The Mindful Corner Podcast

Hi there! I'm thrilled to share an exciting development in this special episode— the launch of my long-anticipated Parenting with Presence: A Connected Parenting Course! 🚀 After over a year of careful crafting and pouring my heart into this project, I can't wait to take you on this transformative journey. Course Highlights: 🤍 Connected Parenting Foundation: Uncover the heart-to-heart connection...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tania Paredes, a psychotherapist with extensive experience in relationship dynamics and family matters. Dr. Tania Paredes shares her insights and wisdom on the complexities of love, parenthood, and effective communication, particularly during the challenging times brought on by the pandemic. Dr. Paredes delves into the profound impact of the pandemic on people...

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Velez hosts the renowned psychologist and author, Dr. Shefali, who is celebrated for her transformative books, including "The Conscious Parent," "The Radical Awakening," and "The Parenting Map." Dr. Shefali shares her profound insights on conscious parenting and personal growth. Dr. Shefali discusses the shift from traditional, authoritarian parenting to a more so...

In this powerful episode, Nikki shares her remarkable journey from darkness to self-discovery and sobriety. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-compassion. Nikki's candid and thought-provoking insights provide a glimpse into the resilience she's cultivated on her path to healing. From overcoming addiction to learning the art of self-for...

Navigating Parenthood in the Digital Age: Sharenting & Digital Safety** In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with a leading voice in the digital parenting sphere, Sarah, also known as "mom.uncharted" on social media. Together, we delve into the fascinating world of parenting in the digital age and explore the phenomenon known as "sharenting." Sarah sheds light on the concept of sharentin...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Velez sits down with special guest Megan, as she courageously opens up about her personal journey of setting boundaries with her family and breaking free from people-pleasing. Megan shares how her challenging childhood experiences still affected her adult life, including her relationships with herself, her partner, and her parenting.    Megan delves into the complexit...

Katheleen Hema, sex educator and consultant joins us on this episdoe to answer your top parenting sex education questions.  Together, we explore the burning question that many parents have: when is the right time to have the sex talk with our children? How do we approach it in a way that is both age-appropriate and comfortable for our children? We also discuss the realm of online safety and sextin...

Cassandra, born as a triplet, came into the world with cerebral palsy, a condition her parents discovered later. In this episode, she graces us with her presence to share a remarkable tale of optimism, unwavering perseverance, profound faith, and boundless love. As a disability advocate, Cassandra takes immense pride in inspiring others to embrace their life's purpose, urging them to tune into the...

🎙️ Welcome back, dear listeners, to the long-awaited relaunch of our beloved podcast after almost a two-year hiatus! We couldn't be more ecstatic to have you join us once again for a joyous reunion alongside a beloved guest, Dr. Velez's lifelong best friend, Yvonne, who joined us on the very first episode of the podcast!   Join us on this episode for a look at where we've been, new insights we've...

Dr. Linda Silverman, licensed psychologist and founder and director of Gifted Development Center/ISAD, joins us in today's episode to discuss adult giftedness. On this episode, we discuss the inner lives of the gifted adult and take a deep dive into overexcitability and how along with intensity and sensitivity, are often characteristics of the highly gifted.  " Giftedness is not what you do or how...

Licensed mental health counselor and infant mental health expert, Evelyn Mendal, joins us to answer the FAQs submitted for this 'Ask The Expert" episode. Evelyn is the owner of Hatch and Bloom, where she specializes in coaching parents who are looking to better understand their child's behavior. In this episode, we discuss emotional regulation, co-regulation, and the importance of the parent's sel...

Ms. Paula Hagen (formerly known as Ms. Mark), a retired high school English teacher, and Dr. Velez's former teacher, comes on the show to discuss the path which lead her to become an educator. Ms. Mark, (as her former students would call her) shares details about her life growing up as a gifted child and teen and shares how it would later influence her passion for teaching gifted teens in the pred...

