https://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast
Join Dr. Kathleen Perry to embark upon a journey of self-exploration, uncovering who-you-actually-are, your True Identity. You’ll discover that you are, and always have been, innately whole and worthy just as you are.
]]>enSelf-ImprovementCopyright Dr. Kathleen Perryhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fd8fc4ee4d14f4d1239720e22cc4a4a3.jpghttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcastMon, 31 Aug 2026 09:13:25 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryDr. Kathleen Perrydrkathleen@mac.comThe Identity Matters Podcast is your sanctuary for finding freedom from fear, lack, and insecurity—symptoms of a mistaken identity. If you’re ready to end the struggle of self-improvement, let go of the exhausting effort to fix yourself, and stop...
Join Dr. Kathleen Perry to embark upon a journey of self-exploration, uncovering who-you-actually-are, your True Identity. You’ll discover that you are, and always have been, innately whole and worthy just as you are.
]]>falsec76ce72c-739e-5fe8-8c8d-12326636396aepisodichttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-decision-i-never-made-031
I've come to see that the anxious voice with all its “what-ifs” doesn't go quiet just because clarity has arrived, and it doesn't have to.

That voice can be fully present, listing every reason to slow down, and still not be the one driving. We get stuck because we assume that if it's talking, it must be in charge, so we try to win it over before we're allowed to move.

In this episode, I look at what it's like to follow the next clear step anyway.

You don't need permission from that voice. It was never going to give it, and it never had the authority to withhold it.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74717112Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:01:30 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerrySome of the biggest turns in life never feel like decisions at all. I've come to see that the anxious voice with all its “what-ifs” doesn't go quiet just because clarity has arrived, and it doesn't have to. That voice can be fully present, listing...
I've come to see that the anxious voice with all its “what-ifs” doesn't go quiet just because clarity has arrived, and it doesn't have to.

That voice can be fully present, listing every reason to slow down, and still not be the one driving. We get stuck because we assume that if it's talking, it must be in charge, so we try to win it over before we're allowed to move.

In this episode, I look at what it's like to follow the next clear step anyway.

You don't need permission from that voice. It was never going to give it, and it never had the authority to withhold it.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1358falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-ride-you-thought-you-controlled-030
I've come to see that certainty isn't something we misplaced, but rather, it was never on offer. Certainty is a feeling, safety is a condition, and you can chase the first forever without landing the second. Underneath the over-planning and over-managing is a quiet belief that if you turn the wheel exactly right, your effort produces the outcome you intended.

In this episode, I look at where that belief gets installed.

Noticing the track doesn't ruin the ride. You can turn the wheel because it's there to be turned, not because the whole ride depends on it.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74662297Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:48:12 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerrySome of us are gripping something that was never actually connected to where we're going. I've come to see that certainty isn't something we misplaced, but rather, it was never on offer. Certainty is a feeling, safety is a condition, and you can...
I've come to see that certainty isn't something we misplaced, but rather, it was never on offer. Certainty is a feeling, safety is a condition, and you can chase the first forever without landing the second. Underneath the over-planning and over-managing is a quiet belief that if you turn the wheel exactly right, your effort produces the outcome you intended.

In this episode, I look at where that belief gets installed.

Noticing the track doesn't ruin the ride. You can turn the wheel because it's there to be turned, not because the whole ride depends on it.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>637falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/free-to-want-free-to-let-go-029
In this episode, I explore why these aren’t true opposites, but rather two ways that life moves through us, like different doors that lead to the same room.

We talk about the quiet freedom of letting yourself want what you want, without clinging to it, and the surprising ease that comes from releasing the need to pick one side.

If you’ve been stuck in an either/or mindset, this is an invitation to live in both...and notice how often you already do.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74138887Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:08:48 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryWhat if the tension you feel between wanting and allowing isn’t a problem to solve? In this episode, I explore why these aren’t true opposites, but rather two ways that life moves through us, like different doors that lead to the same room. We talk...
In this episode, I explore why these aren’t true opposites, but rather two ways that life moves through us, like different doors that lead to the same room.

We talk about the quiet freedom of letting yourself want what you want, without clinging to it, and the surprising ease that comes from releasing the need to pick one side.

If you’ve been stuck in an either/or mindset, this is an invitation to live in both...and notice how often you already do.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>767falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-river-doesnt-need-you-to-steer-it-028
Retiring from acupuncture in February, pausing coaching in June, and grieving my mom’s death in March has felt like multiple layers of identity collapsing at once.

