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  • Why I Left The Hospital Without My Baby

    Why I Left The Hospital Without My Baby
    2025/05/06
    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 分
  • 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
    2025/04/29
    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 分
  • The Free State Program Every Single Mom in California Needs to Know About

    The Free State Program Every Single Mom in California Needs to Know About
    2025/04/22
    What if there was a way to secure financial support for your children without spending a dime on lawyers or endless court battles? What if the state could step in and handle everything—locating the other parent, calculating fair payments, even enforcing them—while you focus on raising your kids? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, host Kelly Renee tackles the often misunderstood and emotionally charged topic of child support and co-parenting. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers a powerful reminder that advocating for yourself and your children isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Kelly highlights a free resource in California, Child Support Services (childsupport.ca.gov), that can help parents secure the financial support their children deserve without the need for expensive attorneys or legal battles. This raw and unfiltered conversation is a call to action for anyone struggling to make ends meet while raising kids without adequate support from the other parent. Whether you’re dealing with an ex who refuses to pay, underpays, or negotiates unfairly, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement to take the steps needed to create stability for your family. Key Takeaways Personal experiences with navigating child support issues Importance of understanding state support systems for parents Role of the California Child Support agency in providing assistance Process of transferring child support cases to California Impact of adequate child support on families, illustrated by personal stories Accessibility of child support services without the need for an attorney Emotional effects of inadequate child support on parents and children Advocacy for fair child support and its importance in co-parenting dynamics In This Episode [00:00:01] Introduction to the podcast [00:00:19] Child support resources in California [00:01:19] Personal experience with child support [00:02:16] Child support program benefits [00:03:16] Encouragement to seek child support [00:05:11] Importance of state support [00:07:06] Agreement and mediation insights [00:08:54] Court system delays [00:09:56] Addressing co-parenting challenges [00:12:40] Child safety concerns [00:14:30] Final thoughts on child support [00:15:24] Conclusion and call to action Notable Quotes [03:05] "I used child support as a negotiation tool. Like, if you let me move to California, I won't make you pay child support." — Kelly Renee [09:10] "For someone to see you struggling and not care that their kids are going without, that's someone you can't really reason with." — Kelly Renee [13:45] "If you are a parent and you're not with the other parent and you are not getting help, they will help you." — Kelly Renee [11:43] "I remember one time I got them. I think we met at the In N Out, down off the 215. And the second my kids got in the car, they just started crying." — Kelly Renee [09:41] "It's crazy that they could sit here and do a hundred dollars a week and feel they're contributing." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    16 分
  • What No One Tells You About Cannabis and Mental Health

    What No One Tells You About Cannabis and Mental Health
    2025/04/15
    Yes, a lot has been said about cannabis. Critics call it a "gateway drug." Advocates hail it as a miracle plant. Politicians debate its legality while Big Pharma and alcohol companies quietly fund opposition to keep their profits safe. But here’s the reality: Most of what’s been said is either outdated, exaggerated, or flat-out wrong. We’ve been fed the same tired arguments for decades—"It’s dangerous!" "It’s addictive!" "It’ll ruin your life!"—while alcohol, a known carcinogen linked to violence, addiction, and destroyed families, gets a free pass. Why? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Kelly Renee opens up about her lifelong relationship with cannabis and how it has been her go-to tool for managing anxiety, sleep, and overall well-being. From her early days at 16 to her experiences as a veteran, mother, and former cannabis store owner, Kelly shares how cannabis has been a positive force in her life—contrasting it with the pitfalls of alcohol and prescription pills. She also tackles the stigma around cannabis use and advocates for its acceptance as a safer alternative. Key Takeaways Benefits of cannabis for managing insomnia, anxiety, and frustration Comparison of cannabis use to alcohol and prescription medications Experiences in the military and struggles with anxiety medications Advocacy for changing the stigma surrounding cannabis, especially for veterans Impact of cannabis on mental health and quality of life for veterans Encouragement for responsible cannabis use as a safer alternative to other substances In This Episode [00:00:01] Introduction to cannabis [00:01:10] Personal benefits of cannabis [00:02:16] Military experience and prescription medications [00:03:11] Impact of then-husband's accident [00:04:16] Advocacy for cannabis [00:05:16] Cannabis vs. prescription drugs [00:06:12] Different ways to use cannabis [00:07:11] Judgment around cannabis use [00:08:10] Personal journey with cannabis [00:09:15] Celebration of 4/20 [00:10:26] Parenting and cannabis [00:11:29] Future of cannabis in her life [00:12:28] Final thoughts on cannabis Notable Quotes [00:01:10] "For me, cannabis has helped me with everything I need help with. I wake up at 1:00 in the morning, I can't go back to sleep, I smoke cannabis and I can go back to sleep. If I'm feeling anxious, I smoke cannabis and I don't feel anxious anymore." — Kelly Renee [00:04:16] "At one time, I would have loved to be prescribed cannabis while I was in the military to help me with everything because I knew it did, but it wasn't an option because of the rules. So they gave you pills, and pills weren't the best option." — Kelly Renee [00:12:28] "When you take pills or anxiety medicine, it completely changes who you are as a person. I've witnessed it firsthand. But when you smoke cannabis, it doesn't change your personality; it just mellows you out." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    15 分
  • The Unspoken Truth About Being a Working Mom (That No One Admits)

