The Self-Growth Train Podcast

Is your self-care helping you recover, or just helping you perform wellness for everyone else? If self-care looks perfect on camera but feels empty in your body, this conversation is your reset. We trade ring lights and “aesthetic” routines for grounded practices that actually expand capacity—so you can think clearer, feel steadier, and move through the week with more agency.  Along the way, we re...

Perfection isn’t the point—returning is. We take a hard look at the myths around consistency and trade hustle noise for sustainable growth you can actually live with. Instead of glorifying unbroken streaks, we focus on how to come back after breaks, rebuild momentum with gentle steps, and treat yourself with respect while you do it. Guided by insights from Dr. Lori Schwartz Reich’s work on “key ch...

What if motivation isn’t something you summon—but something you design for? Stop waiting for a mood to move you. We dig into a practical, science-aligned approach to building momentum that doesn’t collapse when motivation dips. Drawing on insights from Dr. Andrew Hubberman’s work on dopamine, we translate neuroscience into simple, repeatable levers you can use today. The aim isn’t hacks for hacks’...

What if we stopped chasing perfect resolutions and started building goals that actually fit our life?  We dive into a practical, values-first approach to planning that trades pressure for purpose and turns vague wishes into steps you can repeat on your busiest days. Using the SMART framework as our backbone, we walk through each letter with a real-world example—improving cooking skills—so you can...

What if success stopped demanding perfection and started inviting you to show up, imperfectly, every week? That question drives a full reset of how we create, plan, and grow. We kick off 2026 with a redesigned website, a fresh green logo, and a new format that centers one clear takeaway you can carry into your day. No more rigid segments or pressure to be flawless on a schedule that punishes real...

What if the love you needed was already around you, just not in the form you expected?  As we close out the year, I share a candid, unfiltered reflection anchored by a letter I wrote to my future self—equal parts prayer, pep talk, and promise. That note set the tone for a year that didn’t deliver the romantic love I imagined, but brought something more sustaining: pure love from my students and de...

What if the next season of your growth isn’t about doing more—but about protecting what already matters? Five years in, the train feels different: lighter, clearer, and powered by choices that protect peace as fiercely as they chase growth. I’m sharing the unpolished truth of turning thirty, scaling back from three jobs, and learning that rest isn’t optional if you want your creativity and joy to...

What if the missing piece isn’t more motivation, but more mercy?   Today I open up about five years of stop-and-start creative work and get honest about what actually helps you show up again: self-compassion that is real, practical, and repeatable when life gets messy. Expect candid stories, approachable tools, and a reminder that growth isn’t a verdict—it’s a practice. If this conversation gives...

Who's really in your corner? Are the people you call friends actually propelling you forward, or subtly holding you back? Friendship isn't just a pleasant life addition—it's a critical component of your self-growth journey. In this deeply personal episode, we explore how true friendships affect everything from your stress levels to your life satisfaction. Drawing from psychological...

Ever stumbled upon a realization that completely reshapes how you see the next chapter of your life? As I step into my 30s, I challenge the idea that this decade should be met with trepidation or nostalgia for our 20s. Instead, I share my ongoing journey to boost self-esteem amidst the juxtaposition of outward positivity and inner battles with self-worth. Here, I open up about the harsh self-criti...

How can embracing the transformative journey of self-discovery in your 30s lead to more meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of who you are? Turning 30 marks a significant milestone in life, and with it comes a journey of self-discovery, calmness, and deeper connections. As I share my personal stories, I reflect on how understanding our identity — our values, goals, and boundaries —...

How might embracing mindfulness and slowing down in 2025 help us navigate the chaos of modern life? Mindfulness doesn't always come easy, especially for those of us who are constantly swinging between future goals and past memories. As someone who has lived in that whirlwind, I, Frances Marie Rivera Pacheco, invite you on a calming journey aboard the Self-Growth Train. This episode marks the...

What does it take to overcome the darkest moments and transform your life, even when it feels like everything is falling apart? Amidst the whirlwind of balancing three jobs, grappling with the weight of suicidal thoughts, and navigating the financial challenges of living in pricey Florida, I found a silver lining. Discover how the unwavering support of my mother and the crucial decision to seek me...

