How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan

The Power of the Ask

Karen Jordan — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:50:52 -0700

There is so much power in simply asking for what you want. On this special "Motivational Moment" podcast, and inspired by her friend, Lori, who once asked her to speak at an event on the subject, Karen shares how simply asking for what she wants over the years has changed her life. She discusses personal examples and offers motivation for anyone who has ever hesitated or been too afraid to ask when it comes to receiving something they really want.

This episode isn't about how to perform perfectly but simply about the best ways to put yourself out there.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

ABOUT THE SHOW:
On 'How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan,' you'll get a dose of free therapy and learn healthy hacks to fuel your journey to living your best life possible with the help of mental health experts and surprise guests. Inspired by Karen's father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Harold W. Jordan, the show shares life-changing advice and powerful tools to help you thrive, not just survive.

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College.
Dr. Jordan was a well-known psychiatrist who is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named. Last year, the Nashville Metropolitan City Council also voted in favor of an honorary street designation for him: Dr. Harold W. Jordan Way.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#howtostaysanepodcast
#asking
#
#karenjordan

Dr. Janelle Peifer on How to Start Over and Why It's Never Too Late

Karen Jordan — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:18:50 -0700

Starting over can be intimidating, but who doesn't need a fresh start at some point in their lives? Clinical psychologist Dr. Janelle Peifer is here to break down for us what it entails and explains the best ways to navigate a new beginning no matter how old you are or at what stage of life you find yourself in right now. You won't want to miss these keys and tools that will help guarantee your success.

Dr. Janelle Peifer is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and a licensed clinical psychologist. In her practice, she specializes in complex trauma and significant life transitions. Dr. Peifer is also a speaker and a consultant.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
/ thekarenjordan
/ thekarenjordan

About the Show:
On 'How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan,' you'll get a dose of free therapy and learn healthy hacks to fuel your journey to living your best life possible with the help of mental health experts and surprise guests. Inspired by her father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Harold W. Jordan, the show shares life-changing advice and powerful tools to help you thrive, not just survive.

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#podcast
#selfimprovement
#startingover
#onstartingover
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness #drjanellepeifer

How Quakers Are Using Reparations to Help Fund Homes and Heal Hearts

Karen Jordan — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:27:43 -0700

People have been debating reparations for more than a century, but a group of people in Philadelphia are taking action. Learn how their work is helping heal their community one family at a time while also serving as a role model for cities nationwide.

Lucy Duncan, clerk of the Philadelphia-based Green Street Reparations Committee and co-founder and co-director of the organization, ReparationWorks, along with Rebecca L. Grant, a member of the Green Street Reparations Committee join us to talk about reparations. Their committee’s racial justice plan includes reparations in the form of homebuyer grants as well as other programs.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

#howtostaysanepodcast
#love
#reparations
#Philadelphia
#quakers
#karenjordan

Dr. Jo Isabel-Jones on Flourishing in Retirement and at Any Age

Karen Jordan — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:41:53 -0700

Dr. Jo Isabel-Jones is a trailblazer. As the first board-certified African American pediatric cardiologist in the country, her list of accomplishments is unending. A graduate of LeMoyne–Owen College and Meharry Medical College, she also made history when she became the University of Tennessee's first African-American resident. Dr. Isabel-Jones completed her pediatric cardiology fellowship at the University of California at Los Angeles. Following a long career at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, she is now professor emerita of pediatrics.

Dr. Isabel-Jones talks to us about how to figure out the right time to retire, the importance of staying engaged and active during retirement and how to be successful at any age.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here, so you don't miss an episode: ( / @thekarenjordan )

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

Dr. Zoe Shaw on How Self-Care Can Help You Unleash Your Best Self

Karen Jordan — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:02:47 -0700

If you thought you knew everything there was to know about self-care, think again. Dr. Zoe Shaw, who is also author of the book, A Year of Self-Care: Daily Practices and Inspiration for Caring for Yourself, is here to explain what you need to know. She offers insightful tips and effective strategies to help you take the best care of yourself. Dr. Shaw also discusses how self-care can benefit you as well as your relationships with the people around you.

Dr. Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, motivational speaker, podcast host of Stronger In The Difficult Places, and relationship coach. She is also author of the book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

#howtostaysanepodcast
#love
#selfcare
#selfcaregoals
#drzoeshaw
#karenjordan

Dr. Erica Holmes on How to Beat Burnout and Stress Less

Karen Jordan — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:18:31 -0700

Dr. Erica Holmes, a clinical psychologist, speaker, educator, consultant, and author with more than 25 years of experience in leadership and mental health, offers practical and effective strategies to combat stress and help you live a healthier lifestyle. Whether preparing to go back to school or dealing with the challenges of everyday life, Dr. Holmes’ tips and techniques provide solutions that can help you avoid anxiety and depression and live a happier, healthier life. She also tells Karen about the importance of protecting your wellness and why it is so vital to establish boundaries and focus only on what you can control.

