Heart on the Mic

My guest this week is Cindy Perez, a former FBI agent who opens up about the hardship she navigated growing up and how control became her way of staying safe. Underneath that control was anger she’d been carrying for a long time. We talk about hitting rock bottom, finally letting people in, and how her faith became a key part of her healing.If you’ve ever led with control but couldn’t quite name what was underneath it, this one’s for you.

In today’s solo episode, I’m filling you in on a few major life updates from the last six months. I got my own podcast studio, stepped away from a role, and pulled my daughter out of school.If you’ve ever needed to hit pause and refocus on what matters, this one’s for you.Interested in checking out my studio? Send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll share the booking link with you.

After several years away from the microphone, Heart on the Mic is back for Season 6.To begin this new chapter, I'm joined by my former co-host and dear friend, Nadia Palacios. Together, we revisit the story behind the podcast and reflect on the seasons that have shaped us. Our conversation explores friendship, motherhood, grief, faith, and the challenges that come with navigating life's unexpected turns.Nadia shares her experience of losing her husband unexpectedly nine years ago and opens up about the realities of grief, raising children as a single mother, and the strength and faith that have carried her through some of life's most difficult moments.This episode is an honest conversation about loss, resilience, healing, and finding hope in the midst of hardship. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or supporting someone you love, we hope this story reminds you that there is strength to be found even in the darkest seasons.Welcome back to Heart on the Mic.

Heart on the Mic is officially relaunching and I'm so excited to get back behind the mic and talk about live and all that comes with it.

In this week's bonus episode, I talk about my views on holistic health and my efforts to prioritize being self-aware. I share how valuing character and well-being go hand in hand. Intentionally setting healthy boundaries has opened my eyes to many other things. I've been reminded of the importance of character and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. All of it is with a purpose; to not only grow as a person but to create a foundation for what I call Generational Health™.

Since I was a little girl I've always kept a journal or diary, whatever you choose to call it. My journal has always been a safe space to process my thoughts without feeling like my thoughts are going to be received by anyone in the wrong way. It really took the saying 'think before you speak' to a whole new level. As I've gotten older, I continue to use my journal as an outlet. Now I'd like to share some inserts that possibly might help others feel seen and understood. Let's call this series 'Thoughtful Thursdays'.

If you've been listening for a while now you know that I've been pretty open about processing grief. It's been a minute since I've talked about it because I've been preoccupied with motherhood but let me just say it will creep up on you. Grief can catch you off guard in the seasons where you've focused on too many other things.

I've been so excited to share this news with you all! Go Toros.

Thank you so much for all the support from listening in to having conversations about the episodes. As I'm figuring my life out I'm stepping back from a lot of commitments. We'll see how this all plays out...

As you’ve heard me talk about all 2022, I spent so much time trying to figure it out. Constantly finding myself preoccupied with things to do, I’ve just been taking things slow. Focusing on decluttering my thoughts and my home.

In this weeks episode I share about my lack of gratitude and my efforts to improve it.

The first thing many of us do in the morning is reach over and grab our phone. It's either to shut the alarm off or to see how much more time you can sleep for. If you haven to beat your alarm, instead of reaching for your phone I encourage you to just get your day started. Don't even look at your phone, just place it on the counter and go about your morning until your first alarm goes off. I did this yesterday and it was such a game changer for my morning. HOTM Instagram Podcast Manager

As we are approaching the end of October, I challenge you to think about the small steps you can take to prepare for the busy holiday season.

I had the opportunity to be at the premiere  for Righteous Thieves and it was such an amazing experience. The cast had the greatest energy and it was an extra special experience because my cousin produced the movie. Jolene Rodriguez shared her story on episode 40 and if you haven't listened already it is definitely worth the listen. She is a true testament of betting on yourself and chasing your dreams. 

As I continue to bring you guys along as I'm trying to figure things out, I like to share whatever I'm learning along the way. Many times the lesson is the same  but I'm processing it in a different way in a new season. 

We just celebrated my daughters first birthday and I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my first year as a mom. In the weeks episode, I share about my labor experience and open up about some postpartum challenges. As I navigate through motherhood it has been the biggest learning experience that is every changing.

Growing up in a home that lacked a lot of what she needed as a child, Sarah began running away from home at 11 years old. She experienced abuse in different forms and found ways outside of her home to cope. As a teenager she began to use drugs and became proud of being a violent person. After a life changing experience, she way slowly able to turn her life around and got off the streets.