I’m discovering that presence brings more meaning, connection, and satisfaction than striving, and I invite you not to rush to replace a lost role, but to let the collapse be real and see what’s underneath.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73716901Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:04:53 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryAfter 39 years as a doctor, and the last 4 years that I’ve been coaching, I realized my worth had been shaped by how much I produced and how many people I helped. Retiring from acupuncture in February, pausing coaching in June, and grieving my mom’s...
Retiring from acupuncture in February, pausing coaching in June, and grieving my mom’s death in March has felt like multiple layers of identity collapsing at once.

I’m discovering that presence brings more meaning, connection, and satisfaction than striving, and I invite you not to rush to replace a lost role, but to let the collapse be real and see what’s underneath.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1068falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/ordinary-miracles-a-conversation-with-dr-sara-joy-oneill-027
She describes how questioning what seems fixed can create dramatic change, including her unbelievable recovery from a severe brain injury which had many symptoms and incorrect diagnoses.

We also talk about her son’s current hospitalization for a lung mass and how dropping fearful, guilty thinking brings presence and aliveness.Sara explains using feelings as guidance, love alongside grief, and the idea that the nervous system regulates to the world we believe in.

Sara’s website: https://www.liveyouralivelife.com 

Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarajoyoneill 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73208154Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:22 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryMy friend and colleague Dr. Sara Joy O’Neill joins us this week to explore ordinary miracles, freedom, and how we shape our lived reality from the inside out. She describes how questioning what seems fixed can create dramatic change, including her...
She describes how questioning what seems fixed can create dramatic change, including her unbelievable recovery from a severe brain injury which had many symptoms and incorrect diagnoses.

We also talk about her son’s current hospitalization for a lung mass and how dropping fearful, guilty thinking brings presence and aliveness.Sara explains using feelings as guidance, love alongside grief, and the idea that the nervous system regulates to the world we believe in.

Sara’s website: https://www.liveyouralivelife.com 

Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarajoyoneill 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>3689falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/do-you-actually-know-the-person-youre-with-026
This isn’t a personal flaw, but a lifelong skill reinforced by messages to keep the peace, not be “too much,” and avoid making waves, especially as many of us feel exhausted by years of performing.

Drawing from a recent experience with a family member, I describe the trap of relating through characters and projections, where neither person is fully present.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73188428Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:32 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryThis week I’m reflecting on how I still catch myself softening my words, reading reactions, and performing a more agreeable version of myself. It’s something I’ve seen in many women over decades of clinical work. This isn’t a personal flaw, but a...
This isn’t a personal flaw, but a lifelong skill reinforced by messages to keep the peace, not be “too much,” and avoid making waves, especially as many of us feel exhausted by years of performing.

Drawing from a recent experience with a family member, I describe the trap of relating through characters and projections, where neither person is fully present.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>703falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/let-the-feeling-be-a-feeling-025
We have an innate inner wisdom that already knows what a feeling is asking for: sometimes to investigate it, sometimes to fully feel it in the body without story, and sometimes to genuinely redirect attention to avoid unnecessary suffering without denial.

In this episode, I distinguish avoidance  from true redirection and explain how techniques are most effective when chosen by intuition.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73056815Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:25 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryMost of us rush to name, fix, explain, or act on feelings, when the best thing to do is to sit with the raw sensation. We have an innate inner wisdom that already knows what a feeling is asking for: sometimes to investigate it, sometimes to fully...
We have an innate inner wisdom that already knows what a feeling is asking for: sometimes to investigate it, sometimes to fully feel it in the body without story, and sometimes to genuinely redirect attention to avoid unnecessary suffering without denial.

In this episode, I distinguish avoidance  from true redirection and explain how techniques are most effective when chosen by intuition.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>795falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perfect-unfolding-a-conversation-with-kristy-halvorsen-024--72882304
Kristy shares how nine years of full-time nomadic travel may soon shift into putting down roots as she helps build a regenerative educational farm in New Hampshire, and how being present changed her perspective.

We explore her concept of “tickles of the soul” as clean inner knowing, her career pivots from engineering to firefighting, and how her book The Perfect Unfolding was born through method writing and an editor’s encouragement to keep vulnerable truths.

Kristy’s website: https://www.kristyhalvorsen.com 

The Perfect Unfolding: https://www.perfectunfolding.com

Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72882304Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:21 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryKristy Halvorsen joins me today to talk about the major identity shifts she’s undergone through the death of her mother in January, a “bell curve” of grief that peaked months later, and layered losses including family connection and a romantic...
Kristy shares how nine years of full-time nomadic travel may soon shift into putting down roots as she helps build a regenerative educational farm in New Hampshire, and how being present changed her perspective.

