The Inspired Collective Podcast
The Inspired Collective is a candid podcast for women balancing careers, families, ambition, relationships, and personal growth. Each week, hosts Karli and Renee talk about the pressure to keep up, outdated advice, changing seasons, and what intentional living looks like in a culture of constant doing. The show offers a weekly check-in for listeners who want to pause, shift perspective, and feel less alone in the balancing act. Whether building a career, raising a family, or rethinking direction, the conversations aim to ground, challenge, and remind listeners they are building, not falling behind.
Episodes
Your Past Doesn't Get the Final Say
What if the version of you everyone remembers isn't the version of you anymore?After spending the anniversary of her mom's death with her sister, Karli found herself thinking about the stories we inherit, the labels other people put on us, and how easy it can be to believe our past has already decided our future.In this episode, Karli and Renee talk about reinvention, not the dramatic, b
Girls Trips, Clean Sheets & Songs We Know By Heart
This week on the Inspired Collective, Karli and Renee get delightfully honest about the unofficial list of things that make life better: girls trips, laughing until you cry, blasting songs that transport you back to childhood, fresh sheets after an everything shower, and the tiny moments when someone remembers something meaningful you said months ago. If you have been moving through life
I Probably Shouldn't Admit This
We’ve changed careers, built businesses, raised families, reinvented ourselves more than once and somehow became women in our mid-30s who generally look like we know what we’re doing.Spoiler: we absolutely do not.This week, we’re sharing the things we’re embarrassed to admit—from tying our identities a little too closely to productivity and struggling with parts of motherhood we thought w
Main Character Energy vs. Delusion
A little delusion might actually be necessary to build the life you want.You have to believe you can start the business before you know exactly what you’re doing. Apply for the thing you might be under qualified for. Walk into the room and decide you belong there before anyone else confirms it.That’s the good kind of delusion.But then there’s the other kind...the kind where every ex is a
Stop Saying Sorry....Unless You Should
How many times have you said “sorry” today for something that didn’t actually require an apology?Sorry to bother you. Sorry for asking. Sorry I didn’t text back. Sorry for saying no. Sorry for taking up approximately four inches of aisle seven at Target.This week, we’re talking about our complicated relationship with apologizing—and how Girl, Stop Apologizing first made us realize just ho
One Year, 43 Episodes & Alot to Catch Up On
The Inspired Collective is officially one year old and somehow we have 43 episodes to prove it.After a summer of travel, big life changes, motherhood, moving, slowing down and generally abandoning a few of the plans we swore we were going to accomplish, we’re finally back together for a much-needed catch-up.Renee shares what it’s been like moving in with Patrick, Karli talks about spendin
The Working Mom Group Chat
In this honest, funny conversation, Karli is joined by her friend Katie to talk about the reality of working motherhood, the mental load, the guilt, the invisible responsibility, and the constant tug-of-war between work, family, friendships, and self-care. With school starting the next day for both of their kindergartners, they get real about the chaos of parenting, the importance of a v
The Thank You You Never Said
We talk about gratitude all the time...but what about the thank yous we've carried around for years and never actually said?In this episode, we're diving into the people who quietly changed the course of our lives: the teacher who believed in us, the family that stepped in when no one else could, the mentor who saw potential before we did, or even the stranger whose kindness showed up at
Why the Most Magnetic Women Are a Little Unserious
Somewhere along the way, women were taught that being taken seriously meant becoming serious.Less personality.Less humor.Less color.Less...you.But what if that's exactly backwards?In this episode, we're talking about why the women who leave the biggest impression aren't always the loudest or the most polished—they're the ones who are comfortable being fully themselves.We dive into:Why wom
Stop Saving Your Life for Later: The Bucket List You Forgot You Had
What happened to the dreams we used to talk about so freely?As kids, we dreamed out loud without overthinking it. We wanted to travel, start businesses, learn new skills, move across the country, and live big lives. Somewhere along the way, practicality took over and "maybe someday" became our default answer.In this episode, we're talking bucket lists—the big dreams, the tiny dreams, the
Stop Waiting For Someday
Remember when people used to ask what you wanted to be when you grew up?Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped dreaming out loud. We traded adventure for practicality, postponed the things that light us up, and convinced ourselves we'll finally start living "when life slows down."In this episode, we're talking about bucket lists, but not just the skydiving, safari, or travel kind. We
Our Cringe Confessions: The Things We Should Have Taken To Our Grave
Before we start giving advice in Asking For A Friend, we figured it was only fair to expose ourselves first.In this episode, we're sharing some of our most embarrassing misunderstandings, questionable dating decisions, awkward moments, and stories that still make us cringe years later. From believing walking miles and driving miles were different, to calorie-counting brownie batter, to da
Maybe You're Not Anxious. Maybe You're Overstimulated.
