About ME

Welcome, my friend! I’m thrilled that you’re here and thank you for visiting. I’d love for you to find entertainment, inspiration, hope, and humor when hanging out at Jodi Tolman SPEAKS! And I’d like you to know a bit about me. 

I've thought a lot about this and I think I might be a cat. Actually, I might be three cats. By my calculations, I’ve lived approximately twenty-seven lives - their collective trajectories spanning psychological and emotional abuse as a child; to painful and difficult origin-family dynamics; to many jobs, including waiting tables as a singing server in some famous places like the Improv in LA and NYC; to myriad professional pursuits; to a career in acting and music; to decades as a voiceover artist; to sales consulting for a national franchise; to working with seniors and their families in the senior living industry. 

Personally, my path took me through two failed and one spectacularly successful marriage; and the longing for and ultimate accomplishment of motherhood to three incredible kids, each arriving via different modes of transport: one “natural,” one adopted, and one born from a donor-egg at forty-six. I was forty-six. He was a lot younger when he was born.

What I’m not is an "expert." I obtained no formal education about how to triumph over adversity and become a resilient person, other than my lived experience. I’m not a scientist, researcher, teacher, therapist, or mental health professional. I’ve just lived a life filled with significant challenges, and amassed many stories - some hilarious, some harrowing - all of which have equipped me with a meaningful message and the great good fortune to help others. 

My mission is to offer inspiration and instill belief that the devastating effects of trauma, however long-lasting, can be overcome, that victory and the realization of life-long dreams is possible, and that we possess the power to achieve health and attain happiness. 

I’m realizing a long-standing dream - becoming an author and keynote speaker, so my story can reach and resonate with readers and listeners. ONE FROM EACH COLUMN: My 46-Year Trek From Abusive Childhood to Elusive Motherhood is planned for release in 2025. I would be honored and deeply appreciative if you cared to check in from time-to-time, catch up on things, and take away whatever might be new and of interest to you. In fact, if you’ll subscribe to my newsletter, I’ll reach out and keep you posted. The first edition should land on September 1st.

So, I’ll hope to see you around, maybe make you laugh, perhaps shed a tear, inspire you and, if it’s something you’re yearning for, help you heal.

In gratitude,

Jodi