Ever feel like your inner voice got buried under the roles you play—mother, partner, career woman—and somehow lost its way?

Hello and welcome back to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast! I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, and today, we’re diving into the world of finding your voice. Joining me is the amazing Amy Green Smith, a certified life coach and hypnotherapist who’s mastered the art of blending irreverence, wisdom, and humor. Amy has dedicated her career to helping people step into their power and embrace their true selves, and today, she’s sharing her journey to discovering her voice.

Growing up in a strict, religious household, Amy had always been the “good girl,” following all the rules and doing everything “right.” But as she ventured into adulthood, she felt the need to step away from her family’s expectations and find her own path. This journey became especially poignant after her father’s passing, when she was confronted by her mother, who felt that she and her siblings had disappointed their family by not following the faith.

“I realized I was at a precipice: Make someone else happy or choose my own happiness. And that day, I chose me.” – Amy Green Smith

This moment marked a turning point for Amy—a realization that her voice mattered, even if it ruffled some feathers.

Finding your voice isn’t easy. It’s a journey filled with self-doubt, fear, and sometimes, opposition. Amy and I joked about the struggle of “staying strong” in your beliefs while dealing with the discomfort that comes with asserting yourself.

Amy reminded me—and all of us—that finding your voice means embracing discomfort. It’s about learning to sit with the pain of standing up for yourself, even if it means going against what others want or expect. For her, the journey included setting boundaries, sometimes clumsily, with her mother. It was messy and often painful, but it was a necessary step toward living authentically.

Imagine discovering a lump and being told, 'You’re too young to worry about this.' For Regina Casini and many other women, these words reflect the systemic challenges in advocating for our health. In this episode, I dive into the power of self-advocacy and early detection with Regina, who shares her journey through breast cancer and the importance of knowing and standing up for your body’s needs.

Hey ladies, welcome to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. My name is Veronica Cisneros, and today, we’re diving into something most of us choose to ignore—our own health.

Today’s episode is all about self-care, but not in the way you might think. We're talking real, foundational health, and how women—especially mothers and high-achieving women—often delay it, prioritizing everyone else first. This episode is close to my heart because our guest, Regina Cassini, opens up about her journey with breast cancer and her role at Michelle's Place, a breast cancer resource center that offers critical support. Let’s dive into why it’s so hard for us to make our health a priority and how we can change that.

• Health is often neglected by women, especially mothers.
• Regina's journey with Michelle's Place began with her own cancer diagnosis.
• Michelle's Place was founded to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
• Emotional distress and body image are significant challenges for women with breast cancer.
• Women often hesitate to ask for help during difficult times.
• Support systems are crucial for those battling cancer.
• Younger clients are increasingly seeking support for various cancers.
• Early detection of cancer significantly improves treatment options.
• Patients should advocate for themselves and ask questions during medical appointments.
• Michelle's Place offers a variety of resources and support for cancer patients.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I walked through the doors of Michelle’s Place, not as a visitor but as someone whose world had been turned upside down.” - Regina Cassini

In 2017, Regina stumbled upon Michelle’s Place at a health fair and made a donation, never imagining that only a few months later, she’d be the one needing support. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she found a safe haven in Michelle’s Place, a resource center founded by Bill and Marilyn Watson in honor of their daughter, Michelle. At 19, Michelle discovered a lump in her breast, but doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns. By the time she was finally diagnosed at 23, it was stage-four breast cancer.

“Michelle’s Place was her dream—a place where no one should face cancer alone.” - Regina Cassini

When Michelle passed away at just 26, her family opened Michelle’s Place as a sanctuary for those affected by breast cancer, fulfilling Michelle’s dream to create a space where people could find comfort and companionship.

"She did everything right, yet still had to face this journey. I think about the moms listening right now who are constantly putting themselves last, delaying their own appointments.” - Veronica Cisneros

So many women push their health to the back burner. I can’t count the times I’ve sat across from a woman who can tell me the exact date of her child’s last doctor’s appointment but can’t remember her own. We take care of everyone else, but when it comes to ourselves, there’s always something else more important. The truth is, many women avoid check-ups, waiting until something is seriously wrong, rather than taking proactive steps.

“Common struggles include emotional distress, body image issues, financial strain, and the hardest one—how to tell the kids.” - Regina Cassini

Regina described the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Beyond the physical battle, there’s an emotional weight, the fear of looking different, the financial burdens, and the terrifying responsibility of breaking the news to children. Regina has seen these struggles over and over at Michelle’s Place, and the hardest part is helping women realize that they don’t have to carry this alone.

What if the very thing you thought was helping you sleep was actually sabotaging your health and happiness?

