The Karen Kenney Show

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the simple, yet powerful concept of "starting your day over". I love the power embedded in the idea that no matter how badly your day may have started, you have the ability to hit that reset button - and begin again at any point.   I share a story (with permission) about a friend in my spiritual mentoring group - The Nest, who by 4pm...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I had the honor and delight of speaking with one of my teachers and mentors, David Bedrick! David is a teacher, counselor, attorney, and the founder of The Sante Fe Institute for Shame-based Studies. He's also the author of four books and on this episode, we discuss his latest: THE UNSHAMING WAY - A Compassionate Guide to Dismantling Shame. This fantastic...

On this short episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I discuss the fires that have been happening in the Los Angeles area and some of the comments I've seen online.  While there has been helpful information being shared about evacuations, shelters and support, I'm also aware of some of the insensitive words that have been said or written. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of things that often get...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I discuss the importance of "slow learning" - especially in a culture that’s become so focused on “fast outcomes” and “quick results”.  I share about my own experiences of needing enough time to truly understand and integrate new information, rather than just quickly consuming it.  I make the case that true learning, comes from first-hand experie...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the idea of "hatching a plan" as we move into the New Year. I discuss why it’s sometimes important to keep your plans kind of a secret… and how we only want to share those tender ideas with people who will nurture and support them, rather than criticize or crush them. When making new plans, I also suggest slowing down and inviting your Inner T...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about redefining what it means to create a "well-lived life." I challenge the common advice to "go big or go home," questioning whether that's really the only path to a meaningful existence. I share a personal story about a childhood friend, who passed away recently and whose life left a profound mark on his community. I reflect on how society often...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the idea that, “My life is a reflection of who I have been and the choices I have made.” Meaning that the current state of your life, relationships, habits, and experiences are the cumulative result of your past thoughts, beliefs, and actions. However, to be clear, this doesn't mean your life is solely a reflection of your own choices - it's a...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I introduce the concept that I came up with called “the truthie truth”. 😆  Using a personal story and a character from the popular HBO series, “The Penguin” - I discuss how people often struggle admitting the full truth to themselves, even when it’s clear to others. We’ll dive into the importance of facing difficult truths and the danger of not being...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I tell a little story about my car that highlights the difference between dealerships and mechanics. I discuss how the approach of “replace vs. repair” can be applied not only to our personal and professional relationships… But also, in how we choose to consume and whether it’s best to renew, recycle, and reuse rather than tossing and buying something new....

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I put a fun new personal spin on the concept of the “Know, Like, Trust Factor.” The KLT Factor is a common marketing strategy that’s focused on building relationships with clients/customers - so that people will be more likely to “buy” from or do business with you. I take this concept and flip the script – proposing that we shift our focus from an external...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I tell a story about how I often talk about “Today me, thanking ‘younger me’ – for decisions that I’ve made.” Which led me to discussing the powerful process created by Richard Schwartz - called Internal Family Systems (IFS) – also known as “Parts work.” I share how it’s so important for us to have self-compassion when reflecting on our younger selves. I a...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share a story about the New England ritual of changing out our seasonal clothes.  When I did this recently, I found a few items that inspired me to stop waiting for the right time or special occasion to wear them. I also discuss how this is tied to my recent deeper reflections on my own mortality, and how I want to spend the time I have left on the...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about if what you’re doing is worth your time. Meaning, that it’s important to take the time to evaluate the effectiveness of your “practices” – spiritual and otherwise. I also discuss and distinguish the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It’s one thing to try and consume a bunch of information – it’s a totally diff...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I tell a little story about my desire to "think something new - about something old!" And whether the “old thing” that we wish to see through a new lens - is an old belief, mental pattern, behavioral habit, or a repeated story about ourself or others… Being able to shift our mind to see anew, is a wicked important part of personal growth and transformation...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I tell a personal story that exemplifies the concept of "Spiritual Team on the Job" (STOTJ). I'll recount a series of events - that lead to a wicked fun ending - that are linked together through a chain of unlikely occurrences.  We talk about how having a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) has helped me to stay present, reduce anxiety, and maintain the “f...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share an idea that’s inspired by one of the “ass kickers” on my Spiritual Team, David Goggins! I discuss the concept of "one second decisions" and how the quick choices we make - can have long-lasting impact! I also explore the common struggles and temptations we face when we’re working on new habits, big projects, or pursuing our dreams. And how easy it...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m exploring the concept of "when helping hurts." And how even our well-intentioned efforts to help others can sometimes do more harm than good. I springboard off of the idea from the old quote, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” And I highlight how the outcomes we hope for, can differ from the original intent behind our “helping” actions....

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m reflecting on my own mortality (and others) and our last communications. I talk about how we never know when or what our last words given or received might be. And how the quality and tone of our last communications with loved ones matter because they might unknowingly be our final words to each other. I also share about the emotional intelligence and...

This episode of The Karen Kenney Show was inspired by the famous Lao Tzu quote, "A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step." I share a personal story about another simple and effective tool I use that helps me to get big stuff done – by taking tiny actions! I’ll also talk about and explain a little bit about Kaizen – which is the fun philosophy of continuous improvement through small, inc...

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m sharing a sharing a simple, yet effective tool I often use to overcome resistance and take some action. I discuss when, why, and how I use this tool and the importance of creating what’s called “a bias towards action”! I’ll also explain how this wicked easy to use tool has helped me to interrupt the brain’s habit of overthinking and to beat that system we have i...

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m sharing a story about a recent FB comment I received about what I was charging for a drop-in class. I’ll discuss the small-mindedness, fear, and lack of understanding that often accompanies these kinds of random comments and criticisms and how it can sometimes behoove you to just STFU. We’ll also explore the importance of supporting fellow women in business and...

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m sharing a couple of quotes that have been instrumental in helping me to not beat myself up about the past.  We’ll explore how the mind loves to travel back in time to all the past places where you messed up or got it wrong. I’ll also share a different way of looking at things and a helpful approach to making peace with when we’ve been clumsy. Instead of dra...

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m reflecting on my own mortality (and others) and our last communications. I talk about how we never know when or what our last words given or received might be. And how the quality and tone of our last communications with loved ones matter because they might unknowingly be our final words to each other. I discuss the emotional intelligence and maturity...

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m discussing the concept that I share at the end of every episode, “leave it better”. We’ll explore the power of consciously leaving people, places, animals and yourself - better than how they were first found. I’ll also share a few different stories and examples of people and companies that operate from a “care the most” attitude. Plus, I’ll mention a few less th...

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m talking about why we want to “stop building cages” for ourselves and others (inspired by a favorite poem by Hafiz.) We’ll also explore the importance of not limiting people because of our own insecurity, fear of change, or need to control. Instead, we’ll discuss the power of “dropping keys” through encouragement, enthusiasm and empowerment! Plus, I share some he...