Chazz Lewis, aka, Mr. Chazz is an educational specialist, podcast host, parent coach, and content creator who shares a passion for helping educators and parents learn how to gently and effectively address behavioral  concerns with children. In this episode, Mr. Chazz shares the personal journey that led him to cultivate a passion for helping adults understand and help children manage their behavio...

Aparna Sagaram, LMFT joins us to discuss the unique lived experience of adult children of immigrant parents. She shares her expertise in navigating the immigrant family systems and discusses the challenges of having emotionally unavailable parents. We discuss family core beliefs and values, overcoming shame and guilt, and learning how to set boundaries.    Aparna Sagaram is a licensed marriage and...

Dr. Nadine Macaluso shares the personal story that drove her from wounded ex-wife of the infamous Wolf of Wallstreet to healer. Dr. Nae, as her patients call her, found herself amidst a chaotic divorce after suffering years of abuse. She shares details about her healing journey which fueled her to return to school at 39 years old where she would later learn to transform her pain into purpose. Dr....

Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Betsy Guerra, comes on to discuss the inspiration behind her new book, "Hurt 2 Hope: Heal the Pain of Loss, Grief, and Adversity" After suddenly losing her daughter in 2013, Dr. Betsy Guerra met excruciating pain and hopelessness face-to-face. She shares how her grief journey taught her lessons that superseded the knowledge afforded by her doctorate degree and...

Iris Chen, the author of "Untigering:   Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent ,  and first-generation Chinese American, comes on to discuss changing generational parenting narratives and intentionally choosing a more peaceful parenting approach. We take a deep dive into cultivating meaningful relationships with our children and discuss the work necessary to changing parenting patt...

Welcome back, friends, and happy 2021! In this episode, we do a quick recap of where we've been, share some hope for current times, and plans for the coming season. So good to be back! - Dr. V If you'd like to come on the podcast to share your story, please fill out the form on www.drerikav/podcast The content on The Mindful Corner Podcast should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is...

Karen Duque and her family heard the words no parent ever prepares to hear. Her ray of sunshine, Jakey, a 4-year-old beacon of light, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, DIPG. She shares her story of mustard seed faith and how she learned to enjoy every last minute of Jakey's life. Karen discusses her journey through immeasurable pain, grief, unwavering faith, and resiliency.  *It...

Jennifer, homeschooling mother of three, joins us to share her top tips for a successful start to the academic year. Whether your child will be learning via distance learning, going back to school in-person, or starting the homeschooling journey, Jennifer shares her most valuable tips to help our children stay engaged and foster their love of learning. Jennifer is a homeschooling mom of 3 girls (a...

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, pediatric psychologist and parent coach, comes on to share her personal story of being Black in America. After moving to the United States from St. Croix for college, Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares her experience with microaggressions and racism.  She shares valuable suggestions for parents who seek to raise race conscious children and for those seeking a path to allyship....

Ylette is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and mother of four children under the age of 10. She comes on to share her motherhood journey and the lessons she's learned in this past decade of motherhood. We discuss how our children may trigger some of our childhood wounds and she shares how she chooses to parent the way she desired to be parented. She shares tips on how she carves out time to bond wit...

After being diagnosed with DOR (diminished ovarian reserve), Yaira embarked on a four year battle with infertility and IVF. She shares her journey giving us a glimpse into the long battle she fought. 1 in 8 women know this struggle and some have suffered in silence. This episode aims at shedding a light on this difficult and trying journey. Yaira shares her story of hope, loss, and gives us a look...

Monica, from Episode-01- The Ups and Downs of Living Your Truths, comes on to update us on the year she's had post the launch of that episode. She discusses her journey through one of the toughest years of her life, shares what lead her to return to therapy, and how she is managing living alone under quarantine during the current pandemic. Monica also shares what tools she's leaned on and how she...

Child psychologist, Dr. Yalemni Luna, comes on to have a casual chat with Dr. Velez about parenting during COVID-19. They share tips on practicing mindfulness, the importance of validating our feelings, and controlling what we can. They discuss the benefits of creating simple routines and the importance of keeping   simple promises to ourselves. They also share tips for parents working from home w...