Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante

Pedro Morante

Welcome to Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante — a mental health and wellness podcast hosted by a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, educator, and advocate for mindful living. Each episode offers calming reflections, practical mental health tips, and real conversations with expert Nurse Practitioners and thought leaders in healthcare and education. Whether you’re a nursing student, healthcare professional, or simply someone seeking calm in a chaotic world, this podcast is your safe space to pause, reflect, and reset. We explore topics like: Mental health and mindfulness practices; Nursing insights and clinical experiences; Emotional wellness and stress management; Self-care for healthcare workers and students; Personal growth, resilience, and reflection Subscribe to Mindful Moments for weekly episodes filled with heart, healing, and expert guidance — all in one meaningful conversation at a time.

  1. 6d ago

    Beyond Symptoms: The Next Frontier in Psychiatric Care

    What does meaningful recovery look like beyond symptom reduction? And how can psychiatric care better address the challenges that affect a person's everyday life? In this episode of Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, host Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, welcomes Justin Ray, MSN, PMHNP-BC—a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, educator, retired U.S. Navy veteran, and founder of psychiatric practices in Virginia. Together, they explore the evolving understanding of schizophrenia, including the often-overlooked effects of cognitive difficulties on memory, attention, independence, and quality of life. They discuss how clinicians can measure meaningful treatment outcomes, navigate complex treatment decisions, and evaluate emerging approaches in psychopharmacology. The conversation also examines the importance of community-based psychiatric care, shared decision-making, and translating neuroscience into evidence-based clinical practice. Beyond his professional expertise, Justin shares his perspective on maintaining mental well-being while caring for others—a reminder that healthcare professionals need to prioritize their own wellness, too. In this episode, we discuss: Understanding schizophrenia beyond hallucinations and delusions Cognitive functioning and its impact on everyday life Measuring recovery beyond symptom reduction Emerging treatments and evolving approaches to psychiatric care Reassessing treatment when patients aren't improving as expected The role of psychiatric nurses, PMHNPs, and community-based care Personal mental wellness and caring for the caregiver Whether you're a psychiatric nurse, PMHNP student, healthcare professional, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of mental health, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the science, practice, and humanity of psychiatric care. About our guest Justin Ray, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner whose professional interests include serious mental illness, cognitive functioning in schizophrenia, psychopharmacology, and emerging psychiatric treatments. He also contributes to psychiatric education through his teaching and writing. Follow Justin's professional work and educational resources through his Linked In and https://www.southchesapeakepsychiatry.com/ About Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante Mindful Moments brings together nursing leaders, psychiatric professionals, educators, and advocates for meaningful conversations about mental health, clinical practice, and the people behind healthcare. Hosted by Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, our mission is simple: Nursing the Mind, the Nurse Way. Follow Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante on Spotify and our other platforms for more conversations that inform, inspire, and advance mental health awareness and nursing education. #MindfulMoments #PsychiatricNursing #Schizophrenia #MentalHealth #Psychopharmacology #PMHNP

  2. Oct 10

    Leading Beyond the Title: Dr. Valerie Fuller on Nursing, Leadership & the Future of NPs

    What makes a leader? Is it the title you hold, the credentials after your name, or the difference you choose to make? On this special episode of Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, we welcome Dr. Valerie Fuller, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), for an inspiring conversation about leadership, the evolving nursing profession, and the future of nurse practitioners. With more than three decades of experience in health care, including 27 years as a nurse practitioner, Dr. Fuller brings a wealth of insight from clinical practice, education, regulation, and national leadership. As a dual-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner, educator, researcher, and advocate, she continues to help shape the future of the profession while remaining connected to patient care. In this conversation, Dr. Fuller shares why leadership goes beyond titles and credentials, how recognizing a problem can be the first step toward meaningful change, and why the next generation of nurse practitioners must recognize their own potential to lead. We also explore the importance of mentorship, staying grounded amid professional responsibilities, protecting the well-being of health care professionals, and embracing the future of nursing without losing the human connection at the heart of care. As we recognize World Mental Health Day, this conversation is also a reminder that the people who care for others deserve to be heard, supported, and cared for themselves. ✨ In this episode, we explore: The experiences that shaped Dr. Fuller's nursing and leadership journey The opportunities and challenges facing nurse practitioners today Why leadership begins with recognizing the need for change Mentorship and empowering the next generation of NPs Mental health, well-being, and staying grounded in a demanding profession The future of nursing, technology, and the human side of health care The lessons nursing teaches us about purpose, resilience, and life One powerful reminder from Dr. Fuller: You don't have to have a title or a long list of credentials to be a leader. Sometimes, leadership begins with simply recognizing that something needs to change—and choosing to take action. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and discover the leader within you. This is Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante — Nursing the Mind, the Nurse Way. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a nurse, nurse practitioner, student, or emerging leader who needs this reminder. Follow Mindful Moments for more meaningful conversations with the people shaping health care. #MindfulMoments #PedroMorante #ValerieFuller #AANP #NursePractitioner #NursePractitioners #NursingLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #NursingProfession #MentalHealthAwareness #WorldMentalHealthDay #NurseWellbeing #NPLeadership