    The Unspoken Truth About Being a Working Mom (That No One Admits)
    2025/04/08
    Can women truly "have it all"? In this raw and deeply personal episode, Kelly Renee dismantles the myth of balancing motherhood and career, drawing from her own journey as a military veteran, real estate professional, and mother of two. She shares the painful sacrifices, societal double standards, and emotional toll of trying to excel at both—and why she now believes it’s impossible without systemic change or a partner who shares the load equally. From the guilt of missed moments to the harsh reality that "kids don’t appreciate sacrifice until they’re adults," Kelly’s unfiltered reflections are a wake-up call for anyone navigating parenthood, career, or the pressure to do both. Key Takeaways The Military vs. Civilian Parenting Divide: How the military enforced equal childcare planning—and why civilian life fails mothers. The Stay-at-Home Mom Experiment: Why Kelly left the military to be a SAHM—and why it left her depressed and unfulfilled. The Real Cost of "Balance": Juggling real estate with young kids meant constant compromise ("I was a tornado at work… I didn’t even have time to pee"). Kids’ Painful Truth: Her son’s confession: "I don’t want to work like you. I want to spend time with my family." Regrets & Resentment: How focusing on career left her with lost time, a dissolved marriage, and kids who "sat across from therapists explaining what it was like to be raised by me." A Message to Mothers: "You can’t be 100% at work and 100% at home. Someone—or something—will always pay the price." In This Episode (00:01) - Introduction to Fiercely Unfiltered (01:08) - Motherhood and career choices (02:05) - Military vs. civilian parenting (03:54) - Transitioning to stay-at-home mom (04:55) - Real estate career (06:39) - Ages 0 to 5 in motherhood (07:33) - Juggling work and parenting (08:57) - Regrets on work-life balance (10:09) - Lessons learned in parenting (11:23) - Expectations in parenthood (12:27) - The thankless job of parenting (13:36) - Struggles with stay-at-home motherhood (14:43) - Changing dynamics in relationships (15:54) - Finding what works for you (17:12) - Desires and expectations (18:25) - Stressful reality of motherhood (19:39) - Regrets and hopes for the future (21:02) - Acknowledging past mistakes (22:30) - Understanding parenting generations (23:37) - Choosing between career and family (24:48) - Living in the moment (26:02) - Final thoughts and encouragement Notable Quotes [08:57] "I wish I would have enjoyed my children more when they were little. I wish I wouldn't have worked so much. I wish I wouldn't have put my energy into something that could be taken from me." — Kelly Renee [13:36] "I just don't think, in my opinion, you could have it all unless you have a husband who is a stay-at-home dad who takes that role and those responsibilities and those worries from you." — Kelly Renee [17:12] "If I went back and thought about who I was and what I wanted, I'm not sure I would have had kids. To be honest, kids didn't fulfill me in any way that I needed to feel fulfilled to be happy." — Kelly Renee [19:39] "I hope that all the mistakes I made with my kids, trying to have a career and be a mom and failing at both, I can make up to them as I am a mother to them in the latter part of their life." — Kelly Renee [21:02] "I'm sorry that I didn't take the time to heal my traumas before I had you. I'm sorry that you're probably going to be going to counseling because of the stuff I put you through." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    26 分
  • Coping With Grief: Losing My Mom & Learning to Live Again