Having a deep understanding of the way you act and operate is so important, the question is do you? How often do you find yourself thinking about how you do things and why you do them? If you haven't did that recently, I hope that this episode challenges you to do so. Take a step back to evaluate you goals, habits and triggers. Self awareness is critical to growth and moving forward. If you seems to hard to do on your own, as someone who you trust to process with you.

We all know that being indecisive complicates any decision making process. Where I am unsure about what I need to do I always know the most helpful thing to do is to take step back. Remembering the bigger picture is obviously so important but when we get overwhelmed it sees to be the last thing to do.

This week I just wanted to keep it short and share about the bitter sweet reality of working towards goals, things don't always go as planned. However, it's up to us to decide how we want to get through it. It is so much more easier to move forward when you know your why.

In the weeks episode, I chat with Anita Monrroy about money mindset. She shares with us about her upbringing and how she had to work to overcome a scarcity mindset.

We all know that time is something that we can't get back yet we can so easily find ourself wasting it on things that do not bring value to us. Often other might start to assume that our time is unlimited because we appear to not place a value on it. It's time to step it up, get a routine going and make the most of that time you have available to do what matters most to you. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone is not something most people look forward too. It usually sparks up tons of nervousness and some fear. The trick is go into it with a plan. Mentally prepare a few talking point and remember to be gracious with yourself if it isn't a smooth sailing. With time and practice you'll become confutable with putting yourself out there.   If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review Heart on The Mic, I'd love to hear why you love this podcast. This weeks small business highlight is @yolzperez on instagram

Whoops.. I just realized that I keep referring to this new season as season 5 yet we haven't even started season 4. As we kick off season 4 I just wanted to share a thought about goals and distractions that accompany them. Don't allow burnout to keep you from investing time into your passions. Be consistent and confident through the process. You'll get to what you're working on in due time.

We all get stuck in a funk sometimes and don't even know how to get out of it. Someone times we just have to take a new approach and do exactly the opposite of what we've been doing to navigate through the chaos. 

This week I wanted to share with you about what faith looks like for me in this season. I share my thoughts about a devotional I recently read and how it encouraged me to continue to trust in God for his provision. 

I can't believe it, just like that we are closing out Season 4. Crazy that we finally made it here because it has been an interesting season from going back to school to stepping into motherhood. Thank you for joining me this season and showing up each week to listen to what I share. I'm excited to get Season 5 started for you. Let’s do this!

The President of Broken English Productions, Jolene Rodriguez, shares about the start of her career and her journey as she chased her dream to work in the entertainment industry. In this episode, she shares about a few experiences that brought her to where she is today in life and as a producer. I hope this episode reminds you that your dreams are not to far out reach. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has heard the term 'passion project'. Making a little bit of time to do what you love after taking care of your obligations. In this weeks episode, Seena shares about how she started a business by pursuing something she felt so passionate about. Instead of putting it on hold until she had her career figured out, she made a career out of her passion. 

This week I was reminded of a time when I absolutely hated my job but I was to afraid to quit. Not quitting my job led me to getting fired within 3 months. Forcing me to make a career change.

Recently I caught myself being so ungrateful because I felt inconvenienced. In the midst of my negative feelings I had to put myself in check and remember that I should not overlook the opportunity I was given. Ingratiate in anyway is a very hindering behavior.

When I pressed record for this episode I had no outline about what this episode was going to be about. We just went with the flow an things immediately got real. In this episode, Julie share about her experience being abused as a child and blocking it out for about 20 years. Leaving her to process the trauma as she stepped into motherhood. She also touches on navigating through grief during the pandemic as she is now a widow. Please be aware that’s she talks about sensitive things that can be triggering for those who have been sexually abused.

I'm dropping in with a little reminder to be unashamed about feeling those emotions that aren't fun to process. Remember that your not the only one who feels them. You're not alone in it.

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it’s not about you. Everyone goes through things and we need to acknowledge that we’re all going to encourage someone who is having a hard day. Don’t make the encounter all about you.

