After a year away from the mic, I’m back—and reintroducing my newly rebranded show with the premiere of Season 6. Welcome to “Why Not: #DoBoth.” I’ve listened to you all, and I’m leaning into this brand because it reflects my life, my journey, and the questions I get asked the most across social media and in real life. This show is for anyone navigating the tension between ambition and responsibility, dreams and demands.

In this premiere episode, I open up about the past year of my life: the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. I reflect on competing in Miss Illinois USA, share truths about my experience with Miss California USA, and speak candidly about what it really means to do both. I talk about the risks, the realities, and the emotional toll of trying to live a life of purpose and passion—while also honoring commitments and facing challenges like a delayed promotion to Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, something completely outside my control. I also open up about my battle with depression, and what it’s looked like to keep showing up through it all.

Joining me is my best friend, therapist, and portrait photographer, Sam Hardy, who co-hosts this episode and shares his perspective as someone who’s walked through these moments with me.

This isn’t just a new season—it’s a new chapter. If you’ve ever felt torn between what you have to do and what you want to do, if you’ve ever asked yourself how to keep going when the world says "pick one"—this one’s for you.

Enjoyed this episode? Check out kelliesbrocchi.com and follow me on IG at @kellie.sbrocchi! Loved the show @doboth.podcast? Leave a review and let me know what you learned—I'd love to hear from you! #DoBoth

Show Notes~

Book with Sam Hardy Portraits (Shoot with Sam!)

Therapy Links: Sam Hardy's Therapy Bio with the Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling

Dr. Alexandra Solomon’s Home Page

IT'S HERE! I leave for MISS IL USA in just under 48 hours & I'm celebrating with a pre-pageant podcast. I asked my Instagram audience what questions they had about MISS IL USA: You asked, I answered! In this episode, I have guest-host & best friend, Jackie Barnum, to dig into what my journey has been liked as I prepped for my very last state competition for Miss USA. It has been 8 years since I entered my first state competition at MISS OHIO USA 2017, it's been 4.5 years since I placed runner-up at MISS CA USA 2020, & 9 months since the Miss Universe organization changed its rules, allowing married women & women of all ages to compete. Clearly, this has been a long journey but also one of the greatest and life-altering experiences for me.

In this episode, Jackie & I dive into my journey leading up to MISS IL USA. What am I most nervous about? How did I find my coaches? How did I get approval from the Navy to compete? What was that process like? I tell ALL!

Thank you ALL so much for the love & support as I head into competition and for sending so many good vibes my way! Regardless of the outcome, I'm so grateful for this experience and the change to compete again, WHAT A DREAM!

Want to watch the competitive LIVE this weekend? Find details here:

https://pageantvision.com/

Vote People's Choice here:

https://www.missillinoisusa.com/vote

Making friends as an adult can be challenging for several reasons! As adults, approaching friendships isn't as easy as it once was as a kid at recess. You have invest time, energy, sometimes money, and open your hear to possibilities. We face busy schedules with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments, leaving little time for socializing. Unlike in school or college, where you're constantly surrounded by peers, adults may have limited opportunities to meet new people outside of work or specific social circles. Many adults already have established friend groups, making it harder for newcomers to break in. As people get older, they may become more hesitant to put themselves out there and fear rejection or judgment from others. Join Allie, founder of "Level up Ladies, and I as we unpack the ins and outs of making friends in the adult world! From networking tips to finding your tribe, we've got you covered. Let's break down those barriers and build meaningful connections together! Allie is a passion driven leader that values community, connection and purpose-filled experiences. She is the founder of Level Up Ladies (also known as LUL) - a female social collective based in Chicago, with its newest chapter in San Diego, bringing like-minded women together to create meaningful and authentic connections while investing in themselves and their circle to #levelup. Allie is a Filipino-American and has her degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois and has been in the medical and life sciences research industry as a top performing sales executive for almost 10 years.  She is a wife to her amazing husband Joe, and dog mama to a 18 pound toy golden doodle named Wells. Allie is celebrating her 1 year of sobriety AND 1 year of LUL in January 2024. Love Allie? Find her on Instagram at @alliegwang @we.are.lul Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

So you had the BIGGEST dreams as a teenager or young adult + you've attacked them with your heart + soul-- what do you do if life has different plans? What do you do if those same dreams start to change, when your life doesn't go according to plan, or maybe those same dreams don't look as desirable as they used to? Dreams change, what makes you happy will change, your goals might change, your pride doesn't have to. Erika Grace Powell is on the show today, a former aspiring Broadway star, sharing her journey + how to manage your dreams as the chapters in your life change. This powerful message is what every BIG dreamer + goal-seeker needs to hear, not to be hard on yourself when your journey takes direction differently than you had planned.  Erika Grace Powell is an Upstate South Carolina native and Furman graduate who was crowned Miss South Carolina 2005 and placed in the top-10 at Miss America. She was also Miss South Carolina USA 2012 and placed in the top-15 at Miss USA. Erika is an accomplished singer, actor, model, recognizable TV personality, and red carpet host. She has been hired as the preferred face and voice for a variety of renowned productions such as The Grammy’s, The Billboard Music Awards, The CMA’s, and VEVO Music and has worked with numerous household brands on both regional and national levels to include Rooms To Go, Home Depot, Hanes, Lowe’s, Ford, Vevo, John Deere, ADT, Serta, Verizon and more. Erika’s voice commands the microphone regardless of the stage. To connect with Erika, visit www.ErikaGracePowell.com . Love this episode? Follow @missunderstood.podcast on Instagram to learn more!

"HOW DOES SHE DO IT?!" -- well, I'm telling-all. 

Balancing pageantry doesn't have to be stressful, like many other things, making time for something you love is completely possible as long as it's approached with motivation, effort, time-management, + support. As many of you already know, pageantry "fell into my lap" while serving active-duty in the Navy as an Officer, navigating a move to a new city, + runner a part-time photography business. I never planned on competing in pageants annually until 2016, when I competed in MISS OHIO USA for the very first time + it changed my life.

Four 3 years + 4 competitions, I had to figure out how to navigate life in the Navy, family, a serious boyfriend, a business, recruiting, modeling, + working toward my dream of becoming MISS USA. Stressed yet? Yes, I get it! At one point I didn't know how I'd balance it all, until I realized all of my passions aligned + worked together to help me prepare for #MISS USA state competitions.

By the time I prepared for my final competition, MISS CALIFORNIA USA in January 2020, I truly felt like I had nailed down exactly how to not only prepare, but win + represent, as MISS CALIFORNIA USA. Yes, I never won, but I did place first runner-up + still celebrate my ability to balance it all.

In this episode, I'll walk you through how I learned to navigate pageantry with a full-time career + why you need to stop making excuses for NOT pursuing your passions even with your demanding life.

Like this episode? Follow me on @missunderstood.podcast for episode updates + more! 

Quick life tip: if you have a goal in mind, every SINGLE thing you do should be a step to work toward it--if not, then why is that your goal? Susie Evans is on today's episode, speaking on her dream to become MISS VIRGINIA USA + what she learned in every chapter of her life to help her prepare for that goal in mind. If you think your dreams come to fruition overnight, you're wrong. It takes patience, planning, + pursuing them with all your heart + mind. 