Welcome to another episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, LMFT. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that affects every part of our lives but is often overlooked—sleep. Joining us is Morgan Adams, a holistic sleep coach who helps women transform their sleepless nights into restful, rejuvenating sleep experiences.

Morgan’s journey is inspiring. After struggling with insomnia and relying on prescription sleeping pills for nearly a decade, she found her way back to natural, healthy sleep. Today, she’s here to share her personal story, along with practical advice to help you reclaim your nights and improve your overall well-being.

For many of us, achieving restful sleep feels like a distant dream. But by focusing less on numbers and more on how we feel, we can start to make real progress. Whether it’s taking “mindfulness snacks” throughout the day, practicing constructive worrying, or being mindful of how poor sleep impacts our hunger, small changes can lead to big results.

Remember, restful sleep isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you and allowing yourself the space to truly unwind. Let’s prioritize our sleep so we can show up as our best selves each day.

Read more. 

Morgan Adams: Her Story—How She Overcame a Decade-Long Sleeping Pill Dependence and Reclaimed Her Sleep (and Health)

Morgan Adams found herself in the throes of sleepless nights in her mid-thirties after an unexpected crisis turned her world upside down. As a pharmaceutical sales rep, she couldn’t afford to be sleep-deprived, and the demands of her job left her desperate for rest. A physician-prescribed sleeping pill seemed like the perfect solution. In the pharmaceutical world, it wasn’t hard for her to get access to medication.

However, what Morgan didn’t know was that these sleeping pills weren’t helping her achieve restorative sleep. While they sedated her, they didn’t provide the rest her body and mind needed to recover. She often woke up groggy, disoriented, and found evidence of late-night snacking sessions she didn’t even remember. She was barely making it through her days, and it became clear that relying on these pills was doing more harm than good.

Despite the challenges, Morgan embarked on a journey to reclaim her sleep—and her health.

Now, as a double-certified holistic sleep coach, Morgan is on a mission to help women reclaim their rest. She offers personalized coaching that gets to the root of sleep issues, addressing each client’s unique needs with customized action plans. Her approach includes:

• Unlimited messaging and support
• Tailored strategies to fit individual lifestyles
• Discounts on carefully vetted products to promote better sleep

DIGITAL COORDINATES:

Morgan Adams Wellness Website

If you’re feeling stuck and ready to explore these challenges more deeply, consider reaching out for professional help. Here at Outside the Norm Counseling, we’re here to support you on your journey to self-discovery and confidence. For more information, go to Outside the Norm Counselingor call us at 951-395-3288.

Thank you for joining me today. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy and empowered. Until next time, stay unapologetically you. Bye for now.

Talking to your kids about cancer might feel like one of the hardest conversations you'll ever have, but as a mother, it's a conversation that can strengthen your family's resilience in ways you never imagined.

Welcome back to another episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. I’m Veronica Cisneros, your host and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and today we’re diving into a heavy, but necessary, topic: talking to your kids about cancer. 

I know—it’s not something anyone wants to discuss, but if you or a loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, it’s something that needs to be addressed. We’ve been getting an increasing number of calls from families who are struggling with how to start these conversations with their children. Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or lost a loved one, this episode is about how to navigate those tough discussions, support your children emotionally, and build resilience in your family.

So let’s dive in.

• Talking to your kids about cancer is necessary.
• Kids often pick up on more than we realize.
• Don't panic. Your kids need to know they're safe.
• Honesty is critical and your kids can handle more.
• Don't be afraid to show your emotions.
• Therapy can be a game changer.
• Resilience isn't something they're born with.
• Encourage open dialogue, even when it's uncomfortable.
• Teens often open up more through activities.
• You're not expected to navigate this alone.

When you're dealing with cancer, one of the hardest parts is balancing your own emotional processing with being there for your children. You may think that if your child isn’t asking questions, then maybe they’re okay. But here’s the truth: kids pick up on more than we realize.

They’re experts at noticing changes in behavior, tone, and routines. While they may not verbalize their worries, they can still be affected emotionally. Often, kids will internalize their feelings, showing signs of distress through their behavior rather than words.

Here are some common signs that your child might be struggling to process the news:

• Withdrawal: Your child may become quieter or spend more time alone. This is a sign that they might be trying to protect themselves emotionally or even protect you from additional stress.
• Acting Out: You might notice irritability, frustration, or sudden changes in behavior. A normally easygoing child may start having more emotional outbursts or tantrums.
• Over-responsibility: This one is huge, especially for older children. They may feel like they need to step up and take on more responsibilities at home. This can lead to anxiety or even depression if left unchecked.

Let me give you an example. I worked with a family where the mother was diagnosed with cancer, and her 11-year-old daughter started isolating herself. She wasn’t asking questions, but her teachers noticed she wasn’t engaging in class. At home, she would go straight to her room. After digging deeper, we found that she was overwhelmed by the diagnosis but didn’t know how to express her fears.