We explore her concept of “tickles of the soul” as clean inner knowing, her career pivots from engineering to firefighting, and how her book The Perfect Unfolding was born through method writing and an editor’s encouragement to keep vulnerable truths.

Kristy’s website: https://www.kristyhalvorsen.com 

The Perfect Unfolding: https://www.perfectunfolding.com

Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>3702falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/you-dont-need-to-know-your-purpose-023
As I rambled through an answer, I noticed an underlying urge to “get it right” and perform something profound, which is the same struggle I often hear from clients—especially women in life transitions—who believe they must define a purpose or something is missing.

I reflect that what’s really underneath isn’t a desire for clarity as much as fear of what it means if we don’t have it nailed down: that we won’t matter or be enough.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72835297Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:16 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIn this episode, I share a recent conversation with a coach friend that revealed how much pressure I can feel to produce a polished “purpose” statement on demand. As I rambled through an answer, I noticed an underlying urge to “get it right” and...
As I rambled through an answer, I noticed an underlying urge to “get it right” and perform something profound, which is the same struggle I often hear from clients—especially women in life transitions—who believe they must define a purpose or something is missing.

I reflect that what’s really underneath isn’t a desire for clarity as much as fear of what it means if we don’t have it nailed down: that we won’t matter or be enough.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>545falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/grief-when-will-the-other-shoe-drop-022
From my wedding anniversary and a Father’s Day lunch to memories of my late husband and mother, I explore how grief and love often arrive together.

I also share a vulnerable realization about receiving generosity, bracing for disappointment, and choosing to keep my heart open anyway.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72730407Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:23 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIn this episode, I reflect on grief, love, and the unexpected ways that loss continues to surface in everyday life. From my wedding anniversary and a Father’s Day lunch to memories of my late husband and mother, I explore how grief and love often...
From my wedding anniversary and a Father’s Day lunch to memories of my late husband and mother, I explore how grief and love often arrive together.

I also share a vulnerable realization about receiving generosity, bracing for disappointment, and choosing to keep my heart open anyway.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>701falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/what-he-wouldve-done-021
It came to represent the fear of making a mistake, the shame of admitting how long I’d avoided the situation, and a quieter grief that made ordinary tasks feel heavier when I’m the only one carrying them.

Then I noticed the real trap: the way I was weaponizing an undone task into evidence of personal failure.

This episode is my invitation to trade self-indictment for curiosity, and to ask what your own silent reminder really means.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72581896Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:15 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryFor 18 months, I walked past a silent reminder of one “simple” household task that I couldn’t seem to do. It came to represent the fear of making a mistake, the shame of admitting how long I’d avoided the situation, and a quieter grief that made...
It came to represent the fear of making a mistake, the shame of admitting how long I’d avoided the situation, and a quieter grief that made ordinary tasks feel heavier when I’m the only one carrying them.

Then I noticed the real trap: the way I was weaponizing an undone task into evidence of personal failure.

This episode is my invitation to trade self-indictment for curiosity, and to ask what your own silent reminder really means.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1054falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/youre-not-a-procrastinator-020
When a client sits across from me and says, “I’m just a procrastinator.”

In this episode, I challenge the idea that procrastination is a fixed identity or diagnosis. The truth is that it’s just you avoiding a feeling.

I talk about the moments when I have the information I need, but keep delaying with logistical stories like needing more research or better timing.I’ll also explain why feelings can coexist with action.

 Remember, they get a seat at the table, but they don’t get a vote.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72459651Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:17 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryThere’s something that really gets under my skin... When a client sits across from me and says, “I’m just a procrastinator.” In this episode, I challenge the idea that procrastination is a fixed identity or diagnosis. The truth is that it’s just you...
When a client sits across from me and says, “I’m just a procrastinator.”

In this episode, I challenge the idea that procrastination is a fixed identity or diagnosis. The truth is that it’s just you avoiding a feeling.

I talk about the moments when I have the information I need, but keep delaying with logistical stories like needing more research or better timing.I’ll also explain why feelings can coexist with action.

 Remember, they get a seat at the table, but they don’t get a vote.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>639falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/cant-sleep-at-3-am-three-thinking-patterns-that-may-be-why-019
There’s three common patterns I’ve noticed in myself and others: the to-do list , the emotional replay, and scanning for threats.

Today, I connect these patterns to personas we identify with (like being the organized, sensitive, or responsible one) and explain that these constructs are just stories kept alive by thinking.