In today's episode, I have absolute sweetheart + powerhouse, Susie Evans, the reigning MISS VIRGINIA USA 2020. Susie has a degree in digital cinema arts from Lindenwood University + continues to use her voice +  media productions to create change through her platform, #MediathatMatters. After working at Tokyo Disneyland for 2 years, she moved back to Virginia to volunteer, work in marketing, + pursue her goal of becoming MISS VIRGINIA USA with her knowledge + world experience in-hand. Susie won MISS VIRGINIA USA on her second-attempt in January 2020 + will be competing at MISS USA this fall. 

Susie's authentic message + perseverance is hard-hitting + a reminder that every woman needs to hear: without patience, you cannot pursue your dreams. 

To follow Susie, you can find her on IG @susiecevans or @missvausa. Like this episode? Follow me on IG at @missunderstood.podcast + leave a 5-start review on itunes! 

On July 1, 2010 Jackie + I entered the Naval Academy on Induction Day, or "I-Day," raised our right hand, took the oath, + entered into the Navy. At the time we were both only 17, without any idea of what was ahead or how the service academy--and serving our country--would develop us into leaders. If you're about to embark on an exciting change in position, a promotion, or maybe you've been serving in the military for awhile, this episode will shed new light on ideas + how to develop your leadership style.  In this episode, we're celebrating a milestone in our lives: 10 years since we entered the US Naval Academy (USNA) + 10 years we've been best friends. Jackie + I met on our very first day at USNA + truly have never stopped supporting each other since. We're diving into TEN lessons we've learned in leadership over these last 10 years, whether it's from going to a Service Academy or experiences in the fleet, we've been challenged, frustrated, failed, succeeded, + learned a lot about ourselves along the way.  As both Naval + Marine Corps Officers, we've learned how to adapt + overcome to many obstacles, continue to grow in facets of leadership, + hope to share a few inspiring lessons from our hearts to yours.  Want to connect with Captain Jackie Barnum? Find her on Instagram @jackiee.barnum.  Love this episode? Please consider leaving me a review on itunes + following @missunderstood.podcast for episode updates + more! 

I've heard it a million times: "Kellie you're so LUCKY you have all these friends!" Well, HUGE misunderstanding here, it's not luck! It's a lot, a lot of work to meet new people! A lot of you don't even know where to begin--how do you meet people? Where do you even start? I've got the answers for you. 

I've moved 10 times in my lifetime which means I've had to reinvent the wheel to meet new people. In this episode, I speak on how I won "Miss Congeniality" in every pageant I participated in, why Bumble hired me on as an employee because of my methods, + 5 ways YOU can meet women too. Call me unconventional, but these methods have proved to work in my life. 

We are living in life post-quarantine: Challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone and apply these steps to meet other women: you never know who you'll connect with! 

Apps I mention in this podcast: Bumble BFF (@BUMBLE), Meet Up, Eventbrite. 

Like this episode? Please considering leaving a review! For more episodes + updates, follow me on IG @missunderstood.podcast. 

You're in the military but frustrated you can't find a mentor, you want to move up in rank--but where do you start? Reality check: YOU are going to have to do the heavy lifting, it's time to start utilizing your resources. 

Moving up in the ranks of the US Navy is incredibly prestigious, but also very hard. Anyone who has spent time in the military knows that you can't just sit around + expect a promotion, you have to work for it, but the misunderstanding lies in exactly where you need to focus your effects + how you can navigate programs, education, mentors, time in service, + performance in order to excel + promote in the Navy. 

I have the MOST SPECIAL guest on the show for a special Father's Day episode: you guessed it, MY DAD!

If you follow me on my Navy Instagram account @lieutenanthall you've seen me share time + time again about my Father. I'm already incredibly biased to think he's amazing, but as I've grown in my career in the Navy I've realized just how REMARKABLE he is. He enlisted in the Navy as a Seaman Recruit (E-1) in 1990 + recently was selected as the Navy's newest Captain (O-6) as of last week. Going from E-1 to O-6 is a HUGE DEAL--but how did he do it? This man knows everything there is about squeezing the Navy of it's opportunities, networking, + learning the ropes of each milestone in order to promote. 

This episode is a mentorship opportunity from my Dad, to you. Don't just take advantage of it, APPLY it. 

Happy Father's Day to Captain-Select, Billy F. Hall Jr. You are the reason I am the woman + leader I am today. 

Interested in more mentorship opportunities in the military? Check out http://www.militaryspot.com/navy

Okay so, you have a passion but have no idea how to turn it into a business. Maybe, you have a paid hobby that's turning into more than just a side "hustle"--what do you do next? Brant Bender has all the answers for you struggling business-starters, passionate hobby-doers, photographers + everything in between. Starting a business is scary! So much to balance, start, + process: we're breaking it down for you. 

In this episode, Brant Bender walks through the fundamentals to kick-start your business. Brant, owner of Brant Bender Photography, is a celebrated portrait + wedding photographer who has been telling love stories through beautiful imagery for over 15 years. A professionally training photojournalist with local newspapers + international publications, Brant innately knows how to perfectly capture the emotions of you, your family, or wedding.  He's built his 15+ year business from the ground-up, nearing failure, reached success, + is sharing all of his lessons-learned in this episode. 

Whether you've been thinking about starting a business for a second or for 5 years, he'll guide you through being your own bookkeeper, managing your time, equipment, priorities, tricks + of course, connecting with a MENTOR! Brant was my ORIGINAL mentor when I was interested in starting a photography business back in 2015. After meeting him, a year later I successfully launched "Kellie Rene Photography" + ran a successful part-time business (with his help) for over 4 years. Even if photography isn't what you're looking to launch, they keys to kick-starting business is what every business-hopeful should hear. 

Interested in connecting with Brant? Check out www.brantbender.com online, or @brantbenderphotography on instagram. 

For more episode updates + details, visit me on IG at @missunderstood.podcast! 

You've just committed to the most challenging, exciting, intimidating career-path of your life: the Navy. 

Now that you've committed + enlisted, you've comissioned + are heading to ODS, maybe you're selected for an Officer program + on your way to OCS, or maybe you're heading to the most incredible University in the country (I'm not bias), The US Naval Academy--now how do you prepare?!

That's right, you have to PREPARE before you ever arrive. Signing the dotted line + committing was the hardest part, but from this point forward, it doesn't exactly get easier. YOU chose to challenge yourself, you CHOSE to set yourself up for a better life. So now, you've got to take the heat if or get out of the kitchen (or insert another navy metaphor). You absolutely MUST start preparing for boot camp, plebe summer, Officer Candidate School (OCS), or Officer Development School (ODS) or the culture shock will have you floored + worse, acting like a "civilian" upon arrival.

In this episode, I'm laying out what you need to know. I'm consistently asked: how do I prepare for Plebe Summer? How do I prepare for boot camp? So I wanted to recap a few of my tips + list your priorities before you ever step foot in a Navy installation. I graduated from the Naval Academy so our plebe summer (our version of boot camp) is different that OCS, ODS, or boot camp -- but I've worked as a recruiter for the last 4 years + the concept of becoming a sailor and Officer is still the same. You need to focus on what will make you an asset to the Navy + uphold our core values of honor, courage, + commitment. 

Like this episode? Follow me at @missunderstood.podcast for epsiodes, updates, + more. 

For more information on the Navy, check out my IG at @lieutenanthall or www.navy.com. For information on USNA, check out the Naval Academy admissions page. 

Are you a naturally compassionate person? Are you trying to understand others perspectives, mindset, experience, but don't know how to navigate the conversation with a stranger or even those closest to you? The #BlackLivesMatter movement has erupted the voices of so many who never felt heard--are you taking the time to listen?

