The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas

WELCOME TO THE VIBE! This week, Kelly Cardenas sits down with the visionary Founder & CEO of Lovesac, Shawn D. Nelson! (Nasdaq: LOVE).We’re diving into the mindset of the man who started his journey by making Sacs by hand in college in 1998 and scaled it into the fastest-growing furniture brand in the US, now projected to exceed $1 Billion in annual sales. Get ready for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, sustainable design, and disruptive innovation!In this game-changing conversation, you'll learn about:The Branson Blueprint: The legendary story of how Shawn won a million-dollar investment from Sir Richard Branson on The Rebel Billionaire and served as acting President of Virgin Worldwide.Design Meets Strategy: How his Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from the world-famous Parsons, The New School for Design shaped Lovesac’s strategy.The Sactionals Secret: The innovation behind the Sactionals platform—the world’s most versatile couch—and how Shawn holds over 50 issued patents.True Sustainability: An in-depth look at his unique "Designed For Life" philosophy, which demands products are built to last a lifetime and evolve, promoting genuine sustainability.Lessons for Leaders: Insights from his book, Let Me Save You 25 Years, detailing the colorful history, "mistakes, miracles, and lessons" learned while building a vibrant culture.Connect with Kelly Cardenas & The Vibe:Connect with Shawn D. Nelson:Visit or listen to his Let Me Save You 25 Years podcast to learn more.

This episode digs into Proverbs 1, God’s timing, and the surprising ways wisdom shows up—sometimes in the form of perfectly toasted Ezekiel bread. If you're searching for biblical wisdom, practical faith lessons, and a story proving that God hears even your carb-related desires, this Proverbs 1 breakdown is for you.Picture this: I’m sitting there, gearing up to dive into Proverbs 1, doing my best to look wise… and then Brooklyn pushes open the door like a breakfast superhero holding the exact thing I mentioned wanting yesterday—Ezekiel bread, toasted, buttered, warm, and absolutely on time. Day = made.Proverbs 1 reminds us that God hears us and invites us to voice our desires—not because He needs the reminder, but because we do. That way, when the blessing shows up (even in toast form), we know exactly where it came from.If you want wisdom, instruction, understanding, insight, prudence, righteous behavior, knowledge, discretion, discernment, guidance, and the ability to interpret the parables and riddles of the wise—Proverbs is your daily bread. Spending time with God is the foundation, the starter, the sourdough of spiritual life.And heads up: foolishness is coming. Slowly. Predictably. Like every villain in every movie running in slow motion. Filling up with wisdom now means you’ll spot it before it even gets close.And that nagging thought—“Who am I to…?”Yeah, God wants that gone. He hears your desires, big and small, spoken and written, and He delivers them right on time.Just like Brooklyn did—Ezekiel bread, toasted to perfection, butter shining like it was crafted in heaven’s test kitchen.Brooklyn, thank you for being a real-life example of God’s timing and love in motion.If this episode encourages you, entertains you, or makes you crave toast—even a little—hit that subscribe button and stay locked in. More wisdom, more stories, more VIBE coming your way.

Unlock deep spiritual strength and godly character with Kelly Cardenas's simple 'Inchstone' method for daily Christian growth, discipline, and Biblical discernment. This is your essential Proverbs 28 teaching on living with godly wisdom today.(Main Content & Value)Oil and water don’t mix—just like wisdom and foolishness can’t coexist. In this powerful message, Kelly breaks down one of the most transformative lessons from his father, which serves as a lifelong guide for leadership rooted in faith and spiritual clarity.If you’re looking for practical Christian growth, a simple way to build spiritual fitness, and clear steps to transform your daily walk with God, this message is for you.You will learn:The profound meaning of the "Oil & Water Don't Mix" analogy for character.How the wisdom cycle from Proverbs creates lasting transformation: Fear of God → Wisdom → Knowledge → Understanding → ... → Discipline → Strength.How to apply the "Inchstone" method to build spiritual strength one small step at a time.(The Inchstone Challenge - Actionable Steps)YOUR DAILY INCHSTONE CHALLENGE (A Simple Spiritual Rep):Read the Proverb of the day.Write one sentence that stands out.Pray one simple prayer.That’s your spiritual rep. That’s how you build godly wisdom every single day.(Recommended Chapters/Timestamps - These are suggested chapter markers for navigation)00:00Opens in a new window Intro: The "Oil & Water" Analogy03:15Opens in a new window The Foundation of Proverbs 28 Teaching07:45Opens in a new window Breaking Down the Wisdom Cycle12:30Opens in a new window Introducing the Inchstone Method for Spiritual Fitness17:00Opens in a new window Your Daily Spiritual Rep Challenge(Call to Action & Community)If this message hits home, drop a comment about the "oil and water" in your life—and what God might be separating so you can grow in Christian encouragement!SUBSCRIBE for more teachings on wisdom lessons from Proverbs, Christian motivation, faith based leadership, and living with a better VIBE every day.https://solo.to/kellycardenas

