The Kelley Kitley Podcast

Hilary Phelps spent a long time being a woman who appeared to function — who had the family, the work, the life that looked like something — while quietly managing something she didn’t want to name. The perfectionism. The performing. The slow, creeping sense that the version of herself everyone saw wasn’t the whole story. Alcohol was part of it. So were the choices she made to keep disappearing into her own life rather than living it. The need to be good enough. The belief, wired into her early, that if she just held it together long enough, she’d eventually feel okay. She didn’t feel okay.In 2022, Phelps made her sobriety public. That decision was not about bravery. It was about not being able to pretend anymore that her private experience and her public life were two separate things. The work she was asking other women to do, the honest, uncomfortable work of looking at themselves clearly, required her to do it first.She grew up in Baltimore, the eldest of the Phelps family — a household that understood ambition, excellence, and the particular pressure of being expected to be extraordinary. Hilary spent the first half of her life meeting that expectation. She spent the second half learning that meeting it had cost her something she couldn’t immediately name.She works with women who are somewhere in the middle of their own becoming: not at the beginning, not at the triumphant end, but in the messy, necessary middle. That middle is where she lives too. That’s why she can guide you through it. She founded The Sanctuary because she needed a space that didn't exist: a community for women doing serious inner work that felt like a home rather than a program. A room where you don't have to explain what you're going through, because everyone in it has been in the dark too. In this episode Hilary shares her experience, strength, and hope through her mental health and sobriety journey (19 years!), her daily practice of opening her heart after experiencing what she calls, the quiet collapse, being in the right room, and the release of her forthcoming book in 2027 about women and addiction. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Women for Sobriety: Experiencing a life-threatening problem with alcohol or another drug is not a moral weakness. It is a serious disorder that demands rigorous attention to healing. Founded by a sociologist, Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., in 1975, who believed that women face unique challenges in overcoming addiction, the WFS New Life Program is specifically designed to help women overcome guilt, depression and low self-esteem for which substances have become the primary coping mechanism.To overcome substance use disorders (SUDs), women must address their real needs — those for an increased understanding of self-value, self-worth and self-efficacy. Women learn how to overcome their problematic substance use with peer support and by adopting a new way of thinking based on the 13 Acceptance Statements.Judith McLean is a woman with long term sobriety, (20 years!) a Facilitator, Advocate, and Community Connector for Women for Sobriety. She lives a beautiful life in Hawaii, waking up at 4am to seize the day! She’s found peace along her journey through hot yoga, being near water, volunteering and being of service to others. She practices a way of thinking and behaviors that are rooted in self acceptance and self love. In this episode, Judith shares her experience, strength, and hope while educating listeners about the foundation and principles of WFS. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Nikki Soda owns Sodas Consulting with her husband Jim and is a highly accomplished advocate and strategic marketer with a strong background in the behavioral health field. She possesses an MS in Addiction Policy from Georgetown University and has amassed 10 years of experience in this domain.In this episode Nikki shares her experience, strength, and hope as a woman in long term recovery, recently celebrating 22 years alcohol and drug free. She’s made it her life’s mission to help other’s achieve sobriety. With a wealth of knowledge acquired from working on both the front end and back end of treatment, Nikki possesses a deep understanding of systems and outcome tracking. Passionate about advocacy and public policy, Nikki actively engages in volunteering and community initiatives to make a meaningful impact. Previously serving as the Director of Membership and State Advocacy for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), she leverages her expertise to lead productive discussions with industry leaders and conducts comprehensive tours of treatment centers nationwide. Through these experiences, she has gained a profound understanding of the substance use disorder treatment landscape.Nikki has excelled in various leadership roles, including Director of Business Development and Marketing for renowned treatment facilities. In addition, she has overseen multiple alumni programs while serving on the board of the Treatment Professionals and Alumni Services. Her diverse responsibilities in creating and managing a treatment center start-up have honed her skills in admissions, policy development, procedure implementation, and business growth.As a result, Nikki has built an impressive reputation and is frequently sought after for client placement recommendations.Residing in Jupiter, FL, Nikki enjoys a spending time with her husband, 14 year old daughter, and their Great Dane, Sophie. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Rosemary O’Connor is the Founder of A Sober Mom’s Guide to Recovery, a consultant for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and a leading pioneer, expert, and spokesperson on mothers, children, and addiction. Rosemary has a B.A. in psychology. She is also a Certified Professional Coach, a Certified Addiction Coach, and a Certified She-Recovers Coach.O’Connor is a woman in long- term recovery with twenty-six years of sobriety. She’s helped thousands of people recover from addiction via her speaking engagements, workshops, private coaching sessions, and media interviews. In response to the unaddressed needs mothers have in recovery, Rosemary wrote A Sober Mom’s Guide to Recovery - Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Your Kids and When All Else Fails Drink Coffee-For Women Who Are Overworked, Underpaid, and Too Tired to Get Laid.In this episode Rosemary and Kelley discuss getting sober with young children, recovering out loud in hope other mom’s may see themselves in their stories, writing books, and modeling positive behavior for their kids. Rosemary’s greatest joy is being a sober mother of three amazing adult children and now as a grandmother. She loves to hike and swim in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her favorite pastime is to travel to any beach, put her toes in the sand, and listen to the sound of the waves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