When we recognize these thoughts as thoughts, nothing is wrong, nothing needs fixing, and things can loosen so we can return to simply being.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72329062Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:28 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryThere’s a kind of mind-created “crazy thinking” that can wake us up in the middle of the night and grab our full attention. There’s three common patterns I’ve noticed in myself and others: the to-do list , the emotional replay, and scanning for...
There’s three common patterns I’ve noticed in myself and others: the to-do list , the emotional replay, and scanning for threats.

Today, I connect these patterns to personas we identify with (like being the organized, sensitive, or responsible one) and explain that these constructs are just stories kept alive by thinking.

When we recognize these thoughts as thoughts, nothing is wrong, nothing needs fixing, and things can loosen so we can return to simply being.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>684falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-helper-takes-a-pause-and-sees-what-she-couldnt-see-while-helping-018
After my mom’s death two months ago (and years of living in a “helper” identity that kept me on the giving end), I realized my giving and receiving feel imbalanced.

Now, I’m choosing a true sabbatical from the giver persona and committing to show up for myself in receiving mode, while still continuing the podcast.

Is it time to reflect on your own balance of giving and receiving?

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72207838Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIn this episode, I share a major insight about the deep mental, emotional, and spiritual fatigue I’ve been feeling for months, beyond any physiological issues like adrenal exhaustion. After my mom’s death two months ago (and years of living in a...
After my mom’s death two months ago (and years of living in a “helper” identity that kept me on the giving end), I realized my giving and receiving feel imbalanced.

Now, I’m choosing a true sabbatical from the giver persona and committing to show up for myself in receiving mode, while still continuing the podcast.

Is it time to reflect on your own balance of giving and receiving?

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>940falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/when-worrying-about-your-body-wont-stop-017
I was recently lying in bed with my thoughts spiraling. I could feel my heart pounding. Then, after getting up the next morning and going to a meditation, my heart completely calmed down.

This shift wasn’t because the symptom disappeared, but because my thinking shifted...and when your thinking shifts, your experience shifts.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72146277Mon, 25 May 2026 09:00:16 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryYou can have the exact same symptom in two different situations, but experience it differently depending on what your mind is doing. I was recently lying in bed with my thoughts spiraling. I could feel my heart pounding. Then, after getting up the...
I was recently lying in bed with my thoughts spiraling. I could feel my heart pounding. Then, after getting up the next morning and going to a meditation, my heart completely calmed down.

This shift wasn’t because the symptom disappeared, but because my thinking shifted...and when your thinking shifts, your experience shifts.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>780falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-real-reason-anxiety-keeps-coming-back-016
Like weather, anxiety can move, shift, change, and clear on its own, and you don’t have to become a different person for that to happen.

In this episode, I’ll also emphasize that I’m not dismissing what I’m feeling in moments of anxiety and neither should you. Rather, because anxiety isn’t caused by my circumstances, I don’t have to fix myself or my circumstances to feel okay.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71987149Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:22 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryAnxiety doesn’t define who you are and it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s okay to have sensations or thoughts that trigger it. Like weather, anxiety can move, shift, change, and clear on its own, and you don’t have to become a...
Like weather, anxiety can move, shift, change, and clear on its own, and you don’t have to become a different person for that to happen.

In this episode, I’ll also emphasize that I’m not dismissing what I’m feeling in moments of anxiety and neither should you. Rather, because anxiety isn’t caused by my circumstances, I don’t have to fix myself or my circumstances to feel okay.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>683falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/perfectionism-people-pleasing-and-the-art-of-letting-her-rest-015
I reflect in this episode on how this protective persona traces back to my childhood “good girl” identity—striving for perfection, avoiding being wrong, and seeking safety through approval—and how exhausting that management feels.

I explore how explaining can be a way of not trusting myself or you, and how the realness lands more deeply than polished control.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71944468Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:18 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryI’ve noticed I have a tendency to perform, defend my perspective, and over-explain in an effort to “get it right” and do no harm. I reflect in this episode on how this protective persona traces back to my childhood “good girl” identity—striving for...
I reflect in this episode on how this protective persona traces back to my childhood “good girl” identity—striving for perfection, avoiding being wrong, and seeking safety through approval—and how exhausting that management feels.

I explore how explaining can be a way of not trusting myself or you, and how the realness lands more deeply than polished control.

The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.]]>881falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/nothing-personal-a-client-conversation-with-amy-014
Our work together has shifted her from self-criticism, stress, and worry about others’ judgments, to seeing thoughts as just thoughts, not verdicts, which has changed how she handles intense work pressure and deadlines.

In this episode, we explore the inside-out nature of experience, living more in the moment, and the freedom that comes from loosening identification with roles, expectations, and even diagnoses.


