WITH KRISTEN BUDDE
“From an outside perspective, I think we can see people and we can go,” Oh, yeah, I totally see them as a singer, songwriter, speaker.” but when it’s us, it’s harder to because we have all of these old stories and narratives playing out in the in the background, which is what has kept us from doing it in the first place.”
Have you ever sat on a dream for so long that you thought it would never happen? My guest today on the show has been a long time friend of mine and someone who is one of the most talented humans I know. For years, Kristen Budde had a desire to share her music with the world but fear of the unknown held her back from putting her music into the world. But in 2020 all of that changed when Kristen decided to make one of the biggest moves of her life. Today on the podcast we talk about how how she moved through her fear and is now sharing her both story and her original music.
Kristen was one of my first clients to go through the VIP LIMITLESS EXPERIENCE. In this episode she shares with me her personal takeaways and how it has helped her to show up more confidently as a performer and speaker. Click HERE to learn more about the VIP Limitless Experience.
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Your mindset is your greatest asset! But it is also what may be holding you back from taking that next step in your life. Are you ready to reframe your mindset so that you can step more confidently into your purpose?
Are you ready to take courageous steps to create a life and business you love? Welcome to the Couragecast. I'm Andrea crisp, an empowerment coach, author, and a multi passionate entrepreneur. For years, I was afraid to allow myself to shine. That was until I discovered that I could step into my own power, shift my mindset and take ownership of my destiny. Now I coach people across the globe, who are ready to own their life and make a massive impact with a blend of practical and spiritual advice. My desire is that courage cast empowers you to take brave steps in your own life and business.
Have you ever sat on a dream for so long that you thought it would never happen? My guest today on the show has been a longtime friend of mine, and someone who is one of the most talented humans I know. For years, Kristin buddy had a desire to share her music with the world. But fear of the unknown held her back from putting her music into the world. In 2020, all that changed when Kristin decided to make one of the biggest moves of her life. Today on the podcast, we talk about how she moved through her fear, and is now sharing both her story and her original music. Kristin was also one of my very first clients to go through the VIP limitless experience. And in this episode, she shares with me her personal takeaways of how it has helped her to show up more confidently as a performer and a speaker. Kristen Floyd buddy, you know, I know your name is Christian buddy. But I have to call you Chris and Floyd. I'm not gonna lie. Welcome to the Couragecast.
Thank you. I'm so happy to be here.
You know, it's so fun to have on somebody who you've known for a really long time. Because it's one of those things where it's like, you can't be like that professional version of yourself because the person knows you. All too. Yeah, so we've known each other a really, really long time since Evangel. College, also known as Evangel University. And so I'm just really, I'm really grateful to have you on the show.
Yeah, and we won't say how many years ago that was. That's a long time. I still remember your green corduroy pants and tie dye shirt getting ready to, you know, jump on the stage and wow, the world with your spectacular vocals.
That's hilarious.
Do you have those green pants? Still?
You know what I think I probably do somewhere in a box in the attic.
Is it funny? Like I look back at some of those times from Evangel. And think to myself like, that feels like a lifetime ago feels like a whole literally a whole lifetime ago. I was a whole other person. 100% It was forever ago.
Yeah. So for those of you who are maybe new to Kristin, Buddy, she is actually a singer, songwriter, and speaker, and she's going to share a little bit about herself. But from my perspective, knowing Kristin for many, many years, Kristin and I went to college together. Then we lived together for numerous years as what we termed a back then before it was like actually coined the term life partners. We were roommates. We call each other life partners. And we lived together for a really long time. And I got to bear witness to Kristen's life and just, I don't know her joy and the way she lives her life. And so, but Kristin, tell us a little bit about you.
Sure. So like you said, I'm a singer, songwriter, and speaker. And man, I mean, music has just been like my thing from the beginning of time. We were both music majors in college, which is how we met Yes. But also just love connecting with people, which led me to pursue a Master's in Counseling. So I taught music coming out of college and then became a school counselor. And I did that for 25 years, all by doing music and songwriting on the side, and sometimes not at all. It was one of those kind of passions that was kept on the backburner. But I'm so happy to say I'm now pursuing that full time and have added speaking to what I'm doing and so it's a really exciting time in life and yeah, it's a it's a beautiful been a beautiful season here this last, I don't know, couple of years.
