In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we take a deep dive into Don Miguel Ruiz’s timeless book, The Four Agreements . These simple yet profound principles— Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best —offer a transformative framework for personal growth and mental well-being. Join us as we break down each agreement, exploring how they can help you unlearn unhealthy habits, navigate relationships with cl...
Nov 20, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this special holiday episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast, we’re tackling the festive yet sometimes challenging world of family gatherings. The holidays are a time for connection, but they can also bring up stress, tension, and the pressure to make everything perfect. Join us as we explore practical strategies for navigating family dynamics, setting boundaries, handling difficult relatives, and managing sensitive conversations at the dinner table. From dealing with the pres...
Nov 16, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we’re diving deep into gaslighting —a subtle but powerful form of emotional manipulation that leaves you questioning your reality. Gaslighting is more than a buzzword; it’s a tactic used in relationships to control, confuse, and erode self-trust. We break down what gaslighting really is, why people use it, and the psychological impact it can have. From subtle put-downs to outright denial, we explore the classic signs of gaslightin...
Nov 06, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we explore the hidden emotional and physical toll of caregiver stress . Caring for a loved one, while deeply rewarding, can also lead to overwhelming exhaustion, guilt, and burnout. We take a deep dive into the real struggles caregivers face and how this stress can impact mental and physical health over time. We break down the biology of stress , exploring how prolonged caregiving activates the body’s fight-or-flight response and ...
Oct 23, 2024•8 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we’re peeling back the layers of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and showing you how to spot the signs in real life. Narcissists don’t come with labels—so how do you know if you're dealing with one? We’ll walk you through the key characteristics, including inflated egos, lack of empathy, and the constant need for validation, all summed up with the "SPECIAL ME" acronym. Get ready for an interactive breakdown that makes reco...
Oct 16, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we dive into the often misunderstood world of ADHD and ADD . We explore how these conditions are diagnosed, the stigma surrounding them, and why so many adults are only now receiving their ADHD diagnoses. You’ll learn about the differences between ADHD subtypes, the impact of these conditions on daily life, and how late-in-life diagnosis can affect careers and relationships. We also take a closer look at the brain science behind A...
Oct 09, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this uplifting episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Adrian Mesa, a dual-certified nurse practitioner and founder of AMP Mental Health, to discuss his powerful journey from personal hardships to professional success. With a background as a pediatric ICU nurse, an army veteran, and a professor at the University of Miami, Dr. Mesa has experienced the full range of human emotions—both in his personal life and his practice. Dr. Mesa shares how growing up w...
Oct 02, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Andres Cartaya, a renowned clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. We explore key mental health topics like ADHD , anxiety , and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on social skills and mental well-being. Dr. Cartaya breaks down the difference between ADHD and ADD , why ADHD diagnoses are more common in the U.S. than in Europe, and how misdiagnoses—such as confusing dyslexia with ADHD—can happen. We...
Sep 18, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast , hosts Lizzy and Camila explore the transformative impact of the 5 Love Languages , as developed by Dr. Gary Chapman. These five distinct ways of giving and receiving love— Words of Affirmation , Acts of Service , Receiving Gifts , Quality Time , and Physical Touch —offer powerful insights into how we can strengthen our relationships with partners, family, and friends. Understanding your own love language and that of your loved one...
Sep 11, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of Breaking Barriers, the Mental Health Podcast ! In this powerful and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Schell, a seasoned OBGYN and postpartum specialist, to delve into the often-overlooked realities of postnatal care. We prepare so much for the arrival of a baby, but what about what comes after? Join us as we discuss the crucial importance of postnatal education—because the journey doesn’t end at childbirth. Dr. Schell shares her expert...
Sep 04, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Lizzy and Camila dive deep into the complex world of social media. They discuss how platforms designed to bring people together can sometimes have the opposite effect, influencing users to compare their lives with others and potentially harming their mental health. Join us as we explore: The impact of social media on self-identity and mental well-being. Real-life stories of people who have struggled with social media comparisons. How social media can both un...
Jul 24, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Breaking Barriers , we sit down with Nancy Alvarez, a remarkable woman who has faced breast cancer not once, but twice. Nancy shares her emotional journey from diagnosis to survival, highlighting the importance of early detection, the impact of family support, and the strength of a positive mindset. Nancy's story began when she was misdiagnosed while breastfeeding her twins, only to discover later that she had stage 2-3 breast cancer. Despite the fear an...
Jul 17, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this inspiring episode of "Breaking Barriers," we sit down with Cristina Pilo, a health coach with a dynamic journey of self-discovery and wellness. Cristina, who has been a health coach for four years and a makeup artist for fifteen, shares her personal exploration of health and confidence. Tune in as Cristina discusses the importance of morning routines, the power of small changes, and how to build self-confidence and create the life you desire. Cristina emphasizes the significance of getti...
