I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
All content for Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee is the property of Kelly Renee and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
15 minutes
3 months ago
Why ‘Normal’ Is a Lie and How It Nearly Destroyed Me
What does "normal" even mean, and why do we destroy ourselves trying to achieve it? In this episode, Kelly Renee exposes the universal ache of not belonging through two defining chapters of her life: a reckless teenage search for acceptance and an adult relapse into addiction while grieving her mother's death.
The episode begins with a haunting poem 17-year-old Kelly wrote about four girls, Kim, Julie, Sarah, and Jean, each using drugs, eating disorders, or self-harm to cope with invisible pain. Decades later, Kelly recognizes herself in all of them. With unflinching honesty, she traces how her own teenage rebellion (meth for breakfast, weed for bed) and later cocaine use during her mother's illness were misguided attempts to numb the same core wound: feeling like she never fit in.
But this isn't just a story of addiction; it's a roadmap for radical self-acceptance. Kelly reveals how fitness and faith became her lifelines, why she refuses to shrink herself for others' comfort, and how our deepest pains can forge our greatest strengths.
Key Takeaways
Everyone battles internal struggles, no matter how "put together" they seem on the outside.
Drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy habits only temporarily numb deeper issues.
Your circle matters: who you hang out with can influence your coping mechanisms.
Self-awareness and owning your "addictive personality" can help you avoid future pitfalls.
Growth comes from facing your pain, not running from it.
Positive outlets like fitness, faith, and self-reflection can replace destructive behaviors.
Embracing who you are, scars and all, is the ultimate strength.
In This Episode
[00:01] Introduction and theme setup
[01:14] Reading the poem: Four girls’ hidden struggles
[04:23] Poem analysis and relating to high school experience
[05:32] Personal drug use in high school
[06:43] Influence of social circles and family dynamics
[07:40] Addictive personality and adult self-awareness
[08:40] Coping with grief and adult drug use
[11:11] Advice on helping others and positive coping
[12:19] Rejecting substances and embracing authenticity
[13:31] Conclusion and empowerment message
Notable Quotes
(05:22) "I know I didn’t feel normal. I didn’t feel like I belonged in my family. I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere, so I was just chasing normal." — Kelly Renee
(05:51) "I wish I had navigated a little more without trying outside sources to make me feel normal or to get acceptance." — Kelly Renee
(12:50) "I just wanted to bring myself back to high school, to how awful I used to feel, how misunderstood I used to feel, how I just didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere." — Kelly Renee
(13:07) "Now in my life, I feel the exact same way. I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. I feel like I am one of a kind and I am misunderstood. But at this point in my life, I don’t give a fuck." — Kelly Renee
(13:31) "This is me, not ashamed of my past, but proud that I’ve made it through everything and that I’m learning and adjusting." — Kelly Renee
Resources and Links
Fiercely Unfiltered
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
Kelly Renee
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
