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. 4h ago

    How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking w/ Leisa Reid

    In this episode Kat sits down with Leisa Reid, The Speaking Strategy Mentor, for an inspiring conversation about Meeting Purpose and finding the courage to use your voice. Together, they explore what it really takes to move past the fear of public speaking and step into authentic, confident communication. Kat and Leisa talk about why you should embody your message instead of memorizing it, how starting small can lead to big opportunities, and why your slides are simply the accessories — you are the presentation. They also dive into preparation, practice, connecting with an audience, adapting to different speaking environments, and shifting your focus from how you're being perceived to the value you're there to share. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that when the value of your message becomes bigger than your fear, everything can change. Your voice matters, your message matters, and there may be someone who needs exactly what you have to say. Meet my guest Leisa Reid is known as The Speaking Strategy Mentor and is the Founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now™ and CEO of the International Speaker Network™. With more than 600 talks delivered and nine books authored, Leisa helps business owners expand their impact beyond one-on-one work through the power of speaking. Leisa believes speaking isn't simply about giving a great talk — it's about creating a strategy to get booked, stay booked, and attract clients through the lifetime of your business. Her down-to-earth approach helps experts confidently share their message, grow their business, and create the impact they were meant to make — without the pressure to be perfect or “salesy.” When she isn't mentoring speakers, Leisa enjoys 80s music, live concerts, and life in Southern California with her family. Quote/Piece of Advice: Do what makes your heart sing. That's really why we're here. Connect with Leisa: Website: https://GetSpeakingGigsNow.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisareid/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leisa.reid.2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getspeakinggigsnow/ To connect with your host Kat: @KatPolsinelli My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

  2. Sep 4

    Quantum Healing, Intuition & Self-Trust w/ Wendy Hutchinson

    In this episode What happens when you stop living for everyone else’s expectations and start trusting yourself? In this powerful conversation, Wendy Hutchinson and I dive into intuition, self-trust, trauma, energy, quantum healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your authentic self. We explore why intuition isn’t a special gift reserved for a select few, how unresolved trauma can continue to weigh us down, and what it looks like to release the expectations and patterns that keep us from living fully as ourselves. Wendy also shares her unique perspectives on quantum healing, self-actualization, and learning to recognize and trust those inner nudges. Meet my guest Wendy Hutchinson is a Wisdom Keeper, Quantum Soul Healer, Soul Guide, Author, Podcast Host, and owner of Alinea Life Coaching. Her own journey of transformation began with a powerful message: “Save yourself.” That wake-up call led her to peel away years of people-pleasing, expectations, and conditioning and reconnect with her authentic self. Today, Wendy helps others energetically clear trauma and reconnect their mind, body, and soul. Through her work, she encourages people to release unhealthy family and cultural patterns, trust their intuition, and step more fully into their purpose. Quote/Piece of Advice: You're not here to be a version of you that meets someone else's expectations. You're here to be you. Connect with Wendy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.hutchinson.50 Website & Podcast: https://linktr.ee/WendyHutch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamahutch47/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WendyHutchinson444 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

  3. Aug 28

    Build a Personal Brand Through Authentic Storytelling w/ Marina Byezhanova

    In this episode What does it really mean to build a personal brand that reflects who you are, not just what you do? Kat and Marina Byezhanova dive into personal branding, authentic storytelling, and the fears that often keep entrepreneurs and leaders from sharing their stories. Marina shares why your story is the setting and your message is the main character, along with insights on AI search, earned media, visibility, and why authenticity starts with having the courage to show up as yourself. Meet my guest Marina Byezhanova is the Co-Founder & CEO of Brand of a Leader, a personal branding agency serving entrepreneurs and executives across 12 countries. A member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization for 11 years and Chair of the first EO Women Global Summit, Marina is known for her candid approach to leadership and her contrarian perspective on entrepreneurship. She speaks and writes about personal branding, authentic leadership, and the real emotional experience of being a founder. In this conversation, Marina brings her honesty, expertise, and fresh perspective to building a personal brand that truly reflects you. Quote/Piece of Advice: Have the courage to put yourself out there. Stand out, speak up, and be radically authentic. Connect with Marina: Website: www.brandofaleader.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmarina/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinabyezhanova/ https://www.instagram.com/brandofaleader/ 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

