The Karen Kenney Show

Latest Episodes:

Feeling Called, Not Convinced Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

Have you been curious about what the heck I actually do as a Spiritual Mentor or what it’s like to work with me?

Maybe you’re thinking about joining my Spiritual Community & Membership “The Nest” and wish you could get a peek behind the scenes from some real-life members?

If you’re someone that also likes to get it “straight from the source”, then this episode is for you!

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking to 4 members of The Nest about why they felt called to take that leap of faith and join.

They’re here to share their stories about who they are, where they come from, what their dreams are and how the Spiritual and personal work we do in “The Nest”, has played a powerful part in their transformational growth and healing journey.

We’ll hear from Dakota, Kealoha, Jodie and Scott - all people in different ages and stages - as they break down why The Nest has been a game changer for them and the impactful results they see happening in their life.

My hope for this episode is that maybe you’ll resonate with or recognize yourself in their words, and perhaps come to see where a community like this can fit into your own life too.

Maybe you’ll even find yourself curious and called to join us! If nothing else, I hope you enjoy the conversation, find inspiration and motivation through their stories and are able to walk away with some insight or clearer direction.

If you do feel called to join, here’s the link: https://www.karenkenney.com/nest

KK's Key Takeaways

• Felt Called (7:34)

• Introductions (13:18)

• How Are You Showing Up? (20:51)

• The Stories Are Amazing (27:26)

• Your Life Will Get Better (36:39)

• Controlling Also Equals Fixing (45:29)

• Getting Out Of Your Head (57:36)

• Tough Love (1:09:51)

• Let’s Take On The World (1:18:33)

• A Good Mentor Saves You Time (1:35:10)

Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, author, speaker, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show Podcast. She’s also the founder of THE NEST - an online spiritual membership & community.

She’s been a student & guide of A Course in Miracles for close to three decades, a yoga teacher for 20+ years and is a longtime practitioner of Passage Meditation. She’s also a Gateless Writing Instructor & workshop facilitator and is currently working on a memoir.

KK grew up in Lawrence & Boston, MA, and graduated from BU with a degree in Communications. She’s known for her storytelling, her sense of humor, her love of the Divine and her “down-to-earth” practical approach to Spirituality. Her signature process: Your Story to Your Glory™ - helps people transform their old stories of victimization & suffering, so they can choose Love over fear, improve their most important relationships, deepen their connection to Self, Source & Spirit, and live from a place of forgiveness, flow, freedom & fun!

A sought-after speaker, spiritual teacher, and thought leader for podcasts, shows, live events, and mastermind programs, Karen's been invited to speak & teach on various platforms, stages & retreat centers across the country, including the renowned Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

From The Prison Yard To Harvard Yard with Andre Norman Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

By the age of 9, my guest had learned three lessons:

1) It’s okay to hit someone (after seeing his dad beat his mom)

2) I better protect myself (after kids threw rocks at him on his way to school and called him the “n” word )

3) I can quit (after seeing his Dad walk out on him and his five siblings).

Nine years old and this was his philosophy for life.

Fast forward to 6th grade where the “cool kids” didn’t let him forget his status of being poor and their constant reminders drove him to a life of hustling just to keep up.

With no goals and no destination, Andre spent the next few years drifting, robbing and stealing and eventually landed himself in prison facing a 100 year sentence. Not wanting to be the underdog, he ran all the gang activity within the facility.

One day, after a long stint in solitary confinement Andre had an epiphany and realized that, yes he was the king, but he had become the king of nowhere.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking to motivational speaker, Andre Norman - author of “Ambassador of Hope” and founder of The Academy of Hope and transformational program “180x” about his journey from growing up in a poor family in Boston, to serving 14 years in prison, to getting his GED and finally being released.

Since then, Andre’s mission has been to teach individuals and corporations how to turn any situation around. His solution-based recovery efforts have impacted regions, including Honduras, Bahamas, Sweden, Guatemala, Liberia and Trinidad. He has lectured on multiple TEDx stages, as well as Harvard University and London Business School.

His innovative strategies against gang activity and inmate manipulation has improved correctional systems across the U.S.

