Podcast
The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas
Hosted by Kelly Cardenas · EN
The Vibe Podcast with Kelly Cardenas is where leadership, mindset, humor, and raw human connection collide. From interviewing heroes and making them human, to INCHSTONES—15-20 minute soul-fueling wisdom drops for your morning, lunch, or evening walk—to “You Have To Meet My Friends,” where Kelly randomly calls friends live who have no clue they’re on a podcast… this show is real, hilarious, inspiring, and packed with personal growth, entrepreneurship, motivation, storytelling, and life-changing conversations. Warning: side effects may include better VIBES and uncomfortable self-awareness.
75episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#789 You have to meet my friends | Jacob- Jose- Julie
Apr 3001:02:05Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you call people live… and they have no idea they’re about to be on a podcast? That’s exactly what went down in this episode of You Have to Meet My Friends—and what unfolded was raw, real, and ridiculously inspiring.In this episode, I dial up a couple of absolute legends—no script, no warning, just real life showing up in real time.First, you’ll meet Jacob. A young entrepreneur who built a thriving business in Puerto Rico, checked the box on his first home… and then had it all taken by a hurricane. What do you do when life hits reset? Jacob moved in with his grandparents in Pennsylvania, started fresh at SportClips, and within THREE WEEKS became an assistant manager. Within a year? Manager. That’s not luck—that’s grit meeting opportunity.Then there’s Jose. Nineteen years old. Five siblings. Lost his father at just 10. From humble beginnings in Mexico to winning a national SportClips competition—earning himself a scholarship and proving that resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a lifestyle.And just when you think it couldn’t get better… Julie Vargas (yes, employee #1 of the billion-dollar brand SportClips) jumps in and does something powerful: she speaks life into both of these young men in real time.We talk a lot about “speaking life” as a concept—but this episode lets you feel it in action. No theory. Just truth, impact, and moments that matter.This one will stick with you.👇 Tap in, listen close, and you might just find yourself asking…Who do I need to call… and speak life into today?
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#788 Power in numbers | Proverbs 27
Apr 2900:21:11Tap to summarizeWhat if the words “could’ve, should’ve, would’ve” are quietly sabotaging your life—and your leadership? In this powerful, perspective-shifting podcast episode, we break down how letting go of regret unlocks purpose, clarity, and momentum right where you are.“Boy… could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve—those are three words you need to take out of your vocabulary.” That’s what my Pops used to tell me early and often. And like most things Pops said… it didn’t fully hit until life made it real.Here’s the truth: God is big enough. You are exactly where you need to be. And if you were supposed to be somewhere else—you would be there. Period. Full stop.But let’s have a little fun with this…Pops also used to say there’s power in numbers—but not the number itself… it’s the value we assign to it.Then I met a woman named Michele.And suddenly… numbers started telling a completely different story:25%50%75%100%17343626.243 ½35Yeah… I know. Looks like a locker combination or your fantasy football stats gone wrong.But I promise you—every single one of these numbers carries a story that will challenge how you see your past, your present, and what’s possible moving forward.This episode isn’t about math… it’s about meaning.It’s about letting go of regret…Reframing your story…And realizing that maybe—just maybe—you’re not behind at all.You’re right on time.Tap in, lean in, and let this one shift your VIBE.