You know, it's it's so interesting to have watched your journey along the way like having seen you sit in our living room in our duplex with your guitar or you know, the many hours you sat playing and writing songs and and covering songs and doing different things and how much I knew you loved what you were doing, and you wish you were pursuing it, I would watch you get up to go to work in the morning. Like, just, I don't know, like, I think the phrase is like, kill me now Crispy.
It was a struggle from like the get go, but I kept at it for a long 25 years.
Yeah, so let me ask you, what? How did you do that? Like, if you wanted to pursue music, like what was the reasoning behind staying 25 years?
Yeah,um, I think it's a few things. First of all, my understanding, and knowledge of what was possible in pursuing music as a career was a very narrow, like, we've talked about this before, like, I basically thought I could be a rockstar, or I could teach, like, those were the only options that I really was aware of. And really, not until the last, maybe two or three years, when I got connected with some new creative community and some mentors, I kind of had my eyes open to some new possibilities, which is really exciting and really neat. But, um, so that was one I just didn't know, what was possible, didn't know how I didn't know, just didn't know how could happen. And then the second was, I think a big one was security in that paycheck, and a very, had a very stable job. And, you know, my growing up, like my family really valued education valued stability, you know, and I, I still valued that really, you know, I want to know, I can pay my bills. So So I think that and then the probably the biggest one was fear. Fear has been a huge obstacle in my life, even since I was a kid. And really, as I started kind of on a journey, I don't know, maybe in 2017, with you started with that purpose, the purpose group that we did, I just really started to realize how much that has kept me stuck and kept me from doing things that I needed to do that I wanted to do. So yeah, I'd say those are the three big things.
And, you know, you said you did it for 25 years before you took the leap. And you were living in Cincinnati, before you moved to the Nashville area. And I'd love to talk about that time in life. Because I think that really was a turning point for you. So let's go to when you're in Cincinnati, you're, you're commuting to Kentucky, as a school counselor. You know, and you're, you're just tell me about what life was like?
Sure. And I have to say, like all that to say there were good parts about teaching, too, that I think kept me there too, you know, so it's just said that, but um, anyhow, so Cincinnati, so I lived in Springfield, Missouri, after college for I think, 12 years teaching. And then the last two years was a counselor. And then my husband and I met through a mutual friend and I ended up when we got married, moving to Cincinnati. And it was really, really a difficult transition for me, I had a really tight knit community in Springfield, some wonderful friends. I had been single for what felt like forever, but now looking back, you know, it wasn't but and so when I moved, it was really, I really struggled. I really miss my friends. I kind of really had an identity crisis like and then I felt like I didn't know how to be married. And you know, Larry knew everybody I didn't know anybody. I'm my first job there was in credibly challenging. So like, within a span of one month, I got married, moved to a new city and started a new job. And I didn't realize the stress of that and really kind of the trauma of that, how much it affected me until years later. And then that first year of being in Cincinnati, I ended up getting fired from my job with I was totally blindsided because they didn't really have grounds it was basically to give someone else an opportunity that was already in the school. And it was devastating. But again, I didn't realize I don't think the effects the of what that did to me and my confidence. I didn't realize that until years later. And then just the challenge of being married and we had dated long distance. And so, you know, I've gotten here I'm married, and finally living in the same city as my husband. And that presented a whole slew of challenges to Yeah, so I mean, it was it was tough. So I think my start in Cincinnati got off to on a very rough foot. Yeah. And then, you know, looking as I've looked back on, on all those years there, I just, I really think I got stuck. Like, all the things that happened that first year, and it was so difficult, I was depressed. I was dealing with extreme anxiety in my job, and well, it just in life, and all those disappointments failures kept me I mean, caused me to get stuck.
And then on top of that, you had sickness.
Yeah. So let's see, probably about seven, six years after we got married. I went camping, and I got bit by a tick, and ended up contracting Lyme disease. I was lucky in that I knew that I got it and was treated fairly quickly. However. I dealt with just weird health ailments for about three years. And I looked fine on the outlet. One of the hardest things about that, and and I don't think people always realize with Lyme disease is You look fine on the outside. But I was I was terrible. I was, at that point, having probably, I would say, almost debilitating anxiety. Some of which was over the health things I was experiencing. And I just, I was just miserable. Honestly, it was probably at an all time low. I would say, it was rough. It kind of felt like like, oh my gosh, this just nothing is working out for me here in this city. Like, what is the deal?
