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
We've been taught that being selfless is the highest form of love, but all it really did was make us invisible. As Béa Victoria Albina puts it, so many of us learned to earn safety, belonging, and worth by taking care of everyone else first. That's emotional outsourcing: when your nervous system confuses approval with survival. You can't rest if someone's upset, can't sit still when there's laundry to fold, can't stop apologizing just to keep the peace. Sound familiar? The truth is, reclaiming yourself isn't selfish ... it's revolutionary. Every time you pause to breathe, pee when you need to, or ask your body what it wants instead of guessing what everyone else does, you're reprogramming your nervous system for peace. You're not broken; you were trained to overfunction. Now you get to unlearn it. Read more: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode297/ Coaching: https://veronicacisneros.org/ Talk to a therapist: https://outsidethenormcounseling.com
Born and raised in one of Nigeria's most chaotic neighborhoods, Eunice Atuejide learned early how to find joy where others only saw struggle. A lawyer qualified in both England and Nigeria, she's spent decades watching ego (not opposition) destroy relationships, reputations, and peace. Now, she's teaching women everywhere how to pause, breathe, and choose curiosity over control. Because being right might win the argument, but it rarely wins connection. In this conversation, Eunice joins Veronica to unpack why ego loves to run the show, how childhood trauma shapes our need to prove ourselves, and why letting go is the most radical act of strength. From courtroom lessons to kitchen-table wisdom, Eunice reminds us that peace isn't found in perfection, it's found in perspective. Veronica Cisneros is the Founder and Lead LMFT of Outside the Norm Counseling, where she helps women break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, and fear of conflict. As the host of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast and a sought-after coach, she empowers women to show up boldly in their marriages, motherhood, and leadership. Coaching: https://veronicacisneros.org/ Therapy: https://outsidethenormcounseling.com/
Feeling stuck in stress mode before the day even begins? Coach Chuck Bernard joins Veronica to help us break that cycle. With over 30 years in education and a lifetime of coaching both athletes and parents, Chuck shares his powerful S.O.W.method (Self-identify, Own it, and Weed out negativity) to help you shift from survival to possibility. In this episode, you'll learn how to uncover the hidden beliefs draining your energy, create simple rituals that actually stick, and plant the kind of thoughts that change how you show up for yourself, your family, and your marriage. Get ready to stop reacting and start sowing seeds of calm, clarity, and confidence. More here: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode295/
Ever felt like you're doing everything in your marriage and still feeling completely alone? You're not crazy, and you're definitely not the only one. In this raw and unfiltered episode of Empowered and Unapologetic, Veronica Cisneros breaks down what's really underneath resentment—and how it slowly kills connection. She shares her own story of being one month from divorce, the moment she realized communication wasn't the real problem, and the surprising truth about what actually saves a relationship (hint: it's not "using I-statements"). If you've been keeping score, carrying the mental load, or wondering when your partner stopped being your best friend, this episode will hit home. It's honest, uncomfortable, and exactly the conversation we all need to have. Read more here: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode294/
Ever find yourself losing it over the smallest things and then lying awake at night, replaying the guilt reel? You're not alone. In this episode of Empowered and Unapologetic, I sit down with bestselling author and wellness expert Holly Swenson to talk about the real difference between reacting and responding. Holly shares why even the smartest, most capable women get stuck in this cycle, and how we can finally shift into showing up with more calm, clarity, and connection at home. Holly also introduces her powerful framework—Stop, Drop, Grow & Glow—a simple yet transformative practice that helps you reset in the moment, release old patterns, and build habits that support your best self as a mom and partner. If you've been craving practical tools (and permission to be human in the process), this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real-life strategies you can start using today. More here: http://veronicacisneros.org/episode293
Ever catch yourself silently rage-folding towels while your husband scrolls on the couch, thinking I do everything around here? Yeah, resentment's sneaky like that. In this episode, Veronica gets brutally honest about the resentment she carried toward her husband during his military deployments—resentment so thick she once wished she could trade places with him (spoiler: not her best moment). From Rice Krispie knees to the silent ways men lose themselves in the role of provider, she breaks down why both partners often feel unseen and how that misfires into constant fighting. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll probably recognize a little too much of yourself in the stories (don't worry, Veronica calls herself out too). More importantly, you'll walk away with practical steps to shift from seeing your partner as the enemy to seeing them as a teammate. Because if you're tired of being roommates who argue about dishes, this episode is your invitation to reconnect, laugh again, and remember why you picked each other in the first place. Read more here: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode291/ Talk to a therapist here: https://outsidethenormcounseling.com/contact/
Boundaries aren't about being rude or pushing people away. They're about protecting your peace and keeping your relationships healthy. When we avoid setting limits, resentment creeps in, we feel depleted, and before we know it, we're silently keeping score. Clear boundaries give you back your time, your energy, and your confidence, so you can show up as the best version of yourself. If the thought of telling your parents or in-laws "no" makes your stomach flip, you're not alone. Most women fear being labeled selfish or difficult, but the truth is, boundaries build trust and create stronger connections. When you state your needs calmly and follow through consistently, you're not just protecting your sanity. You're modeling self-respect for your kids and future self. Coaching: veronicacisneros.org Therapy: outsidethenormcounseling.org Freebies: https://veronicacisneros.org/resources
