The Art of Badassery with Jennifer Cassetta

As many of you know, I have a number of things on my plate from running the Financial Gym, to working with my own clients to working on this podcast and there are many days where I think I need to cut back on the podcasting, but then on days like today, I’m so thankful for this platform and this opportunity to share someone and a resource that I feel is truly beneficial and can help you live a better life. Joining me today is Jenn Cassetta, a health and empowerment coach and author of the book The Art of Badassery – Unleash Your Mojo with Wisdom from the Dojo. Jenn and I have been friends for years and I have always loved her message of empowerment through physical and mental strength and her book is the extension of all of that amazing wisdom. She joins me today to share more about the book and how you can apply martial arts lessons to your daily life. 

What are we drinking?

Jenn - Rose 

Shannon - Community Spirit Vodka Soda with a Splash of Cranberry

Podcast Notes

  • Jenn and Shannon met at a Women’s Empowerment Summit sponsored by Bicardi. They traveled from city to city and during that time, went out together and became good friends. Shannon loved Jenn’s presentation and never got tired of hearing it. She loves the message and feels like it’s needed now more than ever. 

  • Jenn uses Martial Arts as a framework for her speaking practice. It all started for her at a Dojo in New York City. Training there really helped her find direction. 

  • In 2001, Jenn was working about three blocks from the World Trade Center, everything changed on September 11. During that chaotic day, she was able to find refuge in the Dojo where she’d been training. 

  • Shortly after 9/11, she lost her events job and transitioned into personal training. Jenn knew she wanted to make an impact. She then became a health coach and got a Master’s in nutrition. Her purpose was to share what she learned, helping people feel strong from the streets to the board room. 

  • With that seed planted, she started the path of public speaking. It started with smaller companies, which got her in front of more people. The media noticed and she started appearing on the morning shows. Her company, Stilettos and Self-Defense, started to grow. 

  • Fifteen years ago, Jenn wanted to write a book and even took the classes, but just didn’t have it in her. She tucked the dream away after listening to people who said she needed a bigger platform or whatever other reason. 

  • In 2019, she decided she was going to write the book and when she sat down, Art of Badassery: Unleashing Your Mojo with the Power of the Dojo flowed out of her. 

  • Each chapter had a different belt color as the creative juices flowed. Jenn was tired of hearing stories of women being passed over and abused. She knew she couldn’t put a stop to that in the world but could provide women the tools to stand up to this type of behavior through her writing.  

  • The first chapter is about embracing the suck and understanding that these challenges will continue to happen and chapter two is about bouncing back.

  • The last few years have challenged us all in different ways, and it’s important to have all the tools you need to get back up and stay in the fight. This is the time to be putting more tools in the toolbox. 

  • You never know what someone is going through, but right now it’s safe to assume most people are not in the best place right now. Right now is the perfect time for Jenn’s book. 

  • She has been speaking with audiences all over the country and is getting fantastic feedback across the board. People are open to this message and it’s resonating with them.  

  • This book is about developing inner strength. The spirit of standing up to predatory behavior, making a comeback, and the mental aspects of strength. It’s available now, wherever you like to get books. 

Random Three Questions

  1. If you weren’t doing this work, what would you be doing?

  2. What is something you do to relax?

  3. If this was your last meal on earth, what would it be?

Connect with Jenn 

Instagram: Jenn Cassetta (@jenncassetta)

LinkedIn: Jennifer Cassetta, CN, MS - Professional Keynote Speaker

Facebook: Jennifer Cassetta | Facebook

TikTok: jennifer cassetta (@jenncassetta) TikTok

Website: jennifercassetta.com

Buy the book here


Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the importance of self-improvement and finding inspiration from all areas of life. I love Jenn’s approach with this book and think that it’s the perfect investment as you work towards your goals for the New Year.   

If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook group, and let me know what you want to hear.

We are fast approaching the end of another year and we need to start preparing for a new year. If you or someone you know would like to have a supportive best financial friend along the ride with you for this journey, please check out financialgym.com. With memberships starting as low as $35 a month, we are the inflation-proof source for financial wellness for anyone. So head over or send friends to financialgym.com and schedule a warm up call today. As a reminder, our warm up call team is staffed with amazing and current Financial Gym clients that can answer any of your questions about our program.   

Shannon McLayComment