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#787 You have to meet my friends | Paul long, Dom 6 Throne & James Dixon
Apr 2500:44:59Tap to summarizeEver answer your phone and accidentally end up on a podcast? Yeah… my friends do. This episode of You Have to Meet My Friends is a live, unscripted podcast where I randomly call people—and they find out in real time they’re now part of the show.No prep. No warning. Just real conversations, unexpected laughs, and those “well… we’re doing this now” moments. It’s part talk show, part social experiment, and 100% human connection.If you’ve ever said, “You have to meet my friends…”—this is what that actually looks like.Paul Long, Dom 6Throne & James DixonEnjoy!!!Join the Vibe community
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#786 There is power in a name | Proverbs 22
Apr 2400:44:48Tap to summarizeA good name is more valuable than riches—and this episode proves it in a way you won’t forget. In The Daily Vibe, we break down Proverbs 22 through two unforgettable stories: a young girl named Xitlali who owned her identity, and a man named Dom who built a legacy by honoring his.While in Rapid City, South Dakota, Speaking for Day of Excellence I went on a walk after a workshop and met a man named PT. He told me about a barbershop in a way that made it feel bigger than a haircut—it felt like purpose. Later that day, I found myself at Dinosaur Park, and on my way down the hill, I got a text from PT: “The owner is here—you should come back.”So I did.And that’s where I met Dom.Dom shared the story behind 6 Throne Barbershop—a vision inspired by his father, who passed the baton to him before going to heaven. Dom stepped into his lane, not to build a name, but to honor one. “6 Throne” represents imperfection—the number six being incomplete—and every person who walks through those doors brings their flaws. But they leave with their crown adjusted, reminded of the beauty in who they are.That’s leadership.That’s mastery.That’s legacy.This episode dives into:Proverbs 22 and the true power of a good nameWhy your identity is shaped by how you show up, not what you haveThe story of Xitlali and the confidence to own your nameThe 6 Throne philosophy: imperfect people serving people with purposeHow to honor your calling, your craft, and your communityWhy it’s not about building your name—it’s about living up to itFrom a 9-year-old girl to a master barber in Rapid City… the message is the same:There’s power in a name.The question is… are you honoring yours?Check out Ashley’s social media genius Social Jargon
Transcribe →#785 Focus | Proverbs 12
Apr 1400:31:05Tap to summarizeLet me ask you something… what if the only thing standing between you and becoming the best version of yourself isn’t talent… isn’t opportunity… but focus? The only difference between being great and being the best is focus—and today, this conversation is about helping you lock in on what actually matters.I want to talk to you, not at you.I grew up with two voices shaping my world—my Pops reminding me to stay focused, and my Mama telling me I could do anything I put my mind to. And for a long time, I thought that was the whole equation. But life has a way of humbling you… and when my Mama passed, I realized something that changed everything:Just because you can do something… doesn’t mean you should.So now the real question becomes—how do you know what’s right to focus on?That’s where this episode lives.We walk through the wisdom that changed my life—principles rooted in faith, discipline, and truth. This is about building your foundation the right way. It’s about how you show up in your relationships, how you think about your future, how you speak, how you lead, and how you stay grounded when life tries to pull you in every direction.This isn’t just motivation… this is alignment.Because when your heart, your mind, and your actions are all pointed in the same direction—focus stops feeling forced… and starts becoming who you are.If you want to be great, you can dabble.But if you want to be the best… it’s going to require a different level of commitment.And here’s the truth—I believe you’re capable of it.So the only question left is… what are you going to focus on?
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#784 Mike Smalls
Apr 701:24:11Tap to summarizeWhat happens when technology meets creativity in one of the most detail-driven industries on the planet? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Smalls, co-founder of BLOOM Vision, to explore how AI is revolutionizing not just business—but artistry, efficiency, and the way ideas come to life.This conversation started as a surprise—I brought Mike into the studio without much runway. What followed was an eye-opening, deeply human conversation that flowed from tactical innovation to life’s biggest questions. We talked about AI, problem-solving, legacy, and even the reality of death—and somehow landed it all back into how we build things that truly matter.At the center of it all is BLOOM Vision—a game-changing platform designed specifically for wedding florists and event planners. Imagine being able to create photo-realistic floral mockups in minutes instead of hours… refining designs on the fly… and presenting your vision to clients with total confidence. That’s what BLOOM Vision delivers.And here’s the real kicker—florists using BLOOM Vision are booking 20% more weddings. That’s not just a tool… that’s transformation.Mike breaks down how intentional systems, smart use of AI, and clear thinking can take something incredibly complex—like custom floral design—and make it simple, scalable, and wildly effective.What stood out most? Mike doesn’t just build technology—he builds clarity. And in a world that’s only getting faster and noisier, that might be the ultimate advantage.In this episode, we cover:How AI is transforming creative industries like floral designTurning hours of work into minutes with the right toolsThe power of visual storytelling in closing more clientsWhy systems and simplicity outperform hustle and chaosA real conversation about life, death, and building a legacyHow innovation creates both efficiency and opportunity
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#783 Brad Hopkins
Apr 202:11:26Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to anchor an NFL offensive line for over a decade and protect greatness at the highest level? In this episode, I sit down with Brad Hopkins, a Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans legend, 2x Pro Bowler, and one of the most consistent NFL offensive tackles of his era. From being the 13th overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft to starting 188 of 194 career games, Brad shares what it really means to show up, stay durable, and perform under pressure in the NFL.We dive into his journey through the league, including his role in the Titans’ unforgettable run to Super Bowl XXXIV, the mindset behind elite offensive line play, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in professional football. Brad also opens up about life after the NFL—his work as a SiriusXM NFL analyst, his transition into entrepreneurship, and his passion for health and fitness for former athletes.This conversation is packed with leadership lessons, discipline, resilience, and real talk from someone who lived it at the highest level.🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:Brad Hopkins’ NFL journey (Houston Oilers → Tennessee Titans) What it takes to be an elite NFL offensive tackleBehind the scenes of Super Bowl XXXIVLessons from being a 2x Pro Bowl playerLongevity, durability, and consistency in the NFLEntrepreneurship and health advocacy after footballLeadership, mindset, and building a legacy Who This Episode Is For:NFL fans, aspiring athletes, entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to understand what it takes to sustain excellence over time.
