The Audacity Effect | Strategies for the overqualified, undervalued, and completely fed up to finally make a change

The Audacity Effect | Strategies for the overqualified, undervalued, and completely fed up to finally make a change

Welcome to The Audacity Effect, the podcast for anyone who’s done asking for permission to build things that matter. We’re Jenna and Kelly: still in the corporate world, but not waiting for approval to do something bigger. We’re carving out space for more - on our own terms. This show was born from too many beige boardrooms, too many mediocre people stumbling upward, and too many late-night texts that started with, “Ok, but hear me out…” Whether you’re building a business, a farm, a second act, or just a better Tuesday - we see you. This is where strategy meets sarcasm. Real talk meets reinvention. Dogs may bark. Horses may neigh. We keep going. We’re building with Post-It Note precision, main character energy, and a very questionable sense of timing. And we know you’re right there with us. We’re here to normalize big pivots (mortgage broker? sure. podcast host? also yes), share tangible tools (like the best time to post a podcast and how to silence trauma-fueled self-doubt), and welcome every off-topic detour along the way because life is unpredictable, and podcasts should be too. You don’t need more credentials. You need more audacity. So if you’ve been waiting for someone to say, “You’re allowed”? You are. Now grab your coffee, open that Notes app, and bring a hammer. We’re making our own table—and we’re done playing it small. Meet your hosts: Kelly Lewis: Kelly is a storyteller with a steel spine and soft edges. She’s the voice of bold pivots, honest reflections, and the reminder that it’s never too late to start again.With deep roots in sales, nonprofit leadership, and business development, she’s built entire communities from scratch, and isn’t afraid to start over when something no longer fits. She’s here for the audacious moves, the real talk, and helping you build something that actually feels like you. Jenna Kaitbenski: Jenna is a strategist with rebel roots and a razor-sharp wit. She’s five-tab spreadsheets, dry one-liners, and the blueprint behind big ideas. With a background in corporate leadership and operations, she’s a master of making the complex feel doable. She’s who you call when you’ve got a ”crazy” idea, a blank slide, and no clue where to start, but also need a laugh to get you through it. Want more? Let’s chat: info@theaudacityeffect.com Check out Kelly & Jenna’s Favorite Things Visit our website www.theaudacityeffect.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theaudacityeffect/ Want to advertise on our podcast? Email us at info@theaudacityeffect.com Chloe Youtsey: Find the creator & genius behind our pod music on socials or at www.chloeyoutsey.com Show socials: @the_audacity_effect @bodybyprosecco @jenna_kaitbenski @chloeyoutsey @little_monster_book

Episodes

October 14, 2025 46 mins

Hosts Jenna and Kelly read listener emails and give frank, funny advice on messy modern life — from ambiguous dating and knowing when someone is an option, to teaching daughters (and ourselves) to take up space, hating your job, church doubts, self-care vs. impulse spending, and missing past versions of yourself.

Honest, practical tips and no-permission-needed encouragement to reclaim your time, boundaries, and audacity.

 

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Kelly & Jenna wrap up part 2 of their conversation with Chelsea, sharing honest, personal stories about deconstructing faith—tackling women's leadership in church, LGBTQ inclusion, the books and scholars that gave them language (hello, The Shack), and the emotional toll of leaving organized religion.

Compassionate and curious, this episode validates questioning believers, explores family and community tensions, and encourages e...

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Jenna and Kelly sit down with Chelsea Bawab — pole studio co-founder, mom, and friend — to explore the messy, honest process of questioning faith and rebuilding belief on your own terms.

They discuss Chelsea's new studio and nonprofit work, how they’re raising kids without insisting on certainty, and the hard conversations about doctrine, forgiveness, and what it means to be a moral person outside of strict religious rules.

 

Chels...

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Kelly & Jenna are back with part 2 of "Unwritten Contracts Effect" and guest co-host Shali to finish unpacking vulnerability, communication, and the hard work of asking for help. In this episode they talk about the danger of waiting for others to read your mind, why scheduling needs (yes, even sex) can help you be more spontaneous (oxymoronical sounding? Maybe...or is it?) parenting expectations (what we wanted as kids and how ...

