Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Helping Professional Moms Find Calm in a Busy World

Job changes are inevitable — whether it's figuring out a career path, dealing with job loss, or facing some major transformation in your career. No matter what the work transformation is, it’s important to remember that the career path is a learning journey, and you're never alone during the process. This episode shares tips on ways to deal with the social, emotional, and physical impact...

Understanding how diversity, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness intersect and using these things to empower each other creates stronger individual identities and relationships. This special guest episode explores the experiences of first-gen individuals, the impact of self-care, and the importance of practicing gratitude and kindness toward ourselves and others. Tune into this podcast with li...

March celebrates Women’s History Month. Although womanhood is a beautiful and powerful thing to celebrate, there are also challenges and obstacles driven by internal conflict or external expectations in society. By actively incorporating ways to empower ourselves and the women around us, we can grow past the challenges and become the best versions of ourselves. This episode shares tips on upliftin...

By creating and maintaining a space for healthy relationships in our life, we allow ourselves to celebrate love, growth, and acceptance. No matter the type of relationship you have with your partner, it’s important to remember some tips for keeping a healthy relationship so the flame can continue to grow. This episode shares tips on using healthy communication as a tool for romance, ways to re-ign...

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, love is in the air.  But we usually relate the day to romance—crushes, significant others, and the relationships we build. What we might forget is that this celebration of love doesn’t have to be limited to romantic relationships—it can include platonic relationships and our relationship with ourselves! Self-love and self-care have a wide range of benefits and are...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “I really don’t know how to ask this - but I don’t know how to connect with my kids. I’m barely ever with them because of my long work hours. Besides asking them how they’re doing, and checking to see how they’re doi...

As children we engage in endless amounts of play. Somewhere along the way we trade in our words for the language of play, and consequently lose in the benefits that play can bring into our lives.  This episode shares the various forms of adult play, the physical and emotional benefits of play as adults, and some ways to integrate play in our everyday lives.  Tune into this podcast with licensed th...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My high excelling middle schooler scored in the 70s on a test so as a consequence I took the phone away, because I know “Tik Tok is life.” Now of course she hates me. Is this the right thing to do?” Have a question...

Love languages are a fantastic tool for communication, and by understanding them, we can nourish our relationships with the people we “do” life with. This special guest episode explores what the five love languages are, and demonstrates how they play into our relationships. By being mindful and intentional with our time, energy, and ways we show gratitude, we can create positive, safe spaces for t...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: "How do you get a quiet/shy child to open up more? I ask my son about his day and it's crickets!" Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.com. REFERENCED IN...

Navigating friendships as an adult can present challenges. Whether we have varying identities and interests or are in different phases in life, it’s essential to take a step back to reflect on what our friendships mean to us, and how we can create a healthy space for them alongside our other priorities. This episode dives into ways we can show gratitude toward our loved ones, make time for the rel...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today's question is: "This middle school drama has me nuts. My daughter’s circle of friends always has some drama happening, and somehow, she’s always at the center of it. What can I do to help?" Have a question for the Co...

Struggling with the balancing act of high expectations? When we set high expectations for ourselves, we also need to incorporate healthy boundaries and mindsets. This episode shares tips to help us create a work-life balance to manage our personal growth, find areas of improvement in a positive means, and embrace forgiveness and letting go. Tune into this podcast with licensed therapist Vanessa De...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How I wish my kid could set a new year resolution to stop whining and actually clean her room! LOL” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.com. Send us Fan Mail Support...

The New Year typically brings upon the want or need to make some changes. However, there are important things to consider before implementing any change, if we are to be successful. This episode shares tips to help us prioritize our focus for the new year, in hopes to reach our goals. Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. Rea...

2022 is almost at its end!  To celebrate an amazing year we are replaying the most played episode from 2022. Very apropos for the New Year timing!  Time is our most nonrenewable resource. What are you doing with the time you have? What is stopping you from achieving that? This episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast has listeners reflect on how precious time is, think of the road blocks that may...

On this two year anniversary of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa celebrates the accomplishment while balancing the current mental load around the holiday season. Listeners are cued in to what the holiday mental load can look like, given permission to have grace with themselves,  and tips on how to manage feelings during what can be a joyous, but stressful time.  Join Vanessa - licensed...

The recent passing of Stephen tWitch Boss proved difficult to comprehend and come to terms with for many. In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host and licensed therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman shares honest and raw feelings on the event, and provides education on understanding suicide, the semantics we use,  and how we can help loved ones.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show NJ RESI...

As we approach the holidays and think of the gifts we want to purchase for our loved ones, the concept of the 5 Love Languages may help with understanding what our loved ones may actually want for the holidays or special occasions.  Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation weaving mindful living, mental health, and personal growth, with a...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “With the holidays right around the corner I’m thinking about getting my kid a cell phone. What age is the right age?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.com. Send us...

As we shop for the holidays we more regularly come across various employees and service providers. However, how far do we believe in the statement “The customer is always right?” This episode explores the concepts of providing good customer service and being a good customer. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation weaving mindful living,...

Disclaimer: Adult ears only.  The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “You’d think my kid would behave around the holidays. I threaten him with the elf and Santa, but he is still throwing intense temper tantrums. Help!” Have a question for the Consult a Co...

While it is believed we all exude joy during the holiday season, the reality is we may experience many holiday pressures. This episode gives you permission to prioritize yourself, while providing tips to protect your mental health during the holiday season. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation weaving mindful living, mental health, and...

On this Thanksgiving Day I would like to thank you for your support on the various projects I lead: the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Amiga Moms, my newsletter, social media channels, and my therapy practice. I appreciate your trust throughout it all. Wishing you and your family and very Happy Thanksgiving! FREE GIFT! Find it here! https://www.freetobemindful.com/talkingtokids   Send us Fan Mail Sup...

As we approach Thanksgiving, the concept of gratitude is on our minds. Having a gratitude practice has various scientifically proven benefits. This episode shares those benefits, how we can all benefit from having a daily gratitude practice, in addition to naming 100 everyday things we can be grateful for today. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk...