PODCAST · health
Record Scratch with Kara
by Kara Kavensky
When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.A record scratch.It is inevitable that we will all experience “record scratch” moments in our lives. These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same.My record scratch moment was when my son Jake died in a car accident on February 19, 2022. He was 16. That fateful day completely disrupted my life and only recently I have rediscovered my voice.Trauma recovery is not a D-I-Y situation. I am surrounded by a team of amazing humans who continue to help me along my healing journey. A few of these very important individuals have already been guests on my podcast, Finding Joy with Kara (see Iva Nasr, Charles Crenshaw, Jr., and Graehm Hall episodes). Authenticity is greatly important to me — so all of my featured gues
Episodes
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PRESENTING: Kara Kavensky on Totally Booked with Zibby
As the Record Scratch team preps Season 5, we are excited to share a discussion between Kara and Zibby Owens about Kara’s memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY, which was included on Zibby’s Fall 2026 Most Anticipated Books List. In addition to hosting an award-winning podcast, Zibby is a tireless advocate…
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Looking Ahead
We have completed Season 4 of Record Scratch with Kara Kavensky. While the crew is taking a break, primarily due to my book tour for my memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY, we will replay interviews from Record Scratch and other podcasts. So please stay tuned for some surprises here and there until we…
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Beki Brindle-Scala Plays the Blues
Lead blues guitarist Beki Brindle-Scala, a New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee and Indianapolis native who grew up playing with blues legend Yank Rachell as a teenager, later worked with Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, John Sebastian, and Jerry Lee Lewis. She is married to Ralph Scala of the Blues...
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Gail Shalan – Actor, Voice Artist, Puppeteer & Storyteller
Gail Shalan is the award-winning voice artist who narrates the audiobook version of TELL ME ABOUT JOY, written by Kara Kavensky. Gail is passionate about stories that center generational healing and mental health, which makes her the perfect narrator for Kara’s debut memoir. As a voice artist…
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Replay: Dr. Alex Kor with Graham Honaker – A BLESSING, NOT A BURDEN
Both of Dr. Alex Kor's parents are Holocaust survivors. His mother, Eva Mozes Kor, along with her twin sister, are survivors of Dr. Mengele at Auschwitz. Eva's story is well documented; she founded CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, in Terre Haute, Indiana. But it was Alex's father,...
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Bill Hampton - Author of GUARDED
Bill Hampton was a member of the legendary 1955 basketball team from Crispus Attucks High School that made history by becoming the first all-Black team in the nation to win a state championship. Mr. Hampton’s memoir, GUARDED, is about survival, identity, and the quiet cost of living under…
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Leisse Wilcox - Award-Winning Speaker, Coach & Author
Leisse Wilcox is an award-winning keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author specializing in future-proof leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. She joins Kara Kavensky to discuss how her high-performing clients learn to turn their expertise into “stages and pages.”…
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Sam Perroni – Author of BRAINSTORM
The premature death of Academy Award winning-actress, Natalie Wood, in 1981 off the coast of Catalina Island, California, has become one of Hollywood’s most controversial unsolved mysteries. Sam Perroni, the author of BRAINSTORM: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF FILM STAR NATALIE WOOD,...
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Nadia Salomon - Author of A VOICE OF HOPE
A VOICE OF HOPE: THE MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS STORY, by award-winning author Nadia Salomon, is the first picture book biography ever written about the iconic civil rights activist. GOODNIGHT GANESHA, Nadia’s bedtime picture book, was named a Bank Street Best Book and a Notable Children’s…
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Cathy Haynes – Author of THE FULLNESS OF TIME
Artist, curator, and author Cathy Haynes shares her exploration of the forgotten ways humans once experienced time long before digital clocks and endless notifications. In her beautiful new book, THE FULLNESS OF TIME: MARKING THE DAY BY BIRDSONG, BLOOMS, SHADOWS, AND STARS, Cathy shares how…
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Presenting: Kara Kavensky and Katharine Sands on Hungry Authors
The Record Scratch team is taking a break this week, and we are excited to share a conversation that Kara and her agent, Katharine Sands, with the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency, had with Ariel Curry and Liz Morrow, co-hosts of HUNGRY AUTHORS. Through the Hungry Authors podcast (and Substack), Ariel…
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Sarah L. Kaufman – Author of VERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and former Washington Post dance critic Sarah L. Kaufman joins Kara Kavensky for a fascinating conversation about the hidden power of language and why the verbs we choose shape not only our writing, but the way readers experience our stories. Sarah's...