Yeah. And probably looking back, like, you know, if you would have had rewound the tape all the way back to college, would you have imagined that that's where you would have been?
Oh, no. I don't think so. Um, yeah, I mean, so that was I don't know how old I was, I was probably like, my late 30s. When, when they saw or maybe I think it would happen, they are I turned 40. Actually. Yeah, if you would have a few I said, Hey, Kristen, when you're 40 you're gonna live in in Cincinnati, you're gonna be sick, and you're gonna feel like crap, you're gonna be struggling with your direction in life. And yeah, yay. So much to look forward to. You know, I have to say, it's, it's one of those things that, you know, since doing this work myself, and, you know, really telling people's stories, and, you know, working with people myself, I think, I also struggled with my own things, and not feeling like, you know, my life turned out the way I wanted it to. And it was one of those things where people weren't really telling you the full story. So you, you'd have conversations with people, and they'd kind of gloss over, you know, what was really going on in their life to make it seem good. Because there's, there can be a lot of shame, you know, when you've thought your life was going to turn out a certain way. It really hasn't. And then you're like, you know, I had everything going for me. Absolutely everything in my favor. And this is where I'm, where I'm at. And we reconnected. I mean, we'd always kind of kept in touch. But we reconnected around that time. And, you know, you know, which I'm so grateful for me personally, you know, just in general, for me, personally, it was amazing. But I was starting this thing called the purpose groups and was based off of a book that I've written designed with purpose. And you were one of the first cohorts to go through virtually through the group and, you know, met some women. Then you participated in a mastermind that I ran, and you met, you know, again, some incredible women you came up to Canada's like multiple times, you know, really got involved virtually within a community. How did that shift you and almost like, create an atmosphere for you to consider changing things.
Yeah. I mean, that really, to me, that purpose group was the big Getting of transformation, I guess for me. So you are a huge part of my story. And so I think the purpose group is trying to think through this timeline in my head, I think it was in around 2017. So I was still dealing with Lyme disease really struggling. And I remember, I don't know, if you had advertised it on social media or how I found out about it. But I remember thinking, wow, I really want to do this, because I really felt like I was still struggling kind of with identity crisis, you know, like, I really want to do with more with music. But, you know, I have worked so hard on this master's degree, I don't really want to leave this job, like I said, was kind of just stuck since that first year. And I was like, isolated, really, I had wonderful people in my life, but was just struggling, I think, for me to be myself. So when I heard about this group, I was like, oh, purpose, you know, like, I was always so intrigued by that. And I felt like probably struggled to some degree with, you know, what am I what am I supposed to be doing here. And I was, I remember being wanting to do it, but I was nervous that I wouldn't have like the energy, you know, with dealing with illness. And also, it was so small, I think financial investment. And, you know, even that was really the first time I had invested in myself, you know, outside of school, really. So, but I decided, I was like, Okay, if I don't do this, like, nothing's gonna change, I gotta do something, something, something gotta change. And so I did it. And then it was so good. I don't even remember, everyone was in the group. But it was it was a fairly small group. And just remember, like, as we started getting into it, first of all, how it was just really cool to connect with people. And I guess I didn't expect that from something online. But to get at connect with people on a deep level, and it was kind of like, I started finding myself again, like, I always get emotional about this. But I'm like, it was like that little girl who loved to sing. And that little girl who loved music and had that passion. I was like, Oh, my gosh, she's still there. Yeah, you know, she got lost. Yeah, it was really, it was a really cool time. And I got to see something happen in you. And I got to watch you transform your life.
Yeah, and it took me a long time. Like, I think there are times I was like, you know, I want this to happen faster. But I guess I want you know, in a lot of ways, I wasn't ready. It just took a lot of work and a lot of time and you know, looking back now over the last, I don't know, six, seven years. You know, I'm more accepting of like, okay, like, this is happening in the right time. And that it's supposed to, but yeah, that was the beginning.
You know, you people often, you know, think, oh, it has to happen quickly, you know, why isn't it happened, you know, I really want to pursue this dream that I have for my life. And then, you know, years goes by five years. And sometimes it does take time, because there's all the emotional component that's going on, you know, in the back end of everything, you know, trying to process who am I? What do I really want? How do I make these changes, and then all of a sudden, the realization that oh, I've kept myself stuck. Like life didn't just, you know, like, I'm not here because, you know, it's just coincidence. It's like, I made these choices. This was something and here I am now. And then you were in a place in your life. I don't know if it was right before COVID Or right during COVID pandemic beginning of it. You made a decision and you had been talking with Larry about this for some time, but you made a decision to move to the Nashville area.
