Real Chat with Kat

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

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

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 guest

Sabrina 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, LinkedIn

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

In this episode

This conversation dives into what it really means to create a financial plan built around your life—not a one-size-fits-all system. We talk about why traditional financial models often feel overwhelming and impersonal, and how shifting the focus to your unique story changes everything. Mike Milligan breaks down the difference between fiduciary responsibility and suitability, how AI can support (not replace) financial conversations, and why financial planning should be accessible at every stage of life. At the core, this episode is about clarity, empowerment, and redefining how we think about money and planning for the future.

Meet my guest

I’m joined by Mike Milligan, founder of 1.OAK Financial, with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. Mike is passionate about simplifying finance and helping people build plans rooted in their “one-of-a-kind” lives. Inspired by lessons from his grandmother, Granny Elizabeth, his approach is deeply personal, transparent, and focused on impact over profit. In this conversation, he brings clarity, heart, and practical insight to an often confusing industry.

Quote/Piece of Advice: You are one of a kind. You are unique. You're special. And when you realize that, you'll then determine you need a financial plan that matches that so your money can be put in motion, so you can go do the things you're called to and you're passionate about. So go make an impact.

Connect with Mike

LinkedIn, Instagram

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

In this episode

Kat sits down for a raw and deeply honest conversation about trauma, codependency, self-worth, healing, and the patterns that keep people stuck in toxic relationships. Together, Kat and Kaja explore how childhood experiences, family dynamics, fear, and unresolved emotional wounds can shape the relationships we choose and the way we see ourselves. This episode dives into the connection between trauma and the body, the importance of self-awareness in healing, and how breaking generational cycles starts with being brutally honest about our own motivations, fears, and internal struggles. Kat and Kaja also discuss parenting, emotional healing, and how personal growth can completely transform relationships with our children and ourselves.

Meet my guest

Kaja Sokola is a courageous survivor, advocate, and Harvey Weinstein accuser who testified against Weinstein during his New York criminal retrial. Despite the personal cost and public scrutiny, Kaja chose to speak her truth in order to give voice to survivors everywhere — especially young women who have felt silenced, unseen, or powerless. Through incredible vulnerability and strength, Kaja shares parts of her personal journey, including her early experiences in the modeling industry, surviving abuse, overcoming codependency, and learning how to heal through self-awareness and honesty. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, and that speaking your truth can help others feel less alone.

Quote/Piece of Advice: Look in the mirror and try to be honest with yourself, all your deepest secrets. And once you're really honest with everything, tell yourself that you love yourself and that you're good and special and beautiful.

Connect with Kaja

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