

REAL, RAW, RELATABLE
Kat John
G'day, I'm Kat John, Authenticity Coach, Author and Keynote Speaker. Only real talk lives here - no highlight reels. Through sharing real guidance, raw truths and relatable stories, this podcast is here to help you navigate the ongoing dance between your real and true selves, one step at a time. New episodes are released fortnightly Monday's. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2024 • 30min
Repairing the recent rupture with my bonus daughter
In this episode, I share about a recent rupture between Mia, my bonus daughter, and me. It wasn’t a blow-up or anything dramatic, but it was one of those subtle disconnects that can quietly erode a relationship if left unchecked. She’d been popping in every day before and after school when she was with her mum, and while I love her , I found myself withdrawing—not because I didn’t want her around, but because I wasn’t voicing my own needs. The energy I was shutting down felt wrong, felt inauthentic, and I knew I had to address it.So, we went for a walk. Walking often helps open up the conversation in a way sitting across a table can’t. I asked her why she pops in every day, and she explained how much those moments mean to her, because she misses us. I shared honestly how those pop-ins impact me—when I’m in the middle of something important with work or needing quiet time. That conversation opened up something in both of us. We weren’t trying to defend ourselves; we were just hearing each other out.What came next was so simple yet so powerful. By acknowledging each other’s feelings and needs, we were able to agree on something that worked for both of us. It wasn’t about compromise in a way where someone had to lose. It was about meeting in the middle from a place of mutual respect and care. That repair felt real, grounded, and authentic, and it goes to show every damn time that facing these ruptures—no matter how uncomfortable—is what keeps relationships healthy and alive.Buy my book - AUS, EUR, USACoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowSupport the show

Nov 10, 2024 • 26min
Kat & Steve - Why we sleep separately
In this episode, Steve and I are breaking down the decision we made to sleep separately, which, at first, was just about his snoring. It was disrupting our nights, leaving me on edge, waiting to see if I'd get a full night's sleep or end up dragging myself through the next day. But as we moved into this new setup, we realised it was about much more than just noise.The truth is, we both need different things at the end of the day. Steve winds down with a show or something on his screen, giving him that moment of mental break. I’m the opposite. I want quiet, my salt lamp, a candle, and a book that pulls me away from everything external. And I like being in bed by 9 pm, whereas he naturally leans into a later night. Our decision to sleep apart evolved into something we didn’t expect – we could actually honor our individual needs without it taking anything away from us as a couple.And here’s the thing: we love it! Since making this change, we’re more connected because we're not hating on each other. There’s no underlying frustration, no waiting for someone else to adjust or sacrifice their comfort. We cuddle when we want to, we’re close in the mornings, and both of us wake up fresher, more grounded. It’s not a sign of distance; it’s a deeper respect for what each of us needs to be at our best, so that when we’re together, we’re fully there. For anyone feeling boxed in by what they think a relationship *should* look like, this is a reminder: authenticity doesn’t follow a rulebook.Buy my book - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book storesCoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowEarplugs - LoopSupport the show

Nov 3, 2024 • 22min
How long are you going to let the story rob you?
Explore the quiet yearnings of your heart and how they guide you toward authentic living. Discover the impact of generational trauma on happiness and the necessity of seeking help to confront your fears. Dive into the journey of self-discovery, where embracing authenticity can be both confronting and liberating. The importance of breaking free from familiar patterns is emphasized, as is the cost of ignoring your deepest desires. Engage with upcoming coaching opportunities and literary works to continue your journey toward true self-expression.

Oct 27, 2024 • 22min
Promises worth making and keeping
So, here's the thing. We all make promises, right? Promises to ourselves about showing up, doing the things we say matter to us, and yet sometimes—especially when we’re tired, grumpy, or just not feeling it—we slack off. I had one of those mornings. Crap sleep, not in the mood, and all I wanted to do was skip my 3-good-minute practice. I almost didn’t do it. But in those three minutes—literally just three minutes—everything shifted. I was reminded of just how much those small, oh-so-little practices actually are treasure for the soul. They’re not just “habits” or “things to tick off the list.” They’re a way to reconnect, to remind ourselves of who we are, and what we care about.That got me thinking—where are we placing our fucks? Are we giving our energy to the promises we said we'd make matter? And if not, why? Why do we say these things are important but then ditch them when the mood doesn’t feel right? It’s in these little moments, these small practices, that we build the foundation for the big things. And when we keep skipping them, what we’re really skipping is the chance to nourish ourselves on a deeper level.After my 3-good-minute practice, a message came through so clearly: it’s the simple things that do funny things to our hearts. Moments like watching the moon’s shine, the stars, the wind moving through a plant, and it hit me—those simple, quiet moments have so much more to offer than the ego could ever recognize. They’re where the magic is. So, no matter how tired, grumpy, or off I am, I’ll keep showing up for those three good minutes because they move me in ways I can’t even explain. And I bet they’ll do the same for you if you give them a chance.BUY MY BOOK - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book storesCoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowSupport the show