In this episode, I wanted to share advice on how to start opening your heart to other people. We all come from unique backgrounds, experiences, households, + truly have an opportunity to grow from each other, yet, sometimes we still find ourselves close-minded to the views of others. As a white woman who has grown up all over the world, I consider myself a naturally open, loving person with an excitement to learn about people. People are what fuel my heart + my growth, without conversations with others I would have never learned compassion. I want to help YOU learn how to discuss the experiences, backgrounds, faith, + motivation with others + find out why they are the way they are in the hope it'll help your own heart grow. 

I want to invite you to an honest conversation about LISTENING + LEARNING from each other. Are you listening as much as you are talking?

Like this episode? Follow me on Instagram @kellierenehall + @missunderstood.podcast for more episodes + updates! 

How often do you receive negative comments online? Do you have moments when you're actually afraid to post, take your account off private, or fear retaliation from followers if you share something vulnerable, different, or unconventional? Yes, I've been there. If getting attacked online was a city, I'd be the Mayor. When you start anything new, the biggest fear you face is the reaction others will have. That fear is implemented online as well: it's so easy for others to comment negatively online than to your face, so we live in a society that is more likely to attack you. How do you navigate constant criticism online?  In today's episode, I'm sharing all of my most vulnerable moments when I've been attacked on social media + how YOU can over come it. It's taken a long time for me to figure out how to get back up again, stand my ground, + be proud of the passions I'm pursuing. If you didn't have to worry about what others would say, how would you approach life? Let's navigate around the opinions of others + overcome the online bullies.  If you think navigating negative criticism online isn't in your control, you're misunderstood.  Like this episode? Follow me @kellierenehall + @missunderstood.podcast for all the episodes, updates, + more! 

Preparation is the key to unlocking your potential in an interview. It's not just about getting the job; it's about showing your dedication, competence, and readiness to excel. Elevate your interview game with Heather Sumlin, mental management Coach and interview expert! Unlock insider tips, expert insights, and proven strategies to ace any interview and land your dream job. The hardest part about an interview is often the balance between showcasing your qualifications confidently while remaining authentic and connecting with the interviewer on a personal level. It's about finding the right blend of preparedness, spontaneity, and self-assurance amidst the pressure to perform well. In this episode, Heather unlocks what is most #missunderstood about interview prep, execution, & achieving your biggest goals. Specializing in Self-Image training, goal setting, interview preparation as well as subjectively graded competitive outlets for clients competing in a variety of sports and industries, Heather helps clients unlock their greatest potential. Her clients have won world championships, national and state level competitions, received international awards and global recognition in their sport or industry.

On top of individual training sessions, she hosts in depth seminars that take competition to the next level. As the host the "She Wins - Solutions and Stories for Women podcast," she interviews successful women to share their success strategies and stories.

With over 17 years of experience, Heather aims to support clients through extensive knowledge as a Master Level Certified Mental Management System Instructor with an upbeat, motivating, fun and encouraging manner, bringing out the best in each client!  

Love Heather? Connect with her here!

Website: https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Podcasts: https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7

Instagram: @heathersumlin

Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

Do you work in a male-dominated field? Are you constantly battling with the stereotype of what's "expected" of women, how we "should" act, "should" look like, or the challenges we face as a minority?

In this episode, my Naval Academy roommate of four years, best friend of 10 years, + Marine Corps Captain Jackie Barnum is on the show + we're diving into many challenges we've faced as females in male-dominated organization. There are so many misunderstandings about how to look, act, address others, even talk in meetings + we want to encourage all women to find their seat at the table + SPEAK YOUR VOICE. 

Captain Jackie Barnum is a 2014 graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD + now works as a Logistics Officer in the Marine Corps. She was previously stationed in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years before her tour in California + has previously deployed to the Philippines, Republic of Korea, + The United Arab Emirates. Currently nearing the end of her 2 year tour in California, Jackie will be returning to the East Coast for her next set of orders. She's a proud "Dog Mom" to rescue puppy, Ruby, + loves coffee, quoting the TV show "Friends," + inspiring others through her work in the Marine Corps. 

Love this episode? You can contact Jackie on Instagram @Jackiee.Barnum + follow @missunderstood.podcast for more episodes + updates!

We've either all heard it or ALL said it: "I just don't know how to start a business," or "It's just too hard to meet new people."

You're right, it IS hard, but it's not impossible. On today's episode I have powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, Los Angeles-transplant, and business owner Zee Rojas on the show to dissect all the avenues of starting your own business, networking, + why you shouldn't give up on yourself. 

Zee Rojas is a entrepreneur, marketing professional and world traveler. As Founder of Wild Hearts Agency, a social and lifestyle digital marketing, PR and collaborative agency based in Santa Monica, California, Zee uses creativity and insight to understand her client’s needs. She combines her passion for the industry with her pragmatic business sense to leverage that knowledge into outcomes that will elevate both hers and her clients’ businesses.

Zee is also a Community Marketing Manager for Bumble, where she builds and brings community together through activated events and collaborations.

She’s been featured in “The Little Brand Book” as one of twelve influential people making positive moves. She’s also a committee member for the Annual Los Angeles Zoo Gala.

When she’s not working, you can find Zee at the gym, planning her next international trip, supporting her friends ventures or finding good causes to volunteer her time to.

This incredible woman has A LOT to say + I'm so grateful she shared all the ways starting a business can be misunderstood. 

You can find her at: @zee.rojas or her business at https://www.wildheartsagency.com/. 

I receive a multitude of questions on relationship advice: how do I personally navigate relationships  or expectations? How did I find a partner + what were the standards I upheld before "settling down" with the man I thought was best suited for me? Oh + let's not forget my most FAQ, "How did you + Austin meet, tell us more about him!!"

I've got a special edition of #MissUnderstood podast in episode 11 - I'm letting you in on an inside look of your favorite host's (that's me!!) personal relationship with my long-term boyfriend, Austin Sbrocchi. Austin is #1 MOST requested guest to have on the show so I figured his birthday was a perfect time to share a tell-all about our relationship, how we met, + what we were looking for in a partner before we even met. 

This episode isn't about following a certain number of steps or instructions to find your partner, it's about being transparent on how WE found each other + how we hope to inspire you to stay patient to find yours. You asked, now it's your turn to listen - enjoy this tell all as we discuss all the ways our relationship is misunderstood!

Like this podcast? Please leave me a review on #itunes + follow me @missunderstood.podcast on Instagram for updates! 

What is self-talk? Do you know how often you are comparing + criticizing yourself throughout the day? Are you in control of your thoughts, a positive mindset, + attacking life's situations + competitions with your best mental game?

In today's episode, I have special guest Heather Sumlin speaking about how to mentally manage your thoughts with her proven system. Heather is the Director of Performance Systems, a master level mental management instructor specializing in self-image training, goal-setting, + interview prep. Her clients have won world + national championships, MISS USA titles, + global recognition. 

Background: The Mental Management® System is a recognized mental training program that is taught to and used by World and Olympic Champions throughout the world. Lanny Bassham is recognized as a teacher of the world’s best in the area of mental preparation for sport and business. His current and/or past clients include the PGA and PGA tour players, Miss America finalists, Miss USA winners, World and Olympic champions, Fortune 500 companies, The United States Secret Service, The US Navy SEALS, The United States Army Marksmanship Unit, The US Marine Corps Marksmanship Unit and Olympic teams of USA, Canada, India, Japan, Republic of China, Korea and Australia.

