Keeping it Real with Zulma The Swearing Therapist Podcast

There’s a BIG announcement coming soon—stay tuned, because it’s worth the hype. But in the meantime, let’s talk about the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with insurance companies. In this episode, I share the sheer joy (read: rage) of trying to get a straight answer out of a rep who deserves an Olympic medal in saying a lot without saying anything . If you’ve ever been stuck in bureaucratic lim...

Do you believe you’re born with certain abilities—or that you can grow into them? In this episode, we break down the powerful difference between a fixed mindset (believing your abilities are set in stone) and a growth mindset (believing you can develop through effort, learning, and resilience). We’re diving into how these mindsets show up in your everyday life, how they hold you back, and how to s...

Surrender? Yeah, not exactly my strong suit. Control has always felt safer… until it started feeling like a full-time job I never applied for. In this episode, I get real about my struggle with letting go — and the weird little mental trick that’s been helping me: I just say, “Manager.” Inspired by those teenage retail workers who DGAF when a Karen starts yelling — they just call the manager becau...

I just hit 60, and instead of waiting for anyone to get their shit together, I took myself on a solo birthday trip—and let me tell you, it was glorious. No scuba diving? Whatever. I snorkeled with fish, got sunburned like a rookie, and learned that pre-celebrations are the shit . Flexibility is the real secret to happiness, and solo travel? Absolute magic. This episode is your permission slip to s...

Let’s get real—imposter syndrome is that sneaky, relentless voice that tells you you’re not good enough, smart enough, talented enough... even when the receipts say otherwise. You could have a degree, a promotion, applause, or a goddamn crown on your head—and still feel like a fraud just waiting to be exposed. In this episode, we’re naming and shaming imposter syndrome. I’ll break down what it act...

Guess what? It’s my birthday—and I’m not hiding it, shrinking for it, or pretending it’s “just another day.” Fuck no! I’m celebrating the fact that I’m still here. After everything I’ve lived through—cancer, trauma, heartbreak, starting over more times than I can count—every damn year is a gift. Growing old is a privilege denied to many. In this episode, I’m getting loud about why we need to stop...

As a recovering superstitious bitch myself, I get it — I’ve carried crystals in my bra, wore the "lucky" jersey to help my team win, and avoided the number 13 like it personally wronged me. But at some point, you have to ask: is all this shit helping me… or just keeping me stuck? We’re diving into how superstition feels like safety but often turns into self-sabotage. I'll share my own messy-ass jo...

🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of abuse—emotional, physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological. It’s raw, real, and potentially triggering. Please take care while listening. Abuse isn’t always about bruises or broken bones. Sometimes it’s the mindfuck of gaslighting, the sting of verbal attacks, or the silent soul-crushing that happens behind closed doors. In this...

Let’s get real—your role in the family wasn’t just about when you were born. It was shaped by culture, expectations, survival, and the unspoken rules passed down through generations. Were you the “second parent” oldest? The baby who never got taken seriously? The quiet middle trying to keep the peace? Or the only child who had to carry it all ? And how did your culture shape those roles? In many f...

Grief doesn’t knock. It kicks the fucking door in—and suddenly, your world’s upside down. Grief isn’t just about losing someone—it’s about losing something : a relationship, a version of yourself, the life you thought you’d have. In this raw and honest episode, I dive into the many faces of grief—death, divorce, identity, change—and how it sneaks up on us, stays longer than we want, and teaches us...

Do you find yourself pulling away when things get too real—even from people you care about? That’s emotional distancing, and it’s more common than you think. In this episode, we’re digging into what emotional distancing really is, why it happens (spoiler: it’s often a trauma response), and how it shows up in your relationships. Whether you’re ghosting people you love, numbing out, or building wall...

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Zulma: The Swearing Therapist , we're diving deep into the sneaky little mind traps known as cognitive distortions —those automatic, often unconscious thoughts that twist reality and fuel anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. From all-or-nothing thinking to catastrophizing and emotional reasoning, I'll break down the most common distortions and how they fuck...