    Coping With Grief: Losing My Mom & Learning to Live Again
    2025/04/01
    What would you do if the person who taught you how to live was suddenly fighting for their own life? How do you navigate the unthinkable—losing the anchor of your family—and find a way to keep going? In this deeply personal episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee opens up about her heartbreaking journey through grief after losing her mother to fallopian tube cancer. She shares the raw emotions of witnessing her mom’s battle, the impact of loss on her family, and the difficult process of learning to live again. With honesty and vulnerability, Kelly reflects on love, resilience, and healing, offering a powerful message of hope to anyone struggling with grief. Beyond her personal story, Kelly also highlights the critical importance of health screenings, including colonoscopies and mammograms, inspired by her mother’s experience. She urges listeners to be proactive about their health and take steps toward early detection and prevention. Through intimate reflections, Kelly honors her mother’s strength, struggles, and lasting legacy. While she doesn’t shy away from the pain of watching a loved one suffer, she also finds solace in faith, cherished memories, and the small moments that bring light to the darkest days. This episode is more than a tribute—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder to prioritize your health, cherish every moment with your loved ones, and find strength even in the face of profound loss. If you’ve ever experienced grief or want to support someone who has, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways The emotional journey of supporting a loved one through cancer. How losing a parent reshapes family dynamics. Why regular health screenings (like colonoscopies and mammograms) are so important as we age. Honoring a parent’s legacy and the lessons they leave behind. The toll of caregiving and witnessing a loved one’s illness. Practical advice for staying proactive about your health. Navigating grief and finding comfort in faith and memories. A heartfelt nudge to prioritize your health and cherish every moment with those you love. In This Episode [00:01] Introduction to the episode [:00:18] Mom's birthday tribute [01:18] Health screenings discussion [02:17] Mom's cancer journey [03:22] Final conversations with mom [04:20] Impact of loss on holidays [05:26] Reflections on grief [06:28] Faith and peace [07:41] Health monitoring and challenges [08:55] God’s plan and personal growth [10:05] Learning and healing journey [11:22] Birthday message to mom [12:37] Moving forward after loss Notable Quotes [03:22] "Having a conversation with your mom about her dying and being ready to go is a pretty intense conversation. It shook me in a way that I never wanted to have." — Kelly Renee [05:26] "I miss my mom a lot. They say it doesn't get easier, the pain doesn't fade. I thought my mom would live till she was 100. Living a life without your mom isn't the same as a life with her." — Kelly Renee [11:22] "I hope my mom's happy in heaven. I hope she's looking down at me and proud. I'm sorry I didn't make all the right choices, but I'm learning and I know better now." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    14 分
  • From Uncertain to Unstoppable: Why I Enlisted in the Military at 19

    From Uncertain to Unstoppable: Why I Enlisted in the Military at 19
    2025/03/25
    What if one bold decision could change the course of your life forever? What if the military—a path often overlooked or misunderstood—was the key to unlocking a stronger, more resilient version of yourself? Imagine this: at just 19 years old, uncertain about the future, you take a leap into a world of discipline, camaraderie, and relentless challenges. How would it shape you? Who would you become? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee shares her powerful transformation through military service—a decision that redefined her life. She dives into the motivations behind enlisting, the grueling training that tested her limits, and the unexpected lessons in resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Kelly recounts sneaking out for a night of fun—only to face an unforgettable punishment. She also reflects on her eight years of service, including a year in South Korea, where she immersed herself in the local culture and strengthened her sense of independence. While Kelly cherishes the invaluable skills and confidence she gained, she also opens up about why she ultimately chose a different path. Now, she encourages young people to consider military service as a transformational stepping stone to building confidence, discipline, and a future filled with purpose. Tune in to hear Kelly’s story of courage, growth, and the life-changing impact of military service. Key Takeaways The military as a path for self-discovery Intense training and unforgettable memories: From shooting M16s to throwing live grenades. The importance of resilience and teamwork A proud legacy: Kelly’s military service left her with a deep sense of pride and a desire to inspire others, especially young women. Embracing challenges with humor and perspective: Kelly’s story of hiding training gear during a night out and the resulting punishment highlights her ability to find humor and strength in difficult situations. In This Episode (00:01) Introduction (01:14) Why I Joined the Military at 19 (02:14) The Recruitment Process & Military Entry (03:14) Intense Military Training: What It’s Really Like (04:03) Overcoming Physical Challenges in Basic Training (05:01) Life in the Field: The Harsh Realities of Military Training (06:55) Serving During 9/11: The Impact of Stop Loss (07:55) Airborne School & Jumping from Planes (08:49) Honoring Veterans: Why Military Service Deserves More Respect (09:55) Military Honors & Recognition (11:04) Burial Detail: A Profound Honor (11:55) Climbing the Military Ranks (12:14) Leadership Training & Rising to the Challenge (13:15) Life-Changing Lessons from the Military (14:14) What It’s Really Like in Basic Training Barracks (15:12) Military Reflections: The Good, The Bad & The Unexpected (16:23) Facing Military Punishment: A Tough Lesson (17:17) The Military Mindset: What It Taught Me About Life (18:13) A Year in Korea: Living, Training & Embracing a New Culture (19:11) Should You Join the Military? My Honest Advice Notable Quotes (02:14) "I couldn’t do one push-up when I joined, but within the first year, I maxed out my PT test. The military pushes you to be better." — Kelly Renee (05:01) "You train for war, but you hope you never have to go. I’m grateful I never had to, but I have immense respect for those who did." — Kelly Renee (09:55) "The military is a great option for anyone who doesn’t know what they want to do in life. It gives you something civilians will never understand." — Kelly Renee (11:04) "Being on burial detail was one of the most emotional and honorable experiences of my life. It’s something I’ll hold with me forever." — Kelly Renee (18:13) "The military taught me confidence, teamwork, and resilience, but it’s not a place where you can always think outside the box. That’s why I chose to move on." — Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    21 分
  • Divorce: The Hidden Costs and Hard Truths You Need to Know