Website: https://mentalmanagement.com/

Books + Products: https://www.mentalmanagementstore.com/shop/

Contact Information for Heather Sumlin:  @HEATHERSUMLIN

I'm going to be frank: you need to stop the signs when he's not right for you! 

It's a huge misunderstanding that dating is "super difficult" + that men are "soooo complicated." As an experienced dater (pretending that's a word) + previous marketing lead for the popular social networking application "Bumble," I've learned a lot about what to + not to do in the dating world. 

In this episode, I'm describing all my best dating app advice, profile advice, tips on when it's best to hop on a dating app + when Mr. Right just isn't the guy you're talking to right now. I'm going to dive into ways to keep yourself in line when you date + avoid chasing men who aren't right for you. This episode is about transparency + being real, the same kind of honest advice I give my best friends when they ask. 

Looking for the book (+ must read!) I mention in this episode? Check it out here: https://bookoutlet.com/Store/Details/9781416909774B?source=ppc&ppc_campaign=u1407004000&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r71BRDuARIsAB7i_QNTUyM3skpk5m-lW2ZGgZUzW0bjlyJdiCvOu7JVfJotYve-YnVKPPMaApi4EALw_wcB

Like this episode? Follow me @missunderstood.podcast + @kellierenehall for episode details + updates!

I know how it is - you keep telling yourself it's "impossible to have a career AND a hobby" or "I couldn't possibly balance my relationship with my passions." Well, that nonsense stops here. This episode is dissecting exactly why you can be multi-passionate + how to balance it with the rest of your life. 

I've got hunter, model, Miss Ohio USA 2015, Sarah Beth Lawhorn on the show today. She's extremely passionate about hunting, archery, works full-time as a radiology technician, she's a fitness enthusiast, wife, has been featured on HGTV, the Outdoors Channel, + the "For Love or Likes" show. 

This incredibly powerful yet humble woman walks you through exactly how she found her footing as a woman with multiple passions, how she's navigated away from criticism from others, how to balance life with her husband, + why she's not afraid to be different. 

Whether or not you are interested in hunting, pageants, or long-term relationships, we ALL need a lesson in balance life. 

To follow Sarah, find her on instagram at @sarahbeth.lawhorn or @lethal.lawhorn, her youtube channel "Lethal Lawhorn," or her blog lethallawhorn.com. 

Like this episode? Check out @kellierenehall + @missunderstood.podcast on Instagram from all the episode updates + details! 

We've all been through it: we fail, we cry, we figure out how to get back up again. It's tough, it sucks, we don't understand why it's a necessary part of our journey. Tough luck, it's 100% necessary to fail in order to grow. We don't HOPE to fail, but when we do we learn, -- so does that mean we ever really failed to begin with? In this episode I'm transparent, sassy, and emotional -- a winning combination-- but most of all, I want to ensure you walk away with reasons why you needed to go through the hard parts of life in order to grow. My personal experience in failure ranges from falling at a state track competition, to bombing college exams, to changing my career in the Navy, and finishing runner-up at MISS CALIFORNIA USA. I'll walk you through four reasons why failure is the best thing that's happened to you, because I've been through it too, and how to redefine what it means to "fail." Strap in, it's an emotional one. You'll walk away with not only a better understanding of my personal journey, but your own, and why you never really failed to begin with.  Like this episode? Leave me rating on Spotify or Itunes! For updates on episode information + more, check out my instagram @kellierenehall + @missunderstood.podcast. 

I know what you're thinking - "how does this apply to me??"

It might, it might not. Believe it or not, my MOST frequently asked question on social media is: "LT Hall, how do I improve my application to be competitive for the Naval Academy?"  But if you are looking to perfect your application college, ROTC, the Naval Academy (USNA), or any Service Academy, it sure does. This episode is SPECIFICALLY for you guys. 

As a once scared 16-year-old petrified of the process, to a graduate of the Naval Academy, now working as a navy recruiter I've learned a lot about what it means to be competitive to apply. It's often misunderstood that you need ONLY grades + high test scores to stand-out as an applicant. Becoming a Naval Officer is no easy task, in this episode I dive into EXACTLY what I think you need to do to improve your application + share my exciting (maybe even dangerous) experiences a long the way. 

Interested in applying? Check out USNA Admissions for more information or contact me on my Navy Instagram for questions @lieutenanthall. 

When you assume responsibility of any position, job, role, or title you naturally have to step up to the plate and fulfill expectations -- what do you do to overcome the pressure? 

Special guest Alice Magoto understands everything it means to take pressure head on while still remaining authentic: she's a former MISS OHIO USA 2019, Top 10 Finisher at Miss USA, Miss Ohio (America) 2016, signed model with New View Model Management and 10 MGMT in Chicago, while balancing her platform #keepingitreal. In today's episode, Alice dives into everything that's misunderstood about pageantry, holding a title, overcoming stigma, and digs into specifics about competing at MISS USA. 

Her transparency is what every titleholder-hopeful and current reigning queen NEEDS to hear but also any woman who is trying to process how to overcome pressure in any area of life. Whether you are competing in a pageant or unsure how to navigate social pressure in your career, Alice's insight will help you steer clear of all misunderstandings. 

To follow her, check out @alice_magoto !

We all do it: Compare. 

We compare our lives to others, we measure our success against those around us, we fail to find value in our talents, skills, and honor our personal journey. I'm consistently asked "how did you get so confident?" Confidence isn't something you're born with, you have to build it over time. 

Taking steps every single day to eliminate self-doubt and build confidence will help you lead a much more fulling life. In this episode, I'll map out a handful of go-to, useful methods to start trying TODAY and use weekly in order to get your confidence in a place where you feel ready to take on the world. Tune in and start challenging yourself!

Like my episode? Follow @kellierenehall or @missunderstood.podcast for more episodes and details on the podcast! 

SEASON 5 PREMIERE!! 5 Seasons?! I am so grateful to be celebrating 5 seasons of #missunderstood by teaching you how to take command of your life! In this episode, we dive into the art of taking control & command of your life. From chasing passions to finding mentors, cultivating a support circle, and embracing failure, you have the power to embrace your unique skills & talents & use them to propel you toward a future you've always dreamed of.

SUPRISE - I am also competing in MISS IL USA! With the restrictions lifted for married women & women over 28, I'm heading into the world of pageantry one last time. I share how I arrived at the decision to compete again, what my journey has been since, & what I most look forward to. Taking command of your life isn't just about steering your own ship; it's about embracing the helm with purpose and passion. It's the key to unlocking your full potential, chasing dreams fearlessly, and shaping a future that aligns with your deepest desires. Don't just navigate life—command it.

Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

Are you competing annually and never winning? Are you starting to plateau in all areas: personally and physically?  Let's talk strategy.  DIY methods are a thing of the past- if you're preparing for ANY kind of competition whether it's pageants, fitness, or sports you need to have professionals to mentor and coach you to reach your five-star best. Once upon a time I didn't believe in hiring help either, I thought I was disciplined enough and could do research on my own. But here's the thing: you're never going to get BETTER if you aren't doing anything DIFFERENT.  In this episode, I interview Pageant Planet's #1 trainer of the year, Craig Hughes, and my personal coach for Miss California USA. Craig Hughes founded Body by Craig in April 2013 to provide top pageant competitors with the same individualized one-on-one training that elite athletes get with the goal of maximizing each pageant client’s fullest potential and competition results. We discuss why you need to challenge yourself to commit to professional training and how to set yourself apart from your competition.  How to find Craig Hughes: INSTAGRAM: @BODYBYCRAIG ONLINE: WWW.BODYBYCRAIGNODOUBT.COM

We all do it: we ignore the tiny voice inside of us that tells us we can do MORE. Why are you waiting? Time is flying by, every minute we dismiss what we're meant for we're not learning new lessons, skills, or connecting with others. 