KK's Key Takeaways

• 3 Life Lesson By The Age Of 9 (3:38)

• King Of Nowhere (10:48)

• Talking To Juveniles (13:47)

• I Wanted To Help People (19:05

• Challenge Them To Be Greater (27:33)

• I Wouldn’t Be Here (37:10)

• You Can Change the Environment (50:48)

• I Remember The People (55:40)

• How Do You Help Them? (01:00:28)

• You’re Not Late, Just Show Up (1:08:24)

• If You Call - I’ll Show Up (1:16:01)

• We’re Gonna Do This! (1:23:15)

• We Win By Storytelling (1:24:58)

• How To Stay In The Room (1:26:39)

Andre Norman is the reason to believe in second chances. His tenacity and passion for people led him to start his transformational program, 180x, which works to redevelop underserved communities, repair families in crisis and reduce prison re-entry.

Connect with Andre:

Website: https://andrenorman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrenorman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrenorman21/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrenorman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfwwmClQEvLi1KM_tZETcw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-norman-4789b021/

Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, author, speaker, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show Podcast. She’s also the founder of THE NEST - an online spiritual membership & community.

KK grew up in Lawrence & Boston, MA, and graduated from BU with a degree in Communications. She’s known for her storytelling, her sense of humor, her love of the Divine and her “down-to-earth” practical approach to Spirituality. Her signature process: Your Story to Your Glory™ - helps people transform their old stories of victimization & suffering, so they can choose Love over fear, improve their most important relationships, deepen their connection to Self, Source & Spirit, and live from a place of forgiveness, flow, freedom & fun!

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

Plot Twist Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

Ever feel like your life just took a hard right turn? All of a sudden you find yourself standing there with the wind knocked out of you, or just simply surprised at where you ended up, and asking yourself, “What the feck’ just happened?”

PLOT TWIST!!!

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re taking a look at how in our own daily lives we see all kinds of different plot twists. Things like; death, divorce, a diagnosis or a disappointment can just pop up when and where you least expect it and take us out at the knees.

Other times, we’re completely surprised with a direction change that moves us towards something better, or that delights us, helps us or keeps us from some sort of deeper heartache.

Whatever the result, it’s important to understand in these moments that although it can be painful, shocking, or unexpected at times, it also presents us with an opportunity for growth, compassion, gratitude or forgiveness.

Great news is, when we experience one of these extreme shifts in direction (because even good things can knock us off our balance) we don’t have to face it or figure it out all alone. Our Spiritual Team is always there, at the ready, to help us navigate whatever it is that’s come our way.

KK's Key Takeaways

Unexpected Things (2:59)

What Is The Lesson Here? (7:31)

Worry Depletes Us Often (14:51)

The Importance Of Spiritual Work (21:15)

Plot Twist In My Own Life (25:30)

Divine Help Has Your Back (33:41)

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

We’re All Influencers Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

Social media, advertisers and online culture like to make a big deal out of so-called “influencers” - but they’re overlooking one important truth - we’re all influencers in our own way.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt the clear message that you were not welcome there? The person doesn’t even have to say anything and we know right away where we stand with them. The message has been sent and received. Ha!

A Course in Miracles says, “To teach is to demonstrate. There are only two thought systems, and you demonstrate that you believe one or the other is true all the time. From your demonstration others learn, and so do you.”

Whether we’re speaking out loud, sharing on social media or just simply “giving off a vibe” we’re influencing the people around us. Whatever the chosen thought system we’re currently operating from, whether it be love or fear, is directly influencing the people we surround ourselves with. From our spouses and kids, to our friends and coworkers, we’re having an impact wherever we go.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about influencers. And I don’t mean the ones on social media with the “big batch” of followers who try to persuade people to buy things, visit certain places or wear certain clothes.

I’m talking about every single one of us and the influence we have on every person we come into contact with throughout our day. This isn’t necessarily a huge life changing moment of influence either. It could be as simple as exchanging a smile with someone in a grocery store line that changes the trajectory of their day.

How we influence others is directly related to how we think about ourselves and where we are in our own story. For example, have we taken the time to at least try to be aware of and heal our own wounds, so we avoid projecting and inflicting our hurt onto others?

Our circle of influence is vast and our residual effect is happening all the time. The question is; are we influencing people from a place of Love or fear? Whichever one we choose - will have its own kind of impact.