Have you ever felt exhausted before your day even started?Between social media, breaking news, work stress, comparison culture, economic uncertainty, and a never-ending stream of opinions, it feels like everyone is carrying a little more than they were meant to.In this episode, we're talking about anxiety, overstimulation, burnout, and why even people who don't consider themselves anxious
The Advice We’re Unlearning in Our 30s
This week, we’re unpacking the advice we used to believe without question… and whether it actually holds up in real life.From “everything happens for a reason” to “if they wanted to, they would,” we’re talking about the viral one-liners, motivational quotes, and productivity mantras that shaped us, and the ways some of them quietly created guilt, burnout, pressure, and unrealistic expect
Balance Is a Myth (And Maybe That’s Okay)
Everyone says they want balance. Better routines. Better habits. Better work-life boundaries. But what if balance isn’t actually what we’re chasing?In this episode, we’re talking about the uncomfortable truth behind “having it all together” and how so many high-functioning people confuse balance with control. From mental load and perfectionism to social media pressure, hyper-independence,
Good on Paper Isn’t Always Good for You
Not every opportunity is meant for you… even if it looks perfect on paper.In this episode of The Inspired Collective, we’re talking about the pressure to say yes to things that sound impressive, look successful, or make sense to everyone else, while quietly ignoring the part of you that knows it’s not aligned. From relationships and careers to social circles and life decisions, we unpack
BONUS: Designing What’s Next: Luxury Event Trends for 2026
This week’s episode is a little different, and honestly, one of our favorites yet.We’re bringing you live inside NACE Houston’s 2026 Trends event for a candid conversation on where the event industry is headed next. Joined by leaders from BBJ La Tavola and Wolfgang Puck Catering, we talk about the trends shaping weddings, corporate events, and guest experiences across the country.From th
Not Everyone Gets a Seat at Your Table
Friendships look a lot different when you’re no longer just looking for people to go out with, you’re looking for people who truly know you. In this episode, Renee and Karli dive into the evolution of female friendships, from college friendships and seasonal connections to the women who become your safe place in adulthood.They talk about feeling isolated in different phases of life, learn
Are You Easy to Love… or Just Easy to Deal With?
Let’s be honest—a lot of us didn’t learn how to be fully ourselves… we learned how to be easy to love.Not too emotional.Not too needy.Not too complicated.And on the surface? It works.People stay. Things feel fine.But underneath… you’re overthinking everything you say, downplaying what you need, and slowly losing parts of yourself just to keep the peace.In this episode, we’re talking about
Mentorship Isn’t What You Think It Is
Mentorship sounds simple, find someone successful, learn from them, grow. But in reality, it’s a lot more nuanced than that.In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Tarrant to talk about what mentorship actually looks like, from finding the right person to knowing if you’re even ready for it.We get into the difference between mentorship and coaching, why most people are really just lookin
We Probably Shouldn’t Have Said This Out Loud (Dirty 30)
This episode is a little different.To celebrate our “Dirty 30,” we let the conversation go wherever it wanted… and it turns out, that’s exactly where the honesty lives.From overthinking texts and mentally planning our exit from events, to the unspoken rules we all follow in everyday life, we’re talking through the small, oddly specific things we all do, but don’t always say out loud.It’s
The Love Language Gap No One Talks About
You’re showing up. You care. You’re putting in the effort. So why does it still feel like something isn’t landing?In this episode, we’re unpacking the subtle disconnect that happens in relationships when we give love the way we want to receive it… instead of how the other person actually experiences it.From friendships to marriage to everyday interactions, we’re talking about: Why good in
You’re Not Stuck, You’ve Outgrown It with Chef Jorden Dolen
This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered: is this just a hard season… or have I outgrown it?In this episode, we sit down with Jorden Dolan, founder of Savory Events, to talk about what it really looks like to pivot, not out of fear, but out of alignment.From building a successful catering company in California to navigating the chaos of a global disaster, pivoting into travel catering, a
3 Truths That Would’ve Saved Us Years of Overthinking
Overthinking is one of those things that feels like you’re doing something…when really, you’re just keeping yourself stuck.In this episode, we’re sharing three truths we learned the hard way, the kind that would’ve saved us years of going back and forth, second guessing, and waiting to feel “ready.”We talk about why clarity doesn’t come before action, why trying to make decisions that mak
Why Every Conversation Feels Like a Debate Right Now
It feels like something has shifted in the way we talk to each other.Conversations that used to be curious now feel competitive. Disagreements escalate quickly. And instead of trying to understand different perspectives, it can feel like everyone is just trying to prove their point.In this episode, we’re unpacking why so many conversations today feel more like debates than discussions. Fr
Why High Achieving Women Still Feel Restless