What happens when life's most challenging moments push you to the edge? Join me, Frances Marie Rivera Pacheco, as I share my personal journey through the labyrinth of suicidal ideation, from the subtleties of passive thoughts to the alarming intensity of active ones. This episode of the Self-Growth Train is one of raw honesty and vulnerability, recounting how my struggles, intensified by a re...

Have you ever wondered if you could shape your reality just by believing in your goals fervently? Join me, Frances Marie Rivera Pacheco, as we embark on the Self-Growth Train to explore the transformative power of manifesting. In this episode, I delve into my personal journey with manifesting and break down how you can start defining your desires with clear intent. You'll discover the importa...

Ever wonder why self-discipline seems like an uphill battle? Join me as I reveal the personal journey behind building self-discipline and how you can transform it from a daily struggle into a powerful habit. I'm laying it all on the table: from my own battles with procrastination to the determination that fuels my goals. Equipped with insights from Forbes, Calm, and Score, we're turning...

Can you really transform your daily routines into better habits? Embark on a journey with me, Frances Marie Rivera Pacheco, as we explore the exciting and sometimes challenging process of habit formation. Drawing from my personal experiences and insights, I'll share the steps you need to take to identify, modify, and integrate positive habits into your life, inspired by the article "Crea...

Have you ever wondered why setting personal boundaries is crucial for self-respect and well-being? Today I guide you through the empowering journey of establishing and maintaining personal boundaries. Donning my symbolic crown, we embark on an exploration of what boundaries are and the different kinds—physical, intellectual, emotional, sexual, material, and time boundaries. Through personal anecdo...

Have you ever felt like life's obstacles are insurmountable? Join me as I take you on a journey through the nuanced world of overcoming barriers. Using psychologist Karyn Hall 's "Overcoming Obstacles" article as a foundational guide, I share my personal story of managing an ultra-rare bleeding disorder. Learn how radical acceptance and emotional management can transform your a...

What if you could hit the reset button on any aspect of your life and start afresh with a newfound sense of purpose and authenticity? On the relaunch episode of the Self-Growth Train Podcast, I, Frances Marie Rivera Pacheco, share my bold decision to remove all previous episodes and embark on a new journey. Tune in to hear my personal story of rediscovering the raw and honest essence of my voice,...

In this captivating episode of The Self-Growth Train Podcast, listeners are invited on a journey of self-expression and emotional exploration alongside guest Gwen Constantino. As a fervent advocate for creativity and mental health, Constantino shares profound insights and experiences, emphasizing creativity's role in personal growth, problem-solving, and self-discovery. Throughout the convers...

Today's mini-episode looks back into Season 5 Episode 3 with  Stephanie Sarazin where we discuss the concept of  Hope. Listen to the full episode here! Resources Used Today: N/A Send me a note 💚 Support the show Contact The Self-Growth Train Podcast * Website www. TheSelfGrowthTrainPodcast.com * Instagram @theselfgrowthtrainpodcast * Facebook @thesgtpodcast * Tik Tok @theselfgrowthtrainpod U...

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of The Self-Growth Train Podcast, Ellen Mulholland takes center stage as the guest in a candid and compassionate conversation. The episode delves deep into the personal journey of healing, resilience, and the discovery of strength through vulnerability. Ellen shares her profound insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of recognizin...

In this candid  episode of The Self-Growth Train Podcast, I talk with my friend Anthony Smith about the profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We shares our own experiences and insights from our personal explorations. Anthony emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers, confronting challenges, and embracing vulnerability as crucial steps toward achieving personal growth an...

Today's mini-episode looks back into Season 4 Episode 2 with April Sunshine where we discuss the concept of  Body Dysmorphia. Listen to the full episode here! Resources Used Today: N/A Send me a note 💚 Support the show Contact The Self-Growth Train Podcast * Website www. TheSelfGrowthTrainPodcast.com * Instagram @theselfgrowthtrainpodcast * Facebook @thesgtpodcast * Tik Tok @theselfgrowthtra...