Talk with Kristen (with an e)

Send us Fan Mail This week, Kristen is joined again by Alexis for a conversation that starts with BookTok and turns into something much bigger. From Twilight and The Hunger Games to Fourth Wing , romance trends, and “fast fashion publishing,” they unpack how social media is changing the way books are marketed, consumed, hyped, and criticized. Are popular books actually good books? Has BookTok chan...

Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode, Kristen reflects on the TV and movie characters who quietly helped shape the woman she became. From Punky Brewster’s fearless individuality and fierce loyalty, to Mary Richards’ quiet confidence in a male-dominated workplace, to Elle Woods’ unapologetic femininity and determination, and Felicity’s willingness to follow her own path, each character left a last...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen sits down with returning guest Emily to talk about burnout and the version that often goes unnoticed: hidden burnout. They explore what it looks like to keep showing up, performing well, and checking all the boxes while feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, and flat on the inside. From Sunday scaries and overwhelming to do lists to the pressure of b...

Send us Fan Mail Kristen is joined by returning guest Alexis for a long overdue deep dive into Kristin Hannah and her unforgettable books. After teasing this conversation in a previous episode, they finally sit down to talk all things Kristin Hannah, from how they first discovered her to the books that completely wrecked them in the best way. They share their personal reading journeys, including e...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen is joined by Alexis for a relaxed conversation about books, reading goals, and rediscovering the joy of reading. One year after setting their reading goals, they look back at the books they loved, the ones that surprised them, and a few that did not live up to the hype. Kristen and Alexis also talk about the pressure that can come with tracking reading goa...

Send us Fan Mail In this vulnerable and thought provoking conversation, Kristen and returning guest Emily explore what it means to treat competence like a costume. They unpack the pressure to be the good girl, the teacher’s pet, the high achiever, the boss who has it all together. From childhood validation to adult imposter syndrome, they reflect on how performing confidence and capability can slo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Talk with Kristen (with an e), Kristen and returning guest Alexis explore boundaries in parenting and how they shift across different seasons of motherhood. While boundaries are often discussed in professional settings, this conversation focuses on parenting boundaries, mom guilt, and the mental load that so many mothers carry. Alexis shares what boundaries look...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen is joined by returning guest Emily for a thoughtful conversation about redefining the new year without resolutions. Instead of chasing surface level goals, they explore intentional living through personal ins and outs for 2026. Emily shares her creative approach to goal setting with a year long bingo board, along with mindset shifts around overconsumption,...

Send us Fan Mail In the first episode of Season Three, Kristen reflects on what she has learned from the first two seasons of the podcast and how those lessons are shaping the next chapter. Through personal stories and honest reflection, she revisits recurring themes like burnout, boundaries, self acceptance, friendship, resilience, and learning to let go of comparison. Kristen shares how the mant...

Send us Fan Mail As Season 2 comes to a close, Kristen opens up about unmet expectations, creative pauses, and the emotional weight of feeling like she fell short. She reflects on why fewer episodes did not mean less impact, shares stories of connection with listeners, and offers encouragement to anyone leaving a year that did not turn out as planned. This episode is a reminder that growth is not...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen welcomes back Alexis to talk all things planning, goal setting, and making the most of everyday life. They dive into strategies for achieving personal and professional goals, the importance of meal planning, and finding balance amidst chaos. Alexis shares her unique approach to goal setting, from reflecting on the past year to using a planner as a tool for...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt solo episode, Kristen opens up about a recent moment of disappointment in her family and reflects on what resilience really looks like in real life. Using stories from her son’s basketball tryouts and lessons from her own career journey, she explores how to face rejection, process the emotions that come with it, and move forward with confidence and compassion. Kr...

Send us Fan Mail In this warm and reflective episode, Kristen reunites with returning guest Caity for a conversation that feels like your favorite fall sweater — comforting, familiar, and full of meaning. Together they explore seasons in every sense: the shift into fall, the natural cycles of friendship, and the personal growth that comes from learning to embrace change. They share stories about w...