When His Mood Steals Your Joy Ever feel like your partner's negativity is sucking the air out of the room? In this episode of Empowered and Unapologetic, LMFT Veronica Cisneros gets real about what it's like to live with a spouse whose bad mood hijacks your day. From childhood baggage to unchecked resentment, Veronica unpacks why negativity shows up, how not to personalize it, and what you can do to protect your peace (spoiler: it's not about fixing him). Tune in for practical steps, a few laugh-out-loud truths, and the reminder you need that his happiness does not define your worth. Read more here: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode290/
What do you do when a simple disagreement spirals into "he doesn't care, I'm failing as a mom, and this marriage is doomed"? In this episode, I get real about a fight with my husband that had me convinced he was emotionally unavailable—until I realized I was trapped in my own stories and insecurities. I'll walk you through how distorted thoughts take over in the heat of conflict, what self-validation looks like in real time, and how to repair without letting resentment take the wheel. If you've ever wondered whether your husband is truly checked out or if your own overwhelm is clouding the picture, this conversation is for you. Read more: https://veronicacisneros.org/episode289/
Why does it feel like your husband gets to come home, drop his keys, and "clock out" while you're still managing dinner, homework, laundry, and bedtime? In this episode, Veronica dives into the resentment and power struggles that so many women face in marriage. She shares her own story of working 60-hour weeks while raising kids, the communication breakdowns that nearly derailed her relationship, and the hidden stories we tell ourselves that make it feel impossible to ever take a break. You'll learn how to identify the real triggers behind your frustration, challenge the all-or-nothing thinking that fuels resentment, and set boundaries that let you care for your family without losing yourself. If you've ever thought, "I don't get to clock out," this episode is your permission slip to reclaim your time, reset the story in your head, and give yourself the breaks you deserve.
Your teen locking themselves in their room, sleeping all day, and blasting "emo" playlists isn't always "just a phase." Depression in adolescents is real, common, and often missed (even in loving, supportive families.) The truth? Your kid can have "everything" and still feel nothing. In this episode, I'm breaking down the subtle signs of teen depression, why guilt and judgment shut them down, and how to respond in a way that keeps the door open instead of slamming it shut. I'm sharing five practical, therapist-backed ways to support your teen without losing your mind or their trust: from truly listening (instead of trying to fix) to finding the right professional help before things spiral. If you've been wondering whether your teen's moodiness is something more, this conversation is your wake-up call. Read more here: http://veronicacisneros.org/episode286
So many high-achieving women are secretly living their lives to make mom proud—saying yes when they want to say no, feeling guilty when they dare to set boundaries, and measuring their worth by someone else's approval. In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and author Katherine Fabrizio to unpack The Good Daughter Syndrome—and how it shows up in your marriage, your parenting, and your leadership. We're talking subtle emotional control, guilt-drenched expectations, and the exact steps you can take to finally break free from this cycle. If your mom still has the power to ruin your day—or you're terrified you might be repeating the same patterns with your own daughter—this one's for you. Coaching: veronicacisneros.org Therapy: outsidethenormcounseling.org Freebies: https://veronicacisneros.org/resources
You ever open your mouth to yell at your kids and suddenly realize... oh no, I've been possessed by my mother? Yeah, same. That moment when rage enters your body like a heatwave and the words fly out before your logic kicks in? That's not just a parenting fail—it might be generational trauma showing up uninvited. In this episode, I'm breaking down how trauma can be inherited, how it shapes your reactions (especially the ones you swore you'd never repeat), and the disruptive coping skills that keep it all going. We're not here to shame our parents or pretend we've got it all figured out. We're here to pause, notice the pattern, and learn how to parent from a place of healing—not habit. If you've ever wondered, "Why did I react like that?" this episode is your starting point. Need support? Talk to a therapist who gets it at http://outsidethenormcounseling.com . Not ready for therapy? Start with my self-paced course, Reignite Your Marriage and Reclaim Your Identity. No husband required. Just powerful shifts that change everything. Learn more at http://outsidethenormcounseling.com/reignite . It's time we stopped pretending everything's fine—and started getting real. Unapologetically. Coaching: veronicacisneros.org Therapy: outsidethenormcounseling.org Freebies: https://veronicacisneros.org/resources
I wasn't trying to be controlling… I just genuinely believed I was the only one who actually cared. Sound familiar? As a licensed marriage and family therapist (and someone who's had plenty of "heated discussions" in her own marriage), I used to think every decision had to go through me. I told myself he didn't value it as much. Didn't think it through like I did. So I took over, because clearly, someone had to. But here's the thing. Power struggles don't always look like yelling matches. Sometimes they're quiet, buried under resentment and silent assumptions. Why was it so important that my husband be submissive when it came to things I deeply valued? Why did I feel safer in control? In this episode, I break down how we get stuck in these dynamics and how to get out, because sometimes, your partner does want the same things. You just can't see it when you're too busy defending your corner. Need support? Talk to a therapist who gets it at http://outsidethenormcounseling.com . Not ready for therapy? Start with my self-paced course, Reignite Your Marriage and Reclaim Your Identity. No husband required. Just powerful shifts that change everything. Learn more at http://outsidethenormcounseling.com/reignite . It's time we stopped pretending everything's fine—and started getting real. Unapologetically. Coaching: veronicacisneros.org Therapy: outsidethenormcounseling.org Freebies: https://veronicacisneros.org/resources
After navigating two divorces, walking away from financial security twice, and facing the daunting question of what now?, Rochelle realized no one was coming to save her. So, she did what bold women do: she saved herself. With no job and everything to prove, she started from scratch—turning uncertainty into clarity and building a new career brick by brick. Today, Rochelle is the founder of Tickled Pink, a personal branding agency helping ambitious women stop playing small and start creating bold, authentic brands that open doors and build bankable futures. Ladies, I'm just going to say it: If you've ever looked around at your life and thought, This can't be it, then today's episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast is your permission slip to do something about it.
