Year of YES (Say YES to You in 2026)"

Podcast: Habits of A Goddess
Host: Jasmine Rasco (for CAKE MEDIA)
Episode Date: November 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Habits of A Goddess" centers on the empowering theme of embracing "The Year of Yes," inspired by Shonda Rhimes’ influential book Year of Yes. Host Jasmine Rasco encourages listeners to activate their "yes" energy as they transition into 2026, providing personal anecdotes and actionable insights for women seeking personal growth, self-empowerment, and alignment with their true desires. The conversation blends reflections on overcoming self-doubt, letting go of perfectionism, and building a habit of saying yes to opportunities, adventure, and personal evolution.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Inspiration from Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes (01:18–05:28)

• Jasmine introduces Shonda Rhimes’ book as a catalyst for self-empowerment and transformation.
• The core message: Many women, like Rhimes, reject opportunities out of ingrained habits or fear. Saying yes can open doors to personal and professional fulfillment.
  • Quote: “She was turning down so many amazing opportunities... She was so focused solely on her career... One day she had a conversation with a friend... you're always saying no to yourself. How about you start saying yes to you?” (02:44)

2. Personal Experiences with Saying Yes (04:18–08:35)

• Jasmine shares her own story about overcoming nerves in public speaking—a skill she once avoided but ultimately embraced.

• Reflection on past limitations, guardedness, and the pivotal decision to say yes, beginning with career steps, such as launching this podcast.

  • Quote: “I remember when I was in college, I had a public speaking class... I was so scared. Like, I was literally, like, shaking nervous leading up to this competition.” (04:57)

• She draws a parallel between Rhimes' journey and her own, underscoring the universal nature of self-doubt and the rewards of pushing past it.

3. Goal-Setting and Moving Beyond Wishful Thinking (05:29–08:50)

• Jasmine asks listeners to reflect on their 2025 goals:

  • Are you truly working toward them or just setting them aside?

  • Are you taking inspired, aligned action or simply dreaming?

  • Quote: “A lot of times we set goals for ourselves and it feels good when we put it on paper... but are you taking steps that are in alignment towards those goals... or just speaking it and not really working towards the things that you want in life?” (05:50)

• She introduces the energetic and visualization component—starting with mindset, then moving into action and physical reality.

4. Visualization and Affirmation for 2026 (08:51–11:07)

• Jasmine guides listeners through visualizing their highest selves and articulating specific "yeses" for 2026 (money, love, fitness, business, travel, adventure, peace).
• Encourages declaring desires confidently and “sending them to the universe.”
  • Quote: “Say yes to more fun. I say yes to adventure. I say yes to abundance. I say yes to money. I say yes to love... Start practicing your yes.” (10:25)
• She stresses the importance of permission: “You don’t need permission from anybody else to say yes to go after your goals in life.”

5. Overcoming Perfectionism and Starting Where You Are (11:08–13:23)

• Jasmine’s origin story of the podcast: It began not with a perfect setup, but a clear intention to create and empower.

  • Quote: “Saying yes is not about perfectionism. It’s not about having the perfect setup... Start with what you have.” (11:20)

• She shares how aligning energetically, mentally, and physically with your “yes” prompts the universe to respond.

6. The Courage to Prioritize Yourself (13:24–14:45)

• Jasmine emphasizes main character energy: you are the priority, and saying yes to yourself might sometimes look like saying no to others.

• Addresses potential guilt for self-prioritization and normalizes others’ reactions.

  • Quote: “When you say yes to you, it may provoke others... That’s because you chose you.” (14:10)

• Action steps: Write down your yeses for 2026, make quick decisions, and don’t delay your abundance or happiness.

7. Affirmation and Closing (14:46–end)

• Jasmine closes with words of encouragement and affirmation, reminding listeners to embody goddess energy and continue supporting themselves and the podcast.
• Reinforces the idea that saying yes unlocks transformation and abundance.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On self-permission:
  “You don’t need permission from anybody else to say yes to go after your goals in life.” (09:52)
• On starting before you're ready:
  “Saying yes is not about perfectionism... Start with what you have.” (11:20)
• On main character energy:
  “You are the life force. You’re the creator of your own reality. So start saying yes even if it provokes others...” (14:10)
• Affirmation sequence:
  “I say yes to more fun... I say yes to new business ideals. You see how that feels? Start practicing your yes. Start practicing saying yes to you, Goddess...” (10:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Shonda Rhimes' Book Introduction: 01:18–02:44
• Personal Journey with Saying Yes: 03:41–05:28
• Reflecting on 2025 Goals: 05:29–07:15
• Visualization for 2026 & Affirmations: 08:51–11:07
• Overcoming Perfectionism: 11:08–13:23
• Permission & Main Character Energy: 13:24–14:45

Tone & Style

Jasmine’s tone throughout is warm, personal, supportive, with a strong element of encouraging direct address ("goddess"). She frequently uses affirmation statements and speaks in a nurturing, empowering style. The episode blends candid personal storytelling, practical encouragement, and spiritual/energetic advice.

Summary Takeaway

This episode invites listeners to step into 2026 with intentionality and courage, using the power of “yes” to transform their reality. Jasmine’s blend of vulnerability, lived experience, and affirmation makes for an inspiring call-to-action: Don’t wait for perfect conditions—say yes to yourself now, and let your inner goddess lead the way into the new year.