The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71702691Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:22 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryAmy is someone I’ve worked with since 2019 through functional medicine for her diabetes and one-on-one coaching. Our work together has shifted her from self-criticism, stress, and worry about others’ judgments, to seeing thoughts as just thoughts,...
Our work together has shifted her from self-criticism, stress, and worry about others’ judgments, to seeing thoughts as just thoughts, not verdicts, which has changed how she handles intense work pressure and deadlines.

In this episode, we explore the inside-out nature of experience, living more in the moment, and the freedom that comes from loosening identification with roles, expectations, and even diagnoses.


The Intelligence Inside — a 5-week course, May 26 – June 23. If this episode stirred something and you want to go further, reach out at office@drkathleenperry.com and let's talk.
]]>2512falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/what-if-you-just-played-with-it-013
I share how I impulsively joined a mastermind just to be around creative people, noticed imposter thoughts, and then unexpectedly received a clear book outline, which tempted me to turn it into an entrepreneurial project until I chose surrender, play, and openness instead.

It’s time to identify deferred gifts, question the myth of “ready,” stop managing outcomes, and take the next step.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71582277Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryWhy do dreams and creative ideas get deferred? I’m exploring this question today, using my own experience of waiting four and a half years to launch this podcast due to timing and perfectionism. I share how I impulsively joined a mastermind just to...
I share how I impulsively joined a mastermind just to be around creative people, noticed imposter thoughts, and then unexpectedly received a clear book outline, which tempted me to turn it into an entrepreneurial project until I chose surrender, play, and openness instead.

It’s time to identify deferred gifts, question the myth of “ready,” stop managing outcomes, and take the next step.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1752falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-mirror-how-seeing-yourself-dissolves-your-triggers-012
How do the differences between jealousy (fear of losing what I have) and envy (wanting what someone else has) play into this, and how can naming envy reduce shame?

You’ll see that the “golden mirror” of envy is recognition without ownership, but the harder mirror of irritation and judgment is where finding even a tiny shared version in yourself softens reactivity and increases forgiveness.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71346871Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:17 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIn this episode of Identity Matters, I share a simple practice I call “the mirror,” which is an exercise for dissolving triggers by recognizing that what activates me in others reflects something in me. How do the differences between jealousy (fear...
How do the differences between jealousy (fear of losing what I have) and envy (wanting what someone else has) play into this, and how can naming envy reduce shame?

You’ll see that the “golden mirror” of envy is recognition without ownership, but the harder mirror of irritation and judgment is where finding even a tiny shared version in yourself softens reactivity and increases forgiveness.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1279falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/when-not-good-enough-runs-the-show-011
Even though my mom never demanded sacrifice or guilted me, I pressured myself with rigid ideas of what a “good daughter” would do, which created guilt and resentment.

In this episode, I explain how something shifted when I considered believing my mom’s repeated positive words and made a quiet one-week experiment to live as if I were already good enough.

I reflect on how culture reinforces “not good enough” stories for caretakers and beyond, and I emphasize that loosening the identity isn’t about a formula or fixing ourselves, it’s about noticing, questioning, and becoming curious about who set the bar.

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]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71165796Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:18 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryThe “not good enough” identity (specifically, my “not good enough daughter” identity) quietly ran my life for a long time by constantly raising an internal bar higher and higher. Even though my mom never demanded sacrifice or guilted me, I pressured...
Even though my mom never demanded sacrifice or guilted me, I pressured myself with rigid ideas of what a “good daughter” would do, which created guilt and resentment.

In this episode, I explain how something shifted when I considered believing my mom’s repeated positive words and made a quiet one-week experiment to live as if I were already good enough.

I reflect on how culture reinforces “not good enough” stories for caretakers and beyond, and I emphasize that loosening the identity isn’t about a formula or fixing ourselves, it’s about noticing, questioning, and becoming curious about who set the bar.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7
]]>958falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/the-love-that-is-you-010
Reflecting on the recent news of my cousin's death, I explain the concept that love is not just an emotion or transient feeling, but an intrinsic part of who we are. I emphasize the need to recognize that love is within us and not something to be sought externally.

Join me on this heartfelt journey to acknowledging and embracing the pure, unconditional love that transcends physical presence and individual identities.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71046567Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryToday, I’m exploring the profound understanding of love as an eternal essence defining our true nature. Reflecting on the recent news of my cousin's death, I explain the concept that love is not just an emotion or transient feeling, but an intrinsic...
Reflecting on the recent news of my cousin's death, I explain the concept that love is not just an emotion or transient feeling, but an intrinsic part of who we are. I emphasize the need to recognize that love is within us and not something to be sought externally.