You can love your life and still feel a little restless in it. You can hit the goals, build the life, and check all the right boxes… and still feel like something is missing.In this episode, we’re unpacking the quiet restlessness so many high-achieving women carry but rarely talk about out loud. The kind that has nothing to do with being ungrateful or unhappy, and everything to do with ho
Success, Misalignment, and the Way Back
Jodi Scott, founder of Green Goo, has the kind of story that sounds unreal on paper: building a plant-based first aid brand from her kitchen to national retail, selling the company, losing it in a federal investigation and spending 18 months buying it back.But this conversation isn’t really about the chaos or the scale. It’s about what happens when growth pulls you away from what’s true…
The Version of Ourselves We Refused to Become
There was a moment in both of our lives when staying would have been easier. More predictable. More acceptable.Instead, we left.In this episode, we’re sharing the first time we ever bet on ourselves before we had evidence it would work, before there was a backup plan, before there were guarantees, before anyone could validate the decision.From leaving home at sixteen…to quitting a “respon
If You’ve Ever Felt Behind, This Is For You
There’s this quiet fear a lot of women carry: that somehow everyone got the memo… and you’re a few steps behind.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to feel behind, in your career, your relationships, friendships, motherhood, or just life in general, especially when, on paper, everything looks fine.We unpack where that pressure comes from, how comparison messes with your
The Advice That’s Secretly Holding You Back
There’s a lot of advice that sounds good on the surface. The kind that gets reposted, repeated, and praised, but somehow leaves you feeling behind when it doesn’t work for you.In this episode, we unpack some of the most common advice women hear:“You should have it all figured out by now.”“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be easy.”“Everyone has the same 24 hours.”We talk about why these phrases
Where This Podcast is Going (and Why It Matters)
We’re about 20 episodes into this podcast, and today’s conversation feels like an important pause.In this episode, we’re sharing where this podcast is going, why now felt like the right time to get more intentional, and what we hope these conversations become for you moving forward. We talk about who this show is really for, how we want it to fit into your life, and what you can expect fr
How to be a Walking Human connection (Without Being Weird)
In this episode of The Inspired Collective, Karli and Renee are joined by Karli’s friend (and a true walking human connection), Katie Browning—a top-performing sales pro who somehow knows someone everywhere she goes.They talk about how to build real connections without forcing it, faking it, or turning every conversation into a networking pitch. From navigating rooms full of strangers to
Overhyped, Underrated… and the Things People Love to Hate On
In this episode of The Inspired Collective, Renee and Karli talk about the one thing nobody asked for… yet everyone loves to hand out anyway: opinions. From unsolicited “advice” to workplace criticism to family comments that hit a little too hard, we unpack what to take in, what to toss, and how to stop letting outside noise run your life.We also play a rapid-fire round of what’s overhype
Holding On, Letting Go
In this episode, Karli and Renee kick off the new year with an honest conversation about what it looks like to hold on… and what it takes to let go.Karli shares the behind-the-scenes decision to pause a passion project she poured two years into—not because it wasn’t meaningful, but because it started costing her peace, stretching her too thin, and creating misalignment inside the business
The Year That Stretched Us: Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026
In our final episode of 2025, we’re closing out the year with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of reflection. Karli opens up about navigating a strange year in business, unexpected home renovations, and what it looks like to rebuild momentum with intention. Renee shares her own season of massive transition, selling a business, moving cities, starting a new role, and how vulnerability, grow
Is This a Safe Space for Hot Takes? (Asking for a Friend)
In this episode, we’re getting a little spicy with listener-submitted hot takes and our very unfiltered opinions on them. From whether top sheets are pointless and low-rise jeans should’ve stayed in 2003, to tipping culture, CC-ing the boss on every email, and if the 40-hour workweek is completely outdated, nothing is off-limits. We also wade into “Jesus follower in the bio” internet dram
Lets Get Aligned: Office Culture and Wellness for Busy Women
In this episode of The Inspired Collective, Karli and Renee sit down with Houston power duo Dr. Alaina Pagnani and Dr. Jennifer Jones of HealthPro Family Chiropractic to talk about so much more than adjustments.They dive into how Alaina intentionally built a safe, calming, family-friendly space for women and moms, one where you can show up with a screaming toddler, unwashed hair, and sky-
The Conversations We Rehearse in the Shower
This week on The Inspired Collective, Karli and Renee dig into a topic that shows up in every corner of life—relationships, leadership, business, and everything in between: tough conversations.Inspired by Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, they explore how avoiding difficult conversations leads to resentment, why emotional intelligence shifts with experience, and how setting healthy bou