“A gripping, firsthand story of personal triumph and recovery by a wealthy American housewife who appeared to have it all but who was, in reality, losing life’s most important moments in an alcohol-induced haze.” (Hazeldon Betty Ford, publisher)Brenda Wilhelmson was like a lot of women in her neighborhood. She had a husband and two children. She was educated and made a good living as a writer. She had a vibrant social life with a tight circle of friends. She could party until dawn and take her children to school the next day. From the outside, she appeared to have it all together. But, in truth, alcohol was slowly taking over, turning her world on its side.Waking up to another hangover, growing tired of embarrassing herself in front of friends and family, and feeling important moments slip away, Brenda made the most critical decision of her life: to get sober. She kept a diary of her first year (and beyond) in recovery, chronicling the struggles of finding a meeting she could look forward to, relating to her fellow alcoholics, and finding a sponsor with whom she connected. Along the way, she discovered the challenges and pleasures of living each day without alcohol, navigating a social circle where booze is a centerpiece, and dealing with her alcoholic father’s terminal illness and denial.Brenda Wilhelmson’s Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife offers insight, wisdom, and relevance for listeners in recovery, as well as their loved ones, no matter how long they’ve been sober. Winner of a Bronze IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards), Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife was called out by the Today Show as “striking a nerve” in 2011. In this episode Kelley and Brenda discuss being women in long term recovery, (Brenda is 23 years sober!) raising children, marriage, divorce, the importance of community, and her transition from a suburb of Chicago to Taos, New Mexico where she continues to evolve in her spiritual journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Casey McGuire Davidson is a life and sobriety coach and host of the Top 100 Mental Health Podcast, The Hello Someday Podcast for sober curious women and gray area drinkers. Casey helps busy women quit drinking and create lives they love without alcohol. She’s a wife, a mom, a practical dreamer, retired corporate ladder climber, recovering people-pleaser and ex-red wine drinker, who’s been known to crawl into bed at 9 pm and whisper “Don’t worry…you’re still a badass” to herself.Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times, HuffPost, NPR, NBC News, CNBC + over 100 sobriety, wellness and mental health podcasts.In this episode Casey shares her journey as a high achieving woman in corporate America who loved red wine. Being a drinker was her identity. What started as a 100 day alcohol free challenge after too many 3am wake ups and intense anxiety has turned into ten years of sobriety and a business helping other women who are stuck in a drinking cycle. Davidson and Kitley discuss what it’s like being married to your best friend who was also your drinking buddy, who still drinks, and raising teenagers. The choice to live a life alcohol free strengthened these relationships more than they ever could have imagined. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Alysse Bryson is almost 20 years sober!! She’s an award-winning media executive, founder, and cultural voice redefining modern sobriety. Through The Sober Curator, she built a global platform that’s reached over 1.1 million people seeking to live boldly in recovery.In this episode Alysse shares her experience, strength, and hope as a woman in long term recovery, how she used to identify as a “professional drinker,” until Alcoholics Anonymous saved her life and her commitment to helping others along the way. She uses a humorous, tell it like it is approach to living a life full of adventure. Her mission is to show others that sobriety doesn’t have to be dull or restrictive. Her commitment to providing exciting and informative content with her team is designed to help people stay motivated and engaged in their journey to a sober lifestyle.Getting sober is hard enough; finding fun and informative recovery content shouldn’t have to be. To learn more about Alysse Bryson, her TEDx Talk, The Sober Curator podcast, pop culture, events, and more, visit her website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Heather Lowe, BSW, CPRC, CPC, CFAA-HR, PHR started Ditched the Drink because she knows what it feels like to look successful on the outside while feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns on the inside. She was filled with feelings, doubts, and questions too.There’s nothing wrong with you if alcohol feels different now. These are signals, not failures, and they’re pointing you toward another way.In this episode Heather shares her “sober experiments” that ultimately led to living a beautiful life in sobriety. She says “mocktails are the gateway drug to living the most radical life” and she built a business to help other women evaluate their relationship with alcohol and teaches the power of pause. As a Certified Professional Life + Sobriety Coach (and a former corporate leader who’s walked this same road), Lowe built this space to help smart, successful women create clarity, confidence, and freedom, without labels, pressure, or shame.Heather’s launching Sober Spring on 4/1, a 90-day guided experience to help you feel confident in yourself, steady in social situations, and ready for the best summer of your life. She also provides 1:1 coaching, corporate speaking, hosts Peripetia Podcast and so much more! To learn more about how she can be helpful to you on your sober curious journey or visit her website www.ditchedthedrink.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

If you have pre-teen/teenage children, this is a MUST listen!In this episode, Kelley and Emma discuss what lead to her suicide attempt, her recovery both mentally and physically, how she takes care of her mental health today, and her beautiful purpose driven life. Emma Benoit is a Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Attempt Survivor who is an uplifting, nationally recognized speaker who became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year of high school. At the time, she was a popular varsity cheerleader with a supportive family and lots of friends, but quietly struggled with anxiety and depression, too ashamed to share her pain with family or friends. Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed but helped her find faith and purpose and propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience and miraculous recovery to help others.MY ASCENSION is an inspiring documentary about Emma’s story, and includes firsthand experiences of families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts. The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of the ongoing youth suicide crisis, but shares valuable resources to help keep teens safe.You can learn more about booking her for speaking engagements and viewing the film at www.emmaspeaks.orgIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7, free and confidential. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Carla Sosenko is the author of I’ll Look So Hot in a Coffin: and Other Thoughts I Used to Have About My Body, US Weekly executive editor at large, whose work has appeared in New York Times, Time Out New York, (where she was editor in chief), Entertainment Weekly, (where she was executive editor), Cosmopolitan, and other publications.In this episode Kitley and Cosenko discuss her “unconventional body” born with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, diet culture-including the use of GLP1, and not commenting on other people’s bodies, unless they ask! In a world consumed with shrinking our bodies, Carla’s memoir is candid and funny as she describes her self image, mental health, relationships, and ambitions. To learn more about Carla Sosenko, visit her website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