Yeah. Yeah. Tell me about that. Yeah. So so we did purpose group and I started you know, in that next mastermind after that started taking the small steps towards music, you know, performing more, starting to write more getting connected with some songwriter groups and and loved it like it was just life and so my dad had lived in Nashville for gosh, almost since after right after college and I had almost moved here. maybe like, around 2005. But ultimately it didn't pan out, didn't work out. And so I was always drawn to Nashville, of course, because of the music scene songwriters. As I remember the first event I went to it was with the Nashville Songwriters Association. And I was just like, oh my gosh, I found my people. And so as always, it was always kind of in the back of my mind. And actually, I had applied for jobs a couple of times while we were in Cincinnati. And just nothing. I mean, nothing crickets, like out of pi, nothing. And so in 2020 Yeah, it was right when COVID started. Larry had lost his job. And we were kind of just like, okay, like, what next? And, you know, I was still really wanting to do more music, I was wanting to potentially go part time and had an opportunity that I thought was a sure deal. And then it didn't pan out. And so when I remember one of my friends saying, Well, why don't you just see if what's, you know, what's happening in Nashville, apply for some jobs, see what happens. So I did and pretty quickly got several interviews, which was crazy. So ended up getting hired as a school counselor down here. And we were, we were like, Okay, let's do it. So that was in June, and school started here. And like beginning of August, so it was like, whew, it was a quick thing. And like we weren't because we weren't really planning on it. So I ended up living down here with my parents for a couple months. While Larry got everything ready to go, and Cincinnati, but yeah, here we here we are in the middle of pandemic moving to a new state.
Yeah. And you know, you had been thinking about it for some time, and it feels like forever, like that. You're thinking about it. And then all of a sudden, one day it happens and everything's like, quickly moving. Yeah. It's happening. It's like, oh, okay, here we are. And so you got down there. And then you had some really incredible opportunities open up for you. While you were there, and you're establishing yourself, why don't you tell us a little bit about the group that you got associated with and how you started down the road to becoming a speaker? Because you had always been doing singing? And all of a sudden, you got connected in which I was so thrilled that you found your people? Yeah, like, that's something we had been talking about for a really long time. And there you were, and so yeah, tell us about that.
Yeah. So it's funny you say that, because I remember being at one of your retreats in Canada. And, like, I just was really wanting to connect with creative community, like I had a friend that I performed with who I love, still love. We still do things musically together, but really was just longing for some creative community and a friend of mine. I think it was actually right before I move mentioned this group called artist stand. And so I ended up doing a virtual retreat in August, the year I moved down here, because you know, that was in the thick of COVID. So nothing was in person. And they did another one with them. A few months later, and they ended up doing a mastermind that year of songwriters. And so decided to go for it. And we're still working full time at this point, but was just like I just kept had like I just knew I had to do more music. I remember saying to my to Larry, like I am going to die if I don't do something like and you know, at the same time this clock is ticking. I'm like, okay, like, I'm not getting any younger. There may be a little like midlife crisis in there. But here. Yeah, yeah. So I got connected with them to this mastermind. And it really changed my life like so it was led by two professional songwriters here in Nashville who both have successful careers who are generous and wonderful people. And just having that accountability and like minded people was was amazing. And then that ended at the end of 2021. And I'm still very much connected with people in that community. And with my mentors there. And then, last April, I got connected with another mentor. I attended, like another online thing. And he talked about keynote concerts. And I was like, Oh, actually, I had heard the concept the year before and had bought a course I hadn't done anything with it by the same guy. And attending this. He was just talking about it. And I had thought about it over the last year and that could be really cool. Which is so funny. Like, if you would have said to me in college like Kristen, you're gonna push to a speaking certification someday I would have been like, whatever, Andrea. You're on crack. You mostly thought all my ideas were that were crazy anyway. So you might have a good voice of reason in my life. But I remember in college you I say one day at a time, Floyd one day at a time, because I get so stressed out about everything. Anyway, I still remember that. But back to the speaking. So I attended this thing. And he was doing a mastermind. And so it was just crazy. Like several things happened all within a short amount of time that I was like, Yeah, I think I'm supposed to do this. And I'm, I want to do this. And yeah, it was just really neat how it all came about. So I did that. And so I believe it was in in May, maybe that started of last year. And I'm still that's still going. So I've started speaking, and I've spoken at a few events. And so a keynote concert basically, is like giving a keynote, keynote speech. Like for a conference or seminar, whatever. And you weave in a few of your original songs, and even how that has come together, like sharing my story and the lessons I've learned and how that went along with songs that I was writing. But like how it came together, it was just feels very I don't know what the right word is, like serendipitous? Yeah, like,yeah, like the the timing is just so cool. How I feel like how God has brought it all together.
