The Kristen Boss Podcast

Kristen Boss
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The Kristen Boss Podcast is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating major life transitions who want to build something that truly sustains them. Host Kristen Boss, co-founder of Sondera and bestselling author of "Pivot to Purpose," brings you vulnerable, unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to create aligned, sustainable success. After building and walking away from a $20 million business, Kristen has learned that true success isn't just about building businesses—it's about building a life that can sustain you through everything. Each episode features solo deep dives where Kristen shares real-time insights on the questions she's sitting with and the challenges she's navigating, plus conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and everyday people who've figured out how to thrive through major pivots. Whether you're building a company, raising kids, navigating a major transition, or simply trying to figure out what fulfillment actually means, this show explores entrepreneurship that feels aligned and approachable, high performance that impacts all areas of life, and what it truly means to evolve, change, grow, and pivot. This is for anyone ready to stop chasing someone else's version of success and go deeper into what's possible when you lead with intention. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you practical wisdom for living and leading authentically in a world that often demands otherwise.

  1. 4D AGO

    245. Emotional Health Is the Strategy: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Lee

    In this raw and powerful episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Chris Lee—executive consultant, leadership expert, and nervous system educator—for a deeply human conversation that challenges how we think about emotional regulation, productivity, and performance. Together, they unpack why mindset alone isn’t enough, why burnout is more than just a busy calendar, and how unresolved emotional patterns are silently influencing everything from our parenting to our leadership. Chris shares vulnerably from his own story of grief, trauma, and growth—and offers practical insights for learning how to regulate before you rewire. Whether you're a high performer stuck in overdrive or a parent trying to model emotional intelligence at home, this episode will shift your perspective in the best possible way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why nervous system health is the real key to sustainable successThe difference between strategic burnout and emotional burnoutThe two most common dysregulated response types—and how to spot themHow to identify and work with your “parts” (IFS therapy breakdown)Why overstimulation (infobesity) is killing creativity and clarityChris’s personal story of loss, self-leadership, and healingHow to model nervous system regulation for your kidsWhy self-care is leadership, not luxury Key Takeaways: “If the flower doesn’t bloom, you don’t blame the flower—you change the environment.”High performance without regulation is a fast track to burnout.Information is no longer behind the paywall—implementation is.Kids learn emotional regulation not by what we say, but by how we live.“Regulate first. Rewire second.” About the Guest: Dr. Chris Lee is a behavioral neuroscientist, executive coach, and founder of Elemental Shift Consulting, a leadership and wellness company helping individuals and organizations build emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven systems. Every month, Dr. Chris reaches over 30 million people through his content—teaching executives, creators, and everyday humans how to better understand and befriend their nervous systems. His work focuses on the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, emotional regulation, and modern leadership—guiding people to live more purposeful, productive lives by aligning biology with intention. He’s also the host of Wired for Wonder, a podcast that explores the habits, rituals, and perspectives of high-performing individuals living with meaning, creativity, and heart. Outside of consulting and content creation, Dr. Chris is a devoted homeschooling father to his extraordinary daughter and—like the rest of us—is still learning to take care of himself. To learn more, follow him on social media a href="https://www.instagram.com/drchrislee/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    49 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    244. Success, Surrender, and the Spirit of Wisdom with Pedro Adao