It’s March 1st and Social Work Month! I’m a proud social worker who’s been in the field for the past twenty-five years. I’m grateful to my fellow social workers who show up everyday to make a difference in the lives of others. One month from today, on April 1st, in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, I’ll be releasing the 2nd edition of MY self: An Autobiography of Survival, Recovery, & Empowerment. As a woman in long term recovery (13 years on March 10th) and a pioneer in the sober curious movement, it’s time for an update. The 2nd edition includes the landscape of the sober curious movement, pathways to recovery, parenting four teenagers as a sober mom, the death of my dad, and resources to explore your own sober curious journey. Links to purchase MY self: An Autobiography of Survival, Recovery, & Empowerment in hardcover, paperback, and audible, coming soon. Stay tuned! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Joan Lunden is one of America's most trusted and beloved broadcasters, best known for her iconic role as the longtime host of Good Morning America where she inspired millions each morning with her warmth, intelligence, and authenticity.She’s also a NYT Best-Selling author off 11 books, speaker, health advocate, and THE eternal optimist. She’s a wife, mom of 7, and grandma (JoJo) to 4 grandchildren.This episode will inspire you to keep showing up and to dream big, no matter your age or circumstance. Lunden is a trailblazer who broke glass ceilings for women and working moms in a male dominated field. We discuss her forthcoming memoir JOAN: Life Beyond the Script to be released on March 3, 2026, behind the scenes intel that didn’t make it into the book, life in the public eye, journalism, relationships and parenting!You don’t want to miss an opportunity to connect with Joan Lunden. Her positive energy is contagious. Check out her website, www.joanlunden.com as she heads out on book tour.Joan Lunden’s books include: Why Did I Come into This Room: A Candid Conversation About Aging / Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival / Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregiving / Growing Up Healthy: Protecting Your Child from Diseases Now Through Adulthood / Wake-Up Calls; Making the Most Out of Every Day / A Bend in the Road is Not the End of the Road; 10 Positive Principles for Dealing with Change / Joan Lunden’s Healthy Living; A practical, inspirational guide to creating balance in your life / Joan Lunden’s Healthy Cooking / and Good Morning, I’m Joan Lunden. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Nicolle Hallman is a teacher, mother, and debut author of ‘Love, Katie.’ We’re so lucky her daughter Katie joins us, a Manasquan, NJ legend! In this special Valentine episode, we discuss compassion, community & joy! Nicolle shares her journey as a mom raising three kids with her husband David, one with special needs and their determination to learn her communication style, fears, and anxieties. They discuss the endless victories of how far Katie has come and the incredible friendships she’s developed over the years, making her an all time community favorite!Katie shares her experience with exposure therapy, the importance of checking in on each other, and her close relationships with her siblings, who are also her best friends. She supports her siblings as much as they support her whether it’s cheering her younger sister Ellie on at a track meet or singing and dancing with her brother, Cole. Katie was featured on American Idol with her brother when he was auditioning and they sang The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Your heart will be filled with love and gratitude from the joy Katie radiates. Her energy is contagious and this story is a true reminder to to never give up hope! This family of generational educators have certainly put their passion for learning into practice. Katie is currently a client at an adult day program which she loves, her sister Ellie is in her final year of college, David retired as a principal/superintendent and works at the local library, and Nicolle and Cole are teachers at the same school. Purchase Nicolle’s new book ‘Love, Katie’: A Mother’s Journey with Twizzlers, Words and Joy”A deeply personal and emotionally rich memoir that follows author Nicolle Hallman’s journey of raising her daughter Katie, who was born with special needs and is now twenty-three. With unflinching honesty and warmth, she shares the everyday realities of their life together—the struggles, the small victories, the heartbreak, and the deep joy that comes from unconditional love.More than just a story of motherhood, Love, Katie is a tribute to the power of community. Through vivid storytelling and reflective insight, the author shows how their small town and tight-knit circle of support became an essential part of Katie’s life—and how one extraordinary child left a lasting impact on everyone around her.This book offers comfort, connection, and inspiration to parents on similar paths, as well as a compelling glimpse for anyone seeking to understand the beauty and complexity of raising a child with special needs.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Dr. Desi Bartlett is a leading women’s health expert, internationally published author, and creator of The BodyMind Workout™, a trademarked system that unites yoga, fitness, and meditation. With 30 years of experience, she was honored as the 2025 IDEA™ Fitness Leader of the Year and was recently named #1 in MSN’s Top 10 Health Voices Helping People Feel Better. In this episode Kelley and Desiree discuss their career path with a combined 50 + years helping women become the best version of themselves from the inside out. Both Chicago natives who met over twenty years ago in Santa Monica, California when Bartlett hired Kitley to teach 6am spin classes at the local health club. They share some similar life experiences and discuss how they’ve transformed their pain into a life long passion and aren’t stopping any time soon. Known for her signature message of strength from the inside out, Desi’s mission is to empower women through all of life’s impactful transitions, including pregnancy, new motherhood, and perimenopause.She combines ancient technologies such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork with modern science from the fields of kinesiology, fitness, and women’s health to create accessible, effective practices that meet women exactly where they are.She’s the author of ‘Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy’ and co-author of ‘Total Body Beautiful’ and upcoming release, ‘Inspire the World to Fitness.’ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., FTOS, FASMBS-IH (widely known as Dr. Rachel) is a nationally recognized licensed psychologist, speaker, author, and media contributor specializing in the mind-body connection. With expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a holistic approach to health, she focuses on stress management, eating behaviors, obesity treatment, and health behavior change.In this episode Rachel and Kelley discuss CBT, how to practice cognitive restructuring and behavior changes to ultimately shift feelings, goal setting, body image in middle age, and her upcoming book release. You can pre-order her book, launching April 7, 2006. When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free. Goldman delivers an inspiring, approachable, and practical strategy guide to helping women reclaim their confidence, reshape how they see themselves - inside and out, and build resilience before stress knocks at their door. Dr. Rachel explains how to eliminate feeling “stuck” and how you can gain greater control over your life.Dr. Rachel is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a trusted expert frequently featured in the media—including on-camera segments and appearances alongside Oprah. She has served as a consultant for the film The Whale and is regularly quoted in major publications such as The New York Times, TIME, CNN, USA Today, and Women’s Health. She is also a member of the Wellness Board for Verywell and a peer reviewer for academic journals. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Nadine Machkovech helps communities talk about the things that actually save lives.