Real Chat with Kat

In this episode: We dive into an inspiring conversation about breaking cycles of dependency and building lasting independence for single mothers. From family-first employment models to sustainable nonprofit funding, this episode explores how compassionate, proactive support can create real, long-term change. You’ll hear practical examples of how systems can be redesigned to empower women, foster confidence, and provide a path toward true self-sufficiency.

 

Meet my guest: Jillian Putman is the Founder & CEO of three mission-driven ventures transforming the way single mothers build independence. Through Sassie Scrubbers, she provides flexible, family-first employment; with Moving Onward, Moms, she offers holistic support that addresses root causes instead of quick fixes; and her coffee company, Mystic Mug, funds the nonprofit, creating a sustainable model for impact. Jillian’s approach, which she calls “aggressive help,” combines bold vision, compassion, and strategy to empower women to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

 

Quote/Piece of Advice: When you have something that you love and that feels very in flow, it’s easy for you to show up and do it.

 

Websites:

www.mysticmug.shop

www.movingonwardmoms.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/@the-lotus-effect

Meet my guest:

Returning to continue our powerful conversation is Karen Whelan — psychotherapist, M.A. in Spirituality, five-time international best-selling author, global speaker, and founder of SOULution Therapy. With more than 14 years of experience guiding individuals, couples, teens, and organizations through transformational healing, Karen blends research, spirituality, and deep psychological insight to help people reconnect with their inherent worth and inner power.

 

In this episode:

In Part 2 of our conversation, we go even deeper into the roots of trauma and self-hate, exploring the concept of the “God-shaped hole” — the internal void created when we disconnect from our inherent value. Karen shares how this unhealed space often manifests as self-sabotage, trauma-bonded relationships, addiction, overachievement, or a persistent sense of emptiness.

 

We also discuss the profound ripple effect of individual healing, the transformative power of Ho’oponopono and the work of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, and insights from leaders like Gabor Maté and Viktor Frankl. This episode invites you to move beyond surface-level self-care into deep self-love — the kind that repairs, reconnects, and reshapes not only your inner world, but the way you experience everything around you. Quote/Piece of Advice: Without connection to self, this world that we have to navigate becomes too much.

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-soulution-therapist-732b4817

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.soulution.therapist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RRvA5qy9f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Website: www.soukutiontherapy.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/@the-lotus-effect

In this episode: This special blended episode brings together powerful moments from three unforgettable conversations centered around courage, growth, and reinvention. We explore what it really means to face fear head-on, take radical responsibility for your personal development, and embrace transformation at any stage of life. From overcoming self-doubt and burnout to shifting your mindset and choosing healing, this episode weaves together wisdom that reminds us growth isn’t linear — and reinvention is always available. If you’ve been navigating change, craving clarity, or ready to step into your next level, this conversation delivers powerful perspective and practical inspiration.

 

Meet my guests: This episode features three incredible returning guests. Lynda Sunshine West shares her bold journey of facing 365 fears in 365 days and inspiring others to take action despite fear. Ana Sasmiresan brings her expertise in leadership and transformation, emphasizing the power of meaningful conversations and personal responsibility in growth. Brigette Sobus reveals how mindset, healing, and inner work can turn life’s greatest challenges into catalysts for reinvention. Together, their stories create a powerful reminder that courage, ownership, and resilience can reshape both your life and your leadership.

 

Want the full story? Listen to the complete episodes here:

 

Lynda Sunshine

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-fearful-to-fearless-lynda-sunshine-wests-bold-journey/id1652097553?i=1000687461017

 

Ana Sasmiresan

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-life-one-conversation-at-a-time-w/id1652097553?i=1000689938120

 

Brigette Sobus

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secret-to-reinventing-your-life-at-any-age-w/id1652097553?i=1000694709021

 

Connect with Lynda Sunshine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndasunshinewest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndasunshinewest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndasunshinewest

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActionTakersPublishing

 

Connect with Ana Sasmiresan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anasasmiresan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ana.sasmiresan/

 

Connect with Brigette Sobus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigettesobus/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brigettesobus/

Website: https://powerandjoycoachingacademy.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/@the-lotus-effect

In this episode:

We dive into what happens when high-achieving women realize that the version of success they’ve been chasing no longer fits who they are becoming. Feeling “stuck” isn’t failure — it’s a signal for an upgrade. Zerina and I explore the messy but necessary process of unlearning old habits, how to identify and live by your core values, and why redefining success around fulfillment and intention can completely transform your life. We also discuss how personal growth is non-linear, why burnout is often misdirected energy, and how embracing uncertainty can become a source of strength.

Meet my guest:

Zerina Derveni is a life coach and founder of Zerina Life Coach, where she supports high-achieving women in reconnecting with themselves beyond burnout, people-pleasing, and external expectations. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, self-trust, and aligned decision-making, helping women navigate life transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this episode, Zerina shares her wisdom on creating a value-driven life, building resilience, and living intentionally in alignment with what truly matters.

Quote/Piece of Advice: Uncertainty is the number one thing that does not change. We will always live in uncertain times. It's just the reality of life.

Connect with Zerina:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zerina-derveni-64687386

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerinalifecoach

Website: https://www.zerinalifecoach.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/@the-lotus-effect

In this episode: We dive deep into the mind-body connection and explore why so many high-achievers and adults are living in constant stress, tension, or pain—and calling it “normal.” Maria Angelova shares practical strategies to reclaim vitality, regulate your nervous system, and rewire old patterns that no longer serve you. From recognizing the body’s signals to shifting from survival mode to creativity, clarity, and calm, this episode is a guide to thriving, not just surviving.

 

Meet my guest: Maria Angelova is the Founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl., where she helps high-achieving professionals reconnect with their bodies, reset their nervous systems, and reclaim energy, focus, and calm. With her science-backed, soul-led Angelova Method, she empowers people to listen to their bodies, transform old habits, and embrace small, consistent steps for lasting change. Maria’s grounded, insightful, and empowering approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge the “normalized” suffering of burnout, pain, and stress.

 

Quote/Piece of Advice: We are meant to thrive in body, in mind, and spirit.

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamangelova/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.body.expert

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themindbodyexpert

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindbodyexpert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.angelova.39750/

 

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