Episodes

  • Collagen, Patches, and Cheat Days: Health Hacks That Actually Work

    Collagen, Patches, and Cheat Days: Health Hacks That Actually Work
    Sep 2 2025
    What happens when the competition lights fade, and real life sets back in? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee opens up about her journey eight weeks post-show, the highs, the struggles, and the lessons she’s learning while navigating health, aging, and balance. From gaining back weight after competition prep to experimenting with wellness products that support recovery and skin health, Kelly gives an unfiltered look at what it really takes to maintain results, age gracefully, and stay consistent without losing yourself. This episode is packed with raw honesty, practical tips, and real-life stories from cheat-day bundt cakes to collagen and stem cell patches that prove fitness isn’t just about how you look on stage, but how you live every single day. Key Takeaways Post-show recovery means weight gain, hormone changes, and a mindset shift. Aging well isn’t luck; it’s about proactively supporting your body with nutrition, supplements, and hydration. Consistency in nutrition (calories + macros) matters more than perfection. Investing in wellness tools (patches, collagen, alkaline water) can improve recovery, energy, and skin health. Muscle building requires fuel; don’t fear eating more when the goal is growth. Fitness is a lifelong process: track your progress, keep learning, and give yourself grace. In This Episode [00:01] Life update: post-show weight, body fat, and cycle recovery [02:18] Aging, recovery, and why supplements matter [03:22] Stem cell activation patches (X39) and personal results on [05:16] Collagen, NAD+, and supporting cellular health [07:24] Alkaline water (Kangen machine) and hydration benefits [09:27] Anti-aging practices, peptides, and reversing the clock [11:23] Nutrition, macros, and fueling growth without fear [13:39] Lessons from bodybuilding: calories, protein, and lifting heavy [16:38] Building a sustainable lifestyle vs. chasing perfection [18:38] Closing thoughts: proactive health and living by example Notable Quotes (01:33) "I record myself eating my bundt cake... when I want another bundt cake, I actually just go watch a reel of me eating it. It's kind of satisfying again." — Kelly Renee (03:05) "By the time you're my age, you have a whole bunch of dormant stem cells... which made your skin look older, it makes you recover slower." — Kelly Renee (13:48) "I used to be the worst fucking eater. Like I said, I didn't even know what protein was." — Kelly Renee (19:18) "Feeling good about yourself is better than chocolate cake taste." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 mins
  • Running a Business With Your Spouse: Dream Team or Divorce Court?

    Running a Business With Your Spouse: Dream Team or Divorce Court?
    Aug 26 2025
    They say love can conquer anything, but what happens when love and business collide? Running a company with your spouse might sound like the ultimate dream team, but the reality? It can turn into a battlefield where egos, family ties, and business pressures all clash. In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee shares the raw truth about building and losing a business with her husband. From the excitement of starting strong together to the chaos of adding employees and family members, Kelly reveals how blurred boundaries, power struggles, and favoritism pushed her marriage and business past the breaking point. This isn’t just about business, it’s about trust, identity, and survival. If you’ve ever wondered whether working with your spouse is a good idea, or if you’re in the thick of navigating family dynamics at work, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and maybe even the courage to choose differently. Key Takeaways Mixing marriage and business raises the stakes and the risks Spouses in business together face higher divorce rates than most couples Without trust and clear boundaries, roles quickly blur into conflict Adding employees and especially family members can create toxic favoritism and power struggles Protecting yourself with financial and legal boundaries (prenup, “work prenup”) is not optional; it’s survival Your life should never be so intertwined that one loss means losing everything In This Episode [00:01] Introduction and statistics on family businesses [01:16] Personal experience: running a business with spouse [02:20] Challenges of roles and leadership in family businesses [03:27] Family dynamics and favoritism issues [04:17] Trust and foundation in spousal business partnerships [05:20] Reflections on work-life balance and marriage [06:19] Lessons learned and protecting yourself [07:30] Business closure and personal growth [08:36] Advice for couples considering business together [09:39] Coping with loss and moving forward [10:40] Closing remarks and outro Notable Quotes (01:51) "I ran a real estate company with my ex-husband, and it was great when it was just the two of us." — Kelly Renee (05:20) "For me, I loved working with my spouse; I thought it was the best thing." — Kelly Renee (06:19) "I learned the hard way. I thought I protected myself as much as I could." — Kelly Renee (07:30) "It's hard to put decades of your life into something and then have to walk away because a relationship isn't working." — Kelly Renee (09:39) "It's a really hard loss to get over, and I've been grieving for a while for all the losses that came to me at once." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    11 mins
  • The Silent Betrayal That Left Me Drowning in Family Drama