    In this deeply honest and thought‑provoking conversation, Kristen sits down with entrepreneur, teacher, and innovator Pedro Adao to explore what it really means to pursue success without losing yourself in the process. As a new year begins and goals feel bigger than ever, Kristen and Pedro challenge the idea that clarity comes from striving harder. Instead, they unpack the unseen forces that drive ambition—desperation, identity, fear of loss, and the addiction to validation—and how these can quietly sabotage both business and life. Pedro shares his powerful personal story of crashing, burning, and rebuilding after losing everything—his money, reputation, and sense of self—and how wisdom, not hustle, became the foundation of his success. Together, they explore concepts like sober success, the “orphan mindset,” why fear of loss creates the very outcomes we’re trying to avoid, and why many entrepreneurs are unknowingly using success as a substitute for worth. This episode is an invitation to let old versions of yourself die, release what no longer serves you, and step into the new year freer, clearer, and more grounded than ever before. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy desperation and scarcity often masquerade as ambitionHow success can become an addiction—and how to pursue it sober‑mindedThe hidden cost of tying identity to achievement, money, or reputationWhy fear of loss causes people to make their worst decisionsWhat it means to “die to self” in entrepreneurship and leadershipHow losing everything can become the greatest giftWhy loving people and using business—not the other way around—creates lasting successHow wisdom, not tactics, leads to peace, clarity, and sustainable growth Featured GuestPedro Adao is an eight‑figure entrepreneur, teacher, and creator known for pioneering the modern online challenge model used by some of the biggest names in marketing today. His work blends timeless wisdom, spiritual principles, and practical business strategy, impacting millions of entrepreneurs worldwide. The 31‑Day Wisdom Challenge (FREE) A live, daily experience exploring timeless wisdom from the Book of Proverbs, designed to help entrepreneurs start the year with clarity, perspective, and purpose. 👉 CLICK HERE to join If this conversation resonated with you: Leave a quick rating and review to help the show reach more listenersTake a screenshot and tag @kristenboss on Instagram (she’ll shout you back!)Explore more resources and ways to work with Kristen at www.kristenboss.com

    1h 6m

  3. 12/16/2025

    243. Coaching Is Not What You Think: The Truth About Real Transformation

    In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Kristen introduces listeners to a few of the powerhouse coaches behind Sondera — Chuck, Dan, Karen, and Nina — some of the real MVPs walking clients through life-altering transformation work every single day. These aren’t just any coaches. They’re trauma-informed, certified in many modalities, and deeply aligned with Sondera’s core mission: helping clients step out of a life lived on autopilot and into a life of conscious design. Kristen and the team peel back the curtain on what coaching really looks like, why it's different from therapy or friendship, and how true transformation happens when safety, trust, and the right tools are in place. Whether you're curious about coaching, struggling to break old patterns, or wondering how to finally make real change stick — this episode is your behind-the-scenes look into the soul of Sondera’s approach and the humans guiding it. In This Episode:Meet four of Sondera’s expert coaches and hear their unique coaching philosophiesWhat coaching is not — and why it’s often misunderstoodThe role of adaptive personality types and nervous system responses in personal growthWhy time management issues are often deeper than just “poor planning”The critical difference between reflection vs. ruminationWhat makes the Sondera process radically different (and wildly effective)Client transformation stories that will give you chills Key Takeaways:Coaching isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about uncovering the truth of who you already areYour survival patterns aren’t your personality — they’re just habits your nervous system learned to stay safeSustainable change isn’t about willpower — it’s about awareness, safety, and supportMen benefit from coaching just as deeply as women, even if the starting point looks differentYou’re not “bad at follow-through” — you’re likely stuck in a subconscious survival responseChange doesn’t come from shame. It starts with self-compassion. Notable Quotes:“We’re not here to fix people — we help them realize they’re both the problem and the solution.” – Karen “If you’re waiting for your circumstances to get better, you’ll wait your whole life. Coaching helps you get better.” – Kristen “Your adaptive personality is not who you are. It’s just how you learned to stay safe.” – Nina “Leadership coaching isn’t just about work. If you’re wonky at home, you’ll bring that to work — and vice versa.” – Chuck “Coaches aren’t your friends. We’re not here to co-sign your comfort. We’re here to protect the story you’re writing with your life.” – Kristen Episode Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome + why this episode is extra special 2:00 – Kristen introduces the vision behind Sondera and its team 3:00 – Meet Karen: executive coach on confidence, clarity, and showing up 6:45 – Meet Chuck: fighting the “default life” and coaching for design 12:30 – Meet Nina: trauma-informed coach bridging mindset and nervous system work 18:40 – Meet Dan: military background, leadership coaching, and redefining resilience 24:00 – Common misconceptions about coaching (especially for men) 33:00 – Why shame never leads to transformation 38:00 – Coaching vs. friendship: why your coach won’t tell you what you want to hear 44:00 – Why you don’t need to “get your ducks in a row” to start coaching 51:00 – The power of assessments, self-awareness, and seeing your growth 1:00:00 – Real client transformation stories from each coach 1:11:00 – Coaching as your “brain trust” to help you write a better story 1:15:00 – Final thoughts + how to explore coaching with Sondera Want to Explore Coaching?If you're tired of repeating...

