The Karen Kenney Show

Latest Episodes:

DON'T BE A PARROT Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m diving into why we shouldn't be "parrots" – just mindlessly repeating the things we’re told, the words we read, or what we hear in our environment - without thinking for ourselves.

Drawing from some personal stories about actual parrots and my experiences working with author Marianne Williamson, I share how important it is to develop your own unique voice and point-of-view.

I discuss how we often unconsciously repeat sayings and stories from our childhood, family of origin, or the media, without ever even questioning them.

Whether it's religious dogma, political views, or random so called "facts" we've heard online, I invite people to do their homework, to dig deeper, to spend some time with yourself, and figure out what you truly think, feel, and believe.

The world doesn't need another “carbon copy” of what’s already out there - it needs YOU! Your unique experiences, insights, and one-of-a-kind perspectives are invaluable.

So, I encourage us all to be curious, ask questions, challenge inherited narratives, and have the courage to speak our authentic truth, even if it means standing out from the familiar crowd.

My hope is to inspire you to be the first ever version of yourself, not a watered-down replica of somebody else.

Whether you're dealing with old family stories, professional expectations, or societal pressures, remember: your individual voice matters.

So, let’s stop parroting and start exploring what YOU really think and feel!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Don't mindlessly repeat beliefs without understanding their true origin.

• Question everything you've been taught, especially childhood-inherited narratives.

• Your unique perspective is valuable.

• Research deeply and gather your own empirical evidence.

• The world needs your authentic voice, not some watered-down version of somebody else.

• Be courageous enough to develop and share your original thoughts.

• Verify sources and information before repeating what you've read or heard.

• Your individual experiences create a perspective that no one else has.

• Continuously learn, grow, and refine your understanding of the greater world.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, Writer, Integrative Change Worker, Coach and Hypnotist. She’s known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent, and her no-BS, down-to-earth approach to Spirituality and transformational work.

KK is a wicked curious human being, a life-long learner, and has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years! She’s also a yoga teacher of 24+ years, a Certified Gateless Writing Instructor, and an author, speaker, retreat leader, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast.

She coaches both the conscious + unconscious mind using practical Neuroscience, Subconscious Reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis/Change Work, and Spiritual Mentorship. These tools help clients to regulate their nervous systems, remove blocks, rewrite stories, rewire beliefs, and reimagine what’s possible in their lives and business!

Karen encourages people to deepen their connection to Self, Source and Spirit in down-to-earth and actionable ways and wants them to have their own lived experience with spirituality and to not just “take her word for it”.

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

BUILT TO LAST Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive deep into what makes relationships and other things truly "built to last."

Starting with a story about my trusty 25-year-old vacuum cleaner that's still going strong, I share how in our fast-paced world of disposable everything, we've lost the art of investing in quality products and connections that stand the test of time.

I break down some of the key ingredients for lasting relationships, which I call the "C's": consistent effort, clear communication, connection, compromise, and constructive conflict resolution.

Think of it like a relationship recipe - you need trust, mutual respect, reliability, appreciation, and the willingness to grow together.

No relationship is perfect, but the magic happens when both people are committed to showing up and doing the work.

Emotional intelligence is for sure a wicked big game-changer.

I also talk about how we need to be willing to be vulnerable, truly listen to each other, and do our best to have empathy.

This means creating space for all emotions, not just the comfortable ones.

Whether it's with a partner, friend, or family member, relationships thrive when we're willing to see and hear each other authentically.

The bottom line?

Love is the foundation, but love isn't just words - it's also your actions.

It's about being willing to sometimes compromise, consider forgiving the small stuff, and to continuously invest in individual and shared growth.

Not every relationship is meant to last forever, but when both people are committed to loving each other and themselves, magic can happen!

Remember, we want the foundation of our personal and professional relationships to be constructed on rock, not sand - so it behooves us to show up as solid, steady, and intentionally built to last.

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Invest in quality products and relationships that stand the test of time.

• Consistent effort and clear communication are crucial for lasting connections.

• Trust, mutual respect, and reliability form the foundation of strong relationships.

• Practice emotional intelligence by being vulnerable and truly listening to others.

• Appreciate your partner and express gratitude for their everyday actions.

• Commit to both individual goals and shared growth in your relationships.

• Compromise and consider forgiving the small things that don't truly matter.

• Love is more than just saying the words - it's also about congruent actions.

• Not all relationships are meant to last.

• Prioritize connection, empathy, and continuous personal development in your partnerships.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

DEATH WISH May 29, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into something we all might bump-up against: those little "death wish" moments in our lives where we're not taking the best care of ourselves.

