Episodes

  • When Forever Ends: The Journey from Wedding Promises to Self‑Worth

    When Forever Ends: The Journey from Wedding Promises to Self‑Worth
    Jun 17 2025
    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 mins
  • Co-Parenting Isn’t for the Weak: Here’s What No One Told Me

    Co-Parenting Isn’t for the Weak: Here’s What No One Told Me
    Jun 10 2025
    Co-parenting sounds doable in theory, but in real life? It’s tough, especially after a messy divorce, and even more so when your ex has already moved on to someone new. How do you co-parent with someone you’re not on the same page with anymore, maybe even don’t like? And what if they keep jumping from one relationship to the next, making everything feel unstable? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee gets real about her co-parenting journey after her divorce. She shares the highs and lows—from negotiating a 50-50 custody deal with her ex, to dealing with moments like when he decides to go snowboarding instead of picking up the kids, and doesn’t even bother to call her back, leaving her scrambling to sort things out last minute. Kelly doesn’t shy away from admitting that sometimes she puts her own feelings first, even when it’s not best for the kids. Her story is honest, raw, and full of the messy reality many of us face. If co-parenting feels like a battle for you, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s jump into it! Key Takeaways How reversing the child support conversation changed everything. Why "equal parenting" doesn't always feel fair. Why co-parenting often gets easier when a new partner is involved. Why teenage kids shift the entire dynamic of visitation. How to avoid using your kids as emotional pawns. The one boundary Kelly wishes she’d enforced sooner. In This Episode (00:00:01) Introduction to co-parenting (00:01:14) Personal experience with co-parenting (00:02:14) Negotiating parenting responsibilities (00:03:04) Challenges of shared parenting (00:05:27) Impact of new relationships (00:06:26) Children's needs vs. parental emotions (00:07:32) Haircut incident (00:08:25) Changing dynamics as children grow (00:09:25) Improved relations with new partners (11:42) Final thoughts and call to action Notable Quotes (00:03:51) "I remember it would be my day to pick up the kids and he'd call or text and say I have the day off, I want the kids. I'd be like, it's my day, I have plans. He goes, I don't care, I'm picking them up. If you don't want there to be a scene, don't show up." — Kelly Renee (00:05:07) "The most difficult thing to do is co-parent with someone right after you are separating because you guys hate each other." — Kelly Renee (00:06:57) "Anybody who's co-parenting with kids, we got to put the kids first. — Kelly Renee (00:09:09) "I remember my ex used to deal with my current husband more than me and they used to get along. So that worked for me." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    11 mins
  • 47 Years Old. 15 Pounds Down. 1 Stage. Here’s How I Built My Fittest Body Ever

    47 Years Old. 15 Pounds Down. 1 Stage. Here’s How I Built My Fittest Body Ever
    Jun 3 2025
    Do you ever find yourself wondering if it’s even possible to feel better in your 40s than you did in your 30s? Kelly Renee is living proof that it’s possible. And her secret weapon? The gym. In this electrifying episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly pulls back the curtain on her grueling 16-week fitness competition prep, just a week away from stepping onto the big stage in San Diego. No excuses. No shortcuts. Kelly shares the raw truth about the strict diet, the unwavering discipline, and the intense mental toughness required to transform her body and mindset for the Fit Model and Bikini Division competitions. From chicken smothered in Greek yogurt to completely avoiding restaurants, Kelly reveals how she’s pushed herself beyond what she thought possible. But beyond the meal prep and endless gym sessions lies a bigger lesson: it’s about proving to yourself what you’re capable of when you honor every promise you make. Kelly Renee now feels better in her 40s than she did in her 30s, all thanks to the power of consistent discipline and the gym’s magic. Curious to see how? Let’s dive in. Key Takeaways Why Kelly swapped running for Peloton cardio to maintain muscle. The mental discipline of avoiding restaurants and cheat meals entirely. How competing in two divisions (Fit Model & Bikini) changes strategy. Why hair extensions became her "instant reward" during prep. How lifting weights reversed aging effects by 48. Why divorce became her ultimate focus booster. The grocery store trick to eliminate home temptation. That real results require total commitment, no "sometimes" effort. In This Episode (00:01) Introduction to the podcast (00:18) Fitness competition update (01:18) Training regimen overview (02:15) Dietary changes (03:12) Cardio and workout routine (04:14) Mental discipline and choices (06:02) Commitment to the plan (07:00) Hair extensions for competition (07:56) Mindset and motivation (08:57) Ongoing fitness goals (09:54) Aging in reverse and personal transformation (10:47) Discipline in food choices (11:42) Final thoughts and call to action Notable Quotes (00:03:22)"This isn’t about the gym. It’s about every decision you make when you’re not in the gym."— Kelly Renee (00:07:47) "I’m failing publicly if I fail, but I’ll know I didn’t cheat. I did everything I promised myself."— Kelly Renee (00:10:27) "I’m aging backwards. Lifting weights gave me the body and confidence I never had at 30." — Kelly Renee (00:11:06) "Be a badass in the grocery store so you don’t have to be tough at your house.” Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    13 mins
  • Married for Convenience or Love? My Truth About Two Very Different Marriages

