The Karen Kenney Show
by Karen Kenney
Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, Writer, Podcaster and Coach. She’s known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent and her no-bullshit approach to spirituality, self development, and transformational work. She’s been a yoga teacher for 25 years, is a Certified Gateless Writing Instructor, and is also an author, speaker, retreat leader and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast. A curious human being, life-long learner and an entrepreneur for 20+ years, KK brings a down-to-earth perspective to the spiritual principles and practical tools that create powerful shifts in people’s lives, relationships and businesses. She works with people individually in her 1:1 program THE QUEST - and in her group program THE NEST.Her approach brings together tools that coach both the conscious and unconscious mind. She combines Brain Science, Subconscious Reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, and Spiritual Mentorship to help clients regulate their nervous syst
Episodes
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HOW TO BE A GOOD AUDIENCE MEMBER
What the heck does it mean to be a good audience member? On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share how being present, listening to understand, and offering genuine encouragement can help people feel seen and appreciated. These ideas aren’t just for concerts, lectures, or performances -...
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STOP LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about how you can stop looking and waiting for healing, support, or encouragement from the people and places that may not be willing (or able) to offer it. I also share a few ways to reclaim your peace and to recognize the human and animal...
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THE THREE KINDS OF IGNORANCE
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we're exploring three different kinds of ignorance and how recognizing them in ourselves can help us to grow, take responsibility, and respond to others and life with more curiosity and compassion. I talk about innocent ignorance, when we simply don’t...
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I KNOW A GUY
In this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why trusted experts, hands-on experience, and human connection still matter in a digital age. From your smarty-pants car guy - to that friend with a unique skill and "know how" that you admire... The people around us are such a rich resource...
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Blood Is Not Thicker Than Water
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the old saying "blood is thicker than water," and why I don't buy it. I've seen families use that old adage to try to control people and the narrative, keep those old secrets buried, and demand loyalty... Even when those...
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LIVE YOUR FECKIN' LIFE
OK, so here's the thing. Somewhere along the way we all got told to "document everything." (I’m looking at you Gary Vee ) Now it feels like we can't go to the grocery store, a concert, or our kid's soccer game without thinking, “How can I turn this into a post?” The other day I left my phone at...
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ARE YOU AN ILLUMINATOR OR A DIMINISHER?
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the difference between being an Illuminator and a Diminisher. And why some people can make you feel seen, lit up, and welcome, while others can make you feel kinda' invisible. I tell a story about some recent experiences of being in rooms…
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STOP HALF-ASSING IT
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why we need to stop half-assing our lives, work, the art we make, and our relationships! Because of what it really says about our self-respect when we keep settling for “good enough.” I share a real-life story about a worker with a kinda’...
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THE COURAGE TO BE LOVED
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really means to have the courage to be loved. By taking a look through the lens of the one-and-only Dolly Parton’s life, legacy, faith, humor, and big-hearted generosity. I share how Dolly managed to be wicked authentic, outspoken…
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LIFE IS NOT THE INTERNET
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about how the internet has trained so many people to believe that every thought they have deserves a comment, their opinion, or a post... And why that shit doesn’t really fly in real life. I tell a couple of stories about unsolicited...
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STEVEN PRESSFIELD: ON RESISTANCE, SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND SELF-REINFORCEMENT
My guest today is legendary, bestselling author Steven Pressfield, who's known for his work on creativity, self-discipline, and how to overcome the inner force of what he calls, "capital R" - Resistance. He’s written 25 books including the wildly popular - The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do The…
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SPIRITUAL ROAD MAPS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what I call spiritual roadmaps - thoseinner "TripTiks" that help us to move from where we are -to- where we really want to be. I share a story about driving cross-country with one of those old-school, highlighted, AAA paper maps and…
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COME TO YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why it’s so important to come to your own conclusions - instead of blindly believing what the so-called social media influencers, armchair experts, critics, or even your loved ones say. I share a fun story about going to see Christopher…
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EXPANDING THE TOOLS IN YOUR TOOLKIT
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what happens when we walk through life with only one “tool”. Which is usually our default reactions like - anger, shutting down, the silent treatment, judgment, or trying to fix everyone but our damn selves – and how that keeps our world and...
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TALKING TO YOUNGER YOU
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I'm exploring what it means to “talk to younger you” - by looking through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and “parts work”. (#notatherapist) I also tell a story about a middle-of-the-night moment where I woke up heard myself say, “I’ve...