It all started with a crazy motorcycle ride I witnessed on 93 North, where this kid was weaving in and out of traffic at 120 miles an hour - totally reckless and dangerous!

That got me thinking about how we all have our own versions of the ol’ "death wish.”

Maybe it's ignoring medical advice, continuing unhealthy habits, or not prioritizing our physical and mental well-being.

I'm talking about those choices we make that deep down we know aren't serving us.

Things like not managing chronic conditions, skipping out on exercise, eating like crap, not getting enough rest, or creating unnecessary financial stress.

The real heartbeat of this episode is about having self-awareness and then breaking those patterns.

We know that our brains love familiar territory, which is why changing habits can feel so tough. But here's the deal: we have more control than we think!

By understanding how our neural pathways work and making small, consistent changes, over time - we can actually rewire our brain and create healthier habits.

Pretty cool, right?

So, this is an invitation to hit pause and to take a look at the different buckets in your life.

Where are you playing it kinda’ loose? What small choices are you making now that might make a big impact on your long-term health and happiness down the road?

What buckets/areas could use a little bit more of your positive attention?

This isn't about judgment - it's about being curious and loving yourself enough to make better choices.

Remember, every tiny step counts, and you are totally worth the effort! xo

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Our daily choices can slowly impact our long-term health.

• Reckless behavior isn't always dramatic, but even subtle stuff can be dangerous.

• The brain naturally prefers familiar patterns.

• Small, consistent actions can create new neural pathways in the brain over time.

• Self-awareness is the first step to making those meaningful changes.

• Resistance is a normal part of the human experience.

• Our health involves different buckets - mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

• Your personal development work affects more than just you.

• Compassionate self-reflection is more powerful than harsh self-criticism.

• Prioritizing self-care is an act of love.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

BIRD BY BIRD May 22, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we’re diving into one of my favorite concepts from Anne Lamott's best-selling book, Bird by Bird.

This simple, but life-changing strategy has been wicked helpful not only for me, but for my mentoring clients, too!

It’s one of the key ways that I’ve learned to approach and tackle overwhelming to-do lists without totally losing my mind.

The core idea comes from a story that Anne wrote of in her book about a challenge her brother was facing as a kid, and how her father encouraged him with these now infamous words, “Bird by bird, buddy.”

I share how this concept can be a total game-changer for you too, especially when you’re facing an intimidating project – which can be anything from cleaning out a newly deceased parent's house to helping your kid apply to college, or learning a new skill or trying to start a podcast, etc.

Whether you're an entrepreneur struggling with some fancy fandangled tech stuff or someone feeling frozen in their tracks by a complex task, the "Bird by Bird" method is your secret weapon against overwhelm and procrastination.

The key is to stop looking at the entire mountain of work ahead and instead to simply focus on just the next teeny-tiny step you can take.

Print out that PDF form, open the website, take a deep breath, type one sentence, do just one small thing to get you moving forward and gaining momentum.

I'm all about keeping our nervous system calm and not letting fear and anxiety hijack our progress.

Sometimes that means we’ve gotta’ break things down to the absolute smallest action or even calling in help from someone who finds that “daunting to you” task easy.

My biggest takeaway?

We're capable of so much more when we're not in fight-or-flight mode. So please don't beat yourself up or get stuck in a shame spiral, and remember: you can handle anything by taking it “bird by bird.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Breaking big projects into tiny steps helps reduce overwhelm.

• Try to focus on one small task at a time.

• Avoid time traveling / future-tripping.

• Your nervous system might respond better to incremental progress.

• Ask for help from a smarty-pants when a task feels too complicated.

• Don't shame yourself when you’re feeling stuck or frustrated.

• Most overwhelming projects become manageable when approached step-by-step.

• Recognize when you're entering a habitual stress response and hit pause.

• Remember that many tasks seem harder in anticipation than in execution.

• Repeat the mantra "Bird by Bird" when feeling overwhelmed.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

STOP PLAYING DUMB May 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we talk about the true meaning behind my "Stop Playing Dumb" t-shirt and its powerful message!

Spoiler alert: it's not about politics or social issues, but about recognizing and remembering your true spiritual nature.

I dive into how we often suffer because we get stuck in over identifying with our bodies, our past mistakes, and perceived limitations.

But the thing is: you're not just a "meat puppet", some ol’ bag of bones with a long list of screwups.

You are a gosh-dang child of God, a part of the indivisible Universe, an extension of the Divine, and Love incarnate!

My mission with this episode?

To help you to “stop playing dumb” about who and what you really are.

One of the biggest reasons we resist owning our power is fear.