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Jessica Doyle-Mekkes - Author of I'M SPEAKING
Jessica Doyle-Mekkes is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author, educator, and communication expert whose work focuses on confidence, vocal presence, storytelling, and helping people communicate with greater clarity, authority, and impact. Her bestselling book, "I’M SPEAKING: EVERY…
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Andrew Neiderman - V.C. Andrews Ghostwriter
For nearly four decades, Andrew Neiderman has been one of the most widely read authors you've probably never seen on a book cover. As the writer who continued the legendary V.C. Andrews franchise after Andrews' death, Neiderman has written 100 novels under one of publishing's most recognizable...
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Dara Levan - Author of SHAKEN TO THE CORE
What happens when grief arrives without warning—and how do we find our way back to hope? Without giving too much away, Dara Levan shares the themes in her new novel. Author of the acclaimed novels, IT COULD BE WORSE and SHAKEN TO THE CORE, Dara explores the extraordinary strength found in…
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Will Calhoun - Musician and Author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS
Musician Will Calhoun, the drummer from Living Colour, is now an author with his upcoming memoir, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS, due out this fall. From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. His artistry spans more than three decades as...
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Stephanie Weaver - Advocate and Author of BITTER, SWEET
Nearly one in four American adults experiences family estrangement, and countless others carry invisible wounds from childhood trauma. Stephanie Weaver's story offers something rare: an honest look at pain without sensationalism, paired with a hopeful reminder that healing is possible even when...
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Cynthia Occelli — Author, Life Coach & Mentor
Kara and Cynthia Occelli, author of RESURRECTING VENUS, discuss growth and transformation. Cynthia is part of the 2026 Mother’s Day weekend special series. Topics: The origin of Cynthia's famous "seed" quote Cynthia’s journey from ninth-grade dropout and welfare mom to law school graduate and...
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PRESENTING: Kara on Divorce Curious
As the Record Scratch team preps Season 4, we are excited to share a conversation Kara had with her friend Lisa Mitchell, the host of Divorce Curious. Divorce Curious is a podcast for people wondering if their marriage still fits. No lawyers, no yelling, no friends taking sides — just real talk...
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day - Ep. 1 with Kathryn Bertine
Mother Loss, Memory, and Meaning with Kathryn Bertine Kathryn shares the complexity of grief—from the unexpected moments of humor to the profound sense of peace that can accompany loss. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not linear, not uniform—and never something to navigate…
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 2 with Will Calhoun
Now an author, the Living Colour drummer speaks about his mother, Annie Mae Baker Calhoun Will Calhoun’s artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers—and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence. From Harry Belafonte…
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 3 with Mesa Fama
Let the Words Fall Out: A Story of Trauma, Survival, and Grace *Content Warning* Domestic violence is discussed. Mesa Fama shares the complicated, often painful terrain of motherhood—both as a daughter and as a mother herself. Mesa shares her earliest memories of her mother, shaped by domestic...
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 4 with Jessica Fein
Grief, Identity, and Ongoing Connection with Jessica Fein Jessica shares her experience navigating the unimaginable reality of being both a motherless daughter and a daughterless mother—a dual loss that reshaped her understanding of identity, grief, and love. Jessica reflects on her mother…
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 5 with Robin Finn
The Cheerleader, The Caregiver, The Guilt: Remembering Vicki Kara welcomes back Robin Finn for a deeply human conversation about losing her mother, Vicki. Robin shares what it meant to be both a devoted daughter and primary caregiver—and how the unexpected timing of COVID-19 complicated her...
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 6 with Barri Leiner Grant
Carrying Them Forward: Grief, Ritual, and the Enduring Bond of Love In this deeply moving Mother’s Day episode, Kara sits down with grief advocate Barry Leiner Grant to explore what it means to carry someone forward after loss. After losing her mother, Barri has transformed her personal grief…
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 7 with Melanie Nichols & Marcie Moller
A Double Blessing: Adoption, Reunion, and Motherhood Across Continents Twin sisters Melanie Nichols and Marcie Moller share their extraordinary story of adoption, identity, and reunion. Born in Taiwan and adopted by American parents, Melanie and Marcie grew up with a loving, idyllic upbringing in...