In this episode, I dive into why I'm glad I decided to go against the status quo, start a photography business while active-duty on a ship, what I learned by facing my fears head on and digging into passions that would later build my career. I'll provide you with a few KEY ways to get started in your passion and connect with others and why you shouldn't be afraid to start something new. 

Stop yourself from living with regret-- you think it's impossible to take you passion head on. I'll explain why you're misunderstood. 

For episodes + updates, follow me on Instagram at @kellierenehall + @missunderstood.podcast. 

Thanks for tuning in! 

Welcome to my pilot episode! In this episode, I dive into the meaning behind my podcast "MissUnderstood" -- why I feel it's important to dissect the ways we feel misunderstood and how to grow from them. I discuss the ways I've felt the MOST misunderstood in my life, career, relationships, passions, and purpose and how to navigate around the opinions of others. I'll chat with you about life at the Naval Academy as a female, having my personality and femininity challenged, how I overcame the stigma of being a "pageant girl," why my passions made me a better Naval Officer,  what it's like balancing multiple passions and how I grew from it all. Take time to reflect how we all feel the most misunderstood and why it makes us who we are. Let's dive in.  For more episodes + podcast details, follow me on Instagram at @missunderstood.podcast + @kellierenehall! 

Here's the harsh reality: Instagram is only showing you a PART of my story. I work hard to stay authentic online, always bringing you guys through the highs & lows of life & everything in between. But even so, 2023 was the year I needed to take my own space, set my own boundaries, & lift myself up before I could lift up others. In this episode & season 4 finale, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, started seeing a therapist for the first time, & why leaning on your partner (& finding a GREAT partner) is so important when life gets tough. My Husband, Austin, guest-hosts as we dive into why self-care is a continued priority as we dive into the next year, answer YOUR questions from Instagram, & our advice for being there for your partner when life doesn't go as planned. Tune in for a 2023 Recap & a transparent, honest discussion of how life is going for your favorite #MissUnderstood host. HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU FOR SEASON 5 IN 2024!

_________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

Have you been wanting to start a business but don't know how? Are you battling imposter syndrome, telling yourself "you're not good enough" to build your own LLC, company, business, or even lead a team of people within your brand? Incredibly talented and nationwide phenomenon in the photography industry, Stephanie Lang, is on the podcast telling us how not only to get started in our business but also to overcome our biggest personal barriers. She explains how mindset allows us to propel us toward our biggest business dreams and why waiting is the worst thing you can do. Stephanie started her photography business when she was only 15 years old, over a decade later she has learned through her highs and lows in the industry how to build personal relationships with clients, why taking time to get to know clients is most important, and why hiring a team of talented individuals to work toward your greater business goal is a MUST. Tune into hear Stephanie's tips on building the business of your dreams, even if you don't feel "ready." Plot twist: after this episode you'll learn there's no such thing as "Ready" there only "let's do it."

Love Stephanie? Meet her here!

"I might be just a little too obsessed with my job; but that’s not the worst thing in the world, right?! Between the late night meetings, extensive timeline planning calls, venue walk throughs, + everything in between, I absolutely LOVE spending time getting to know you + your people. Using my gifts + talents to help bring your dreams + visions to a reality is ultimately the sweetest gift to me!! It is my whole heart to love you well in these once-in-a-lifetime seasons + I never take it for granted that I get to be a part of them with you. Over the last 9 years of photographing weddings, I have trained + built a wildly talented (intentionally small) team of individuals who work hard alongside of me to learn your stories + tell them authentically. Learning who + what is important to you helps us to deeper understand your core values so that we can photograph your dynamics with friends, family, + lovers authentically. This is what we do best!"

Let's dive in!

Website: https://www.stephanielangphotography.com/

Instagram: @stephanie_lang_photography

What is our inner knowing? This week, Therapist Samantha Hardy describes why developing our inner knowing will not only build our outer confidence but lead to building trust within ourselves and nudge us toward new challenges. Inner knowing is more than just a "gut feeling," it feels right, true, steady, certain and stands in opposition to outer approval. Samantha dives into the difference between inner knowing and anxiety and how to delineate between the two, as well as how to tap into those feelings to identify both triggers and ways to propel ourselves. how family dynamics take you out of contact with your inner voice the 8C’s: compassion, curiosity, clarity, creativity, calm, confidence, courage, and connectedness.  What are you doing when you feel most confident, creative, and connected? What is that experience like? Where does it sit in your body? When we can more clearly hear our gut and trust in its voice, we can create lives more deeply in alignment with our bodies and hearts! Tune in to hear how you can develop a more confident, clear-minded, vulnerable you and build a more confident life.   Sam Hardy is an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling. Originally born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, she graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Forensics and Criminality & Individuals, Societies, and Aging. While studying as a graduate student in Northwestern’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, she loved working as a Graduate Assistant to her professional role model, Dr. Alexandra Solomon. After her June 2022 graduation, she has so enjoyed being in the therapeutic space with individuals, couples, and adult families facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, life transitions, difficult family relationships, communication concerns, aging difficulties, and trauma. When she isn’t meeting with her therapy clients, she has also worked for the past six years as a portrait photographer. Sam’s Therapy Profile at CCRC: https://chicagocenterforrelationshipcounseling.com/sam-hardy  Sam Hardy Portraits: https://www.samhardyportraits.com/ & @samhardyportraits  More About Dr. Alexandra Solomon: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/ — Love this episode? — Follow @missunderstood.podcast + @kellie.sbrocchi on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.

Do you sometimes feel like you're dreaming TOO big? Do others put down your goals, telling you often to be "more realistic?" Kate Gunderson knows how this feels, as she chased her lifelong dream to work at NASA and eventually obtained it! In this episode, Kate is share her story about hard work, determination, balancing a personal life while working a rigorous academic schedule, and also tips to stand out & build confidence in a male dominated field. Her dreams were LITERALLY out of this world and she still achieved them. Katelyn Gunderson is currently attending the National Test Pilot School through a flight test engineering fellowship. To pursue this opportunity, Kate left her dream job at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where she worked as an engineer and NASA’s youngest Flight Science Officer supporting various astronaut training activities and airborne science missions flown all over the world. Kate holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MS in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. Kate is a Boston Qualifying marathon runner and has a passion for empowering women to confidently thrive in STEM fields.

Tune in to hear how you can overcome the biggest barriers to your success and chase the career you've always dreamed.

Love Kate? Find her on instagram at @theplanekate!