Sometimes we’re afraid that if we actually accept how awesome we are, we'll then be shit-out-of excuses for not finally doing “the thing”!

Whether that thing is pursuing your dreams, writing that book, asking for help, leaving a bad relationship, speaking your truth, forgiving yourself, or (fill in the blank).

Part of recognizing our true nature means that we’re willing to take responsibility for our own internal experience.

My invitation to you is simple: let’s begin by putting on our "big people pants" 👖 and claim our natural inheritance of happiness and peace!

You can also choose to start a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) and be more kind to yourself! Both of which are totally free to do!

It helps to remember that you have been given the mighty wings of an eagle, not the tiny wings of a sparrow. Let’s use those suckers!

It's time to stop playing small, to own your brilliance, and to keep showing up as the incredible Divine being you truly are.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• You are not this ever-evolving body, you are eternal spirit

• It helps to stop identifying with our limitations and past mistakes

• The ego will try to keep you feeling small and separate

• Enlightenment means shifting from a body identification to spirit identification

• Why taking 100% responsibility for your peace and happiness changes things

• Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) costs nothing and can transform so much

• Recognizing your inherent worth as an extension of the Divine

• Choosing to own your brilliance, not just your wounds

• You have the mighty wings of an eagle

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

FINE, DEFINE, REFINE May 08, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I discuss a fun and helpful idea that I've been sharing with my 1:1 clients and Nest community.

It’s a concept I call, "Fine, Define, Refine" – which basically suggests that from the start we’re totally “fine”, perfect, and awesome!

But then the crazy world gets a hold of us, life stuff happens, and people start slapping labels on you that maybe leave you feeling not-so-fine.

But here's the thing - those pesky and sometimes hurtful labels aren't the real you!

One of the ways we get our mojo and magic back is when we start to "re-fine" ourselves.

This isn't about fixing what we perceive as broken. This is about remembering who we truly are.

It's about looking at ourselves with love, ditching those external definitions, and reconnecting with our innate, Divine essence.

We're not broken - we just temporarily feel disconnected from our true selves.

My little love reminder from my heart to yours?

You came in perfect.

The world might have tried to define you, but you have the power to redefine and remember your inherent value.

You're not just good enough - you're brilliant, beautiful, and absolutely worthy of love.

So, how about we stop beating ourselves up, and start celebrating who we really are!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• You are inherently "fine", worthy, and lovable

• External influences will try to define you

• You can refine yourself through compassion and self-love

• Always remember your eternal, Divine, spiritual essence

• Those pesky labels are not your true identity

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO May 01, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we dive into a question that I wish was on more people's minds: Why do we do the things we do?

I kick things off with a story about a family's Easter tradition - where generations of women kept doing the same damn thing - simply because that's how it had always been done, because no one questioned the original reason.

This got me thinking about how we inherit certain beliefs, habits, stories, and ways of doing things from our families, the culture, and our childhood experiences.

Whether it's politics, religion, relationships, or daily routines, we often follow patterns without ever stopping to ask, "Does this actually make sense to me and for me right now?"

It's like we're sometimes running on autopilot, repeating those inherited scripts without checking if they still serve us.

You know me, I'm all about encouraging people (including myself) to become curious investigators of their own lives.

Are you following all the rules blindly, or are you willing to ask "Why"? Why do I do this, say this, think this, believe this?

Just because something worked in the past doesn't mean it's still the best approach for us now. Our lives are constantly evolving, and our strategies, systems, and stories should evolve with them.

One of my big takeaways? We have to challenge our own assumptions and be willing to question our beliefs, habits, and automatic responses.

Whether it's in our relationships, our work, or our personal growth, staying curious and open to new ways of seeing, thinking, doing and being can help us break free from outdated patterns and create more intentional and meaningful ways of living.

Remember, you're not bound by how things have always been done - you have the powerand the right to choose a different path!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• We've got to question inherited traditions and family belief systems.

• We must challenge why we do the things we do without thinking.

• It helps to pause and reflect before automatically following the rules.

• Our personal growth requires that we challenge our current thought patterns

• Have fun experimenting with new approaches to old problems.

• Curiosity is the key to new and lasting personal transformation.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

SOMETIMES IT IS YOU Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into a topic that might make some folks squirm: Sometimes, the problem really is YOU. 🫣

Yup, I said it out loud. Once in a while – we actually are the issue. 🙋🏼‍♀️

At some point or another, we've all tried to deflect blame, or used spiritual language to avoid taking responsibility, or played hot potato with our own messy behaviors.

Today, I'm breaking down how we often use phrases like "That's not about me" or "You're just projecting" to dodge accountability.