Jul 10, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this heartfelt episode of "Breaking Barriers," we are joined by Dr. Manuel Torres, a board-certified physician in family and obesity medicine, and a devoted father of four. Dr. Torres shares his inspiring journey of navigating life with his youngest child, Francesco, who battles epilepsy and autism due to a brain tumor. Dr. Torres delves into the importance of clinical observation, the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding medical career while providing extraordinary care for a spec...
Jul 03, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Welcome back to "Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast" with your hosts Lizzy and Camila! In this episode, it’s just the two of us diving deep into a topic that resonates with many of us: recognizing when it's time to let go of toxic relationships and embrace change. Join us as we discuss: When to Let Go and Embrace Change: How to identify when a relationship no longer serves you. Red Flags and Toxic People: Understanding the signs that someone is holding you back. Emotional Vampires: How...
Jun 26, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Welcome back to "Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast" with your hosts Lizzy and Camila! In this enlightening episode, we are honored to have Silvia Cuba, PMHNP, Director of Clinical Operations at Diverse Clinical Research, and a long-time friend of the show. Silvia shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. from Cuba to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a leader in clinical research. Her dedication to helping patients and advancing science is truly remarkable....
Jun 19, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Welcome back to "Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast" with your hosts Lizzie and Camila! In this exciting episode, we are joined by Daniel Martinez, a Certified Integrative Health & Nutrition Coach passionate about biohacking and mental well-being. In this episode, Daniel shares his personal journey with anxiety and sleep issues and how these challenges sparked his passion for wellness and natural health solutions. Dive deep into the concept of biohacking and discover practical tips...
Jun 12, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Get ready for an exciting and transformative episode of "Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast" with hosts Camila and Lizzy! This week, we welcome the incredible Annie Vasquez, also known as Annie the Alchemist. Annie is a poet, writer, and former journalist featured in the Miami Herald, NBC6, and Good Morning America. She’s also a certified expert in meditation, Reiki, and sound bowl therapy. Join us as Annie shares her inspiring journey from teaching to becoming a full-time writer and w...
Jun 05, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this engaging follow-up episode, Lizzy and Camila continue their conversation with Alicia and Edward Boateng, diving deeper into their inspiring journey. Alicia, a renowned celebrity cup designer, shares how her obsession with coffee led to the creation of empowering and beautiful cup designs. She opens up about her passion for uplifting women and the role of perseverance in achieving her goals. Edward, a top leader with the Miami Association of Realtors, discusses the importance of balance i...
May 29, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Join us for a powerful and heart-wrenching episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast, where we sit down with Edward and Alicia Boateng. We split their story in two part episodes. This is part one, where this incredible power couple shares their profound journey through unimaginable loss and the road to healing. Edward opens up about the sudden and tragic loss of his son and first wife, discussing the unique challenges men face when dealing with grief and depression, especially with...
May 23, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this impactful episode of Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast, join hosts Lizzy and Camilla for a transformative conversation with Emily Janas, Education & Prevention Manager at Women in Distress. This discussion unveils the hidden facets of domestic violence, from psychological tactics to economic constraints that trap survivors. Emily provides invaluable insights into recognizing the early signs of abuse and the comprehensive support structures that empower survivors towards re...
May 15, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Unlock the secrets to a balanced life with Dr. Abbey Hernandez, our expert holistic chiropractor, in this eye-opening episode of 'Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast.' Dive deep into the synergy between your nervous system and mental health, and explore innovative ways to harmonize your body and mind. Dr. Abbey sheds light on holistic health practices that not only alleviate physical pain but also enhance emotional well-being. Tune in to discover transformative insights and practical ad...
May 08, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join us on this profound episode of 'Breaking Barriers: The Mental Health Podcast,' where we delve into the remarkable life of Maria Martinez Guzman, Executive Vice President of Univision Network News. From her harrowing escape from Cuba during the Mariel boatlift to her rise as a media powerhouse, Maria shares the relentless spirit and deep resilience that propelled her. In this episode, we explore how Maria's early experiences shaped her approach to journalism, her commitment to mentoring youn...
May 04, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this inaugural episode of "Breaking Barriers: A Mental Health Podcast," hosts Lizzy and Camila warmly welcome listeners into their world of mental wellness and self-discovery. With Lizzy's extensive experience in psychology and Camila's fresh insights as a newly graduated mental health nurse practitioner, they lay down the foundation for a series dedicated to breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health. Join them as they share personal stories of loss, triumph, and the everyday challenges ...
May 01, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 1