​​​​​​​​​Too often, people walk around with good intentions but no place to process the real stuff — burnout, shame, identity loss, survival mode, disconnection. My work cuts through performance and inspiration to help people feel lighter, think more clearly, and live more whole lives. Her approach blends lived experience rooted in long-term recovery, evidence-based prevention frameworks, honest storytelling that creates connection, practical tools people can use after they walk out of the room.In this episode Nadine and Kelley discuss how to have conversations with young people around drugs and alcohol, sobriety and recovery as a young person, the multitude of resources available today for support, the importance of community, the launch of her new book as a first time author, being a step-mom, (and losing her 17 year old step-son) and mom to their 2 year old son, Aidyn. She shares immense gratitude for her life in recovery and her family’s recent relocation from Wisconsin to Florida. Nadine and her partner Anthony Alvarado, podcast guest #4 Co-Founded Rise Together, innovative programs that spark conversations, foster leadership, and provide life-saving resources:that builds connection, reduces stigma, and lifts youth voices through peer-led storytelling — so young people feel supported long before crisis. They help young people feel seen, supported, and connected — so they ask for help, support one another, and grow. They also recently launched Salt + Soil, the experiential expression of their work — a grounding space for restoration, reflection, and honest presence. These gatherings invite people to step out of survival mode and into connection with their body, their voice, and the people around them. Each experience is shaped with intention, simplicity, and care. It’s about remembering what’s already true.Watch Nadine’s TEDx talk: The Secret to Being EnoughPurchase her new book, Enough Already: A Journey from Hiding to Healing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

As an end of life resource guide, doula, ceremonialist, willow casket weaver and founder of We Too Shall Pass, Tiffany Johnson fosters tenderness, grace, and expertise in addressing end of life needs. With a core belief in dignity, her mission is to empower individuals to craft their unique end-of-life journey and to offer solace for the dying and their loved ones. She is passionate about staying informed on trends and sharing a spectrum of end-of-life care and planning options. She collaborates with clients to articulate and honor their wishes and legacy. Her history set the foundation for her passion to serve those navigating life’s twilight with compassion. Not everyone is lucky enough to hold space with a dying family member or friend. But we all need to talk about death because it’s inevitable that “We Too Shall Pass.” Being prepared for (the best we can) and planning our death, gives us dignity and autonomy. In this episode, Kelley and Tiffany discuss their experience of the death of their dad’s and the importance of ceremony and rituals, her love for art, gardening, casket weaving, and her plans to open the first Illinois social model hospice home, ‘Wally’s Hearth’ named after her dad. Tiffany recently helped pass “Deb’s Law” authorizing a qualified patient with a terminal disease to request that a physician prescribe aid-in-dying medication that will allow the patient to end the patient's life in a peaceful manner.Johnson was recently featured in the Chicago Sun-Times: ‘Death doula’ provides comfort and support to the terminally ill on their final journey by Stefano Esposito. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Scilla Andreen is the Founder and CEO of Impactful Networks. She blends brain science, storytelling, and prevention to help people understand what’s happening in their minds and bodies and learn how to self-regulate before a crisis hits. *This episode covers sensitive topics such as loss, death by suicide and death by cancer. Scilla is the mother of 6 adult children and shares her grieving journey after losing two children and how this has tenderly impacted her work and worldview. She offers comfort to grieving mothers as well as trying to make sense of complicated parental relationships.*In 2024, I highlighted Scilla’s work on NBC Chicago when I was a weekly Wellness Wednesday Contributor. She’s the author of The Creative Coping Toolkit: Simple Activities That Gamify Talking About Our Feelings and created the Creative Coping Toolkit, a science-based, film-driven program used in schools, workplaces, and communities worldwide. Her award-winning films including Angst, LIKE, The Upstanders, and Race to Be Human have reached millions and are widely used in education and corporate settings to build empathy, emotional literacy, and resilience. She’s the founder of the Impactful Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to making mental health education free and accessible for schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Sarah Spain is an an award winning sports journalist who’s been with ESPN for over 15 years. She’s also the host of the first and only women’s daily podcast about women’s sports, Good Game with Sarah Spain. She co-authored (with Deland McCullough, RB coach for the Raiders) Runs in the Family: An incredible true story of football, fatherhood, and belonging. Spain is also a TV Personality, Activist, Speaker, and Overall Bad A**.In this episode we discuss the Chicago Bears, how to help support and navigate sports for our kids-what works, what gets in the way, the importance of failing, being a college athlete at Cornell, injury, mental health privilege, cognitive restructuring, and going to the winter Olympics!To learn more about Sarah Spain, visit her website! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Kicking off season 2, episode #25 with Kevin Boehm the legendary restauranteur and one of the world’s foremost hospitality visionaries! Kevin is the Co-CEO + Co-Founder of BOKA Restaurant Group, Co-Founder of BIÂN Wellness and Social Club, and Author of ‘The Bottomless Cup.’ An autobiography about the highs and lows of opening numerous (50!) restaurants, earning James Beard awards, and navigating personal struggles.In this episode, Kelley and Kevin discuss ambition rooted in scrappiness, searching for happiness, mental health, sobriety, parenting, and forgiveness. Stay tuned for his TODAY show appearance on January 27th! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

This episode will help families who have been impacted by addiction, approach the holidays from a different lens. Tom Farley is breaking generational traumas by sharing his experience, strength, and hope through his recovery and advocacy work. He’s the New York Times best -selling author of “The Chris Farley Show,” older brother of the late Chris Farley (SNL cast member, comedian, actor) and the Community Outreach Director for Recovery.com.Tom and Kelley discuss the family disease of addiction, sobriety vs recovery, leaving a legacy, and the importance of humor as it was a common thread in his family of origin and continues to be, as a motivational speaker. Tom Farley LinkedIn: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

WBEZ Chicago reported this week, “Alcohol consumption in the U.S. is at a 90-year low. That trend has resulted in an explosion of tasty local options for alcohol-free imbibing.” In this bonus holiday episode, we invited one of the leading experts of non-alcoholic drinks on the podcast to take a deeper dive into this growing trend!Ryan Foley is the publisher of Bartender Magazine (following in the footsteps of his late legendary father, Ray Foley, author of “Bartending for Dummies.”) who wrote “Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies” for the evolving sober and sober curious movement.As you prepare for the holiday festivities, whether at a bar or restaurant, hosting, or as a guest, there are so many delicious non-alcoholic options in this book. It’s a gift to explore what might wet your palate and add some festive fun!In this episode Ryan shares the history of the magazine and original books his father wrote, his role in taking over the family business after his father passed away two years ago, and recommends some of the top non-alcoholic favorites. