Talk With Kristen (with An E) podcast

24:10

Send us a text In the final episode of Season One, Kristen reflects on the journey so far and invites listeners into a summer of rest, joy, and gentle reset. With her signature warmth and honesty, she shares what “pause and playback” means to her through book club retreats, unplugging from social media, revisiting childhood favorites (hello, Klondike bars), and soaking in the little things that spark joy. She also revisits a few quotes from her 1999 journal that still resonate today including one that captures the heart of this podcast: “I may never be who they want me to be, but at least I’m who I want to be.” Part thank-you note, part summer sendoff, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for what truly matters. Season Two returns in August. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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From Daydream to Download: Season One Reflections 23:19

5 weeks ago23:19

23:19

Send us a text In this cozy, solo second-to-last episode of Season One, Kristen reflects on the journey so far using the classic journalist’s lens: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. From humble beginnings and a spark of curiosity to building confidence, community, and connection -- this episode is part memoir, part love letter to the listeners who’ve come along for the ride. Kristen shares behind-the-scenes reflections on launching the podcast, lessons learned, favorite moments, listener impact, and what’s coming next in Season Two. Think of this one as your guided pause before the next big leap. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Let’s Catch Up: 10 Things I’m Loving Right Now 31:32

6 weeks ago31:32

31:32

Send us a text In this cozy and candid episode, one of the final three of Season 1, Kristen shares her current top ten obsessions just like you’d swap recommendations with a close friend over coffee or on a sunny afternoon by the pool. From TV shows and beauty faves to NBA playoff talk and bookish adventures, it’s a peek into the little things bringing joy, comfort, and connection lately. She opens up about the not-so-guilty pleasures (hello, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ), her go-to YouTube travel fix ( Downie Live ), and her undying love for pool days and cottage cheese (don’t knock it ‘til you try it). She also dives into why author events have her heart, what it means to wear whatever the heck you want, and why the OKC Thunder aren’t just her favorite team but a masterclass in leadership worth learning from. Whether you're out on a walk, folding laundry, or soaking in some golden hour sunshine, this episode is an invitation to slow down, smile, and maybe find a new favorite thing of your own. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Sparkle, Belonging, and Radical Self-Acceptance: Final Book Club Wrap-Up 49:05

7 weeks ago49:05

49:05

Send us a text In this heartfelt conclusion to the virtual book club series, Kristen is joined by Kelly and Alexis for one final conversation around Perfect Is Boring (and Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston. Together, they unpack the book’s poignant epilogue and dive into the publisher’s reflection questions, exploring themes like vulnerability, community, and radical self-acceptance. From the power of saying "me too" to building your own table and inviting others in, the episode celebrates the beauty of imperfection and what it means to live authentically. With thoughtful commentary and a few standout quotes (including one that feels like it was written just for Kristen), this wrap-up feels more like a cozy coffee chat with friends than a formal book review. Whether you read the book or not, listeners will walk away encouraged to embrace their quirks, champion others, and find joy in being their real, unfiltered selves. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Breaking the Mold: Redefining Financial Power for Women 53:22

8 weeks ago53:22

53:22

Send us a text In this empowering episode, Kristen welcomes Tiffany for a powerful conversation about financial health, abundance, and breaking free from the old narratives around women and money. Tiffany shares how society has conditioned women to play it safe with their finances while encouraging men to take risks, and why it's time to change that. They dive deep into the good girl mentality around spending, the guilt women often feel investing in themselves, and how to step boldly into financial empowerment without shame or apology. Tiffany reminds listeners that they are the blueprint for abundance, legacy builders, and cycle breakers who are worthy of every dollar, dream, and desire. This episode is an inspiring call to stop shrinking, start owning their power, and redefine what wealth looks like on their own terms. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Out Loud and Off the Bench: The Lies That Keep Us Playing Small 50:42

8 weeks ago50:42

50:42

Send us a text In this installment of the Perfect Is Boring (And Tastes Like Kale) virtual book club, Kristen is again joined by Kelly and Alexis to unpack the last few lies from Jess Johnston’s book. From feeling like a junior varsity adult to the fear of messing up publicly, they get real about showing up, taking up space, and challenging the pressure to have it all together. Even if you didn’t read the book, this one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Am I really the adult here?” ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Glitter, Grit, and Growing into Yourself 52:27