    The Silent Betrayal That Left Me Drowning in Family Drama
    Aug 19 2025
    They say blood is thicker than water, but what happens when your own blood leaves you drowning? If you've ever felt more seen by a coworker than by your sibling… more supported by a friend than your parent… you're not alone. In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee shares a family betrayal that forced her to draw a hard line. Her father and sister took her 17-year-old son to get a COVID vaccine behind her back and paid him to do it. It wasn’t about the vaccine. It was about trust, control, and years of ignored boundaries coming to the surface. When Kelly confronted her sister, hoping for a real conversation, she was met with cold dismissal. That response said everything. She talks openly about what it’s like to grow up being pushed aside, talked over, and excluded. Since her mom passed, that distance has only grown. Her dad, sister, and brother still meet up. She’s usually left out. Her mom was the one person holding things together. Without her, the cracks widened. Even now, the patterns continue. Passive-aggressive comments, badmouthing behind her back, and now, using her son to go around her. Kelly is done trying to fix what doesn’t want to be fixed. She is choosing self-respect over forced connection. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your own family or questioned your place in it, this episode will hit home. Key Takeaways Just because you're strong doesn’t mean you don’t want to be cared for Passive-aggressive behavior is still emotional abuse You don’t have to keep chasing a connection with people who hurt you Support can come from friends and strangers sent by God, not always blood Speaking your truth breaks cycles of silence and shame In This Episode (00:36) A betrayal involving her son’s COVID shot (03:50) Boundary violations and family gaslighting (06:25) Feeling unsupported during health struggles (09:40) Paying family for help: love vs. obligation (12:35) Being emotionally independent since childhood (14:18) Social media shade and public criticism (16:05) Her son standing up to family toxicity (17:40) Finding peace through acceptance and letting go Notable Quotes (02:01) "I called my sister and I said, what is this I'm hearing about you taking Jacob to get a Covid shot? And she goes, well, if you were a better parent, I wouldn't have to take him to get it." — Kelly Renee (04:26) "I'm sick of lighting myself on fire to keep other people warm, or I'm sick of trying to chase approval or relationship. No one gives a shit about me." — Kelly Renee (10:36) "You don't have to be close to your family to be a good person. Some people you're just not meant to get along with." — Kelly Renee (11:00) “They say sometimes, God will send strangers in your life to support you because your family doesn't.”— Kelly Renee (16:10) "It's just sad that a 22-year-old has to talk to a grown adult saying, 'Please don't make fun of my mom when I'm here. It upsets me.”— Kelly Renee (17:53) "For all those people who have difficult family dynamics, don't let it define you. Don't feel bad that you don't get along with your family." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 mins
  • The Betrayal That Changed Everything: The Pain of Trusting the Wrong Person

    The Betrayal That Changed Everything: The Pain of Trusting the Wrong Person
    Aug 12 2025
    What do you do when the person you trust most is the one who hands you the poison? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee opens up about something she’s been holding onto for a long time. She shares a moment that shifted everything: when someone she loved and trusted most introduced her to drugs during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Her mom was dying, emotions were heavy, and instead of helping her cope, her husband handed her something to numb the pain. She said yes, but the question that still lingers is why he offered it in the first place. Kelly talks through all the layers that came after. From grieving her mother and picking up her ashes alone, to feeling completely abandoned by the one person who should have stood by her. She reflects on how that time affected her marriage, her mental health, and even her business. It’s honest, emotional, and full of the kind of reflection that many people are afraid to say out loud. If you’ve ever trusted someone who let you down or felt overwhelmed by heartbreak and confusion, this episode will speak to you. Kelly’s story is proof that healing begins when you speak the truth, even when it hurts. Come listen and feel a little less alone. Key Takeaways People can weaponize your pain while claiming to love you Numbing your emotions delays healing but never erases the truth Trust without protection isn’t trust, it’s exposure Speaking the truth, even when it’s ugly, is an act of self-respect You’re allowed to outgrow the version of you that tolerated pain In This Episode (00:01) Introduction and purpose of the episode (01:22) Background: family and drug exposure (02:25) Cocaine introduction by husband (03:51) Struggling with betrayal and trust (05:25) Regret and grieving her mother (06:39) Abandonment during grief (07:47) Coping and continued drug use (08:47) Lingering anger and lack of accountability (10:02) Reflection on trust and leadership (11:22) Loss, trauma, and medical emergency (12:35) Codependency and childhood trauma (13:50) Toxic relationships and family dynamics (15:11) Struggles with trust and setting boundaries (16:53) Betrayal and public exposure (19:15) Consequences and unconditional love (21:40) Learning from red flags and heartache (22:48) Healing, growth, and new traumas (25:07) Conclusion and call to action Notable Quotes (04:38) "Not all love means safety. And not everyone in your inner circle is there to protect you." — Kelly Renee (08:48) "If I was on the ground on fire, I don't think he'd even spit on me at this point." — Kelly Renee (0921) "It's really hard to forgive someone or move on from something without accountability." — Kelly Renee (20:27) "You can't keep giving unconditional love to someone who's hurting you over and over again." — Kelly Renee (21:55) "Love is the one thing that makes females weak and stupid." — Kelly Renee (24:33) "When I say it out loud, I'm not ashamed anymore." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    26 mins
  • This Change Was the Only Way I Could Feel Like Me Again

    This Change Was the Only Way I Could Feel Like Me Again
    Aug 5 2025
    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 mins
  • Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me

    Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me
    Jul 29 2025
    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 mins
  • Why Confidence Crumbles Before Puberty Even Starts

    Why Confidence Crumbles Before Puberty Even Starts
    Jul 22 2025
    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 mins
  • A Matter of Time: Shining Light on EB

    A Matter of Time: Shining Light on EB
    Jul 15 2025
    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 mins