Your Inner Advocate

Episode 121: Ten Questions with Shannon from SLP Corner Podcast 
In this special episode of Your Inner Advocate, Kimen sat down with the host of the SLP Corner Podcast, Shannon. The conversation (about working/ starting in private practice)  explores Kimen’s journey, the value of reframing challenges, and the importance of finding purpose in private practice. They discuss the realities of cancellations, the rewards of helping others, and the impact of mindset on professional growth. The episode also covers advice for new grads, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, coping with uncertainty, and the power of reframing failure. Kimen shares personal stories, practical techniques for staying grounded, and emphasizes the significance of focusing on one’s “why.” The episode is filled with actionable insights and uplifting perspectives for anyone in healthcare or private practice.
SLP Corner Podcast is a podcast for Students, Newly Registered and Speech-Language Pathologists in practice.
Timeline Summary:
0:00 – 2:00Introduction to the episode, guest Kimen Petersen, and his background as an RMT and podcaster.
2:00 – 7:00Discussion of Kimen’s career journey, inspiration for starting a podcast, and the value of sharing life experiences.
7:00 – 12:00How Shannon and Kimen met, Kimen’s reputation in Vancouver, and the therapeutic value of reframing perspectives.
12:00 – 18:00The five-question framework for the episode, origins of the format, and its impact on meaningful conversations.
18:00 – 30:00Challenges in private practice, dealing with client cancellations, and the importance of accepting not being the right fit for everyone.
30:00 – 40:00The most rewarding aspects of private practice, Kimen’s “why,” and stories of making a difference in clients’ lives.
40:00 – 55:00Empowering parents, the impact of belief and mindset on progress, and the importance of focusing on growth and change.
55:00 – 1:10:00Advice for new SLPs and those transitioning to private practice, reframing anxiety, and the value of modelling experienced professionals.
1:10:00 – 1:30:00Addressing imposter syndrome, research on therapeutic outcomes, and the importance of compassion and connection.
1:30:00 – 1:50:00Work-life balance, the concept of dynamic equilibrium, and integrating work with life purpose.
1:50:00 – 2:10:00Staying grounded during chaos, building strong roots, andusing  practical grounding techniques.
2:10:00 – 2:30:00Perspectives on failure, reframing setbacks as “not yet,” and learning from every experience.
2:30:00 – EndUnlearning limiting beliefs, embracing sensitivity as a strength, coping with uncertainty, and staying aligned with values. Closing thoughts and where to find Kimen online.

Episode 120: Beyond Buzzwords: Practical Tools for Inner Growth
In this episode of "Your Inner Advocate," host Kimen Petersen demystifies common self-help buzzwords and offers practical, down-to-earth strategies for personal growth. Kimen discusses grounding, mindfulness, positive self-talk, resilience, intentional living, emotional intelligence, and forgiveness, providing simple hacks and relatable stories for each. The episode encourages listeners to move beyond vague advice and embrace small, consistent actions to foster authenticity, joy, and inner peace. 
 
0:00 – 0:40 — Introduction to the podcast and its purpose: inspiration, soulful insights, and meaningful life lessons.
0:41 – 1:20 — The problem with generic self-help advice; promise to break down buzzwords into actionable steps.
1:21 – 3:15 — Grounding: What it really means and a simple exercise to become present by focusing on your feet.
3:16 – 7:00 — The power of asking better questions; how the quality of your questions shapes your mindset and life.
7:01 – 9:50 — Positive self-talk: Becoming your own best friend and shifting negative inner dialogue.
9:51 – 12:00 — Mindfulness: Simplifying the concept to “doing what you’re doing when you’re doing it.”
12:01 – 14:00 — Meditation: Letting thoughts flow without attachment; the “leaves on a stream” visualization.
14:01 – 16:00 — Resilience: Building strength by overcoming challenges and focusing on what you can control.
16:01 – 18:00 — Intentional living: Accepting your habits, living purposefully, and making conscious choices.
18:01 – 21:00 — Emotional intelligence: Responding instead of reacting, assuming positive intent, and creating space between stimulus and response.
21:01 – 23:00 — Peace and forgiveness: Redefining forgiveness as letting go of the need to be right, and finding peace in acceptance.
23:01 – End — Final thoughts: Transformation comes from gentle, consistent steps; encouragement to keep building your inner advocate; outro and call to action.