  4. Aug 21

    Functional Health, Gut Health & Stress w/ Jessica Van Antoine

    In this episode What if burnout isn’t just mental or emotional—but physiological? In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, we dive into the connection between chronic stress, burnout, gut health, and the way our bodies respond when we’ve been running on empty for too long. We talk about the “fight or flight” response, how chronic stress can impact digestion, immunity, energy, focus, and overall well-being, and why finding the root cause matters. We also explore the powerful gut-brain connection, functional health and testing, electrolytes, and practical ways to better support your body. Jessica shares the concept of your body having a “bank account”—with healthy habits making deposits and chronic stress, poor sleep, and inflammation making withdrawals. When those withdrawals consistently outweigh the deposits, your body eventually becomes overdrawn.   Meet my guest Jessica Van Antoine has been guiding people toward better health since 2009 through massage therapy, yoga, retreats, and now high-level health strategy. As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, she combines strategic lab testing with personalized coaching to uncover the hidden stressors that may be quietly impacting your health, energy, and ability to thrive. Jessica brings a deeply personal perspective to this work. After experiencing her own breaking point while working 90-hour weeks despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she discovered that burnout can go much deeper than mindset alone. Today, she helps people understand their unique biology and address root causes rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions. As Jessica says, “Your body isn’t the bottleneck. It’s the opportunity.” Quote/Piece of Advice: Your body has the innate intelligence to heal itself unless it does not have their resources.   Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn, Website  Adrenal Mocktail: https://phoenixfunctionalhealth.com/adrenal-mocktail-guide?utm_source=real_chat_with_kat&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=adrenal_mocktail&utm_content=show_notes 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

  5. Aug 14

    Stop Waiting for Motivation and Start Taking Action w/ Robyn Godfrey

    In this episode What if you stopped waiting to feel motivated and simply started? In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, we dive into the powerful idea that meaningful change doesn’t have to begin with a giant leap—it can begin with just 30 seconds. We explore the 30-Second Method, building self-trust by keeping small promises to yourself, taking action before motivation arrives, and shifting from “I want to be” to “I am.” We also talk about comparison, community, identity, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go according to plan. Meet my guest Robyn Godfrey is a TEDx speaker, keynote speaker, author, and creator of The 30-Second Shift™ methodology. After more than 20 years in corporate sales, Robyn decided to make a change. At 47, she started running with just 30 seconds on a treadmill—a tiny decision that eventually led her to complete all six World Marathon Majors and write her bestselling memoir, Running the World. Robyn’s journey is about so much more than running. Through hurricanes, a global pandemic, wildfires, an earthquake, and supporting her husband through Stage 4 throat cancer, she continued pursuing a goal that once seemed impossible. Her story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be naturally talented, perfectly prepared, or endlessly motivated to create extraordinary change. Sometimes, you just need to find your 30 seconds—and start. Quote/Piece of Advice: Find what your 30 seconds is. If you are wanting to accomplish a certain go or dream, you can totally do it.   Connect with Robyn: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube Robyn's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Runners-Odyssey-Struggle-Marathon/dp/B0F8T82X9L TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xUzBNJQgc&list=PLGGJ7mwdsniw 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

  6. Jul 31

    Replay Series | Stop living the Should Life: Be Fulfilled & Fabulous w/ Elle Ballard

    In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live with intention and build a life that feels as good as it looks. Elle Ballard shares her remarkable journey from leading billion-dollar oil and gas projects to creating a thriving global community for multinational women entrepreneurs. Together, we discuss the power of conscious living, holistic life planning, embodiment practices like dance, and letting go of society's "shoulds" to make room for genuine fulfillment. This conversation is filled with practical tools, heartfelt wisdom, and powerful insights to help you align your personal and professional life while reconnecting with your purpose. Meet my guest: Elle Ballard is a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and author who brings decades of international leadership experience into her mission to empower women across the globe. With members from over 23 countries, her Women of the World Network provides a unique space for women in business to thrive while embracing every part of who they are. Elle combines strategy, soul, and embodiment to help others create success that’s deeply aligned—and she’s on a mission to impact 50,000 women in the next five years. Her story and perspective will leave you inspired to pause, reflect, and take aligned action in your own life. Quote/Piece of Advice: Enrich your life and inspire others to do the same. Connect with Elle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elleballard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelleballard Website: elleballard.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/@katpolsinelli

  7. Jul 24

    Replay Series | Meeting Purpose: Embracing Life’s Challenges for Spiritual Growth w/ Ann Jonas

    🔁 REPLAY EPISODE We're bringing back one of our most impactful conversations! Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this episode, this replay is filled with timeless insights on purpose, healing, and personal transformation. In this episode, Kat sits down with Ann Jonas, also known as The Love Messenger, for a soul-stirring conversation about the spiritual journey we're all walking. Together, they explore how life's challenges—the "mud"—aren't obstacles to avoid, but invitations to grow. Ann shares how slowing down, embracing authenticity over perfection, and shifting from a victim mindset to a creator mindset can completely transform the way we experience life. Through vulnerability, presence, and a deeper connection with ourselves, we discover greater freedom, purpose, and inner peace. Meet my guest: Ann Jonas, also known as The Love Messenger, is the founder of The Lotus Path — a space devoted to guiding others back to their true, spiritual nature. With over 25 years of experience as an intuitive bodyworker and birth doula, Ann brings a grounded, holistic approach to healing and growth. Her work centers on helping people walk through life’s most difficult moments with grace, compassion, and curiosity, using them as catalysts for transformation. Through virtual offerings, one-on-one sessions, and her 9-week Sacred Connection program, Ann supports seekers ready to remember who they truly are. Quote/Piece of Advice: My job here, your job here is….the Joy Of Being. J.O.B. Connect with Ann: Youtube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Website 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

5
out of 5
56 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!

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