The Karen Kenney Show

Latest Episodes:

LIFEBOATS Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into a powerful parable about “lifeboats” and how we often miss the help that’s right in front of us.

I share an old story about a guy who refuses to be rescued during a flood, because he keeps waiting for God to save him.

Only to later discover that help came to him multiple times in multiple forms, but he simply refused to see it or accept it.

The big lessons here?

Sometimes we get so stuck in our own ways of thinking - that we miss incredible opportunities for growth, change and support.

I talk about how we limit ourselves by expecting help and helpers to look a certain way - whether that's from a specific type of person, professional, program, or process.

We can block our own healing by being stubborn and narrow-minded and insisting that things look a certain way.

I explain how my approach as a Spiritual Mentor isn't about "fixing" people (cause’ they’re not broken) - but rather that I integrate tools and techniques that support your Mind, Body, and Spirit to create real, sustainable transformations.

My bottom line: Stay curious and open. The universe sends help in wild and unexpected ways - through a random text, a book that falls off a shelf, or a conversation with someone you'd least expect.

We don't want to get so caught up in our own stories that we miss our rescue boat.

Sometimes the lifeboat is right in front of you, and all you need to do is climb aboard!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Help can come in unexpected forms.

• Be open to receiving it differently than you imagined.

• Internal wisdom is just as important as external guidance.

• Getting stuck in old patterns and beliefs.

• Spiritual Mentorship is not about “fixing” you.

• Providing new tools and shifting perspectives.

• You’ve gotta’ be “Open for Business”.

• Healing is holistic – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

• We’re all potential “lifeboats” for each other.

• 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

ARE YOU A THERMOMETER -or- THERMOSTAT? Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, you’re going to get a chance to discover if you’re a thermometer kind of person -or- a thermostat kind of person.

Basically, a thermometer just records the temperature. It registers the warm or cold degrees of the room it’s in and lets you know what’s happening outside of you and around you. It’s a reflector of a space.

While a thermostat actually sets and changes the temperature. It has control and can affect the world around it.

To illustrate this point, and to come at it from a different angle, I’ll first share a personal story about encountering different types of people - some warm and welcoming, and others cold and off-putting.

Then I’ll dive deeper into things, by drawing inspiration from the originator of this concept, Dr. Henry Hitt Crane, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who also did a sermon about it.

I explore how rather than just passively reacting to the environment around you like a thermometer, we get to be a "thermostat" who can work to change or improve the environment or community it finds itself in.

The core message is that we have the power to choose who and how we want to be. Instead of being reactive to society – we can be proactive and actually transform it!

Developing a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) can also help you train your mind to be more aware and intentional.

Whether it's meditation, prayer, or simply setting an intention each morning, you can learn to be a thermostat - someone who transforms the temperature of their environment through love, empathy, kindness, warmth, and positive energy!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Thermometer vs. Thermostat

• Choose Your Energy Wisely

• Be Proactive, Not Reactive

• Set Your Inner Temperature

• Make History, Don’t Be Made By It

• DSP + Mind Training

• You Control Your Thermostat

• Transform Society Through 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

THE FOUR M'S WE WANT TO STOP Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we explore the "Four M's" - those sneaky survival mechanisms that we sometimes picked up, while growing up, in our challenging family environments.

Inspired by a Bill Burr interview I listened to, I share how we often develop coping strategies that might have kept us safe as kids, but totally mess with our adult relationships.

I break down what the four M's are: Mothering (constantly trying to fix everyone else's problems for them), Managing (wanting to control everything and everyone around you), Manipulation (using subtle and not so subtle tactics to try to get what you want), and last but not least, Martyrdom (sacrificing yourself without being asked and then feeling resentful).

Any of this sound familiar? Trust me, I've been there. 🫠

These co-dependency patterns are wicked common, especially for those of us who grew up in homes with addiction, unpredictability, uncertainty, or emotional chaos.

The real game-changer for shifting out of these behaviors is awareness.

Because once you start recognizing these patterns in yourself, you can begin to make different choices.

Please remember, it's not about beating yourself up - these were survival techniques that actually protected us at one point.

The younger you probably did the best they could with what they had – and these suckers actually worked for a while.

