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  • This Change Was the Only Way I Could Feel Like Me Again

    This Change Was the Only Way I Could Feel Like Me Again
    2025/08/05
    Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like the person you see doesn’t match who you really are? In this episode, Kelly Renee shares what led her to get a facelift at 44 and why it wasn’t about looking younger. It followed the end of her marriage and the death of her mother. For the first time in a long time, she had space to focus on herself. And she didn’t like what she saw. She talks openly about the changes she made from veneers to fillers to surgery and the reasons behind them. She explains how the experience shaped her thinking about grief, identity, and how much value we place on appearance. She’s also planning another surgery in a couple of months and is staying focused on her fitness in the meantime. She doesn’t want to drop that part of her routine. This episode isn’t about cosmetic surgery advice. It’s about what it feels like to come back to yourself when everything around you has changed. Key Takeaways Personal appearance can become a way to regain control when everything else feels out of place Cosmetic surgery is often about how you feel, not how you look There’s no right age or reason to make changes to your body; what matters is what works for you Rebuilding confidence doesn’t happen in a single decision. It takes time, effort, and self-awareness You don’t owe anyone an explanation for the choices you make about your body In This Episode [00:40] Introduction [00:50] Early life and military experience [01:19] Divorce and loss of identity [02:11] First cosmetic changes: veneers, fillers, makeup [02:39] Decision for breast implant replacement and facelift [03:39] Realization: true change comes from within [04:59] Impact of divorce on self-worth [05:55] Breast implants: motivation and timing [06:56] Transformation in self-care habits [07:55] Facelift decision and emotional state [08:52] Fitness journey and aging gracefully [10:02] Openness about cosmetic procedures [10:52] Practical advice on combining surgeries [11:49] Timeline of major life events and surgeries [12:52] Judgment and personal choice in cosmetic surgery [13:57] Final thoughts Notable Quotes (00:50) Appearance was never a priority to me. I didn't wear makeup till I was 44. (01:48) "When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see someone aging. I saw someone I didn’t protect." — Kelly Renee (03:07) "I didn’t flinch. I said yes. I needed something to make me feel like I was pulling myself out of this mess." — Kelly Renee (11:49) “So my mom died in November 2019. My marriage fell apart in December 2020. And then December 2021, I got my boobs redone and I got a facelift.” — Kelly Renee (12:45) "Surgery is a personal choice. If it helps you feel better in your skin, that’s your call to make." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    15 分
  • Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me

    Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me
    2025/07/29
    What does "normal" even mean, and why do we destroy ourselves trying to achieve it? In this episode, Kelly Renee exposes the universal ache of not belonging through two defining chapters of her life: a reckless teenage search for acceptance and an adult relapse into addiction while grieving her mother's death. The episode begins with a haunting poem 17-year-old Kelly wrote about four girls, Kim, Julie, Sarah, and Jean, each using drugs, eating disorders, or self-harm to cope with invisible pain. Decades later, Kelly recognizes herself in all of them. With unflinching honesty, she traces how her own teenage rebellion (meth for breakfast, weed for bed) and later cocaine use during her mother's illness were misguided attempts to numb the same core wound: feeling like she never fit in. But this isn't just a story of addiction; it's a roadmap for radical self-acceptance. Kelly reveals how fitness and faith became her lifelines, why she refuses to shrink herself for others' comfort, and how our deepest pains can forge our greatest strengths. Key Takeaways Everyone battles internal struggles, no matter how "put together" they seem on the outside. Drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy habits only temporarily numb deeper issues. Your circle matters: who you hang out with can influence your coping mechanisms. Self-awareness and owning your "addictive personality" can help you avoid future pitfalls. Growth comes from facing your pain, not running from it. Positive outlets like fitness, faith, and self-reflection can replace destructive behaviors. Embracing who you are, scars and all, is the ultimate strength. In This Episode [00:01] Introduction and theme setup [01:14] Reading the poem: Four girls’ hidden struggles [04:23] Poem analysis and relating to high school experience [05:32] Personal drug use in high school [06:43] Influence of social circles and family dynamics [07:40] Addictive personality and adult self-awareness [08:40] Coping with grief and adult drug use [11:11] Advice on helping others and positive coping [12:19] Rejecting substances and embracing authenticity [13:31] Conclusion and empowerment message Notable Quotes (05:22) "I know I didn’t feel normal. I didn’t feel like I belonged in my family. I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere, so I was just chasing normal." — Kelly Renee (05:51) "I wish I had navigated a little more without trying outside sources to make me feel normal or to get acceptance." — Kelly Renee (12:50) "I just wanted to bring myself back to high school, to how awful I used to feel, how misunderstood I used to feel, how I just didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere." — Kelly Renee (13:07) "Now in my life, I feel the exact same way. I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. I feel like I am one of a kind and I am misunderstood. But at this point in my life, I don’t give a fuck." — Kelly Renee (13:31) "This is me, not ashamed of my past, but proud that I’ve made it through everything and that I’m learning and adjusting." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    15 分
  • Why Confidence Crumbles Before Puberty Even Starts

    Why Confidence Crumbles Before Puberty Even Starts
    2025/07/22
    Did you know that many girls as young as nine struggle with body image? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, host Kelly Renee dives deep into the hidden scars we carry, not the ones you can see, but the emotional ones that quietly shape how we see ourselves. From her own memories of feeling different in fifth grade to her guilt as a parent navigating her son’s painful struggle with acne, Kelly explores how early comparisons, body image, and societal expectations plant seeds of self-doubt far too young. She doesn’t just speak from experience; she speaks with brutal honesty about what it’s like to grow up feeling out of sync with your body and how those insecurities evolve as we age. Kelly reflects on the judgment we face, sometimes even from ourselves, and how we can reclaim our power by showing up, choosing self-compassion, and not letting other people’s opinions define us. Whether you’re a late bloomer, a parent, or just someone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wished for “more,” this episode is a raw reminder that everyone carries unseen pain, and it’s never too late to embrace your worth. Because at the end of the day? The fiercest thing you can be… is unapologetically you. Key Takeaways How confidence struggles start early, often in elementary school The decision I made for my son that still haunts me, and what it taught me Girls are taught to compare before they even understand their worth Boys battle invisible insecurities too, just in silence Confidence is built by doing what you said you'd do You’ll never be too much for the right people, stop shrinking to fit in In This Episode (00:01) Introduction & invisible pain (01:11) Puberty & early body image struggles (02:20) Late development & boys’ challenges (04:13) Parental guilt & societal pressure (05:18) How comparison starts young (06:35) Coping mechanisms & adult self-acceptance (07:51) Combating negative self-talk (08:59) Changing bodies & childhood awkwardness (10:22) Embracing uniqueness & building confidence (11:28) Dealing with criticism & self-belief (12:31) Parenting, mistakes, & empathy (13:40) Universal struggles & perspective on pain (15:02) Gratitude for struggles & resilience (16:05) Kindness, non-judgment, & closing Notable Quotes [05:08] "It's sad that we always want what we don't have. People with big boobs want little boobs. Tall people wish they were shorter. People with thin hair wish they had thick hair." — Kelly Renee [05:41] "They say 90% of females in the world are unhappy and wish they could change something about their body. And girls as young as nine years old have confidence and self-body issues." — Kelly Renee [08:56] "I wish this was a class they taught in school. Self-confidence, comparison, and being happy with the body you live in." — Kelly Renee [04:48] "It's sad how in society your confidence is shaken before you even know what confidence is." — Kelly Renee [10:39] "If people say, 'I've never met anyone like you,' take it as a compliment." — Kelly Renee [12:19] "You're never going to be like everyone else. God created us all different for reasons. So lean into your superpowers, lean into who you are and be the best person you can be." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 分
