• More Than a Podcast: 20 Guests, One Powerful Season
    Jun 30 2025

    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.

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    13 mins
  • Discovering Your Life's Mission with Malaysia Harrell
    Jun 23 2025

    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.

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    43 mins
  • Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard (and why you need to do it anyway!)
    Jun 16 2025

    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.

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    13 mins
  • Keeping it Simple: Skin Care & Mom Life with Dr. Mary Alice Mina
    Jun 9 2025

    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.

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    37 mins
  • What Does it Really Mean to Be Rich?
    Jun 2 2025

    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.

    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Journey to the Self with Dr. Nichelle Bowes
    May 26 2025

    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.

    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • A Dream to a Movement: Celebrating 6 Years of Free to Be Mindful
    May 19 2025

    In this special anniversary episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman — licensed therapist, speaker, and host of the Free to Be Mindful podcast — reflects on six years of growth, resilience, and purpose.

    What began as a part-time dream has evolved into a full-time mission: supporting others through mindful living, mental health, and personal growth. From navigating licensing setbacks to launching a private practice, from building a national speaking presence to embracing new motherhood again after a decade — Vanessa shares the real story behind the milestones, and the values that keep her grounded through every season of change.


    EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
    Join Vanessa as she shares:

    • The origin story of Free to Be Mindful — and what almost stopped it before it started
    • Major turning points over the past six years
    • What it’s like balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship (with honesty and humor)
    • Highlights from this past year including speaking wins, Tea & Takeaways, and therapy dog visits
    • Reflections on living with intention — even when life feels uncertain
    • Encouragement to pause, reflect, and celebrate your own journey


    TUNE IN TO LEARN:

    • Why the "messy middle" matters just as much as the polished end
    • How seasons of change can deepen your clarity and confidence
    • The power of letting go, pivoting, and trusting your purpose
    • What it means to stay grounded in values, both personally and professionally
    • A guided reflection to help you reconnect with where you are and where you’re headed


    TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
    Whether you're planting seeds or watching them bloom, your growth is worth honoring. You don’t need to have it all figured out to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come.


    Listen in, 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.

    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Ditching “Busy” to Raise Confident Girls with Traci Peterson
    May 12 2025

    In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Traci Peterson—nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and founder of Woman Lessons, a movement designed to help mothers and daughters build confidence and connection.

    They explore how busyness can become a woman’s identity, why so many high performers struggle with self-worth, and how those patterns can unintentionally shape the next generation. Traci opens up about the moment her daughter asked for “woman lessons” and how it led to a deeper mission around identity, self-care, and presence.

    Perfect for moms, educators, and anyone raising girls in today’s world, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical tools to help women lead from within and model true confidence.


    REFERENCED LINKS
    Website: https://tracipeterson.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpete/ and @motherdaughtermovement

    Use code EMPOWERED for 10% off the Woman Lessons retreat


    120 COPING SKILLS
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podca...

    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podca...

    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor

    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.

    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.

    Show more Show less
    41 mins