5d ago

From Rio De Janeiro To Texas: How One Man Rebuilt His Life with Gleidson Cutis

Welcome! To become a client or connect, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode, From Rio De Janeiro To Texas: How One Man Rebuilt His Life with Gleidson Cutis, We sit down with Gleidson “Poney” Cutis and trace the long road from a violent childhood near Rio de Janeiro to building a new life in Texas through discipline, faith, and community. We talk honestly about transition stress, identity beyond achievement, and how bravery is built one uncomfortable decision at a time. • transition stress and why connection predicts emotional well-being • growing up around violence in Brazil and how “normal” can still be traumatic • bullying, early martial arts training, and finding confidence through competition • the identity trap of trophies and the grief of never celebrating wins • choosing a college “plan B” while pursuing professional MMA • a faith turning point in the US that breaks an old family pattern • arriving in Texas with almost no money and almost no English • marriage strain, divorce, depression, and home not feeling like rest • losing a job tied to visa status and getting unexpected support to start again • a promise to share what God has done and the start of a bigger purpose Show Guest: Gleidson Moraes Cutis ("Poney") is the Founder, Head Coach, and Professor whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, discipline, and martial arts. Born in Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—one of the country's most challenging communities—he overcame a childhood surrounded by violence, bullying, and limited opportunities by dedicating himself to martial arts from an early age. A graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Gleidson combines academic knowledge with decades of elite competitive and coaching experience. He is also a Certified Life Coach through Febracis, holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Business High Performance, and is an accomplished public speaker. His passion for personal growth and faith is reflected in his books, On the Mat With Christ and A Verdadeira Luta, where he shares the lessons that have shaped his life and purpose. A devoted Christian, husband, and father, Gleidson believes that true strength is built through character, perseverance, and service to others. His coaching philosophy extends far beyond competition, focusing on helping students develop confidence, resilience, discipline, and integrity both on and off the mat. Gleidson began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2002 and Kickboxing in 2006. He has been teaching martial arts since 2008 and holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 1st Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing. He has also served as a multiple-time IBJJF referee, contributing to the sport at the highest levels. Throughout his competitive career, Gleidson has earned numerous prestigious titles, including World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, NAGA World Champion, Brazilian Cup No-Gi Champion, two-time Brazilian Champion, two-time Rio de Janeiro Champion, three-time Fight 2 Win Pro Champion, three-time Submission Hunter Champion, multiple-time AJP Champion, and multiple-time IBJJF Champion. In mixed martial arts, he compiled an amateur record of 2-0 before achieving a professional record of 7-4, competing internationally across Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Italy for respected organizations including WOCS, GSF, WebFight, Hero FC, RFA, LFA, ACB, and the UFC. Today, Gleidson's greatest passion is helping others discover the same life-changing benefits that martial arts gave him. Having experienced firsthand how training can provide purpose, confidence, and hope, he is committed to empowering students of all ages and skill levels to become stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He lives by two guiding principles: "We are what we allow ourselves to be; we make our choices, and our choices make us," and "You are not special—you are unique." Through every class, seminar, and mentorship opportunity, Gleidson strives to help others realize their unique potential and begin their own journey of transformation. You can connect with Poney at: Fighteria, On Instagram, and on Facebook. You can also find his books, The Fighteria Way Collection, on Amazon. Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jul 20