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Take a moment to think about what your relationship has been like with alcohol. From how old you were when you took your first drink to where you are at this moment. How does that feel? Maybe you haven’t experienced a “rock bottom” but you hear a quiet whisper, “this isn’t working for me anymore.” Suzanne Warye went from a fashion influencer to a sober movement maker and is shifting the way we view alcohol use by offering “a softer place to land” in sobriety.She’s the host of The Sober Mom Life Podcast, creator of The Sober Mom Cafe, and author of the newly released book, “The Sober Shift” A modern day guide to living an abundant sober life. Next month, she celebrates 6 years sober and shares many tools and support for you to use along your sober curious or as she says, “sober for good” journey. In this episode, we discuss how Suzanne decided to remove alcohol from her life, the movement she’s created, the ripple effect it’s had on her family and friends, and her firm belief that alcohol makes parenting worse, not better-despite what we’ve been conditioned to believe. Warye encourages us to let go of of the idea of what a “perfect” mom looks like and embrace a half assed, whole heart approach to motherhood. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Almost 20 years ago, Jamie Tworkowski founded To Write Love on Her Arms. A non profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self injury, and suicide. 80% of young people first look for mental health support online. TWLOHA provides a therapy scholarship program, peer support groups, mental health tool kits, community, and connection. Today, 13,000 people connect with the organization daily. In this episode Jamie discusses how this safe space came into existence, finding hope, asking for help, how the ocean and surfing are therapeutic tools for him, and his pivot four years ago to working with people more intimately as a coach, small group leader, and finding love in his 40’s. To learn more about Jamie’s work, visit his website.Tworkowski’s New York Times best selling book, “If You Feel Too Much” : Things Found and Lost and Hoped For recently celebrated 10 years since publication and continues to have a strong impact to help others feel less alone and never give up hope! “To hope is to give yourself to the future—and that commitment to the future is what makes the present inhabitable.” Rebecca Solnit This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Today, for this special Thanksgiving episode, I’m joined by my four younger siblings, Bradley Rompza, Nicole Rompza, Emma Urquiaga, and AJ Rompza. We discuss holiday traditions, supporting each other through tough times, how each of us take care of our mental health, growing up in the restaurant and bar business and how that’s shaped who we are today as business owner’s in the health and wellness field. In birth order: Kelley Kitley, Owner Serendipitous PsychotherapyBradley Rompza, Owner The Burwood Tap Nicole Rompza, Owner Omni Aesthetics, Co-Owner reNew Studio, Professional Brand Educator Green EnveeEmma Urquiaga, Chicago Public School Special Education Teacher and Co-Owner reNew StudioAJ Rompza, Former D1 Athlete, Basketball Trainer, and Motivational Speaker As we head into the holiday season, we encourage you to take time to reflect, focus on gratitude, let go of what no longer serves you, and if it’s not your family of origin that fills you up, find your chosen family! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode Kelley, Dawn, and Taryn discuss how the She Recovers community came into existence in 2011, their journey as women in long term recovery as a mother and daughter, the heartbreak of watching a child in active addiction and setting boundaries, healing generational family trauma and the importance of community.Dawn Nickel, PhD and Taryn Strong mother/daughter Canadian Co-Founders of She Recovers. They’re revolutionizing recovery for women around the world! They believe, “We are all recovering from something—no one should have to recover alone.”SHE RECOVERS® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and a global grassroots movement serving more than 325,000 women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery from life challenges including trauma, substance use, grief and loss, eating disorders, burnout and moral injury, love addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.She Recovers offers on-line programs, podcast, retreats, yoga, coaching, local connections, and resources. Purchase “She Recovers Everyday: Meditations for Women” by Dawn Nickel, Ph.D This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode Biet discuss’ her heroin addiction to reinvention, the ritual that saved her, how we all suck at life and that’s normal. She opens our conversation singing Amazing Grace and closes the conversation with a beautiful guided meditation. Biet is the world-renowned Spiritual Teacher and Best-Selling Author, dubbed the “David Bowie of Meditation.” As a musician, Biet weaves the world of pop culture and spirituality, teaching practical applications of ancient spiritual wisdom. The teachings are featured in Biet’s best selling book, ‘Don’t Just Sit There!’ published by Simon & Schuster.Raised by a Shaman in New York City, Biet signed to Sony Records at the age of 19 as a singer/songwriter. Diving into a Rock & Roll lifestyle, Biet became a high profile DJ in the fashion and art scene in Manhattan. However, following a string of life changing events, including the sudden loss of her daughter, Biet turned to her lifetime study of meditation and launched the Guided By Biet event series. The meditation experience reached a contemporary audience in cultural spaces, including museums, hotels, and fashion shows. These groundbreaking events were scored by her own music and were the first time meditation was mixed with pop culture, creating the revolutionary new trend.Featured in Vogue, Forbes, ELLE, and TIME magazine, and as the resident meditation guru at The Sundance Film Festival, 1 Hotels, MoMA, and SoulCycle, Biet advises spiritual best practices for hotels and brands. Biet is best known for modernizing the spiritual path and has been called the “Meditation Guru for the next generation.”Follow her on instagram @guidedbybietWork with Biet This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Joyce Marter is an internationally renowned mental health thought leader and financial mindset expert, who considers it her life’s purpose to spread the Mental Wealth; to remove the shame and stigma from both mental health and financial stress and provide a global audience with practical strategies and tools to heal, recover, thrive and prosper.In this episode, Joyce shares her personal experience and professional expertise as a top mental health financial mindset expert. She went from 100’s of thousands of dollars in debt and almost facing financial bankruptcy to the sale of a 7 figure business. She breaks down the psychology behind financial success. Marter also offers advice about why having kids pay for college builds confidence and success and suggests asking schools to match scholarships received before making a final decision on a university. Joyce is a wealth (pun intended) of knowledge and offers practical tools to transition from a financial mindset of scarcity + panic to finding freedom + joy. For more guidance on enhancing your financial mindset or to book Joyce Marter as a speaker, visit: https://www.joyce-marter.com/ and purchase her book, “The Financial Mindset Fix:” A mental fitness program for an abundant life.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Scott and Kelley discuss how he’s redefining addiction and recovery as a person with 28 years of sobriety, why trauma is the #1 health crisis, how he built a marketplace for healing and designed an app to put our phones down and connect in community. He shares his experience, strength, and hope living with dyslexia, how lifting others lifts us, and rewriting your next chapter.Scott is recognized as a CNN Hero and Mental Health America recipient.Strode is the Founder of The Phoenix a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection.Co-Founder of NewForm Recovery the first recovery & mental well-being marketplace-connecting you to thousands of events, tools, and communities. Author of Rise. Recover. Thrive.: How I Got Strong, Got Sober, and Built a Movement of Hope-link to purchase book in stories.Sober a Documentary about Scott’s journey to sobriety through fitness and connection into a nationwide movement of over one million people united by the power of community in recovery.TEDx MileHigh : Finding Sobriety on a Mountain Top This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