    Married for Convenience or Love? My Truth About Two Very Different Marriages
    May 27 2025
    Picture this: You say "yes” to someone you barely know because of the military’s financial benefits, your friends are all getting married, and hey, it seems like a good idea at the time. Fast forward a few years, and you’re staring at a person you legally promised forever to… and realizing you don’t even like them. Yep. That was Kelly's first marriage. In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, host Kelly Renee pulls back the curtain on her first marriage, a relationship that began in the military, rooted more in circumstance than deep connection. With unflinching honesty, she reflects on the emotional distance, unmet expectations, and the slow unraveling of a partnership that lacked true intimacy. Kelly opens up about the painful lessons she learned: how love shouldn’t be transactional, why vulnerability is non-negotiable, and what it really means to choose yourself, even when it hurts. Through her journey of self-discovery, she found the courage to redefine love on her own terms. If you’ve ever stayed in a relationship out of comfort rather than conviction, or struggled to reconcile duty with desire, this episode is for you. It’s a powerful reminder that growth often comes from our hardest chapters and that authenticity is the ultimate act of rebellion. Key Takeaways The true story behind a marriage that started with a checklist, not chemistry The pivotal moment that forced Kelly to confront her worth and her truth A powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define you, your courage to grow does When structure holds you together, but love’s missing. The affair that wasn’t just about someone new, but about finally feeling seen. Why your “wrong turns” may lead you to your truest path. In This Episode (00:01) Introduction to the episode (00:14) Reflection on first marriage (01:14) Meeting her first husband (01:59) The decision to marry (03:47) Understanding love and marriage (05:31) Pregnancy and family planning (06:24) Regrets about control (07:24) Communication with ex-husband (08:20) Comparing marriages (10:22) Agreement to stay together (11:13) Emergence of toxicity (12:08) Friendship with second husband (12:56) Beginning of the affair (13:52) Final conversations with ex-husband (14:50) Divorce paperwork received (15:58) Reflections on love and friendship (17:01) Lessons from past relationships (18:04) Self-love and personal growth (19:05) Embracing mistakes as growth Notable Quotes (06:24) "I regret trying to control my journey. I regret trying to map out everything that took place. I wish I had just let life happen." — Kelly Renee (08:20) "I kind of look back and I think, which marriage was better? The one where I got married for convenience and we had a partnership, or the one where I got married for love?" — Kelly Renee (14:46) "The one out of convenience hurt less; the one out of love, I figured out, wasn't even really love." — Kelly Renee (15:58) "After evaluating my life and reflecting on everything, I couldn't take back any decision I made because without each one of these decisions, I wouldn't be where I am today." — Kelly Renee (18:04) "I never really loved myself; I never really thought I deserved happiness. I thought that I deserved to be mistreated because of things I did, and that's not true." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    20 mins
  • Why Golf is My Ultimate Therapy