Why Ziggy’s Chaos, Your Frustrations, and God’s Wisdom Might Be the Wake-Up Call You NeededIf you’ve ever been overwhelmed by someone’s behavior, frustrated by a situation, or ready to flip a table over the symptoms in your life—this episode is your turning point. This Proverbs 25 breakdown reveals why your biggest battles are never about what you see… they’re about the root beneath it all. This video unpacks the Inchstones behind the phrase my Pops ingrained in me: “It’s nothing but a symptom, boy! Focus on the root!”For the past week, my dog Ziggy has been acting absolutely wild—peeing in the house like he’s on a mission. And I felt myself sliding into the old version of my dad I call “DAD,” the tough-love, no-nonsense, fire-breathing, “get it together” Pops. But right as I was about to snap, I heard his real voice—the voice of wisdom:“Don’t react to the symptom, boy. Focus on the root.”This episode goes deep into:• Why symptoms in people and situations aren’t the real problem• How Proverbs 25 invites us to breathe, slow down, and see clearly• Why intense heat purifies—and how frustration is often a refining fire• The power of speaking life, staying humble, and choosing patience• How God exposes roots when we trust Him fully• Why miracles require faith and why you’ll need that faith for where you’re goingIf you’ve been irritated, disappointed, overwhelmed, confused, or wrestling with someone you care about… this one hits home. This is your reminder to pause, refocus, and anchor yourself in the wisdom God has already given you.If this episode lifts you, challenges you, or brings clarity, be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this with someone who’s dealing with their own “Ziggy moment.”Grab your copy of Inch Stones: The Vibe Within and start transforming your life one Inchstone at a time.https://a.co/d/4CYg4vGAnd don’t miss the next VIBE Room—March 11 in Carlsbad. Music, comedy, unbelievable interviews, and the best audience in the world. Be there.https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-vibe-room-copy-326261-7854e4Let’s grow—one Inchstone at a time.

Inside 20+ Years of Hotel Operations, Digital Marketing, Guest Tech, and the Future of HospitalityHospitality innovation, hotel technology, and digital marketing for hotels take center stage in this powerhouse conversation with Michael and Marcy Albert—two industry veterans with over 40 years of combined experience across Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson, Ace Hotels, OTA strategy, guest communication tools, and hotel operations leadership. This episode dives into how technology, culture, and service collide to create unforgettable guest experiences in today’s competitive travel landscape.Michael Albert brings more than two decades of hospitality experience, including major roles with Marriott, Radisson, Hyatt, and 14+ years helping scale Ace Hotels from a small handful of properties to a globally recognized brand. His background spans hotel operations, digital marketing, distribution, convention and trade show logistics, and the systems that power modern hotels.Marcy Albert’s journey is equally compelling—from culinary school dropout to 25-year hospitality leader across Hyatt, independent hotels, online travel agencies, and now a decade in hotel technology, property management systems, guest communication tech, and digital marketing solutions. Her vantage point bridges both the operational and tech-sales sides of the industry.Together, they unpack where hospitality is heading next, why guest expectations are evolving faster than ever, how hotels can adopt smarter technology without losing their soul, and what every operator should be doing right now to stay ahead.Perfect for:• Hotel operators and GMs• Hospitality tech leaders• Digital marketers in travel• Revenue managers and distribution teams• Anyone who cares about people, service, and unforgettable guest experiencesMichael and Marcy’s lobby talk podcasthttps://hotelhumor.com/If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, review, and share the podcast to help spread the message.All links are right here: https://solo.to/kellycardenas