You know, it's, you know, when you were in, I guess, in Springfield, like, there were opportunities that you had to go and sing places. And I remember you doing like coffeehouse type events, and you always would share something before, like, you'd always have a little introduction to the song or, you know, some sort of a story that went along with it, and then you'd sing. And you're always really good at holding that space for people just to kind of be in the music and be like, in that space. Like, I don't know, too.
That sounds funny together. Yeah. Because I don't remember that. That's hilarious. But, you know, as a songwriter, you really are a storyteller. And yeah, so one thing that I've gotten into over the last couple years is house concerts, which I love so much. Because it's such a cool way to bring people together in an intimate setting, and you really share the stories of the songs, and then you share the songs. And so that's, in a way kind of what I'm doing with speaking. So. Yeah, so it really does naturally lend itself to that. But I needed someone to point that out to me. And to train me. So yeah, it's been really good. It's been scary. I remember the first one I did last year, I was so nervous. So nervous, but but all it was so good.
So now I'm just gonna, you know, go back just a little bit, because you were you were a school counselor. You're living in Nashville. And then you made a huge, huge leap. Yeah, just tell us about that. Because we now know, like, you were singing and doing these speaking engagements, but how, what else was going on at the same time?
Yeah, so, um, so I'm gonna have down here thick of COVID starting a new job was crazy, crazy. Just because of all the COVID things and being in a school setting. I mean, it was wild. And, but it was a the best little school, like, I loved it so much wonderful people, and I felt so blessed to be there. But I still, you know, just had this desire, like, I want to do more. And as I was in that, first mastermind with artists and, and doing more songwriting, and knew I wanted to record a project, like when would that ended? I was like, okay, that's got to be my next thing, because I just, it was something I wanted to do. And just for a lot of reasons, couldn't seem to make it happen over the last two decades, time, so much time. And so I knew I wanted to do that. And then the speaking opportunity came about last year, and I had been thinking, like I said, about going part time for a long time. And so I kind of looked into that again. And just things kind of didn't work out there. And so really, really, we talked about it, we prayed about it. We I overthought the heck out of it. Because I'm really good at that. You need someone to help you think Some through you call me anyway. And so you know, Larry, for honestly, the last few years, I was like, Kristen, I want you to quit and do this, but I couldn't give myself permission to do it. And I think just, I don't know, I just came to the place where I was like, I know, this is what I need to do. I've got to take this leap. I am terrified, like terrified, frozen, paralyzed with fear. Like I literally remember saying, Larry and crying when I said it, because I was so afraid. Like, I don't think I can do this. Like, I don't think I can quit my job. I had so much fear around it. But I think when you're called to do something, like it just wouldn't leave me alone. Like it just over the years just kept coming back. And the more more I did with it, the more I was, like, I know, this is what I'm supposed to do. But I just so scared to let go. So I finally did it. So school got out. And I, I still was just not sure. Just really took some time to get quiet. And I think I printed off the resignation letter and it sat there for like a week because I was just like, I just want if I can do this made me sick. And and I just, you know, part of it too, is I just loved so much the people I was working with. And it was just a really hard thing to give up. And so I finally made the decision. And I turned in my resignation. And wow, like, I think for probably a month after I did that I went between oh my gosh, I've just ruined my life. To oh my gosh, like, I'm really doing this like, okay. Oh my gosh, it's happening. Yeah, so it was exciting, but also terrifying. And, yeah, it's been an interesting, what's it been since then six, eight months.