9 weeks ago52:27

52:27

Send us a text In this vibrant and empowering conversation, Kristen welcomes her friend Emily to talk about what it means to take up space: sparkly shoes, glittery eyeshadow, bold choices, and all. They explore how society often teaches girls and women to shrink themselves, and how they've intentionally broken free from those expectations to live more authentically. Kristen and Emily share stories about embracing their individuality, balancing independence with openness, and encouraging others to show up fully in all corners of life. From body glitter memories to fixing garbage disposals, this episode is a joyful reminder that life isn’t about hitting every perfect step; it's about having fun, being proud of your journey, and letting your light shine. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Quit Performing, Start Belonging: Lies That Keep Us from Real Connection 48:18

9 weeks ago48:18

48:18

Send us a text In this second installment of the Talk with Kristen (with an e) virtual book club, Kristen welcomes back guests Kelly and Alexis to continue their heartfelt dive into Perfect Is Boring (And Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston. Together, they unpack Part Two of the book, exploring Lies 6–9—like the belief that rejection will destroy us, that our job is to make everyone happy, and that asking for help means weakness. The trio reflects on how these lies impact real connection, sharing personal stories of moving, maturing, and learning to trade performance for belonging. With vulnerable and relatable insights about people-pleasing, social media traps, and redefining friendship, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what true connection really looks like—and to let go of the pressure to be perfect. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Busy Isn’t Better: Reclaiming Peace and Presence 59:52

10 weeks ago59:52

59:52

Send us a text In this episode, Kristen welcomes her friend and sister-in-law, Kelly, for an honest conversation about the power of slowing down. After reaching a point of burnout at the end of 2024, Kelly shares how she began to mentally and emotionally reset by adjusting her routines, setting clear boundaries with work and family, and reconnecting with simple pleasures like coloring. Together, Kristen and Kelly explore the societal pressures that equate busyness with fulfillment, the sensitivity required when asking personal questions about life choices, and the true meaning of self-care. Listeners are encouraged to embrace small, manageable changes to create a more mindful and balanced life. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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The Lies We Tell Ourselves: From Perfection to Pretending 46:33

10 weeks ago46:33

46:33

Send us a text In week two of the virtual book club, Kristen is joined again by Kelly and Alexis to dive into the first five lies from Perfect is Boring (And Tastes Like Kale) . Their conversation blends laughter, deep reflection, and candid truth-telling as they unpack relatable struggles with perfectionism, comparison, invisibility, and emotional exhaustion. The group reflects on how Jess Johnston's storytelling makes listeners feel seen—like they're talking with a friend who truly gets it. Together, they explore how women, especially those juggling work, parenting, and societal expectations, internalize unrealistic standards and carry invisible burdens. The episode touches on everything from the false sense of connection through social media to the power of real friendships, validating that no one is alone. This raw and honest discussion offers encouragement and a gentle nudge toward self-compassion. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Bootcamp, Babies, and Bonded for Life: Amber & Paige’s Friendship Story 37:29

11 weeks ago37:29

37:29

Send us a text In this episode, Kristen reconnects with Amber and Paige—two best friends who’ve been through just about everything together. Their friendship kicked off in an airport on the way to bootcamp back in 2011, and what followed was a deep, sister-like bond built on shared experiences and showing up for each other through all of life’s curveballs. From surviving military training and sharing a tiny apartment to navigating surprise pregnancies and raising sons born just two weeks apart, these two have stayed side by side through it all. Their kids are now carrying on the legacy, growing up as best friends themselves. This conversation is full of laughter, reflection, and real talk about what it takes to maintain meaningful, lasting friendships—even when life gets messy. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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We’re All a Hot Mess (And It’s Fine): Book Club Begins! 44:10

11 weeks ago44:10

44:10

Send us a text Welcome to the very first episode of our Virtual Book Club! Kristen, Kelly, and Alexis sit down to dive into Perfect Is Boring and Tastes Like Kale by Jess Johnston — a heartfelt and hilarious look at embracing our imperfections and finding connection through authenticity. We share what drew us to this book, our early reactions, some standout quotes, and a few personal stories about perfectionism, insecurity, comparison, and wishing life was more like a musical (spoiler: we really do). If you've ever struggled with feeling "not enough" or just want permission to show up messy and real, this conversation is for you. Grab your copy, tune in, and let's kick this off together! ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Found in Friendship: When Age Doesn’t Matter and Realness Does 41:58

