The Karen Kenney Show

Latest Episodes:

The Ones In The Arena Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

You see it all the time; people who aren’t writing the books, or creating the art or baking the food or building the business, and yet they still have something to say about those who are.

You find them sitting on the sidelines, on the bench, in the bleachers and in the backseat offering up their critiques without ever having stepped foot into the arena themselves.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about the kinds of people that light me up to work with and who I also want to spend my time with both personally and professionally.

These are the ones that are showing up and actively participating in their life and their business with their whole body, mind and soul in the game. If they get knocked down, they’re willing to get back up, to try new things or to seek help in both healing and growing themselves or growing their businesses.

As a spiritual mentor, it gives me great joy to work with people who want to be more spiritually aligned, have more self knowledge, who no longer want to just sit and complain about things in their life, but instead are willing to actually do the work it takes to get better.

That energy of being willing to get down to business is exciting to me. That’s what LIGHTS ME UP!!

How about you? Are you one of the ones in the arena?

KK's Takeaways:

We’re Affected By Others (10:19)
Symptom Aware (16:06)
Committed People (22:36)
Elvis Left The Building (27:09)
You Do The Work (31:40)
It’s Not About Shame (36:30)
Called To 1-to-1 (43:36)

Karen Kenney is a Certified Spiritual Mentor, Certified Hypnotist, writer, speaker, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show Podcast. She’s also the founder of THE NEST, a powerful & practical online spiritual membership, mentorship & community.

She’s been a student & guide of A Course in Miracles for close to three decades, a certified yoga teacher for 20+ years and is a longtime practitioner of Passage Meditation. She’s also a certified Gateless Writing Instructor, transformational retreat leader and has been an “accidental entrepreneur” for over 20 years.

KK grew up in Lawrence & Boston, MA, and graduated from Boston University with a degree in Communications. She’s known for her storytelling, her sense of humor and her no BS approach to Spirituality.

It’s part of Karen’s calling to help people rewrite their old stories, shift their perception from fear to Love, and deepen their connection to Self, Source & Spirit! She calls this transformational work, Your Story to Your Glory and it lights her up to see how putting this “down to earth” Divine alchemy into action, helps people to feel more empowered, happy, grateful and peaceful in their everyday lives!

A sought-after speaker, spiritual teacher, and wicked fun guest for podcasts, live events, group retreats and mastermind programs, Karen’s been invited to speak & teach on various platforms, stages & retreat centers across the country, including leading four weeklong workshops at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.

Ask For Support, Not Permission Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

I’ve been wanting to talk about this concept about “asking for support, not permission” more in depth for a long time now.

It’s come up again and again in conversations with other entrepreneurs and also on podcasts where I’ve been a guest. I’ve touched upon the subject, but this episode gives me a chance to dive in a little deeper..

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner or you sell things (services, products, programs, etc) there comes a moment in the conversation with a potential client or customer about wanting to sign up to work together, join the program, buy the product and the inevitable question of “payment” or moving forward with making the investment?

Today on the Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about the thing that sometimes happens when you talk with a person who already knows they want to work with you, they feel it in their gut that you’re the right mentor/coach/company/solution for them or their problem and they even say, “Yes! I want to do this or buy this thing or take that leap of faith...”

BUT…

And I’ve seen this time and time again, where the person will be 100% ready to go, they’re wicked excited to begin, they might even ask for the sign up link and then they say something like, “I just have to talk to my husband/wife/sweetie/partner first.”

They move from their inner, intuitive knowing, where they were lit up and excited to go, grow, heal, and expand, into now having to talk to someone else before they invest in themselves, their calling or their business.

This conversation can unfortunately be the place where dreams go to die.

Because the partner might not be an entrepreneur or may not understand or believe in the importance of mentors/coaches, spiritual growth or investing in personal development. They might also not have the same dreams, vision or purpose as you do. They might not share the same money stories or they may be more risk averse than you are.

This is where asking for support rather than permission comes into play.

Now, I know that there’s lots of different financial situations and nuanced processes around decision making in relationships, especially when it comes to spending money. So this isn’t a judgment.

