Real Chat with Kat

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!

Episodes

Latest Episodes

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4 days ago

55 min

🔁 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
 

Jul 17, 2026

40 min

🔁 REPLAY EPISODEOriginally aired previously—back by popular demand. Some conversations are timeless, and this is one worth revisiting. Whether you're listening for the first time or returning for another listen, we hope this replay offers fresh insights and practical takeaways for your personal growth journey.In this episode I sit down with Todd Bertsch, a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and positive intelligence coach, to dive into the transformative power of mindset shifts. We explore how positive intelligence can rewire your brain, helping you move from fear-based “saboteur” thinking to a more empowering “sage” perspective. Todd shares practical strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, building mental resilience, and finding opportunity in every situation. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative thought patterns or reactive behaviors, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you break free and embrace a more positive, fulfilled life.
 
Meet my guest:Todd Bertsch is a dynamic entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and life-optimization coach who has dedicated his career to helping individuals harness the power of positive intelligence. With a background in digital marketing and leadership, Todd has transformed not only his own life but also the lives of countless others through mindset coaching. After overcoming personal struggles with anger and emotional reactivity, Todd discovered the power of mental fitness and daily mindset practices. Now, he’s on a mission to help others shift their perspectives, find joy in the everyday, and create lasting, positive change. Quote/Piece of Advice: It’s all about Curiosity. If you can lean in, the lens through which you see, everything will change. Connect with Todd:
Website, Linkedin, Facebook, InstagramThe Bolt Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bolt-podcast/id1464938492To 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

Jul 10, 2026

43 min

🔁 REPLAY EPISODE
 
We're bringing back this powerful solo episode because its message is just as meaningful today as when it first aired. In this episode, Kat explores what it truly means to heal out loud—with honesty, grace, and self-trust. Rather than striving for perfection or keeping struggles hidden, she encourages listeners to embrace the reality that healing is messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. Kat shares why shame and isolation can keep us stuck, and how choosing honesty—even in small moments—creates validation, connection, and lasting growth. Through personal reflections and real-life examples, she explains how recognizing old patterns isn't a sign of failure but an opportunity to practice new responses and integrate what we've learned.
 
The conversation also highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries as you evolve, extending grace to yourself through imperfect progress, and celebrating even the smallest victories. You'll be invited to reflect on one truth you're ready to embrace and one truth you're ready to release as you continue your own healing journey. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this episode, we hope it offers encouragement, perspective, and the reminder that healing doesn't have to be perfect—it simply has to be real.
 
Quote/Piece of Advice: You don't have to heal alone, and you are not the only one trying to heal alone. 
 
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

Jul 3, 2026

46 min

In this deeply reflective episode, I reconnect with Jon Kohrs to explore his transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and authenticity. Jon opens up about the courage it takes to peel back the layers of conditioning and face oneself fully, likening the process to a snake shedding its skin. We dive into the power of symbolism—falcons, lotuses, and hawks—as guides in personal growth, and discuss how these metaphors have shaped our perspectives. Jon shares insights from his upcoming book Horribly Lovely, where he reflects on fatherhood, relationships, and finding “home” within himself. Together, we emphasize the beauty in embracing every part of one’s journey, including past mistakes and struggles.
Meet my guest: Jon Kohrs is a design coach, consultant, and author who helps individuals and corporate teams transform the way they work and live. Growing up on a small farm in Kansas with therapist parents, Jon developed a deep interest in organizing chaos and fostering growth—both in the external world and within himself. He uses the Enneagram in his coaching practice to guide teams and individuals through unlearning old patterns and embracing new, authentic ways of being. Jon’s writing weaves together spiritual and psychological narratives, offering raw, honest reflections on love, transformation, and the human experience. His upcoming book Horribly Lovely is a testament to his journey through personal struggles, fatherhood, and self-acceptance.
Quote/Piece of Advice: Keep digging for your deepest story for that mythic tale. Let yourself be shattered….let yourself see what's the truth that's emerging inside of you.
Connect with Jon:LinkedIn, Instagram, His Book
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
 

Jun 26, 2026

55 min

In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, we dive into neurodivergence, ADHD in women, burnout, entrepreneurship, and the pressure of hustle culture. We explore how many women go undiagnosed for years due to internalized symptoms, often being labeled as anxious or overwhelmed, until life changes—like perimenopause—bring everything into focus.
We also talk about urgency culture, social media overwhelm, and the belief that we are “behind” in life or business. This conversation opens the door to a different way of thinking: simplifying your business, trusting your natural rhythms, and using tools like journaling to create clarity instead of chaos.
Meet my guest
Angela is the creator of the Calm Ambition framework and works with neurodivergent founders and leaders to build businesses aligned with their strengths. Her work is rooted in strategy, education, and human performance, helping people move away from overwhelm and toward sustainable success.
Her own journey into this work began while raising neurodivergent children, which later led to her own ADHD diagnosis in mid-life. Her message is simple but powerful: you are not broken—the ruler is.
Quote/Piece of Advice: When you're constantly filtering noise, you can't ever hear that voice, that internal voice.
 
Connect with Angela:
LinkedIn, 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
 

Jun 19, 2026

50 min

In this episode
Fear is something every single one of us experiences, yet most of us spend our lives trying to avoid it. In this powerful conversation, Kat sits down with Sabrina Shafer to explore a different perspective—what if fear isn't something to conquer, but something to learn from? Together, they discuss how fear can become a guide toward growth, confidence, and authenticity. From overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing to building self-confidence through uncomfortable action, this episode dives into the mindset shifts that can transform the way you approach challenges.
Sabrina shares her practical "Fear Forward" philosophy, while Kat reflects on her own journey of learning to embrace authenticity, celebrate others, and stop letting fear dictate her decisions. If you've ever felt stuck, afraid of judgment, or hesitant to take the next step toward something meaningful, this conversation will leave you inspired to move forward—even when fear comes along for the ride.Meet my guestSabrina Shafer is an investor, entrepreneur, behavioral analyst, keynote speaker, and the creator of the Fear Forward framework. As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and a tech founder with multiple successful exits, Sabrina has built a career helping individuals and organizations navigate change, unlock growth, and lead with confidence. Known for her high-energy presentations, sharp humor, and science-backed approach, Sabrina specializes in simplifying complex human behaviors into actionable strategies that create real results. Through her Fear Forward philosophy, she empowers people to stop waiting until they're fearless and start taking action despite their fears—creating opportunities, growth, and transformation along the way. Her story, insights, and practical wisdom make this an unforgettable conversation for anyone ready to step outside their comfort zone and discover what's possible on the other side of fear.Quote/Piece of Advice: There might be something really awesome over here waiting for you if you're just willing to try, just willing to be scared and show up anyway.Connect with Sabrina:Website, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedInTo 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
 

Kat Polsinelli 

Speaker | DV Advocate | Community Builder

 

What if the life you're living was never fully chosen by you?

For most people, the answer to that question lands somewhere uncomfortable. Because the truth is — most of us are out here living by someone else's script. The beliefs we were handed as kids. The roles we were assigned — unconsciously. The version of ourselves we built just to survive.

Kat Polsinelli knows that territory well. As a DV survivor, a single mother, and someone who had to burn the old script down before she could write her own — she built The Dragon Reclaimed Community for the people who are done performing who they were told to be and ready to step into who they actually choose to be.

She is a TEDx speaker, 2x International Bestselling Co-Author, and host of Real Chat with Kat — a top 5% globally ranked podcast airing on 6 radio stations across 6 states. But what people remember most isn't the credentials. It's that she's already been where they're standing. And she knows the way through.

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