Supporting Dyslexia with Casey Harrison

Welcome! To become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode, Supporting Dyslexia with Casey Harrison, we name dyslexia as a different way the brain processes language and talk about how misunderstanding it can create shame, anxiety, and nightly homework blowups. We share practical ways to spot early signs, use tech without letting it replace learning, and support kids with accommodations while protecting their sense of self. • dyslexia as a language-based learning difference that is common and often misunderstood • early indicators in speech and language plus why early intervention helps • the brain circuitry of reading and why structured literacy builds a faster pathway • tech pros and cons, including handwriting, audiobooks, and cognitive offloading with AI • day-to-day impacts beyond reading class, including word retrieval and social confidence • what to look for at school, screeners, and why dyslexia varies by person • home strategies for homework fatigue, smaller chunks, reading questions aloud, and more grace • trauma-informed “iceberg” view of dyslexia, anxiety, negative self-talk, and identity • “glows and grows” to balance strengths with skill-building • adults recognizing dyslexia later and the way it can run in families • Casey’s framework from Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis, including metacognition and self-advocacy Show Guest: Casey Harrison is recognized both nationally and internationally as a dyslexia specialist and literacy educator, with more than 28 years of experience supporting individuals with language-based learning differences. She holds credentials as a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (TX), Certified Academic Language Therapist (ALTA), and Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (IDA). Harrison currently serves as Vice President of Outreach on the Executive Board of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). Harrison received the Aylett R. Cox Educator Award from ALTA in recognition of her significant contributions to academic language therapy. She is the founder of The Dyslexia Classroom® and Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center, where her work is based on evidence-based, multisensory structured language education and informed by extensive clinical experience. Harrison is the author of Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students with Dyslexia, and her work has been published in various professional magazines and educational websites focused on dyslexia, literacy development, and inclusive instructional design. She shares across social media under @thedyslexiaclassroom as the number 2 global dyslexia influencer, raising awareness of dyslexia and supporting the whole child. She also co-hosts the Together in Literacy podcast, which was ranked third among the Best 60 Literacy Podcasts of 2025. Casey is known for integrating research, practice, and purpose by employing a student-centered, diagnostic, and emotionally supportive approach that reflects the scientific, technical, and creative aspects of academic language therapy. You can connect with Casey on: Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedyslexiaclassroom FB - www.facebook.com/thedyslexiaclassroom YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thedyslexiaclassroom And find her book, Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis and listen to her podcast, Together in Literacy Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jul 13

Invisible Loss and Grief with Roxanne Watson

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode, Invisible Loss and Grief with Roxanne Watson, we name the quiet grief that hides under a good life and talk about why burnout, numbness, and restlessness can be signs of unacknowledged loss. We sit down with Roxanne Watson to put language to invisible grief and share gentle ways to start healing without judging yourself. • disenfranchised grief and why unsupported loss lingers • invisible loss in motherhood, midlife, and the mental load • marriage erosion as a real form of grief • the imagined future that quietly becomes impossible • how grief disguises itself as burnout, anxiety, or emotional flatness • why naming a loss can feel scary and why it often brings relief • first steps like journaling, silence, and talking to someone you trust • meaning-making as a way to live with grief over time Show Guest: Roxanne Watson is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Austin, Texas, specializing in grief, particularly the losses that go unacknowledged. She primarily works with women carrying what she calls invisible grief, such as the slow erosion of a marriage, the loss of identity within motherhood, and futures that quietly become impossible. She is the creator of The Invisible Loss, a clinical and public framework for the grief that lives beneath high-functioning lives, and the founder of @withroxannewatson on Instagram. You can connect with Roxanne at: counselingaustin.com and on Instagram: @withroxannewatson Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jul 10