12 weeks ago41:58

41:58

Send us a text Sometimes, the best friendships are the ones you never saw coming. In this episode, Kristen chats with her friend Emily about how a casual connection through a dance class turned into a meaningful friendship—despite a 16-year age gap. From running (and sometimes walking) 5Ks together to swapping life updates over coffee, their story is a reminder that friendship doesn’t have a rulebook. You can find your people at any stage of life, in the most unexpected places. Because when values, interests, and authenticity align, age becomes just a number. If you've ever felt unsure about where or how to make new friends as an adult, this cozy conversation is for you. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Miles Apart, Close at Heart: Navigating Long-Distance Friendship 42:49

13 weeks ago42:49

42:49

Send us a text Maintaining friendships across time zones and life changes can be challenging, but some connections withstand the distance. In this episode, Kristen sits down with Kelly to explore the realities of long-distance friendships—how they begin, evolve, and sometimes fade. Kelly shares personal stories of childhood friends moving across the world, college friendships that didn’t last, and the deep bonds that have endured despite the miles. Together, they discuss what makes a long-distance friendship thrive, the natural seasons of relationships, and the importance of shared experiences in strengthening connections. Whether friendships last for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, this conversation sheds light on the ways people stay connected, no matter where life takes them. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

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Friendship in Adulthood: The Struggles, Growth, and Lessons Learned 1:02:34

14 weeks ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Send us a text Making friends as an adult isn’t always easy—it can feel a lot like dating, filled with awkward introductions, unspoken expectations, and the occasional heartbreak. In this episode, Kristen sits down with Dana to talk about the complexities of adult friendships, from navigating mom groups to figuring out where true connections lie. They reflect on how their own friendship began, the challenges of finding belonging versus just fitting in, and the lessons learned from friendship breakups and personal growth. With insights from Brene Brown, Mel Robbins, and How to Win Friends and Influence People , this conversation dives deep into how friendships evolve, the role of self-awareness, and why approaching friendships with curiosity and openness makes all the difference. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Making Friends as Grown-Ups: Expectations, Insecurities, and Intentionality 44:09

15 weeks ago44:09

44:09

Send us a text In this heartwarming and relatable episode, Kristen is joined by her friend and sister-in-law,Kelly, to dig into the nuanced world of adult friendships. Together, they unpack everything from the unrealistic expectations we sometimes carry—like searching for a friend who’s basically a clone of ourselves—to the vulnerability it takes to actually make and maintain connections as grown-ups. They share honest stories about moving to new places, navigating friend groups where you feel like the outsider, and how building community often requires a level of intentionality that doesn’t always come naturally. Kristen opens up about her fear of rejection (yes, even now), while Kelly talks about pushing past her comfort zone to invite people over and create the kind of community she craved for her family. From workplace friendships to church pew hellos turned dinner invites, this episode reminds us that making friends as adults is hard—but worth it. Whether you’re longing for deeper connections or just need encouragement to send that "Want to grab coffee?" text, this one's for you. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Friendship, Redefined: Why Less Can Be More 25:36

16 weeks ago25:36

25:36

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode, Kristen and Alexis explore the challenges and joys of adult friendships. Reflecting on their own experiences, they discuss the pressures of maintaining large social circles and what it truly means to find and nurture meaningful connections. They normalize the idea that having just one or two close friends is more than enough, emphasizing that quality matters more than quantity. This episode kicks off a friendship series that is both authentic and validating. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Bonus Episode: Kicking Off the Friendship Series 20:26

16 weeks ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text In this special bonus episode, Kristen introduces the podcast’s upcoming Friendship Series, exploring why making and maintaining friendships as an adult often feels more challenging than in childhood or college. She reflects on the evolving nature of friendships, the impact of social media, and common struggles in building meaningful connections. She also shares a sneak peek at the series’ topics—ranging from long-distance and age-gap friendships to navigating friendships at work—while announcing the podcast’s first-ever virtual book club launching in May, featuring Perfect Is Boring ( And It Tastes Like Kale). ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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From Beauty Blogs to Real Life: A Nostalgic Look Back with Arielle 52:18

