Chats with Colleen

In this deeply personal episode of Chats with Colleen, Colleen steps out from behind the microphone to share a story of her own — her experience with domestic violence.

Opening up about something so personal is never easy, but Colleen shares her journey in hopes of bringing awareness to the realities of domestic violence, breaking the stigma surrounding abuse, and letting others know they are not alone.

Through her story, she discusses the challenges, the experiences that shaped her, and the strength it takes to find your voice and move forward. This is an honest and vulnerable conversation that reminds us why speaking up matters and why no one should ever feel they have to face abuse alone.

Sometimes the most important stories are the ones that are hardest to tell.

Join Colleen Pacheco on Chats with Colleen as she sits down with Shawn McCormick, a Central Florida real estate professional specializing in short-term rentals, investment properties, relocation, and new construction. With a background in hospitality management and nearly two decades of experience in real estate, Shawn shares his journey from the restaurant industry to helping buyers and investors navigate Florida's real estate market. He explains how he built his expertise in short-term rental properties, what makes a successful Airbnb investment, and why these properties should be treated like a business rather than a source of passive income. Colleen and Shawn also discuss how the Central Florida housing market has evolved, the impact of interest rates and new construction on buyers and sellers, and what investors should consider before purchasing a rental property. Plus, Shawn shares some unexpected and downright scary experiences from his time exploring vacant and abandoned homes! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about Central Florida real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of today's market. 🎧 Tune in, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to Chats with Colleen! References to products, services, companies, or organizations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement unless expressly stated. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. #ChatsWithColleen #RealEstateInvesting #CentralFloridaRealEstate #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbInvesting

What happens when an emergency room nurse trades hospital shifts for real estate investing?

In this episode of Chats with Colleen, Colleen Pacheco sits down with Sergio Ortega to discuss his journey from healthcare to real estate investing, the lessons he learned along the way, and what it takes to build a successful investment portfolio.

Sergio shares his experiences working in the ER, why he ultimately transitioned out of nursing, and how his early experiences with house flipping taught him valuable lessons about risk, patience, and navigating the real estate market. He also breaks down creative financing strategies, including seller financing, rental properties, and house flipping, while discussing opportunities for those looking to get started in real estate.

Whether you're curious about changing careers, exploring real estate as a side hustle, or learning more about creative financing, this conversation offers insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with investing.

Tune in to hear Sergio's story and learn how he turned an interest in real estate into a growing investment portfolio!

Like, share, and subscribe to Chats with Colleen for more conversations with entrepreneurs, professionals, and inspiring individuals.

References to products, services, companies, or organizations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement unless expressly stated. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

What happens when money goes missing during a real estate transaction? In this eye-opening episode of Chats with Colleen, Colleen sits down with Cindy Goodrich of Equity Title to discuss the often-overlooked world of title fraud, wire fraud, and real estate scams. Together, they break down a real-world case involving a disputed mortgage payoff, missing funds, and the questions that arise when a closing doesn't go as planned.

In this part 2 episode, Colleen sits down with Victoria Dumé — The Gratitude Coach and creator of the Her Immersion brand and the Create Hers Conference — for a powerful conversation about what truly happens when women gather with intention.

Victoria shares how her passion for community building grew from years in cultural exchange, personal development, and life coaching, ultimately leading her to create immersive experiences that help women feel seen, heard, connected, and supported beyond surface‑level networking. Together, they explore why real human connection matters now more than ever, especially in a world increasingly shaped by AI, isolation, and digital overwhelm.

From retreats and brunches to collaborative events and transformative workshops, Victoria reveals how community can open doors, spark opportunities, and change the trajectory of women’s lives — and why showing up in the room is often the first step toward expansion.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, a leader, or simply a woman craving deeper connection, this episode will remind you of the power of gathering, the magic of authenticity, and the importance of staying human in a rapidly shifting world.

In this inspiring episode, Colleen sits down with Victoria Dume — The Gratitude Coach and creator of the Her Immersion brand and the Create Hers Conference — for a powerful conversation about what truly happens when women gather with intention.

