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Halloween may come once a year, but for many moms, the masks don’t come off when October ends. In this heartfelt episode, Licensed Therapist and Mom Coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman explores the invisible emotional masks high-achieving mothers wear - the ones that hide exhaustion, guilt, and vulnerability behind a smile.
Through personal reflection and cultural insight, Vanessa shares how the pressure to “do it all” and “be la fuerte” (the strong one) can leave moms feeling unseen, disconnected, and overwhelmed. She opens up about the generational lessons of strength passed down by her own mother, and how those same values can sometimes keep us from asking for help.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
You don’t have to keep the mask on. True strength isn’t about holding it all together; it’s about being brave enough to be seen as you are. When we give ourselves permission to be real, we give others permission to do the same.
Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
💛 Coaching for Moms: https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking
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 powerful and inspiring episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Chicago-based boudoir photographer Liz Hansen to explore how boudoir photography can become more than just beautiful photos - it can be an act of healing, empowerment, and self-love.
As women, we often see our flaws before our beauty and dismiss our worth before celebrating it. But what happens when we flip that script? Liz shares how boudoir photography helps women rediscover their confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and reclaim their stories - especially for survivors of trauma, mothers navigating body changes, and women learning to embrace themselves at every stage of life.
This episode ties deeply into Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding us that appreciating yourself isn’t vanity… it’s resilience.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
When we choose to see ourselves fully—to celebrate our strength, softness, and story—we step into true empowerment. Healing begins when we stop waiting to be different and start appreciating who we already are.
Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagoboudoir
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicagoboudoir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-hansen-9aab35173/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChicagoBoudoirPhotography
TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9bkhCXpmIE
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.
Ever reach the end of the day and realize you barely lived it?
You checked all the boxes - lunches packed, emails sent, bedtime done - but somehow, it feels like you weren’t really there.
In honor of World Mental Health Day, this episode invites you to pause the endless doing and reconnect with the life happening right in front of you. Vanessa shares how living on autopilot quietly affects your mental health, why awareness is the first step toward peace, and how simple daily practices can help you slow down, breathe, and come home to yourself.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to start caring for your mental health.
Even the smallest moments of awareness - a breath, a pause, a “no” that honors your peace - can begin to pull you out of autopilot and back into the life you’re meant to feel.
Listen in, and remember… you are always free to be mindful.
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.
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.
What if your kitchen could be more than a place to cook? In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Licensed Therapist and Mom Coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman speaks with Janet Iri, founder of My Mindful Kitchen and creator of the MMK Method.
Janet brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, education, and sustainability — and she believes the kitchen is where parenting, connection, and mindfulness come alive. Together, we explore how everyday food routines can teach kids gratitude, life skills, and eco-friendly habits, while also reducing food waste at home.
This isn’t about picture-perfect meals. It’s about creating moments of learning, laughter, and connection around the table. Whether you’re looking to involve your kids in cooking, reduce your grocery waste, or simply bring more presence to mealtimes, this episode offers practical strategies you can use right away.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
✔ How to transform mealtimes into mindful, meaningful family moments
✔ Easy strategies to reduce food waste in your kitchen
✔ Fun and simple ways to get kids engaged with food
✔ Why gratitude and curiosity matter at the dinner table
FREEBIE
https://www.mymindfulkitchen.com/ebook-becoming-a-mindful-foodie
FIND JANET
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Your kitchen can be more than a place to make meals — it can be a space for connection, gratitude, and teaching kids lessons that last a lifetime.
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.
Ever snap at your kids because they asked what’s for dinner… while you were literally cooking dinner? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean you’re falling apart. It means you’re human.
In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Licensed Therapist and Latina Mom Coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman reminds us that you don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support. Mental health isn’t only about anxiety or depression — sometimes it looks like irritability, exhaustion, guilt, or feeling disconnected.
Vanessa shares practical ways to recognize when you’re “in a funk” and how to shift before burnout sets in. She also explains the difference between therapy, mom coaching, and community support — and how each can help you reset, reconnect, and feel more like yourself again.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
You don’t need to be falling apart to deserve support. Taking care of your mental health can look like therapy, coaching, or simply reaching out for connection. Start small, start now — because when moms are supported, families are supported.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
🌐 Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
💛 Coaching for Moms: https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking
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.
Birthdays have a way of sneaking up on us. When we were kids, it was all about cake, candles, and balloons. As adults - especially as moms — they can start to feel like just another date on the calendar, squeezed between school emails, soccer games, and endless to-do lists.
But what if birthdays weren’t just about a number? What if they became checkpoints, gentle pauses to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we want for the season ahead?
In this heartfelt episode, Vanessa - licensed therapist, mom coach, and host of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast - shares her own mid-forties reflections and the lessons that come with raising both a tween and a toddler at the same time. With humor, honesty, and plenty of real talk, she dives into how aging can feel less like loss and more like coming back to yourself.
Vanessa also opens up about the simple practices she uses around her birthday to reset, writing down reflections, creating an “I Want List,” and giving herself permission slips for rest, joy, and change. And she reminds moms everywhere that we don’t have to wait until birthdays or New Year’s to check in with ourselves.
Whether you’re in survival mode, juggling all the things, or just needing a reminder that it’s never too late to get yourself back, this episode offers grounding, laughter, and a mindful meditation to carry with you.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Getting older isn’t about losing who we are - it’s about finding our way back. With each year, we’re invited to stand more firmly in our truth, honor our growth, and give ourselves permission to be more us.
Parents.Com Referenced Article
3 in 4 Latine Moms Struggle To Express Their Needs—Here’s Why It’s So HardSend 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.
Discover how to lighten the mom mental load, reduce overwhelm, and create real mental space. In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, learn practical tips to manage cognitive and emotional labor so you can rest without guilt and show up with more presence.
Vanessa De Jesus Guzman dives into a struggle so many moms know all too well... the mental load. You finally have the house to yourself, the quiet you’ve been craving… yet instead of feeling rested, you’re still carrying the invisible weight of planning, remembering, and holding it all together.
Vanessa breaks down what the mental load really is, why it doesn’t disappear when life gets quiet, and how it’s quietly shaping your energy, relationships, and ability to rest. With a mix of humor and practical advice, this episode is a reminder that rest isn’t earned - it’s essential.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
The mental load doesn’t disappear just because the noise does. Lightening it isn’t about doing more, it’s about choosing what’s yours to carry, letting go of the rest, and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt.
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.
Motherhood changes everything - your brain, your identity, and the way you move through the world. In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa welcomes Jeanne Clevenger, licensed clinical psychologist and mom of four, to talk about the overlooked transition called matrescence.
From the fog of “mom brain” to the pressures of postpartum depression and anxiety, Jeanne shares her personal story of raising four kids (including twins) while navigating identity shifts and professional changes. Together, we unpack the science behind postpartum brain changes, the truth about motherhood’s mental load, and the importance of reclaiming time for yourself without guilt.
This honest and practical conversation is a reminder that motherhood isn’t about doing it all perfectly… it’s about awareness, intention, and giving yourself permission to grow alongside your children.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
RESOURCES MENTIONED
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Motherhood is messy, beautiful, and ever-changing… and that’s normal. By naming the identity shifts of matrescence, giving ourselves grace, and staying intentional about our values, we not only care for our kids but also for ourselves. Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful.
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.
Summer’s over… and somehow we’re already juggling new schedules, endless forms, school supply lists, and those rushed morning routines. For some moms, it feels like a sigh of relief. For others, the chaos is just beginning.
In this season 7 kickoff of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, Licensed Therapist, Mom Coach, and retired educator, shares a fresh perspective on navigating this transition with more ease and less pressure. Drawing from her Mindful Living Framework, Vanessa offers practical ways to create steady routines, shift morning energy, and bring calm back into your home (and your own mind).
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean losing yourself in chaos. With small, intentional shifts, you can create space for calm mornings, connected evenings, and routines that truly support your family. Listen in, take a deep breath, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful.
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.
This season was filled with powerful stories, inspiring guests, and real-life moments that reminded us: this is more than a podcast... it’s a movement.
In this heartfelt finale of Season 6, Vanessa reflects on the highs and the lessons, shares fun behind-the-scenes moments, and gives you a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 7. With 20 incredible guests — including doctors, therapists, entrepreneurs, and real moms navigating real life — this season offered wisdom, validation, and connection in every episode.
Plus, Vanessa shares how you can pause this summer without guilt, how to stay connected between seasons, and a limited-time free audiobook gift that you don’t want to miss.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
FREE GIFT
Brand Builders Group Limited Time FREE audio book download: Wealthy and Well Known
https://wealthyandwellknown.com/audiobook-rpp/?affiliate_code=161478
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
This season may be ending, but the impact continues. Whether you're catching up on past episodes, embracing a summer slowdown, or joining Amiga Moms™ for deeper support, know this: you're not alone — and you’re always Free to Be Mindful.
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.
From the publisher's feed
The Free to Be Mindful Podcast is a weekly mental health podcast for high-achieving women, hosted by licensed therapist, speaker, and Latina mom coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC,…
Fifteen honest minutes with someone who actually gets what it's like to build something impressive and still feel like you're disappearing inside it. We get honest about ambition, identity, and the parts of ourselves we've quietly put on hold.
Each episode is unfiltered and grounded in mental health insight, for the woman who's tired of holding it all together and ready to come back to herself. It ends with a short guided reflection, a chance to give yourself permission for the one thing you've been putting off.
It's like a conversation with a friend... who happens to be a therapist.
New episodes drop every week.

18,907 Listeners