At 36, Ken’s story is a multifaceted journey of personal growth, innovation, and dedication. As an open-heart surgery nurse and a grad student at Johns Hopkins, Ken is currently working toward a Master’s in Nursing and an MBA. His path, however, did not begin in healthcare—it started in journalism, where his curiosity about the world and people’s stories led him to a career that was more about connection than content creation. Today, while Ken doesn’t see himself as a “creator,” many would call him an innovator. His drive to build meaningful relationships and explore different facets of life has shaped his unique career trajectory and continues to inspire those around him.
From Journalism to Nursing: A Career Built on Connection
Ken’s career began in a field that thrives on storytelling—journalism. With a passion for understanding people’s lives and experiences, Ken started out as a journalist, digging deep into the human experience. While journalism provided an outlet for his curiosity, something was still missing. It wasn’t until Ken transitioned into nursing that he found his true calling. As an open-heart surgery nurse, he now navigates the complexities of healthcare, providing critical care to patients in high-stakes situations.
Ken serves not only as a nurse but also as the charge nurse in his unit, overseeing the smooth operation of the team. His role in this high-pressure environment demands precision, empathy, and the ability to make quick decisions. What makes Ken stand out is his approach to nursing, which goes beyond clinical care. His experience as a journalist allows him to connect deeply with his patients and colleagues, understanding their stories and treating them as whole individuals rather than just medical cases.
Innovating Through Personal Expression: Ataraxy.blog
Ken’s ability to innovate doesn’t stop at nursing. At the age of 23, he built his first website, https://ataraxy.blog, as a platform for self-expression and personal exploration. The site serves as a creative space where Ken shares his thoughts, personal stories, and insights into different aspects of himself. From his humble beginnings to his more passionate side, Ken’s blog reflects the depth of his personality and invites readers to dive into his world.
What sets Ataraxy apart is its interactive nature. Ken has links throughout the site, offering visitors the chance to discover new layers of his personality as they explore. This innovative approach encourages curiosity and personal connection, creating a unique experience for each reader. Ken’s blog isn’t just about sharing his thoughts—it’s about building a deeper relationship with those who follow his journey.
A Passion for Genealogy: Tracing Roots Without Technology
In addition to his professional work, Ken has spent more than a decade passionately researching his genealogy. Unlike many who rely on DNA tests or ancestry websites, Ken has taken a hands-on approach to trace his lineage. Over the past 10+ years, he has traveled extensively, meeting family members and piecing together his family’s history through conversations and historical research.
What makes Ken’s approach to genealogy unique is its authenticity. He has relied entirely on firsthand accounts and historical records, without the assistance of modern tools like DNA testing. This has allowed him to build a rich, personal understanding of his roots, and it’s something he takes immense pride in. For Ken, genealogy is not just about tracing a family tree—it’s about connecting with his heritage on a deeper, more human level.
Dear Kennedy: A Podcast on Normalization and Life
Ken’s passion for connection and conversation extends beyond his blog and genealogy research. He also hosts a podcast called Dear Kennedy, where he explores a wide range of topics, focusing heavily on the idea of normalization in everyday life. The podcast is a platform for Ken to engage with listeners on everything from personal struggles to societal issues, encouraging people to embrace the normal and find beauty in the everyday.
Through Dear Kennedy, Ken shares his perspectives on life, drawing from his diverse experiences as a journalist, nurse, and innovator. The podcast has become a space for meaningful conversations, where listeners can reflect on their own lives and find common ground in shared experiences. Ken’s goal is to create a community where people feel heard, understood, and supported in their everyday challenges.
The Nonprofit Dream: A Cause for the Future
While Ken’s professional life keeps him busy, he has also dedicated himself to a nonprofit business that is part of a larger vision for his future. Though the nonprofit does not generate a profit, it serves a greater cause that ties into Ken’s ultimate retirement dream. While the specifics of this dream remain a mystery to those following his journey, Ken’s dedication to using his work for a higher purpose is clear.
The nonprofit is more than just a side project for Ken—it’s a way to give back and contribute to something larger than himself. Whether through his nursing career, podcast, or nonprofit work, Ken is constantly driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world around him.
Building Real Connections with His Audience
One of the things Ken values most is building genuine connections with people. Whether it’s through his blog, podcast, or nonprofit, he is always engaging with his audience, encouraging followers to leave comments, ask questions, or even meet up for coffee or wine if he happens to be in their city.
For Ken, it’s all about building real relationships. He believes that making time for others is a way to honor the time they give him. His accessibility and open approach allow him to create meaningful connections with those who follow his journey, both online and in person.
Looking Ahead: A Life of Purpose and Connection
Ken’s journey is far from over. As he continues to balance his work as an open-heart surgery nurse, his graduate studies at Johns Hopkins, and his various personal projects, Ken remains dedicated to innovation, personal growth, and building lasting connections. Whether through his nursing career, his writing, his podcast, or his nonprofit, Ken’s story is one of passion, purpose, and a commitment to making the world a little better, one connection at a time.
We had the privilege of interviewing Ken; here are the excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
Hi, I’m Ken, a 36-year-old open-heart surgery nurse currently pursuing a Master’s in Nursing and an MBA at Johns Hopkins. I started my career as a journalist, but my path took me toward healthcare. Alongside my nursing work, I run a nonprofit business, host a podcast called Dear Kennedy, and share my personal writing on my website: https://ataraxy.blog. My work and writing are deeply rooted in exploring human connections, self-discovery, and life’s journey.
Please tell us about your work.
My work spans multiple areas. As an open-heart surgery nurse, I provide critical care for patients undergoing complex procedures, and I’m also the charge nurse in my unit, ensuring the smooth operation of the team. Outside of nursing, I’m passionate about writing and genealogy. I’ve been researching my family history for over a decade, traveling to meet family members and piece together my ancestry without the help of DNA testing or ancestry websites. My website is a reflection of my thoughts, experiences, and the deeper parts of myself that people can explore through its internal links. I also host Dear Kennedy, a podcast where I dive into various topics, often centering on the theme of normalization in everyday life.
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey has been anything but traditional. I started as a journalist, with a strong curiosity about the world and people’s stories. Over time, I transitioned into healthcare, finding a new passion in nursing, especially in the high-stakes environment of open-heart surgery. Along the way, I’ve kept writing—whether it’s personal blogs, genealogical research, or reflections on life. I’ve always been focused on innovation, connection, and growth. Building my website at 23 was a key moment in this journey, allowing me to express my thoughts and open up to a wider audience. Now, I continue to explore life through my nursing career, writing, podcasting, and nonprofit work, all while staying dedicated to personal growth and making meaningful connections with others.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Staying curious and adaptable has been key to my success. Whether it’s in nursing or writing, I’m always open to learning new things and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I believe in being consistent and authentic—whether I’m caring for patients, writing a blog post, or recording a podcast episode.
Thank you so much, Ken, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
Get your story featured on Betterauds.com! You can submit your article here