Sept. 3, 2025

From Rock Bottom to Right Now: Kevin Palmieri's Journey to Purpose

From Rock Bottom to Right Now: Kevin Palmieri's Journey to Purpose

Welcome to a powerful new episode of "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now," the podcast dedicated to exploring those pivotal moments when hesitation fades, and we take that first transformative step. I'm your host, Jen Ginty, and in this episode, I speak with Kevin Palmieri, a speaker and coach, who shares his incredible journey from battling depression and contemplating suicide to building a life of profound purpose through podcasting and personal development.
Kevin's story is a testament to the fact that transformation often begins with a pivotal moment. He courageously opens up about his personal struggles, diving into the impact of family dynamics, financial insecurity, and significant mental health challenges that often get overlooked in the pursuit of financial success. This deeply personal account of going from "rock bottom to purpose" truly embodies the spirit of our podcast.
Our conversation with Kevin highlights several crucial takeaways for anyone navigating life's complex journey:
Finding purpose is a journey that often requires time and self-discovery, rather than a sudden revelation.
The evolution of a podcast, much like a person, can reflect significant personal growth and changing priorities.
While money can certainly provide opportunities, Kevin’s experience underscores that it does not guarantee happiness .
A key insight he shares is the importance of committing to a journey for a set period before deciding to quit, emphasizing perseverance.
Sometimes, naivety can be a powerful driving force behind starting new ventures, pushing us to take leaps we might otherwise shy away from.
Ultimately, your purpose can become an integral part of your identity, guiding your actions and decisions.
We delve into how Kevin's childhood shaped his financial outlook (10:45) and his intense search for significance and self-worth (19:32). He shares the early challenges and growth experienced in his podcasting career (22:07) and how facing anxiety fueled his personal growth (25:42). The discussion culminates in how he ultimately found purpose through podcasting (32:50) and a deeper understanding of purpose and fulfillment (39:08).
As a survivor of childhood abuse living with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, I understand firsthand how fear can stop us in our tracks, making us push off our healing journeys. My own "not yet" moment, which led to the creation of My Moody Monster® and this podcast, was when my brain finally said "right now" after years of delay. Kevin's story powerfully echoes this sentiment, illustrating how embracing the "right now" can lead to profound transformation, even when it feels out of reach.
This episode truly emphasizes the importance of community, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose in overcoming life's challenges. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Whether you're searching for that spark in your own life or simply curious about how change unfolds for others, you're in the right place.
Tune in to hear Kevin's inspiring story and discover how commitment, self-discovery, and community can pave the way from rock bottom to a life of purpose.
You can find "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now" on your favorite podcast player, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Channel, iHeartRadio, and Podchaser. For more resources and to connect with me, Jen Ginty, visit my YouTube channel for "Moody Talks" or find me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @whennotyetbecomesrightnow.
If Kevin's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of resilience, growth, and transformation you'd like to share, I invite you to be a guest on the show!
Let's turn those "Not Yet" moments into "Right Now."