That's, it's been amazing, though, to, to see how you know, the progression of your journey. And you know, what it's taken to, you know, for you to get to this point, you are, you know, going to be releasing your first EP, yeah, which is very exciting after many years, many decades. And which we'll get to talking about that in just a second. But, you know, so here, you've been, you know, this, this amazing progression of, you know, going from Springfield, and all that you went through, you know, when you moved to Cincinnati and kind of, you know, learning about yourself, and, you know, being in being really wanting to be more involved in community. And that community presented itself to you in ways probably you never would have expected. Yeah, and, you know, kind of went through this process to get all the way to Nashville to almost end your career in a moat and a beautiful way to then start the next phase of your journey to begin, again. And crazy how that works. Yeah, basically, Andrea.
And so here, you are getting ready to begin again, you know, in a whole new way to start something. So what was the catalyst for this album? And for, you know, what, what is the music about? In what are the stories about in this album?
Yeah, well, it's called begin again. And here's what's cool is I started writing the title track for that, when I was in Canada, we were in Toronto on one of our it may have been the last time I was up there. In 2019, and I, we had taken a break from our retreat, and I was walking into a coffee shop, and I got this little like Melody and I actually have like, the notes like the rhythm written out in my head or on paper. And, you know, even back then, I was like, I want to do more of this. I'd like to, you know, make a career change. But I don't know how and I remember I have it still recorded. You talking to me at that retreat. And I mean, it was almost like you you It's so good to have friends like this and mentors I mean, because I consider you that to like, that can believe things for you when you can't believe in for yourself. feeling the emotions again here, but I remember you saying like, I really believe like community, that creative community you're longing for. Like I can see that for you. And I still wasn't there yet. You know, I was like, Yeah, that would be great. But, um, so I started writing that song well I was there and just about wanting to start over and like lifting that heaviness off of like, I know, this is what I need to do, but I'm terrified. And I around that time I read a book too called Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. And good book Oh, so good. And it was one of those deals where I'm sure that the timing of it was divine, like, it really was, like, she crawled in my head and wrote how I felt. And I remember there was some quote in there that said, you can set what was it, you can start again, right now rebuild, remake your life from inside from the inside out. And I remember when I read that was like, yeah, like, that's what I want to do. You know, there was a whole lot more to it. But, um, so that was the title track. And it's just funny. The songs kind of had a similar thing, which I think, you know, a lot of songwriters, it's a form of therapy for us, as well. And so it deals with a lot of the things I've dealt with in this transformation and learning to face my fears and get unstuck. So, you know, there seems of overcoming fear or facing fear, having a little talk with myself, like, Come on, girl, get with it. But it's just, it's just really cool how, like, when I met with my producer, last year, I think it was maybe I don't know, in May. And I had sent him several songs. And just the ones, they just came together, and they just fit. So and then I released my first single last summer, which will also be on this project. And like that was just even just doing that was so exciting. Though, I feel like you know, most people have been at a point in their life where they have to begin again, whether it's after a failed relationship, failed job, you know, some kind of loss or unforeseen circumstance. So I really hope that it will, like people will relate to it, it will encourage people, I just think how Healing Music has been for me in my life, and how it's just been kind of a constant comfort and companion.
So I'm hoping that the songs will be that for people,I imagine that they completely are going to be. And, you know, I mean, I've been able to hear your songs over the years. And I'm really excited for this new journey that you're about to embark on. And I'm proud of you for taking those steps and for allowing yourself, you know, to follow your dream and to pursue what you've always had in your hearts. And really, to create this, you know, like, as Shaniqua said, you know, you can always create your life, you know, start again, again, again, create what you you desire, I think we we fall, you know, victim to, you know, our circumstance and say, Oh, I guess is just the way life is versus saying, You know what, I want to do this, I want to create this, I want to live like this, and then taking the opportunity to do it. And actually, you know, putting yourself out there. And so you're not only going to be like singing, but you're going to be speaking. And so it was so interesting. So we we reconnected again, back at the end of 2022. And you went through a VIP experience. And we talked through and it was interesting how it worked, because here you are, you've already taken the steps now, like you've already done, you know, you know what your purpose is? You're in the throes of it you're you're actually pursuing it. It's all happening. It's not like you're, you know, going to make it happen. It's happening. What was coming up for you when it came to actually out working it. Yeah, what was what was that next kind of phase? Because that's where we kind of worked together in in the VIP experience.