  3. Oct 3

    The Heart Behind the Nurse: A Conversation with Dr. Selena Gilles

    What does it really mean to care for others—and how do we make sure we don’t lose ourselves in the process? On this episode of Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, we sit down with Dr. Selena Gilles, a Practice Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, nurse practitioner, educator, global health advocate, and leader in diversity and opioid overdose prevention. Dr. Gilles has spent her career caring for patients, preparing future nurses, advocating for underserved communities, and working across the U.S. and internationally. But behind all of those roles is a deeper commitment: seeing the person, not just the diagnosis. Together, Pedro and Dr. Gilles explore the realities of pain and substance use, the stigma surrounding addiction, and how nurses can look beyond a patient's behavior to understand the story behind it. They also talk about health equity, diversity in nursing, and the importance of preparing nurses to understand not only the science of healthcare, but the people and communities they serve. Dr. Gilles shares lessons from her work in Haiti, Ghana, and Nigeria, and reflects on what global health has taught her about service, partnership, and humility. And in a conversation that comes full circle, Pedro asks an important question for every caregiver: How do you take care of your own mental health while taking care of everyone else? From the classroom to the clinic, from community advocacy to global health, this episode is a reminder that nursing is not simply about caring for others—it’s about staying connected to the humanity at the heart of that care. What has nursing taught Dr. Gilles about people, compassion, leadership, and herself? Tune in to find out. 🎙️ Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante Nursing the mind, the nurse way. #MindfulMoments #DrSelenaGilles #Nursing #NursePractitioner #NurseEducator #NursingLeadership #HealthEquity #DiversityInNursing #GlobalHealth #MentalHealth #SubstanceUse #AddictionAwareness #PainManagement #NursingEducation #Healthcare #CompassionateCare #Nurses #NurseLife

  4. Sep 19

    You Don’t Practice Alone: The Power of Mentorship, Networking & Community in Mental Health | Dr. Daniel Wesemann

    What does it really take to build a meaningful and sustainable career in mental health? In this episode of Mindful Moments with Dr. Pedro Morante, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Wesemann, psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner, clinical social worker, educator, leader, and host of Peplau’s Ghost, for a conversation about something every mental-health professional needs—but may not talk about enough: You don’t practice alone. Dr. Wesemann shares his journey into psychiatric nursing and how his backgrounds in nursing and social work shaped the way he understands and cares for patients. We also explore the people and relationships that helped shape his career—and why mentorship, meaningful networking, and professional community matter at every stage of the journey. We talk about: 🧠 What good mentorship really looks like in mental health 🤝 Building meaningful professional relationships—not just networking 👩‍⚕️ Why students and new PMHNPs should build community early 💬 How connection can help clinicians navigate stress, isolation, and burnout 🌱 What mentors can learn from the people they mentor ❤️ The role of connection and community in early intervention and suicide prevention 🎙️ The story behind Peplau’s Ghost and its mission to keep conversations about psychotherapy and psychiatric nursing going ✨ And the message Dr. Wesemann wants every mental-health professional to hear when they feel like they're doing this work alone Because behind every clinician is a mentor, colleague, teacher, student, friend, or community that helped them along the way. You don't have to figure it all out alone. 🎧 Listen to Mindful Moments with Dr. Pedro Morante and join the conversation. Connect with Dr. Daniel Wesemann Follow Dr. Wesemann on LinkedIn and stay connected with his work in psychiatric nursing, psychotherapy, education, and mental health. 🎙️ Listen to Peplau’s Ghost Hosted by Dr. Daniel Wesemann, Peplau’s Ghost explores psychotherapy within psychiatric mental-health nursing and brings together conversations about clinical practice, education, and the therapeutic relationship. Listen to Peplau’s Ghost on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a colleague, mentor, student, or someone who needs the reminder that they don't have to practice alone. #MindfulMoments #PedroMorante #DanielWesemann #YouDontPracticeAlone #MentalHealth #PsychiatricNursing #PMHNP #MentalHealthNursing #NursingLeadership #Mentorship #MentalHealthProfessionals #HealthcareCommunity #SuicidePrevention #Psychotherapy #PeplausGhost #NursingPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast

  5. Sep 12

    Beyond the Clinic: Building a Business, a Brand & a Legacy in Mental Health

    Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE/CME credit for listening to this episode!  What does it really take to build a meaningful career in mental health—one that goes beyond treating patients? On this episode of Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, Pedro sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Abelard, psychiatric mental health clinician, educator, entrepreneur, mentor, and leader. Dr. Abelard shares her journey from clinician to founder and director of Abelard Psychotherapy, offering practical insights on practice ownership, building your professional brand, networking, navigating regulations and insurance, billing, and getting paid appropriately for the care you provide. The conversation also goes deeper into access to mental health care, culturally responsive practice, leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month this September, Pedro and Dr. Abelard discuss the importance of breaking stigma, having difficult conversations, recognizing when someone may need support, and creating mental health systems where people can access care before they reach a crisis. From building a practice to building a legacy, this episode is a reminder that the work of a mental health professional can extend far beyond the clinic. Build the practice. Build the reputation. Build the impact. Build the legacy. 🎙️ Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante Nursing the mind, the nurse way. #MindfulMoments #PedroMorante #GabrielleAbelard #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCare #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth #PsychiatricNursing #PMHNP #NursingLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvocacy #NurseEntrepreneur #HealthcareLeadership #MentalHealthNurse #NursePractitioner #Nursing

  6. Sep 5

    🧬 Pinoy DNA: Precision Health. Innovation. Nursing. Omics. Your Discovery, Networking & Advancement.

    What can our DNA—and our family history—tell us about who we are and how we care for our health? In this special Mindful Moments conversation, Dr. Maria R. Molina and Dr. Pedro E. Morante explore Pinoy DNA, genomics, family health history, and the future of precision health—and why understanding our Filipino biological and cultural history matters. From the things we casually say like “Namana ko kay Nanay” to the health conditions that seem to run in our families, this conversation looks at how genomic information can help us identify risks earlier, personalize care, and make better-informed health decisions. But one message stands above all: DNA is not destiny. Our health is shaped by the interaction of our genes, environment, culture, lifestyle, migration, social conditions, and access to healthcare. And as Dr. Molina reminds us: “We don’t care for a genome. We care for a person.” Join us as we begin the Pinoy DNA educational modules. This four-part series will translate the rapidly evolving science of genetics, genomics, epigenetics, and OMICS into practical knowledge for nurses and healthcare professionals: 🧬 Module 1 | From DNA to Destiny Foundations of Genetics & Precision Nursing 🇵🇭 Module 2 | PINOY DNA Filipino Heritage, Culture & Genomic Diversity 🔬 Module 3 | Beyond the Genome Epigenetics & DNA Methylation 🧪 Module 4 | The OMICS Revolution Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics & Precision Nursing Lecture: Maria R. Molina, DNP, Hon. PhD, FAANP Podcast: Pedro Morante, DNP, FSIEN, FADLN CNE Credits: Jonathan Gapilango, DNP, FNYAM Our goal is simple: make precision health understandable, culturally relevant, and actionable—while bringing Filipino representation into the genomic conversation.  🧬 Pinoy DNA Presented by Mindful Moments A collaborative conversation with Dr. Maria R. Molina × Dr. Pedro Morante 🎧 Listen, learn, and start the conversation with your own family. #PinoyDNA #MindfulMoments #Genomics #PrecisionHealth #PrecisionNursing #FilipinoNurses #FilipinoHealthcare #Nursing #FutureOfNursing

About

Welcome to Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante — a mental health and wellness podcast hosted by a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, educator, and advocate for mindful living. Each episode offers calming reflections, practical mental health tips, and real conversations with expert Nurse Practitioners and thought leaders in healthcare and education. Whether you’re a nursing student, healthcare professional, or simply someone seeking calm in a chaotic world, this podcast is your safe space to pause, reflect, and reset. We explore topics like: Mental health and mindfulness practices; Nursing insights and clinical experiences; Emotional wellness and stress management; Self-care for healthcare workers and students; Personal growth, resilience, and reflection Subscribe to Mindful Moments for weekly episodes filled with heart, healing, and expert guidance — all in one meaningful conversation at a time.