Real Chat with Kat

Kat Polsinelli

Welcome to Real Chat with Kat — the podcast that’s all about real conversations for real transformation. I’m your host, Kat Polsinelli, and here we tackle the tough stuff — the pivots, the challenges, and the victories that shape our lives and businesses. From overcoming trauma and finding your voice to navigating life’s unexpected twists, we get raw, honest, and open with inspiring guests who share their stories of resilience, healing, and growth. Whether it’s breaking through emotional abuse, embracing self-worth, or thriving in entrepreneurship, you’ll find connection, empowerment, and tools to keep moving forward. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for stories that hit home and conversations that make a difference. Let’s get real — together!

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Your Body Is Asking You to Slow Down w/ Maria Angelova

    In this episode: We dive deep into the mind-body connection and explore why so many high-achievers and adults are living in constant stress, tension, or pain—and calling it “normal.” Maria Angelova shares practical strategies to reclaim vitality, regulate your nervous system, and rewire old patterns that no longer serve you. From recognizing the body’s signals to shifting from survival mode to creativity, clarity, and calm, this episode is a guide to thriving, not just surviving.   Meet my guest: Maria Angelova is the Founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl., where she helps high-achieving professionals reconnect with their bodies, reset their nervous systems, and reclaim energy, focus, and calm. With her science-backed, soul-led Angelova Method, she empowers people to listen to their bodies, transform old habits, and embrace small, consistent steps for lasting change. Maria’s grounded, insightful, and empowering approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge the “normalized” suffering of burnout, pain, and stress.   Quote/Piece of Advice: We are meant to thrive in body, in mind, and spirit.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamangelova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.body.expert Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themindbodyexpert TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindbodyexpert Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.angelova.39750/   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    53 min
  2. JAN 23

    How Forgiveness Transforms Trauma Into Freedom w/ Karen Whelan

    In this episode: We dive deep into the nature of trauma, healing, and reclaiming your authentic self. Karen Whelan guides us through understanding how trauma shapes our self-story, the protective “armor” we carry, and how forgiveness can act as a powerful catalyst for freedom. We explore practical insights from her integrated approach, combining psychotherapy, body-based awareness, tantra, and shamanic practices to help individuals rise above pain, reconnect with their true selves, and discover purpose beyond their experiences. This conversation is a reminder that you are bigger than your past and that healing is a journey of mind, body, and spirit.   Meet my guest: Karen Whelan is a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience and a deep background in Jungian, Freudian, and integrative psychotherapy. She is also a trained shamanic medicine woman, tantra practitioner, and five-time international best-selling author. As a global speaker and retreat leader, Karen has guided thousands of clients toward transformation, helping them release self-judgment, reclaim authenticity, and step into purpose. Her wisdom, experience, and heart-centered approach make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of themselves.   Quote/Piece of Advice: Who I am is bigger and more expansive than the experience I'm encountering.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-soulution-therapist-732b4817 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.soulution.therapist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RRvA5qy9f/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: www.soukutiontherapy.com   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    48 min
  3. JAN 16

    Best of Building Your Brand: Thru Alignment, Podcasting, & Emails

    In this episode: We’re doing something special! This episode brings together the most powerful moments, insights, and lessons from three incredible past conversations on Real Chat with Kat. You’ll hear highlights that explore authentic branding, meaningful visibility, soulful storytelling, business growth, and leading with purpose. It’s a blend of strategy, inspiration, creativity, and heart — designed to remind you what’s possible when you build a business aligned with who you truly are. Expect mindset shifts, practical takeaways, and the kind of wisdom that stays with you long after listening.   Meet my guests: This mashup features three extraordinary women who each bring their own brilliance to the table. Fru Pinter shares how passion, values, and creativity shape authentic branding and purpose-driven business. Noemi Beres offers powerful perspective on podcast guesting, connection, and building genuine visibility that makes a real impact. Joanne Homestead brings soulful insight into email storytelling, consent-based marketing, and communicating with heart. Together, they create an inspiring, empowering, and deeply human listening experience you won’t want to miss.   Want to dive deeper into their full episodes? Listen here:   Fru Pinter https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-authentic-brands-aligning-with-passion/id1652097553?i=1000683456034&l=ar   Noemi Beres https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boost-your-brand-through-podcast-appearances-with/id1652097553?i=1000685287969   Joanne Homestead https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-power-of-audacious-authenticity-in-emails-w/id1652097553?i=1000684368561   Connect with Fru Pinter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frupinter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frudive/ Website (branding): https://fru.plus/ Website (activewear): https://drydreams.co/   Connect with Noemi Beres LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemiberes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noemi_beres_/ Website: www.podcastconnections.co   Connect with Joanne Homestead LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannehomesteadcopywriter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desk.plant.creatives/ Website: https://deskplantcreatives.com/ Free Resource: https://deskplantcreatives.com/   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    36 min
  4. JAN 9

