The Inspired Collective Podcast

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 are feeling emotionally maxed out right now.

We discuss:
• why the internet makes it feel like you're always behind
• doomscrolling and information overload
• the difference between anxiety and overstimulation
• comparison culture...

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 expectations.

We dive into:

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, burnout, and the fear of uncertainty, we unpack why letting go can feel so hard, and why true peace might actually come from surrender instead of structure.

We also dive into:

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 why so many people stay in situations that technically “should” make them happy… but don’t.

We dive into:

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 the influence of fashion and social media to immersive design, nostalgic experiences, customization, TikTok trends, AI-inspired event concepts, and the power of relationships in this industry,  this conversation covers the “why” behin...

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, learning how to intentionally build meaningful friendships, and the difference between surface-level connections and the people who genuinely show up for you. From networking friendships to “ride-or-die” friendships, they unpack what real sup...

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 the pressure to be “easy to love”—
where it comes from, how it shows up in relat...

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 looking for validation, and how to recognize when you’ve already stepped into the role of mentor for someone else.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of...

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 funny, a little chaotic, and surprisingly relatable… but underneath it all, it’s really about how we think, react, and show up in our everyday lives...

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:

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, and ultimately starting over from scratch in Texas, Jorden shares what it means to rebuild your identity, your business, and your confidence in a comple...

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 make sense to everyone will keep you stuck, and why most of the things you lose sleep over never actually happen.

If you’ve been in your he...

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. From social media algorithms that reward outrage to the way our identities become tied to our opinions, we explore what’s really happening beneath the surface.

We also talk about how...

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 how we’ve been conditioned to measure ourselves by progress, productivity, and what’s next.

We talk about why stability can feel strangely uncomfortable, why cele...

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… and how you find your way back.

We talk about redefining success, recognizing misalignment, building “mental fitness” (including a simple presence practice that changed everything), and the non-nego...

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 “responsible” job to join the circus (yes, literally)…

we’re talking about the fear, the freedom, and the uncomfortable space between who you’ve been and who y...

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 brain, and why “behind” assumes there’s only one timeline (spoiler: there isn’t). Instead, we explore the idea of seasons, what “enough” looks like right now, and how to stop measurin...

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 can feel motivating at first… but quietly create pressure, comparison, and self-doubt.

From parenting decisions to career mov...

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 from the episodes ahead.

This isn’t a pivot — it’s clarity. We’re leaning into thoughtful, honest conversations that help you slow down, reflect...

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 building trust in business and everyday life, Katie breaks down the habits that make people feel seen—and remembered for all the right reasons.

In this episode, we cover:

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 overhyped vs. underrated—including hustle culture, the pressure to have a perfect five-year plan, and why consistency isn’t boring… it’s how things actually get done.

If you’ve ever...

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 she’s spent seven years building. Together, they talk about the quiet ways misalignment shows up, the grief that can come with “pruning,” and how to tell the difference between push...

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, growth, and rediscovering routine have defined her year.

Together, we unpack how to set goals without the all-or-nothing mindset, why micro-habits matter more than resolutions, and how frameworks like the Cultivate What Mat...

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 drama, gluten-free life, choosing kitchen cleanup over kid bedtime, whether traditional weddings are outdated, and the never-ending debate over when Christmas decor should officially go up. It’s candid, funny, a little chaotic in the best way, and p...

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-high cortisol… and still feel completely supported.

Inside the episode, they unpack:

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 boundaries (personally and professionally) can completely transform your communication.

Inside the episode: 
• how resentment builds when you avoid uncomfortable conversations 
• emotional maturity vs. “just having more experience” 
• the difference between personal and workplace communication 
• a real client bounda...

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 deeply with her (and with so many people who’ve had to fight for a better life).

It’s honest, heartfelt, and full of perspective,  a reminder that...

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 it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

You’ll hear honest conversations about overcoming adversity, breaking cycles, and finding strength in discipline, accountability, and mindset,  even when life feels impo...

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 path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

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 “friendship love languages” matter. (Bonus: a very on-theme Halloween moment involving a mysteriously flying picture frame 👀.)

We cover:

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’t always stay buttoned up at work, we share one Colorado hiking meltdown story that perfectly sums up what happens when patience runs out. 😅

In this episode, we cover:• Recognizing passive-aggressive behavior vs. a one-o...

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:

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 talking about the moments that shook things up,  quitting jobs without a safety net, moving to new cities, making choices that didn’t totally make sense but changed everything a...

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 relationships, plus what we’ve learned about clear communication, setting expectations, and why boundaries aren’t just cute Pinterest quotes—they’re survival tools.

And because you know we love a little ho...

“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 stuck (“I have to do it all,” “I’m not enough,” “Everyone else has it together”), and the boundaries that finally helped us breathe again.

We’ll talk about people-pleasing, petty...

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 burnout shows up in unexpected ways. But we don’t just stop at the professional side. Karli shares how one overheard comment from a school administrator in high sch...

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 into your biggest allies. You’ll hear hilarious listener-submitted networking fails, real stories from our own journeys, and practical ways to approach relationships with intention.

✨ Expect laughs, lessons, and a reminder...

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 kill connection and sharing our own cringe-worthy fails along the way. You’ll also hear tricks for remembering names, what to do when you blank, and whether business cards...

🚨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 us

This one’s for the girl who’s done corporate, craved something more, and is ready to do business her way.

🎧 Tap the link in bio...