A prominent advocate, speaker, author, and media commentator, Ryan Hampton travels coast-to-coast to add solutions to our national addiction and drug overdose crisis. In recovery from a decade-long opioid addiction, Hampton is regarded as a forefront expert and thought leader in America’s rising addiction recovery advocacy movement. For nearly a decade, he’s worked with multiple non-profits and addiction recovery organizing campaigns. He’s now a prominent, leading face and voice of recovery advocacy and is working to change the longstanding negative narratives about those impacted by addiction, recovery, and overdose.In this episode, Hampton describes his experience in the pill mills in Florida to heroin, how to break free form an anxiety spiral, rage, loss, and the birth of Mobilize Recovery, and why cutting off contact from a child struggling with addiction isn’t always the answer. Purchase Ryan’s books on link in title. American Fix 2018: Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis - and How to End ItUnsettled 2021: How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of the American Overdose CrisisFentanyl Nation 2024: Toxic Politics and America’s Failed War on DrugsHead to Ryan J Hampton website for more inspiring content and resources for addiction and recovery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

October is Trans Empowerment Month and Kelley couldn’t think of anyone more empowering than Charlotte Clymer! Kitley and Clymer met at the inspiring Clinton Global Initiative as content creators a few weeks ago in NYC. In 2017, Clymer came out as transgender after decades of a deep knowing and attempting self convergent therapy. She’s the former Director of Communications at Catholics for Choice-abortion rights advocacy, former Press Secretary for Human Rights Campaign, 2020 Fortune Magazine 40 under 40 most influential people in government and politics.In this episode, Kelley was so moved by Charlotte’s courage as they discuss being a soprano in the All City Girls Choir, conservative allies and unexpected barriers, strength and struggle growing up in the closet and the worst insult: how gender policies shape us. Charlotte is a bright light and provides hope for trans people and our entire county!Subscribe to Charlotte Clymer “Charlotte’s Web” on Substack and follow her on instagram for empowering content on politics, religion, and culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Niro Feliciano graduated from Columbia University with a Masters of Science in Social Work and completed her internship at Beth Israel Medical Center. She also worked at Mount Sinai’s adolescent health center, one of the largest adolescent clinics in the country. She’s been in private practice in CT for nearly two decades as a certified cognitive therapist. She’s a co-founder of a multi-specialty mental health group Integrative Counseling and Wellness Group in Wilton, CT where she treat’s anxiety in adults and adolescents. She also helps clients with relationship issues and communication, self-esteem issues, personal goal development and stress management.In this episode, Niro and Kelley discuss how every family faces mental health challenges, how faith and fate changed Niro’s family’s destiny, love, faith, and finding spiritual compatibility, and parenting through a child’s mental health crisis. As a mom of 4, Niro knows first hand how stressful the holidays can be. In her 2nd book, ‘All is CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays’ releases TODAY, 10/14! It’s her love letter to women, a 31-day read to help you find peace and perspective through the holidays and into the new year. Purchase here.Her first book, ‘This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight keys to finding true contentment’ A guide to moving away from anxiety and toward balance and calm can be purchased here.Follow Niro_Feliciano on Instagram for regular TODAY Show segments, column links, and daily inspiration on mental health and parenting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

Gabby is programmed in Kelley’s phone as “Queen Softball Mom.” Her partner is an assistant softball coach on their daughters team and gets sh*t done, at the softball fields and in daily life.After a season of their daughters playing together, it wasn’t until nationals at the end of the season that they really got to know each other. Another parent mentioned they were both social workers and immediately, their relationship deepened and the flood gates opened. They connected professionally as well as on a personal level discussing how addiction ran in both of their families. How often do we see the same people in our communities that become routine interactions? One open ended question can bring two people together from totally different backgrounds. We are more alike than we are different.When Chicago became a frequent news headline and neighborhoods were being brutally invaded by ICE, Kitley reached out to Gabby who works with patients in Latino communities to discuss the fear they were living in and what people with privilege can do to help.Gabby is a proud Chicago (as her instagram bio says, south south south side!) native. At 17, Gabby’s teacher told her she just ruined her life when she found out she was pregnant as a senior in high school. Her internal response? “I’m a straight A student, I’m the top of my class, watch me!” 6 weeks after she gave birth, she started her freshman year of college at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a full ride and went on to earn her masters at The Jane Addams College of Social Work. Today she’s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker treating patients in immigrant communities in Chicago.In this episode, Gabby shares her experience as a Chicago native, her journey as a teen mom, (her daughter is now 13!) who was raised by a teen mom, her resilience and perseverance, and her path to becoming a social worker. Gabby works in primarily Latino communities and sheds light on what it’s like for her clients, living in fear of ICE and how they can get the help they need.Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: https://www.icirr.org/fsnHealth Services for pregnant teens: Rush Adolescent Family Center: https://www.rush.edu/locations/rush-adolescent-family-center This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