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 8 with Cynthia Occelli
Motherhood, Grief, and the Moment We Grow Each Other Up Mother’s Day isn’t always simple—and for many women, it isn’t soft or sentimental. It’s layered. It’s complicated. It’s evolving. Cynthia unpacks what it means to grieve a mother, become a mother, a grandmother, and—at times—redefine both...
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 9 with David L. Robbins
The Stories That Shape Us: A Son Reflects on Love, Loss, and a Larger-Than-Life Mother Through vivid memories, family lore, and reflections shaped by time and loss, David paints a portrait of a woman who lived in imagination, defied convention, and used storytelling as both shield and superpower....
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Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 10 with Stephanie Weaver
Bitter, Sweet: Forgiveness, Distance, and Understanding a Complicated Mother *CONTENT WARNING* Stephanie Weaver’s memoir deals with child sexual abuse and incest. Author Stephanie Weaver explores the deeply layered experience of loving—and losing—a complicated mother. Drawing from her memoir...
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Preview: Special Mother’s Day Series & TELL ME ABOUT JOY Teaser
This episode of Record Scratch with Kara flips the format as producer Marilou Marosz interviews Kara Kavensky about the evolution of the podcast, Kara’s upcoming memoir, and the release of "A Record Scratch Limited Series: Mother Loss and Mother's Day." All episodes of the series, which will be...
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THE SUPERMAN WARS Now Available
Here’s another chance to listen to the fascinating story of Jerry Siegel, the creator of the Superman comic strip, as told by author William (Bill) Bernhardt. Bernhardt’s latest book, THE SUPERMAN WARS: A BATTLE FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND AN AMERICAN ICON is now available everywhere you buy books....
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Good Things to Come on RECORD SCRATCH WITH KARA
Season 3 of RECORD SCRATCH WITH KARA wraps up and Season 4 is currently being recorded. Special Podcast Series Announcement: In honor of Mother’s Day, Kara is curating a powerful series featuring conversations with individuals who have lost their mothers. More to come on this! Kara’s debut…
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Farah and Stephán Chéry - Healing Ourselves
Farah and Stephán [pron. Stef-on] Chéry [pron. cherry], co-founders of the Dieudonne Foundation, explore motherhood, migration, trauma, healing, and what it truly takes to support families before, during, and long after birth. Born from Farah and Stephan’s lived experience as teen parents, the...
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Roll Over Beethoven: Sara Davis Buechner Is in the House!
In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Kara sits down with internationally renowned pianist, composer, author, and educator Sara Davis Buechner for a deeply personal discussion about music, identity, aging, politics, and what it means to stay creatively alive in an increasingly hostile…
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STRONGER THAN YOU THINK with Author Sherry Hamby, PhD
Kara sits down with psychologist and resilience researcher Dr. Sherry Hamby, author of the forthcoming book, STRONGER THAN YOU THINK: BUILDING LIFELONG RESILIENCE. Dr. Hamby shares what decades of research — and lived experience — reveal about healing after trauma, why resilience is not about...
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Creative Genius Elizabeth “Eliz” Kraft Taylor
It’s inspiration week with Eliz Taylor! The insanely creative and legendary marketing exec joins me to share the down & dirty of her shopping mall maven career in a very male-dominated culture. Eliz was at the forefront of the rise of the shopping malls during the 80s, where she coined the name...
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BEST LAID PLANS with Sarah Hart-Unger, MD
Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger lives a double life. She’s a pediatric endocrinologist and also a podcaster, blogger, and author. Her podcasts are Best of Both Worlds with co-host Laura Vanderkam, and Best Laid Plans. Her first book, BEST LAID PLANS, is now available with Sourcebooks. We affirm during our...
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Matt Bays Is Living His Best Life
Some decisions can be the easiest to acknowledge and the hardest to implement. Matt Bays’ first memoir, LEATHER & LACE: A GAY MAN, LOST LOVE, AND A ROAD TRIP WITH HIS DEAD SISTER, chronicles his coming out story. His latest book utilizes his coaching expertise: HOW TO FIND AND KEEP A GAY MAN: 69...
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Reclaiming Your Voice Through Writing with Robin Finn
Kara talks with writer and narrative alchemist Robin Finn, MPH, MA, the author of HEART. SOUL. PEN.® She is also the creator of HeartiFacts,® a writing mentorship community. Robin opens up about her unconventional path to becoming a writer, how spiritual psychology shaped her creative purpose…
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The Mighty Pen Project with David L. Robbins
David L. Robbins is the best-selling author of The War of the Rats, The Last Citadel, and Liberation Road—all focused on WWII events. Both of David’s parents were WWII Veterans. His mother was a WAC and his father survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. David is also the creator of The Mighty Pen...