    Beyond Diets: How Evolutionary Nutrition Empowers Your Health w/ Annika Ek

    In this episode: We dive into the transformative power of holistic health and wellness with a focus on midlife and beyond. Annika Ek, a seasoned Evolutionary Nutritionist, shares her personal journey from struggling with digestive issues to embracing a natural approach to healing. She introduces us to her unique Evolutionary Nutrition™ framework, a powerful 3-part approach to sustainable wellness. We explore the key elements of self-compassion, understanding one’s genetic and metabolic needs, and overcoming inner resistance to make lasting changes. Annika also provides insights into the profound hormonal shifts women experience during perimenopause and menopause, describing it as "puberty in reverse." This episode is packed with practical advice and empowering perspectives for anyone navigating the inner transformations.   Meet my guest: Meet Annika Ek, R.H.N., the inspiring mind behind Evolutionary Nutrition™ and the founder of TrulyU Evolutionary Nutrition. Annika’s holistic approach combines modern science with ancient wisdom, helping women reach their health and life goals through deep, lasting transformation. With a dedication to supporting women through midlife’s unique challenges, Annika emphasizes letting go of societal expectations and embracing this next chapter with authenticity and self-compassion. Through her community programs and expert insights, she guides her clients toward health practices that help them rediscover purpose and passion. Join us as Annika shares her wisdom on health, habits, and stepping fully into your next self.   Quote/Piece of Advice: It’s the habits that you create, that lead you to making the choices that will shape your life.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annikaek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_nutrition/ Website: https://www.trulyu.com/   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    45 min
  5. JAN 2

    How to Stop Dieting and Start Living Healthy w/ Claudia Isla

    In this episode: We dive into sustainable health habits for 2026 and why resolutions rarely work. I share practical strategies to help you build simple, stackable routines that actually stick, combat decision fatigue, and make healthy eating easier with short, effective ingredient prep. We also discuss the 80/20 rule for balanced eating, enjoyable movement for women over 40, and mindset shifts that help you focus on personal health, self-love, and long-term wellness. This episode is full of actionable tips to help you stop starting over and finally create habits that support an upgraded, maintainable lifestyle.   Meet my guest: Claudia Isla is a Holistic Health Coach empowering busy women over 40 to drop unwanted inches and pounds for good — without restrictive diets or grueling workouts. Compassionate, practical, and inspiring, Claudia brings real-world strategies to help women feel strong, energized, and confident. In this conversation, she shares her wisdom on building sustainable routines, balancing nutrition, and creating a healthy lifestyle that fits real life.   Quote/Piece of Advice: It's so important to take an enjoyable approach to fitness.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-isla-ba1a90358/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_isla_bonita777/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachclaudiaisla/   Get your free guide now: https://members.claudiaisla.com/break-up-with-junk   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    49 min
  6. 12/19/2025

    How to Speak Up with Confidence w/ Joan Stenzler

    In this episode: We dive into a powerful conversation about self-advocacy, emotional safety, and confident communication. I explore why so many of us internalize discomfort, blame ourselves for other people’s behavior, and struggle to speak up. From the power of assertive silence with communication saboteurs to scripting and rehearsing difficult conversations, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and protect your peace. If you’ve ever felt labeled as “too much” or questioned whether your words matter, this conversation will remind you that your voice is important—and you’re allowed to use it.   Meet my guest: Joan Stenzler is a licensed psychotherapist, coach, and inspirational speaker with over 30 years of experience supporting women in finding their voice and embracing emotional safety. Warm, insightful, and deeply intuitive, Joan blends her expertise in psychotherapy, mindfulness, and body-centered healing to empower women to communicate confidently and advocate for themselves without guilt. In this episode, she shares actionable strategies for building confidence, navigating difficult conversations, and surrounding yourself with supportive, positive energy. Joan’s guidance is both practical and inspiring, offering listeners a roadmap to authentic self-expression and personal sovereignty.   Quote/Piece of Advice: You're not weak. You're not weak for crying. You're not weak for feeling. You're not weak for being.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joan.stenzler/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stenzlerjoan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-stenzler-lcsw-sep-8155827/ Website: https://www.youramazingjourney.com   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    56 min
  7. 12/12/2025

    How Authentic Messaging Attracts Your Best Clients w/ M. Shannon Hernandez

    In this episode: Kat and her guest dive into a powerful conversation about what it really means to show up authentically in life and business. Together, they explore the concept of Message Sovereignty—why protecting your human voice matters now more than ever—and how intuition can guide some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. From trusting the quiet inner nudges to recognizing the transformative 35–40 Revelation that so many leaders experience, this episode offers a blend of depth, clarity, and practical wisdom. Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on authenticity, alignment, and the courage it takes to fully claim who you are in your work.   Meet my guest: This week’s guest, M. Shannon Hernandez, is a force in the world of authentic communication. A Messaging & Email Marketing Strategist, she helps purpose-driven founders protect and express their true voice through her Profit-Driven Messaging Ecosystem™. Shannon is a fierce advocate for human-centric messaging and stands boldly against watered-down, generic content. Her intuitive leadership, powerful storytelling, and unwavering commitment to authenticity make her a standout guide for anyone wanting to communicate with more clarity, depth, and truth. Featured nationally and respected globally, Shannon brings heart, strategy, and lived experience into every conversation—and this episode is no exception.   Quote/Piece of Advice: You have to be ready to stand in your truth whatever that truth is.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez/ Website: https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/media/   To connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli   My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

    50 min
5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Welcome to Real Chat with Kat — the podcast that’s all about real conversations for real transformation. I’m your host, Kat Polsinelli, and here we tackle the tough stuff — the pivots, the challenges, and the victories that shape our lives and businesses. From overcoming trauma and finding your voice to navigating life’s unexpected twists, we get raw, honest, and open with inspiring guests who share their stories of resilience, healing, and growth. Whether it’s breaking through emotional abuse, embracing self-worth, or thriving in entrepreneurship, you’ll find connection, empowerment, and tools to keep moving forward. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for stories that hit home and conversations that make a difference. Let’s get real — together!