Yeah, so you know, transitioning to basically a small business owner, because there's lots of different things I'm doing right now. And I eat I was so used to school structure, like I had a schedule, I knew what time to be there. It was so structured. So I was really struggling with like, how do I do this, but really even more than that, like identity again, like so I'm pursuing this speaker thing and yeah, I'm so excited. Did about it? And I know I can do it. I mean, I've done it. And it's been wonderful. I've had wonderful feedback from audiences. But it was kind of like I just was still struggling to really like say, Yeah, this is what I'm doing. And I think when you, when you do make a big change like this, like, kind of my experience has been with some people, like, they think I'm nuts, or they don't quite understand it. And you know, honestly, I think, a long time, for a long time, I felt like it was selfish to pursue this maybe are irresponsible somehow. But I'm telling you what, I'm working harder than I ever have. It's so true, right? Yes. People are like, you know, when you go into work, and you're like, you don't even know. Yeah, I'm even know.
24/7. Yeah. And I'm having to learn how to set boundaries with that. And, you know, I teach lessons two, which I love. And like I said, I'm performing doing lots of different things. And so it's just, it's just learning how to come into the identity. And so the VIP experience was super helpful, was just, I guess, kind of helping me transform my belief around what I'm doing and who I am in this new role.
It's, it's taking that next step, it's like, you know, saying, okay, you know, when we learn to embody the identity of who we are, is really when we see ourselves step into that new level, that new experience, that's when we magnetize things into our lives. That's when we see so many different things happen. And so it's exciting to watch you, you know, take that step. And from an outside perspective, you know, I think we can see people and we can go Oh, yeah, I, I totally see them as a singer, songwriter, speaker, you know, but when it's us, it's harder to because we have all of these old stories and narratives playing out in the in the background, you know, which is what has kept us from doing it in the first place.
Totally. And all of a sudden, we take the step and note we're doing it. And then it's, you know, thinking, Am I really this? Is this, who I am, is this my identity, and really stepping into that next level version. I know, for myself, Kristen, you know, it's the same thing. You know, I've had, I look back, and I love music. And I don't you know, I mean, I still love, love singing and playing. I love it, love it, love it. And I thought that that's what I would do for my whole career. And but there was a part of me. And when I look back in college, that was doing stuff like I'm doing now. And but I didn't have a name for it, there wasn't any kind of job that did it. I just naturally was inclined in this way to do these things. So when, when coaching came up for me many, many years later, I was like, Yeah, this is the right fit. But I don't have context for it. I don't really step into the identity of it. And so for me, it was the same thing, like learning how to find who I am. In this, to create this for myself. And to create it in a way that is me. And I'm showing up as myself and doing it when there is not a blueprint to follow. Yeah. And you know, similarly, you, you and I both have like the same educational background, we both have a music education degree from Evangel college, university. And we both have a master's in guidance counseling from Missouri State University. We have the same career trajectory. Yeah. And we lived together, and we were both music teachers. And then we both did counseling in schools. And then we both were like, I gotta follow my dream. And we both had these, like bumps along the way to get to where we are in, in, in life, and I'm sure that there are still going to be bumps, and things that are gonna happen. But I'm excited for you, that you are moving into this next stage of your life and how you get to now share the journey.
Yeah, that's, that's really cool to be able to share that. And it's, it's neat to see the times that I have spoken. Just the impact that that's on people and how it's inspired them or encouraged them, and in totally different ways. You know, not everybody has to quit their job or not everybody. No, it's not always a huge thing. I mean, I really do believe that music is my calling. And I think I knew that for a long time. I just was afraid to really admit it and, you know, do what I needed to do to pursue that. But like when you're talking about being who you are, like, that's really vulnerable. And that's something you and I talked a lot about in the VIP experience. Because I've struggled in sharing this with people, I think, you know, it's again, it's fear of rejection or fear of people thinking, you're crazy. So as that experience really helped me to be like, No, this is who I am. And this is what I'm doing. And and it's okay.