Join me on this heartfelt journey to acknowledging and embracing the pure, unconditional love that transcends physical presence and individual identities.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>921falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/why-it-feels-so-bad-when-we-take-things-personally-009
I share insights from a past interaction with a successful engineer who felt personally attacked over feedback on his work proposal, despite knowing it was about the work and not him.

From this story, I explore the concept of the “me” construct, the identity we build in our minds, and how being highly identified with this construct makes us vulnerable to taking things personally.

Realizing that this identity is just a mental construct can be a wake-up call and a gift, allowing us to respond to situations more openly and authentically.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70894565Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:21 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryToday I want to revisit a conversation about why we take things so personally and the underlying feelings associated with it. I share insights from a past interaction with a successful engineer who felt personally attacked over feedback on his work...
I share insights from a past interaction with a successful engineer who felt personally attacked over feedback on his work proposal, despite knowing it was about the work and not him.

From this story, I explore the concept of the “me” construct, the identity we build in our minds, and how being highly identified with this construct makes us vulnerable to taking things personally.

Realizing that this identity is just a mental construct can be a wake-up call and a gift, allowing us to respond to situations more openly and authentically.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1038falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/youre-not-broken-youre-divinely-engineered-with-mavis-karn-008
Mavis shares profound insights about human innocence and our divine engineering, emphasizing that we are not broken but simply unaware of our true nature.

Throughout the conversation, Mavis underscores the importance of living in the present moment, understanding that our feelings are indicators of our thoughts, and recognizing the temporary nature of psychological pain.

Remember: let’s be kind to ourselves and appreciate the magnificent beings we are.

Mavis’ website: https://www.maviskarn.net 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70711960Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:26 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryWe have a transformative conversation with Mavis Karn, the author of It's That Simple: A User's Manual for Human Beings. Mavis shares profound insights about human innocence and our divine engineering, emphasizing that we are not broken but simply...
Mavis shares profound insights about human innocence and our divine engineering, emphasizing that we are not broken but simply unaware of our true nature.

Throughout the conversation, Mavis underscores the importance of living in the present moment, understanding that our feelings are indicators of our thoughts, and recognizing the temporary nature of psychological pain.

Remember: let’s be kind to ourselves and appreciate the magnificent beings we are.

Mavis’ website: https://www.maviskarn.net 

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 
]]>2592falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/when-there-is-no-formula-how-life-guides-us-when-rules-fall-away-007
I discuss the absence of a master plan or formula for living, emphasizing the innate, intuitive responses we all possess.

By explaining what it was like walking my late husband through his final days, I illustrate the power of trusting our built-in capacity to navigate life’s uncertainties without an external playbook.

Join me as we delve into learning to trust our pure consciousness and finding peace in the flow of the present moment.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70606362Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryToday, we explore the concept of living without a rigid formula. Originally recorded almost two years ago, this episode reflects the shift from my early perfectionistic mindset to a more intuitive approach to life. I discuss the absence of a master...
I discuss the absence of a master plan or formula for living, emphasizing the innate, intuitive responses we all possess.

By explaining what it was like walking my late husband through his final days, I illustrate the power of trusting our built-in capacity to navigate life’s uncertainties without an external playbook.

Join me as we delve into learning to trust our pure consciousness and finding peace in the flow of the present moment.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7
]]>1895falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/gratitude-isnt-something-you-do-006
Today, I share personal reflections on using a gratitude journal to discuss how gratitude can be experienced as an intrinsic state rather than an external practice.

Settling into the present moment and tuning into our bodily sensations can cultivate a natural sense of gratitude.

Let’s explore gratitude from the inside out and embrace the embodiment of gratitude as an inherent part of our being.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70481943Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIt’s time for a deeper perspective on gratitude beyond traditional practices. Today, I share personal reflections on using a gratitude journal to discuss how gratitude can be experienced as an intrinsic state rather than an external practice....
Today, I share personal reflections on using a gratitude journal to discuss how gratitude can be experienced as an intrinsic state rather than an external practice.

Settling into the present moment and tuning into our bodily sensations can cultivate a natural sense of gratitude.

Let’s explore gratitude from the inside out and embrace the embodiment of gratitude as an inherent part of our being.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>642falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/when-an-identity-outlives-its-role-a-story-about-guilt-005
Today, I share a compelling story about my client, Sam, who struggles with guilt as he navigates his role as the eldest sibling in his family.

Sam's journey towards setting boundaries and recognizing the constructed nature of his long-held identity provides valuable insights into dealing with similar situations.

