Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Mindset, Permission and Real Talk for the High-Achieving Woman

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully. 

TODAY’S QUESTION:

What should I do if my child has a learning disability?

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman dives into the topic of mom shaming and the pressure that many parents face in today’s world. Drawing from her experience as a middle school counselor and as a mom, Vanessa highlights how behaviors we often see in children—like teasing and bullying—can carry into adulthood as mom shaming. Whether it’s a casual comment about your parenting choices or unsolicited advice, these judgmental moments can leave moms feeling criticized and overwhelmed.

Vanessa provides practical strategies to help moms navigate these uncomfortable situations with grace and confidence. From setting boundaries to handling criticism with humor, she shares insightful tips to help protect your peace. The episode emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and creating a supportive environment for yourself and those around you.

If you’re craving some real talk about the challenges of motherhood, this episode is for you.

Vanessa also talks about Amiga Mom's Real Mom Talks, an empowering series of meetups she created in 2018 to help moms navigate the challenges of motherhood while reconnecting with themselves. These gatherings focus on mindful connections and practical tips for recharging. After going virtual during the pandemic, Amiga Mom's Real MomTalks are now returning in person, starting Saturday, October 12th in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

Tune in to the full episode for more real talk on mom shaming and to learn how to stand tall in your parenting choices while staying true to yourself.

REFERENCED LINKS:
www.amigamoms.com

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions to help moms reduce the overwhelm, find joy and live life intentionally.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

What should I do if my child is being bullied in school?

REFERENCED LINK:
Confessions of a Former Bully SEL Book Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT07B3R0eFg 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman has a heartfelt conversation with Michelle Choairy, a dedicated mother and advocate for complex children. Michelle opens up about her personal experiences raising a child with a rare genetic disorder, sharing the challenges, emotional hurdles, and inspiring triumphs she has encountered along the way.

Michelle's story highlights the power of mindfulness in fostering resilience, self-compassion, and gratitude amidst the demands of parenting. She provides practical insights on how to integrate mindfulness into daily life, manage stress and overwhelm, and prioritize self-care while advocating for a child's needs. Through her organization, Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, Michelle offers a supportive community and valuable resources for mothers of children with disabilities, empowering them to find strength, clarity, and connection.

You will be inspired by Michelle's resilience and dedication to both her child and her own well-being. This episode offers a powerful reminder that motherhood is a journey of continuous learning, growth, and self-discovery. By embracing mindfulness, mothers can cultivate inner peace, navigate challenges with grace, and find moments of joy and connection amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting.

REFERENCED LINKS:

https://wisdom4complexkids.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wisdom4complexkids
www.instagram.com/michelle.choairy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellechoairy/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

SHOWNOTES: 

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions to help moms reduce the overwhelm, find joy and live life intentionally.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

My kid doesn't want to join any extracurricular activities and just wants to be home on the computer. What can I do to help?

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

In this episode, Vanessa celebrates her birthday by sharing personal reflections on how birthdays evolve as we grow older. From the excitement of gifts and cake as a child to a deeper focus on peace, connection, and personal growth as an adult, Vanessa reflects on the shift from getting to giving.

Tune in as she explores how birthdays become less about material things and more about the impact we have on those around us—especially our kids. Vanessa discusses how showing up as the best version of ourselves emotionally, mentally, and spiritually can make a profound difference in our lives and the lives of those we serve.

You'll also hear about the new Mom Stress to Mom Success course, designed to help busy moms reduce stress, build confidence, and foster stronger connections with their families. The course runs from October 1st to November 30th and provides tools to move from stress and overwhelm to joy and fulfillment in motherhood.

Tune in to the full episode to dive deeper into these reflections and learn how to embrace growth, both for yourself and those you love.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Mom Stress to Mom Success Course
https://www.amigamoms.com/momstresstomomsuccess

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions to help moms reduce the overwhelm, find joy and live life intentionally.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

My middle schooler wants to join so many clubs this year! Any tips?

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

In this episode, we're joined by Tanya Chavez, a facilitator, speaker, and leadership expert whose journey is as exhilarating as it is inspiring. From the U.S. Air Force Academy to executive coach for top firms like Google and PayPal, Tanya's path has been anything but ordinary. Discover how her experiences in indoor skydiving have shaped her unique approach to leadership and personal growth.

Tanya shares her incredible story of overcoming fear and embracing discomfort, both on the ground and in the air. She reveals how skydiving taught her invaluable lessons in self-regulation, mindfulness, and the power of micro-moments. These skills have not only propelled her professional success but also enriched her role as a mom.

Get ready to be inspired as Tanya shares practical strategies for navigating life's challenges with courage and resilience. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership, motherhood, and the importance of staying grounded in the face of overwhelm. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a busy mom, or simply seeking a more mindful approach to life, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

REFERENCED LINKS:

11 Ways to Keep Your Fear in Check from Tanya Chavez:
https://tanyaannechavez.myflodesk.com/freetobemindfulpodcast

https://tanyaannechavez.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaannechavez/
https://www.instagram.com/tanyaannechavez/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions to help moms reduce the overwhelm, find joy and live life intentionally.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
School has started and we're already fighting about screen time. Help! 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.

In this day and age, parents experience stressors from technology and social media, the youth mental health crisis, the loneliness epidemic, and the hyper-intense culture of comparison we live in, on top of the more traditional challenges experienced. In other words? It's a lot! 

In this episode, we're exploring how to navigate parental pressures and how to maintain internal peace in these intense environments to show up for ourselves and our children. 

Join Vanessa as we discover how to lighten the mental load, create the best version of ourselves, and help foster a positive impact on our lives while simultaneously raising our children as emotionally healthy adults. 

AMIGA MOMS
https://www.amigamoms.com/

CULTIVATING CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge

CALM, CONFIDENT & CONNECTED FREE WEBINARS
https://www.amigamoms.com/webinar

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

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.