“Kids can internalize stress without showing it right away, so even if they’re not talking about it, they’re likely feeling it.” - Veronica Cisneros

Read more. 

Vaginal health might be a taboo topic, but it’s time to start the conversation and take control of your body.

Hey, ladies! Welcome back to another episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, and today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s rarely discussed but so important—vaginal rejuvenation. That’s right! We’re getting real about a subject that directly impacts our personal well-being but often stays in the shadows.

I’m thrilled to introduce my guest, Lana Kerr, the founder and CEO of Lumisque. Lana has been a game-changer in the skincare and wellness industry, first by pioneering weight loss programs and then by launching groundbreaking products like CO2 Lift for skin and vaginal rejuvenation. Today, we’re going to talk about why vaginal health is crucial, how aging affects this part of our bodies, and the innovative, safe treatments that can change your life.

Let’s get into it!

• Vaginal rejuvenation using CO2 Lift V can enhance lubrication, sensitivity, and sexual enjoyment, addressing the effects of aging and decreased blood flow in intimate areas.
• CO2 Lift V has been clinically proven to improve sexual function, including arousal, desire, lubrication, orgasm, and reduction in painful sex.
• The gel used in CO2 Lift V is a safe and painless treatment that delivers carbon dioxide to regenerate the tissue, increase blood flow, and improve the overall health of the vulva and vagina.
• CO2 Lift V can also help with stress incontinence and prevent or treat vaginal infections by rebalancing the pH of the vaginal area.
• The treatment regimen for CO2 Lift V typically involves 10 treatments over two weeks, followed by monthly maintenance treatments.
• CO2 Lift is also used for skin rejuvenation on the face and body, providing benefits such as increased elasticity, luminosity, and reduction in fine lines. Start early with skincare and vaginal health to maintain a youthful appearance.
• CO2 Lift is a safe and effective option for vaginal rejuvenation.
• Education is crucial in raising awareness and improving women’s wellness.
• Skin quality and hydration play a significant role in maintaining a youthful appearance.

What really affects a mom’s mood after having a baby? How do you keep your relationship strong through the chaos?

In this episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast, I sat down with Jess Hull — former Google and Facebook employee and the incredible founder of Mother Me, a support app for successful women who want to do more than just survive their postpartum — to talk about the real, unfiltered side of motherhood. 

Jess opened up about her own experiences as a mom and shared some powerful insights on the importance of taking care of yourself, leaning on your partner, and how crucial it is to have honest, open communication. This conversation delves into the emotional, physical, and relational challenges mothers experience—and how we can be better prepared to face them.

• Mothers often feel invisible during the postpartum period.
• Quality of sleep and relationships significantly impact postpartum mood.
• Breastfeeding decisions can affect hormonal balance and mood.
• Open communication with partners is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Regular check-ins with partners can enhance relationship satisfaction.
• Self-care is essential and should be prioritized by mothers.
• Support systems are vital for navigating motherhood challenges.
• Understanding postpartum changes can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Mothers should not feel guilty for seeking help and support.
• Creating a meal plan can aid in postpartum recovery.

When Jess entered motherhood while working at Facebook, she thought having great healthcare benefits and employee perks would ensure a smooth transition into postpartum life. But soon after her first child was born, reality hit. Despite the support she received at work, she felt an overwhelming sense of isolation. Society’s focus on the baby, while the mother’s needs were sidelined, became glaringly obvious. Jess wasn’t prepared for the physical, emotional, and mental toll that postpartum would take on her, and it left her feeling disconnected, both from herself and from those around her.

Read more. 

As parents—especially high-achieving mothers—we must reflect on how we show up for our children.

Welcome to a pivotal episode of Empowered and Unapologetic! I'm your host, Veronica Cisneros, and today we’re addressing an urgent issue: teen anxiety and the essential role parents play in managing this crisis.

As we recognize Suicide Awareness Month, it’s crucial to understand how anxiety and depression increasingly impact our youth.

• Teen anxiety and depression are on the rise, and it is crucial for parents to understand and support their teens during this challenging time.
• Validation is key in helping teens feel seen and heard. Parents should provide dedicated, uninterrupted time to listen to their teens' concerns without judgment or criticism.
• Open communication channels and ensuring teens know they can talk to their parents at any time is essential for building trust and strengthening the parent-teen relationship.
• Parents should seek help and resources if they feel overwhelmed or if their teen is struggling with anxiety or depression. Therapy, parenting groups, and books can offer guidance and support.
• By implementing time-efficient strategies and actively engaging with their teens, parents can make a positive impact on their teens' mental health and overall well-being.