This episode is an exploration about these kinds of conversations and hopefully a helpful way to approach them. It helps to know yourself, know what you want and need and to lead with love instead of fear, so you can find the courage to ask for support to back you up, rather than the permission to take the first step.

KK's Takeaways:

I Just Need To Talk To (5:56)
Justify My Desire (9:19)
They Aren’t Willing To Take The Risks (18:29)
Investing In Yourself (24:15)
Squirrel Away Your Investment (31:08)
I Believe In Myself (41:02)

The Quest Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

If you’re on my email list, you saw that I recently sent one out that was titled, “Are You Willing to Enter The Cave?”

It was all about a journey that started for me back when I was 17 and that intensified in my 20’s when I went on a couple of Spiritual Pilgrimages.

It was on that particular trip to England & Ireland when I sat in Merlin’s Cave that I felt called to go on a “quest”.

Most often when we think about going on a quest, we think of journeying to faraway places or discovering new lands! And those external adventures can also be incredible experiences for the one who has been called.

However for me, “The Quest” although it has shown up in a multitude of ways at different points in my life, each one was ultimately pointing me to a journey inward.

It was answering the call to know myself, so that I could build a solid foundation for both my personal and professional life.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about my relationship with the word, Quest, where it originated from, how it's influenced me and my work, and the fun and powerful ways it’s continually shown up over the course of my personal and professional life.

After listening to this episode, perhaps you’ll also feel called to answer the call of your heart, take that leap of faith and to join “The Quest”!

KK's Takeaways:

Getting A Nod From Your Spiritual Team (7:04)
July of 1997 With Marianne Williamson (13:00)
Merlin’s Crystal Caves (15:03)
Fate Or Future (20:35)
Your Life Is A Quest (26:17)
Spiritual Mentorship Adventure (34:16)
The Quest (37:16)

If Life Was Like A Buffet Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you’re taking on too much in your personal life or business?

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about our lives as they might compare to a buffet. You know the restaurant/cafeteria style of eating where we get to pick and choose how much we pile onto our plates?

Not sure how it is for you, but sometimes in this kind of setting, our eyes end up being bigger than our stomachs and our plates become way too full to finish.

The same can be seen in our daily lives; people calling on us for help, looking for support, a bunch of events and activities that we want to attend, filling up the schedule, booking up all of our time and we end up with too much on our symbolic “plates” of life.

We fill our day to day with so much commitment that we leave no room for ourselves to just BE, often taking it to the point of burnout. We need to be more aware of our limits, what we say yes to, who’s been “picking” off our plates and when it’s time to back away from the buffet! Ha!

What have you been putting on your plate that you could delegate or let go of?

KK's Takeaways

Generator By Human Design (5:19)
Labels We Put On Each Other (11:32)
Who Are You Eating With? (16:29)
Wearing Different Masks (21:54)
How Do We Know There Is A Problem (25:35)

Let Them Underestimate You Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever felt underestimated by different people in your life?

Sometimes, people are quick to underestimate us, particularly if we’re not the same as them or display characteristics or traits that differ from their own. But to that I say “let them underestimate you.” Use their disbelief to your advantage.

The people who truly get you and value you won't be swayed by the ignorance of others - they'll see your genuine skills, truth and characteristics and appreciate them and even, admire you for them.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about the secret superpowers that each of us have. A brilliance, a light and love that just because other people don't always see it, whether they're threatened by it, afraid of it, or don't want to acknowledge it out of fear, arrogance or fragility, doesn’t make your worth any less true.

So if nobody else has told you today, just know that I’m over here celebrating you.

Let them underestimate you, because I know and I hope you know, how powerful you are at the core of it all.

KK's Takeaways:

• Let Them Underestimate You (7:17)

• We’re Out Of Those (11:58)

• Vikki Runs Forward (15:44)

• Scene In Target (23:49)

• We Are Spiritual Beings (33:24)

• Walk Softly & Carry A Big Stick (37:58)

• We All Have A Little Rocky In Us (42:02)

My Spiritual Team Ass Kickers Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

When it comes to my Spiritual Team (ST), I’m what you might call kind of a “mutt.”

I draw upon a lot of Divine Helpers from different traditions and don't just stick to only one particular thing. My ST is a cast of characters that put me back in touch with who I really am, remind me of what I'm capable of, what my purpose is and to whom I belong.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about the “ass kickers” that are on my Spiritual Team! We’re diving into why I think they're important, why I encourage people to have at least one on their team, and what the power and benefit of their presence can do for us.

Now, not everybody is going to feel the same about having some on their team and that’s OK. This is where knowing yourself is wicked important because we’ll all be inspired by different people, means, tones of voice, and approaches.

If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, when I say “Spiritual Team”, then you’ve probably not downloaded my freebie gift to you. It's a downloadable PDF called “Building & Meeting Your Spiritual Team”. Go to karenkenney.com/freebie to learn more and get your copy today!

KK's Takeaways:

• Get Your Freebie (1:35)

• Mr Rogers (5:31)

• Kona World Championships (8:40)

• A Punching Bag No More (14:13)

• Commitment To Excellence (17:03)

• Joan Of Arc (25:12)

• Guiding The Souls (30:57)

• When The Going Gets Tough (34:53)

• Add One To Your Team (39:36)

Be, Do, Have Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

In this day and age of social media and the internet, a lot of people seem to have no respect for intellectual property. They will just take someone else’s words, content and or ideas and slap their name on a quote card and call it their own.

They believe that if they alter it slightly, even just by one word and then attribute it to themselves, then they’re good to go. Sometimes they’ll even teach entire concepts word for word without ever giving attribution.

In fact, there's a few successful people who’ve made a lot of money in the coaching and entrepreneurial world on the backs of people who came before them that they give no credit to.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about having integrity and not plagiarizing someone else’s work. Or as I like to simply say…

“Don’t steal sh*t!”

It’s really not that complicated. Having the integrity to acknowledge your teachers or where you get information from doesn’t take anything away from your intelligence or reputation.

In fact, it works in your favor and shows that you’re confident enough in your own wisdom and lived experience, to not be afraid to let people know about your mentors, teachers or other brilliant friends who you’ve learned from or are also doing great work in the world!

KK's Takeaways:

Go & Steal Someone Else’s Work?! (3:20)
Be, Do, Have (7:30)
There Are Exceptions (13:48)
Live Their Lives Backwards (18:05)
Who Am I Being? (21:46)

You Create Your Own World Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

There are times by simply being ourselves and making our own choices, we inspire or influence others in a positive way to look at themselves and what their path is. This happens especially if someone looks up to us, respects us or likes to learn from us.

Occasionally, it can also have the opposite effect, and people will see or hear you and then subconsciously feel uncomfortable with what they themselves are doing, what they’re choosing or how they’re being.

And, sometimes by just you being you, you being your creative self, or you living in the world as you are and as you feel called to do, other people are going to feel the need to say something about it.

Here’s the thing, we don’t have to say (or believe) every damn thing that pops into our head.

In fact, so much of what we think about how life or others should be is biased and unnecessary, but the ego tries to convince us that what we have to say is so special and important, that we feel the need to share all of it with the world wherever we go.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about “creating our own world”. One where we get to do what we need to in order to feel healthy, happy and fulfilled, without feeling the need to inflict those preferences on others. This doesn’t mean that we don’t share about them, we just don’t need to insist that others follow suit.

As Bob Ross so brilliantly said; “Just because I did one, doesn’t mean you have to.” We’re all here to find our own way and one person’s preferences, does not make another's wrong. We get to be different and that’s super-duper OK!

KK's Takeaways:

• Bob Ross Teaching (4:10)

• You Don’t Have To Say Everything That Comes To Mind (11:14)

• When I Stopped Drinking (17:28)

• We Think The World Happens To Us (24:12)

• We Make Sh*t Up In Our Heads (28:35)

• Is It True, Kind & Necessary? (34:05)

Adding A Little Light Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

It seems like so many people are feeling overwhelmed these days or have a kind of “sense of despair”. There's been so much senseless violence, loss and grief happening in the world and folks are just trying to work their way through it.

