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Free to Be Mindful Podcast
What High-Performing Kids Need That Parents Often Miss
April 13, 2026
Ep:
308
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Mindfulness for high-performing kids and overwhelmed moms — Free to Be Mindful Podcast with Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC and Dr. Pete Economou
What if the loudest critic in your kid's life isn't in the bleachers... it's in their own head? Dr. Peter Economou, licensed psychologist, Zen teacher, and Olympic-level competitive swimmer, joined us for a conversation that's equal parts practical and profound, and it applies to every mom who's ever wondered whether she's helping or accidentally adding to the pressure.
What You'll Learn
✅ Why mindfulness isn't about slowing down, it's about training your brain on purpose, and why that distinction changes everything for high performers
✅ What the "demons on the boat" metaphor from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches us about bully thoughts, and why trying to push them down is exactly what keeps kids stuck
✅ The middle path between "nothing is ever good enough" and burnout — and how parents can help kids find it without living out their own unfinished stories through them
✅ Three simple, practical ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life without a meditation cushion or a free hour
FOLLOW DR. PETE
Website: https://www.officialdrpete.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Hamster Wheel Hook
00:18 Podcast Intro
00:49 Meet Dr Pete
02:07 Fun Fact Olympic Swimmer
03:28 Belonging Beyond Titles
04:32 Mindfulness Meets Sports
06:18 What Mindfulness Is
08:08 Mindfulness for Busy Moms
09:13 Three Everyday Practices
11:01 Quieting Bully Thoughts
14:51 Middle Path Parenting
17:47 Motivation and Self Care
19:50 Balance and Perspective
22:23 Legacy and Genuineness
24:00 Where to Find Dr Pete
24:32 Host Wrap and Reflection
NJ RESIDENTS, WORK WITH VANESSA Book a free 15-minute therapy consultation https://www.freetobemindful.com/contact
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
🎁 Free Resource — 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
💛 Coaching for Moms: https://www.amigamoms.com
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.
Dr. Pete: [00:00:00] most of the stuff that we do is like a hamster on a wheel. Like the, like the elliptical, for example. Right? Mom, mom, if you're on the elliptical right now, you're literally going nowhere, you know? Whereas if you're sitting on the cushion, also not going anywhere, but you're training your brain, 'cause it's with intention. It's the on purpose piece that's key.
Vanessa: You are listening to the Free to Be Mindful podcast, where busy moms get practical tips and real talk conversations to find calm joy in a little more breathing room in everyday life. I'm Vanessa Licensed therapist, mom, coach, and a mom to a tween and toddler. Each week we get honest about motherhood and mindset helping you live with more presence, less pressure without losing your well, you know.