    Why Golf is My Ultimate Therapy
    May 20 2025
    What happens when a woman at rock bottom picks up a golf club? At 47, Kelly Renee was supposed to be broken. Divorced. Recovering from neck surgery that left her struggling to hold her phone. The world saw a woman who should have been defeated, but the golf course saw something else entirely. Golf wasn’t just a game, it became her rebellion, the lifeline she didn’t know she needed: a way to rebuild her body after neck surgery, reclaim her independence post-divorce, and bond with her 22-year-old son over 18-hole battles. In this unfiltered episode, Kelly breaks down why golf is her ultimate therapy—from predawn range sessions to the shocking history of women’s exclusion in the sport (Augusta National only allowed female members in 2012!). She shares her audacious goal to play professionally, the hilarious “single-status glove” idea she’s pitching to the world, and how getting kicked out of a golf club on her divorce court day led to an unexpected redemption. Whether you’ve never swung a club or you’re a seasoned player, Kelly’s journey proves that the green is where strength meets serenity. Tune in now and discover how golf became her game-changer—and why it just might become yours, too. Key Takeaways How golf became a cornerstone of Kelly’s healing journey post-surgery and divorce Why the sport is gaining popularity among women—and why more should try it Building connections and memories with her son through shared tee times The importance of female camaraderie in times of transition Reflecting on past chapters—like getting engaged on a golf course—and finding meaning in the full-circle moments In This Episode (00:00:01) Introduction: Golf as a lifeline (00:02:03) Why golf? Focus, nature, and incremental progress (00:03:59) Overcoming physical limits: Golfing through injury (00:04:57) Women in golf: Trailblazers and modern growth (00:06:49) Golf as family legacy (and the perfect birthday gift) (00:07:42) The golf club fallout—and unexpected redemption (00:10:03) Full-circle moments: From first job to engagement on the green (00:12:50) Living in the present: "Let preparation meet opportunity" (00:13:43) The "single glove" theory (and other golf hacks) (00:15:25) Closing: Why every woman should try golf Notable Quotes (02:04) "Golf isn't something that you want a time limit on. Like, I'd be like, I need eight hours. If I'm home early, that's a good thing." — Kelly Renee (02:35) "One of my regrets is I never put the time into anything. I never focused on something to see how good I could get." — Kelly Renee (03:05) "I've been golfing in pain almost my whole golf time. So to be fixed and to not have that pain anymore and to be working out, so I'm getting stronger. My golf game's just improving." — Kelly Renee (04:37) "Did you guys know that the Augusta National, where they have the Masters every year, only allowed female members since 2012? That's kind of crazy to me." — Kelly Renee (06:09) "What other thing could me and my 22-year-old son do together for five hours, where we both have so much fun and we're booking the next time before we leave?" — Kelly Renee (11:45) "Sometimes you don't go the path that you're supposed to go, but somehow it always brings you back to exactly where you're supposed to be." — Kelly Renee (13:47) "Golfing's for golf. It's not for hitting on people. At least I don't see it that way." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    16 mins
  • The Truth About Miscarriages, Pregnancy, and Making the Circumcision Choice

    The Truth About Miscarriages, Pregnancy, and Making the Circumcision Choice
    May 13 2025
    What if the moment you found out you were pregnant came with as much fear as joy? What if no one warned you about the physical trauma, the emotional weight, or the life-altering identity shift that comes with becoming a mother? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee shares the highs, lows, and wild moments of her motherhood journey. From military pregnancies that ended at 37 weeks to sprinting on a treadmill until her water broke, Kelly doesn’t hold back. She opens up about a 20-week ultrasound that suggested a possible Down syndrome diagnosis and the emotional pain of a miscarriage during her son’s high school football game. Then, there’s the circumcision conversation. Kelly chose not to circumcise her son, and years later, he was teased with the nickname "Jacob Foreskin." Her solution? A candid, graphic episode of Shameless to spark an open discussion. Kelly makes the case that parents should have honest, no-shame talks about body differences because kids notice and will eventually ask questions. Motherhood isn’t always pretty, but it’s always worth the truth. Kelly reminds us that tough, real conversations matter. Hit play for a refreshingly honest, relatable conversation, then share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone. Key Takeaways Pregnancy is more than baby bumps and joy. It’s often pain, pressure, and fear The emotional weight of prenatal testing and unexpected diagnoses The trauma of miscarriage and the silence that follows The importance of open conversations about sensitive parenting topics, such as circumcision How motherhood changes your sense of freedom, identity, and connection In This Episode (00:00:01) Introduction to the episode (00:01:10) Stress of pregnancy (00:02:04) Reflections on first pregnancy (00:03:01) Impact of pregnancy on the body (00:03:54) 20-week ultrasound experience (00:04:42) Decision against further testing (00:05:37) Fear of SIDS (00:06:45) Miscarriages and emotional toll (00:07:46) Gratitude for healthy children (00:08:47) Circumcision decisions (00:09:39) Peer pressure and circumcision (00:10:30) Importance of conversations about circumcision (00:12:22) Awareness of childbirth risks (00:13:20) Closing thoughts Notable Quotes (02:12) “They told me there was a high chance my son would be born with Down syndrome, and I decided not to do the further testing. I just couldn’t go through that stress.” — Kelly Renee (04:15) “I miscarried in the bathroom during my son’s football game. I didn’t tell anyone. I just cleaned myself up and sat in the stands like nothing happened.” — Kelly Renee (06:23) “It's a miracle to have healthy children. It's a miracle you get through your pregnancy without complications. I thank God every day for my two healthy children.” — Kelly Renee (10:04) “I lost who I was. I didn’t feel like Kelly anymore—I was just someone’s mom. And no one warned me it would feel that way.” — Kelly Renee (12:11) “If this helps even one woman feel less alone, then it’s worth every word I spoke.” — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    15 mins
  • Why I Left The Hospital Without My Baby