    1h 14m

  4. 12/08/2025

    242. The Messy Middle

    Description: In this raw and relatable episode, Kristen invites listeners into an honest conversation about one of the most overlooked—but essential—parts of any transformation: the messy middle. From career pivots to personal growth, Kristen shares why this unglamorous phase is where true change actually happens. Using stories from her own life—unexpected setbacks, frustrating gym reps, snow days without WiFi, and even a drooping houseplant—Kristen makes a powerful case for why resilience, self-compassion, and showing up when it’s boring and hard are the keys to sustainable success. Whether you're building something new, working through a tough season, or just tired of not seeing quick results, this episode is a must-listen. Kristen gives practical mindset shifts to help you stick with your goals after the excitement wears off—and before the big wins arrive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why most people quit in the messy middle—and how you can be differentHow boredom, frustration, and slow progress are actually signs you're on the right trackThe importance of building "frustration tolerance"How to retrain your brain to spot micro-wins and signs of lifeWhy downsizing your goals can help you actually follow throughHow to find purpose and pride, even when the results aren’t visible (yet) Key Takeaways:Progress is often quiet, slow, and unsexy—but it's still progress.The “messy middle” isn’t a problem; it’s the process that transforms you.You don’t need motivation to stay committed—you need consistency.Building something meaningful requires boring, repetitive reps over time.Boredom is a gateway to creativity, not something to run from. Timestamps:0:58 – Recording from the basement: Life without internet 2:45 – Why we love beginnings and endings—but struggle with the middle 4:44 – What Kristen’s “skyscraper year” taught her about digging deep foundations 7:34 – Lessons from her daughter’s piano practice (and adult frustration tolerance) 10:13 – Why high achievers struggle when they’re not good at something right away 13:18 – Training your brain to look for signs of life 15:21 – How to stay in the game when results are slow 17:23 – 5 ways to thrive in the messy middle 20:03 – Reflecting on 2025: Measuring internal wins, not just external results Connect with Kristen:Visit www.kristenboss.com for coaching, courses, and more resources. Loved the episode?Screenshot and share it on Instagram—tag @thekristenboss so she can shout you out!Leave a rating and review to help others discover the show.Send it to a friend who’s stuck in the messy middle and needs a dose of real talk

    22 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    241. Hope Hustler: Addicted to the Idea of Change

    Today Kristen Boss pulls back the curtain on a common struggle so many high-achievers face which is being addicted to the idea of transformation rather than the actual process of it. If you’re someone who constantly finds themselves buying planners, signing up for new programs, and telling yourself, “This time will be different” only to fizzle out days later? This episode is a must-listen. Kristen introduces the concept of the “Hope Hustler”: someone hooked on the emotional high of fresh starts but who struggles to stay committed when the novelty wears off. She breaks down the psychology behind this pattern, the nervous system’s role in resistance, and how our obsession with speed and excitement keeps us from real transformation. Kristen also outlines a better way forward — one that prioritizes sustainability, nervous system regulation, and a grounded approach to growth. Key Takeaways:Why dopamine and novelty trick us into starting but not finishingHow being a “Hope Hustler” erodes self-trust over timeThe four nervous system stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and how they show up in goal-settingWhy tolerating boredom is essential for long-term successThe true cost of chasing intensity over intentionalityHow to build a relationship with process, not just outcomes Resources & Links:If you’re a Hope Hustler, you need to be at the 3-Day Success Rewire Challenge happening December 8-10th! Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome + Quick Event Announcement 2:00 – The dopamine hit of fresh starts 5:30 – Who is a Hope Hustler? 8:00 – Why desire isn’t the problem — resistance is 13:00 – How our stress responses sabotage progress 19:00 – The cost of false starts and eroded self-trust 25:00 – How to break the Hope Hustler cycle 29:00 – Redefining success: continuity over intensity 32:00 – Final thoughts + How to join the Success Rewire If this episode resonated with you, leave a quick review or share it on Instagram and tag @thekristenboss—she just might repost you! ❤️ For more resources and to connect with Kristen, visit: www.kristenboss.com