17 weeks ago52:18

52:18

Send us a text This episode takes a nostalgic dive into the golden age of beauty blogging with special guest Arielle. Together, she and Kristen reflect on their experiences in the beauty blogging world of the early 2010s, a time when written blogs and YouTube tutorials dominated the scene. They discuss how they got started, the lessons they learned, and how the industry has evolved. From the early days of Pinterest to Sunday Twitter chats and a much kinder internet, this conversation is a fun throwback for anyone who loves makeup, blogging, social media nostalgia, and the evolution of online beauty communities. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Unpacking Purity Culture: Fear, Shame, and Moving Forward 59:15

18 weeks ago59:15

59:15

Send us a text Kristen and Alexis dive into their experiences growing up in the height of purity culture—also known as the True Love Waits movement. From youth group pledges to fear-based messaging that framed sex as the ultimate sin, they explore how these teachings shaped their views on relationships, intimacy, and self-worth. They also reflect on the lingering effects of shame in marriage and discuss what healing and reclaiming a healthier perspective on sex looks like. Whether you grew up in a conservative church or just want to understand the impact of purity culture, this conversation is real, raw, and full of personal insights. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Breaking the Habit: Tayler’s Journey from 75 Hard to a Sober, Stronger Life 36:00

19 weeks ago36:00

36:00

Send us a text What does it take to completely transform daily habits and mindset? In this episode, Tayler shares how a spontaneous decision to start the 75 Hard challenge in 2023 led to a profound lifestyle shift. She opens up about her past struggles with drinking and smoking, the routines she once believed were unbreakable, and the discipline it took to make lasting changes. From saving thousands of dollars to stepping into new career opportunities with confidence, Tayler’s story highlights the power of commitment and self-discovery. This conversation explores the challenges, victories, and surprising rewards of choosing a healthier path. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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From Stuck to Thriving: Reclaiming Your Alignment with Tiffany 47:47

20 weeks ago47:47

47:47

Send us a text Many women find themselves stuck in survival mode, longing to thrive but unsure how to get there. In this episode, Kristen welcomes Tiffany Patterson, a certified natural health professional, transformational life coach, and angelic reiki master teacher, to discuss the path to true alignment. Tiffany shares her expertise in helping women break free from exhaustion, societal expectations, and self-sabotage to step into a more embodied and fulfilling life. They explore the impact of chronic stress, the ways women unknowingly keep themselves in fight-or-flight mode, and the small but powerful shifts that lead to lasting change. Tiffany also unpacks the role society plays in keeping women overwhelmed—and what can be done to break the cycle. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim their energy, confidence, and sense of self. Reach out to Tiffany via email: tmpangelichealingllc@gmail.com or her website https://sacredwellnessjourney.us/ Get her *free* ebooks: Thrive From Within and Unapologetically Abundant ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Who Am I, Really? Exploring the People and Experiences That Shape Us 12:23

21 weeks ago12:23

12:23

Send us a text Who are you at your core? Beyond the labels and roles, what truly makes you you ? In this episode, Kristen takes a reflective journey into the experiences and relationships that have influenced her identity, using a playful and relatable lens: her eclectic taste in music. From oldies with her mom to emo and indie rock via past relationships, Kristen unpacks how much of her personality stems from others’ influences versus her own choices. This introspective episode dives into the delicate balance between adapting to connect with others and staying true to yourself. Are we just mosaics of the people we meet and the experiences we have? Kristen invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, uncover the people and moments that shaped them, and celebrate the unique patchwork of influences that make us who we are. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Unfiltered Conversations on Beauty, Aging, and Personal Style with Alexis 34:22

21 weeks ago34:22

34:22

Send us a text In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Kristen and Alexis dive into the complexities of beauty, aging, and self-acceptance. They discuss everything from hair transformations (including some dramatic ones), societal expectations around women’s appearances, and the internal debate over whether to embrace gray hair or keep up with the upkeep. The conversation also explores the pressure to alter one’s body through plastic surgery, the influence of beauty standards, and the importance of finding confidence in one’s natural self. Through humor, honesty, and personal stories, Kristen and Alexis challenge listeners to rethink what it truly means to feel beautiful—on their own terms. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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The Weight of Perception: Navigating Body Image Then and Now 18:52

