Thank You For Saying NO
The Thank You For Saying NO Podcast is about finding a way to be thankful when we’ve been told “no.” The word “no” is supposed to be reflective of all of life’s unexpected turns. Whether it’s rejection from a job, a relationship ending, having to pick up your life and make a move you didn’t want to, losing someone close to you, any sort of life altering event that you did not expect. The conversations on this podcast will inspire you that when you’re told no or when things don’t go according to plan, it will still work out, potentially even better than you could have ever imagined.
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Episodes
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this episode of Thank You For Saying NO, we welcome back the incredible Matt Marr! An actor, therapist, and host of the hit comedy podcast Reality Gays—and even an opera singer. Matt’s journey is filled with unexpected twists, NO moments, and powerful lessons. We dive into his “superpower” of empathy and how it has guided him through life’s pivots, from studying opera to becoming a therapist and launching the Dear Mattie podcast, which led to surprising opportunities. We also explore the creation of Reality Gays, how it aligns with his passions, and the life-changing rejection that ultimately shaped his path. With humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, Matt’s story is a reminder that every NO can lead to an even greater YES. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Matt Marr from @reality gays
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by Mike Scully @Mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Dre Smith is back! In season 1, he gave us a powerful Rejection Reflection, and we knew we had to bring him back for a deeper conversation. If you don’t already know Dre, he’s the founder and CEO of Relationship Restored, host of Real Love Scenario and Worth Thee Wait, and has even shared his journey on Red Table Talk alongside his wife in a candid discussion about marriage.
In this episode, we dive into the NO moments that shaped Dre’s path in dating and marriage. We talk about his dating rejections that led to self-reflection and personal growth. Dre gets into how to distinguish between healthy rejection and personal insecurity. Dre shares his experience with waiting to have sex until marriage, boundaries, how saying NO strengthens relationships, navigating disagreements, external influences, and evolving relationship dynamics. Tune in and find out why sometimes, the best thing that can happen is hearing NO.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Dre Smith @itsdresmith
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by Mike Scully @Mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode of Thank You For Saying NO, Kenya sits down with the hilarious and inspiring DoBoy —comedian, actor, rapper, producer, and writer. You might know him from Nick Cannon's Wild ‘N Out, but today, we’re diving deeper than comedy. From childhood struggles to breaking into entertainment, DoBoy shares the unexpected turns that shaped his career and personal growth.
We talk about the NO moments that redirected his path, the pressures of the entertainment industry, and his evolving journey with mental health. DoBoy opens up about hitting rock bottom, overcoming setbacks, and finding success.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Doboy @Iamdoboy
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by Mike Scully @Mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of Thank You for Saying NO, Kenya sits down with WNBA star Lexie Brown—a champion, a leader, and a relentless competitor. Lexie has played for the Connecticut Sun, Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky (where she won the 2021 WNBA Championship), and now, the Los Angeles Sparks. But her journey hasn’t been a straight path—it’s been full of unexpected turns, hard “no” moments, and unwavering resilience. Lexie opens up about the highs and lows of her career, from being waived to winning a championship, how setbacks with multiple teams led to unexpected opportunities, her battle with Crohn’s disease and making the tough choice to prioritize her health, and how she’s redefining success, stepping into leadership, and embracing her role with Athletes Unlimited. Through every challenge, Lexie has found strength in rejection and power in perseverance. Tune in as she shares how the hardest “no” moments became the stepping stones to her biggest wins—on and off the court.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Lexie Brown @lexiebrown
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by Mike Scully @mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode of Thank You for Saying NO, we’re joined by Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben of Temple Kehillat Israel for a profound conversation about his journey becoming and serving as a rabbi. Rabbi Reuben shares the pivotal moments of rejection that shaped his life and career, the lessons they taught him, and how they ultimately strengthened his purpose and resilience. Together, Kenya and Rabbi Reuben explore how rejection can be a guiding force, not just a stumbling block, and the power of turning NO into YES.
Over 300 families at Temple Kehillat Israel lost their homes to the Palisades fire in January 2025. You can support the members of Temple Kehillat Israel who lost their homes by donating to the KI Community Palisades Fire Assistance Fund. The proceeds of this fund will aide those who have suffered catastrophic losses and are in need of financial assistance. https://www.ourki.org/firefund
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by @Mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
In this episode of Thank You For Saying NO, Kenya sits down with renowned dancer and choreographer Janelle Ginestra to explore the power of rejection in shaping life's most transformative moments. From navigating the highs and lows of a dynamic career in dance to the personal challenges of divorce, Janelle shares her raw, unfiltered insights on resilience, self-discovery, and turning "no" into an opportunity for growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves every setback can lead to an even greater comeback.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Special Guest Janelle Ginestra @janelleginestra founder of @naughtygirl.fitness
Cover Art by @emmaporter.world
Intro and Outro Music by @mikescullymusic
Songs Juice and Strut by Iyla @iyla
TYFSN Merch: https://thank-you-for-saying-no.printify.me/products
TYFSN Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DNYrXgfdMaqY32ekxPg5TO0oVX_1p0PR8iFQsuLu5eQ/edit
Saturday Jan 04, 2025
Saturday Jan 04, 2025
Check out this trailer to learn more about the podcast and the host! The Thank You For Saying No podcast will inspire you that when you’re told no or when things don't go according to plan, it will still work out, potentially even better than you could have ever imagined.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by Kenya Rothstein @miss_kenyaaaaa
Cover Art by Emma Porter @emmaporter.world
Songs by Iyla @Iyla
Outro Music by Mike Scully @mikescullymusic
Sound effects by Kenya Rothstein @miss_kenyaaaaa and her amazing sweet beautiful Mamala!
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
In this special season finale of Thank You for Saying NO, Kenya takes a look back at the incredible stories shared throughout the season. Tune in for a recap of the season’s most memorable moments, lessons in resilience and personal growth, and an exciting sneak peek into what’s to come next season!
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
Cover art by @emmaporter.world
Music by @mikescullymusic
Submit a Thank You for Saying NO moment/story to be highlighted on the show: https://bit.ly/TYFSNstorysubmission
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
In this episode Kenya sits down with Felecia For The Win, a software engineer who made the bold decision to leave her corporate career behind to pursue becoming a content creator. Despite outward success, Felecia felt unfulfilled and depressed and knew she needed a change. She opens up about the pivotal moment when she decided to leave her stable career to pursue content creation, a path that brought her joy and purpose. Join us for an inspiring discussion on finding fulfillment by saying no to societal expectations and yes to personal happiness.
Follow @tthankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
With Special guest Felecia For The Win @feleciaforthewin
Cover art by @emmaporter.world
Music by @mikescullymusic
Submit a Thank You for Saying NO moment/story to be highlighted on the show: https://bit.ly/TYFSNstorysubmission
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
In this episode Kenya sits down with Adam Bird, a serial entrepreneur with an inspiring story of turning rejection into opportunity. Adam shares how being laid off from a corporate job led him to build a series of successful ventures, including Heroes Media Group, a podcast network and publishing company, a coffee and spirits business, and a custom-made suit company. Adam discusses the importance of embracing the unexpected and the power of saying no to limitations. His story is a testament to how rejection can often be the catalyst for pursuing your true passions.
Follow @thankyouforsayingno on social media for exclusive content and updates!
Hosted by @miss_kenyaaaaa
With special Guest Adam Bird @mradambird
Cover art by @emmaporter.world
Music by @mikescullymusic
Submit a Thank You for Saying NO moment/story to be highlighted on the show: https://bit.ly/TYFSNstorysubmission