Mini Episode: Reflections on Resilience
After hearing Uncle Scott’s incredible story of grit and perseverance, Karli and Renée are back with a quick bonus episode to unpack it all.In this mini reflection, they dive deeper into the lessons from Scott’s journey, from resilience and mindset to breaking cycles and taking ownership when life feels hard. Karli also opens up about her own background and why Scott’s story resonates so
“Never, Never, Never Give Up” with Scott Ambrose
If you’ve listened to The Inspired Collective before, you’ve probably heard Karli talk about her Uncle Scott, and now, he’s here in the flesh as our very first guest.Scott’s story is powerful, raw, and packed with lessons in resilience, grit, and personal growth. From growing up in poverty to leading multimillion-dollar companies, losing everything, and rebuilding again, he’s proof that i
The Comparison Detox
This week, we’re talking about comparison, how it sneaks in through family milestones, friendships, and the endless scroll of social media. From motherhood to business to those “should I be further along?” moments, we’re sharing our own stories and mindset shifts that have helped us turn comparison into clarity. It’s a reminder we both need sometimes: gratitude changes everything, your pa
What, like it's easy? Maying friends at 30+
Friendships aren’t static. They evolve, ebb, and sometimes fade. In this conversation, we dig into how our friendships have shifted from high school to college to our 30s, what “seasonality” really looks like, and how to make new friends in a new city or stage of life without forcing it. We also talk about balancing work friendships, keeping boundaries when roles change, and why “friendsh
The Burn Book
This episode dives into navigating mean-girl energy in life and business, the subtle ways it shows up, how to handle tricky dynamics with professionalism, and why leading with character always pays off.We unpack a real-world collaboration that went sideways, what it taught us about boundaries and courageous conversations, and how perception often becomes reality. And because emotions don’
It wasn't failure, it was field research
In this episode of The Inspired Collective, we're pull back the curtain on the hard-won lessons that shaped our careers. From chasing shiny objects and over-saying “yes,” to ignoring the numbers, we're breaking down the top five mistakes that almost broke us, and what we do differently now.What You’ll Hear:The “Shiny Thing” Syndrome – Why staying in your lane matters, and how to know when
The Year I Quit My Job and Joined the Circus
n this episode of The Inspired Collective, we’re easing into something new and a little more personal. Until now, we’ve talked a lot about business: the wins, the lessons, the behind-the-scenes chaos nobody warns you about. But the truth is, life and business aren’t separate lanes.They overlap, intertwine, and sometimes crash into each other in the best (and worst) ways.So today, we’re t
Love Languages, but Make it Business
This week, we’re diving into the one thing that can make or break your business: relationships. From business partners (aka, the “work spouses” we didn’t register at the courthouse) to clients, mentors, and even those volunteer roles that sometimes feel like free therapy…we’ve been through it.We’ll share the good, the messy, and the downright awkward moments we’ve had in our own relations
It’s Fine. I’m Fine. Everything’s Fine (Until It’s Not)
“I’m fine. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.” Sound familiar? 👀 In this episode of The Inspired Collective, we’re pulling back the curtain on burnout, the sneaky, silent kind that doesn’t look like quitting your business, but like slowly losing yourself in it.From pantry cry sessions, to snapping at each other over nothing, we’re sharing the real stories behind burnout, the lies that keep us
Failure, We Don't Know Her (but we actually do)
So many of us are quietly running on empty. In this episode, Karli and Renee open up about burnout in both business and life—the signs we’ve ignored, the personal stories that shaped our fears, and the ways we’ve learned to move forward without guilt.From crying on the pantry floor while juggling 18 clients to petty fights that were really just exhaustion in disguise, we dig into how burn
Nobody Puts Friendors in a Corner
In Part 1, we covered the don’ts of networking (and laughed through some truly cringy fails). Now, we’re flipping the script—because real relationships are what actually move the needle in business.In this episode of The Inspired Collective, Renee and Karli break down why relationships matter more than ROI, what trust over time really looks like, and how unexpected connections can turn in
It's Giving...Awkward
We’ve all been there—the awkward handshake, the overshare, the person who treats you like a walking LinkedIn connection. In this episode of The Inspired Collective, Renee and Karli are diving into the red flags of networking and how to avoid being that person at the mixer.From transactional vibes and name-dropping to the “I’m soooo busy” crowd, we’re breaking down the common mistakes that
The Inspired Collective Episode #1 From Windows to Whimsical
🚨EPISODE 1 IS LIVE! 🚨From cold calls to creative calls—welcome to the origin story of The Inspired Collective. 🎙️In our very first episode, we’re talking about:✔️ Our wildly different (and wildly real) paths to entrepreneurship✔️ The gut-check moments that led us to this podcast✔️ What lights us up, what drives us crazy, and what we’re here to create✔️ Why this community means so much to
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