Empowered and Unapologetic: Mastering Marriage, Motherhood, and Business - A Business Woman's Guide to Balancing it all.

Veronica Cisneros
  • 5.0 (193)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Empowered and Unapologetic: Mastering Marriage, Motherhood, and Business - A Business Woman's Guide to Balancing it all.

Are you a CEO, Entrepreneur, or Professional woman juggling the boardroom and your marriage? Striving to maintain high standards in your marriage while rocking high heels and high chairs? You're in the right place! Hosted by Veronica Cisneros, a licensed marriage and family therapist, this podcast is your ultimate blueprint for navigating the complexities of being a boss mom. We dive deep into topics like: Self-Help for the Modern Mompreneur: Get actionable advice to scale your business without sacrificing your marriage or motherhood. New Balance in Marriage and Motherhood: Learn how to maintain a strong emotional connection with your spouse while managing a thriving career. From Motherhood to Mogul Moves: Transition smoothly from parenting to the boardroom with expert tips and strategies. Women's Empowerment in Marriage and the Marketplace: Discover how to empower yourself and maintain equality in both your personal and professional relationships. Whether you're looking for self-help podcasts, tips on work-life balance, or guidance on women's empowerment, "Empowered and Unapologetic" has got you covered. Tune in for real, raw, and actionable advice to help you slay in marriage, motherhood, and your millions. A lot of Businesswomen struggle in their marriages. They struggle with setting aside intentional time to connect and communicate. They yearn for meaningful conversations that don’t lead to arguments. 1 month away from divorce, I realized I had to do something different. For years I had compromised myself to meet the needs of my husband and my child, I lost myself and was about to lose my marriage. After years of personal growth and self-reflection, I have not only reclaimed my identity, and celebrated 23 years of marriage but also helped hundreds of women transform their marriage from feeling like roommates to experiencing a deeper connection. Whether you listen to the podcast, register for my course, or join the free Facebook community, you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together! Visit www.veronicacisneros.org

  1. How to Break Free from Social Media Overload and Be More Present with Your Family: Tips from Palak Dave | EU 251

    2 DAYS AGO

    How to Break Free from Social Media Overload and Be More Present with Your Family: Tips from Palak Dave | EU 251

    Ladies, let’s talk about the struggle that so many of us face daily: the digital rabbit hole. You know, the one where you pick up your phone “just for a minute” and suddenly it’s 1 a.m., your thumb aches, and TikTok has taught you seven ways to fold a fitted sheet you’ll never actually try. In this week’s Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I sat down with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Palak Dave, founder of Embria, a lifestyle brand dedicated to helping us reclaim our lives from the grips of constant screen time. “We are lab rats in the digital experiment.” – Palak Dave Palak didn’t mince words when she explained how we’re living in uncharted territory. Technology, she pointed out, has advanced so rapidly that we’re essentially guinea pigs in a massive global trial. “Before this era, there was no precedent, no research to rely on,” she said. “It’s like when people smoked on airplanes and thought it was normal—it’s only after decades of harm that rules changed.” And here’s the kicker: our devices and apps are designed to keep us hooked. Palak equated it to gambling. “It’s like a slot machine. The endless scroll, the dopamine hits—it’s all engineered to keep you coming back.” Summary We are living in an era of digital experimentation. Digital overload can negatively impact emotional well-being. Embracing simplicity can lead to a more fulfilling life. Digital overload can be managed with intentional boundaries. Self-care should focus on what you truly need, not trends. Morning routines set the tone for the day. Listening to your body is key to self-care. Prioritize meaningful connections over digital distractions. Read more.

    40 min
  2. Digital Detox for High Achievers: Jennie Ketcham Crooks on Reducing Anxiety and Enhancing Life | EU 250

    DEC 4

    Digital Detox for High Achievers: Jennie Ketcham Crooks on Reducing Anxiety and Enhancing Life | EU 250