Negative thoughts are loud — but your blessings are louder, if you let them be. In this episode, we’re getting real about how focusing on what’s right in your life can completely shift your mental game. I’m breaking down simple, no-fluff strategies to tune out the toxic noise in your head and anchor yourself in gratitude. You’ve survived too much and come too far to let negativity win. Let’s flip...

Perfectionism might sound noble, but let’s be real—it’s often just fear dressed up in a fancy outfit. In this episode, we’re calling it out. If you’ve ever delayed starting something because you were not “ready” or torn yourself apart over not getting it “just right,” this one's for you. I’m diving into the messy truth about perfectionism, how it keeps us stuck, and why DONE is way the hell better...

Tired of choking back your thoughts just to keep the peace? Sick of the post-convo regret because you knew you should’ve said something? Darling, this episode is for you. I’m giving you the no-fluff, straight-up Assertiveness Formula that’ll have you speaking your mind loud and clear — without the guilt, without the drama, and without sounding like a jerk. We’re done with people-pleasing. We’re do...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the toughest choices we face in relationships, arguments, and even in our own heads: the need to be right versus the desire to be happy. Why do we cling so tightly to being "right"? What does it cost us? And how can we start letting go of the battle for control in favor of peace and connection? I’ll share a few hard truths that might sting a little (y...

Why does saying “no” feel like you just kicked a puppy? In this episode, we’re getting real about why saying no is so damn hard — especially if you grew up people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, or feeling responsible for everyone else’s feelings. We’ll explore the root of that guilt, why it’s not your job to keep others comfortable, and how to set boundaries without drowning in shame. Saying no does...

"You're so strong." Ever hear that and just want to scream? Being the strong one—the one who holds it all together, who others rely on—can be exhausting as hell. In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden toll of always being “the strong one” and why resilience isn’t the flex people think it is. We’ll talk about why it’s so damn hard to ask for help, how society glorifies suffering in silence,...

Ever heard someone say, "I'm just being honest," but it felt more like a slap than the truth? Or maybe you've struggled with how much to share without oversharing? In this episode of Keeping It Real with Zulma: The Swearing Therapist, we're breaking down the difference between honesty and transparency—because they are not the same thing! We’ll talk about: 🔥 Why honesty isn’t always the whole trut...

Time Change, Dogs, and the Fear of Judgement In this episode, I dive deep into three things that mess with my mental and physical well-being: the dreaded time change, my irrational fear of dogs, and the constant anxiety of being judged. Whether it's the toll daylight saving time takes on my body, the fear of being around dogs that I've never been able to shake, or the pressure of always feeling un...

Why Motivation Is Overrated In this episode of Keeping It Real with Zulma: The Swearing Therapist , we're calling out the bullshit myth that motivation is the key to success. Let's be real—we've all done things we didn’t feel motivated to do, from getting out of bed on crappy days to pushing through life's toughest moments. Motivation is fleeting, but discipline and grit? Those are the real game-c...

Reacting vs. Responding – The Power of the Pause In this episode of Keeping It Real with Zulma: The Swearing Therapist , we’re diving into the difference between reacting and responding —and why mastering this skill can change your life. Ever snapped at someone and regretted it later? Or found yourself in an emotional whirlwind over something minor? That’s reacting —automatic, impulsive, and often...

Keeping it Real with Zulma the Swearing Therapist Embrace the Joys of Being SINGLE on Valentine's Day! Did you know that over 50% of Americans are single, and many of them actually prefer it that way? Valentine's Day can be the perfect excuse to focus on self-love and personal growth! Valentine’s Day can be a tough time if you’re single, with constant reminders of romance everywhere you turn. In t...

Unfiltered Therapy: The NO-NONSENSE Truth with Zulma B. Williams   Did you know that nearly 75% of people experience some form of anxiety in their lifetime? That’s where a no-nonsense therapist like Zulma Beatriz Williams can make a huge difference! Meet Zulma Beatriz Williams, the unapologetic therapist who's breaking the mold of traditional therapy sessions. Known for her unconventional approach...