KK's Key Takeaways

• Sign Up So You Don’t Miss Out (01:26)

• Being Vigilant (10:55)

• The Ego Keeps Proof (16:53)

• Cult Control (19:50)

• Asking For Guidance (23:03)

• Detour Into Fear (25:55)

• Remove The Blocks & Barriers To Love (30:34)

• Doing It In A Loving Way (39:59)

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

Unlocking Collective Wisdom with Jon Berghoff Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

Questions are a powerful tool. Especially when you know how to ask the right ones.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I’m wicked excited because we’re talking with super-smarty pants Jon Berghoff as he shares his journey from an executive at Vitamix to founder and CEO of XCHANGE Approach - which helps change agents, thought leaders, community leaders, coaches, and consultants unlock collective wisdom.

Jon’s fascinating story is filled with methodologies that taught him how leadership is no longer a solo effort, but instead a collective one. Rather than having just one “expert” on stage telling other people what to do, we can create high impact learning environments by bringing groups and communities together by sharing our wisdom and insight with one another.

Jon is like a wizard when it comes to the art of question design, the science of engineering conversations and the recognition of the change that’s possible at speed and scale, when you know how to design and facilitate human interactions that create psychological safety, accelerate widespread learning and bring about whole new possibilities for people to feel seen, and for all voices to be heard and listened to.

Over 350 global thought leaders, community builders and industry leading coaches and consultants have leveraged the XCHANGE Approach to facilitate transformational group experiences with their clients. When companies like BMW, Facebook, NASA & Keller WIlliams wanted to bring large groups together to solve problems, accelerate learning and reimagine a new future, they’ve all relied upon Jon and the XCHANGE approach.

His refreshing approach is like a superpower that combines scientific research along with real life experience for one of the most relevant conversations today. I hope you guys love this conversation as much as did!

KK's Key Takeaways

Unicorns And Jaguars (5:31)

I Made A Career Transition (12:33)

I’ve Got Strengths And Weaknesses (22:00)

Micro Consequences (32:29)

Sourcing Wisdom (41:06)

What Makes A Question Accessible? (47:50)

Making Questions Relevant (53:01)

Under Jon’s leadership, the XCHANGE team has designed and facilitated whole-system change efforts through large group collaborative summits and created high-impact learning environments for organizations that include BMW, Facebook, Habitat for Humanity, TEDx, Keller Williams, Fathom, Boeing Corporation, Vitamix Corporation, Fortec Medical, and Fairmount Santrol.

Jon previously served as the head of sales for Vitamix Corporation, where revenue grew by 400% in less than 4 years, as their team grew from 175 to over 600 members.

His work in Appreciative Leadership, Emotionally Intelligent Negotiations, and Influence has brought him to Australia, Japan, the UK, and South America. Jon is in high demand, known for his authenticity and highly engaging style of creating powerful learning experiences for participants.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://xchangeapproach.com/

FREE XCHANGE PLAYBOOK FOR KK’s AUDIENCE: xchangeapproach.com/karen

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/xchange_conversations/

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonberghoff

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

This Question Changes Everything Mar 04, 2021

Show notes

It’s kind of our human nature, especially with people we love, for us to want to rush in and fix things when they have a problem. We instinctively want to take their pain away every time they struggle with a situation.

However, this isn’t always what they need. Sometimes, the people in our lives just want to be seen, heard or understood and they don’t need us to show up with our “toolbox” full of solutions.

“What do you need from me right now?”

In asking this simple question we move from the position of ‘problem solver’ to someone who truly cares about what the other person actually wants or needs from us. Do they just want us to shut-up and listen? Or are they actually looking for our advice and input?

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re looking at ways we can be there for someone without automatically stepping in and trying to fix their situation without their permission.

When we ask people the question, “What do you need from me right now?”, we’re giving them the opportunity to check in with themselves first, so they can tell us what it is they actually want.

It’s not enough to just be silent when they come to us with a problem either, because perhaps they do want our advice or for us to share a part of our story that could help them figure out their own.

There’s a skill when it comes to being there for the people in our lives that involves paying attention, listening deeply and asking them what it is that they truly need. If we don’t, we run the risk of being overbearing or not being the one they come to with their next struggle.

When we lead with this one question and truly tune into what the people in our lives need from the standpoint of being helpful rather than fixing, it can change everything!

