This episode shares some ideas on how to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle, ways to learn and refresh on skills picked up during the school year, tips on implementing self-care, and techniques on tuning into how we can use the summer break to our advantage.

Whether you’re new to the community or you’ve been there along the journey, this episode allows you to take a deeper look at the highs & lows, and what made the mission and vision of ‘learn, grow, and inspire’ possible.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness month, this episode dives into the importance of breaking the mental health stigma by removing judgment, practicing kindness, and understanding our emotions.

This episode is for all of the moms who have experienced the hardships and big emotions that come along with the motherhood journey. Removing the stigma of what we "can" and "can't" feel is one of the first steps toward creating a healthier environment for all moms.

Tune into this podcast with licensed therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and special guest Dr. Divina Lopez, pediatrician and founder of Dancing Into Parenthood for this real-talk conversation on autism awareness and the value of mindfulness.

This episode asks the question: Is being too busy truly a good thing? We’ll dive into possible reasons we keep our schedules packed, the importance of adding self-care to our routine, and the benefits of being flexible with ourselves and our time.

This episode explores what insecurity can look like or where it comes from, although it can be different for each person. By being mindful, understanding where the emotions are coming from, and being kind to ourselves and others, we take steps toward battling our insecurities.

This episode dives into the transformation of sibling dynamics from childhood to adulthood, tips on nurturing our sibling relationships, and learning how to use change as a positive tool for growth.

This episode highlights ways to break out of a cycle of habits or thoughts that don't serve us purpose and emphasizes the importance of reframing your mindset.

This episode explores the various forms of art, the benefits of creativity on individual and community growth, and methods to incorporate art into our lifestyles.

This episode shares tips on ways to deal with the social, emotional, and physical impacts of a career change, how to navigate the job search, and the importance of practicing gratitude with yourself.

Understanding how diversity, EQ, and mindfulness intersect and using them to empower each other creates stronger individual identities and relationships. This episode explores the experiences of first-gens, the impact of self-care, and more!

This episode shares tips on uplifting ourselves and the woman around us, challenging societal norms, and learning how to use self-care as a positive tool for growth.

This episode shares tips on using healthy communication as a tool for romance, ways to re-ignite the flame past the puppy love stage, and the importance of creating a balance and working through negative patterns.

Self-love and self-care have a wide range of benefits and are essential to building strong relationships, healing, and mindfulness. This episode focuses on physical or emotional practices to guide us on the road of self-love to the journey of self-preservation.

Today’s question is: “I don’t know how to connect with my kids. I’m barely ever with them because of my long work hours. Besides asking them how they’re doing, and checking to see how they’re doing in school, I really don’t know what to talk with them about, or to play with them."

As children we engage in endless amounts of play. This episode shares the various forms of adult play, the physical and emotional benefits of play as adults, and some ways to integrate play in our everyday lives.

Today’s question is: “My high excelling middle schooler scored in the 70s on a test so as a consequence I took the phone away, because I know “Tik Tok is life.” Now of course she hates me. Is this the right thing to do?”

Tune into this podcast with host Vanessa and special guest and educator, Vanessa Paula, for this real-talk conversation on ways to incorporate love languages as a communication tool, practice mindful living for our self-care, and a short meditation at the end.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: "How do you get a quiet/shy child to open up more? I ask my son about his day and it's crickets!"

This episode dives into ways we can show gratitude toward our loved ones, make time for the relationships in our life, and exercise flexibility for our social connections, whether they’re old or new.

Today's question is: "This middle school drama has me nuts. My daughter’s circle of friends always has some drama happening, and somehow, she’s always at the center of it. What can I do to help?"

When we set high expectations we also need to incorporate healthy boundaries and mindsets. This episode shares tips to help us create a work-life balance to manage our personal growth, find areas of improvement in a positive means, and embrace forgiveness and letting go.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How I wish my kid could set a new year resolution to stop whining and actually clean her room! LOL”

The New Year typically brings upon the want or need to make some changes. However, there are important things to consider before implementing any change, if we are to be successful. This episode shares tips to help us prioritize our focus for the new year, in hopes to reach our goals.

2022 is almost at its end! To celebrate an amazing year we are replaying the most played episode from 2022. Time vs Fear. Very apropos for the New Year timing!

Vanessa celebrates the 2 year anniversary of the podcast while sharing the stressors of balancing the current mental load around the holiday season. Listeners are cued in and given tips on how to manage feelings during what can be a joyous, but stressful time.

