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Paula talks about the gender wage gap and shares various data points, such as women in the U.S. earn a median of 83 cents for every dollar men make. She points out that the wage gap has narrowed over time but has stalled or widened in recent years. Factors contributing to the gap include caregiving duties, gender discrimination, and occupational segregation. She shares the ways that the wage gap has a direct effect on lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and poverty levels. Paula suggests themes such as self-advocacy, mentorship, and sponsorship to help close the gap and equip women with the necessary tools to rise.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ explanation of median wage gap
+ factors influencing the gender wage gap
+ data in 2024-2025
+ impact of the wage gap on women and families
+ advocacy and solutions for closing the gender wage gap

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Paula introduces a 10-minute guided meditation session in response to community request for strategies to help manage the emotional weight people are struggling with emphasizing its benefits for those who struggle with self-meditation. Come and dip your toes into practices we have spoken about on the podcast in real time!

This brief meditation focuses on self-affirmation, rest, and care, highlighting that rest is a birthright and not a weakness, tapping into themes discussed during the Rest Series in earlier episodes. Paula concludes by inviting feedback and expressing hope that the meditation brings listeners a sense of peace and grace.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ brief discussion on support tools and personal experiences
+ introduction to guided meditation
+ real time guided meditation

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Paula engages in a deep dive surrounding the phenomenon of Doomscrolling, admitting to being a guilty party. She highlights the impact of consuming negative news, which can increase anxiety, sadness, and feelings of helplessness. Research shows that 62% of Americans doomscroll occasionally, with 70% of social media users engaging in it and it can lead to physical health issues like headaches and high blood pressure. Paula suggests setting specific boundaries, using app timers, and curating social media feeds to reduce negative impacts. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming time and replacing it with more positive activities.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ defining doomscrolling
+ historical context and popularity
+ impact on mental and physical health
+ cultural and personal factors influencing doomscrolling
+ strategies to combat

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Paula discusses the importance of boundaries in various aspects of life, emphasizing their role in self-care and mental health. She highlights the challenges of setting and maintaining boundaries, noting cultural and generational influences. Paula suggests practical steps, such as starting with setting setting one specific boundary. She stresses that boundaries are essential for protecting personal energy and promoting meaningful self-care. In addition, Paula speaks on the fear of conflict and the need for self-reflection to identify and address feelings of shame and guilt associated with setting boundaries.

In this episode, you will hear:

• impact of boundaries on self-care and mental health
• cultural and generational influences on boundaries
• practical steps for boundary setting
• normalizing discomfort and progress

Boundaries Freebie - https://bit.ly/boundarylevelup

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Paula discusses the challenges and realities of starting a private practice for new graduates in the mental health field. She emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations, noting some New York specific themes that pre-licensed clinicians often face. Paula highlights the need for business acumen, financial literacy, and networking to name a few core themes in addition to strong clinical skills. She advises against jumping into full-time private practice immediately post-graduation, citing legal restrictions, financial instability, and the necessity of appropriate supervision. Paula also stresses the importance of self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and continuous learning to avoid burnout and ensure sustainable practice.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ challenges of starting a private practice
+ legal and financial considerations
+ operational and administrative challenges
+ impact of external factors on private practice
+ personal and professional growth

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Paula examines the concept of acceptance, emphasizing it as an action rather than a belief. She differentiates acceptance from approval, noting that acceptance is a verb and requires active participation. Paula highlights the challenges of acceptance, including confusion with giving up and the fear of judgment. She shares some personal experiences and the importance of self-compassion and accessing community support. Paula encourages listeners to practice acceptance by meeting reality, setting boundaries, and seeking rest. She stresses that acceptance is not surrender but a courageous acknowledgment of one's circumstances.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ defining acceptance
+ personal and collective challenges
+ cultural and religious influences
+ overcoming avoidance and embracing discomfort
+ the role of control and the “fix-it” energy

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Paula explores the current impact of anxiety on Americans, referencing a recent mental health poll by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) which revealed that 40% of employed individuals worry about job security, while 67% prioritize keeping themselves or their families safe among other significant concerns. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging an increase in anxiety as a signal and addressing it before it becomes unmanageable, particularly for historically underserved populations such as BIPOC individuals and those in rural areas.

Resources:
Annual Mental Health Poll Reveals Americans Anxious About Current Events; 40% of Employed Worried About Job Security

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Paula highlights the confirmation of a a new policy in New York City Public schools banning cell phones and internet-enabled devices following several other states who have adopted similar practices. This policy will affect grades 3-12 and includes exceptions for educational and medical needs. She identifies increase in concerns include mental health impacts, safety, and parental communication which motivates these shifts as well as the responsibility of schools to develop their own policies and ensure secure storage. Paula also advises on strategies that parents and guardians to discuss the policy with their children and ensure they know how to handle emergencies as well as what questions to ask school staff to ensure they are receiving the most accurate information.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact on students and parental concerns
+ challenges in implementing cell phone/device policy
+ exceptions and special considerations
+ parental concern and communication
+ discipline and accountability
+ transitional period and community support

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