How Proverbs 21, Inchstones, and God-Centered Friendship Build Real Strength, Open Doors, and Transform Your LeadershipIn this episode, we break down Proverbs 21, godly friendship, and the Inchstones approach to daily wisdom, uncovering why the only way “in” is never through friendship itself—but by becoming the kind of friend God can use. These first two sentences are keyword-rich to help listeners searching for Proverbs 21 meaning, biblical leadership, Christian friendship, spiritual growth, and godly wisdom find exactly what they’re looking for.I’ve learned this the hard way: when I tried to enter rooms through friendship, I was denied… but when I focused on becoming the right kind of friend, God opened every door I didn’t even know to knock on. Relationships have torn down walls, shattered barriers, and moved mountains in my life—and maybe that’s God’s not-so-subtle way of keeping me grateful. Or maybe it’s Him showing me—demanding of me—that true greatness is found in being the friend I’m so often searching for.Proverbs 21 flips the script:Stop hunting for the friend who will open doors.Become the friend whose motives please God… and watch Him handle the rest.In this episode, we unpack the traits Proverbs 21 tells us are non-negotiables for a great friend and a great leader:Give God your heart — right motives matter more than sacrifice.Let go of envy, pride, and ego — they don’t work. Ever.Choose diligence and patience — they build unstoppable momentum.Speak life — it’s an unfair advantage in a negative world.Pursue godly gain — it’s more valuable than worldly success.Pay attention — awareness brings wisdom.Be generous — it saves you when you need it most.Do what’s right — righteousness brings joy.Honor the future — wisdom sees beyond the moment.Love well — prosperity and honor follow those who lead with love.Strength comes from wisdom — not force.Listen fast, speak slow — the wise reverse the natural impulse.Prepare fully — but remember: the victory is always the Lord’s.These traits transform friendships, leadership, business, family… your whole life. But Proverbs 21 closes with a warning: none of them work if you don’t spend time with God.This episode will challenge you, stretch you, and give you practical Inchstones—small, quiet, daily moves—that build a life God can use and friendships that change the world.If you’re ready to become the friend you’ve been searching for, this conversation will hit home.If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, review, and share the podcast to help spread the message.All links are right here: https://solo.to/kellycardenas

Jason “JJ Boogie” Reichert is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, mix engineer, and longtime member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop collective Arrested Development — making him one of the most influential creators in conscious hip-hop and alternative rap. In this episode, we dive deep into JJ Boogie’s musical evolution, his creative process, and his global touring legacy as a guitarist, drummer, co-writer, co-producer, mixer, masterer, and front-of-house engineer.JJ first met Speech Thomas in 1998, joining the group just before the release of their third album, and he’s been shaping the sound of socially conscious hip-hop ever since. As a winner of the 2018 Black Music Awards and a core part of Arrested Development’s world tours and studio catalog, JJ brings decades of artistry, innovation, and lived experience to this conversation.We also explore his life beyond the stage — from his 20-year musical partnership with his wife, Nanyana Summer (yes… Dolly Parton’s distant cousin!), to their countless gigs across the Southeast, to the pride he carries as a father of two who celebrate his work every step of the way.This is a rich, soulful, behind-the-scenes look at an artist whose fingerprints have shaped generations of listeners.👉 If this conversation inspires you, make sure to subscribe to the podcast and stay connected to everything Kelly at:https://solo.to/kellycardenas

