The Vital Women Podcast

On this week's episode, Iris and Ivette speak with Duane Sharrock, Author of The Engine of Intent, Educator, Counselor, and Speaker. From Duane's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-sharrock-2865ba30/ "For over two decades, my professional journey has been dedicated to understanding and fostering human potential. As an educator, counselor, and systems thinker, I've had the privilege of de...

On this week's episode, Iris is currently away on vacation, so Ivette speaks with The Vital Women's producer, Conor Walsh. Ivette asks Conor about his inspirations with music, along with the background to songs such as "That First Step," "One of These Days," and "Yes." "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Ente...

On this week's episode, Iris is away on vacation and producer Conor steps in! Ivette and Conor speak with men's coach Mark Guay about the struggles most men are having today. They dive into what it means to be a father figure and role model, how to unlock and come into one's essence, and the positive and negative ways we choose to express ourselves. Mark Guay: https://markwguay.me/ Most leadership...

On this week's episode, Ivette is currently out, so Iris speaks with The Vital Women's producer, Conor Walsh. Iris and Conor speak about the importance improvisation and the need to be adaptable in every day life. Iris asks Conor questions in regard to the landscape of arts and media, particularly how AI is effecting the creative landscape. This episode of "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Li...

This week on The Vital Women Podcast, I & I speak with Erin Hayden, owner of Willow Bookshop & Lounge in Wappingers Falls. Willow Bookshop is an independent bookstore with a specially curated selection of books for all ages and genres. Willow is a place to shop, relax, meet a friend, play a game of scrabble, grab a drink or nibble from the cafe. Erin gets candid about her experiences movin...

On this week's episode, I & I speak with another I - Inginia Jackson - about her program Camino Al Éxito. Camino Al Éxito is dedicated to uplifting youth and families across the Hudson Valley through education, support, and opportunity. Together, they’re building a brighter future—one student, one family, one step at a time.  Camino Al Éxito empowers low-income youth and families in the Hudson...

On this week's episode, which was previously recorded back in June of this year, Iris and Ivette dive into the concept of "trust," which takes them down many roads in this episode. First of all, they describe trust in their partners, father figures, and other male role models being that June was Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Beyond that, Iris and Ivette go into the trust that they have for...

On this week's episode, Iris & Ivette speak with Yvette Sanchez, co-owner of Your CBD Store, which she co-owns with her husband Jose. Iris, Ivette and Yvette discuss the misconceptions and the benefits from CBD-based products and the variety of ways that it helps people. About  Yvette Sanchez/ Jose Sanchez :  Thirteen years ago, during the recovery journey from breast cancer, our exploration i...

Toni Llanos is a professional dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor whose experience spans over two decades.  She began her specialty aerobic/fitness class featuring Afro-Caribbean music in 1996.  After receiving her degree in Dance Education from New York University, she added the modern techniques of Jazz and African Caribbean dance to her repertoire.  She eventually became a Certified F...

The Vital Women are back! Iris and Ivette discuss what the second wave of The Vital Women Podcast will entail, including upcoming live events, programs, and an emphasis on highlighting local entrepreneurs and women in business. This production centers on two women, Ivette and Iris, who were raised in Washington Heights in the 1980s. Now years later, and having relocated from the Heights, they cont...

Laura Stinziano is a retired grandmother who’s life mission is helping others with their challenges with trauma and mental health disorders. Laura, whom is a trauma survivor, will become the voice to others tackling these debilitating issues. Currently, Laura wants to purse her dream of becoming a trauma coach. ____________________________________________________________ This production centers on...

This week on the pod, we’re joined by the incredible Delilah Martinez, Associate Center Director of the Poughkeepsie Behavioral Center, to talk all things mental health—especially within the Latino communities. From cultural stigma to the power of open conversations, Delilah gets real about why seeking help is not a weakness, but a step toward healing. ❤️‍ We dive into:✨ The effects of social med...

New Episode: Spring and Menopause Spring is a time of renewal—but for women navigating menopause, it can bring both fresh energy and unexpected challenges. In this episode, we explore how this season affects mind and body, and why self-care, nourishment, and mental well-being are more important than ever. Key topics: Embracing change and reinventing yourself The power of silence, gratitude, and mi...

This episode Iris and Ivette discusses the intersection of women in the workplace and mental health, featuring insights from Dutchess County Executive and former State Senator, Sue Serino. The three women have a conversation regarding women in entry-level leadership roles and women over the age of 40 pursuing entrepreneurship. There were also conversations around the importance of mental health aw...

On this episode of The Vital Women of Washington Heights, I & I, are joined with Michele Tomasicchio, who is a trained grief recovery method specialist, certified empowerment coach, and has a background of 23 years healing and helping people through massage therapy, energy healing and more.  Michele brings insight on how we can grieve and process the feelings of grief in a healthier way. The t...

In this episode, Ivette and Iris sit down with wellness coach and plant-based nutrition expert Maria Fernanda Hubeaut to explore the power of nourishing your body with whole, plant-based foods. From boosting vitality to improving digestion and mental health, discover how the right foods can transform your well-being. Tune in for a fresh perspective on holistic health! ✨   To learn more about Mari...

In celebration of International Women's Day, Iris and Ivette are joined by transformational coach Viviana Brizuela for a powerful conversation. Together, they dive into the history of International Women's Day, first celebrated on March 19, 1911, and now recognized worldwide on March 8th. The trio discusses the inspirational story of the Mirabal Sisters, whose legacy continues to inspire women wor...

In this week's episode of Vital Women of Washington Heights, Iris and Ivette dive deep into the sensitive but crucial topic of abuse. They discuss the different forms of abuse, how to recognize them, and share practical advice on how to navigate abusive situations. The hosts highlight the powerful survivor story of US gymnast Aly Raisman ✨, shedding light on the importance of speaking out and see...

Menopause can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Iris and Ivette share strategies for navigating before, during, and after menopause. From mental health to tuning into your body and practicing self-love, they’re opening up about the changes we go through and how to embrace them with confidence. Listen in and learn how to honor yourself through this powerful transition!...

This episode introduces our show "The Vital Women of Washington Heights" where we will be discussing, mental health, self love, and menopause. Thank you to our sponsor, Mental Health of American Dutchess County and CEO Andrew O'Grady. Chapters (00:00:00) - Vital Women of Washington Heights (00:00:56) - Vital Women of Washington, DC (00:04:19) - Mental health for women in February (00:09:56) - How...