  • A Matter of Time: Shining Light on EB

    A Matter of Time: Shining Light on EB
    2025/07/15
    What if your touch caused someone pain? What if a simple hug could tear skin? In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Kelly Renee shares the raw truth about Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). A rare, devastating skin disorder known as “Butterfly Skin.” After witnessing her own nephew battle this cruel disease, Kelly takes us through her journey from helplessness to activism and sheds light on a fight too few know about, but none should ignore. Along the way, she brought in longtime friend Jill Vedder, wife of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, whose involvement helped amplify the cause and bring greater visibility to the EB community. This episode isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about hope, legacy, and the fierce determination to never give up, even when the timeline stretches longer than you hoped. Key Takeaways What EB is and why it's so urgent that more people know How a personal plea turned into a $70M+ movement The heartbreaking daily reality for children living with EB Why visibility, funding, and research still matter now more than ever A behind-the-scenes look at A Matter of Time, the new EB documentary Why some patients are sacrificing their own comfort to give younger generations hope In This Episode (00:01) Introduction to Fiercely Unfiltered (00:40) Introducing Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) (01:16) Personal family story: discovering EB (02:25) Seeking help and starting a foundation (03:27) The reality of living with EB (04:27) Daily care and parental challenges (05:41) Progress and hope for a cure (06:56) Eddie and Jill Vedder’s involvement (08:06) Symbolism and personal motivation (09:11) Documentary impact and ongoing struggles (10:25) Financial and medical burdens of EB (11:32) Gratitude and closing thanks Notable Quotes [02:25] "I need you to make a difference. I need you to bring attention to this. I can't do anything, and I need your help." — Kelly Renee [04:45] "To be a parent and have to give your kid a bath and bathe them in bleach for their blisters and wrap them while they're crying in pain is something that was hard for me to even be in the same house and listen to." — Kelly Renee [06:56] "They call it the Butterfly children because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly wings." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    13 分
  • I’m Single, Not Broken: The Truth Society Won’t Tell You

    I’m Single, Not Broken: The Truth Society Won’t Tell You
    2025/07/08
    How long is too long to be single? After two divorces and heartbreak, Kelly Renee is embracing the chapter many fear most: life on her own terms, without the pressure to find "the one." In this episode, Kelly shares what it really means to be single by choice, by circumstance, and without apology. Nearly three years into singleness, she’s rewriting the outdated narrative that a woman’s worth depends on her relationship status. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t. Kelly reflects on how this season has brought peace, growth, and self-discovery. From unsolicited opinions to dodging DMs, she unpacks the realities of dating (or not dating) in your 40s and why she refuses to trade freedom for forced connection. This isn’t about bitterness. It’s about choosing yourself, protecting your energy, setting high standards, and knowing your worth. If you’ve ever felt pressured to "partner up" or questioned your timeline, Kelly’s story is a reminder: building your best life starts with you. Key Takeaways The freedom that comes with choosing yourself first Why being single isn't a flaw, it’s a season for growth Setting boundaries: protecting your peace and energy How society pressures women into relationships—and why it’s okay to say no The myth that your life only starts when you "find someone" Dating, sex, and self-respect: where Kelly stands now In This Episode (00:40) How long is too long to be single? Breaking the stigma (01:08) Dating by choice vs. dating by default (02:04) Judgments from friends and society (03:13) Building your life solo before inviting someone in (04:09) Why the dating pool isn’t appealing (and that's okay) (06:00) Changing the narrative: Women don’t need a relationship to be whole (07:56) Red flags, life lessons, and protecting your energy (10:02) Sex, energy exchange, and self-respect (11:53) The reality of dating in your 40s and unsolicited DMs (12:52) Enjoying your space, your peace, your freedom (14:52) Grieving old dreams, embracing new ones (15:58) Open to love, but not chasing it (16:53) The truth about relationships: sometimes you’ll miss being single Notable Quotes [02:07] "I’m not dating because I couldn’t. I’m not dating because I don’t want to." — Kelly Renee [03:20] "Relationships, in my view right now, are a waste of time and energy. Like, you don't know what the other person's ever thinking. You don't know if they're lying to you. Your whole relationship and all the effort you're putting into something can be gone in a second." — Kelly Renee [03:50] "I have my own foundation. I'm not waiting for someone else to help me build my foundation." — Kelly Renee [06:01] "Let's stop letting little girls think that they have to just grow up and meet a man, and then that's their life. That doesn't have to be your life, and that should not be your life." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 分
  • My First Fitness Competition and Every Lesson It Gave Me

    My First Fitness Competition and Every Lesson It Gave Me
    2025/07/01
    What does it take to step on stage at 47, compete against athletes half your age, and win? After months of training, discipline, and sacrifice, Kelly Renee is back from her fitness competition, and she’s walking away a winner in more ways than one. In this episode, Kelly opens up about her first-ever bodybuilding competition, what it took to transform her body and mindset, and how the journey is only just beginning. From managing self-doubt in a sparkly bikini to proving that you can build your dream body naturally, yes, even your booty, Kelly shares what it means to push past comfort zones and show up for yourself every damn day. If you've ever told yourself “I could never,” this episode is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways Kelly’s honest recap of her first fitness competition, and the wins she didn’t expect The power of discipline: How she stuck to her plan for 16 weeks with zero missed workouts Why she’s bulking next (even if it means losing the six-pack she just built) How shifting your self-talk can build unshakable confidence The truth about body transformation, it’s more science than luck Why doing hard things on purpose changes you from the inside out In This Episode (00:40) Recapping the competition: 1st place in multiple categories (01:17) Staying 100% committed: the mental game of prep (03:13) Letting go of fear and gaining muscle (even if it means losing the abs) (04:03) Nationals, goals, and trusting her coach's plan (05:58) Post-show indulgence & mindset shifts about food (07:00) Real talk: “I hate leg day, but I love the results” (08:45) Confidence on stage at 47 and doing it scared anyway (10:29) Building muscle vs. surgery: why Kelly chose the long way (12:19) Leading by example and the power of public commitment (13:16) Bulking season: letting go of perfection for progress (14:18) Health, hormones, and knowing the line between fit and too far Notable Quotes (01:28) “I didn't miss one workout. I didn't miss one cardio day. I didn't cheat.” — Kelly Renee (07:06) “I don't really enjoy the gym. Like when I go to the gym, I'm like, God, I hate leg day. God, I hate arm day. I hate back day. I really don't enjoy the process. I just love the results.” — Kelly Renee (10:29) “If you think your body isn’t capable of transformation, you’re just doing the wrong things.” — Kelly Renee (11:20) “I wanted to build my ass naturally to see if I could really do it. And I did.” — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    15 分
  • Healing, Loss, and Radical Self-Worth: A Birthday Message to My Younger Self

    Healing, Loss, and Radical Self-Worth: A Birthday Message to My Younger Self
    2025/06/24
    What if you could go back in time and tell your younger self everything she needed to hear before the heartbreak, before the betrayal, before the world convinced her she wasn’t enough. What would you say? Would you warn her? Would you comfort her? Or would you simply remind her that she was always worth choosing? In this deeply personal birthday episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee does exactly that. On the eve of turning 48, after living what she calls the best year of her life, she reflects on the season that changed everything. Not because it was easy, but because it was the year she finally chose herself. Reading a letter she wrote to her younger self, Kelly opens her heart to the girl who once believed she had to be picked to be worthy. This isn’t just a love letter to the past; it’s a blueprint for rising, healing, and becoming. From the pain of losing her mother to the realization that real self-love means choosing yourself even when no one else does, Kelly offers a voice of resilience and radical empowerment. If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” or if you’re still learning how to be enough for yourself, this episode will hit deep. Key Takeaways The letter Kelly wrote to her younger self and why it still