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THE CONVEYOR BELT
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what I call “the conveyor belt” in our relationships. That sneaky belief that we’re somehow more evolved, more spiritual, or doing “more work” on ourselves than our partner or the people around us. I get into how, if we're not careful, this...
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THE MISSING PIECES
In this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the "missing pieces" in our lives. Not just the painful things that happened to us, but also the love, protection, witnessing, or tenderness that we didn’t get, but should have. We get into how that silent absence of what was...
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BABY BIRDING OURSELVES
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really means to “hold on loosely, but don’t let go” - not just in our relationships with others, but in how we treat ourselves. I share stories about a band, baby birds and bugs, a fantastic new book, and my own body - to explore why...
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WORRY A LITTLE BIT
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really means to “worry a little bit” - especially about the people in your life who always look like they’ve got their shit together. I tell a personal story about being considered the “strong one” and why those folks often don’t get...
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6 THINGS MY THERAPIST TAUGHT ME
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about 6 powerful things that my therapist, Daphne Rose Kingma, taught me back when I was in my 20’s and living in California - that totally changed how I relate to myself and other people. I share the story of finding an old journal from my early...
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HOW TO STOP ABANDONING YOURSELF
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about how to stop abandoning yourself. Self abandonment shows up in lots of ways, like: When you say yes when you mean no (like going out even though you're exhausted), or by people-pleasing, joy sucking perfectionism, and always putting yourself...
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BREAKING YOUR WORD
I recently overheard a conversation (yeah, there’s no denying it - writers are serial eavesdroppers) - where someone was struggling with a previous verbal commitment they had made. They'd given their word to someone about something… but then the facts and situation changed, and they were…
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GRATITUDE SALAD
Do you ever just catch yourself feeling a little extra cranky, nitpicky, or just sort of over it… even though nothing is technically wrong? Yeah, me too. 🙋🏼♀️ It occurred to me the other day (as I was falling asleep) that maybe I could use a little "attitude adjustment". 😳 And I'm pretty sure...
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Making a Positive Contribution (Even When It Feels Tiny)
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really means to make a positive contribution in your life - especially when you’re feeling stuck, scared, or like you’re falling behind. I share a little bit about working on my memoir and why author Ryan Holiday says that chasing…
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOWING UP
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why simply showing up for the people you love - matters more than you might think. I share the story of my first-ever art exhibition (eeeek!), the friends who showed up to surprise me there (“We got you, Motherfucker!” 😆), and how that…
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYMPATHY, EMPATHY, AND COMPASSION
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the powerful difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion and why it matters in how we move through the world. I share a personal story about my mixed media art piece that I created for “The Mothership” Exhibition - in honor of my...
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SAYING YES BEFORE YOU'RE READY
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really looks like to say yes before you’re ready… even when your nervous system is wanting to hold out for certainty. I share the wild, kismet kind of story of how I unexpectedly ended up invited into my very first art show, “The...
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EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really looks like to show up for yourself and others even when you don’t feel like it. I share how a “meh” start to my morning turned into both a strength training workout and a new podcast episode! It was also a reminder of the...
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FINDING THE NEW RIGHT DISTANCE
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it means to find the new "right distance" in our relationships. Whether that's choosing to be wicked close to some people - while having to keep a few other humans a little bit at arm’s length. The thing is, sometimes being…
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FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why it’s so important to stop believing everyone else’s opinions and to start finding out for yourself what rings true for you. I share some wicked funny and surprising stories from a recent “experiment” I did selling my stuff online. I dive...
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YOU CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why "you can’t get there from here." Especially when "there" is a new way of thinking, being, and doing and “here” is you clinging to your same old stories, beliefs, and behaviors. Telling a tale about a snowy dead-end street in my...
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THE POWER OF ENOUGH
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the power of enough - the radical, life-changing shift that happens when we stop chasing the elusive “more-more-more” and start recognizing and appreciating what we already have. I share one of my favorite stories from Kurt Vonnegut about...
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YOUR OWN PERSONAL FIGHT CLUB
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what I’m calling "your own personal Fight Club" – that private, often silent battle that every single one of us is ducking, bobbing, and weaving and sometimes still getting knocked on our ass by. I share a wicked familiar driving story...
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YOU CAN'T EXPLAIN YOURSELF TO EVERYBODY
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why you can't explain yourself to everybody all the time and how trying to do so, will just wear you the heck out! I also share how the tendency to over explain is often rooted in a fear of being misunderstood, and yet our words often get...