_________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

We launched a swim collection!! Holy cow!! Kelly & I are back again for year two of our swim collection #doboth & are SO excited to share our journey. We are just two women with full time careers, a passion for fashion, & desire to show the world how you can balance both. I’m this episode, Kelly & I dive into how we connected, our first idea to launch a swim line together, how we came up with colors, cut, and more! We share why we think it’s empowering to not just model but design swimwear and how it’s impacted our mission to uplift women. Tune in to hear how this project became a reality! Kelly Cahill is a Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast. She is the owner & founder of Swim by KC. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Kelly also works full time at Ralph Lauren as a Senior Data Scientist, where she uses her background in mathematics, and her love of fashion, to drive e-commerce business. Kelly lives the #DOBOTH message every day, and is so excited to collab with Kellie on their second swim launch together! Check out www.swimbykc.com or @swimbykc to check out the #doboth swim collection! Use code DOBOTH for 15% off your purchase! _________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Welcome to our own MASTERCLASS! Whether you are a full-time blogger, entrepreneur, or running an Etsy-shop part time, you KNOW the power of social media. In 2023, social media isn't just a way to share your favorite photos, it's a way to become a GLOBAL brand for yourself and your business. As a social media enthusiast, I have been growing multiple platforms on Instagram since 2016. Taking professional accounts to over 2 million impressions a month and growing my own personal brand to over 150k followers across multiple platforms. In this episode, I brought expert Cat Kennebeck on the show to dive into trends, best practices, and ways to not just start but CONTINUE building your brand across social media. Grab a notebook, you'll want to write these tips down. If you've been hesitant or stuck while trying to grow your social media accounts, this is the episode for you!

Meet Cat Kennebeck: "Originally from Chicago, went to the University of Missouri to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. This led to living coast to coast from Los Angeles to Raleigh, North Carolina working in the television and sports industry as a host & on-air talent. I've worked as an on-air talent & host for Big Ten Network, NBC Sports Engine, ESPN, The Carolina Hurricanes, the Houston Astros organization, and most notably here in my hometown. The Chicago Blackhawks. I also had my own show on multiple iHeartRadio stations including the infamous 103.5 Kiss FM. In 2018, I decided to pivot into digital marketing having always dabbled in social media management & content creation running my own blog as well as many of the sports outlets I had once worked for. I became the Director of Marketing for one of the most popular hospitality groups in the city of Chicago before ultimately leaving to start my own business In March 2020, Innovative Influence, a boutique digital marketing agency was born. I've worked with clients featured in Forbes, Architectural Digest, Sports Illustrated, NBC, & Cosmopolitan. Today, I am still overseeing day to day operations with Innovative but is also working on starting her second business - a health & wellness app focusing on the balance between fitness & hormone health."

Love Cat? Check her out at www.innovativeinfluence.co

Social Channels:  TikTok | Instagram

INNOVATIVE SOCIAL | TikTok | Instagram

_________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

How often do you keep yourself from pursuing your dreams because you've never seen it done before? Do you tell yourself "no" before you even begin? I have Marine & Olympic hopeful Riley Tejcek sharing how she's developed her fearless mentality and dove into the world of Active-Duty Service while balancing the demands of an Olympic Sport. Riley is a 1stLt in the USMC, 0402 Logistics Officer, Female Marine Athlete the Year, 2023 Ms. Military, member of team USA National Team Bobsled Pilot and Christian. In this episode, Riley shares why she's happy she didn't listen to the naysayers nor let the road less travel scare her from working toward the Olympic team. She explains how she began her journey to balance both the Marine Corps and training for the Olympics, how she gained Chain of Command approval, the demands of both, why she started her social media platform, as well as tips to balance both passions & your profession. Love Riley? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/ Fund her Bobsled Journey: https://www.gofundme.com/f/riley-compton-bobsled-journey?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet+spider1v&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer _________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Sharing too much personal information online can make you vulnerable to identity theft, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harm. Being cautious about what you share helps safeguard your privacy and security. Social media platforms can unfortunately become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, harassment, and trolling.

In this episode, Miss Maryland 2023 Kennedy Taylor discusses why being mindful of your interactions and reporting inappropriate behavior helps create a safer online environment for everyone. Online scams and phishing attempts are prevalent, with scammers trying to steal personal information or money. Practicing caution and skepticism can help you avoid falling victim to such schemes. She also shares her balance between life as a cybersecurity professional and her responsibilities as the reigning Miss Maryland 2023.

Kennedy Taylor is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant for Ernst and Young, where she specializes in Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) for federal clients. She recently attained her Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University and a professional certification in data privacy. Outside of her professional career, Kennedy won the title of Miss Maryland 2023 in June. For the first time in Maryland history, Kennedy brought home two preliminary scholarship awards from Miss America, totaling $6000, and placed in the Top 10. As Miss Maryland, she educates youth on internet safety best practices and advocates for adequate privacy regulations to protect youth through her service initiative, CyberSafe Kids. This year, Kennedy started a podcast called “Ladies Lead,” where she inspires & empowers women to break barriers. 

Buying a home can be SO intimidating! How much do you need to save? Where is the best place to buy? How do you begin? When do you know it’s the right time? I brought Real Estate BOSS Natalie Renna on the show to discuss all of these intimidating, overwhelming fears & thoughts about buying & selling your home so you can feel empowered to take the next big step in your life whenever you feel ready. In this episode we discuss what’s most misunderstood about the process, the benefit of working with an experienced agent, why you should focus on finding an agent you trust, & ALL things about the buying process. TUNE IN to feel confident about taking the leap & owning a property & stop being scared of the unknown! After graduating with a degree in Finance and Marketing, as well as a certification in real estate, Natalie worked in hospitality and sales for several years prior to becoming a licensed real estate broker. Natalie quickly became a rising star in the industry, earning accolades during her first year. Natalie’s mindset is simple—real estate is a lifestyle, not a job. She is always there for her clients, even when she’s on vacation, and always strives to provide the support they need. Buying and selling a home can be an emotional process, and Natalie is proud to be able to make the process fun while also offering her clients a wealth of market knowledge and expert negotiation skills. Natalie believes that the sky is the limit with real estate, and that diligence and dedication will always pay off. Love Natalie? Find her at: https://natalierenna.com/realtors/natalie-renna/ IG: natalierenne_realestate __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

How often do you find yourself struggling to communicate with co-workers? Is it hard for you to approach difficult conversations, or maybe diffuse conflict that arises with peers? Debra Roberts, Author of "The Relationship Protocol" is on the podcast this week attacking all of the biggest misunderstandings about communication. In this episode, Debra & I discuss what she names the main ingredients for effective communication and key elements needed to approach it correctly. She discusses how commitment to your behavior & shifting your thinking are elements that can be trained & learned. She provides USEFUL tips to start changing the way you approach conversations in your life. Take control of your life & starting communicating better than you thought possible. Tune in to hear more! 

_____

Meet Debra! "I am an author, a conversation expert, developer of The Relationship Protocol® communication model, a trauma consultant (EMDR Certified), and an LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have many years of experience working with all types of relationships in my private practice and consulting with businesses. My unique combination of clinical skills, trauma training, and years of direct experience with businesses has resulted in my being recognized as an expert in the area of communication, relationships, and conflict resolution. I've been in the trenches working with all types of difficult and challenging relationships. I know what it takes to turn things around, grow confidence quickly, and put you, or your organization in a better place. Grab a copy of my book for personal use, or learn more about my online program for organizations, The Communication Protocol™. These are valuable and practical lifelong skills that everyone can use!" --Debra Roberts

Want to learn more from Debra? Follow her on IG at @therelationshipprotocol and order her book here & check out her online courses!

https://www.therelationshipprotocol.com/

 Love this episode? —Follow @missunderstood.podcast + @kellie.sbrocchi on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.

BONUS EPISODE!! I was recently featured on Tony Nash’s podcast “Got your Six” and was honored to speak about embracing your authenticity, passions, daring to be different, and why being multi-passionate has built me into a better leader. I connect with Tony through social media and am blown away by his drive to share other stories and utilizing his voice to establish change in culture and break stereotypes. His podcast brings together current service members and veteran high performers to share their methods, strategies, and ideas delivered in an informative way and, most importantly, actionable ways that will help you lead yourself and those around you better from the battlefield to the boardroom.

