
Free to Be Mindful Podcast
The Free to Be Mindful Podcast invites you along on a journey to learn of mindful living, grow in mental health and inspire through personal growth. In a world where we can often feel much stress and overwhelm, this podcast provides bite-sized tips and real-talk conversations, empowering you to embrace mindfulness and nurture your full potential.
Welcome to the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where busy working moms like you can find solace, clarity, and practical tips to live a mindful and intentional life. Hosted by Vanessa De Jesus Guzman - a Licensed Therapist, Retired Educator, Entrepreneur, and Mom of two - this podcast is designed to empower moms to prioritize their mental well-being, embrace mindfulness, and nurture their full potential without losing their cool.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. But motherhood doesn’t have to mean chaos and anxiety. The Free to Be Mindful Podcast provides bite-sized tips, real-talk conversations, and expert interviews to help you embrace an intentional approach to find joy and reduce overwhelm, prioritize your mental health amidst the chaos of motherhood, and engage in self-discovery with guidance from experts and personal stories
Vanessa's unique blend of professional experience and personal insight has made her a trusted voice in the wellness and mental health space. Featured on the Today Show, Univision, Parents Latina and multiple national publications, Vanessa is passionate about helping moms like you reduce the mental load, find moments of peace, and live a more fulfilling life.
Each episode is designed with your busy schedule in mind—keeping things short, sweet, and practical. Whether you're driving to work, folding laundry, or taking a break between tasks, you can easily fit these episodes into your day. Every episode wraps up with a short guided meditation, giving you the opportunity to pause, reflect, and center yourself.
Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness, or simply carve out time for yourself, the Free to Be Mindful Podcast is the perfect companion for your journey to a more mindful and joyful life.
New episodes are released weekly twice a week, so don’t miss out! Tune in to reclaim your calm, center yourself, and remember that in the midst of it all, you are always Free to Be Mindful.
Free to Be Mindful Podcast
Balancing Online Safety with Independence
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How do I protect my child from online dangers while still giving them independence?"
Your child begs for more screen time. They want their own social media account and insist that everyone in their class has unlimited internet access. Meanwhile, your mind jumps to all the online dangers—strangers, inappropriate content, cyberbullying—the list goes on. So how do you strike the balance between keeping them safe and giving them the independence they crave?
In this episode, Vanessa shares how to teach kids to navigate the digital world safely rather than simply blocking access. She explains why making mistakes while they still have your guidance is key to long-term digital responsibility. From setting age-appropriate boundaries to helping kids think critically before they post, this episode provides practical, real-life strategies to keep kids safe online without creating unnecessary fear.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- How to have open conversations about online safety without using fear-based tactics
- Age-appropriate internet boundaries for kids, tweens, and teens
- The “Grandma Rule” for deciding what’s safe to post
- Why parental controls are helpful—but not a replacement for real conversations
- The importance of role-playing online safety scenarios with your child
- How to encourage kids to come to you without fear of punishment
LINKED EPISODES:
- How to Set Up iPhone Parental Controls: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/237
- How Young is Too Young for a Phone: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/235
- Benefits to My Child Having an Email Address: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/239
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:
Vanessa also shares a must-have book for educators,
120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills
CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge
SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor
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.