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Paula shares some the mental health benefits of owning or engaging with pets, highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. She shares her personal experience with her rescue service dog, Fonzie, a tripawed cancer survivor, highlighting how pets can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase daily exercise. As well as some additional ways that animals have the ability to uplift us. establish routines, provide unconditional love, and foster social connections. She also addresses the practical aspects of pet ownership, including financial and time commitments, and suggests alternative ways to engage with pets, such as volunteering at shelters or fostering to soak up the benefits that animals have to offer.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ physical and mental benefits of pets
+ establishing routines and bonding
+ mindfulness and presence
+ stress relief and social connection
+ unconditional love and companionship
+ cultural and practical considerations

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Stephanie, a Nuyorican (a Puerto Rican located in New York City-in this case, The Bronx), trauma-born Capricorn, mother of three and first year MSW student/intern, discuss her journey from being a soldier in the U.S Army from deployment in Iraq and beyond to today. She highlights the pivotal role of therapy in her recovery and speaks of her struggles associated with self-sabotage. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and accountability noting the lack of support available for veteran transitioning to civilian life. Stephanie uplifts the need for more peer support and representation in mental health services, especially for women of color.


In this episode, you will hear:

+ challenges access mental health services in the military
+ resilience and accountability in mental health
+ combined experiences of military life with a mental health diagnosis
+ impact of deployment on veterans
+ role of social work in supporting veterans
+ importance of representation and authenticity in social work

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Piazza is a dedicated Social Work Intern, Veteran, and proud Mother who brings a unique, trauma-informed perspective to her practice. A Capricorn by nature, Stephanie is grounded, resilient, and deeply curious about human behavior—consistently exploring how people act, feel, and think. With humor as a vital tool in her work and life, she strives to build authentic connections with others. Stephanie is committed to using her lived experience and empathic abilities to empower individuals, helping them recognize their inherent strength, beauty, and potential.

Contact/Socials
Instagram:@madamep82
Facebook: Stephanie Lee Piazza (tread carefully)
Email: stphnpiazza@gmail.com

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JR Perez discusses the challenges and benefits of working together with Paula in business. They highlight the learning curve of running Personalize Your Coaching and Personalize Your Therapy, which started in 2018 and 2023, respectively. Paula shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and the need for a CEO mindset. JR emphasizes the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and understanding each other's roles. He also explains the financial aspects of business, including the impact of business structure and the necessity of hiring experts. They also discuss the importance of maintaining work-life balance and the value of having a supportive team.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ challenges of working together
+ navigating business and personal relationships
+ learning and adapting in business
+ building a professional network

Guest Bio:

JR Perez is a dynamic individual with a passion for both podcasting and pop culture. As the Executive Producer of the hit podcast "Why Don't We Talk About This?", he brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to the show. Through his leadership, the podcast has gained a dedicated following, tackling thought-provoking topics that encourage open conversations.

Beyond his podcasting prowess, JR is a devoted action figure collector and an avid professional wrestling fan. In all aspects of his life, JR Perez brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a genuine desire to connect with others.

Contact/Socials:
Instagram: jayareperezrtb

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Paula speaks about the concept of grace, exploring its importance beyond religious context and added use during the early days of the pandemic. She identifying ways that grace can be defined and practiced differently based on individual beliefs and values. Paula shares personal experience, including her own challenges and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring personal limitations while urging listeners to reflect on ways they can incorporate grace into their lives.

In this episode, you will hear:

• defining grace and is relevance
• personal and professional insights on grace
• challenges associated with extending grace in modern life
• practical examples
• impact on mental health and well-being

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Carolyn explores the concept of scarcity mindset, particularly within immigrant communities. She and Paula share personal experiences associated with financial struggles and the cultural emphasis on resourcefulness over buying new items. Carolyn recounts her mother's journey from factory work to a stable career, highlighting the generational differences in work ethic and professional growth. Emphasis is also placed on the significance of unlearning scarcity mindset and teaching gratitude to the next generation.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ scarcity mindset and its impact
+ generational gaps and cultural differences
+ balancing cultural expectations and personal goals
+ financial sacrifices and emotional needs
+ work ethic and personal growth

Guest Bio:

Carolyn's social work journey began since a young age while growing up in the Bronx. She was a recipient of the UFT scholarship and attended SUNY New Paltz. Her passions for social work led her to Child Protective services in New Jersey where she was able to finalize 33 forever families in the 6 years she worked there. Her heart came back to the Bronx to intern at the Bronx YMCA while completing her final year Fordham Univesity. Working in the heart of the South Bronx has led to completion of hours towards the LCSW. She was also the recipient of the United Health Corps Loan Forgiveness scholarship. Carolyn is also a SIFI instructor and Youth Mental Health Aid certified instructor.

Contact:
Email: c.oneal22@gmail.com

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On the final episode in the series about the seven types of rest, Paula discusses the intricacies of social rest. She emphasizes that social rest is often overlooked but crucial for mental and emotional well-being and highlights the need to be intentional about social connections, focusing on those who uplift and support us, and avoiding those who drain our energy. Paula stresses the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-reflection, and prioritizing positive social interactions as well as addresses common challenges like fear of isolation and the difficulty of saying no, suggesting various strategies to incorporate social rest into daily life.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ reflections on rest
+ importance of social connection
+ balancing social engagement and rest
+ practical strategies for social rest
+ overcoming barriers

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In the next episode on the series exploring the different types of rest, Paula digs into the concept of spiritual rest. She reflects on her experience at Retreat, Remix, Revive highlighting the challenges of balancing roles as a facilitator and participant and the ways it connects to this form of rest. Paula explains that spiritual rest involves deep tranquility and connection to something larger than oneself, not necessarily tied to religion. She suggests practices achieve spiritual rest and similarities in the reasons we often do not talk about this form of rest in particular.


In this episode, you will hear:
+ spiritual rest and Retreat, Remix, Revive
+ understanding spiritual rest
+ connection and community
+ challenges and benefits
+ personal responsibility and unlearning
+ community involvement and gratitude

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Paula discusses the importance of emotional rest as the next part of the series on rest. She highlighting its role in maintaining overall well-being and mental health as well as explains what emotional rest actually involves. Paula emphasizes emotional rest and the ways complements other types of rest, such as physical and mental, and the ways that it is often overlooked. She provides practical strategies to help prioritize emotional rest and addresses societal pressures and misconceptions that hinder the prioritization of mental rest.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ defining emotional rest
+ importance of this type of rest
+ challenges and misconceptions
+ practical tips and strategies to improve

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