Vanessa Calderon, MD MPP
The Empowered Brain
The Empowered Brain is the only podcast that uses science, psychology and coaching to help you rewire your brain, become more effective create a happier life. Listen and learn how to master your mind, master your emotions, thrive amidst daily stressors, and master time. Dr. Vanessa Calderón is a Harvard grad, Physician, Master Coach, and mother of 2. She has over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience and is the founder of the The Journey (to your empowered brain). The Journey uses the latest science in neuroplasticity, resiliency and psychology to help people: (1) Master their Mind an...
Author
Vanessa Calderon, MD MPP
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Apr 17, 2025
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Episodes
187. Exciting News and Updates 17.04.2025 29:18
In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Brain, I'm sharing some very exciting news. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How healing generational trauma and reconnecting with your ancestors can be transformative How to redefine success so it's aligned with your core values and purpose The neuroscience behind fulfillment and why serotonin, not dopamine, should drive our goals Four actionable steps...
186. How to Feel Less Guilt today and in the New Year 22.12.2024 20:18
In this episode, I'm diving into the pervasive and often misunderstood emotion of guilt. Whether it's guilt for setting boundaries, guilt tied to cultural or religious conditioning, or simply guilt for not meeting self-imposed standards, it's something most of us face. Together, we'll explore practical ways to identify, process, and release guilt so it no longer controls your life. What You'll Lea...
185. Creating your Identity on Purpose 15.12.2024 29:47
In this transformative episode, I share actionable insights on creating your identity intentionally, especially as we prepare for a new year. We explore why crafting your identity matters, the obstacles that often hold us back, and a step-by-step guide to aligning your actions with your desired self. This process is about living authentically, reducing inner conflict, and creating a fulfilling lif...
184. The Joy Deficit: Why You Don't Make Time for Joy and How to Get it Back 08.12.2024 24:34
In today's episode, we're diving into joy. We're tackling why so many of us struggle to make time for joy, the science behind why joy is so good for us, and practical steps to bring it back into our lives. If you have been feeling like you're ready to uplevel your life, or like something is missing, this one is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why joy feels inaccessible for so many peop...
183. Understanding and Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns so you can Break Free from Guilt, Imposter Syndrome and Insecurity 01.12.2024 32:19
In this episode, I dive into the science and solutions behind why negative thought patterns like guilt, imposter syndrome, and insecurity, seem to stick around even when we're aware of them. These thought loops don't define us, and I share actionable steps to help you break free and rewire your brain for lasting change. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The three big reasons why negative thought...
182. How to Prepare for Holiday Stress: Managing Difficult People, Triggering Conversations, and Avoiding Re-traumatization 24.11.2024 43:09
In this episode, we dive deep into preparing for holiday stress—covering difficult conversations, managing triggering relationships, and avoiding re-traumatization. Holidays can bring joy but also carry stress due to heightened expectations and unresolved family dynamics. I provide simple and practical tools to navigate these challenges. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why family dynamics trigg...
181. Lessons to Improve Emotional Resilience, Inner Peace, and Success 17.11.2024 23:42
In this episode, I'm breaking down three big takeaways that came to me as I traveled, juggled commitments, and faced some personal reflections. From practicing gratitude to honoring my own needs, these lessons reminded me of the power we hold in our daily choices. Sometimes, it's the simple shifts in perspective that make all the difference. What You'll Learn: The value of everyday freedoms The i...
180. The Gifts of Self-Compassion 10.11.2024 32:06
In this episode, I return to the ever-relevant topic of self-compassion, exploring why it is essential for our mental and emotional well-being and how it impacts our daily lives. Self-compassion isn't a one-time achievement but a lifelong practice. Drawing from Dr. Kristin Neff's foundational research, I delve into the three core components of self-compassion and offer easy, accessible methods to...
179. The Messy Middle: How to Not Quit When Things Get Hard and Uncomfortable (when you are creating a new habit or self-improvement) 03.11.2024 18:17
In today's episode, I dive into what I call the "messy middle"—that challenging, often uncomfortable phase of growth and transformation. Whether it's setting boundaries or rewiring our thoughts, the messy middle is an unavoidable, sometimes frustrating stage. We talk through the steps to recognize and navigate this space without quitting, even when discomfort and self-judgment arise. Mentioned i...
178. How to Get Your Time Back for YOU! 27.10.2024 22:17
In this episode, I dive into time management strategies tailored for busy professionals juggling careers, parenting, and personal growth. Based on my coaching experiences, I explore how to clarify priorities, analyze how you're currently spending your time, and create space for what matters most to you. I share real-life examples and tools to help you break free from the "I don't have time" mindse...
177. You matter too: Servant Leadership vs Martyrdom, What Are You Practicing? 13.10.2024 34:46
In this episode, I discuss the importance of recognizing your own value in the midst of serving others. Through personal stories and coaching insights, I explore the difference between being a servant leader and being a martyr, and why it's essential to set boundaries and care for yourself. If you often put others' needs before your own and struggle with feelings of guilt when you take time for yo...
176. Redefining Your Relationship With Weakness 06.10.2024 20:00
In this episode, I explore the recurring theme of how we define weakness and how it often ties into our misunderstanding of femininity. I guide you through rethinking this mindset, showing how balancing the masculine (yang) and feminine (yin) energies brings more flow, peace, and creativity into our lives. What You'll Learn: How the words "weak" and "feminine" are often misunderstood and vilified....