Dr. Holmes serves as a Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commissioner. In addition, she is executive director of the Champion Counseling Center at Faithful Central Bible Church and founder of H.O.M.M.s Counseling, a consulting practice dedicated to strengthening community-based organizations. An accomplished author, she has written three books and one academic text on dating, relationships and interpersonal connection.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here, so you don't miss an episode: ( / @thekarenjordan )

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#blackdoctors
#HowtostaysanewithKarenJordan
#DrEricaHolmes
#stress
#burnout
#beatstress

Dr. Ashley Bradley on What It Takes to Have a Healthy Relationship

Karen Jordan — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:56:26 -0700

Everyone loves love, but how do you build a relationship that stands the test of time? Clinical psychologist Dr. Ashley Bradley shares tips and strategies that will help you reach your relationship goals. She details how to establish healthy boundaries, how to navigate and overcome conflicts and what it takes to make any relationship thrive.

Dr. Ashley Bradley is a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Howard University, her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco, and her doctorate at Adler School of Professional Psychology. Her specialties include relational concerns, life transitions and identity development.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#love
#relationships
#relationshipgoals
#mentalhealth

Dr. Martha Arroyo on Dermatologist-approved Skincare and Beauty Hacks

Karen Jordan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:33 -0700

Dr. Martha P. Arroyo talks all things skincare. The board-certified dermatologist, who has been voted as one of Castle Connolly Top Doctors: Exceptional Women In Medicine for six years in a row, is here to demystify skincare routines. She shares tips on the most effective ways to use sunscreen and discusses the toll stress and the environment can wreak on our skin while offering expert solutions to help you reach your skin goals.

Dr. Arroyo, M.D., PhD, FAAD is a highly sought after dermatologist at Forefront Dermatology in Libertyville, Illinois. In addition to being a published author and frequent lecturer on dermatological procedures and treatments, she has a Bachelor of Science in molecular physics and biochemistry from Yale University and was accepted into the prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program at Stanford University where she earned her M.D. and PhD. She subsequently completed her dermatology residency at New York University Langone Medical Center where she was chief resident. Dr. Arroyo also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, International Journal of Women's Dermatology and Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#drmarthaarroyo
#dermatologist
#skincare
#skingoals
#mentalhealth
#forefrontdermatology
#stanford
#yale

Dr. James Densler on How to Overcome Adversity and Reach Your Goals

Karen Jordan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:45:22 -0700

Dr. James F. Densler is a pioneer in medicine and a national treasure. He was the first African American pediatric surgeon to practice in the United States. A native of Georgia, he earned his M.D. from Meharry Medical College and completed his residency and internship at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Staten Island, New York, before doing a fellowship in pediatric surgery at the United Hospitals of Newark, New Jersey.

Dr. Densler, who served in the U.S. Army, has also been a professor of surgery and pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine, dating back to its auspicious beginnings. He launched his own practice, the Atlanta Surgical Professional Association, in 1969. It was the first African American incorporated group practice in Georgia.

The 94-year-old (yes, 94!) stresses the importance of mentorship and warns of the perils of trying to keep up with the Joneses. Dr. Densler also offers reasons to have a fall back plan and discusses the best ways to overcome any adversity.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here, so you don't miss an episode: ( / @thekarenjordan )

Follow Karen on social:
https://instagram.com/thekarenjordan
https://facebook.com/thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#blackdoctors
#HowtostaysanewithKarenJordan
#meharrymedicalcollege
#meharrymade
#morehouseschoolofmedicine
#nashville
#atlanta

Erika Wasserman on the Best Ways to Handle Your Money

Karen Jordan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:42:23 -0700

Erika Wasserman, C.F.T., a financial therapist and CEO of “Your Financial Therapist,” discusses how to gain more confidence when handling your finances. Learn how to not be so afraid of money, the most effective ways to organize your finances and how to avoid sleepless nights worrying about your bills and past money mistakes. She also shares practical tools from her book, “Conversations with your Financial Therapist: Stories and Scripts to Grow Your Money Mindset." Wasserman is the creator of the Let's Talk Finances Conversation Cards as well.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here:

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#podcast
#selfimprovement
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness #money

Life Lessons I Learned from My Dad That Can Fuel Your Success

Karen Jordan — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:31:20 -0700

Karen talks about important life lessons she learned from her father, Dr. Harold W. Jordan. She explains how her father's penchant for helping people, putting God and family first and remaining humble led to his dreams coming true, and how focusing on these habits can help you do the same.