The recent passing of Stephen tWitch Boss proved difficult to comprehend for many. This episode shares honest and raw feelings on the event, and provides education on understanding suicide, the semantics we use, and how we can help loved ones.

As we approach the holidays and think of the gifts we want to purchase for our loved ones, the concept of the 5 Love Languages may help with understanding what our loved ones may actually want for the holidays or special occasions.

Today’s question is: “With the holidays right around the corner I’m thinking about getting my kid a cell phone. What age is the right age?”

As we shop for the holidays we come across various employees & service providers. How far do we believe in the statement “The customer is always right?” This episode explores the concepts of providing good customer service & being a good customer.

Today’s question is: “You’d think my kid would behave around the holidays. I threaten him with the elf and Santa, but he is still throwing intense temper tantrums. Help!” Disclaimer: Adult ears only.

While it is believed we all exude joy during the holiday season, the reality is we may experience many holiday pressures. This episode gives you permission to prioritize yourself, while providing tips to protect your mental health during the holiday season.

On this Thanksgiving Day I would like to thank you for your support on the various projects I lead. I appreciate your trust throughout it all. Wishing you and your family and very Happy Thanksgiving!

Having a gratitude practice has various scientifically proven benefits. This episode shares those benefits, how we can all benefit from having a daily gratitude practice, in addition to naming 100 everyday things we can be grateful for today.

Today’s question is: “Thanksgiving is coming up and my kid is the pickiest eater. How do I get my kid to eat so that I won’t be judged by my extended family?”

When living great experiences two things typically happen - we get upset when the experiences have passed or we are left wanting more. In this episode learn how reframing thoughts can bring more joy and peace into our lives.

Today’s question is: “It’s the end of the marking period and my kid did terribly. I’m so mad but nothing seems to get through to him!”

In this episode Vanessa reflects on what we’re doing with the time we do have along with 5 tips to make the most of our time.

Today’s question is: “My kid forgets everything at home - homework, glasses, instruments, sneakers for PE - everything! How do I teach him responsibility?”

When we don’t get what we want, how do we react? And how does that impact others? These are the topics discussed in this week’s episode, along with tips to help with being patient and how to have a positive attitude while we’re waiting.

Today’s question is: “My kid has special needs and holidays like Halloween are tough for him. What can I do to help others understand our struggles?”

We don’t just treat others the way we want to be treated, we actually TEACH others the way we want to be treated. In this episode Vanessa shares tips to help your working, romantic, familial and parent-child relationships.

Today’s question is: “How do you give your children, specifically your middle schooler, more independence as they grow up, while still making sure that you have the reins?”

In this week’s episode, guest Lisa Dominguez share nuggets of how you can incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life. We can always find time for little moments for ourselves to be the best version of ourselves to those we serve.

My middle schooler is already talking about group costumes for Halloween and it's driving me nuts. So much unnecessary drama! Help!

This week’s episode is all about how to overcome this “Pinterest Perfect Parent” syndrome. How to heal from the comparison game of other parents, and steps to ensure you’re focusing on what matters most of all; the moments.

Today’s question is: “How do I teach my child kindness and inclusivity - including everyone and not leaving anyone out?”

In this episode, I will share with you some different practices and techniques to help you familiarize yourself with how to implement self-respect into your everyday life.

Today’s question is: “Kids are in school one month and I'm not liking my kid's teacher. They don't give enough homework. So different from my older child's teacher. What should I do?”

In this episode, I will share with you a few personal achievements I have had recently, how I am making mindful reflection on them, and how you can implement the same kind of thinking into your life as well.

Today’s question is: “I'm a stay at home mom. I thought I was going to be thrilled when my kids went to school, but I just miss them. What should I do?”

Vanessa invites Food & Health Coach Naihomy Jerez to discuss our relationship with food, how that is impacted by culture, and how we can positively impact our kids’ relationship with their food, along how mindfulness and food intersect.

Today’s question is: “My partner is Latino and I am not. He wants to speak Spanish to our kids at home, but it leaves me out. And they learn Spanish in school anyway. What should I do?”

Sometimes it takes tragic events or a loss of a loved one to remind us what is truly important in life. This episode provides tips on how we can take small steps to value life as it’s happening in the right here, right now.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “What can I ask on the Consult a Counselor Series?”

Welcome to season 4 of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast! Vanessa shares about herself, the podcast, and what drives her motivation in all she does. She also shares how this time of the year ties into yearly goals.

In this episode Vanessa reflects on summer while bringing season 3 of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast to an end. The progress and growth of the podcast are shared, including changes for season 4!