Send us Fan Mail In this thoughtful and funny conversation, Kristen welcomes back Caity for a real-talk episode about boredom, overstimulation, and what it actually means to “touch grass.” Together they explore how our phones have quietly become both comfort and curse - feeding anxiety, stealing stillness, and numbing curiosity. The two swap childhood road trip stories, talk about the lost art of...

Send us Fan Mail In this candid conversation, Kristen and guest Caity reflect on their social media journeys  -- from the nostalgic days of MySpace and Xanga to the algorithm-driven feeds of today. They explore the shift from authentic connection to curated personas, and Caity opens up about her recent decision to permanently delete Instagram after more than a decade. Together, they unpack the pul...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen shares how her first job at an ice cream shop became the foundation for the way she leads today. Earning just $5.25 an hour, she learned lessons far more valuable than her paycheck about accountability, empowering others, building trust, and the importance of consistency. Alongside the leadership insights are moments of nostalgia, a few ice cream secrets (...

Send us Fan Mail In the season two premiere, Kristen warmly welcomes listeners back after an extended summer break, sharing a personal update and reflections from her “pause and playback” time. She recounts a summer filled with relaxation, growth, and memorable experiences, including a transformative book club trip, family vacations, concert adventures, pool days, and an impressive reading list. K...

Send us Fan Mail In the final episode of Season One, Kristen reflects on the journey so far and invites listeners into a summer of rest, joy, and gentle reset. With her signature warmth and honesty, she shares what “pause and playback” means to her through book club retreats, unplugging from social media, revisiting childhood favorites (hello, Klondike bars), and soaking in the little things that...

Send us Fan Mail In this cozy, solo second-to-last episode of Season One, Kristen reflects on the journey so far using the classic journalist’s lens: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. From humble beginnings and a spark of curiosity to building confidence, community, and connection -- this episode is part memoir, part love letter to the listeners who’ve come along for the ride. Kristen shares b...

Send us Fan Mail In this cozy and candid episode, one of the final three of Season 1, Kristen shares her current top ten obsessions just like you’d swap recommendations with a close friend over coffee or on a sunny afternoon by the pool. From TV shows and beauty faves to NBA playoff talk and bookish adventures, it’s a peek into the little things bringing joy, comfort, and connection lately. She op...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt conclusion to the virtual book club series, Kristen is joined by Kelly and Alexis for one final conversation around Perfect Is Boring (and Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston. Together, they unpack the book’s poignant epilogue and dive into the publisher’s reflection questions, exploring themes like vulnerability, community, and radical self-acceptance. From the p...

Send us Fan Mail In this empowering episode, Kristen welcomes Tiffany for a powerful conversation about financial health, abundance, and breaking free from the old narratives around women and money. Tiffany shares how society has conditioned women to play it safe with their finances while encouraging men to take risks, and why it's time to change that. They dive deep into the good girl mental...

Send us Fan Mail In this installment of the Perfect Is Boring (And Tastes Like Kale) virtual book club, Kristen is again joined by Kelly and Alexis to unpack the last few lies from Jess Johnston’s book. From feeling like a junior varsity adult to the fear of messing up publicly, they get real about showing up, taking up space, and challenging the pressure to have it all together. Even if you didn’...

Send us Fan Mail In this vibrant and empowering conversation, Kristen welcomes her friend Emily to talk about what it means to take up space: sparkly shoes, glittery eyeshadow, bold choices, and all. They explore how society often teaches girls and women to shrink themselves, and how they've intentionally broken free from those expectations to live more authentically. Kristen and Emily share...

Send us Fan Mail In this second installment of the Talk with Kristen (with an e) virtual book club, Kristen welcomes back guests Kelly and Alexis to continue their heartfelt dive into Perfect Is Boring (And Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston. Together, they unpack Part Two of the book, exploring Lies 6–9—like the belief that rejection will destroy us, that our job is to make everyone happy, and th...