Join me as I explore the importance of understanding and sometimes letting go of roles that no longer serve us, ultimately allowing us to embrace a more authentic and liberated self.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70297078Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:20 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryLet’s talk about how deeply ingrained roles and identities can trap us into uncomfortable feelings. Today, I share a compelling story about my client, Sam, who struggles with guilt as he navigates his role as the eldest sibling in his family. Sam's...
Today, I share a compelling story about my client, Sam, who struggles with guilt as he navigates his role as the eldest sibling in his family.

Sam's journey towards setting boundaries and recognizing the constructed nature of his long-held identity provides valuable insights into dealing with similar situations.

Join me as I explore the importance of understanding and sometimes letting go of roles that no longer serve us, ultimately allowing us to embrace a more authentic and liberated self.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>954falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/seeing-for-yourself-a-conversation-with-dr-amy-johnson-004
We explore the nature of identity, thought, and direct experience. Amy shares insights on how to look inward to understand the self, distinguish between thought and reality, and harness intuitive knowing.

Our discussion highlights the potential for expansive awareness and transformation, touching on the importance of silence, embodiment, and self-investigation.

We also mention the benefits of silent retreats and practical ways to integrate these concepts into daily life.

Dr. Amy Johnson: https://dramyjohnson.com/

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70209351Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:26 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryDr. Amy Johnson, a psychologist, author, and teacher, joins me today for a deep conversation.  We explore the nature of identity, thought, and direct experience. Amy shares insights on how to look inward to understand the self, distinguish between...
We explore the nature of identity, thought, and direct experience. Amy shares insights on how to look inward to understand the self, distinguish between thought and reality, and harness intuitive knowing.

Our discussion highlights the potential for expansive awareness and transformation, touching on the importance of silence, embodiment, and self-investigation.

We also mention the benefits of silent retreats and practical ways to integrate these concepts into daily life.

Dr. Amy Johnson: https://dramyjohnson.com/

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 
]]>3164falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/theres-a-voice-in-your-head-and-its-not-you-003
I emphasize in this episode that our purpose isn't to change or fix anything, but simply to notice and explore our thoughts. I share personal anecdotes and metaphors to highlight how thinking and awareness work.
 
By treating thoughts as merely passing clouds in the sky, we can become less identified with them, leading to greater freedom and possibilities.

I conclude this chat with a reflective question and a reminder that we are not broken and need no fixing.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70064947Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:17 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryLet’s explore the concept of the voice in our heads. I emphasize in this episode that our purpose isn't to change or fix anything, but simply to notice and explore our thoughts. I share personal anecdotes and metaphors to highlight how thinking and...
I emphasize in this episode that our purpose isn't to change or fix anything, but simply to notice and explore our thoughts. I share personal anecdotes and metaphors to highlight how thinking and awareness work.
 
By treating thoughts as merely passing clouds in the sky, we can become less identified with them, leading to greater freedom and possibilities.

I conclude this chat with a reflective question and a reminder that we are not broken and need no fixing.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7
]]>714falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/who-you-are-not-a-case-of-mistaken-identity-002
We'll take a closer look at the aspects of identity that we commonly use and notice that while these aspects can change, your awareness of them remains constant.

The goal isn't to change or fix anything but to notice that these changing elements can't define the whole truth of who you are.

Let's sit with the question 'Who am I?' and explore the deeper awareness that always remains.  

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69860740Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:10:02 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryIn this episode, I guide you through a profound self-exploration exercise to uncover who you truly are beyond your name, roles, life stories, beliefs, and emotions. We'll take a closer look at the aspects of identity that we commonly use and notice...
We'll take a closer look at the aspects of identity that we commonly use and notice that while these aspects can change, your awareness of them remains constant.

The goal isn't to change or fix anything but to notice that these changing elements can't define the whole truth of who you are.

Let's sit with the question 'Who am I?' and explore the deeper awareness that always remains.  

Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>691falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/who-are-you-really
I explore the idea that identity forms long before awareness enters the picture. How much of daily life is shaped by roles, expectations, and survival patterns? I talk about unconditional love, presence, creativity, and a deep, quiet joy that often goes unnoticed.

I also share a deeply personal moment that revealed this truth of stillness in an unexpected way, showing how it can exist even during heartbreak. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why intellectual understanding is unnecessary for recognizing deeper truth.
• How listening inward reveals a quiet place already whole and complete.
• The idea that growth involves remembering rather than learning something new.
• What existed before conditioning, roles, expectations, and learned behaviors formed.
• How striving, fixing, and self-improvement often fail to produce lasting change.
• What identity is not, including thoughts, past experiences, roles, and beliefs.
• An explanation of awareness as the constant beneath every experience.
• A personal story of loss revealing stillness untouched by circumstances.
• Why true nature remains unchanged by grief, emotion, or life events.
• The impact of misidentifying with personas on pressure, confusion, and reactivity.
• How recognizing presence softens self-criticism and emotional reactivity.
• The relationship between inner stillness, creativity, and renewed joy.
• A closing reminder of inherent wholeness, freedom, and unconditional love.

 Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69860736Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:05:02 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryWhat if real change doesn’t come from fixing anything at all? What if transformation begins somewhere quieter, already intact beneath the noise? In this episode, I share why listening from that still place matters more than trying to understand every...
I explore the idea that identity forms long before awareness enters the picture. How much of daily life is shaped by roles, expectations, and survival patterns? I talk about unconditional love, presence, creativity, and a deep, quiet joy that often goes unnoticed.

I also share a deeply personal moment that revealed this truth of stillness in an unexpected way, showing how it can exist even during heartbreak. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why intellectual understanding is unnecessary for recognizing deeper truth.
• How listening inward reveals a quiet place already whole and complete.
• The idea that growth involves remembering rather than learning something new.
• What existed before conditioning, roles, expectations, and learned behaviors formed.
• How striving, fixing, and self-improvement often fail to produce lasting change.
• What identity is not, including thoughts, past experiences, roles, and beliefs.
• An explanation of awareness as the constant beneath every experience.
• A personal story of loss revealing stillness untouched by circumstances.
• Why true nature remains unchanged by grief, emotion, or life events.
• The impact of misidentifying with personas on pressure, confusion, and reactivity.
• How recognizing presence softens self-criticism and emotional reactivity.
• The relationship between inner stillness, creativity, and renewed joy.
• A closing reminder of inherent wholeness, freedom, and unconditional love.

 Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>1062falsefullhttps://www.drkathleenperry.com/podcast/who-you-are-and-why-it-matters-000
Are you living as who you truly are, or merely as who you've been taught to be? Through compelling conversations and personal anecdotes, the Identity Matters Podcast will launch into the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering insights that promise to shift your perspective.

As we question long-held beliefs and autopilot behaviors, you'll discover how this exploration can bring clarity, confidence, and a profound sense of coming home to yourself. With a focus on intuition and inner wisdom, we’ll explore how to trust your innate intelligence and step into a life filled with boundless potential. Let’s uncover the path to your true essence together.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How we often live under identities shaped by family, culture, and past experiences.
• Why questioning these ingrained identities can initiate transformative personal shifts.
• How exploring who we truly are can lead to stress reduction and new perspectives.
• How uncovering our authentic self brings a sense of homecoming and authenticity.
• Why integrating ancient wisdom with modern science can unlock our potential.
• How embracing intuition and inner wisdom leads to clarity and confidence.
• Why it’s crucial to listen to future podcast episodes with curiosity and openness.
• How the podcast aims to be a grounded space for reconnecting with inner truth.
• Why identity is viewed not as a prison but as a gateway to beauty.

 Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69860731Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:17 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryEmbark on a journey to uncover your authentic self beneath the layers of inherited identities shaped by family, culture, and past experiences. Are you living as who you truly are, or merely as who you've been taught to be? Through compelling...
Are you living as who you truly are, or merely as who you've been taught to be? Through compelling conversations and personal anecdotes, the Identity Matters Podcast will launch into the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering insights that promise to shift your perspective.

As we question long-held beliefs and autopilot behaviors, you'll discover how this exploration can bring clarity, confidence, and a profound sense of coming home to yourself. With a focus on intuition and inner wisdom, we’ll explore how to trust your innate intelligence and step into a life filled with boundless potential. Let’s uncover the path to your true essence together.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How we often live under identities shaped by family, culture, and past experiences.
• Why questioning these ingrained identities can initiate transformative personal shifts.
• How exploring who we truly are can lead to stress reduction and new perspectives.
• How uncovering our authentic self brings a sense of homecoming and authenticity.
• Why integrating ancient wisdom with modern science can unlock our potential.
• How embracing intuition and inner wisdom leads to clarity and confidence.
• Why it’s crucial to listen to future podcast episodes with curiosity and openness.
• How the podcast aims to be a grounded space for reconnecting with inner truth.
• Why identity is viewed not as a prison but as a gateway to beauty.

 Sign up for my newsletter: https://drkathleenperry.activehosted.com/f/7 ]]>495falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer--69510810https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69510810Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:03:06 +0000Dr. Kathleen PerryWelcome to Identity Matters with Dr. Kathleen Perry!75falsetrailer