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#782 Claudia Wells
Mar 2703:19:43Tap to summarizeThere are moments when you meet someone the world recognizes… and then you get the chance to discover who they really are.I’m beyond honored to be sitting down soon with Claudia Wells—yes, Jennifer Parker from Back to the Future—and I already know this one’s going to be different.Because when you look past the spotlight… what stands out most is her heart.At the peak of success, she made a decision that most people wouldn’t have the courage to make—she stepped away to take care of her mom.No spotlight.No applause.Just love, loyalty, and alignment.That’s the kind of story I want to unpack.We’re going beyond Hollywood… talking about purpose, faith, reinvention, and what success really looks like behind the scenes.I have a feeling this conversation is going to hit deep.Before we hit record… I want to hear from you👇What does success actually mean to you right now?
Transcribe →#781 Gary Gurian
Mar 2403:12:22Tap to summarizeWhy do you keep having the same argument… even when you swear you’ve already worked through it?And why does everything in your life feel dialed in—except what’s happening at home?In this episode, I sit down with Gary Gurian, Emotional Transformation Expert and founder of The Trigger-Free Life™, and we go straight at the thing nobody wants to admit:Most people don’t have a communication problem…they’re stuck in a pattern they don’t even see.Gary breaks down how unconscious protection patterns are quietly running the show—shaping your reactions, your relationships, and the tension you can’t seem to shake. And here’s the kicker… it’s not about trying harder.It’s about seeing clearer.We get into how to:• Catch your trigger patterns in real time (before they hijack you)• Regulate your nervous system when the pressure hits• Replace the beliefs that are keeping you stuck• Show up calm, grounded, and actually connected when it matters mostThis one hits different, because it’s not about fixing the surface… it’s about finally breaking the cycle underneath it.So if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking:“Why does this keep happening?”“Why did I react like that… again?”“Why is home the hardest place to get right?”Yeah… this episode is for you.And fair warning—once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
Transcribe →#780 Do You Want Your Best… or God’s Best? | Proverbs 21
Mar 2400:18:08Tap to summarize“Boy… do you want your best, or God’s best?”Sounds like a simple question, right?Clean. Obvious. Almost too easy.Until life hits… and suddenly “doing the right thing” isn’t so clear anymore.In today’s Daily Vibe, I’m wrestling with something my Pops used to say all the time—but never fully explained:What does it actually mean to do the right thing?I started asking around… friends, smart people, people I trust.You know what I found?A whole lot of different answers.So now I’m asking you…How do you define doing right?Is it what feels good?What looks right?What produces results?Or something deeper?Because Proverbs 21 points us somewhere interesting—toward love, integrity, generosity, truth…But even then… is it the action?Or is it who’s leading the action?What if doing right isn’t about a checklist…but about connection?What if the real question isn’t what is right…but who is leading you when you decide?This one doesn’t hand you the answer.It hands you the mirror.So… I’ll leave you where I landed:Do you want your best… or God’s best?And more importantly…How would you even know the difference?
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