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108: AN ECO-THRILLER with Author Dheepa R. Maturi
Dheepa R. Maturi is an Indian-American writer who explores ecology, culture, identity, and how they intersect. Her essays, poetry, and fiction have appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including Literary Hub, PANK, The Fourth River, Writer’s Digest, Sequestrum, Tiferet, and...
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THE MILLION STAGES OF GRIEF with Author Michael Reed
On November 28, 2016, Michael Reed lost his wife and both of his daughters in the wildfire that consumed Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As he stumbled and crawled down this unstable, broken road of grief, he’s learned many lessons along the way. Michael is the author of THE MILLION STAGES OF GRIEF: A…
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Highpointing - Grief, Grit, and the Summits That Shape Us with Kathryn Bertine
STAND author Kathryn Bertine returns to the podcast to share how she responded to the Record Scratch moment of losing her dad and the inspiration for her new book. Kathryn is an author, athlete, activist, and documentary filmmaker. She finished what she and her father started: climbing the…
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MOVING ON DOESN’T MEAN LETTING GO with Author Gina Moffa
Licensed therapist and author Gina Moffa joins Kara Kavensky to talk about grief, trauma, and the modern landscape of healing. From how trauma lives in the body to practical ways to show up for others in pain, this episode unpacks the myths of “getting over it” and instead invites listeners to...
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SOULBROKEN with Author Stephanie Sarazin
Stephanie Sarazin never imagined she would work in “the grief space” until a devastating loss flipped her world inside out. Stephanie found her way through the pain and became a writer, an accidental grief researcher, a TEDx curator, and ultimately, an experiential expert in ambiguous grief. Her...
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THE SUPERMAN WARS with Author William Bernhardt
Author of 68 books, former lawyer-turned-legal thriller novelist, William Bernhardt had a rough road to publishing. Resilience serves him well, as he never gave up and achieved his dream of becoming a writer. Bill’s latest book is an accurate nonfiction account of Jerry Siegel, the creator of...
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LET THE WORDS FALL OUT with Mesa Fama
*Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide.* Mesa Fama is a writer whose lovely words are found in the New York Times, The Mighty, and Medium. She is a reader, keeper of secrets, scars, and stars. Mesa is a hope dealer and suicide survivor and is currently writing a memoir.…
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HUNGRY AUTHORS Co-Author Ariel Curry
Ariel Curry is an author, book coach, and editor with Sourcebooks. She co-authored HUNGRY AUTHORS, and after reading the intro, I knew the book had to have been written for me — and all other memoirists who are guided to put their work out into the world. However, it’s her personal journey that...
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CATCHING A LITERARY AGENT'S EYE with Katharine Sands
Literary Agent extraordinaire Katharine Sands of the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency joins me to discuss the job of an agent in today’s ever-changing publishing industry. Note: Katharine is my lit agent. She is also the author of MAKING THE PERFECT PITCH: HOW TO CATCH A LITERARY AGENT’S EYE....
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Welcome to Season 3 of Record Scratch with Kara
Welcome to Season 3 of Record Scratch with Kara! A lot has transpired since we wrapped up Season 2, and we are excited to share the updates in this introduction. Every episode this season is about a healing journey. Episodes drop on Thursdays. Thank you for listening. KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.A record scratch.It is inevitable that we will all experience “record scratch” moments in our lives. These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same.My record scratch moment was when my son Jake died in a car accident on February 19, 2022. He was 16. That fateful day completely disrupted my life and only recently I have rediscovered my voice.Trauma recovery is not a D-I-Y situation. I am surrounded by a team of amazing humans who continue to help me along my healing journey. A few of these very important individuals have already been guests on my podcast, Finding Joy with Kara (see Iva Nasr, Charles Crenshaw, Jr., and Graehm Hall episodes). Authenticity is greatly important to me — so all of my featured gues
HOSTED BY
Kara Kavensky
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Record Scratch with Kara have?
Record Scratch with Kara currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Record Scratch with Kara about?
When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.A record scratch.It is inevitable that we will all experience “record scratch”...
How often does Record Scratch with Kara release new episodes?
Record Scratch with Kara has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Record Scratch with Kara?
You can listen to Record Scratch with Kara on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Record Scratch with Kara?
Record Scratch with Kara is created and hosted by Kara Kavensky.
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