Episode 119 Seven Steps to Transform Your Journey
In this episode, Kimen shares seven essential steps to transform chaos into clarity, drift into direction, and turn dreams into reality. Drawing from personal stories and practical wisdom, Kimen guides listeners on how to design a life of authenticity, joy, and fulfillment.
Episode Highlights:
Maximize Recovery
Growth starts with rest, sleep, nutrition, and real self-care.
Personal story: Ignoring recovery after a marathon led to injury.
Ask Better Questions
The quality of your life is shaped by the questions you ask yourself.
Start your day with 20 positive, intentional questions.
Be Your Own Cheerleader
Practice self-kindness and encouragement.
Treat yourself as you would a loved one.
Find Your Why
Anchor your actions to a deeper purpose.
Personal story: Early childhood memory of wanting to help others.
Build Your Roadmap
Set short, intermediate, and long-term goals—including one “impossible” goal.
Write them down and revisit them often.
Enroll Amazing People
Share your goals with others for support and accountability.
Surround yourself with people who see your potential.
Keep Climbing
Success is about persistence—get up one more time than you fall.
Japanese proverb: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
Bonus Step: The Endless Climb
There is no finish line; growth is a lifelong journey.
Each summit reached reveals a new mountain to climb.
Key Quotes:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
“A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.”
“There will always be another mountain, but the view from each one will change who you are.”
Connect with Kimen:
Instagram: @yourinneradvocate
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean
Timeline Summary
0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and host
0:42 – Success is by design, not by chance
1:01 – Overview of the seven steps
1:29 – Step 1: Maximize Recovery (personal story: marathon injury)
4:15 – Step 2: Ask Better Questions (morning questions exercise)
9:11 – Step 3: Be Your Own Cheerleader
11:14 – Step 4: Find Your Why (childhood story, empathy, and compassion)
16:03 – Step 5: Build Your Roadmap (goal setting, “impossible” goals)
19:28 – Step 6: Enroll Amazing People (accountability, support network)
21:42 – Step 7: Keep Climbing (persistence, Japanese proverb)
23:15 – Bonus Step: The Endless Climb (lifelong growth)
26:38 – Closing reflections and call to action

Episode 118: Mindset Reset: From Scarcity to Abundance
In this episode, Kimen Petersen explores the journey from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Through personal stories, client experiences, and practical advice, Kimen illustrates how our beliefs about lack and possibility shape our lives. Listeners will learn how to recognize scarcity thinking, embrace generosity, and cultivate abundance in everyday choices. The episode includes actionable tips, inspiring anecdotes, and reflections on how abundance can transform relationships, careers, and personal fulfillment.
Key Topics:
The origins and impact of scarcity mindset
How human adaptability and vigilance for threat relate to scarcity thinking
Shifting to an abundance mindset: trust, generosity, and opportunity
Personal stories: supporting clients, teaching abundance, and family lessons
Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing purpose
Practical steps to foster abundance: gratitude, generosity, and saying yes to opportunities
The power of focus: what you focus on expands
Takeaways:
Scarcity whispers “there’s never enough”; abundance declares “there’s always more.”
Generosity and trust are at the heart of abundance.
Abundance is cultivated through daily choices, gratitude, and openness to possibility.
Your mindset can expand or shrink your world—choose abundance.
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00:00 – 00:41Introduction to the podcast and host Kimen Petersen. Setting the theme: moving from scarcity to abundance.
00:42 – 01:40Defining scarcity and abundance mindsets. The impact of focus on what we experience.
01:41 – 03:30Human evolution, adaptability, and the roots of scarcity thinking.
03:31 – 05:30How scarcity manifests: fear, hoarding, comparison. Introduction to abundance mindset and trust in life’s opportunities.
05:31 – 08:30Personal story: supporting a client in need and the rewards of generosity.
08:31 – 11:00Lessons from living with abundance. The importance of giving and the return of generosity.
11:01 – 13:00Abundance in problem-solving: every past problem had a solution, often better than expected.
13:01 – 15:00Teaching abundance to loved ones. Story about Kimen’s wife and the “wallet” exercise.
15:01 – 18:00Full-circle moments: being reminded to practice abundance by others.
18:01 – 21:00Abundance in relationships and professional life. Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing opportunities.
21:01 – 25:00Family story: helping Kimen’s father shift from scarcity to purpose-driven abundance in business.
25:01 – 28:00Recent experiences: finding time for running, photography, and podcasting by shifting perspective on time abundance.
28:01 – 30:00Practical lessons: how abundance grows when shared, and how priorities reveal time.
30:01 – EndActionable steps: gratitude, generosity, surrounding yourself with abundant thinkers, and focusing on abundance. Closing thoughts and call to action.