But here's the thing - while we're not responsible for how others interpret our actions, we ARE responsible for how we think, speak, and act. Our tone, intention, and delivery? That's 100% on us.

This episode is also about having the courage to look in the soul mirror to see what’s coming up for our consideration.

For example: when someone who loves you takes the time to give some compassionate feedback, it's not always an attack – instead, it can be an opportunity for growth.

I share a personal story about how being willing to say "I'm sorry" or "You're right" can actually deepen relationships and help us become greater versions of ourselves.

Bottom line: None of us are perfect, but we can all get better.

Whether it's in personal relationships, our business, at work, or how we show up in the world, being willing to own our stuff is a superpower!

So, let’s take a deep breath together, be willing to put down our dukes and drop our defensiveness, and be brave enough to ask: "Could this actually be about me?"

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sometimes the problem actually is you.

• We’ve got to own our actions, not just our intentions.

• Compassionate feedback can be a gift.

• Self-reflection often leads to genuine personal growth.

• Spiritual principles aren't shields from taking accountability.

• Relationships can improve - when we choose to take responsibility.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

IT'S NOT YOU Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, I dive deep into a message I'm calling, "It's Not You."

This episode is a little love letter to all the creatives, entrepreneurs, and sensitive souls out there who sometimes feel discouraged when their work doesn't seem to land.

Using my Sweetie’s music career as an example, I share how the same incredibly talented musician can get standing ovations in one venue, and be completely ignored in another.

The key? It's all about the right audience, the right place, and the right time.

Just because people aren't responding the way we wish, it doesn't mean our work isn't valuable - it might just mean we haven't found our people, yet!

I also talk about how easy it is to turn it all on yourself and start beating yourself up when you're not experiencing the outcomes you had hoped for.

But here's the truth: your worth isn't determined by likes, sales, or applause.

Sometimes you're just sharing your gifts with the wrong crowd, and that's okay. The world still needs your unique voice, even if it takes time to find the enthusiastic listeners who truly appreciate it.

My biggest takeaways?

Be gentle with yourself and surround yourself with your "Balcony People" – those supportive humans who see you, get you, celebrate you, lift you up, and encourage you!

Also, be wicked careful about who you share your vulnerable creative work with, and always remember that your calling is bigger than any single moment of rejection.

Keep creating, keep showing up, and trust that your right audience will find you. I’m cheering you on! xo

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Your worth isn't defined by other people’s reactions.

• The right people and place make a really big difference.

• Don't “cast your pearls” before people who don't or can’t get it.

• Creativity thrives with supportive, loving listeners.

• Keep creating, even when response feels discouraging.

• Find your “Balcony People” who genuinely celebrate you and your work.

• You have an “individual Curriculum”.

• Your art is valuable, regardless of immediate recognition.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

HEAD, HEART, HANDS Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into a concept That I call, "Head, Heart, Hands" – which is a powerful approach to personal transformation that flips how we typically try to change our lives.

Instead of white-knuckling our way through external behavior changes, I explain why it's crucial to start with the internal landscape of our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and stories.

Drawing from my own journey and some wisdom from spiritual smarty-pants like Paramahansa Yogananda, I share how real, lasting change happens when we align our mind and heart first!

Think of it like this: if your head and heart are truly on board with a change, your hands (aka: your actions) are way more likely to naturally follow.

So, it's not about forcing yourself to stop doing something, but more like shifting your internal perspective - so gradually, but inevitably, the old behavior just doesn't make sense anymore.

I talk about how our ego mind loves to keep us in those old familiar patterns, while also crafting stories of guilt, shame, and limitation.

But here's the truth: Who you really are is not broken and doesn’t need to be fixed.

What we need is to unlearn some of the survival strategies that no longer serve us, and also take time to tune into that quieter, loving voice inside us that knows our true potential.

If you're feeling stuck trying to change something in your life - whether it's a health habit, a relationship pattern, or a professional goal - this episode offers a helpful way of approaching things.

Start by getting curious about your inner world.

Ask yourself, “What thoughts are driving my current behavior? What beliefs are holding me back? What stories have I been telling about myself? What identity am I willing to let go?”

Remember, “the assignment is alignment” and when your head and heart believe in the change you want to make, your hands will take action to make it happen!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Change your thoughts first, your behaviors will naturally follow.

• “The assignment is alignment.”

• Internal alignment matters more than external willpower.

• Spiritual growth happens when our heads and hearts connect.

• Love transforms things quietly; ego/fear maintains old patterns loudly.

• Unlearning limiting beliefs can unlock our true potential.

• Our identity shapes our actions, even more powerfully than pure discipline.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

BIO:

She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and fun!

KK’s been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big difference.

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

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