Kathleen Kastner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kathleen , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My son got married recently and his wife has an 8-year-old boy, so I’m now a grandma!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the author of the Karma Cats children’s book series, which teaches kids to be kind and compassionate to animals. My books mirror my lifelong commitment to helping animals and being a vegan since 2002. I wrote the series in memory of my soul mate cats, Julian and Oliver, who were my best friends for 20 years. The books are based on real animals and animal welfare issues, like adopting shelter pets, helping abandoned animals and factory farming. My new book, Karma Cats Puppy Quest, will be released on
Nov. 6th and champions the importance of microchipping and helping lost pets.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me the most about work and being an entrepreneur. He owned a third generation plumbing company in my hometown of Salina, KS. He worked hard with integrity and went out of his way to know his customers on a pesonal level and never forgot a name! I was a yoga studio founder and owner for 16 years in Kansas City, MO and applied my dad’s work ethic to my studio, and it helped me to be successful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I had a yoga injury five years ago that completely derailed my life. I couldn’t walk for many months and had pain on a level I had never exeperienced, which taught me to be more empathetic towards other people suffering from chronic pain. If I see someone struggling, I ask them if there’s anything I can do to help. When I take a walk now I start it off by thanking God that every step is a gift, every day is a gift and every breath is a gift and I sincerely mean it. Being alive and being able bodied is a gift and I don’t take it for granted.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Jane Goodall for her lifelong dedication to being a voice for the voiceless and living a life with purpose. She spoke with grace from her heart, which made her message about being compassionate to animals more accessible for people to receive it. I admire her for fulfilling her divine assignment up until her death at age 91, still traveling the world speaking on the importance of being compassionate and taking action for animals and the planet. I hope to be like her until my final days, doing what God called me here to do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have a deep empathy for the suffering of animals, especially the billions of farm animals and trillions of fish who are killed annually for food. These animals feel pain and suffering and love and compassion, just like cats and dogs. They have families and friends and want to live a joyful and peaceful life, as they deserve. I pray humans will awaken to the light and Divinity within ALL beings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathleenkastner.com
- Instagram: @kathleenkastnerauthor; @karmacatsbooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenkastner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenkastnerwriter/
- Youtube: @kathleenkastner
Image Credits
Headshots by Wade Mortenson.
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