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THE CONSEQUENCE OF BEING YOURSELF
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it means to live with the consequences of being yourself… the good, the bad, and the kinda’ messy in-between. I share how so much of my work with others and my life was/is about learning how to own our brilliance and our bullshit. So, we...
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PREVENTING FUTURE REGRET
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about regret. You know, the stuff we wish we hadn’t done, the chances we never took, and the future regret we can possibly prevent - if we’re willing to get honest and take some action. I break down these three types of regret and share how a…
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THE ART OF MANIFESTING with COLETTE BARON-REID
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk with author, spiritual intuitive, oracle expert, and artist Colette Baron-Reid about her new book - The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality. We discuss Colette’s AM Method (Art of…
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THE COMMITMENT BUSINESS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it really means to be “in the commitment business.” I share some stories about yoga classes, Spiritual Mentoring, and my Sweetie’s life as a professional musician to illustrate the difference between being committed to the idea of change...
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BEWARE OF THE INFLUENCERS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about how important it is to think for yourself - especially in the age of influencers, grifters, and bro-science “experts” - including those being revealed in the Epstein files. I share a little modern-day PSA about being on the lookout for online...
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WHAT ARE YOU GONNA' DO ABOUT IT?
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what it feels like to be alive in a world that seems like it’s on fire - the grief, fear, anger, overwhelm and helplessness so many people are carrying. I connect the dots between abusive power and how those in power benefit from keeping us...
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ACTIONS ARE THE VOICE OF THE HEART
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about how our actions are the true voice of our heart. I share some real-life stories about human kindness, integrity, character, and choosing to do the right thing. Like the stranger who owned up to dinging my car, and the “dressing room angel”…
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THE WALK FOR PEACE
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share about what’s made the start of 2026 so emotionally rough for me - from personal grief and loss to witnessing yet another brutal act of violence in our country. I also talk about the inspiring Buddhist monks who are walking 2,300 miles from Texas…
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A FAST WAY TO SHIFT YOUR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STATES
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share simple, down-to-earth breath work practices you can use to quickly shift your physical, mental, and emotional states. You’ll learn a some relaxing, balancing, and energizing breaths that you can start using right away (Yay!) to calm the fuck down...
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YOUR INNER GPS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m talking about your “Inner GPS” - that practical, yet Divine guidance system inside of you that can help you find your way, especially when you’re feeling a little lost or if you’re unsure about where you’re headed in the new year. I share a few…
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WALK DOWN A DIFFERENT STREET
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about a little poem that packs a big spiritual punch, “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson. We discuss how the poem uses a simple but powerful analogy of “a sidewalk with a hole” and how it’s a brilliant mirror for our own...
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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the idea that “Everything old is new again” and why that feels especially true for me as we head into 2026. I share where this phrase originally comes from and how it still shows up all around us, from old-fashioned baby names and vinyl…
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THE 60-DAY RESET WITH TESS MASTERS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderful friend Tess Masters - some of you might know her as The Blender Girl. Yay! Tess brings such incredible honesty, joy, and wisdom to the table as we chat about what it really means to find your way with…
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TAKE YOUR HABITS FOR A TEST DRIVE
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show podcast, I’m talking all about using December as a chance to take your habits for a “test drive” before the new year kicks in. I share why December, even with all its holiday buzz and end-of-year busy, is actually the perfect time to slow down a bit, get...
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THE FOUR A’S OF GRATITUDE
Gratitude Isn’t Just for Thanksgiving: The Four A’s That Change Everything On today’s episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m breaking down my simple (but life-changing) Four A’s of Gratitude: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Appreciation, and Action. Tune in for some down-to-earth stories, a sweet...
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ADJUST YOUR SAILS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the idea of “adjusting your sails”- a message that came to me one morning and has been bopping around in my mind ever since. Sometimes, life throws us winds that we can’t control, but we always get to choose how we respond. So, I talk about...
About this show
Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, Writer, Podcaster and Coach. She’s known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent and her no-bullshit approach to spirituality, self development, and transformational work. She’s been a yoga teacher for 25 years, is a Certified Gateless Writing Instructor, and is also an author, speaker, retreat leader and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast. A curious human being, life-long learner and an entrepreneur for 20+ years, KK brings a down-to-earth perspective to the spiritual principles and practical tools that create powerful shifts in people’s lives, relationships and businesses. She works with people individually in her 1:1 program THE QUEST - and in her group program THE NEST.Her approach brings together tools that coach both the conscious and unconscious mind. She combines Brain Science, Subconscious Reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, and Spiritual Mentorship to help clients regulate their nervous syst
Hosted by
Karen Kenney
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