Everyday Courage To Change Your Life with Vanessa Castañeda

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-463-0871. In today's episode, we talk about everyday courage and the quiet moment when a long-held dream stops being “someday” and becomes a real choice. Vanessa Longoria shares how she left a successful medical path to open The Mac, a process-based arts and crafts studio in McAllen built on joy, alignment, and community. • noticing the “Is this it?” whisper and taking it seriously • carrying a creative dream for over a decade while raising a child • pausing a goal without abandoning it, then using the years as preparation • navigating the cultural and emotional weight of leaving a family business • moving fast once the match is lit, from idea to leases and an LLC • handling imposter syndrome, low attendance days, and the vulnerability of workshops • building self-concordance, where values and daily life finally match • holding boundaries around discounts, pricing, and the value of women’s work • leaning on a supportive partner and sharing the load at home and at work • creating a community table that helps kids and adults feel seen and connected Show Guest: Vanessa Castañeda Longoria Vanessa is a mom, former medical professional, and creative entrepreneur who proves that it's never too late to pursue the dream that's been waiting on your heart. After more than 15 years in the medical field, she made the courageous decision to leave behind a successful career and step into a vision she had nurtured for over a decade. Together with her husband, Vanessa recently opened The MAC: The Main Arts and Craft Studio in McAllen, Texas—a vibrant, process-based art studio where children are encouraged to explore, create, and engage their senses in a joyful, judgment-free environment. The MAC has quickly become a welcoming space for families seeking meaningful, creative experiences that foster imagination and connection. Today, Vanessa joins us to share her inspiring journey of rewriting her career story, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and building a thriving community through the transformative power of art. Whether you're dreaming of a career change, looking for encouragement to take a leap of faith, or simply believe in the importance of creativity, this conversation is sure to inspire. You can connect with her at: Facebook @theMACmcallen, Instagram @theMACmcallen , www.theMACmcallen.com Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jun 22

Perimenopause Explained with Mary Parker, LPC-S and Functional Mental Health Practitioner

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. Today's Episode: Perimenopause can feel like you’re unraveling at 3 a.m., but the changes are often hormonal and deeply explainable. We talk with Mary Parker about the biology behind mood swings, sleep problems, rage, brain fog, and the confusing reality of “normal” labs that still don’t match how you feel. • perimenopause as a hormonal transition that affects sleep, mood, and focus • why many women start noticing symptoms earlier than expected • how long perimenopause can last and why symptoms come in cycles • why women get caught off guard and dismissed as “too young” • perimenopause rage and how it can strain marriages and family life • andropause and how men’s hormone shifts can collide with ours • surprising symptoms and the reality of 300-plus possible signs • lab ranges versus optimal levels and why symptom tracking matters • functional mental health basics, gene SNPs, and root-cause thinking • a simple daily practice: morning walks, sunlight, and nature time Show Guest: Mary Parker, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, functional mental health practitioner, author, and educator based in Round Rock, Texas. As the Clinical Director of Infinite Potential Counseling, she brings more than 15 years of experience helping individuals uncover the biological factors that often drive anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and other mental health challenges. A Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider and Certified Neurofeedback Provider, Mary takes a whole-person approach that blends traditional counseling with functional medicine, neurofeedback, nutrition, genetics, and lifestyle interventions. Her work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: many mental health struggles have underlying biological roots that are frequently overlooked in conventional care. Mary is the author of The Basics of Functional Mental Health and Wired for the Wild: How ADHD Is Your Biological Superpower, and she is a co-author of The Perimenopause Prescription. Through her writing, clinical work, and speaking, she challenges the over-medicalization of everyday life and empowers people to better understand their brains, bodies, and unique strengths. She is also the host of the Reinventing Mental Health podcast, where she explores innovative and evidence-informed approaches to emotional wellness, brain health, and personal growth. In addition to her clinical work, Mary is passionate about supporting women through midlife transitions. She is a leader in the upcoming Perimenopause Reset 2026 Retreat, a transformative week-long experience focused on hormone health, longevity, emotional wellness, and helping women reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence. Learn more about Mary and her work: • Infinite Potential Counseling: https://www.infinitepotentialinctx.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitepotentialcounseling • Reinventing Mental Health Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Reinventingmentalhealth • The Basics of Functional Mental Health: https://a.co/d/06MpzVu8 • Wired for the Wild: How ADHD Is Your Biological Superpower: https://a.co/d/02udXcE5 • Infinite Life Wellness & Perimenopause Reset Retreat: https://infinitelifewellness.com • Perimenopause Community: https://www.infinitelifecommunity.com/communities/groups/perimenopause-community/home?invite=69b1def023dcc8264f43ebf6 Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jun 17

Stuck in Drama? How to Get Out.