    “Shit, she’s going to call me out.” You bet your ass I am. Welcome back to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, ladies! I’m Veronica Cisneros, your host, your cheerleader, and occasionally, your digital detox drill sergeant. Today’s episode hit close to home for me—and probably will for you, too. It’s about digital consumption, mental health, and how our phones quietly creep in and mess with our lives. Joining me is the brilliant Jennie Ketcham Crooks, a licensed clinical social worker, anxiety and OCD specialist, and author of Look Up: The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real-Life Maximalism. If anyone can make us rethink our scrolling habits, it’s Jennie. Summary Digital consumption can have a significant impact on mental health, especially for high-achieving women. Using smartphones as a way to escape uncomfortable situations or avoid emotional experiences can lead to addictive behaviors. Social media is a comparison machine that can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Practicing self-awareness and intentional digital consumption can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. Practice narrating your actions when using your phone to increase mindfulness and reduce automatic behavior. Take three minutes of mindfulness before engaging with technology to create a mindful pause and be intentional with phone usage. Create a personalized plan for digital minimalism by determining what tasks are actually required and choosing when to engage with technology. Embrace anxiety as a natural response and practice radical acceptance, offering kindness and curiosity towards the experience. Increase self-kindness by practicing 10% more kindness towards oneself, which can lead to reduced phone usage and a healthier mindset. Read more.

    55 min
  3. Navigating the Holidays after Infidelity: Co-Parenting & Divorce Survival Guide | EU 249

    NOV 27

    Navigating the Holidays after Infidelity: Co-Parenting & Divorce Survival Guide | EU 249

    Surviving the holidays as a newly single parent feels like trying to decorate a shattered Christmas ornament—you’re desperately holding it together, but the cracks are impossible to ignore. Hi, I’m Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, and welcome to Empowered and Unapologetic. This one’s personal. If you’re navigating the holidays while dealing with betrayal, infidelity, or divorce, all while trying to shield your kids, this is for you. The holidays, a time for joy and connection, can feel soul-crushing when you’re struggling to hold it all together. But I see you. I’ve been you. And I’m here to help you not just survive but step into your strength with honesty and a whole lot less guilt. “The emotional toll of trying to protect your children from the truth of who their father has become is a weight no one should carry alone.” - Veronica Cisneros Let’s start with the reality. This season might not look anything like what you planned. You might be holding on by a thread, doing everything to make things seem normal for your kids. But deep down, it’s far from normal, and you’re exhausted. I know this pain because I’ve lived it. Summary The holidays can be particularly challenging for newly single parents. Protecting children from the truth can lead to greater emotional damage. Honesty is crucial in teaching children about relationships and boundaries. Setting boundaries is essential for personal well-being and for teaching children about respect. Children need to see the reality of their parent's actions to build resilience. It's important to validate children's feelings when their expectations are not met. You don't have to fix your partner's relationship with the kids; let them own their choices. Establishing non-negotiables helps in setting effective boundaries. Letting go of the need to shelter everyone from the truth is empowering. Every step toward honesty and empowerment is a step toward healing. My Holiday Heartbreak When my husband Willie asked for a divorce just months after our daughter Aliyah was born, I was in denial. There’s no way this is happening, I thought. I was determined to protect our family, to keep the “happy home” alive, no matter what. But it wasn’t happy. It was exhausting. During Aliyah’s first Halloween, I drove hours just so Willie, busy with work as a drill instructor, could see her dressed as a bumblebee. She had no idea what was happening. But I did it anyway. I was clinging to the illusion of a family that no longer existed. And Christmas? I vividly remember decorating the tree and videotaping Aliyah’s first Christmas. “Look at what Daddy made,” I said, pointing to decorations he didn’t even touch. Why did I do that? Because I wanted to believe in something that wasn’t real. “I wanted to create a false sense of reality for her first Christmas—not for her, but for me. I wasn’t ready to admit the truth.” - Veronica Cisneros Read More.

    23 min
  4. Keeping the Holidays Civil: Financial Planning During Divorce with Veronica Cisneros | EU 248

    NOV 20

    Keeping the Holidays Civil: Financial Planning During Divorce with Veronica Cisneros | EU 248

