The Karen Kenney Show

• INHERENT VS. INHERIT

  On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the difference between what’s inherent in us ​-and​- what we’ve inherited from the world around us. I share how ​we sometimes confuse the two​ - taking on beliefs, stories, and even problems that were passed down to us, and ​then we start thinking ​that ​t​hose things are just “who we are.” ​N​ope! The truth is, there’s a ​wicked big difference between ​what's built into us at our ​natural core and what we pick up along the way. I talk about how being a ​Spiritual ​Being is something that’s inherent​ - like that sucker comes "factory installed" - meaning it’s just part of who we are, like our goodness, worthiness, and belonging. On the flip side, ​there's some stuff like religion, beliefs about money, ​our ​eye-color, or even ​things like self-doubt ​that are often inherited from our families, culture, or society. One of the big takeaways is the importance of questioning the stories and beliefs we’ve inherited, especially the ones that ​don’t serve us​, or ​don't align ​us with our true nature​!​So, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself​, ​"What’s really mine, and what did I just pick up from someone else​outside of me?"This kind of self-reflection is a key part of personal growth and spiritual awareness. ​At the end of the day, I want you to remember that you are inherently good, lovable, and worthy​ - no matter what you’ve been told​, what you've believed in the past, or what you’ve inherited​.This episode is a little love letter ​to remind you of your true ​Self and to inspire you to let go of ​what doesn’t belong to you​ anymore or maybe never did! Thanks ​so much for listening, and may you go out into the world remembering who you really are!​ ❤️ KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Inherent qualities are the essential, unchangeable parts of who we are, like our goodness, worthiness, and belonging.•​ Inherited beliefs, stories, and traits come from our families, culture, and society, and are not always true about us and our real selves.•​ It’s important to question the ideas and narratives we’ve inherited, especially if they don’t align with our true nature. Because shit often rolls downhill.•​ We’re all inherently spiritual beings, connected to Love, Source, God, or the Divine, regardless of what we’ve been told about our limited ego-personality selves.•​ Much of our self-doubt and negative self-talk comes from inherited stories from our younger years, often from people who weren’t emotionally intelligent at the time.•​ Personal growth and spiritual awareness take place when we start to get curious and reflect on what’s truly ours and are willing to let go of what’s not.•​ Remembering our inherent goodness, beauty, and belonging helps us live more authentically, joyfully, and compassionately. BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and...

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• SOMEONE IS YOU

  EP334 – SOMEONE IS YOUOn this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what happened when I finally decided to stop grumbling about the trash I kept seeing on my running route and actually do something about it!I share how my sweetie and I run or walk in our rural neighborhood, and how seeing litter along the road always bugged me.Instead of just judging others for it, I remembered my own past (hello, former cigarette-butt-flicker here! 🫣) and realized it was time to take action myself.I also dive into the story of how a wicked fun childhood memory - being part of the Thompson Tigers Clean Team in fifth grade - came rushing back to me.I even found my old “clean team” patch and wore it proudly as I set out with trash bags and gloves to clean up my neighborhood.Along the way, I met some wonderful people, like Jessie, an older woman who told me she tries to "do a kindness every day", and who said I inspired her to go out and do the same at her end of the street. Yay!That moment reminded me how our actions can ripple out and encourage others.Throughout the episode, I reflect on how easy it is to focus on what others are doing wrong, but how much more powerful it is to look at what we can do ourselves to create change.Inspired by a teaching from Swami Kripalu, I talk about the importance of focusing on strengthening new positive traits and virtues, rather than just fighting against the old negatives.Whether it’s picking up trash, spreading kindness, or simply being a little more compassionate, we all have the power to make a difference - no matter how small it seems.So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Someone ought to do something about that,” maybe that someone is you!I encourage you to look for the good, ​"do a kindness​", and leave every place and person a little better than you found them.Thanks for tuning in, and if this episode inspired you, please share it with someone and help me spread a little more love in the world. ❤️ KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Noticing a problem in your community might be a sign that you’re the one to help fix it. •​ Taking action, even in small ways (like picking up trash), can inspire others to do the same.•​ It’s easy to judge others, but a little self-reflection can reveal our own past mistakes and help us to act with more compassion.•​ Focusing on strengthening new positive traits and virtues - is way more effective than dwelling on past negative•​ When you feel frustrated that “someone” should do something, remember that someone might be you•​ Sharing positive actions and stories can encourage a ripple effect of goodness in your community.•​ Everyday acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a real difference for you, your family, your neighborhood and the greater world! BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she...