175. The Power of Ritual and how to incorporate them into your daily life 29.09.2024 28:10
In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of rituals, how they differ from habits, and why they're so important in our lives. I'll be sharing practical suggestions on how to start incorporating rituals into your daily routine and explaining the science behind them. We'll explore how rituals protect your energy, help you feel grounded, and honor special occasions. By the end of the episode, you...
174. The RAIN Pneumonic: How to process and be with difficult thoughts, feelings, and moments 22.09.2024 21:52
In this episode, I dive into the importance of allowing yourself to sit with your emotions and embrace the process. Plus, I introduce you to the RAIN technique by Dr. Tara Brach, which has been a game-changer for me in processing emotions and fostering self-compassion. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How being present with your actions can shift your perspective on success. Why reframing failur...
173. Invalidating Your Emotions: Why you do it, how it's effecting you and how to stop 15.09.2024 28:35
In this episode, we explore why we tend to invalidate our emotions. We discuss the psychological roots of emotional invalidation and the science behind the benefits of acknowledging and feeling our emotions. You'll also learn practical strategies for emotional validation and the risks of suppressing feelings. What You'll Learn: Common ways we unknowingly invalidate our emotions and why this happen...
172. Reconnecting To Your Intuition: A Guide to Your Inner-Knowing 08.09.2024 42:17
In this episode, I take you on a journey to rediscover your intuition. We dive deep into what disconnects us from our inner knowing and how we can rebuild that connection. From personal stories to practical advice, I share insights on trusting yourself, overcoming fear, and creating space for intuition to thrive. This episode is all about empowering you to listen to your own inner voice, guiding y...
171. What are you choosing to believe and why? 01.09.2024 22:25
In this episode, I explore the power of choosing what you believe and how those choices shape your reality. I share personal stories to illustrate how the beliefs we hold can either empower us or keep us stuck in fear. This episode encourages you to pause and reflect on whether the thoughts you're accepting as truth are serving you or holding you back, and how to consciously choose beliefs that al...
170. The Powerful Practice of Surrender 25.08.2024 27:04
In this episode, I dive into the concept of surrender—a practice that's often misunderstood but can be incredibly powerful when done right. By embracing surrender, I've found greater inner peace, a stronger connection to my intuition, and the ability to live more fully in the present moment. What You'll Learn: What surrender really means and how it differs from resignation or defeat. How you can...
169. How to React to Your Negative Thoughts: Liberate Yourself From Negative Thoughts and Elevate your Consciousness 18.08.2024 25:38
In this episode, I delve into the nature of negative thoughts and how we can effectively manage and transform them. I share insights on how thoughts shape our reality and offer practical strategies to develop awareness, acceptance, and compassion towards our thinking patterns. I also provide actionable steps to neutralize negative thoughts and replace them with intentional, positive ones. What You...
168. Why Verbalizing Your Goals Matters: How to Prime Your Brain for Success 11.08.2024 18:41
In this episode, I dive into the transformative power of speaking your goals into existence. Drawing from personal anecdotes and scientific studies, I explain how verbalizing your goals can prime your brain for success, increase your commitment, and activate neural pathways that help you achieve your objectives. I provide practical tips on daily affirmations, sharing goals with trusted individuals...
167. The Fulfillment Deficit: How to know if you are experiencing it and what to do about it 04.08.2024 25:28
In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of the "fulfillment deficit," discussing why many successful professionals feel something is missing despite their achievements. I'll explore the reasons behind this pervasive sense of dissatisfaction, how to recognize it, and actionable steps to address it. Key Takeaways: The inspiration for this episode stems from my clients' recurring feelings of be...
166. Simple Practices for Happiness and Inner Peace 28.07.2024 36:07
In this episode, I share simple, science-backed practices to help you create more happiness, inner peace, and success in your life. From the Inner Ease technique to the Hawaiian forgiveness prayer, these methods are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, fostering a sense of fulfillment and well-being. Key Takeaways: Introduction to simple, effective practices for happiness and inner...
165. Overwhelm: Why You Feel It and How to Not Let it Get in Your Way 21.07.2024 17:01
In this episode, we delve into the pervasive feeling of overwhelm, especially how it affects high-achieving individuals. Our host breaks down the cognitive thought model to uncover the root causes of overwhelm and provides actionable strategies to manage and move past this paralyzing emotion. By understanding the triggers and physiological effects of overwhelm, listeners can learn to hold space fo...
164. Competition, Jealousy, Envy: Why you do it and How to stop 14.07.2024 27:32
In this episode, we delve into the pervasive feelings of competition, jealousy, and envy, particularly among high achievers. We explore why these feelings arise, how they differ between genders, and the deep-seated impacts they have on our well-being. We'll also provide practical strategies for overcoming these negative emotions and fostering a more peaceful and collaborative mindset. Key Takeaway...
163. The Selfishness Lie: How to stop believing it and start choosing you 07.07.2024 26:44
In today's episode, we explore the pervasive and often misunderstood concept of selfishness, especially as it affects women. We'll dive into the historical context of how selfishness has been used to control and limit women's roles, examine the impact of these beliefs on both women and men, and discuss practical steps for dismantling these harmful thought patterns. By the end of the episode, you'l...
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