    Does the thought of navigating holiday finances with your ex make you want to run for cover? Welcome back to Empowered and Unapologetic! I’m Veronica Cisneros, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and today we’re diving into something that hits close to home for so many—navigating financial decisions during the holidays while going through a divorce. I know, it’s a lot. The holidays, which used to be filled with joy and tradition, can now feel like a minefield of tension and dread. Splitting expenses with someone you no longer trust can bring up every fear and anxiety, especially when your kids are caught in the middle. But here’s the thing—I’m here to walk through this with you. We’re not just tackling budgets and logistics today; we’re unpacking the emotional weight behind these challenges. Why do we, as women, feel like we have to hold everything together, even when it’s tearing us apart? And how can we show up for ourselves and our families without compromising our sanity? So grab a pen, find a cozy spot, and let’s talk. This isn’t just about money—it’s about reclaiming your peace and setting the stage for a holiday season that feels stable and manageable, even in the middle of a storm. Let’s get started. Summary Codependency often stems from childhood experiences. Compromising oneself can lead to emotional and mental strain. Awareness of patterns is crucial for personal growth. Setting boundaries is essential for emotional health. It's important to identify non-negotiables in relationships. Conversations about boundaries should be calm and planned. Emotional regulation is key during difficult discussions. Modeling healthy boundaries teaches children valuable lessons. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Protecting your peace is a priority, not a luxury. Read more

    31 min
  5. Mastering Change: Kathy Sullivan on Empowering Working Moms to Prioritize and Thrive | EU 247

    NOV 13

    Mastering Change: Kathy Sullivan on Empowering Working Moms to Prioritize and Thrive | EU 247

    Ever feel like balancing career and motherhood is a never-ending juggling act where something’s always about to fall?" Hello, and welcome back to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast! I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kathy Sullivan—a powerhouse executive coach and change agent. As the owner of Talent Principles, Kathy has spent years empowering women to break through barriers at work and beyond. She's here to share some insight into her journey, her work with high-achieving women, and the wisdom from her book, Moms Eat First: Five Principles to Prioritize Yourself and Create the Change You Crave. Summary Reflection is key to self-preservation and understanding what is important to you. Rediscovering possibilities is essential to feeding your soul and dreaming big. It's never too late to reset your priorities based on what is important to you. Amid adversity, you can reclaim power through choice and perseverance. Peace prevails when you release what you can't control and focus on what you can. Organizations can better support working moms by providing flexibility, support, and pay equity. Maintain resilience and personal growth by defining self-care, knowing yourself, and celebrating wins. Building a Career While Raising a Family Kathy’s story is one of resilience, as she balances her successful career as an executive coach with being a single mom of two. “Day by day,” Kathy says. For her, it was a journey of self-reflection and learning to prioritize herself. She describes how her background in HR and organizational development, coupled with her own life experiences, shaped her approach to empowering women. Kathy understands the unique challenges women face in balancing career aspirations with family life. "Many women feel guilty about not being able to ‘do it all.’ But self-care is the foundation that lets us show up as the best version of ourselves." - Kathy Sullivan Common Barriers for High-Achieving Women Through her work, Kathy has noticed recurring struggles faced by ambitious women, especially mothers. Guilt often tops the list, as women juggle professional roles, parenting, and societal expectations. This guilt can sometimes turn into what Kathy calls “mom-gree”—a blend of responsibility overload and resentment from trying to do it all. As a mother and executive, Kathy recognized the need for women to reframe their mindset, letting go of guilt and unrealistic expectations. Kathy encourages women to question: What am I feeling guilty about? Are these responsibilities real, or are they imposed by societal expectations? "Understanding our guilt and our ‘responsibilities’ lets us release what’s not serving us and helps us create a new vision of balance." - Kathy Sullivan Read More

    42 min
  6. Finding Your Voice: Amy Green Smith on Harnessing Personal Power and Self-Worth | EU 246

    NOV 6

    Finding Your Voice: Amy Green Smith on Harnessing Personal Power and Self-Worth | EU 246

    Ever feel like your inner voice got buried under the roles you play—mother, partner, career woman—and somehow lost its way? Hello and welcome back to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast! I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, and today, we’re diving into the world of finding your voice. Joining me is the amazing Amy Green Smith, a certified life coach and hypnotherapist who’s mastered the art of blending irreverence, wisdom, and humor. Amy has dedicated her career to helping people step into their power and embrace their true selves, and today, she’s sharing her journey to discovering her voice. Growing up in a strict, religious household, Amy had always been the “good girl,” following all the rules and doing everything “right.” But as she ventured into adulthood, she felt the need to step away from her family’s expectations and find her own path. This journey became especially poignant after her father’s passing, when she was confronted by her mother, who felt that she and her siblings had disappointed their family by not following the faith. “I realized I was at a precipice: Make someone else happy or choose my own happiness. And that day, I chose me.” – Amy Green Smith This moment marked a turning point for Amy—a realization that her voice mattered, even if it ruffled some feathers. Finding your voice isn’t easy. It’s a journey filled with self-doubt, fear, and sometimes, opposition. Amy and I joked about the struggle of “staying strong” in your beliefs while dealing with the discomfort that comes with asserting yourself. Amy reminded me—and all of us—that finding your voice means embracing discomfort. It’s about learning to sit with the pain of standing up for yourself, even if it means going against what others want or expect. For her, the journey included setting boundaries, sometimes clumsily, with her mother. It was messy and often painful, but it was a necessary step toward living authentically.