Even in my own life, in the past six months, I've lost three of my Aunties, and three of my furry kids. Let me tell you, it has been a season.

I also know people who’ve lost their homes or have been kicked out of their homes, and I’ve heard of others whose rents have doubled overnight. The stories are just heart-wrenching and it sometimes feels like the world has lost its ever-loving mind.

The question that often comes up in my work with others is, “What can I, as one individual person, really do to make a difference?”

To this I say, “While we can’t change the world, what we can do is change ourselves, our minds, our perspectives and choose how we respond to what is happening in the world.”

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about how much there’s going on in the world, and how that can leave people feeling hopeless or helpless, or like you’re being left in the dark without a clue on what to do.

My goal for this episode is to share a few of the helpful tools that I’ve used when it comes to navigating through some of the “colossal shit shows” that seem to happen in our world.

KK's Takeaways:

I’m Not Alone (5:01)
Our Perspective Plays A Huge Role (9:28)
Faith Without Works Is Dead (15:09)
What Am I Going To Do (22:19)
We Need A Calm Mind (27:02)
Let Me Sow Love (35:23)
In These Dark Times (39:41)
The Light Comes On (44:25)

Creating Opportunity with Sean & Steph Snow Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

If you’ve been feeling uninspired, or unsure if you’re up to the task at hand, or finding it hard to get out there and enjoy what life has to offer, then this episode might be exactly what you need!

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking to my longtime friend Sean Snow (S2), a former triathlon coach, who’s participated in 5 Boston Marathons, and has competed world-wide in over 70 Half-Ironman Races, 35 Ironman Races, and 15 World Championships, including the Hawaii Ironman 5 times!

We’re also joined by his daughter Stephanie - a former three-sport athlete, who’s now found her passion in endurance racing and is following in his father’s footsteps!

We dive into what it takes to lead this kind of athletic lifestyle, including the level of commitment, the early wake up times and the daily physical, mental, emotional training and spiritual practices they do that helps them to give their best, create opportunities and bring some light to the world every day.

My hope with today’s episode is that you’ll join us in the laughter and reminiscing, but most of all be inspired to expand your comfort zone, try something new and ask yourself how you can bring your own bright light and “fire” to the world around you.

KK's Takeaways:

Talking To People Everywhere I Go (6:09)
You Sign Up To Run, Walk & Swim How Far? (11:41)
Coaching, Toyota & Training (16:13)
What Is A Triathlon? (22:52)
You’re Getting Older But Better (28:59)
S2 Daily Posts (36:41)
Obstacles Don’t Have To Stop You (41:10)
Superstar Team (52:27)
You Deserve To Be Out There (57:45)
You Go Through The Ebbs & Flows (1:06:24)
It Takes Commitment (1:15:54)
Twilight Hour Is The Holy Hour (1:28:05)
Show Up Better As Yourself (1:41:21)
Who Inspires You? (1:54:26)
Which Road Will You Take? (2:04:35)
We Need The Mentors (2:09:51)
We Are Competitive (2:15:08)

Sean Show is a husband, father and loves the art of competition. He played hockey and baseball through his teenage years, and then jumped into the world of mountain biking, running, and triathlon. A former triathlon coach, he’s also competed world-wide, and has participated in 5 Boston Marathons, about 70 Half-Ironman Races, 35 Ironman Races, 15 World Championships, including the Hawaii Ironman 5 times. Sean’s main goal in life is to inspire others to believe that with hard work, perseverance, and a ‘Fire within’, anything in life can be done. His mantra is “Dare to Dream, Start to Finish”.

Sean’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.snow.12

Stephanie Snow - Sean’s daughter, is following in his footsteps with competing in triathlons and running races. After transitioning from her role as a three-sport athlete, she’s now found her passion in endurance racing. Most recently in April 2022, Stephanie completed her first Boston Marathon. She has also completed Ironman Lake Placid and 5 x 70.3 distance races. Steph ran cross-country for the University of New England. She just recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire and is currently working as an Occupational Therapist. If you can’t find her on the roads, then perhaps check out the trails. Stephanie enjoys hiking the Whites with her family and girlfriend.

Stephanie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_snowww/

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