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Kelly, Jenna, and guest co-host Shalimar unpack the unspoken agreements that sabotage relationships—romantic and platonic—and share honest, hilarious stories (including a pitchfork incident). They explore how assumptions, different love languages, and procrastination create resentments and offer practical ways to ask for what you need and set clearer expectations.

Listen for real-life examples, friendship/partner dynamics, and tips...

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September 9, 2025 39 mins

Jenna and Kelly unpack what happens when the labels that shape us—career, partner, parent, supporter—are removed and you’re forced to ask, “Who am I?”

Through candid stories about military life, marriage roles, parenting trimesters, and the pressure to prove worth through outcomes, they explore the difference between core identity and temporary roles.

Honest, funny, and vulnerable, this episode is about learning to be enough, letti...

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Join Kelly & Jenna this week as they welcome their VERY FIRST GUEST, Dr. Cortha Pringle, for an inspiring conversation about making bold career pivots, embracing failure as a learning tool, and finding the courage to redefine success on your own terms.

Dr. Cortha Pringle is the owner and center director of the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Virg...

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Jenna and Kelly drop a bonus episode filled with candid, sarcastic storytelling and authentic laughs. They riff on awkward teen dating, friend‑zoning, burned CDs, oddball gifts, and outrageous proposal moments.

Light, funny, and unfiltered, this episode is a short pick‑me‑up to get you through until next Tuesday....

Want more? 

Let's chat: info@theaudacityeffect.com

Check out Kelly & Jenna's Favorite Things

Visit our website ww...

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August 26, 2025 34 mins

Hosts Jenna and Kelly debunk a few myths, fact-check a hiring stat, and riff on the billion-dollar anti-aging market as they explore what it really means to age well. They tackle societal pressures around appearance, Botox, and style, celebrate intergenerational friendships, and encourage listeners to pivot, try new things, and believe the best years are still ahead.

Full of humor, honesty, and practical encouragement, this episode...

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August 19, 2025 28 mins

In this compelling episode of The Audacity Effect, hosts Kelly and Jenna delve into a deeply personal narrative of resilience, intuition, and self-advocacy. Kelly shares her poignant journey from losing her mother to breast cancer to navigating her own diagnosis and recovery. Highlighting the emotional and physical trials of her experiences, Kelly emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and advocating for oneself in t...

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August 12, 2025 43 mins

Welcome to The Audacity Effect, where Kelly and Jenna explore the power of embracing fears and following intuition. Join us as we dive into the quirky world of phobias, from worms to public speaking, and discuss how to navigate life's bold moves. Discover the difference between fear and intuition, and learn strategies to act on what truly matters. Whether you're afraid of failure, rejection, or emotional vulnerability, this episode...

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August 5, 2025 41 mins

This is the one you've been waiting for ya'll- it's the "little blue pill" for life episode.  Hosts Jenna and Kelly explore the theme of 'shrinking' this week and how women unconsciously limit themselves due to societal expectations. This episode dives into how women are influenced to shrink in various aspects of life - from the workplace to personal relationships - and the impact it has on their confidence and potential.

Kelly and...

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July 29, 2025 35 mins

Join Jenna and Kelly on an enlightening episode of The Audacity Effect, where they delve into the challenges of breaking free from people-pleasing habits and the traditional expectations that no longer serve us. In a candid conversation, they connect childhood beliefs to adult behaviors, and explore the courage required to ask for help and set personal boundaries.

Discover strategies to declutter your life from unnecessary obligati...

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July 21, 2025 31 mins

Welcome to The Audacity Effect, where hosts Kelly and Jenna share their journeys of moving from secure corporate paths to embracing bold, new adventures. This episode dives into their personal stories of evolving career choices, the courage to say 'no' to societal expectations, and the transformational power of knowing your 'why'. Whether it's starting anew, pursuing passions, or finding humor in life's audacious moments, Jenna and...

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Join us, Jenna and Kelly, two corporate pros turned audacious life architects, as we explore the power of bold moves and real talk. We dive into the art of building life on your own terms, share personal stories, strategic insights, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Whether you're launching something new or dismantling what no longer serves you, we're here to offer inspiration and practical advice to assist you in courageously navigat...

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