KK's Key Takeaways

•This Is A Question I Ask Myself (5:49)

• What Do You Need From Me Right Now? (7:05)

• Cannon Balling In (13:08)

• Do You Want Comfort Or Solutions? (17:57)

• I Don’t Show Up With An Agenda (23:18)

• Asking For Help (30:13)

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

Do You Accept The Charges? Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

Today’s episode was inspired by a quote that I love that talks about our “calling”.

And it got me to thinking about how when the Divine calls us direct and collect - we have to decide if we’re going to accept the charges. HA!

I believe that our particular Divine assignment has been given to us and nobody else. We have been given what A Course in Miracles calls, an “Individual Curriculum”.

Now, this doesn’t mean that every friggen’ idea that comes our way is going to be a “Divine Download”. Sometimes, we simply need to make some money and so we hatch a plan to do just that.

But the thing about a “calling”, the very aspect of it is, I feel called to do this thing. Not, I initiated the idea. Like, if something springs up into our heart, and it piques our curiosity; if it makes us go Hmmm... and we start to get excited, then we need to listen to the energy of our body.

We need to move from “the head to the heart”. So, don't just stay in what I call the “above the neck intellect”, drop into the wisdom of your body where your intuition lives, become embodied and enthusiastic and empowered with the idea that you have been given a Divine Assignment that nobody else can answer. It is your calling! YAY!

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about tuning into our divine assignments that come to each of us individually. When this happens some people in our lives may not have the “capacity to understand or receive” what it is we’re being called to create.

Nobody else has to like it, get it, or understand it, in order for you to answer the call of your heart and accept the charges!

KK's Key Takeaways:

• I Feel Called (3:52)

• Bumping Up Against My Own Fear (12:33)

• Am I Going To Accept The Charges (21:54)

• They’ll Tear You Down (26:03)

• Find Your Balcony People (29:55)

• Internal Work Is Numero Uno (33:46)

• What Has Come To You Is Yours (35:18)

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

Spiritual Fitness with Brad Jensen Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

From the minute, Brad Jensen picked up his first fitness and nutrition magazine at 14 years old, he knew that it was what he was born to do.

To Brad, who’s also known as The Sober Bodybuilder, fitness isn’t just about physical appearance. Rather, it’s a lifestyle that’s continuously evolving. Brad is not only a fitness coach and certified nutritionist; he’s also an entrepreneur, the host of The Key Nutrition Podcast - plus, he's a Dad to a sweet baby boy, named Dominic and his two fur babies, dogs Champion & Chief.

When it came time to create his own business, Brad knew that he needed to build a place where he and his team could educate others on living healthy lives - no quick fixes or fad diets, just honest accountability, hard work, and real results that last. However, this wasn’t always the path he followed.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking with Brad about how he grew up being that insecure kid who never felt comfortable in his own skin. A kid who was just looking for acceptance and found it in highschool through the use of painkillers.

At the age of 17 he thought he had finally found a way to squash that insecure inner child and to “be the man”. Sadly, this only led to more drugs for himself and a path of destruction that he left in his wake.

From the use of painkillers to heroin and methamphetamines, Brad found himself in and out of jail and rehab over the next decade. The fall from happy, healthy middle class family member to homeless finally had him hitting rock bottom.

After 30 days of jail time, once again, Brad finally found the spiritual pieces he was missing and needed, in order to really love himself enough to stop the hurt. This is a powerful story of transformation, healing and the pathway to Spiritual Fitness.

We get one life and Brad Jensen wants everyone to live their best.

BONUS: At the end of this interview, you also get to meet the one-and-only SHEENA! Trust me, you do not want to miss this conversation. HA!

KK's Key Takeaways

• How We Met (4:12)

• I Was The Chubby Kid (16:07)

• I’m The Man (24:12)

• Working Overtime To Keep You Alive (31:32)

• Hit Rock Bottom (35:30)

• Spirituality & Storytelling (44:15)

• You Have A Decision To Make (52:35)

• Introducing Sheena (57:07)

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://keynutrition.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberbodybuilder/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thesoberbodybuilder

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thesoberbuilder

GUEST BIO:

Brad’s passion for the fitness industry has been ingrained into his life since he was 14 years old. The minute he picked up his first fitness and nutrition magazine, he knew that it was what he was born to do.