Oct 20, 2024 • 22min
The rhythms of life
In today's episode I talk about the rhythms of life and why it’s so damn important to recognise and respect them. Life isn’t meant to be lived in a constant sprint, nor is it about chilling in sloth mode all the time. It’s about knowing when to sprint, when to run, when to jog, when to walk, and when to just sit the fuck down and embrace the nothingness. Each rhythm has its own place and purpose, and if we’re always stuck in one gear, we end up paying the price—whether it’s burnout or letting our dreams slip through the cracks.Coming off the back of my book launch and tour, I’m deep in this right now. The pace has shifted. I’ve hit that phase where I’m taking a slow-ass walk, and it’s exactly what I need. I could easily get caught up in the momentum and keep running, but I know better. If I push myself to sprint after months of nonstop effort, my well-being will suffer. And let’s be real, what’s the point of all the success if I’m too exhausted to actually enjoy it? The slow walk isn’t about being lazy or slacking off; it’s about preserving my energy and recalibrating before the next push. It’s intentional. It’s necessary.It’s not always easy, though. There’s a little voice in my head saying, “You should be doing more,” trying to convince me that if I’m not moving at full speed, I’m somehow failing. But I’m choosing to trust the rhythm I’m in right now because I know what’s at stake if I don’t. There’s a cost to living in a constant sprint—it’s your well-being, your peace of mind. But there’s also a cost to staying in the land of “sit back and wait,” where you’re not pushing at all, and that’s the cost of your potential, your dreams, your growth.So, wherever you’re at in the rhythm of your life, honor it. If you need to sprint, give it everything you’ve got. If you’re in a walking phase like I am right now, lean into it. The rhythm will change, as it always does, but what matters is that you’re paying attention to the pace your life is calling for.Support the show

Oct 20, 2024 • 22min
Moving to the different rhythms of life
In today's episode I talk about the rhythms of life and why it’s so damn important to recognize and respect them. Life isn’t meant to be lived in a constant sprint, nor is it about chilling in sloth mode all the time. It’s about knowing when to sprint, when to run, when to jog, when to walk, and when to just sit the fuck down and embrace the nothingness. Each rhythm has its own place and purpose, and if we’re always stuck in one gear, we end up paying the price—whether it’s burnout or letting our dreams slip through the cracks.Coming off the back of my book launch and tour, I’m deep in this right now. The pace has shifted. I’ve hit that phase where I’m taking a slow-ass walk, and it’s exactly what I need. I could easily get caught up in the momentum and keep running, but I know better. If I push myself to sprint after months of nonstop effort, my well-being will suffer. And let’s be real, what’s the point of all the success if I’m too exhausted to actually enjoy it? The slow walk isn’t about being lazy or slacking off; it’s about preserving my energy and recalibrating before the next push. It’s intentional. It’s necessary.It’s not always easy, though. There’s a little voice in my head saying, “You should be doing more,” trying to convince me that if I’m not moving at full speed, I’m somehow failing. But I’m choosing to trust the rhythm I’m in right now because I know what’s at stake if I don’t. There’s a cost to living in a constant sprint—it’s your well-being, your peace of mind. But there’s also a cost to staying in the land of “sit back and wait,” where you’re not pushing at all, and that’s the cost of your potential, your dreams, your growth.So, wherever you’re at in the rhythm of your life, honor it. If you need to sprint, give it everything you’ve got. If you’re in a walking phase like I am right now, lean into it. The rhythm will change, as it always does, but what matters is that you’re paying attention to the pace your life is calling for.MY BOOK IS OUT - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book storesCoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowSupport the show

Oct 13, 2024 • 29min
Kat & Steve - Remembering what matters
Steve and I had one of those weeks where we both found ourselves caught up in focusing on what wasn’t going right, what was missing, or what we thought we should be doing better. It happens, right? You get into a headspace where you’re just seeing everything through this lens of ‘not enough.’ And when you’re in that space, it’s not just you who feels it; it impacts the whole dynamic. We were both touchy and disconnected, almost like roommates just getting by.Then we decided to actually talk about it, which—let’s be honest—can be hard to do when you’re in that kind of mindset. But as soon as we acknowledged what was going on, it was like a weight lifted. We decided to make a conscious shift, focusing on what we do have and what’s right here, right now. And it changed everything. It didn’t just lighten our moods; it lifted the whole vibe in the house.That night turned into one of those spontaneous, beautiful moments where we found ourselves singing, dancing, and just being present with each other. It wasn’t planned or forced; it was just a natural result of deciding to show up differently. It reminded me how quickly things can turn around when you’re willing to shift your perspective—even just a little bit. Sometimes, it’s the smallest adjustments that lead to the most significant changes.MY BOOK IS OUT - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book storesJoin the ZEROFKS Program - Enrolments open Oct 1stCoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowSupport the show