Victoria shares how her passion for community building grew from years in cultural exchange, personal development, and life coaching, ultimately leading her to create immersive experiences that help women feel seen, heard, connected, and supported beyond surface‑level networking. Together, they explore why real human connection matters now more than ever, especially in a world increasingly shaped by AI, isolation, and digital overwhelm.

From retreats and brunches to collaborative events and transformative workshops, Victoria reveals how community can open doors, spark opportunities, and change the trajectory of women’s lives — and why showing up in the room is often the first step toward expansion.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, a leader, or simply a woman craving deeper connection, this episode will remind you of the power of gathering, the magic of authenticity, and the importance of staying human in a rapidly shifting world.

In this powerful episode of Chats With Colleen, Colleen sits down with nurse practitioner Anna Grano for an honest, deeply human conversation about the ways trauma, anxiety, and everyday stress can push people toward unhealthy coping behaviors — including substance misuse and medication dependence.

Drawing from her experience working in psychiatric care, Anna explains how certain medications can provide fast relief but also carry significant risks when used outside their intended purpose. As she notes, “those medications work really, really well… the problem is they’re very addictive,” a reality many people don’t fully understand when they begin relying on them to get through daily life. Colleen echoes this concern, sharing that she often sees people “turning to substances or misusing their medications,” even when they’re seeking help rather than harm.

Together, they explore why individuals struggling with trauma or anxiety may gravitate toward quick fixes — alcohol, marijuana, benzodiazepines, or even street drugs — especially when healthier coping skills feel too slow or too difficult to develop. Anna highlights how misuse often begins subtly, explaining that she can sometimes tell immediately when someone is dependent because “that’s the only thing that’s ever going to help,” and alternative treatments are dismissed before they’re even tried.

The conversation also touches on the emotional and environmental triggers that worsen anxiety without people realizing it, from overstimulation to stressful conversations to the media we consume. Anna emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns and building multiple coping strategies instead of relying on a single escape. Colleen and Anna also discuss the unique challenges faced by older adults, who may struggle to express their symptoms or accept help, and how cognitive decline can intensify anxiety in ways that are difficult for families to navigate.

This episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight for anyone dealing with anxiety, trauma, or substance misuse — or supporting someone who is. It’s a reminder that while coping is natural, some forms of coping can become dangerous without awareness, support, and healthier tools.

If this conversation can help someone you know, please share it. And remember: if you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

References to products, services, companies, or organizations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement unless expressly stated. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

n this gripping final installment of our series with Mitzi Driggers, Chats With Colleen dives deeper into her allegations of land‑title fraud, forged documents, family betrayal, and the fear that has shaped her daily life. Mitzi opens up about the legal battles, the loss of her generational ranch, and the unsettling experiences that have left her feeling unsafe in her own home.

This episode explores the emotional toll of fighting for the truth, the complexities of property fraud, and the courage it takes to speak out when the people closest to you are involved. Through her story, we shine a light on the broader issues of deed manipulation, mortgage fraud, and the importance of awareness and protection for vulnerable homeowners.

The Ranch, the Murders, and the Truth She Refuses to Bury In this powerful chapter of Chats With Colleen, Mitzi Driggers opens up about the land she grew up on, the legacy she’s fighting to reclaim, and the heartbreaking losses that pushed her to speak out. Her story is raw, emotional, and rooted in a determination to protect others by finally telling the truth she’s carried alone for far too long. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unheard, unseen, or underestimated. Mitzi’s courage is undeniable — and her voice deserves to be heard. #ChatsWithColleen #MitziDriggers #TruthAndHealing #FloridaStories #PodcastSeries

The information, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization, employer, or affiliated entity. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, medical, insurance, or other professional advice.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

References to products, services, companies, or organizations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement unless expressly stated. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

Colleen sits down with her producer, Sean, to unpack her first‑ever adventure aboard a Virgin Cruise Line ship. From the moment she stepped on deck to the final sunset at sea, she shares what surprised her, what delighted her, and what she’d skip next time. Expect candid laughs, honest takes on the food, entertainment, and vibe, plus a few behind‑the‑scenes stories that only happen when you’re trying something totally new. It’s a fresh, funny, and unfiltered look at what it’s really like to be a first‑timer on one of the world’s most talked‑about cruise experiences.