“Top U.S. health officials urged pregnant women not to use acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, claiming it could cause autism, though studies have been inconclusive.” NYTDr. Cira shares passionate opinions, backed by scientific evidence, about last week’s dangerous and false headlines released by The Trump Administration. Not only is Dr. Cira an expert in the field, she identifies as Queer, Neurodivergent and a Trauma Survivor. In this episode, Dr. Cira educates listeners about ADHD & Autism: From Struggle to Superpower, Tylenol, Autism, and Evolutionary Myths, How the Education System is Archaic, and becomes emotional talking about, “We Are Not Broken”: Defending Autism Identity.“Dr. Colleen Cira is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Nationally Recognized Trauma Expert and the Founder and Executive Director of both Cira Center for Behavioral Health, PC (CCBH) and Cira Center Consulting, LLC (CCC). CCBH is a group practice with locations in Chicago and Oak Park that serves the age and gender spectrum and specializes in Trauma and Women’s Issues/Health. CCC is a Consulting Agency that strives to unburden women and therapists so that they are able to design the practice and/or life of their dreams.Dr. Cira received both her Masters and Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and has been practicing in the field since 2001. She is a highly sought after national trauma expert who has appeared in dozens of publications, podcasts, live news, and radio including NBC, ABC, US News and World Report, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Suntimes, Fast Company, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest, Yahoo! Lifestyle, Slate, and Bustle among others. Dr. Cira was also named one of the “Top 100 Women in Chicago Making a Difference” by Today’s Chicago Woman. Dr. Cira is a trauma and anxiety expert, clinical supervisor, writer, speaker, consultant, activist, wife and mommy.Colleen identifies as Queer, Neurodivergent and a Trauma Survivor. The totality of these identities mean that she has felt different, broken and like an imposter most of her life. It is only when she created Cira Center for Behavioral Health did she begin to take back her power, learn to accept and love herself and fundamentally change the course of her life. Colleen’s intent in sharing this information is to provide hope. It is often easy to look at the facade of someone’s life and assume so many things: they are successful, have a perfect marriage, an easy life, etc. Colleen feels called to interrupt this cycle of comparison and shame by being more open and honest about the struggle that is often there, just behind the scenes. Colleen hopes you can see your own difficulties in her story and that you know that only when we wholeheartedly embrace who we truly are, can we get to the other side of our pain. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope we can help you start to see it for yourself.”Local resource for therapy, medication, advocacy, and education: Cira Center for Behavioral Health: a group practice with locations in Chicago and Oak Park that serves the age and gender spectrum and specializes in Trauma and Women’s Issues/Health. https://ciracenter.org/about-ccbh/Follow Dr. Colleen Cira on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Substack for more empowering and educational content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

September is National Recovery Month and Deaf Awareness Month. Beth Leipholtz uses her platform (she’s an on-line sensation with millions of followers) as an advocate, educator, and hope dealer through her personal experience as a young woman in long-term recovery and raising a deaf child, Coop. In this episode we discuss getting sober at the age of 20, how she uncovered her son’s rare diagnosis with full sensorineural hearing loss in both ears as a result of Waardenburg Syndrome, cochlear implants, the beloved “car chats” and Coop starting kindergarten!Beth shared her story on The Kelly Clarkson Show with Coop, when he needed a break from his mom by taking off his cochlear implants.Pre-order (Releases 9/30!) The ABC’s of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book For Kids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316586692?tag=hacboogrosit-20Education, Resources, and Inspiration ‘Raising a Deaf Child Bilingually’ https://bethandcoop.com/A blog about entering recovery at a young age, fitness, and relationships. https://lifetobecontinued.com/Follow Beth +Coop on instagram @beth_and_coop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. John Duffy-renowned expert, specializing in treating boys and men and Kelley discuss raising kids in today’s landscape of social media, sex, drugs, and isolation. Duffy writes a weekly substack that will challenge your thinking and encourage you to take action. Subscribe Dr. John Duffy!Kitley refers to Dr. D as the GOAT of therapists. He’s as real as they come, tells it like it is, while using an empathic and humorous approach with his clients and their parents. He listens deeply and feels a responsibility to educate parents by way of national speaking engagements and TV appearances about how we can better understand and help our kids. You’ll walk away from this episode with practical tools you can start using TODAY, to develop a deeper connection with your kids and yourself! He’s a tremendous resource available NOW.https://drjohnduffy.com/Author of ‘Rescuing Our Sons’, ‘Parenting The New Teen In The Age of Anxiety’, ‘The Available Parent’As seen as an expert on Steve Harvey, The Kelly Clarkson Show, TODAY, WGN, News Nation, TMJ4 The Morning Blend and hundreds more!2016: Kelley and John after a taping on Duffy’s former podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, we discuss the climb of her career, grit and resilience, aging parents, raising kids, marriage, living the American dream and having faith that everything will work out. Her parent’s believed this to their core, as refugees from Vietnam, with her in tow at 6 months old. Vicky Nguyen has over twenty-five years of experience as a journalist. She started her career locally at Central Florida News and for the last six years has been chief correspondent and anchor at a national level at NBC News in NYC. You can catch Vicky anchoring on NBC News Now (streaming) NBC News Daily M-F 12-2pm ET. She’s also frequently on TODAY as a trusted chief consumer investigative correspondent. Her NYT best selling memoir, ‘Boat Baby’ can be purchased on link. https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Baby-Memoir-Vicky-Nguyen/dp/1668025566 It’s laugh out loud funny, especially for those of us who grew up in the 80’s. Learn more at www.vickynguyen.com or follow Vicky on instagram: @vickynguyent2023: Kelley and Vicky after a live segment on NBC News Daily. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

LZ Granderson famed for a "Hero for Living Life Openly." Becoming a father at the age of 22, his work as a minister in the church, coming out as queer, and last year publicly disclosing he had been living with HIV. He creates amazing content across platforms as a journalist, to change the conversation about politics, sports, and culture. In this episode Kelley and JZ discuss lessons in authenticity, breaking barriers, “coming out” for his son’s integrity, marriage, practicing the Exodus program to “pray the gay away,” spirituality, living with HIV, and of course, basketball. TED Talk: “The myth of the gay agenda” Nearly 2 million views https://www.ted.com/talks/lz_granderson_the_myth_of_the_gay_agenda The LZ Granderson Show: https://thelzgrandersonshow.org/Instagram: LZ Granderson Los Angeles Times columnist: https://www.latimes.com/people/lz-granderson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode Sr. Nancy talks about her mission work as a transgender advocate. She has a magnanimous gift of holding space with an open heart and an open mind. She encourages us to do the same and teaches us how. Sr. Nancy was a former high school teacher of Kelley’s. She saw something in her that she didn't see in herself and set the foundation for her life's work in social justice.Sister Nancy Corcoran was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire but raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. After graduating from Regis College (Weston, Massachusetts), she taught as a lay apostle at St. Joseph’s School (Waipahu, Oahu) with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet from 1966 to 1969. Sister Nancy entered the novitiate of the St. Louis province in 1970.Sister Nancy taught in St. Louis at St. Agnes and Holy Name grade schools (1971-77) and at the Consortium of Broome County Catholic Schools in Binghamton, New York. From 1979 to 1982, she served as the director of Volunteer Services at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis.She then headed south and established the Lowndes County Catholic