The Confidence Academy with Kelly Reeves

We eat at restaurants every day, but have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes? The restaurant industry is one of the most high-stress and competitive businesses in the world. Long hours, razor-thin margins, and constant pressure to adapt make it one of the toughest environments to succeed in. Add in the economy, supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and global events—and su...

Does your relationship with money look a lot like your dating life— full of breakups, clinginess, neglect, drama, and sometimes even ghosting? In this episode of The Confidence Academy, I share a sneak peek inside my new book, I ❤️ U, Money: How to Stop Ghosting Your Cash, Heal the Drama, and Build a Financial Relationship That Lasts. You’ll learn: - The “breakup behaviors” that keep you stuck in...

Have you ever thought you’re too old to start over, or wondered if it’s too late to chase a dream you’ve carried in your heart for years? Maybe you’ve spent decades building a career, raising a family, or taking care of everyone else — and now you feel that tug that says, what about me? If that’s you, today’s episode is going to hit home. I’m joined by Tatum Crenshaw, who proves it’s never too lat...

Have you ever wanted to walk away from something you knew wasn’t right for you, but felt trapped — like you were already too far in to back out? Whether it’s a toxic job, a painful relationship, or a chapter of life that no longer fits, you’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Katherine Woller, #1 bestselling author of "Calling It Off: Memoir of an Almost Bride," to talk about what it re...

Entrepreneurship is sold as the ultimate freedom—be your own boss, live your dream, work from anywhere.  But what happens when that dream starts to feel like a never-ending grind? There was a time, a few years ago, that after 20+ years of building my own businesses, I made the decision to return to the corporate world.  Not because I failed—but because I finally saw the truth behind the...

Ever been in a text war that got out of control? Or maybe didn't get the response you wanted on an email? Or ended up going back and forth on social media, trying to get your point across - and getting frustrated? In today’s hyper-connected world, communication is more complicated than ever. Between email, Slack, text, social media, and Zoom, most of our messages are delivered without tone, contex...

Today’s episode is one that’s going to hit home for a lot of us. We’re diving deep into something that affects every single decision we make, whether we realize it or not: Subconscious programming. So what does that actually mean? My guest today is Jenn Johnson, founder of The Saltwater Effect, and certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT tapping), Reiki Ma...

Do you feel safe with money? Most of us don't.  We're afraid it'll leave us, that there is never enough of it, or that the Men in Black will show up at our doorstep and drag us away if we can't pay our bills on time. Money trauma is real! There was a time when I was flat broke, had to declare bankruptcy, and was almost $150K in debt! I was absolutely terrified, ashamed, and felt there was no...

In today’s media-saturated world, how do you separate fact from fiction?  How do brands build real credibility when everyone’s fighting for attention?  And what should PR professionals actually focus on when earned media isn’t an option? In this episode, I sit down with broadcast journalist and media relations expert Karen Firsel to unpack what’s really going on behind the headlines—and...

Think self-defense is just about protecting yourself in the event of a physical attack? Well, my friend, you’re about to think again. In this powerful episode, I sit down with certified jiu-jitsu coach, Albert Gonzales to explore how martial arts breaks down mental barriers we didn’t even know we were carrying.  Self-defense not just about physical protection—it’s about mental discipline, emo...

Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office with more questions than answers or frustrated with more visits and more poking and prodding? If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of symptoms, tests, and medical mysteries with no clear answers—you are not alone. And this conversation just might change everything. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by two extraordinary women who are bridging the gap betw...

What if anxiety wasn’t something you had to “manage,” but something you could actually break free from? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Matt Codde, a licensed clinical social worker, creator of the Triple-A Response®, and founder of Restored Minds.  After years of battling OCD and anxiety firsthand, Matt developed a practical, solution-focused framework that has helped thousands of pe...

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why? Irritability “that comes out of nowhere?” Or wondered if you were actually losing your ever-loving mind? Today, a top mental health and medical doctor is here to give you the science and facts on menopause and the mental effects of menopause your doctor isn’t telling you. This episode is a must listen because you’ll learn EXACTLY what to do to fe...