    Why I Left The Hospital Without My Baby
    May 6 2025
    What does it mean to become a mother when the birth stories you imagined shatter into chaos and fear? In this heartfelt episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee shares the deeply personal and emotional journeys of bringing her two sons into the world, both fighting for their lives in the NICU. With Mother’s Day approaching and her youngest son turning 22, Kelly reflects on the terrifying, beautiful, and transformative moments that shaped her into the mother and woman she is today. From the trauma of childbirth complications to celebrating her son’s resilience, faith, and personal growth, this episode captures the raw essence of what it truly means to love unconditionally. Kelly doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: the pain of being separated from her newborns, the guilt, the strength it took to walk away when necessary, and the ongoing journey of letting go as children grow up. Whether you're a mother, a child of a strong woman, or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode will move you and inspire you. Key Takeaways The raw realities of childbirth complications and NICU experiences The emotional weight of leaving a baby in the hospital to heal Honoring the strength it takes to become a mother under imperfect circumstances The bittersweet nature of watching your children grow into adults Rejecting judgment around birth choices like epidurals and C-sections Redefining what it means to be a “good mother” through love, support, and guidance In This Episode [00:30] Reflections on Mother's Day and the emotions it brings [00:56] The birth story of Kelly's first son: fear, NICU, and recovery [02:38] Processing the trauma of not seeing her newborn for hours [03:21] The birth of her second son: another NICU journey, more severe complications [04:48] Heartbreak: Being told her presence was too much for her newborn [05:18] Facing the terrifying possibility of loss and the fragility of life [06:46] Looking back with pride on her son's survival and strength [07:15] A son’s journey to faith, healing, and personal growth [09:31] Debunking judgment about birth choices: epidurals, C-sections, and strength [11:00] Embracing the motherhood journey regardless of how it started [12:08] The beauty of evolving relationships with adult children Notable Quotes [05:42] "You don't understand how precious life is until you're fighting for a life that just began." — Kelly Renee [07:43] "He leaned into his faith when I couldn't be there for him. That gives me hope that I did something right." — Kelly Renee [09:49] "I don't need to go through pain to have a badge to be a mother. I'm a mother whether I had an epidural or not." — Kelly Renee [11:37] "Being a mom is about loving someone unconditionally and making their time on this earth the best it can be." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    13 mins
  • Infidelity, Lies, and Gaslighting: How I Finally Saw My Marriage for What It Was

    Infidelity, Lies, and Gaslighting: How I Finally Saw My Marriage for What It Was
    Apr 29 2025
    Imagine trusting your spouse, believing they have it all together, only to find out they’ve been paying women $500 a week for sex behind your back. Now, after filing for divorce, one of those women reaches out on Instagram to confess everything. What do you do with that kind of betrayal? In this raw episode, Kelly Renee opens up about the shocking truth of her ex-husband’s infidelity, secrets uncovered by women brave enough to share their stories. As she processes the heartbreak of realizing her marriage was built on lies, Kelly reflects on how this journey challenged her ideas about love, trust, and what it means to truly be loved. This episode isn’t just about the pain—it’s about reclaiming her story, healing, and the strength found in sisterhood. Kelly asks a powerful question: How do you hold on to the good memories while confronting the ugly truths? If you’ve ever questioned the foundation of your relationships or are struggling to heal from betrayal, this episode offers candid insights and a path to healing. Key Takeaways Kelly's raw journey through betrayal and infidelity The emotional toll of learning about your partner’s hidden past The challenge of reconciling good memories with painful truths Why honesty and vulnerability are essential in relationships How female solidarity helped Kelly heal The importance of communication and accountability in rebuilding trust Empowerment, self-discovery, and personal growth after betrayal In This Episode [00:00:01] Introduction to the episode [00:01:45] Reflecting on marriage memories [00:02:29] Receiving a DM about infidelity [00:03:35] Understanding the impact of infidelity [00:05:21] Another DM from a former girlfriend [00:06:24] Processing betrayal and trust [00:08:39] Confronting the reality of cheating [00:09:54] Communication breakdown [00:10:59] Confusion and self-doubt [00:12:01] Memories of doubt [00:13:42] Living with uncertainty [00:15:38] Acceptance and moving forward [00:16:34] Reflection on support from women [00:17:37] Struggle with reality [00:18:00] Healing and acceptance [00:18:45] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [00:01:20] "My wedding was one of my favorite days, my best days I can ever remember. I don't want to taint that memory." — Kelly Renee [00:07:28] "Does that mean that I'm so naive that I was with someone that never loved me, that just used me the whole time?" — Kelly Renee [00:16:34] "We shouldn't let men's bad behavior turn us against each other. I blocked some of these females when all they were doing was trying to help me." — Kelly Renee [00:17:37] "For everyone healing from hurt that was caused by someone else, let's just accept an apology we're never going to get and figure out what we can change about ourselves." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    20 mins