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• FEELINGS INTO FELONIES

  On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the idea of how without awareness or tools, we can end up turning our feelings into felonies.Maybe not literally - but if we’re not careful, the ways in which we react, lash out, or stew in negativity – can still be harmful.I share about the importance of emotional regulation and how so many of us were never really taught as kids what the heck to do with our big feelings.I talk about how easy it is to look at extreme acts of violence in the world and think, “That’s not me,” but the truth is, we all have moments where our emotions get the best of us.Whether it’s snapping at someone, holding onto grudges, losing your shit in traffic, or letting our thoughts spiral, it’s all part of the same cycle.The thing us, for most people growing up, nobody sat us down to teach us how to feel our feelings, or how to navigate those suckers in a healthy way.Throughout the episode, I also share some of my favorite tools and strategies for getting a handle on those big emotions.Things like slowing down, practicing self-awareness, and using healthy coping mechanisms like walking, breathing exercises, or even just getting outside in nature to shift your perspective.I also talk about the power of community, whether it’s joining a group like The Nest or just finding people who support and uplift you.My hope is that by sharing these stories and tools, you’ll feel a little less alone, and a little more empowered to pause, check in with yourself, and choose love over fear.We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond.So let’s practice being kinder to ourselves and each other, and remember: the real gig is to spread love - and not let our feelings run the show. ❤️ KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Slowing down is the first key step to becoming more self-aware and emotionally regulated.•​ Emotional regulation means learning to manage your feelings and responses in healthy ways.•​ Unchecked emotions can lead to negative thoughts, actions, and even harm to yourself or others.•​ Healthy coping mechanisms like walking, breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can help shift your emotional state.•​ Self-awareness grows when you pause, reflect, and notice your patterns and triggers.•​ It’s important to question your thoughts and not believe every story your mind tells you.•​ Community support, whether through groups or trusted people, can make a big difference in emotional well-being.•​ Practicing kindness, compassion, and love - toward yourself and others - can help break negative emotional cycles.•​ You have the power to interrupt harmful patterns and consciously choose more helpful responses.•​ The real goal is to spread more love and to leave the world better than you found it. BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via...

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• PRACTICING HOPE

  On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about hope.What it really means, why it sometimes gets a bad rap, and how we can look at it through a bunch of different lenses. I share why hope isn’t just some fluffy, pie-in-the-sky idea - but actually a powerful mindset and a skill that we can practice every day, especially when the world feels crazy, overwhelming or out of control. We talk about how hope is more than just a feeling… it’s also a way of thinking, a call to action, and a belief in the possibility of a better future! I get into the idea of “learned hopefulness,” and how it’s wicked interesting that hope actually needs a little uncertainty or negativity to get activated. Plus, I share stories from Greek mythology, psychology, and even a little Mister Rogers - to show how hope can be a guiding light, even when things look and feel tough. One of my big takeaways is that hope isn’t passive.It’s not about just wishing things would get better, it’s about believing we can make a positive difference and then getting our ass in gear and actually doing something about it. I talk about the importance of shifting our perspective, training our minds to look for the good, the beautiful, and the holy…And how our individual actions can ripple out to create bigger change in our families, communities, and the world. If you’re feeling a little low on hope, I invite you to join me in practicing it!Visualize the future you want, “walk as if” your dreams are already happening, and remember that hope can be an act of resistance and a source of strength. And if you want to go deeper or get support, come check out my “Nest” community -or- my one-to-one mentoring. Wherever you are, may you leave the world a little better than you found it, and may your hope be a blessing to yourself and others! ❤️ KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:​• Hope is more than a feeling; it is a mindset, a call to action, a practice, and a belief in the possibility of positive change.​• Practicing hope requires us to shift our perspective and train our minds to look for the good, the beautiful, and the holy.​• Hope is not passive; it inspires us to take action and create the future we want to see.​• “Learned Hopefulness” means cultivating the belief that we can positively influence our own lives and the world.​• Visualizing and embodying your desired future can more likely help to make hope a lived reality.​• Individual change and inner peace are the starting points for creating broader change in families, communities, and society.​• Hope can be an act of resistance and a source of strength during difficult times.​• Joining a supportive community can help you practice and sustain hope in your daily life. BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches both...

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• ARE YOU OK?

  On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about something that really lit my heart up.​It’s all about how a simple question like, “Are you OK?” - can make a world of difference.Inspired by Australia’s “R U OK? Day,” I share why checking in on our friends, family, and even ourselves is wicked important, especially with all the heavy stuff going on in the world. I open up about my own experience and how sometimes, just being asked a sincere, “How are you really?” - can be a game changer.It’s not just about asking the question, but about being present, paying attention, and noticing when someone might be struggling - even if they’re the “strong” one in your circle.I discuss why people sometimes don’t reach out for help, and how we can be the ones to go first and offer a listening ear.I also break down the “R U OK?” four-step “ALEC” framework: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check-In.I talk about how to prepare yourself before having these kind of conversations - making sure that you’re ready, in the right headspace, and have consciously picked the right moment.I also share some tips on how to really listen without judgment, encourage small steps forward, and follow-up so people know you truly care.My hope is that you’ll take this episode as a little nudge to check in on someone you care about - or even yourself.We all need each other to get through the madness of life, and sometimes the smallest act of kindness can be the biggest blessing.So, are you OK?And if you’re not, I hope you know you matter and there’s always someone out there who cares! ❤️ KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Asking “Are you OK?” can make a real difference in someone’s life.• The annual “R U OK? Day” in Australia encourages everyone to check in on the people around them.•​ Pay attention and noticing changes in someone’s mood or behavior is a sign to reach out.•​ Before starting a meaningful conversation, make sure you’re ready, prepared, and have picked the right moment.• The 4-step “ALEC” framework - Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check-in - offers a simple way to support others.•​ Listening without judgment and being fully present helps people feel seen and cared for.• Encouraging small steps or connecting someone to resources can be more helpful than trying to “fix” everything.• Following up after the initial conversation shows you genuinely care and builds trust.• Even strong or independent people need to be checked on, as they may not ask for help.• Practicing kindness and compassion, even in small ways, can have a wicked big impact! BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible. A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches both individuals and groups. With The Karen Kenney...

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