Ever wonder why the Oreos in your pantry are calling your name louder than your toddler on a sugar high? In this witty and refreshingly honest convo, LMFT Veronica Cisneros sits down with Dr. Priyanka Venugopal—OB-GYN turned stress and health coach—to talk about the real reason high-achieving women struggle with weight, burnout, and emotional overload. Spoiler: it's not because we're lazy. It's because we've been rewarded for staying in survival mode and never taught how to feel our feelings without numbing out with snacks, scrolling, or hustle. Dr. Priyanka breaks down her science-backed (and seriously relatable) approach to managing stress, cravings, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a woman who does it all. From identifying your stress cycle to reprogramming your brain's reward system, this episode is packed with "oh damn, that's me" moments. Get ready to ditch the guilt, reclaim your peace, and maybe even look at your Cool Ranch Doritos a little differently.
Let's get one thing straight: I love fireworks as much as the next overly scheduled woman running on caffeine and generational trauma. But this Fourth of July, we're not talking about backyard barbecues and red-white-and-blue jello shots. No, friend. We're talking about a very different kind of freedom—the kind that comes from laying down your emotional mop and stepping off the hamster wheel of doing the most. I'm talking about the freedom to not be the CEO of your marriage, your household, your kid's extracurricular calendar, and your damn group chat. Because here's what I know: you are tired. Not just yawn-and-stretch tired. I'm talking the soul-sucked, "Why am I crying while loading the dishwasher again?" kind of tired. You've held it together through career curveballs, toddler tantrums, and your in-laws' unsolicited opinions on everything from screen time to the state of your Tupperware drawer. And somewhere along the way, you stopped being the main character in your own life. Sound familiar? This episode is for you.
Let's just be real for a minute—if your self-care routine consists of skipping conditioner and hiding from your inbox, you might be doing too much. I know because I've been there. And so has today's guest on the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast: Lindsey Paulson, CEO of LP Consulting, host of the Mess to Mission podcast, and queen of rescuing overwhelmed business owners from the dumpster fire of burnout. She joined me from inside a tornado warning (Kentucky, y'all) to talk systems, survival, and how to stop doing everything yourself like you're auditioning for Superwoman… unpaid. "I was the problem. I can say it—I was the problem." Let's start with that truth bomb. Lindsay shared how her breaking point wasn't some big, dramatic moment. It was the slow disappearance of joy. "I stopped loving my business. I didn't want to go to the gym. My hair was always in a clip. That's when I knew." - Lindsey Paulson Sound familiar? Whether you're running a business, a household, or both (plus maybe a soccer team and a group chat with 83 unread messages), the signs of burnout are often subtle. You're numbing out on TikTok. You're irritated for no reason. You're too tired to care about the thing you built from scratch. Lindsey's story hit me hard. Miscarriages. Managing addiction in her family. Parentin
"We've been rewarded for being in control. But love, leadership, and joy don't come from control—they come from presence." – Francesca Sipma Let me set the scene: I'm sitting down with Francesca Sipma, founder of HypnoBreathwork®, and about five minutes into the conversation, I'm already contemplating if I should move to Bali, toss my planner in the trash, and just breathe for a living. Francesca doesn't just teach breathwork—she lives it. She's worked with CEOs, celebrities, and now, lucky us, she's sharing how high-performing women like us can stop white-knuckling our way through life and start leading from a place of clarity, connection, and confidence. And before you roll your eyes thinking this is another "just relax, queen" moment, hold up. This woman brings science, strategy, and real talk. HypnoBreathwork® is Francesca's signature blend of breathwork, hypnosis, and visioning that helps people rewire their subconscious in as little as 20 minutes. It sounds like magic, but it's deeply grounded in neuroscience. Tune in to learn more.