Did you know there are defined stages of development that describe important concepts we learn in each stage? This episode shares these stages, the concepts we should be obtaining in each stage, and what they have to do with mindfulness.

This episode shares three crucial tips that could make or break how successful this year is for your household. The major insight is how beneficial these tips are for YOU - more than for your kid.

August 8th is known as “Happiness Happens Day.” My question to you is, does happiness “just happen” Also, is it when it doesn’t happen, how do you mindfully manage intense feelings?

This episode shares mindful vacation tips for traveling with children and the benefits for traveling without children, while also discussing privilege and importance of connection.

July 24th is National Parents Day. Parenting is the hardest job in the world and doesn’t come with a manual. Our parenting styles have an impact on how secure our kids grow up to be. Tune in to learn more!

This episode discusses the intersectionality and potential alignment between our careers, passions and hobbies. Vanessa reflects on the idea of hobbies outside of work and how much we engage in things that bring us joy.

Many of us take vacations in the summer, and sometimes by the time we get back, we may feel as though we need a vacation from the vacation. In this episode we discuss the importance of and strategies on how to learn to rest.

This episode focuses on the importance of celebrating each step of life, of feeling fulfilled in our career choices, and of reflecting on the goals we have for our kids and for ourselves.

In this episode Vanessa shares a personal story about her recent first 5K experience, pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, and overcoming many challenges that took place on that day, through the power of mindfulness.

Adults often teach kids to consider their wants and needs, but there are times where we place more emphasis on one over the other, pending on our motives, priorities, budget and more. How do we do better?

Ever feel as though you are expected to play the part of a main character in a book or movie? Sometimes we play parts, especially during big life transitions, instead of being our most authentic selves.

Today’s question is: “It’s been a week and my kids are still feeling the aftermath of the Texas tragedy. They’re super scared to go to school. What can I do?"

In this episode Vanessa discusses the importance of creating the space and time to enjoy our families and our lives in the present moment instead of waiting until we run out of time and it’s too late.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How on earth do I talk to my kids about all of these tragedies happening.”

Free to Be Mindful turns 3! In this episode Vanessa shares Free to Be Mindful’s journey - the ups and the downs - in addition to providing motivation to achieving goals.

Today’s question is: “There is this kid who has made my daughter’s life absolutely impossible this year. I’m part of the same parent group, which makes it tough, but I don’t want my kid in classes with her next year. What can I do?”

This episode challenges mothers and caregivers to be selfish with their time, put themselves first, and create support networks to help keep a healthy balance within motherhood.

“My son is an only child and is awful at communicating. He doesn’t make eye contact with others, he doesn’t know how to initiate play or conversation with other kids, and just doesn’t know how to socialize. What can I do to help?”

April is Stress Awareness Month and Counseling Awareness Month - ironic, isn’t it! How do we know when our experienced stress needs professional help? And how do we go about seeking therapy? This episode answers those questions and more.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Today’s question is: “Recently I was criticized about my child being in a lot of activities. How much is too much?”

Ever notice how when we’re stressed and overwhelmed our kids begin to act up too? What can we do when there is a lot on our plate? Listen in and watch your kids’ behavior change.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Today’s question is: “Lately I’ve been super triggered by my kids. I’m annoyed by everything they do. How can I help them stop bothering me?”

Time is our most nonrenewable resource. What are you doing with the time you have? This episode has listeners reflect on how precious time is, think of the road blocks that may be in the way, and make plans to achieve set goals.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My child says things like, ‘I’m so stupid.' How can I help her see how awesome she is?"

March 8, 2022 celebrates International Women’s Day. This is must-hear for all women, especially mothers, to obtain gentle reminders challenging them to let go of things that no longer serve them, to be the best woman for themselves.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How can I prepare my kid as the mask mandates are lifted in schools?”

Disney’s Encanto has stolen our hearts with its beautiful story on the Latinx Madrigal family. This episode reviews the movie’s characters and themes, as they are seen through the eyes of a Latina therapist.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Today’s question is: “I flipped out with my kid. Like really flipped out. I lost my cool. Yelled at the top of my lungs. Cursed and sent him to bed. How can I fix my wrong?”

This episode shares Vanessa’s 7 pillars on how to love mindfully, in addition to experiencing self love and showing up for ourselves. Understanding and experiencing these pillars help us in all relationships, including the one we hold with ourselves.

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Today’s question is: “My young child stated they want to kill themselves. I’m in complete shock. But how do I know it’s serious and not just a play on words?”