Episode 117: When You Can’t Go Any Lower, You’re Finally Free to Rise
Description:In this episode, Kimen Petersen explores the concept of "rock bottom"—how our lowest moments can become the foundation for our greatest growth. Through personal stories and reflections, Kimen shares how hitting rock bottom led to a complete life transformation, a new career, and a deeper sense of purpose. The episode offers inspiration for anyone facing tough times, encouraging listeners to see setbacks as opportunities for renewal and self-discovery.
Key Topics:
The meaning and gift of hitting rock bottom
Overcoming fear of failure and letting go
Personal story: career burnout, health scare, and life reset
The power of reframing adversity
Steps to move forward after a setback
The importance of feeling your emotions fully
How breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs
Encouragement to trust the process and take small steps
Takeaways:
Rock bottom is not the end, but a new beginning.
Letting go can be harder than holding on, but is often necessary for growth.
Every setback can be reframed as a setup for something better.
Trust that the next step will appear, even if the path isn’t clear.
Compassion and strength are often born from personal struggle.
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00:00 – 00:41Introduction to the podcast and host Kimen Petersen. Setting the theme: finding inspiration and growth in life's lowest moments.
00:41 – 02:03Defining "rock bottom" as a foundation for new beginnings. The mindset shift from seeing it as an end to seeing it as a reset.
02:03 – 06:00Personal reflections on fear of failure, the drive to help others, and how compassion is born from pain.
06:00 – 12:00Kimen’s career story: taking a high-pressure job, experiencing burnout, and a health scare that became a turning point.
12:00 – 15:00The decision to quit, feelings of uncertainty, and the realization that any movement from rock bottom is improvement.
15:00 – 18:00Discovering the law of attraction, visualizing a new life, and serendipitous events leading to a new career in massage therapy.
18:00 – 22:00Overcoming obstacles: returning to school, academic success, and finding a career aligned with purpose.
22:00 – 25:00Lessons learned: letting go, trusting the process, and reframing rejection as redirection.
25:00 – EndEncouragement for listeners to reflect on their own rock bottom moments, see them as beginnings, and continue building their inner advocate. Closing thoughts and call to share the episode.

Episode 116: The Power of Silence: How Pausing Transforms Your Life
In this episode of "Your Inner Advocate," host Kimen Petersen invites listeners to reflect on the importance of pausing and creating intentional moments of quiet in a world full of distractions. Kimen shares personal stories about launching the podcast, balancing a demanding work schedule, and discovering the value of accountability and self-reflection. He discusses how making small changes—like adjusting bedtime routines and embracing early morning exercise—helped him reclaim time, energy, and mental clarity.
The episode explores the evolution of Kimen’s inner dialogue, the challenges of overcoming negative self-talk, and the transformative power of silence. Through anecdotes and practical advice, listeners are encouraged to examine their own habits, find “islands of quiet,” and honor their personal growth. The episode concludes with a call to action: take ten minutes each day for silence, reflection, and presence.
Timeline Summary
0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and its mission
0:45 – The struggle with constant distraction and the need for silence
2:45 – Kimen’s journey: starting the podcast and making time for new goals
5:00 – Identifying wasted time and restructuring daily routines
7:00 – The benefits of early mornings, exercise, and intentional quiet
9:00 – Moving homes and discovering new opportunities for reflection
11:00 – Understanding and transforming inner dialogue
13:00 – Practical grounding techniques and the value of presence
15:00 – Conclusion: encouragement to create daily “islands of quiet”

Episode 115 Stop Peeling: Escaping the Endless Cycle of Self-Improvement
Podcast Episode Summary
In this episode of "Your Inner Advocate," Kimen Petersen explores the pitfalls of the self-help journey, using the metaphor of peeling back the layers of an onion. Kimen shares his personal story of hitting rock bottom, diving into self-improvement, and eventually realizing that the endless pursuit of fixing oneself can become a trap. Through anecdotes, quotes, and practical advice, he encourages listeners to embrace imperfection, live in the present, and trust that true freedom comes not from constant self-fixing, but from living fully and accepting oneself as whole—even with all the layers still intact.
Timeline Summary
00:00 – 01:00Introduction to the podcast and its purpose; Kimen sets the stage for the episode’s theme.
01:00 – 03:00The “onion” metaphor: the endless cycle of self-improvement and peeling back layers.
03:00 – 07:00Kimen’s personal rock bottom: struggles with depression, anxiety, and self-defeating thoughts.
07:00 – 12:00The self-help journey begins: books, seminars, and lifestyle changes.
12:00 – 16:00Progress and setbacks: learning about the ego, inner critic, and the pattern of always finding new problems to fix.
16:00 – 20:00The realization: freedom is found in living, not in endless fixing; shifting perspective to embrace life as it is.
20:00 – 25:00The Curiosity Practice: using curiosity instead of reactivity to process triggers and emotions.
25:00 – 30:00Childhood memories and formative experiences: understanding the roots of feeling “not important enough.”
30:00 – 35:00Forgiveness and self-compassion: practical exercises for healing and letting go.
35:00 – EndFinal insights: stop making healing your identity, live in the present, and remember you were never broken. Closing thoughts and call to action.

