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

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

#Society #Conversations #Kristen #Fitness #Relationship #Mental Health

16:32

You’re busy—but are you actually growing? In this episode, Nata Salvatori exposes a trap that’s costing service providers time, money, and sanity: chasing busywork that feels productive but doesn’t move the needle. She walks through a clear, five-step growth path—from clarifying your offer, validating through real sales, delivering sustainably, building repeatable systems, to scaling confidently. You’ll learn: How to spot and ditch “fake work” Why clarity beats complexity every time How to use real feedback to validate your offers Delivery tips that prevent burnout System creation that enables scaling How to honor your current phase of growth 📌 Ready to stop spinning your wheels and make real moves? Map your phase, pick your next action, and don’t be afraid to ask for help: 👉 accidentalceo.co/coaching Support the show…

about a year ago 48:18

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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

31 episodes

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

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

✨ Connect with Kristen: Instagram | Email

31 episodes

#Society #Conversations #Kristen #Fitness #Relationship #Mental Health

All episodes

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Let This Be the Summer: The Pause Before What’s Next 24:10

24 days ago24:10

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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1
From Daydream to Download: Season One Reflections 23:19

4 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Let’s Catch Up: 10 Things I’m Loving Right Now 31:32

5 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Sparkle, Belonging, and Radical Self-Acceptance: Final Book Club Wrap-Up 49:05

6 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Breaking the Mold: Redefining Financial Power for Women 53:22

7 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Out Loud and Off the Bench: The Lies That Keep Us Playing Small 50:42

7 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Glitter, Grit, and Growing into Yourself 52:27

8 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Quit Performing, Start Belonging: Lies That Keep Us from Real Connection 48:18

8 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Busy Isn’t Better: Reclaiming Peace and Presence 59:52

9 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
The Lies We Tell Ourselves: From Perfection to Pretending 46:33

9 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Bootcamp, Babies, and Bonded for Life: Amber & Paige’s Friendship Story 37:29

10 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
We’re All a Hot Mess (And It’s Fine): Book Club Begins! 44:10

10 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Found in Friendship: When Age Doesn’t Matter and Realness Does 41:58

11 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

1
Miles Apart, Close at Heart: Navigating Long-Distance Friendship 42:49

12 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…

Talk with Kristen (with an e)

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

13 weeks ago1:02:34