    Divorce: The Hidden Costs and Hard Truths You Need to Know
    2025/03/18
    Divorce. It’s supposed to be about ending a chapter and starting fresh, but what if it’s much more than that? What if it’s a battle you’re not prepared for, one where the system itself becomes an obstacle rather than a help? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Kelly Renee pulls back the curtain on the often-hidden realities of divorce. Drawing from her own deeply personal experience of going through two divorces, Kelly shares the emotional, financial, and legal challenges she faced—and what she wishes she had known before starting the process. From the staggering costs of attorney fees to the emotional toll of navigating a broken system, Kelly doesn’t hold back. She reveals how the legal system can exploit those at their most vulnerable, and why it’s crucial to protect yourself before you ever need to. Whether you’re happily married, considering divorce, or simply want to be prepared for life’s uncertainties, this episode is a wake-up call. Kelly offers practical advice, hard-earned wisdom, and a heartfelt plea for couples to have honest conversations about the "what ifs" before it’s too late. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways The shocking truth about attorney fees and how the system exploits the vulnerable. How ex-spouses can manipulate finances and leave you with nothing. The emotional toll of being abandoned by your legal representation. Why you need to have honest conversations with your partner before divorce becomes a reality. The importance of protecting yourself financially, even in a happy marriage. Kelly’s vision for a nonprofit to help women navigate divorce with dignity. In This Episode (00:38) PSA on divorce (00:44) Kelly’s story: Two divorces. Two painful lessons. (00:58) Attorney fees: The system fails you. (01:52) You can't DocuSign divorce paperwork (01:56) Kelly’s lawyer dropped her case (02:04) Never use Singleton Law Group in Marietta (02:41) The emotional toll of being abandoned by your attorney. (04:36) Alimony for life? The misconceptions (05:12) Legal single status (06:18) Court process frustrations (07:15) Planning for potential divorce scenarios (09:48) Protecting your finances, even in a happy marriage. (10:48) Need for alternative support (12:58) Kelly’s nonprofit vision: Helping women in need. (16:42) Mediation as alternatives to costly legal battles. (16:53) Final thoughts Notable Quotes [02:40] "I paid $40,000 for three years for someone to show up for court for me. In the end, I had to review the judgment on my own. What did I even pay for?"— Kelly Renee [05:27] "He cut me off from the business, stopped paying me, and left me with nothing. The system allows this to happen, and it’s devastating."— Kelly Renee [07:15] "You go to court, discuss two motions, and then wait six months to go back. It’s a rip-off, and it’s designed to drain you financially and emotionally."— Kelly Renee [07:23] "If you’re happily married, have the hard conversations now. What happens if we’re not together anymore? How do we protect each other?" — Kelly Renee [14:43] "Divorce isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about giving each person the opportunity to start over without struggling." [15:49] I spent $40,000, and I'm sure he spent $40,000—that's $80,000 we spent on attorneys to fight for nothing because, in the end, there's nothing left.”— Kelly Renee Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website
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    18 分