Some things never go out of style—like a heartfelt letter, a wise word from someone who’s been there, and a little bit of tough love when you need it most. Starting this week, This Is Topeka is bringing you Dear Mama J, a new advice column with an old-school feel, penned by none other than Jay Patterson, aka Mama J herself.
Mama J is 72 years young and has lived a life full of experiences, challenges, and adventures. She’s been through it all—drinking and sobering up, multiple marriages, mental health struggles, and even navigating life with alopecia universalis. She’s undergone multiple surgeries, had her fair share of setbacks, and still manages to embrace life with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Her journey has taken her across the U.S. and overseas, leading mission trips for disaster relief, helping rebuild after hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, and working with the Street Dog Coalition to aid the unhoused and their pets. She’s been a business owner, a stand-up comedian, and even a contestant on the Netflix reality show The Trust: A Game of Greed. And now, she’s ready to take on your questions.
No topic is off-limits. Love, life, family drama, career headaches, friendships on the rocks, mental health, dating, trying new things in your later years—if you’re wondering about it, Mama J is here to help you figure it out. Whether you need a reality check, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to tell you you’re not crazy, this is the place to ask.
Each week, she’ll answer reader questions, offering advice, insight, and a little bit of humor along the way. To get things started, here are some prompts to think about:
- Would you like to try a new hobby but are afraid to start?
- Do you find it hard to go places alone?
- Have you ever tried online dating? What was it like?
- Are you a caregiver for a loved one at home? How do you cope?
- Do you have a relationship story with a happy or heartbreaking ending?
Got a question? Send it in. Mama J is listening.
The first column drops this week—stay tuned!
