Podcast
Record Scratch with Kara Kavensky
Hosted by Kara Kavensky · EN
When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.
A record scratch.
These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same.
It’s how we decide to respond to these events that shapes us. In these interviews, there’s no competition and no judgment as we speak about varying topics including generational trauma, grief, PTSD, and what we can do to heal our wounds and be better humans.
Please visit KaraKavensky.com and sign up for updates.
Thank you!
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stephanie Weaver - Advocate and Author of BITTER, SWEET
1w ago00:21:02Tap to summarizeNearly one in four American adults experiences family estrangement, and countless others carry invisible wounds from childhood trauma. Stephanie Weaver's story offers something rare: an honest look at pain without sensationalism, paired with a hopeful reminder that healing is possible even when reconciliation isn't.Stephanie’s memoir, BITTER, SWEET: HOW TO HEAL YOURSELF WHEN YOUR FAMILY IS BROKEN, intertwines family recipes with a deeply personal story of trauma, resilience, estrangement, and forgiveness.Stephanie was a guest for the RECORD SCRATCH Mother’s Day exploration of mother loss.STEPHANIE WEAVER, MPHWebsite: https://stephanieweaver.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieweavermph/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] **Content warning**[02:10] Becoming a writer[04:02] BITTER, SWEET[05:10] Resurfacing memories[06:25] Mom's recipe box[07:44] Healing therapies[10:42] Making a trauma memoir approachable[13:34] Estrangement and writing for others[15:20] Response to book[16:38] Forgiveness is for *us*
Transcribe →Cynthia Occelli — Author, Life Coach & Mentor
2w ago00:31:58Tap to summarizeKara and Cynthia Occelli, author of RESURRECTING VENUS, discuss growth and transformation.Cynthia is part of the 2026 Mother’s Day weekend special series.Topics:The origin of Cynthia's famous "seed" quoteCynthia’s journey from ninth-grade dropout and welfare mom to law school graduate and successful entrepreneurHer coaching philosophy: bespoke, intuition-led, and focused on connecting clients to their own inner wisdomNavigating today's political climate while protecting your mental and emotional healthThe foundational role of physical habits in personal transformationCYNTHIA OCCELLIWebsite: CynthiaOccelli.comKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Introduction: Cynthia Occelli[02:03] The "seed" quote[06:18] The impetus for change[07:36] Saying "I choose me"[08:59] Role models[11:18] Unexpected Google search results[12:29] Helping clients focus their energy[16:23] Resurrecting Venus and what's next?[18:03] Cynthia’s coaching process[20:46] Biggest challenges[24:03] How to optimize a coach[28:24] Moja Tu - Kenyan children
Transcribe →PRESENTING: Kara on Divorce Curious
4w ago00:31:56Tap to summarizeAs the Record Scratch team preps Season 4, we are excited to share a conversation Kara had with her friend Lisa Mitchell, the host of Divorce Curious.Divorce Curious is a podcast for people wondering if their marriage still fits. No lawyers, no yelling, no friends taking sides — just real talk about the questions keeping you up at night.Learn more about Divorce Curious here. Follow Lisa @divorcecurioushelp on Instagram.KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara Kavensky@karakavensky at Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn, ThreadsReceive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY here.
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day - Ep. 1 with Kathryn Bertine
May 800:23:16Tap to summarizeMother Loss, Memory, and Meaning with Kathryn BertineKathryn shares the complexity of grief—from the unexpected moments of humor to the profound sense of peace that can accompany loss.This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not linear, not uniform—and never something to navigate alone.Kathryn Bertine is an author of several books, a former professional athlete, an activist, and a documentary filmmaker. Kathryn played an instrumental role in getting women into the Tour de France. Today’s eight-day Tour de France Femmes stems from her activism and you can read or listen to the wild, true story of what really happens when we fight for change in her book, STAND.KATHRYN BERTINEWebsite: https://www.kathrynbertine.comInstagram: @kathryn_bertineKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Introduction: Kathryn Bertine[03:27] Tell me her name[04:57] Shared athleticism[06:23] Smoking and a benevolent white lie[12:05] Caring for aging parents[14:15] Coping with loss[18:15] A very special keepsake[19:49] Kathryn's advice
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 2 with Will Calhoun
May 800:19:14Tap to summarizeNow an author, the Living Colour drummer speaks about his mother, Annie Mae Baker CalhounWill Calhoun’s artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers—and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence.From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. A full interview with Will is part of Season 4 of “Record Scratch with Kara” and will air later this summer.WILL CALHOUNWebsite - WillCalhoun.comInstagram - @willcalhoundrumFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/willcalhounmusic/#KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Introduction: Will Calhoun[02:28] Education, self-reliance, and spirituality[04:44] Helping others[06:08] An open and honest relationship[08:25] Annie Mae Calhoun Way[10:08] The center of the neighborhood[12:19] It's not your time[14:11] Harry Belafonte and The Grammy Awards[15:48] Honoring Mom
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 3 with Mesa Fama