    46 min
  7. From Diagnosis to Hope: Regina Casini's Journey and the Life-Saving Support of Michelle's Place Breast Cancer Resource Center | EU 245

    OCT 30

    From Diagnosis to Hope: Regina Casini's Journey and the Life-Saving Support of Michelle's Place Breast Cancer Resource Center | EU 245

    Imagine discovering a lump and being told, 'You’re too young to worry about this.' For Regina Casini and many other women, these words reflect the systemic challenges in advocating for our health. In this episode, I dive into the power of self-advocacy and early detection with Regina, who shares her journey through breast cancer and the importance of knowing and standing up for your body’s needs. Hey ladies, welcome to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. My name is Veronica Cisneros, and today, we’re diving into something most of us choose to ignore—our own health. Today’s episode is all about self-care, but not in the way you might think. We're talking real, foundational health, and how women—especially mothers and high-achieving women—often delay it, prioritizing everyone else first. This episode is close to my heart because our guest, Regina Cassini, opens up about her journey with breast cancer and her role at Michelle's Place, a breast cancer resource center that offers critical support. Let’s dive into why it’s so hard for us to make our health a priority and how we can change that. Takeaways Health is often neglected by women, especially mothers. Regina's journey with Michelle's Place began with her own cancer diagnosis. Michelle's Place was founded to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Emotional distress and body image are significant challenges for women with breast cancer. Women often hesitate to ask for help during difficult times. Support systems are crucial for those battling cancer. Younger clients are increasingly seeking support for various cancers. Early detection of cancer significantly improves treatment options. Patients should advocate for themselves and ask questions during medical appointments. Michelle's Place offers a variety of resources and support for cancer patients. Michelle's Place: A Place of Support and Healing “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I walked through the doors of Michelle’s Place, not as a visitor but as someone whose world had been turned upside down.” - Regina Cassini In 2017, Regina stumbled upon Michelle’s Place at a health fair and made a donation, never imagining that only a few months later, she’d be the one needing support. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she found a safe haven in Michelle’s Place, a resource center founded by Bill and Marilyn Watson in honor of their daughter, Michelle. At 19, Michelle discovered a lump in her breast, but doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns. By the time she was finally diagnosed at 23, it was stage-four breast cancer. “Michelle’s Place was her dream—a place where no one should face cancer alone.” - Regina Cassini When Michelle passed away at just 26, her family opened Michelle’s Place as a sanctuary for those affected by breast cancer, fulfilling Michelle’s dream to create a space where people could find comfort and companionship. Facing the Hard Truth: The Importance of Women’s Health "She did everything right, yet still had to face this journey. I think about the moms listening right now who are constantly putting themselves last, delaying their own appointments.” - Veronica Cisneros So many women push their health to the back burner. I can’t count the times I’ve sat across from a woman who can tell me the exact date of her child’s last doctor’s appointment but can’t remember her own. We take care of everyone else, but when it comes to ourselves, there’s always something else more important. The truth is, many women avoid check-ups, waiting until something is seriously wrong, rather than taking proactive steps. The Toll of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis “Common struggles include emotional distress, body image issues, financial strain, and the hardest one—how to tell the kids.” - Regina Cassini Regina described the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Beyond the physical battle, there’s an emotional weight, the fear of looking different, the financial burdens, and the terrifying responsibility of breaking the news to children. Regina has seen these struggles over and over at Michelle’s Place, and the hardest part is helping women realize that they don’t have to carry this alone.