In his write up for my Interview, he shared: "6ers, in a culture where there is often an expectation to choose one career path or focus on a singular passion, you can dare to be a trailblazer. The reality is that many people have multiple interests and are actually capable of pursuing them.

Kellie Sbrocchi is a U.S. Navy HR Officer, photographer/owner of Kellie Rene Photography, and host of the MissUnderstood Podcast. She is passionate about small-unit leadership, departmental leadership, sales, marketing, recruiting, public affairs, photography, writing, and public speaking. Kellie believes being “Miss” Understood by others and in passions means you're closer to understanding your OWN life. You will learn about the importance of prioritizing things that bring joy in life, even if they are a bit unconventional and not in line with society’s expectations. You only have this one life so if something no longer fills your cup, you’re allowed to turn your back on it and pursue something that aligns with your passions.

Kellie’s journey is a testament to how it’s possible to navigate different paths and how there is a place for multi-passionate individuals to be successful. It is time that we become more open, celebrate individuality, even if in a rigid environment like the army, and encourage the people behind us to explore their unique talents and interests."

01:14 - When something brings you joy, you prioritize it whatever that looks like

02:54 - Turning away from something that no longer fills your cup

06:03 - First experience with cyberbullying as a Naval officer joining a beauty pageant

09:27 - Kellie shares a candid moment

14:20 - Finding people and connecting them together

16:25 - How Kellie figured out how to pay for college and decided to join the track and field team

18:44 - A “What-If” mindset that challenged her to pursue the different things that bring her joy

20:54 - How Kellie hustled to get into the HR community in the Navy

25:32 - You will still mess up but just keep picking yourself up

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Connect with Got Your Six podcast:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

TikTok

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Connect with Tony:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

 ————————————————-  Follow @missunderstood.podcast + @kellie.sbrocchi on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

IT IS THE ONE HUNDREDTH EPISODE!! 100?! We are CELEBRATING this milestone in our 100th episode discussing the high's, lows, unexpected moments of self-reflection, the hate, I share favorite stories when I meet followers, and why this platform matters to me. In this episode, I have dear friend, Chicago neighbor, and Family/Marriage Therapist Samantha Hardy to interview me on my journey through the last 99 episodes and why this audience/mission fuels me every single day as well as debunk some of the myths surrounding my podcast and personal social media channels. I recount my favorite episodes, interviews, and the worst advice I've received about my passions outside of military service. Samantha digs into why I continue to push through the negativity and move forward with my mission, even though it may not always be the most popular decision, and I provide advance on how to channel your life's purpose even if others don't understand.

When I launched MissUnderstood on April 5th, 2020, I had 8k Instagram followers, just placed Runner-Up at Miss California, a supportive (then) Boyfriend, drive to make a difference, & determination to USE my voice. Since my first episode launch, this podcast has been the most incredible ride: 100 episodes, 4 seasons, 271 reviews, over 50 guests, and ranked in the top 10% most shared globally---I HAD NO IDEA what MissUnderstood could and would grow into.

From my heart to yours, thank you for being here. Every time I show up to the Mic it's a dream come true. I get to share my truth, other's journeys, missions, and passions, and I owe it all to the support of the listeners. Thank you guys!! I am so, so thankful for all of the support from mentors, friends, my production team at Hatch.fm, and most of all my husband, Austin. In the words of Elle Woods, "WE DID IT!"

Love Sam? Sam’s Therapy Profile at CCRC: https://chicagocenterforrelationshipcounseling.com/sam-hardy  Sam Hardy Portraits: https://www.samhardyportraits.com/ & @samhardyportraits  __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

THE QUEEN (literally) HAS ARRIVED ON THE POD! What an honor to host MISS USA 2018, Sarah Rose Summers, to share her biggest regrets as a titleholder, achievements on and off the stage, goals moving forward, and takeaways as she reflects on her journey as Miss USA. She is an American model and beauty pageant titleholder who represented the United States at Miss Universe 2018, where she placed in the top twenty. More than just a pageant queen, Sarah is a certified Child Life Specialist, Dog Mom, Wife, full-time Influencer, and Christian with a passion to lift others. In this episode, Sarah candidly shares her experience while holding the title as MISS USA 2018 as well as life after she passed the crown. As MISS USA, Sarah underwent a series of cyberbullying, body shaming, and miscommunication while competing at MISS UNIVERSE and overcame it all with her positive mindset, fierce passion to make a difference, and live boldly as a woman of Christ. She provides listeners with specific tips to guard your heart against hate from others and how to handle being misunderstood in both your personal mission and as a woman in the public eye. Tune in to hear how you can use hate to fuel your mission and stay positive through life's biggest trials.

Love Sarah Rose? Find her here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosesummers/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahrosesummers __________________________________

Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more.

Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Do you have a passion, a business idea, or something you dream of every single day but no idea how to turn it into a full-time career? Do you have NO idea what life after the military looks like or how to even begin to plan for a life after serving? Haley has an answers for you. Transitioning an idea into a business is HARD, building a business is HARD, but with a plan, a business coach, + a large dose of motivation you can work to build the empire you always dreamed of. In this episode, CEO Haley McClain Hill speaks transparently on how she navigated starting her businesses while serving as an Air Force Officer and slowly made steps to take it full-time after leaving the service. Tune in to hear a motivational talk on taking life into your own hands + stop holding back to pursue the career you really want. Haley Marie McClain Hill is a Dancer & Cheerleader, United States Air Force Officer, World Traveler and CEO of Torch Warrior Wear. Haley Marie lives a fearless life. The trials of becoming an officer in the United States Air Force and the successes of an accomplished NFL Cheerleader gave birth to an extraordinary character; daring, free, and ahead of her time. Her thirst for culture, discovery and travel has helped shape her personality. Her vision for a wardrobe free from constraints and shapelessness, tweaked with tactical accents, created a visionary allure that is timeless and wildly modern. Boots and camo casually paired with iconic bodysuits have created a signature style... That of a modern day woman, a pioneer whose lifestyle and multiple facets forged the values of the brand she founded, and who will forever inspire all women warriors. Love Haley? Find her here! Website: https://torchwarriorwear.com/ Instagram: @iam_haleymarie @torch_warriorwear __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

What are the things that you think about most? Even fantasize about? What is it that excites you, that you can’t stop talking about? Those are PASSIONS and the goal in life are to monetize from those so you’re truly doing what you love as your career. Prior corporate rockstar, NFL Cheerleader, and SI Swimsuit model Summer Wilson found a way how! In this episode, Summer dives into how she left her corporate grind behind to pursue her dream of interior design full time. She gives us tips on how to take the plunge. get started, build a book of business, and build your DREAM career.