Episode 114: The Truth About Hard Decisions: My Story of Risk, Resilience, and Growth
In this episode of "Your Inner Advocate," Kimen Petersen explores the courage and process behind making hard decisions. Drawing from his personal journey with dyslexia, career changes, and overcoming self-doubt, Kimen shares how pivotal choices shaped his life. He discusses the emotional challenges of leaving unfulfilling jobs, returning to school later in life, and finding purpose through risk and resilience. The episode offers practical advice on preparing for big decisions, aligning choices with core values, seeking support, and trusting intuition. Kimen encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, take action, and remember that every choice is a step toward growth and fulfillment.
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00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and its purpose.
00:40 – The challenge of facing hard decisions and the fear of closing doors.
01:25 – Kimen’s struggles in school with reading and spelling; discovering his gift for mathematics.
02:25 – Realization of being dyslexic, not “stupid,” and reframing self-perception.
03:18 – Early career experiences, job dissatisfaction, and the search for meaningful work.
07:30 – Achieving a high-level job, but finding it unfulfilling and stressful.
08:50 – Health crisis leads to a turning point; decision to leave a toxic job.
09:50 – Synchronicity and the decision to return to school despite fears and risks.
11:30 – The importance of aligning decisions with values and future self.
13:00 – Practical steps: preparation, gathering information, and weighing pros and cons.
15:00 – Overcoming perfectionism and analysis paralysis; setting deadlines for decisions.
17:00 – Seeking support, listening to intuition, and the power of “gut feeling.”
19:00 – Visualization and “feeling the wish fulfilled” as a tool for clarity.
21:00 – Taking action, facing imposter syndrome, and the liberating power of choice.
23:00 – Accepting outcomes, learning from decisions, and building decision-making “muscles.”
24:30 – Closing thoughts: You’re always free to choose again, and every choice leads you forward.
30:16 – Outro and encouragement to share the episode and keep building your inner advocate.

Episode 113: The Spark Comeback: How to Overcome Stagnation and Thrive
In this episode, host Kimen Petersen shares personal stories and practical advice on reigniting your passion and energy in both sport and life. Drawing from his own experiences of losing and rediscovering his spark, Kimen offers listeners actionable steps to overcome periods of stagnation, nurture mind and body, and reconnect with joy and purpose. The episode emphasizes the importance of play, rest, self-compassion, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Kimen encourages listeners to challenge limiting beliefs, create daily rituals, and permit themselves to enjoy life fully, reminding everyone that their spark is never truly lost—just waiting to be reignited.
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0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and today’s theme: getting your spark back.
0:40 – Kimen shares a personal story of feeling stuck and uninspired.
3:50 – The turning point: advice from a friend and the realization of needing change.
7:45 – First step: Play again—reconnect with childhood joys and hobbies.
10:00 – The importance of creative outlets and trying new things.
11:15 – Nurturing mind and body: movement, nature, and rest.
13:00 – Building daily rituals and the power of consistency.
14:35 – Acknowledging challenges and practicing “reckless optimism.”
16:20 – Rewiring your mindset: small goals and celebrating progress.
17:45 – Avoiding comparison and connecting with others for support.
19:00 – Becoming your own best friend and challenging negative self-talk.
20:30 – Breaking through limiting beliefs and embracing possibility.
22:00 – Self-care: doing something just for you and reclaiming joy.
24:00 – Embracing emotions, allowing yourself to feel and heal.
25:25 – Recap: Rediscover passions, nurture yourself, and give permission to live with joy.
27:45 – Closing thoughts: Your spark is waiting for you; you’re right on time.
28:25 – Outro and call to share the episode.

Episode 112:  It’s NEVER Too Late: To Rewrite Your Story!
In this inspiring episode, Kimen Petersen shares his personal journey of overcoming self-doubt, learning disabilities, and late-in-life career changes. Through heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, he encourages listeners to trust their timing, embrace their unique path, and remember that it’s never too late to become who you’re meant to be.
Timeline:
00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and host
00:42 – Challenging the belief of being "too late" or "too old"
01:05 – Kimen’s struggles with dyslexia and early self-doubt
02:27 – The impact of adversity on empathy and compassion
03:42 – Career stress, health scare, and a turning point
05:05 – Discovering dyslexia at age 26
06:50 – Realizing self-worth comes from within
07:50 – Quitting a management job and facing fears
09:00 – Returning to school at 40 and academic success
10:30 – Starting a new career and making a difference
11:45 – Stories of late-blooming athletes and breaking age barriers
13:00 – The importance of courage and taking action despite fear
14:30 – Becoming a teacher and giving back
16:00 – Financial fears and how support appeared along the way
17:00 – The myth of the "perfect time" and living in the present
18:00 – Advice: Take the first step, even if you don’t have the whole plan
19:00 – Rejection as redirection and trusting the journey
21:00 – The power of belief, persistence, and being "unreasonable"
22:30 – Practical invitation: Write down one step you can take today
24:00 – Final encouragement: It’s never too late to become what you’re meant to be
25:00 – Closing thoughts and call to share the episode