    35 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    240. Gratitude in the Hard

    Kristen Boss opens up about the difficult realities of 2025 and how she's navigating grief, loss, and uncertainty with intentional gratitude. As Thanksgiving approaches, Kristen invites listeners into a compassionate, honest conversation about finding meaning in hardship without resorting to toxic positivity. She shares personal stories from her own challenging year and instead of glossing over the pain, Kristen explores how to extract lessons, build resilience, and reclaim agency even when life feels brutally hard. If you're feeling weary, stuck, or overwhelmed heading into the holidays, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a warm hug. Kristen reminds us that we don’t have to wait for life to get better—we get to decide how we show up in the midst of it. Episode Highlights:Kristen’s deeply personal reflection on a difficult yearWhy she rejects toxic positivity and honors emotional honestyHow to find gratitude without bypassing grief or painReframing hardship as a chance to build resilience and self-compassionWhy waiting for external circumstances to change creates powerlessnessTangible advice for reclaiming agency and creating change in your lifeHoliday survival tips for navigating tricky family dynamics with grace Call to Action:Register for the 3-Day Success Rewire happening December 8–10 12pm CT each day. Join this event BEFORE you buy the pretty planner for 2026. This reset designed to help you become the consistent, empowered version of yourself in 2026—without relying on another planner or resolution. Timestamps:0:00 — Welcome + Thanksgiving reflections 1:20 — A hard year and why this episode had to be different 3:30 — Kristen’s personal stories: grief, health scares, and life transitions 6:40 — Resilience through adversity 9:20 — The myth of January 1st as a magical reset 11:00 — How to be the agent of change in your own life 13:00 — Holiday mindset hacks and boundary tips 14:30 — Final encouragement and sign-off Share the Love:If this episode resonated with you, leave a quick review or share it on Instagram and tag @thekristenboss—she just might repost you! ❤️ For more resources and to connect with Kristen, visit: www.kristenboss.com

    16 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    239. Guilt Driven Goals: How They Set You Up to Fail

    This week Kristen Boss dives deep into a sneaky and self-sabotaging pattern that shows up in goal-setting—guilt-driven goals. As the end of the year approaches, many people fall into the trap of using shame and guilt to set overcompensating goals, only to end up feeling burned out, unmotivated, and even more disconnected from themselves. Kristen breaks down how guilt-fueled goals are rooted in shame rather than genuine desire, and why they often lead to failure, burnout, and eroded self-trust. She challenges listeners to shift their goal-setting framework from punishment to purpose, offering tangible questions and mindset shifts to help you set kinder, self-honoring goals that actually stick. Plus, Kristen shares personal anecdotes, coaching insights from inside her Sonara Signature membership, and offers a sneak peek into her upcoming 3-Day Challenge: The Success Rewire—designed to help you radically shift how you approach goals in 2026. Key Takeaways:Guilt-driven goals are reactionary and come from shame, not purpose.These goals often ignore your current season, bandwidth, and values.Guilt only creates short-term compliance—not sustainable change.Self-compassion and values-based goals create lasting motivation.Small, kind, consistent goals build self-trust and long-term success. Questions to Reflect On:Is this goal coming from shame or desire?Would I still want this goal if no one was watching?Does this goal feel kind and aligned with my current season of life? Mentioned in This Episode:🌟 The Success Rewire — Kristen’s new 3-day event to help you set meaningful goals that align with your values and create lasting results. Just $9 to join! 📅 Dates: December 8–10 | Replay available | Get your ticket here. Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + intro to guilt-driven goals 01:54 – Year-end urgency and the guilt trap 04:34 – Upcoming 3-day event: The Success Rewire 06:18 – Real-life coaching example of a guilt-driven goal 09:11 – How shame hijacks your objectivity 14:56 – Guilt goals vs. kind, values-based goals 22:36 – How your nervous system reacts to shame 25:23 – The hidden cost: eroded self-trust 29:33 – Turning guilt into sustainable change 32:00 – Anchoring goals in identity and self-love 35:32 – The slow and sustainable path 37:53 – Kristen’s personal reflections on failure and resilience