How Discipline, Speaking Life, and the Rule of 10 Create Explosive Growth in Faith-Based Leadership and Team CultureIf you’ve ever wondered why your business isn’t growing, what if the real issue isn’t your systems—it’s your people? In this powerful episode, I share a heartfelt conversation I had with my Pops (he’s wise, honest—and yes, blunt)—and how he boiled our biggest business meltdown down to one simple truth: “Build the people and then allow the people to build the business.”Drawing on the transformative lessons from Proverbs 13, we dive into:Why discipline over convenience is a non-negotiable. How speaking life early and often changes a culture (private > public).The power of the “Rule of 10” — serve one person incredibly well, then leverage the ripple.Why overcomplicating leadership is the growth killer; simplicity and clarity are the rocket fuel.Applying biblical wisdom to your team, your mission, and your leadership identity.👉 If you’re a leader (entrepreneur, team-builder, culture-creator) who’s serious about moving from “just doing business” to “developing people who do business,” this episode is your call-to-action.Let’s get into it: build the person, then build the profit.✅ What you’ll walk away with:A clear mission statement rooted in obedience, not just ambition.Practical ways to speak life privately → publicly to ignite your team.How to implement the Rule of 10 to scale without losing soul.Why the call for discipline isn’t “tough love” — it’s kingdom love.The real question: How do you build people? (Hint: It starts with you.)📣 Join the conversation:💬 Drop in the comments: Who is one person you will speak life to this week?👍 Like + Subscribe if you’re ready to lead people who lead businesses.🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a breakthrough episode.Thanks for showing up, because when we build the people, we change the world.

How Proverbs 11, Presence, and a Relationship with God Can Turn Everyday Moments into Divine ResultsDiscover how to breathe, be present, and stop being an idiot through the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 11. This faith-based episode of The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas explores how presence, righteousness, and divine wisdom build true success, not just seasonal happiness.As the holidays approach—a time that can feel joyful for some and heavy for others—Kelly invites you to pause, inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. These simple breaths anchor you in the now, reminding you to love those in front of you and savor every second before it’s gone.From a personal revelation sparked by God’s humor (“Don’t be an idiot”) to an in-depth look at how faith becomes a profession, not a pastime, Kelly breaks down the genius behind Proverbs 11. The blueprint? Honesty. Integrity. Humility. Truth. When we pursue righteousness, we gain protection, wisdom, discernment, prosperity, and peace.Inchstones in this episode:Faith isn’t a hobby—it’s a professional practice that brings real value.Presence produces results; distraction destroys them.Proverbs 11 is the path from foolishness to divine genius.Root yourself in righteousness, lift your head toward heaven, and remember: a person who produces results is no idiot—they’re a genius in God’s eyes.

God’s timing, humor, and consistency are too perfect to miss. This episode dives deep into the divine alignment between Scripture, music, and memory—showing that you can’t make this stuff up. When songs from Maverick City Music—“Too Good to Not Believe,” “Refiner,” and “Kingdom” featuring the lyric “Do you wanna know what Heaven looks like? It’s looking like me and you”—randomly shuffled into my quiet time, it felt like heaven itself was speaking.In this powerful reflection, I share how Proverbs 10, my parents’ timeless wisdom, and a “random” playlist all collided to prove one truth: God’s consistency is undefeated. Verse after verse reminds us that righteousness brings joy, diligence beats laziness, and wisdom invites discipline. My mom used to say, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one,” and my pops would remind me, “Boy, you’re the greatest—so act accordingly.” Turns out, they were echoing what God wrote 3,000 years ago.💡 Key Takeaways from Proverbs 10:Honor your parents by listening and applying (v.1)Diligence + prudence = success (v.4–5, 26)Integrity creates security (v.9)Speaking life is an unfair advantage (v.11, 13, 18–21, 31–32)Wisdom stores up knowledge (v.14)Love is the ultimate power play (v.12)Righteousness brings joy and protection (v.28–30)This is what heaven looks like—it’s looking like me and you, refined by fire, purified by love, and strengthened by faith. God doesn’t just call us; He gives us the answers to the test. His consistency is not coincidence—it’s confirmation.✨ Watch now to experience how God speaks through timing, humor, and everyday moments.If you’ve ever doubted that God sees you, this episode will remind you: He’s too good to not believe.🙏 Thank you Mama. Thank you Pops. Thank you God. And thank you Maverick City Music for the soundtrack that heaven queued up right on time.