May 800:16:32Tap to summarizeLet the Words Fall Out: A Story of Trauma, Survival, and Grace*Content Warning* Domestic violence is discussed.Mesa Fama shares the complicated, often painful terrain of motherhood—both as a daughter and as a mother herself.Mesa shares her earliest memories of her mother, shaped by domestic violence and instability, and the profound impact those experiences had on her life. Through honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on cycles of trauma, addiction, and abuse—and the moment she chose to break free.Mesa Fama is a writer whose lovely words are found in the New York Times, The Mighty, and Medium. She is a reader, keeper of secrets, scars, and stars.MESA FAMAWebsite – mesafama.comSubstack: @mesafama Let The Words Fall OutInstagram: @mesa.famaKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:21] Introduction: Mesa Fama[02:52] Instilling a love of reading and writing[03:54] Breaking the cycle of abuse and addiction[04:57] Seeing her own worth[07:29] I'm sorry. Thank you.[09:20] The past and parenting[11:03] Forgiveness and grace[13:51] Mother's Day
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 4 with Jessica Fein
May 800:13:25Tap to summarizeGrief, Identity, and Ongoing Connection with Jessica FeinJessica shares her experience navigating the unimaginable reality of being both a motherless daughter and a daughterless mother—a dual loss that reshaped her understanding of identity, grief, and love.Jessica reflects on her mother, Zelda, the loss of her daughter Dahlia, and the ways she continues to maintain connection with those she has lost—offering a reframe of grief not as an ending, but as an evolving relationship.Jessica Fein's book, BREATH TAKING: A MEMOIR OF FAMILY, DREAMS, AND BROKEN GENES, is a love letter to her daughter, Dahlia. My favorite, and most accurate synopsis, is: "A masterclass on how to be a person." — Joanna Rakoff, bestselling author of MY SALINGER YEAR.BREATH TAKING is a MUST read!JESSICA FEINWebsite - JessicaFeinstories.comInstagram - @feinjessicaSubstack - https://feinbyme.substack.com/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Introduction: Jessica Fein[02:38] Zelda[03:54] Naming Theo[05:37] Singing around the piano[06:39] Celebrating Mom[08:55] Connecting with people we've lost[11:00] Jessie's advice
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 5 with Robin Finn
May 800:21:40Tap to summarizeThe Cheerleader, The Caregiver, The Guilt: Remembering Vicki Kara welcomes back Robin Finn for a deeply human conversation about losing her mother, Vicki.Robin shares what it meant to be both a devoted daughter and primary caregiver—and how the unexpected timing of COVID-19 complicated her mother’s final months, leaving behind layers of grief, love, and unresolved questions.Writer and narrative alchemist, Robin Finn, is the creator of the Heart. Soul. Pen.® program and the HeartiFacts Mentorship.ROBIN FINNWebsite - RobinFinn.comInstagram and Facebook - @robinfinnauthorKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Introduction: Robin Finn[03:17] Mom's end of life story[06:08] Guilt on top of grief[07:23] Regrets[08:34] Grief therapy[11:41] The gift of iconic individuality[14:46] Rituals and reflection[16:48] Unexpected loneliness[18:20] Robin's advice
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 6 with Barri Leiner Grant
May 800:18:19Tap to summarizeCarrying Them Forward: Grief, Ritual, and the Enduring Bond of LoveIn this deeply moving Mother’s Day episode, Kara sits down with grief advocate Barry Leiner Grant to explore what it means to carry someone forward after loss.After losing her mother, Barri has transformed her personal grief into a life’s work—helping others navigate loss with honesty, ritual, and connection.This conversation moves beyond grief as an ending and reframes it as an ongoing relationship—one that evolves, deepens, and continues to shape who we are.Barri Leiner Grant is the Chief Grief Officer™ of The Memory Circle. Grant has studied with the leading names in the grief space, including grief certification with Claire Bidwell Smith, Hope Edelman, David Kessler, and Dora Carpenter.BARRI LEINER GRANTSubstack - Permission GrantedInstagram - @thememorycircleKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Introduction: Barri Leiner Grant[02:13] Losing her mom[04:20] Despising Mother's Day[05:42] Tell me your mom's name[07:36] Advice from a grief coach[14:24] Camp Wicosuta
Transcribe →Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 7 with Melanie Nichols & Marcie Moller
May 800:27:28Tap to summarizeA Double Blessing: Adoption, Reunion, and Motherhood Across ContinentsTwin sisters Melanie Nichols and Marcie Moller share their extraordinary story of adoption, identity, and reunion.Born in Taiwan and adopted by American parents, Melanie and Marcie grew up with a loving, idyllic upbringing in the United States—yet always carried the unanswered questions of their origin story.Years later, a determined search led to a powerful reunion with their birth family, revealing a truth far more complex—and more loving—than they had ever imagined.This episode explores what it means to be a daughter, a sister, a mother, and part of a family that spans cultures, languages, and lifetimes.KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Introduction: Melanie Nichols and Marcie Moller[03:40] The truth about their adoption in Taiwan[05:29] Protecting against rejection[06:47] Determined to find birth family[09:05] Mama never stopped looking[13:06] Mother's Day Celebration 2010[15:16] Meeting Mama for the first time[18:41] We'd like to take you to the bra store[22:20] Making up for lost time[23:38] Love and connection [25:04] A deep, shared understanding
Transcribe →