    39 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    238. The Moral Crisis of Marketing

    Episode Summary: In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Kristen opens up about the emotional challenges of the past year, including the unexpected loss of her beloved dog Hank. But this conversation is about much more than personal hardship—Kristen invites listeners into her raw reflections on the moral dilemma of marketing, the unhealthy patterns often baked into the personal development space, and how the industry subtly preys on people’s insecurities. She shares powerful insights from behind the scenes of entrepreneurship, including conversations with high-level business leaders who are grappling with the same ethical concerns. Kristen explores the difference between building a business from empowerment versus shame, and why she’s committed to creating sustainable, holistic success through her new venture, Sondera. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of clarity, challenged thinking, and the motivation to pursue growth from a place of wholeness—not hustle. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of burnout, tired of the same old formulas, and ready to rewire success on their own terms. What You'll Learn:Why fast fixes and dopamine-driven purchases keep us stuckThe hidden ways marketing tactics prey on fear and urgencyThe difference between empowered growth and shame-based actionWhy so many people struggle to implement what they’ve learnedKristen’s behind-the-scenes journey in building a truly holistic business modelHow to break the cycle of self-growth shame and finally experience sustainable change Key Takeaways:Success isn't just about results—it's about how we become in the process.The personal development industry often teaches transformation from a place of lack. It’s time to shift that.You don’t need more strategy. You need better tools for implementation.Buying from panic and shame rarely leads to lasting transformation. Empowered decisions do. 🎉 Special Announcement:Kristen is hosting a brand new 3-day event: 🎯 The Success Rewire 🗓️ December 8–10 💸 Just $9 This event will help you stop quitting on yourself and finally follow through on the growth you’ve been chasing. No gimmicks. No shame. Just tools that work. Follow @thekristenboss on Instagram for updates and keep an eye on your email. Timestamps:00:00 – Holiday reflections and recent personal losses04:30 – The broken model of hustle-based business building09:20 – A conversation with a high-level entrepreneur on burnout12:45 – The ethical dilemma of scarcity marketing18:40 – The psychology of empowered vs. shame-based purchases23:50 – What Sonera is really about and why it matters27:00 – Announcing the 3-Day Event: The Success Rewire32:00 – Breaking the cycle of self-growth shame35:00 – Final thoughts and invitation Connect with Kristen:Instagram: @thekristenbossWebsite: www.kristenboss.com or www.sonderalife.com If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you rethink success—share it on Instagram and tag @thekristenboss. She might just shout you out!

    35 min
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About

The Kristen Boss Podcast is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating major life transitions who want to build something that truly sustains them. Host Kristen Boss, co-founder of Sondera and bestselling author of "Pivot to Purpose," brings you vulnerable, unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to create aligned, sustainable success. After building and walking away from a $20 million business, Kristen has learned that true success isn't just about building businesses—it's about building a life that can sustain you through everything. Each episode features solo deep dives where Kristen shares real-time insights on the questions she's sitting with and the challenges she's navigating, plus conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and everyday people who've figured out how to thrive through major pivots. Whether you're building a company, raising kids, navigating a major transition, or simply trying to figure out what fulfillment actually means, this show explores entrepreneurship that feels aligned and approachable, high performance that impacts all areas of life, and what it truly means to evolve, change, grow, and pivot. This is for anyone ready to stop chasing someone else's version of success and go deeper into what's possible when you lead with intention. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you practical wisdom for living and leading authentically in a world that often demands otherwise.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristen Boss
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Kristen Boss Podcast

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