Welcome!! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode - we name the hidden roles that keep our conflicts on repeat and explain why the drama triangle can feel impossible to quit even when it hurts. We share simple ways to step out of victim, rescuer, and persecutor patterns and build self-trust in the moment. • the drama triangle as a relationship pattern driven by nervous system protection • the three roles and what they sound like under stress • how high achievers and helpers get pulled into overgiving and resentment • intermittent reinforcement and the “payoff” that keeps the cycle going • why the triangle creates intensity instead of intimacy • practical role shifts from victim to creator, persecutor to challenger, rescuer to coach • the interrupting question “What is the most loving thing I can do for myself right now?” Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jun 10

Couples Therapy, Demystified

Welcome! To connect or become a client visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode we pull back the curtain on couples therapy and explain why high-functioning couples can look strong in public while feeling stuck in private. I share how emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and a structured process turn the same old fight into a new kind of connection. • why many couples wait six to seven years to seek help • how recurring arguments often signal threat and disconnection, not the surface issue • what a good couples therapy room looks like, including boundaries and structure • what trauma-informed relational healing means in real life • how I assess each partner’s history before joining for joint sessions • mapping attachment styles, triggers, and the fear underneath anger or withdrawal • a three-step repair tool: own your part, validate emotion, offer reassurance or action • why therapy is practice, not magic, and why consistency matters • what couples therapy is not: a courtroom, a detective story, a vent session, or taking sides • questions to reflect on, including what happens if you soften and what healing looks like You can follow along on Instagram and Facebook @CouchtimewithCat and sign up for my newsletter at CouchTimewithcat.com for reflections and resources delivered straight to you. Listen to Couchtime with Cat on KWVH 94.3 and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Jun 1

Great Restaurants Build Excellence with Chef Steve Warner

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's show, we sit down with Executive Chef Steve Warner to unpack how great restaurants foster a sense of belonging while running at full speed behind the scenes. We pull leadership lessons from service, culture, and excellence that carry straight into everyday life. • building a “family” feeling through shared pressure and shared purpose • hiring for attitude and noticing small details that signal care • treating dining out as a short vacation for guests • bringing energy to the room while still taking the work seriously • learning from kitchen disasters and staying accountable without shame • handling famous guests by keeping standards consistent for everyone • remembering Tom Farace's leadership and the ripple effects of kindness Show Guest: Born and raised in Central Texas, Steve is the Executive Chef and Owner at Whiskey Ridge and brings decades of culinary excellence, leadership, and creativity to the role. Over an incredible 35-year career, he's opened more than 60 restaurants, owned and operated successful concepts including Two Step Restaurant and Cantina and Osteria Two Steppes, and has held leadership roles at iconic restaurants including Eddie V's Edgewater Grille, Wildfish, ATX Cocina, Bulevar, and J Carver's. He's led thousands of team members throughout his career and built a reputation not only for exceptional food but for creating cultures where people thrive. A proud graduate of the University of Texas, Steve blends classic Texas flavors with innovation, curiosity, and a healthy dose of humor. Support the show Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.com You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time. Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward. Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com

Couch Time With Cat

From Rio De Janeiro To Texas: How One Man Rebuilt His Life with Gleidson Cutis

Supporting Dyslexia with Casey Harrison

Invisible Loss and Grief with Roxanne Watson

Everyday Courage To Change Your Life with Vanessa Castañeda

Perimenopause Explained with Mary Parker, LPC-S and Functional Mental Health Practitioner

Stuck in Drama? How to Get Out.

Couples Therapy, Demystified

Great Restaurants Build Excellence with Chef Steve Warner

Informative, supportive and helpful

Warm presence, modern advice

I am your kid ❤️

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Couch Time With Cat

Episodes

From Rio De Janeiro To Texas: How One Man Rebuilt His Life with Gleidson Cutis

Supporting Dyslexia with Casey Harrison

Invisible Loss and Grief with Roxanne Watson

Everyday Courage To Change Your Life with Vanessa Castañeda

Perimenopause Explained with Mary Parker, LPC-S and Functional Mental Health Practitioner

Stuck in Drama? How to Get Out.

Couples Therapy, Demystified

Great Restaurants Build Excellence with Chef Steve Warner

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