Talk with Kristen (with an e)
Join Kristen for honest conversations about burnout, boundaries, confidence, and what it really looks like to grow through life’s in-between seasons. With a mix of solo episodes and guest conversations, she dives into the thoughts we overthink, the patterns we’re trying to break, and the person we’re becoming.
Real talk. Real growth. Real life. It’s like therapy, just without the bill.
Episodes
47 episodes
From Punky Power to Sparkly Shoes: The Girls Who Shaped Me
In this solo episode, Kristen reflects on the TV and movie characters who quietly helped shape the woman she became.From Punky Brewster’s fearless individuality and fierce loyalty, to Mary Richards’ quiet confidence in a male-dominated w...
From Bubbly to Flat: What Burnout Really Feels Like
In this episode, Kristen sits down with returning guest Emily to talk about burnout and the version that often goes unnoticed: hidden burnout.They explore what it looks like to keep showing up, performing well, and checking all the boxes...
Kristin Hannah Broke Us | Our Favorite Books and Hot Takes
Kristen is joined by returning guest Alexis for a long overdue deep dive into Kristin Hannah and her unforgettable books. After teasing this conversation in a previous episode, they finally sit down to talk all things Kristin Hannah, from how t...
Reading for Joy, Not the Goal: So Many Books, So Little Time
In this episode, Kristen is joined by Alexis for a relaxed conversation about books, reading goals, and rediscovering the joy of reading. One year after setting their reading goals, they look back at the books they loved, the ones that surprise...
Teacher’s Pet to Burned Out Adult: When Competence Becomes a Mask
In this vulnerable and thought provoking conversation, Kristen and returning guest Emily explore what it means to treat competence like a costume. They unpack the pressure to be the good girl, the teacher’s pet, the high achiever, the boss who ...
Boundaries in Motherhood: You Are Not a Bad Mom
In this episode of Talk with Kristen (with an e), Kristen and returning guest Alexis explore boundaries in parenting and how they shift across different seasons of motherhood. While boundaries are often discussed in professional settings, this ...
From Burnout to Self Acceptance: Starting Season Three
In the first episode of Season Three, Kristen reflects on what she has learned from the first two seasons of the podcast and how those lessons are shaping the next chapter. Through personal stories and honest reflection, she revisits recurring ...
No Resolutions, Just Intentions: The Ins and Outs of 2026
In this episode, Kristen is joined by returning guest Emily for a thoughtful conversation about redefining the new year without resolutions. Instead of chasing surface level goals, they explore intentional living through personal ins and outs f...
Grit and Grace in an Unfinished Season
As Season 2 comes to a close, Kristen opens up about unmet expectations, creative pauses, and the emotional weight of feeling like she fell short. She reflects on why fewer episodes did not mean less impact, shares stories of connection with li...
Planning, Goals, and Life’s Unexpected Turns with Alexis
In this episode, Kristen welcomes back Alexis to talk all things planning, goal setting, and making the most of everyday life. They dive into strategies for achieving personal and professional goals, the importance of meal planning, and finding...
When the Answer is No: Learning Resilience Through Rejection
In this heartfelt solo episode, Kristen opens up about a recent moment of disappointment in her family and reflects on what resilience really looks like in real life. Using stories from her son’s basketball tryouts and lessons from her own care...
Seasons of Change: Friendship, Gratitude, and Growing Where You Are
In this warm and reflective episode, Kristen reunites with returning guest Caity for a conversation that feels like your favorite fall sweater — comforting, familiar, and full of meaning. Together they explore seasons in every sense: the shift ...
Touch Grass: Escaping the Scroll and Reconnecting with Reality
In this thoughtful and funny conversation, Kristen welcomes back Caity for a real-talk episode about boredom, overstimulation, and what it actually means to “touch grass.” Together they explore how our phones have quietly become both comfort an...
Breaking Up with Social Media: Nostalgia, Boundaries, and Reclaiming Connection with Caity
In this candid conversation, Kristen and guest Caity reflect on their social media journeys -- from the nostalgic days of MySpace and Xanga to the algorithm-driven feeds of today. They explore the shift from authentic connection to curate...
Scooping Up Life Lessons: From Ice Cream Cones to Leadership
In this episode, Kristen shares how her first job at an ice cream shop became the foundation for the way she leads today. Earning just $5.25 an hour, she learned lessons far more valuable than her paycheck about accountability, empowering other...
From Pause to Play: Relaxed, Recharged, and Returning
In the season two premiere, Kristen warmly welcomes listeners back after an extended summer break, sharing a personal update and reflections from her “pause and playback” time. She recounts a summer filled with relaxation, growth, and memorable...
Let This Be the Summer: The Pause Before What’s Next
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...
From Daydream to Download: Season One Reflections
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, c...
Let’s Catch Up: 10 Things I’m Loving Right Now
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 beaut...
Sparkle, Belonging, and Radical Self-Acceptance: Final Book Club Wrap-Up
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 ...
Breaking the Mold: Redefining Financial Power for Women
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 sa...
Out Loud and Off the Bench: The Lies That Keep Us Playing Small
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 f...
Glitter, Grit, and Growing into Yourself
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 shr...
Quit Performing, Start Belonging: Lies That Keep Us from Real Connection
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. ...
Busy Isn’t Better: Reclaiming Peace and Presence
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 rese...