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

• Why birthdays can serve as powerful checkpoints for growth
• How motherhood changes the way we see aging, and ourselves
• Simple reflection practices you can start today
• The importance of weekly pauses to reconnect with yourself

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• How aging can be an act of alignment, not invisibility
• Why moms often lose themselves in the roles they carry
• Two simple ways to pause and reflect without waiting for New Year’s
• The power of permission slips for joy, rest, and rediscovering yourself

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

Send us a text

Support the show

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

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:

• What the “mental load” is and how it shows up for moms
• The surprising statistic that reveals the imbalance in household mental effort
• Why quiet time can still feel overwhelming
• Practical strategies to lighten your mental load
• How 1:1 coaching can help you create real mental space without guilt
  
  
  

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• The difference between cognitive labor, emotional labor, and invisible multitasking
• How the default assumption of leadership plays into overwhelm
• Why reframing rest changes everything
• Simple, actionable ways to reduce mental load starting today
  
  
  

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 a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

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

• Jeanne’s journey through postpartum depression, anxiety, and raising four kids
• The science behind matrescence and why “mom brain” feels so real
• The differences between therapy and coaching for moms
• Creating intentional family values that anchor your home
• How to find time for yourself without guilt

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• What matrescence really means and why every mom experiences it
• How postpartum brain changes impact memory, identity, and connection
• Practical strategies to reduce the mental load of motherhood
• The role of therapy vs. coaching and when each is most helpful
• Simple ways to bring more intention and calm into your daily life

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Postpartum to Professional Coaching Program: postpartumtoprofessional.com
  
  
• Free Guide for Moms Returning to Work:  https://www.postpartumtoprofessional.com/free-guide-podcast-listeners 
  
  
• Amiga Moms™ Private Coaching with Vanessa: amigamoms.com/coaching

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 abou

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

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

• How to release summer guilt and start the school year fresh
• Simple routines that help both moms and kids feel steady
• Tips to create calmer mornings without overhauling everything
• How gratitude rituals can transform busy evenings
• A short guided meditation to set your intention for a calmer school year
  
  
  

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• Why September feels like a natural reset for moms
• 5 mindful tips to reduce overwhelm during back-to-school
• How to use awareness and intentional action to feel more grounded
• Ways to create calm moments for yourself amidst new routines
  
  

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 a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

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

• A look back at the most listened-to and most watched episodes of Season 6
• Shoutout to the most memorable guest moments and listener feedback
• Why the shift from two episodes a week was necessary (spoiler: motherhood!)
• How you can also slow down this summer, guilt-free
• Summer podcast fun: Tea and Takeaways: A Therapist's POV
• Behind-the-scenes of what’s coming in Season 7
• A special invitation to Amiga Moms™ Private Coaching
• A free audiobook gift from the founders of Brand Builders Group

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• Why Season 6 felt more personal and powerful than ever before
• What slowing down actually looks like in real life (and why it’s okay)
• How to give yourself permission to reset without falling behind
• Ways to stay grounded, supported, and intentional this summer
• How to access a free resource to help you grow your voice and visibility

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 a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

What if you didn’t have to wait for a breakdown or life crisis to start living with purpose? In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Malaysia Harrell, a spiritual transformation coach, licensed psychotherapist, veteran, and speaker. Malaysia shares how a near-death experience became the turning point that led her to surrender, heal, and fully step into alignment with her life’s mission.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly putting others first, stuck in survival mode, or unsure how to make time for yourself, this conversation will speak to you. Malaysia opens up about the power of saying no, the importance of listening to your body, and why your legacy begins now, not someday in the future.

You don’t need to wait for the right moment to take action. This episode will leave you feeling inspired to live with intention and create a life that reflects who you really are.

REFRENCED LINKS:

https://www.malaysiaharrell.com/

https://www.blissfullifeconsulting.com

https://www.instagram.com/malaysiahharrell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaysia-h-harrell-a322b19b/

https://www.instagram.com/malaysiahharrell/

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

In this heartfelt winddown of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa invites us to explore the very thing so many of us struggle with: rest. Through personal stories, cultural reflections, and gentle guidance, she helps us unpack why slowing down feels uncomfortable — and how to finally find peace in the pause.