22 weeks ago18:52

18:52

Send us a text In this episode, Kristen dives into the topic of body image, reflecting on how societal standards, media influences, and personal perceptions have shaped her relationship with her body over the years. From the skinny ideals of the late '90s and early 2000s to the complexities of adulthood and the body positivity movement, she shares candid journal entries, magazine clippings, and heartfelt anecdotes. Kristen explores the disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others may see us, as well as the struggle to balance self-acceptance with the desire for change. This deeply personal episode is an invitation to reflect on your own journey with body image and consider how our past continues to shape our present. Notes: I mention in the episode that Google wasn't around in 1996. Which is true as it wasn't available for the public, but the first version was released on the Stanford website in August, 1996. (according to Google and Wikipedia) Trigger warning: This episode mentions body dysmorphia and eating disorders. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Escaping Reality: Books That Heal, Inspire, and Bring Joy 31:00

22 weeks ago31:00

31:00

Send us a text In this episode, Kristen chats with Alexis about the power of books as an escape from the chaos of life. From ditching doom scrolling to finding solace in historical fiction, romance, fantasy, and even post-apocalyptic zombie novels, they share their reading journeys and favorite reads. They dive into the art of DNF (Did Not Finish) and why it’s okay to walk away from a book that doesn’t spark joy. Along the way, they recommend must-reads like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine , The Love of My Afterlife , The Seven Year Slip , and The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot , perfect for anyone looking to laugh, cry, or simply get lost in a good story. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just getting back into books, this episode will leave you inspired to pick up your next great read. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Dear Diary: Skittles, Cappuccinos, and Teenage Heartache 15:13

23 weeks ago15:13

15:13

Send us a text In this first Dear Diary segment, Kristen shares journal entries from her 16-year-old self, revisiting a short-lived high school crush full of notes, Skittles, and a sweet cappuccino moment. Through the nostalgia and drama, she reflects on how teenage insecurities—like the fear of rejection and caring too much about others’ opinions—still resonate today. Join Kristen for laughs, insights, and a trip down memory lane as she explores how the past shapes us. Plus, share your own stories: What insecurities have stayed with you, and which ones have you overcome? Let’s talk about it! ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Building Better Boundaries: From Burnout to Balance 35:50

23 weeks ago35:50

35:50

Send us a text Kristen and Laura tackle the challenge of setting and maintaining boundaries in both personal and professional spaces. They explore how boundaries can alleviate workplace burnout, improve relationships, and create a healthier balance in life. Laura shares her journey of discovering mindfulness tools like 10-Minute Mindfulness to aid her boundary-setting process, while Kristen emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ boundaries, especially during time off. The episode dives into practical tips, such as managing email with structured checks, staying present, and resisting the urge to overextend. Tune in for relatable stories, actionable advice, and a reminder that boundaries are essential for a more mindful and intentional life. ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Welcome to the Conversation: Why ‘Talk with Kristen (with an E)’ is Your New Favorite Escape 12:05

24 weeks ago12:05

12:05

Send us a text In this introductory episode, Kristen (with an E) shares the heart behind her podcast, blending personal quirks, a love for nostalgia, and her journey of self-discovery. Learn what inspired her to create a space for real conversations about friendships, people-pleasing, burnout, and more. Whether you’re here to laugh, think, or connect, this podcast is your new place for relatable stories and thought-provoking chats—because it’s cheaper than therapy. Her favorite nostalgic Instagram content creators: retr0avocado , jennaabarclay , overthemoonfaraway ; shinypretties ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Signs, Stress Buckets, and Self-Awareness 27:32

24 weeks ago27:32

27:32

Send us a text Burnout isn’t just workplace exhaustion—it’s a full-body and mind experience. In this episode, Kristen and Laura define burnout, explore its impact on personal and professional lives, and discuss how to recognize the signs before it's too late. Laura shares her personal journey with burnout, how therapy illuminated the stressors affecting her marriage and work-life balance, and the transformative concept of the "stress bucket." Kristen and Laura dive into the physical and emotional toll of stress, the importance of identifying triggers, and strategies to release pressure before it overflows. From emotional responses like tears to physical signs like a stress rash, they uncover how the body communicates the need for self-care. Tune in to gain insights on managing stress, finding balance, and navigating burnout with intention and awareness. Article mentioned in episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracylawrence/2024/12/10/running-on-empty-how-corporate-cultures-fuel-burnout/ ✨ Connect with Kristen : Instagram | Email…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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Talk with Kristen (with an e) Trailer 1:51

28 weeks ago1:51