Yeah, yeah, it is. And I hope that people hearing your story take away, you know, some take away a lot from this number one, your your journey, even, you know, started in, you know, pursuing your own dream, you know, figuring out how you could do that, taking a vulnerable step to join something virtually. And, you know, create community that way, and then doing it again, and doing it again, and doing it again, and finding people in those spaces who were going to point you in the direction that you needed to go and allowing yourself number one, to financially invest, but also to take the time to invest. Because, you know, even when, when we were doing the purpose group together in the mastermind, you were traveling to Canada multiple times. And, you know, that was not only an investment of time, but money. And, you know, but looking back on that, you know, it was setting the stage for the next part of your journey totally is going to be the next thing you were going to do. And and I look at, you know, I want to talk to clients, or even looking at my own life, there's, there are markers along the way where I did something that allowed me to do the next thing that allowed me to do the next thing. And I think sometimes we think if I just do one thing I'm gonna get there. Yeah. But oftentimes, it is one thing that leads to the next open door that leads to the next open door, and you have to continue to walk through the door.
Yeah, and I mean, every still doing that, right. 100% Yeah, like, there are many times where it's like, oh, can I stop here? And then you're like, Oh, no.
I think it's easy to look at somebody and feel like, you know, they went from this to this overnight. And, you know, like, this has been a year like years, you know, journey of journeying. And for me, and just I really feel like at the beginning. And you're right, it's like one, one small step, one small, little brave step. And then, you know, the steps sometimes get bigger and scarier, but you can take those if you hadn't started with that first small step. Yeah. Now, if you were going to, you know, share with the listener today, and they are thinking to themselves, Oh, I have a dream, I have something that I want to do. And I'm in a place where it doesn't look like this is possible. What would you say to them? I mean, kind of what I just said like it it, it is possible. And you just what's one small step you can take? You know, is it connecting with community, either in person or virtually, or finding a mentor, someone that has done that before you that can encourage you that can, like you said, point you in the right direction. Those have been like the biggest game changers for me, I would say in this journey. But it is possible, and I totally get feeling like it's not. But I think you've got to, you've got to surround yourself with people that believe in you that are like minded. Yeah, you just got to have people helping you out. Can't do it on your own.
And I know that you've had such a beautiful supportive community, your your family, Larry, your friends. We're all very excited for the release of your album. And so tell us when is it coming out? How can people get a hold of the music and get a hold of you and connect.
So the first thing all is already out that was released a few months ago, come sit down at my table. So you can find it on any streaming platform, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and lots of others. So the full of the release date is still not completely determined. There's still a lot of back work going in. But I did do a Kickstarter back in the fall. And so those folks will be will be getting it hopefully, beginning of March and I plan to release the first single, hopefully end of March beginning of April. So and then I will have the full so it's a six song EP that will be available on my website, probably around that time. So I would love to connect with anybody that would like to connect with me and maybe has been inspired or encouraged by my story. Um, so my website is Christian buddy music.com. And buddy is not like the word buddy. It's buddy like a friend but with an E at the end. So BDD II. And also I'm on Instagram, Kristin, buddy music, also on Facebook, but I'm probably on Instagram more.
Okay, well, we'll link all of these to the show notes. So if you're interested in connecting with Kristen, you can find her on Instagram right away. You can just look over there right now as you're listening to the podcast. But all the links for her music and how to connect with her will be available on the show notes. Kristen, thank you so much. I am so excited that we got to have this conversation. Like just to think about, you're here. It's happening.
I know. It's crazy. That's happening. Like I don't like I'm sure it sometimes you're like Kristen Boyd. Get it together. We did it. We had a lot of talks. Yeah. But you know what? I? I did see you here. Yeah, I did see you here. And just and to actually, you know, you being here. And then this is just the starting point to the next chapter is just amazing for me to even, you know, as your friend to witness to. And also I just think about the people who are going to hear your story and hear your album and and then take the next step for themselves. Yeah, however, that looks. Yeah, gonna inspire them. So that's just kind of the thing that just keeps on giving. So anyways, I'm so grateful. And thank you for being on the courage cast.
Oh, thanks for having me. This has been great. Well, friend, maybe you found yourself in parts of Kristen story, where you're ready to take that leap into the unknown and really pursue your passion. It is never too late to begin again. And I want to thank Kristin for being on the show for sharing her story with us. And if you are interested in connecting with her or you are wanting to know more about the release of her EP this spring, I encourage you to go to the show notes where all of her links will be provided for you. Reach out, connect with her and let her know what part of her story resonated with you, friend. Until next time, remember, you have everything you need to live bravely. If you like this episode of The Courage cast, we'd love to hear from you. Leave us a rating and review and while you're there, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Original music and production by Stephen Crelly.