    40 min
  8. Mastering Sleep: Holistic Strategies with Morgan Adams for Restful Nights and Empowered Days | EU 244

    OCT 23

    Mastering Sleep: Holistic Strategies with Morgan Adams for Restful Nights and Empowered Days | EU 244

    What if the very thing you thought was helping you sleep was actually sabotaging your health and happiness? Welcome to another episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. I’m your host, Veronica Cisneros, LMFT. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that affects every part of our lives but is often overlooked—sleep. Joining us is Morgan Adams, a holistic sleep coach who helps women transform their sleepless nights into restful, rejuvenating sleep experiences. Morgan’s journey is inspiring. After struggling with insomnia and relying on prescription sleeping pills for nearly a decade, she found her way back to natural, healthy sleep. Today, she’s here to share her personal story, along with practical advice to help you reclaim your nights and improve your overall well-being. For many of us, achieving restful sleep feels like a distant dream. But by focusing less on numbers and more on how we feel, we can start to make real progress. Whether it’s taking “mindfulness snacks” throughout the day, practicing constructive worrying, or being mindful of how poor sleep impacts our hunger, small changes can lead to big results. Remember, restful sleep isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you and allowing yourself the space to truly unwind. Let’s prioritize our sleep so we can show up as our best selves each day. Read more.  Morgan Adams: Her Story—How She Overcame a Decade-Long Sleeping Pill Dependence and Reclaimed Her Sleep (and Health) Morgan Adams found herself in the throes of sleepless nights in her mid-thirties after an unexpected crisis turned her world upside down. As a pharmaceutical sales rep, she couldn’t afford to be sleep-deprived, and the demands of her job left her desperate for rest. A physician-prescribed sleeping pill seemed like the perfect solution. In the pharmaceutical world, it wasn’t hard for her to get access to medication. However, what Morgan didn’t know was that these sleeping pills weren’t helping her achieve restorative sleep. While they sedated her, they didn’t provide the rest her body and mind needed to recover. She often woke up groggy, disoriented, and found evidence of late-night snacking sessions she didn’t even remember. She was barely making it through her days, and it became clear that relying on these pills was doing more harm than good. Despite the challenges, Morgan embarked on a journey to reclaim her sleep—and her health. MORGAN’S APPROACH Now, as a double-certified holistic sleep coach, Morgan is on a mission to help women reclaim their rest. She offers personalized coaching that gets to the root of sleep issues, addressing each client’s unique needs with customized action plans. Her approach includes: Unlimited messaging and support Tailored strategies to fit individual lifestyles Discounts on carefully vetted products to promote better sleep DIGITAL COORDINATES: Morgan Adams Wellness Website TALK TO A THERAPIST If you’re feeling stuck and ready to explore these challenges more deeply, consider reaching out for professional help. Here at Outside the Norm Counseling, we’re here to support you on your journey to self-discovery and confidence. For more information, go to Outside the Norm Counselingor call us at 951-395-3288. Thank you for joining me today. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy and empowered. Until next time, stay unapologetically you. Bye for now.

    41 min
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About

Are you a CEO, Entrepreneur, or Professional woman juggling the boardroom and your marriage? Striving to maintain high standards in your marriage while rocking high heels and high chairs? You're in the right place! Hosted by Veronica Cisneros, a licensed marriage and family therapist, this podcast is your ultimate blueprint for navigating the complexities of being a boss mom. We dive deep into topics like: Self-Help for the Modern Mompreneur: Get actionable advice to scale your business without sacrificing your marriage or motherhood. New Balance in Marriage and Motherhood: Learn how to maintain a strong emotional connection with your spouse while managing a thriving career. From Motherhood to Mogul Moves: Transition smoothly from parenting to the boardroom with expert tips and strategies. Women's Empowerment in Marriage and the Marketplace: Discover how to empower yourself and maintain equality in both your personal and professional relationships. Whether you're looking for self-help podcasts, tips on work-life balance, or guidance on women's empowerment, "Empowered and Unapologetic" has got you covered. Tune in for real, raw, and actionable advice to help you slay in marriage, motherhood, and your millions. A lot of Businesswomen struggle in their marriages. They struggle with setting aside intentional time to connect and communicate. They yearn for meaningful conversations that don’t lead to arguments. 1 month away from divorce, I realized I had to do something different. For years I had compromised myself to meet the needs of my husband and my child, I lost myself and was about to lose my marriage. After years of personal growth and self-reflection, I have not only reclaimed my identity, and celebrated 23 years of marriage but also helped hundreds of women transform their marriage from feeling like roommates to experiencing a deeper connection. Whether you listen to the podcast, register for my course, or join the free Facebook community, you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together! Visit www.veronicacisneros.org

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