Now, they're just old habits that are keeping you stuck in the drama loop and prevent you from having the truly intimate and healthy relationships you want.

My big takeaway? Be curious, not judgmental. Ask yourself where these patterns came from, what/who you were trying to protect yourself from, and then start practicing self-compassion.

And if you need help… it’s out there in so many forms!

You can try to do your own inner work by reading some books or listening to a podcast or two.

Or, you can get extra support and guidance through groups like Al-Anon, ACOC, The Nest, or working 1:1 with a Spiritual Mentor like me!

I know that we can absolutely break these old cycles and create more authentic and loving connections - starting with the relationship you have with yourself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Inspired by Comedian Bill Burr

• Emotional Intelligence of Men from Older Generations

• Survival Mechanisms from the Past

• Going to Al-Anon

• The Four M’s

• Codependent Behaviors

• Self-Awareness + Having Compassion

• 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

THE CARE BEAR STARE Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive deep into the surprisingly spiritual world of The Care Bears.

And trust me, it's way more profound than you'd expect from cute, colorful teddy bears!

I break down how these adorable characters and their “cousins” actually represent powerful spiritual principles.

Especially when we look at their incredible "Care Bear Stare" – which is a collective beam of positive energy that can literally transform negativity. How fun is that?!

Each Care Bear has a unique "belly badge" representing their special power, which they activate through joining together, blasting positive emotions, and using focused concentration.

Sound familiar? It's basically a metaphor for how we can show up in the world, too.

The real magic happens when these bears (and by extension, us) come together with conviction.

They also teach us that love isn't weak - it's a fierce force that can overcome all kinds of challenges.

And by using our individual gifts and joining forces, we can create massive positive change!

It's about recognizing that we each have a unique superpower, and when we combine those powers, we're basically unstoppable. Heck yeah!

My big takeaway?

We need to be more like Care Bears: recharge through service, stay committed to love, and remember that we can do incredible things - but only if we do them together!

So, a few fun questions for you… 1) What would be your Care Bear color? 2) What's your "belly badge" and 3) How are you going to blast some love into the world today?

It’s time to activate your Care Bear Stare! Who’s with me?!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Care Bear Stare

• Love is a fierce power

• Recharge through helping others

• Your Belly Badge / Special Gift

• Teamwork beats individual struggle

• Positive emotions create change

• The Power of concentration + conviction

• 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

TOXIC POSITIVITY Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive deep into the concept of “toxic positivity”.

I explore how the well-intentioned, but harmful practice of forcing positivity can actually invalidate people's genuine emotional experiences, including your own.

I share some examples and personal stories of how toxic positivity shows up in conversations, from dismissive statements like "just stay positive" - to outright minimizing someone's real struggles.

I break down why these seemingly supportive phrases can be deeply damaging and so not soothing!

I also explain how those “good vibes only” sentiments pressure people to suppress their authentic feelings, and deny the complexity of human emotions.

Throughout the episode, I offer some practical advice on how to truly support someone who’s going through a difficult time.

I emphasize the importance of listening with compassion and empathy, validating emotions that arise, and creating a space where people can feel their feelings without judgment.

We also discuss the difference between genuine optimism and toxic positivity, highlighting that emotional intelligence means being able to acknowledge the full skittle rainbow spectrum of human experience.

I wrap up by encouraging all of us to be more kind to ourselves and others, while also recognizing that we've all likely inflicted or experienced toxic positivity at some point.

It’s helpful to remember that while being positive can be powerful, our not so shiny feelings are also valid, and emotions are part of the healing process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Toxic Positivity can invalidate emotions

• Feelings are valid and important

• Empathy needs deep listening

• Emotional intelligence requires self-awareness

• Vulnerability can be a strength

• Sensitivity is my super power!

• Emotions are part of healing

• Full human experience is welcome in The Nest Community

• 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

YOU CAN PREPARE Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the importance of preparing for both external and internal "weather systems" in life.

Just like meteorologists can predict storms, allowing us to get ready for what’s to come, we can also prepare for the emotional and spiritual challenges that arise unexpectedly.