Sep 29, 2024 • 26min
A real life update
I want to share some real-life updates with you – the and-ness of life. My life right now is amazing. My book is out there, I’m working with incredible clients, and I feel deeply aligned with my purpose. But here’s the thing – alongside all of that, my old patterns still show up. Those sneaky thoughts that want to pull me back into old ways of thinking, like doubting myself, or feeling like I need to rush to get "there" – whatever 'there' is.This podcast episode is about embracing both: the highs and the challenges. Life isn’t about waiting to reach some destination where everything’s perfect. It’s about recognising that great things can happen while difficult things are happening too. I’m in the very practice right now that it’s okay to hold space for both – to feel gratitude for the good, and at the same time, navigate the hard stuff without making it mean I’m doing something wrong.We’re so conditioned to think life should be all sunshine or all storm – but that’s not the whole picture. It’s the and-ness of life that we need to normalise. We can be thriving in one area while still working through old patterns in another. It’s all part of the ride. So, let’s talk about how we can navigate this together without constantly chasing the illusion of “there.” We’re already here, and that’s more than enough.MY BOOK IS OUT - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book storesJoin the ZEROFKS Program - Enrolments open Oct 1stBook launches - Warragul - Oct 10thCoach with me - Book a 20-minute call nowSupport the show

Sep 15, 2024 • 25min
Kat & Steve - Relationships & Gratitude
Lately, Steve and I have been making a real effort to focus on gratitude, and it’s been a game changer. It’s easy to fall into the trap of noticing what the other hasn’t done, isn’t doing, or the little habits that get under your skin. But with gratitude, it shifts where our attention goes. Instead of zeroing in on what’s missing, we’re paying attention to what’s right in front of us—what we *are* doing for each other.It’s not fluffy or forced, either. Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect, but it keeps us from getting stuck in the usual patterns of taking things for granted. Steve doesn’t need to do anything huge to make me feel appreciated. It’s the small stuff, like how he’ll step up and do something I didn’t expect, or even just his consistency that I might’ve overlooked before. When I take a second to actually notice, it shifts my mindset from irritation to, "Yeah, he’s got my back."And the thing is, when we make gratitude a habit, it creates less space for resentment to build. We all have annoying habits or things we forget to do, but when we’re genuinely practicing gratitude, those things don’t seem as big of a deal. It keeps the focus on what’s working, and we end up appreciating each other more for it. It’s not magic, but it definitely helps keep things in perspective.MY BOOK IS OUT - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book stores!Book launches - Warragul - Oct 10th.Coach with me - Book a 20-minute call now!Meditate with me - Meditation membership!Support the show

Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
Perimenopause is here and I'm talking about it!
Perimenopause—who knew this was even a thing? Not me! I always thought menopause was something that just suddenly happened when you hit a certain age, but perimenopause? That’s a whole different beast, and I’m right in the thick of it. It’s like this sneaky, slow-motion transition where your body starts doing things you never expected, and you’re left wondering what the hell is going on.I’ve been navigating it as best as I can, but let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. There are days when I feel like I’m losing my mind—literally. The brain fog, the mood swings, the physical changes—it's all so intense. It’s like my body is rewriting the rulebook, and I didn’t get the memo. I’ve been sharing these frustrations openly on Instagram because, honestly, I had no idea this was even a thing, and I know I’m not alone. If I can shine a light on what perimenopause really looks like, maybe it’ll help someone else feel a little less lost.Thankfully, I’ve called in the big guns—Dr. Kirstey Holland. She’s been an absolute game-changer, helping me get my gut, brain, and hormones back to some kind of new normal. It’s a journey, and it’s not about getting back to the old me, but finding a new balance, a new way of being in this body that’s changing whether I like it or not. I’m learning to work with these changes, rather than against them, and it’s been a real lesson in patience, acceptance, and finding new ways to care for myself.If you’re in this with me, just know you’re not alone, and it’s okay to reach out for help. This isn’t something we have to navigate on our own, and there’s power in sharing our stories and supporting each other through it.Contact details for Dr Kirstey Holland O.M.D - https://thehollandclinic.com/ 1. Clarity call with Dr Kirstey Holland - https://p.bttr.to/3xzJRro2. Initial Consultation with Dr Kirstey Holland - https://l.bttr.to/NT6PM3. Heal Seal Repair Gut Program - The first 100 people to sign up access this for $57 only! Usually $497. MY BOOK IS OUT - Amazon, Kindle, Audibe, Apple Books & check your book stores!Book launches - Bendigo - Sep 4th, Geelong - Sep 8th, Shepparton - Sep 15th.Coach with me - Book a 20-minute call now!Meditate with me - Meditation membership!Support the show