Dr. Jordan was a well-known psychiatrist who is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named. Last year, the Nashville Metropolitan City Council also voted in favor of an honorary street designation for him: Dr. Harold W. Jordan Way.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#podcast
#selfimprovement
#fathers
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness

Dr. Ari Steinberg on How Working Out Boosts Your Mental Health

Karen Jordan — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:09:48 -0700

Karen talks with Dr. Ari Steinberg, the clinical program manager at Grace S. Webb School in Hartford, Connecticut, about the impact exercise has on mental health. Dr. Steinberg discusses how beneficial working out can be as a means of reducing stress and anxiety as well as improving concentration and focus. She also recounts how a detour from being a clinical psychologist to temporarily working as a personal trainer fueled her interest in delving into the connection between mental health and fitness.

Dr. Fiona Barwick on How to Get Your Best Sleep Ever

Karen Jordan — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 01:30:35 -0700

Get the inside scoop on how to get a good night's sleep. Find out the science and secrets behind ensuring the best shuteye, and why the eight-hour sleep rule is actually a myth!

Dr. Fiona Barwick, director of the Sleep and Circadian Sleep Clinic at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, talks with Karen about what is fiction and what is fact when it comes to ensuring good sleep. Dr. Barwick also discusses what habits to avoid and what the best morning and evening routines are to help you function at your best.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#FionaBarwick
#howtostaysanepodcast
#podcast
#selfimprovement
#sleep
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness

All About Self-Care

Karen Jordan — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:19:54 -0700

Do you practice self-care? On this mini-episode of How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan, you'll learn how to do just that.
Join Karen as she delves into the various methods of self-care that clinical psychologists prescribe and find out what might work best for you.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: / @thekarenjordan

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket. A former TV reporter for a national, cable news show, Karen is also a supporter of educating the next generation of doctors via the Dr. Harold W. and Geraldine C. Jordan Scholarship Fund at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Harold Jordan is best known for being the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee's first Black commissioner of mental health for whom a state building, the Harold W. Jordan Habilitation Center, is named.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

#howtostaysanewithkarenjordan
#howtostaysanepodcast
#podcast
#selfimprovement
#motivational
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness #selfcare

Marlyn Diaz on Healthy Eating for a Healthy Brain

Karen Jordan — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:40:53 -0700

Nutritionist Marlyn Diaz, of Marlyn Wellness, discusses the healthiest food to buy and consume for brain health.
Diaz, who is author of BEYOND RADIANCE: The Modern Woman's Guide to Health, Healing and Happiness, also talks
about everything from how to make desserts more nutritious to the importance of eating seasonally. You won't want to miss it!

Dr. Assal Habibi on the Power of Music

Karen Jordan — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:43:26 -0700

Dr. Assal Habibi joins us to talk about the impact of music on mental health. An associate professor of Psychology and Neurology and co-director of the University of Southern California's Brain and Creativity Institute, Dr. Habibi is also director of the USC Center for Music, Brain, and Society. She has been the lead investigator of a study, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and their Youth Orchestra program, investigating the effects of early childhood music education on the brain. To top it off, she is a classically trained pianist.

Dr. Rheeda Walker on Juneteenth

Karen Jordan — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:19:36 -0700

Today is a bonus episode of 'How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan,' in honor of Juneteenth! We're commemorating the holiday that marks the end of slavery in America with Dr. Rheeda Walker, a licensed clinical psychologist and keynote speaker on African American culture and mental health. A professor of psychology at Wayne State University, Dr. Walker is also author of the book, THE UNAPOLOGETIC GUIDE TO BLACK MENTAL HEALTH. Join us as we reflect on history, lessons learned and unlearned and finding hope for the future. Karen caps off the episode recounting a miracle that happened to one of her own formerly enslaved ancestors.

Make sure to subscribe to Karen's channel here: @thekarenjordan

About the Show:
On 'How to Stay Sane with Karen Jordan,' you'll get a dose of free therapy and learn healthy hacks to fuel your journey to living your best life with the help of mental health experts and surprise guests. Inspired by her father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Harold W. Jordan, the show shares life-changing advice and powerful tools to help you thrive, not just survive.

New episodes every Wednesday.

ABOUT KAREN JORDAN
Karen Jordan is a Wellesley College and Stanford-educated journalist, author and filmmaker. One of her articles, published in The Atlantic, was selected as a recommended read of the decade by Pocket.
________________
Buy Karen's book, WHAT SHE SAYS: Words of Wisdom from My Southern Grandmother, on Amazon!

Dr. Jane Timmons-Mitchell on How to Handle Grief

Karen Jordan — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:53:08 -0700

Dr. Jane Timmons-Mitchell, who is an associate clinical professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and owner of her own practice, Junction Psychological Services Corporation, has more than 40 years of experience as a clinical psychologist. She talks with Karen about what strategies work best to successfully navigate grief and loss.