Meet Kristen Reynolds

We recently connected with Kristen Reynolds and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For a long time after high school in 2014 and throughout college, I felt like I was on autopilot. I was lost, unhappy with the job I had at the time, and overwhelmed by the thought that I might never finish school. My mental health suffered, and I didn’t feel like myself.

After graduating, I got a job in the field I went to school for, and while it was the right path for me professionally, I realized I needed something creative to feel more fulfilled. I wanted to reconnect with who I was, so I started seeing a therapist. That’s when I had a major realization: I am in charge of my own happiness. You can choose to stay stuck or take steps to create the life you want.

Therapy helped me communicate better with my loved ones and focus on becoming a kinder, more self-aware person. As I reflected on everything I’d been through, I realized I wanted to create a space to share my journey—the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’ve learned. That’s how my podcast was born.

My podcast has allowed me to connect with an audience that truly sees me for who I am. Hearing from listeners who relate to my experiences and feel encouraged by my journey makes it all worth it. Sharing the importance of prioritizing mental health and connecting with others through my stories has helped me find fulfillment in my purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Kristen Reynolds, the creator and host of a podcast that explores mental health, personal growth, and pop culture. My podcast was born from my own journey of overcoming challenges like anxiety, feeling lost, and learning to prioritize my mental health. I wanted to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and understood—because life can be messy, but we don’t have to go through it alone.

What makes my podcast unique is the blend of personal stories, deep conversations about mental health, and fun, relatable discussions about pop culture. From unpacking the highs and lows of relationships to analyzing the latest trends in movies, music, and TV, I aim to create a space where listeners can laugh, reflect, and feel connected.

What excites me most is the community I’ve built. Hearing from listeners who see themselves in my stories or find comfort in my words is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud to say my podcast has been recognized with two Black Podcasting Awards nominations, which feels like such an honor.

In addition to podcasting, I’m a new artist who shares my passion for coloring on a separate platform, @ColoringWithKristen. It’s a creative outlet that brings me joy and allows me to connect with a vibrant, supportive community.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to inspire others to prioritize their mental health, embrace their creativity, and find joy in the little things—whether that’s through a deep podcast episode or a relaxing coloring session.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities and skills on my journey were self-awareness, resilience, and communication.

1. Self-Awareness
Understanding my own feelings, triggers, and goals was a game-changer. It wasn’t until I started reflecting on what truly made me happy and fulfilled that I could take steps in the right direction.

2. Resilience
Life is full of ups and downs, and there were times I wanted to give up—whether it was during college, navigating mental health struggles, or starting my podcast. Resilience kept me going even when things felt impossible.

3. Communication
Learning how to express myself clearly and openly was a turning point. It helped me build stronger relationships and allowed me to connect with my audience authentically.

My advice for those early in their journey, is to remember growth takes time, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Focus on developing your skills step by step, and trust that every small effort adds up to something bigger.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The people who’ve been most helpful in my journey are my family and my boyfriend (we’re high school sweethearts). Each of them has played a unique role in shaping the person I am today and helping me develop the skills and qualities I needed to overcome challenges and find success.

My mom has taught me the importance of taking time to think and plan for the future. She’s shown me how to approach life with wisdom, kindness, and intention. My dad has always encouraged me to be independent and resourceful, and one of his favorite quotes, “If you ask yourself the right questions, you’ll get the right answers,” has stuck with me. It’s made me really good at figuring things out on my own and finding creative solutions.

My sister is my grounding force. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or unsure, her calm and gentle spirit helps me refocus. She reminds me that I’m capable of getting through any situation and that there’s always a way to the other side.

And then there’s my boyfriend, who has been my biggest cheerleader. He constantly reminds me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and his unwavering belief in me pushes me to aim higher and keep going even when things get tough.

All of these lessons and qualities—planning, resourcefulness, resilience, and self-belief—have combined to help me navigate challenges and work toward my goals. I’m so grateful for the love and support they’ve given me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/alittlebitalotpodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlebitalotpodcast/profilecard/?igsh=MW92aGFidG9najRicw==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alittlebitalotpodcast?si=84U424W50EEE3eev

Image Credits

All images are taken by me 🙂