I share how tools like yoga, meditation, and mantras - can help us learn how to slow down our fearful reactions and instead, respond from a place of love. Because that’s where our true power is.

I’ve found that building a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) is crucial for strengthening our "attitudinal muscles", and it helps us to find balance when life gets turbulent.

Having a supportive community, like the amazing group in The Nest, can also provide invaluable guidance, connection, and resources during difficult times.

Just as we train our physical bodies for things like marathons, I emphasize the importance of training our minds, alongside our spiritual and emotional selves.

By proactively building resilience and resources now, we can be better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way.

Whether it's a sudden loss, a health crisis, or navigating the uncertain crazy stresses of life.

The key is to start preparing today, even in small ways – by doing things like setting aside some emergency savings, maintaining our physical fitness, developing relationships, and cultivating practices that nourish our body, heart, mind, and spirit.

With the right tools and solid support, we can weather both the known and unknown storms and show up as our best selves, no matter what challenges may arise.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Prepare for life's unpredictable uncertainties

• Cultivate Daily Spiritual Practices (DSP)

• Build emotional, mental, and spiritual resilience

• Join supportive communities + seek out mentors

• Integrate and apply spiritual tools to your daily life

• Respond from a thought system of Love, not fear

• 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

THE MYSTIC JESUS with MARIANNE WILLIAMSON Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I had the honor of speaking with my dear friend and spiritual mentor, Marianne Williamson.

Marianne has been a speaker and writer on transformational wisdom for over four decades, and she’s the author of 16 books, four of which have been #1 New York Times best sellers!

Our conversation was a wicked fun exploration of our decades-long personal connection and the transformative impact that Marianne, her books, and her teachings have had on my life.

From discovering Marianne's seminal work "A Return to Love" as a young woman - to the pivotal moments she’s guided me through over the years - Marianne has been a source of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual nourishment.

We also delved into Marianne's fantastic new book, The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love.

In which she discusses the mystical nature of Jesus - as a symbol of unalterable love and oneness who transcends religious boundaries.

We talked about reclaiming Jesus as - what I like to call - a "free agent". And seeing him as the loving “elder brother” who is accessible to all who seek his guidance.

We also discussed Marianne's political journey. She reflected on the challenges she faced when she ran for President and the DNC Chair - including being caricatured and dismissed, even by some within the spiritual community.

Despite these difficulties, Marianne remained steadfast in her commitment to bringing a much-needed spiritual perspective to the political arena, recognizing the urgent need for a profound shift in collective consciousness – in order to address the crises facing our nation and the greater world.

Our conversation also touched on the power of forgiveness, the impactful role of community and mentorship, and the transformative potential of teachings like A Course in Miracles in overcoming fear and cultivating inner peace.

Throughout this conversation, I experienced so much gratitude for the profound gift of our relationship, and the depth to which Marianne's writing, speaking, and teachings has affected not only my own life but the lives and spiritual journeys of so many people!

We ended our conversation with a beautiful prayer from Marianne that touched my heart and I hope that it touches yours too! xo

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The decades-long spiritual connection and mentorship between Marianne and KK.

• Marianne’s new book – THE MYSTIC JESUS: THE MIND OF LOVE

• Jesus as a symbol of unalterable love and oneness, transcending religious boundaries.

• Receptivity, patience and trust in the Divine as essential spiritual practices, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos.

• Letting go of the need to control and have all the answers.

• The transformative power of teachings like A Course in Miracles in overcoming fear and cultivating inner peace.

• The practical application of these spiritual principles.

• The impactful role of forgiveness and healing to transcend separation and trauma.

• The importance of community, support, and mentorship in personal growth and on the spiritual journey.

• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON BIO:

Marianne Williamson is a bestselling author, lecturer and non-profit activist. She has worked with thousands of individuals, as well as large and small groups, in transforming crisis into opportunity. For 35 years she has been helping people heal from problems that in many ways have been created by an irresponsible political establishment. She has an up close and personal understanding of the impact of bad policy on average American’s lives.

For three decades Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles.