matters Why 47 was the best year of her life, and how 48 will be even better The pain of losing her mom and how it awakened a deeper truth Why real self-love isn’t about being chosen by others, but choosing yourself How to become undeniable by showing up as the person you want to be, every single day In This Episode (00:40) Birthday reflections and why 47 was the year Kelly chose herself (01:16) Letter to my younger self (02:11) Overcoming adversity & self-discovery (04:20) Rebuilding & embracing freedom (05:26) Pride in personal growth (06:29) Leaning into life’s path (07:30) Choosing yourself & self-love (08:26) Living authentically & inspiring others Notable Quotes (02:34) “Being strong doesn't mean staying silent. Being strong doesn't mean carrying it all alone.” — Kelly Renee (03:21) “You will lose people. You will lose businesses. You will lose the version of your life you fought for. You will lose your mom too soon. And when that happens, it will gut you.” — Kelly Renee (07:13) “Your worth isn't dependent on being chosen by a man or being chosen by someone else. You need to choose yourself.” — Kelly Renee (08:46) “Life's about the whole journey. It's not about each chapter. It's about how you get up when the chapter doesn't go your way.” — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    11 分
  • When Forever Ends: The Journey from Wedding Promises to Self‑Worth

    When Forever Ends: The Journey from Wedding Promises to Self‑Worth
    2025/06/17
    Imagine loving someone so deeply that even forever feels too short. You stand at the altar, hand in hand, hearts full of promise, and say, “Till death do us part.” But what happens when love doesn’t die, it simply walks away? When the person who once knew you best becomes a stranger? When the one who vowed to stand by your side no longer checks to see if you’re okay... do you still cling to the wedding day memories, or let them fade along with the pain? In this deeply vulnerable episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee revisits the most pivotal chapter of her life: her wedding day. With raw honesty, she reads the vows she and her ex-husband exchanged, along with the private letters they each wrote before the ceremony, words that were never meant to be shared publicly. Now, years later and newly divorced just 43 days before what would have been their 15th anniversary, Kelly reflects on the love that once was, the ache of becoming strangers with shared memories, and the journey of self-worth this heartbreak ultimately ignited. This isn’t just a story about endings. It’s about finding the strength to remember without bitterness and the bravery to choose yourself, even when it hurts. If you’ve ever grieved the loss of a love or questioned whether you could trust again, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Key Takeaways Why Kelly refuses to let the memory of her wedding be tainted by the divorce The unexpected moment a pastor read private love letters at the ceremony The pain of feeling like your soulmate becomes a stranger Why Kelly no longer believes in marriage, and what she believes in instead How this heartbreak became the catalyst for radical self-love In This Episode (00:39) 15th wedding anniversary (01:15) A look back at her wedding day and how it felt (02:52) The private love letter she wrote about her ex (05:13) What her ex wrote about her before the wedding (07:37) Her dream wedding, and why it mattered so much (08:03) Reading her vows and reflecting on what they meant (09:49) Grieving someone who is still alive (10:28) His vows to her, and how they feel in hindsight (11:23) Why she doesn’t believe in marriage anymore (13:37) Mourning the friendship more than the romance (14:09) Trust, betrayal, and the fear of new relationships (15:43) What this relationship taught her about self-love Notable Quotes (07:08) “I wish our ending was better. But the love story, even though I know things now that I didn't then, to me was a true love story. And he was my soulmate on that day.”— Kelly Renee (10:12) "I felt like this relationship was supposed to teach me self-love. They say that God will let someone hurt you over and over again until you unlove them." — Kelly Renee (11:23) "I don't really believe in marriage anymore. I'm at the age where I don't want to have a family. If I end up being with someone, I think it's better to be with someone because you choose to be with them every day." — Kelly Renee (13:59) "When you have someone on the inside that you trust that is going around and they don't have your back, those are the people that can destroy you the most." — Kelly Renee (16:12) "Without this breakup, I wouldn't be in the best shape of my life. Without this breakup, I wouldn't have chosen me." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 分