Drawing from her upbringing in a traditional Dominican household, Vanessa shares how hustle culture, perfectionism, and even trauma can shape our relationship with rest. She walks us through how to rebuild safety in stillness by tending to the mind, listening to the body, and reconnecting with the soul.

Whether you're heading into summer overwhelmed or eager to reset, this episode offers a loving reminder: you don’t have to earn your rest. You are worthy of peace, presence, and joy — just as you are.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

• How cultural and emotional conditioning shapes our discomfort with rest
• The hidden fears behind constant motion
• Ways to create mental white space and emotional clarity
• Practices to listen to your body and release stored tension
• Small ways to nourish your soul and reconnect with your true self
• An invitation to pause as we head into summer
• A gentle ad for Amiga Moms™ Coaching and how to start your own journey

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• Why hustle doesn’t always mean productivity
• How perfectionism and trauma impact your ability to slow down
• What brain dumps, grounding, and soul-play can do for your nervous system
• Practical tools to rest your mind, body, and soul — no guilt necessary
• How to start reconnecting with the version of you who felt like herself

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
You’re not falling behind — you’re just overdue for rest. As the school year winds down and the podcast pauses for summer, let this episode remind you to slow down with intention. Because you don’t have to earn your rest — you just have to receive it.

Amiga Moms Private Coaching

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa is joined by dermatologist and mom Dr. Mary Alice Mina to talk about how our skin changes over time—and why taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. They break down what really affects our skin, including hormones, stress, and lifestyle habits.

Dr. Mina shares practical advice that goes beyond just products. She talks about how skincare is connected to sleep, nutrition, and how we care for ourselves day to day. The conversation is filled with helpful tips that make skincare feel doable, not overwhelming.

They also discuss the pressure many women feel to look a certain way, and how to shift our mindset around aging. For moms especially, this episode is a great reminder that small, consistent habits and self-care go a long way—and that asking for help is not only okay, but necessary.

If you’ve ever felt lost in skincare routines, pressured by social media, or just want to feel more confident in your own skin, this one’s for you. Hit play and take what you need from this refreshing and relatable conversation.

REFERENCED LINKS:

www.theskinreal.com

https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin

https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin

https://www.tiktok.com/@drminaskin

https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

In this thoughtful episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa invites you to explore what it really means to be rich, beyond bank accounts and material success. Through reflections on celebrity insights and everyday experiences, she shares how true wealth is often rooted in presence, purpose, and a deep sense of gratitude. 

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

• Why money is often tied to safety and happiness
• What high-net-worth celebrities say about true success
• How life in simpler settings can reflect deeper joy
• Personal reflections on motherhood, heritage, and meaning
• A gentle guided meditation and journaling prompt to cultivate gratitude

TUNE IN TO LEARN

• How to reframe your definition of wealth
• The power of gratitude in shifting your mindset
• Questions to reflect on your values and alignment
• Why mindfulness and intention go hand-in-hand with abundance

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Being rich isn’t about what you have - it’s about what you notice. Gratitude helps us see the beauty, purpose, and peace that are already present in our lives.

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman talks with Dr. Nichelle Bowes, a leadership coach, mental fitness expert, and speaker. After a life-changing bike accident, Dr. Bowes began helping high-achieving women, especially Black and Brown women, live with more purpose and joy.

They explore the pressure many women feel to follow a checklist of life milestones—like getting the degree, the job, the marriage, the family—and how that path doesn’t always lead to happiness. Dr. Bowes shares a simple and powerful process to reconnect with yourself, build confidence, and create a life that feels true and fulfilling.

The episode also touches on the difference between therapy and coaching, and how they can work together to support your personal growth. As the founder of Chocolate Serenity, Dr. Bowes wraps up the episode with a mindful eating meditation that makes it easy to bring mindfulness into your daily life.

If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to rewrite the rules and choose yourself. Share this conversation with a friend and check out Dr. Bowes’s inspiring work and uplifting book.

Referenced Links

Dr. Nichelle Bowes’s Book: Sacred Serenity: Start Your Day With Mental Fitness and Empowerment
https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Serenity-Mental-Fitness-Empowerment/dp/B0DPR8S8HN

Follow Dr. Nichelle Bowes on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/leadershipthatreaches/

Chocolate Serenity
Website: www.chocolateserenity.com
Instagram: @chocolate.serenity

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


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

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS

https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @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.