Her book about the intersection of spirituality and politics, Healing the Soul of America, was released in 1997 and re-released in a revised edition earlier this year. Her book A POLITICS OF LOVE: Handbook for a New American Revolution, was released in April 2019. In total she has written 16 books, four reaching # 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Marianne has founded nonprofit organizations such as Project Angel Food, that in 1989 started delivering meals to homebound AIDS patients. The organization has now served over 11 million meals. She has also worked throughout her career on poverty, anti-hunger and racial reconciliation issues. She has advocated for reparations for slavery since the 1990’s and was the first candidate in this presidential primary season to make it a pillar of her campaign.

In 2004, she co-founded The Peace Alliance and supports the creation of a US Department of Peace. In addition, she advocates a cabinet level Department of Children and Youth to more adequately address the chronic trauma of millions of American children.

MARIANNE’S LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://marianne.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/williamsonmarianne/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariannewilliamson/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MarianneWilliamsonCommunity

SUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@mariannewilliamson

KAREN KENNEY 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

HAVING HOPE Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about my deep connection to a remarkable three-legged deer that we've named Trixie - who lives in the woods near my home.

For the past 6 or 7-ish years, Trixie has become a symbol of resilience and hope for me, as she continues to thrive and even start a family of her own, despite all the odds stacked against her.

When I recently captured a video of Trixie in our yard, it unexpectedly went viral, resonating with now over 1.7 million viewers!

I believe it's because in these challenging times, Trixie's story serves as a beacon of hope!

She’s a reminder that with resilience and determination, we can overcome adversity, too.

Even amidst the darkness and division in the world, Trixie shows us the power of maintaining an optimistic, and possibility-focused mindset.

I also emphasize that hope is not naive, but a rebellious act of courage.

By dreaming big and walking "as if" our hopes have already been realized, we can tap into a higher realm of possibility beyond what our physical eyes can see.

Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community like The Nest is also key - to sustaining this hopeful mindset when the world seems bleak.

Ultimately, I believe that love will prevail, even in the face of hatred and negativity.

Trixie's story is a testament to this, and I hope it inspires listeners to cultivate more hope, resilience and compassion.

Not just for themselves, but for other humans, all animals and our indivisible shared humanity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Trixie's Viral Video

• Her Resilience Inspires Hope

• Maintaining Optimism

• Hope Empowers Positive Change

• Community Fosters A Resilient Mindset

• Expect The Best Outcomes

• Get Your Hopes Way Up

• Love Ultimately Prevails

• 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

HOW CAN I HELP? Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the big impact of asking the little question, "How can I help?"

I share the story behind the inspiration for this topic, and how it can be a valuable tool for deepening both our personal and professional relationships.

We dive into the importance of this question in motivating and supporting others, especially during these wicked challenging times.

I also touch upon the current state of fear and division in the world, and the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that many people are experiencing.

However, I encourage listeners to start by focusing on what they can control - their own minds and actions.

I emphasize the importance of standing up for what’s right, and for using your voice and resources to make a difference.

I highlight the role of spirituality in guiding our thoughts, words, and actions, the power of shifting from a thought system of fear to one of love, and how intentional thinking and prayer can be transformative tools for change.

Finally, I invite listeners to develop a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) to train their minds and become more effective helpers in the world.

KEY POINTS:

• Celebrating 300 Episodes!

• Dr. Max Goodwin

• Shifting From fear to Love

• Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP)

• Training the Mind

• Listening for Inner Guidance

• Small Actions Create Change

• Ask Yourself, "How can I help?"

• 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

STARTING YOUR DAY OVER Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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, had already decided her “whole day” was ruined. 😆

This got me reflecting on how, as children, we would simply call out "Do-over!" when things weren't going our way, and how we can still apply that same mindset as adults.

I explain how this child-like solution is far better than letting our ego hijack us by sending us into a downward spiral of self-sabotage.

I also share some insights I learned back in the day from Al-Anon about not being "sentenced" to a bad day.

The fact is we can consciously choose to shift our perspective at any time, and I offer some practical tools to help us do just that!

KEY POINTS:

• Start Your Day Over Anytime

• Shift Your Perspective With Compassion

• Change Your Physical State, Change Your Emotional State

• Interrupting Negative Patterns

• Trials are Learning Opportunities

• Choose Differently, Choose Again

• 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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected