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.