He became NASM and ACE certified so he could understand all parts of fitness and nutrition. Brad wanted to absorb as much as he could to feel his best and share his passion with others. He’s since gone on to acquire numerous certifications, including NCI, Oracle applied science, and the Well-Fit mentorship. His passion lifted him from my darkest times and helped him to overcome a decade of addiction to drugs and alcohol, which resulted in his sobriety. His sobriety date is November 20th of 2012, and for that, he is eternally grateful.

Brad opened the doors to Key Nutrition in March 2017 and never looked back. He and the Key Nutrition team have gone on to help over 3,000 amazing human beings achieve long-lasting success! Brad genuinely wants his clients and his team to live healthy lives and understand how food and fitness can change your life for the better.

Brad also now operates a course called The Next Level Experience, where he helps individuals level up in all areas of their life in an intimate, intense, and interactive course.

KAREN KENNEY BIO:

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

The World Is A Classroom Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

If you’re someone who’s afraid to make mistakes, it starts to show up in your world, especially in how you relate to or connect or communicate with other people. Whether that be in your personal life or in your business.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about the emotional risk we take every time we put ourselves out there into the world. The thing is, it’s risky no matter what the offer is whether you’re letting someone know that you like/love them or your sharing with a group about a project, program or offer.

We’re not always going to be able to please everyone all the time or all at once. It’s just not humanly possible.

There are always going to be people who say things like, “It costs too much, or you’re charging too little, or I don’t like that, or you should do it this way instead”.

As entrepreneurs and even more so as human beings, we need to find a way through all that noise and to find the courage to stand in front of the people who really need to hear, see and learn from what it is we have to share.

Stop hiding behind the curtain. Ignore the shamers, the negative naysayers and instead position the message so that it lands with the people who say “ahhh, this is just right”.

This may mean facing a few “this is too hot or this is too cold” before we find the just right but keep going, keep sharing, keep trying because the “just right” people are out there waiting.

KK's Key Takeaways

• Afraid To Make Mistakes (5:40)

• My Brain Starts To Explode (11:17)

• We Hit The Wrong Button (15:59)

• This Is A Labor Of Love (22:14)

• Sitting On The Fence (30:42)

• Putting Yourself Out There (38:36)

• GB Squared (43:09)

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

Four Finger Mug Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

Is there something that you're duct-taping in your life and crossing your fingers in hopes that it doesn’t fall apart?

I know from my own first-hand experience as a kid growing up, that there are times in our lives when we have to work with the things we currently have, and that a hand-me-down might feel like a pick me up (on the right day and in the right context).

However, this doesn’t mean that we have to keep settling for other people’s stuff later in life, just because it’s what we were taught or came to expect.

The act of letting go, whether it be our material things, a personal relationship or business connection can be scary.

Instead of finding a way to choose differently, we settle or hold onto familiar things, people, relationships, programs & programming, that have already served their purpose or are starting to be more harmful than helpful - just so we don’t have to be alone or feel like we’re going without.

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about getting wicked clear about the who, what, when & why that we might need to say goodbye too.

From bad business deals, to unhealthy personal connections, to the stuff we keep in our homes.

Life’s too short to hold on to things or to tolerate stuff that’s no longer serving us or bringing us true happiness and fulfillment.

What’s it time to replace? Your “Four Finger Mug” may just be on the horizon - but until you let go of the clutter and crap in your life, you may not be able to receive it.

KK's Key Takeaways

• Four Finger Mug (3:32)

• We Are Not Doing This Anymore (6:53)

• Saving My Pennies For Fruit Loops (15:37)

• Why Am I Settling For That? (20:04)

• Keeping Up With Joneses (25:04)

• Don’t Just Toss It; Be Mindful (29:27)

Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, author, speaker, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show Podcast. She’s also the founder of THE NEST - an online spiritual membership & community.

KK grew up in Lawrence & Boston, MA, and graduated from BU with a degree in Communications. She’s known for her storytelling, her sense of humor, her love of the Divine and her “down-to-earth” practical approach to Spirituality. Her signature process: Your Story to Your Glory™ - helps people transform their old stories of victimization & suffering, so they can choose Love over fear, improve their most important relationships, deepen their connection to Self, Source & Spirit, and live from a place of forgiveness, flow, freedom & fun!

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com

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