What if the strength you’re searching for isn’t about being fearless—but about showing up when you’re not? In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to build mental toughness—no fluff, no toxic positivity, and definitely no burnout culture.  Drawing from cutting-edge research, Olympic-level coaching strategies, and real-life moments where everything feels too damn hard, I unpack...

Do you think bravery is something you’re born with? Think again. In this powerful episode of The Confidence Academy, I sit down with Jill Schulman, Marine Corps veteran, expert in the science of bravery, and author of "The Bravery Effect." The truth is: bravery isn’t a personality trait, it’s a skill - one that anyone can build, one uncomfortable step at a time. Jill shares the science behind cour...

What if your dreams weren’t random? What if they were trying to tell you something—about your purpose, your next move, or even how to solve that problem you keep spinning on? In this powerful episode of the Hope podcast, I’m joined by dream expert and author Bonnie Buckner, founder of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery. With over two decades of experience coaching leaders, creati...

Ever catch yourself saying, “She made me so angry”? It feels real in the moment—but here’s the truth: no one can make you feel anything. Your emotions are your responsibility. In this episode, we break down why giving others power over your emotional state keeps you stuck—and how to take it back. You’ll learn: - Why your triggers are actually teaching you something - How to stop reacting on autopi...

Make good money - or even if you're just beginning to figure out your finances, but don’t even know where to start with budgeting, investing, or saving for retirement? Whether you're just getting started with a simple budget or sitting on extra cash wondering how to invest it wisely — this episode is for you. I sit down with Sarah Nicole Nadler, the powerhouse behind Fierce Feminine Finance, who w...

Let’s talk about something most people avoid — until it’s too late. In this episode of The Confidence Academy, I sit down with estate attorney Kay Walker for a powerful (and surprisingly empowering) conversation about planning for the inevitable. Wills, trusts, power of attorney, healthcare directives — it’s not just legal stuff, it’s love in action for the people you care about. Kay breaks down:&...

Today’s guest, Anna Maria Hartley, is a force of wisdom and resilience. After decades in the customer service world, she discovered her true purpose: helping women over 50 rebuild their lives from the ground up—one habit, one boundary, one brave step at a time. Whether you’re navigating divorce, empty nesting, relocation, menopause, or just a “What the hell happened to my life?” moment, this conve...

Think you can learn about business and investing from a stripper? The ones who work in a high-end NYC club surrounded by finance bros and Wall Street players have a lot of tales to tell, but they’re not telling them. They’re investing in them! In this episode, I spill the beans on the two years I worked with Howard Stern during his wild K-ROCK days—birthday broadcasts from Scores, porn stars, lap...

Ever wondered what really makes rich people rich? Spoiler alert: it’s not Lambos, luck, or a secret offshore account. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the #1 money secret the wealthy rarely talk about—and no, it’s not just about investing or budgeting. It’s about how they think. Here’s what we’re diving into: Why confidence with money starts in your nervous system, not your calculator....

In this powerful episode of the Broke Girl Podcast, I sit down with Jen  Haraldson-Updegraff—coach, real estate investor, and faith-fueled powerhouse—who empowers Christian women to rewrite their stories and experience true freedom, clarity, and purpose. Jen opens up about how she walked away from a mentally abusive husband and an 18-year marriage with 7 children, transformed her finances, an...

Ever feel stressed about money? The struggle is real - shame, scarcity, mindset, and the money wounds and trauma that go back to your childhood.  In this episode, I’m taking you way behind the scenes of my financial rock bottom, when I had just $4.07 in my bank account and the grossest thing I ever did with money! 🤢You’ll hear how I went from high-earning entrepreneur to bankruptcy, foreclos...

Do you think peace and grief can co-exist? If you are currently suffering from grief and loss or have in the past, you're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Arolyn Burns, a licensed therapist at The A Treatment Center, to talk about the winding and deeply personal path of grief and how we can find pockets of peace along the way. Arolyn reminds us, “Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. It show...