As a clinician, I often encounter teens battling anxiety and depression, which is particularly heartbreaking for parents who believe they’re providing a better life than they had. Many parents struggle to grasp why their seemingly well-supported children are experiencing anxiety. A staggering 30% of high school girls have seriously considered suicide, with even higher rates among LGBTQ+ teens. These statistics highlight an urgent need for awareness and understanding; they represent real lives and real struggles.

So, what fuels this rise in anxiety among teens? Factors like social media, academic pressure, and global uncertainty contribute significantly. However, what stands out is the profound isolation many teens feel, even when surrounded by fam

Ever felt like you're juggling so many balls that taking care of yourself seems impossible? Ever wonder how your personal well-being can ripple out to impact your relationships, including your marriage?

In this episode, we're diving into the world of self-care and personal wellness with O'Neil Luscombe, the founder of No Limits. O'Neil, who grew up navigating tough circumstances, brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. He shares how his experiences shaped his unique approach to coaching busy professional women.

From the effects of negative self-care to the importance of intrinsic motivation, we explore it all. Get ready to hear how taking responsibility for your happiness and investing in your personal health can transform your life and relationships. Tune in for insights that might just change the way you think about self-care and success!

• Having a good relationship with oneself is essential for healthy relationships with others, including marriage.
• Negative self-care can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
• Challenges faced by busy professional women, such as lack of time and financial resources, can negatively impact their marriages.
• Breaking limiting beliefs and being honest with oneself are important steps towards personal growth and well-being. Take responsibility for your own happiness and don't blame others.
• Reach out for help when you are at your breaking point or rock bottom.
• Hold yourself accountable to your unbreakable promise, a commitment to your personal development.
• Intrinsic motivation is key to sustaining behavior change.
• Understand the consequences and have a clear vision to drive your actions.
• Look at the transformation stories of successful individuals to see the benefits of investing in personal health.

Ever felt like life has you stuck on repeat, caught in a loop of stress and overwhelm?

In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Michelle Grosser—an attorney, pastor, nervous system expert, and life coach—who’s been there, too. Michelle and I dive deep into what it really takes to break free from those negative thought patterns and find peace within ourselves. We talk about everything from healing the nervous system and surrendering control to trusting in God’s plan and finding gratitude in the hard times. Michelle shares her own journey through burnout and reveals three powerful steps to help you start your own healing process. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this conversation!

• Healing the nervous system is essential for overall well-being and can help alleviate physical and emotional symptoms of burnout.
• Surrendering control and trusting in God’s plan can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of peace.
• Difficult situations and challenges can be opportunities for learning and growth.
• Finding gratitude in the midst of adversity can help shift perspective and bring a sense of peace. Feeling safe and secure is essential for personal growth and breaking free from negative thought patterns.
• Noticing somatic responses can help regulate the nervous system and improve overall well-being.
• Prioritizing stillness and incorporating play are important for self-care and maintaining a healthy mindset.
• Shifting from judgment to curiosity can improve relationships and foster self-awareness.

I see it all the time: women who seem to have it all together but are quietly crumbling inside. This topic is deeply personal to me. Just recently, the heartbreaking loss of a highly respected psychiatrist in our community, who tragically took her own life, hit me hard. She was someone so many of us admired, and yet, her inner struggles were hidden from everyone around her. This loss, along with the memory of losing a dear childhood friend to suicide, has stirred a fire in me to speak up. We need to talk about the hidden mental health battles that so many of us face behind closed doors.

I’ve worked with countless women who are juggling careers, motherhood, relationships, and the relentless pressure to be perfect. They wake up exhausted, push through the day, and check off every box on their to-do list, all while feeling disconnected and drained.

What we don’t often see are the silent struggles—high-functioning depression, substance abuse, and the overwhelming pressure to keep it all together. If you’ve ever felt like you’re quietly drowning while appearing “just fine,” this conversation is for you. Let’s dive into these hidden struggles, break down the stigma, and remind ourselves that asking for help is not just okay; it’s necessary. In this episode of Empowered and Unapologetic, we're diving into some heavy, but necessary, conversations around suicide awareness and the mental health challenges that high-achieving women often face. We're peeling back the layers to uncover the hidden struggles of high-functioning depression and substance abuse—issues that can easily fly under the radar.

But don’t worry, we’re not just talking about the problems; we're also focusing on solutions. From self-exploration techniques to building a supportive community and accessing the right care, we’re here to make sure you’re equipped to manage your mental health proactively. Let's get into it!

• High achieving women often struggle with high functioning depression, which may not be visible to others.
• Substance abuse can intersect with mental health issues among high achieving women, and recognizing the signs is important.
• There are barriers to accessing mental health care for high achieving women, including stigma and fears of professional image.
• Managing mental health requires proactive and continuous efforts, including self-exploration, building a supportive community, and seeking professional help.