Before we recorded this episode the last time I seen Jazmine, in person, was about 10 years ago. Let me say I did not perceive her in a positive manner at the time. She became my friend over the years as I’ve watched her journey on Instagram. She caught my attention because she was clearly transforming right before my eyes. She went from dancer to coffee shop girl to business owner. Coming from an upbringing that is packed with trauma, it is clear that she is on a mission to pave the way for her kids. She overcame domestic violence, homelessness, and drug addiction. She now uses her personality and passions to captivate her online audience. She is a very talented nail tech, make sure to check out her work. Watch her turn nothing into something. If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review on Apple Podcast or on Spotify. As always, thank you for supporting Heart on the Mic. Instagram: https://instagram.com/heartonthemic

I’m dropping in with a bonus episode share a bit of something I thought about this week. Don’t overlook the opportunities that are in front of you be intentional.

If you listened to last weeks episode, thank you for tuning in today for the second half. I’m proud of my sister for opening up and sharing about these experiences that she’s never really talked about. I would like to start out by saying that this episode does talk about sensitive topics. We continue the conversation regarding her anxiety attacks. We also get into depth about other things she's navigated though. As you listen, I hope you gain insight regarding suicidal thoughts, postpartum depression and therapy. If you enjoy listening to this podcast please show you support by subscribing and share it with anyone and everyone you feel like sharing it with. You can also leave a rating and review in the Apple Podcasts App and now on Spotify. Join us next week for an interesting conversation with our next guest. Instagram: https://instagram.com/heartonthemic

Host, Vanessa Arvallo, sits with two of her sisters, Priscilla and Yolanda, as they discuss critical events from their upbringing. They open up about a specific life changing event for their family and how it has changed their relationships with their mom. They bring a conversation packed with candid perspectives and get real about being the daughters of a mother with mental health challenges. 

Host, Vanessa Arvallo, sits with two of her sisters, Priscilla and Yolanda, as they discuss critical events from their upbringing. They open up about life changing events as teenagers and share about their transitions into adulthood. They bring a conversation packed with candid perspectives and get real about being the daughters of a pastor. 

If you've been listening for awhile, you know that I have been flying solo as the host of Heart On The Mic episodes for the last year. How is that even possible? Time just flys by way to fast. No wonder I've been sooooo nervous to get behind the mic with a guest. No better way to shake my nerves than to invite my sister to be my first guest as a solo podcaster. Let me just say this episode gets super into the back story. Today's episode is packed with transparency as she shares about self-image, self-esteem, and anxiety attacks in her adolescent years. My sister is pretty private about her experiences and I was honestly surprised how open she was about it all. All that to say, this episode is intented to shed light on these battles that many face in silence. Always remember to do your best to be kind. If you enjoyed this episode please support the podcast by subscribing and share it with someone that you think can learn a thing or two from it. You can also leave a rating and review in the Apple Podcasts App. Join us next week for the second half of this conversation!

In this weeks episode I fill you guys in on what life has been like these days.

And this weeks episode I’ll share about the importance of mindset.

In this weeks bonus episode of LNWN, I share about how fast my newborns behaviors are changing and what my new norm looks like as I figure things out.

In this weeks bonus episode of LNWN, I give an update about what life as a mom has been like this past week and share about experiencing the baby blues. 

In this weeks bonus episode, I’m launching a mini series that I record while I’m rocking my baby to sleep after her late night feedings. I will be sharing about what being a mom looks like for me each week.

In this episode I share about the final days of my pregnancy, which were spent in the hospital. I did not have any health concerns my entire pregnancy so to have concerns arise as babygirl and I reached the final stretch was overwhelming. I am grateful that all the doctors worst case scenario concerns did not occur. A special thank you to all my friends and family who have offered support along the way.

A major topic in my life right now, besides being pregnant, is school. It's definitely been a roller coaster of a ride for me. In this episode I share about what going to college has looked liked for me over the years.

I know our faithful HOTM listeners have been waiting to hear details about my pregnancy for the past few months. Pregnancy has been such a beautiful experience accompanied by many adjustments. Some of those deals about my pregnancy are finally here. This episode was recorded back in late June, when I was 6 months pregnant. A special thank you to the listeners who submitted questions to help make this bonus episode possible.

The first episode of Season 3 is here! It’s such an amazing feeling to finally get to this point. Since the last Season 2 episode in November of 2020, a few major changes have taken place in my life. In this episode I’m talking about starting my family, furthering my education, solo podcasting, and more.

Heart On The Mic is back for Season 3! I’m so excited to announce the relaunch of HOTM. Make sure to subscribe to Heart On The Mic to be the first to hear the insightful conversations with our amazing guest. Season 3 premieres on Monday, 09/06/21. New episodes drop on Mondays!