Love Summer? Find more about her & follow her here! “My name is Summer Wilson and I currently live in the Tampa Bay Area. I recently up and left the corporate America world to start my own interior design/interior styling business, Elite Season Living. Needless to say, when you do what you love you won't work a day in your life. I always had a passion for making the home a unique, special place that you love to be and I am so happy I get to do it for a living now. I am a retired NFL cheerleader and was a model in the 2021 SI Swimsuit magazine.” Social Handles: Personal @summerdoingthings Professional @summerdoingdesigns __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Fact: the older you get, the harder it becomes to make + sustain quality friendships. As an adult, you’re less likely to find yourself in social situations which naturally invite opportunities to cultivate new relationships. In this episode, I bring (personal bff!) Cassie Collins on to discuss how we not only connected as adults but became best friends through shared experiences, goals, persistently, + intention. Cassie + I met through our now husbands when we were only 26; four years later + we’ve cheered on each others careers, milestones, grown even closer as long distance friends, + recently were in each others weddings. As career-oriented women with a heart for putting others first, we instantly connected based on similar values + experiences the same seasons of life together. We dive into why it’s important to be intentional about the friendships you pour into, why you should say “yes” to almost any invite as an adult, + why understanding your friends’ “love languages” allows you to grow + develop as friends. Friendships are truly about quality, not quantity, + we share why we think it’s important to keep your circle of friends small. Tune in to hear how you can work to not just make, but sustain, friendships no matter what season of life you find yourself in. __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Do you feel like your Active-Duty service in the military is keeping you from pursing outside passions? Do you feel like your goals have an expiration date and that your service in the military is getting in the way of personal goals outside of your career? Well, STOP feeling that way and START changing your mindset--we're teaching you how. I'm approached by so many of you amazing listeners + followers (love you guys, btw!!) who want to pursue personal goals while also serving Active-Duty and have a passion to #doBoth. Whether you're trying to attack fitness goals, an Esty hobby, or acting on the side, there are small steps you can start making every day as well as milestones in your career to hit as your work toward these outside goals, but it starts with patience, intention, and determination.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Arabia Shanklin, Naval Officer and Actress, who is an expert at balancing both her service to country and professional acting career. We both speak candidly how we prioritized our careers first but kept our personal goals within reach along the way. We are digging into tips as to how you can, too, balance both your career in service and patiently pursue your personal goals and hobbies. Grab your notebooks, as multi-passionate women we have a lot to share about our trial, errors, and successes along the way.

LT Arabia Shanklin serves as an Human Resource Officer and performs as a professional TV/Film Actress in San Diego California. She graduated from USNA in 2013 with a B.S. in Economics. Arabia commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and served with Sailors and Marines aboard USS SIMPSON (FFG 56), USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41), I Marine Expeditionary Force, and as the Flag Aide for Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group THREE. Arabia has deployed to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf. She has been featured in VOGUE Magazine as one of this generation’s trailblazing black servicewomen and is highlighted in the “Proudly She Served” traveling art exhibit honoring military women who exemplify courage, strength, and selfless service. Arabia recently won the 2020 “Best Actress of San Diego” award by Black San Diego Magazine.

Want to hear from more Arabia? Contact her below! Love this episode? Check out @missunderstood.podcast on IG for more updates!

Instagram: @arabiaessence

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/BTSArabiaE⁠

Fan Page: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/btsarabiaessence

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Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more.

Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

MAMA HALL IS ON THE SHOW!! Wrapping up Women’s History Month by celebrating the woman who has made the GREATEST difference in my life — my Mama. You read that right, after 3 years of begging (by popular demand) she is telling us how + giving tips on raising strong women. My Mom—the strongest woman I know—raised three daughters to be independent, intelligent, successful, + confident. As a young girl, I didn’t know any different. I thought all parents ignited their children’s confidence + built them up with tough love + fearless support. It wasn’t until I grew into my 20s as a young woman I realized just how special + unique my mothers parenting style was. So much of who I am is because of her, I am forever grateful for that + the lessons she instilled in me along the way. Tune in to hear some hilarious stories of young Kellie, specific tips on parenting, why discipline + support work hand-and-hand to raise strong spirits, + how encouraging your children to go outside their comfort zone will undoubtedly lead them toward confidence + success. This is such a special episode for me to share + you to hear. This one is for the Moms out there who don’t get awards yet still show up + make the greatest impact in their children’s lives ever single day. You are superhero’s. __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Creating your own path is essential because it allows you to honor your unique strengths, passions, and aspirations. When you compare yourself to others, you risk losing sight of your individuality and potential. Embracing your own journey fosters authenticity, resilience, and personal growth, leading to fulfillment and success defined on your own terms. In this episode, Tarah Lynn explains how she created her own life as a self-made author, why applying as the Fashion editor to Cosmopolitan changed her life, and how pageantry has made her into a confident, more empowered woman. Writing, fashion, & pageantry have worked together to create a more fearless, confident reality for her. Fashion has the remarkable ability to exude confidence by serving as a powerful form of self-expression. Tarah dives into her biggest tips as well as how you can get started as you build your dreams into reality. Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is a 3x published author with books sold at major retailers worldwide, the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, entrepreneur, and founder of “Adorned in Armor™—a faith-based initiative that equips young women with the power they need to conquer at life. The author of “Claim Your Crown,” “Love Letters from the King,” and “She Reigns,” Tarah-Lynn is an expert at igniting confidence in others to take heart, embrace royal worth, and dream big in unconventional spaces. As a love-driven and multi-hyphenated millennial, she demonstrates how to live purposefully and is boldly vulnerable with her journey—which you’ll soon see!Tarah-Lynn’s educational portfolio includes graduating summa cum laude with her BA in Communications from Rider University and earning her master’s degree from Syracuse University in Journalism Innovation. The Haitian-American beauty queen speaks on a myriad of topics at confidence-building, faith-based, educational, and career-oriented events. A firm advocate for giving back, Tarah-Lynn provides mentorship and guidance for girls and is an ambassador with Youth with a Mission Cap-Haiti. Catch our queen traveling the world, sharing fabulous looks and hope-filled words, cracking jokes with family until her cheeks hurt, and building her empire with a legacy of love.Love Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien? Connect with her on Instagram at @iamtarahlynn.

Let’s face it: navigating romantic relationships + marriage while serving in the military is HARD. Curious how dual-military couples (both partners are serving) navigate life, planning, + careers while serving? Former Navy Nurse, Influencer, + Nurse Practioner Sarah is on the podcast discussing HOW she + her husband made it work over the last 9+ years since meeting in the Navy ROTC Scholarship program in college. Sarah is a Navy Nurse veteran from San Diego and comes from a family of military service. During her time in the Navy she served as a Pediatric nurse. While both serving in the Navy—Her husband as a Navy jet pilot + her as Navy Nurse—they balanced their relationship long-distance for years while still building, growing close, + figuring out a plan to align their duty stations. In this episode, Sarah gives us tips on how they made long-distance work as a couple, best practices to stay close as a couple, why learning each others love languages is SO valuable. She provides us with specific tips on how to communicate along the way + still grow close even when you’re miles apart as a young couple. She dives into how they planned out their career plans long term to eventually be stationed in the same city + what the transition was like once they finally lived together! Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in December 2022. Sarah has now transferred out of Active-Duty and began her career in March 2023 as a is currently working as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner! Love Sarah? Connect with her here: Instagram @the.nurse.Sarah Love Languages Book: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts: Chapman, Gary: 0759687146326: Amazon.com: Books __________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Often when we think of "comparison" we immediately believe it's toxic. There's no positive way to use comparison to fuel us toward our goals--right? Wrong. In this discussion with Mental Coach Heather Sumlin, we dive into how you can use comparison to reflect + fuel you TOWARD your dream life instead of keep you away from it. In this episode, Heather digs into why the imprints you place on others matter, how to protect the imprints that are place onto you, the variety of ways we compare, and how the ONLY way comparing is actually bad is when it's NOT motivating you. Heather provides us with tangible tips to re-think the way we approach comparison + how we can change our mindset to live a more positive life. Tune into this powerful message + educational episode to take control of your mindset + LIVE the life God has planned for you.

Love Heather? Connect with her here for more mental management coaching!

Website: https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/

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Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more.

Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. 

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.