Centers in Hayneville and in Gordonsville, Alabama (1982-1988). From 1988 to 1989, she was asked to set up the Excel Literacy Program in Okolona, Mississippi.Sister Nancy graduated from Harvard Divinity School with a master’s in theological studies. In 1991, she began chaplaincy ministry at Regina Dominican High School (Wilmette, Illinois) and then at Regis College, her alma mater. While she was in Boston caring for her mother, Sister Nancy created grass/roots: Women’s Spirituality Center, which she directed until 2007 when she became the Catholic chaplain at Wellesley College. During her tenure at the college, she also accepted the position of provincial councilor for the St. Louis province (2008-14).Throughout a two-year sabbatical (2015-17), Sister Nancy explored ministry with transgender, gender expansive and intersex humans. Today, she joyfully ministers with LGBTQIA+ communities in the metro St. Louis area.Study has also blessed Sister Nancy's life at University of Hawaii, St. Louis University, Martin Center (now University), the Mexican American Cultural Center, Boston College, the Institute of Black Catholic Studies and Dar al Islam. She is grateful to have chosen to be a Sister of St. Joseph over 50 years ago.TransParent envisions a world that honors and affirms the naturally occurring transgender experience. Our mission is to bring compassionate support to parents and caregivers navigating complex issues faced by their gender-expansive children of any age.Resource for families: https://transparentusa.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Kate and Kelley discuss her lifelong career in journalism and the phenomenal mental health stories she covers. Kate’s been a long time SHERO of Kitley’s as an advocate for mental health, using her national platform to educate and shine light on stories that often go unnoticed and untold. Usually, Kate is the one interviewing Kelley, as a regular contributor on her show, NBC News Daily. It was a dream come true for her to interview Kate Snow!Kate has a vested interest in telling these stories as she lost her father-in-law to suicide in 2010. We discuss how she keeps his memory alive, recognizing depressive symptoms of a loved one, acknowledging, it’s okay to ask if someone may be having thoughts of suicide, and how to talk to kids about losing a loved one to suicide. In her free time, Kate sings in a band! Check out her music on Spotify. You can catch her anchoring Monday- Friday, 2-4pm ET on NBC News Now anywhere you stream. Follow Kate on @tvkatesnow on all social platforms for more inspiration.2023: Kelley and Kate after a live segment on NBC News Daily. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Anthony shares his experience, strength, and hope as a man with 16 years in addiction recovery. He’s dedicated his life to traveling around the country to talk to young people about mental health, addiction recovery, and the power of owning your story. On May 17th, 2020, Anthony lost his 17 year old son Gavyn, to an accidental drug overdose. He shares his pain through grief and loss of losing a child as well as his commitment to carrying out his mission in Gavyn’s honor. Just three months ago, Anthony, his fiance Nadine, and their 21 month old son Aidyn, moved form Wisconsin to Florida to fulfill some of their life long dreams and a desire to continue evolving. He wants everyone to know:* You’re not alone.* You’re allowed to ask for help.* You matter.Anthony Alvarado is a speaker, coach, and founder who has spent over a decade helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead change. As the co-founder of RISE TOGETHER, his youth-driven work has reached over 300,000 students and adults across 25+ states — combining peer-led education, storytelling, and research to spark real impact. Through his coaching and facilitation work, Anthony helps leaders, creatives, and changemakers reconnect with their purpose, release burnout, and reset the story they're living in. Whether on stage or in small group circles, his mission remains the same: to create spaces where healing, leadership, and hope can grow.https://www.anthonyalvarado.com/https://weallrisetogether.org/about-us/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Kelley catches Jen in the thick of her newly launched book, "Proof of Life' tour, which just hit #1 on Amazon's New Release list. (Also Author of 'On Being Human') In this episode, Jen candidly and hilariously talks about rejecting society's timeline pressures, shame, disappointment and wanting more, quieting our inner as*hole, grief, and so much more! Jen Pastiloff travels the world with her unique workshop “On Being Human,” a hybrid of yoga related movement, writing, sharing out loud, letting the snot fly, and the occasional dance party. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, calls Jen “a conduit of awakenings.” Jen has been featured on Good Morning America, New York Magazine, Health Magazine, CBS News and more for her unique style of teaching, which she has taught to thousands of women in sold-out workshops all over the world. Bring a journal, and open heart and the willingness to grow open and stronger for her workshops. Jen Pastiloff travels the world with her unique workshop “On Being Human,” a hybrid of yoga related movement, writing, sharing out loud, letting the snot fly, and the occasional dance party. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, calls Jen “a conduit of awakenings.” Jen has been featured on Good Morning America, New York Magazine, Health Magazine, CBS News and more for her unique style of teaching, which she has taught to thousands of women in sold-out workshops all over the world. Bring a journal, and open heart and the willingness to grow open and stronger for her workshops.Jen Pastiloff website: https://jenniferpastiloff.com TEDx Ojai: 'Nothing You Do is Wrong'Purchase 'Proof of Life' https://www.amazon.com/Proof-Life-Love-Looking-Permission/dp/0593474074 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Danielle Robay and Kitley have an immediate connection through their Chicago roots and dove right in. They discuss career, the importance of mentors, relationships, therapy, and her newest endeavor as host of Reese’s Book Club Hello Sunshine podcast, ‘Bookmarked.’ You will feel inspired beyond measure to make your dreams happen, without permission from anyone!Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume. Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume with her best selling card game "Question Everything." Named a “game changer” by Forbes, Danielle is best recognized as host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING, and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Just like her mentor Larry King, Danielle has interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders. She’s spent over 8,000 hours in professional, elevated conversation—gathering wisdom the way some people collect concert tees: with intention, style, a little humor, and a story behind each one. She is also a proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, a distinction that reflects her commitment to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers. Her mission? To help us live better by learning through each other’s stories. Website: https://www.daniellerobay.com/ Purchase "Question Everything" Card Game: https://questioneverythingshop.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

The fourth episode of ‘The Bear’ released this week and Kelley Kitley goes on location with Chris Zucchero, the son of the Original Mr. Beef. ‘The Bear’ which has won four Emmy Awards is based on his story. Christopher Storer, Screenwriter, director, and producer of ‘The Bear’ is a childhood friend. Zucchero holds nothing back in this interview and shares his experience, strength, and hope with addiction.Summer, 2025: Kelley and Chris’ interview on-site at Mr. Beef, Chicago. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com