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🤫“Shh, there going to couple’s counseling? Something must be wrong” 😱   Have you heard that before? I sure have! Society has made it taboo to go to couples counseling, movies make it seem like the couples are on the verge of breaking up or married couples on the bridge of divorce.   Today’s guests Mallory & Stranz, are going to break the stigma of going to couples counseling, how they make marriage work, and how Mallory supports her clients as a couples therapist.    More about our guest:    Mallory is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and her husband Stranz is an advocate for all things therapy. Mallory & Stranz were newlyweds when she started graduate school for Marriage & Family Therapy. They consider those years their “marriage boot camp” where they learned so much, worked hard and went to couples therapy to really figure out how to navigate conflict and emotions in their relationship. Mallory now works as a Couples & Individual Therapist in Private Practice. Mallory & Stranz are the hosts of the Make Marriage Work podcasts where they share tips and resources to help happy couples learn how to argue better and connect more.   Guest Contact: Follow Mallory on Instagram, listen to their podcast here.

63. #DatingAdvice during COVID-19 with Dr. Christie Kederian Dating is hard enough. Now mix in a global pandemic and it makes you feel like there is no hope to meet someone that can become your life partner. That’s why I am joined on today’s episode with Dr. Christie Kederian, a nationally renowned relationship expert who specializes in helping clients create lives they love and find the love they deserve. We talk about finding the right partner and navigating virtual dating during COVID-19.    More about the guest: Dr. Christie has an extensive career as a professional matchmaker and relationship expert for eHarmony and Match.com affiliate company, Christie has helped hundreds of people find love and improve their relationships. She is a "Triple Trojan" receiving her Bachelor's, Master's & doctoral degree at the University of Southern California in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy.   She is also a radio host, of The Lyrical Therapy Hour and has been a featured expert in ABC, NBC, KTLA, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan and many more.  Guest Contact: Follow Dr. Christie Kederian on Instagram, check out her website here.

2020 was A HOT MESS! Can I get an Amen! And a while everything around the world seemed chaotic life didn’t stop. We had to roll with it and that is just what my guest today did. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing an amazing entrepreneur Liz Mcvoy who not only gave birth during COVID-19, while working a full-time job but also scaled her business. Liz provides insights into the world of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Liz also shares her expertise in video marketing and showing up confidently. Liz’s message is about resiliency and preserving no matter what the circumstances are. I know you will enjoy just as much as I enjoyed having her on.    More about Liz: Liz Mcvoy is a Video and Marketing Consultant with over ten years of experience, who founded a creative marketing agency where she helps entrepreneurs and brands have greater visibility and impact in their field. Liz loves to share how to use storytelling via video, to attract, engage, and convert clients into your business. So if you’ve been struggling with video marketing @lizmcvoycreative has got your back!   Guest Contact: Follow Liz on Instagram, check out her website here.

Do you feel like you ALWAYS have to be plugged into your business?  Have you been told that if you are not doing anything that you are considered lazy? Maybe you have a massive to-do list and want to take back control of your time energy?   If you resonated with any of that, you arrived at the right place. I am thrilled to have had Grace Blacksea come on to the show and share her game-changer insights on productivity and what it means as a business owner. Grace and I chat about burnout, time management, owning your unique way of doing things, and so much more.    More about Grace: Grace is the Ceo of Quench Collective, an online community for female entrepreneurs and leaders. Grace teaches female founders how to uplevel their strategy, systems, and mindset so they can generate more impact and income by leveraging their most valuable asset, their time. Grace’s mission is to help women banish burnout, scale smarter not harder, and truly step into the role of CEO.    Guest Contact: Follow Grace on Instagram, check out her website here.

60. Overcoming Burnout with Hannah Nieves Are you feeling burnout? Does your job not fulfill you anymore? Are you exhausted and wish you had the tools to overcome it?I believe we can learn through other people’s experiences that’s why I interviewed Hannah Nieves, an extraordinary Latina entrepreneur who has an amazing story to share about how she overcame burnout and created a life and business she loves. In this episode, Hannah will share her journey and insights into her zone of genius on how to promote yourself authentically within your business.    More about the guest: Hannah Nieves has extensive experience in marketing, branding, and PR. Hannah knows what it takes to build, market, and promote authentic brands and create results. Hannah is also the host of The Thrive Society Podcast where she shares inspiring stories and strategies from aspiring entrepreneurs and brands looking to level up their business. Hannah has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and In style. Hannah is your go-to gal when it comes to elevating your luxury brand.  Guest Contact: Follow Hannah  on Instagram, check out her website here.

“I’m a perfectionist!”. How many times have you used your perfectionism as an excuse? Raise Your Hand…. Perfectionism can often feel like a strength, a way to accomplish all the things, get rewarded, and avoid the criticism. But it also creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Am I right?  While hard work and achievement matters, they aren’t always what matters most. That’s why I chat with my good friend Valerie Rocio, as she shares her struggles with her own perfectionism as an entrepreneur and how she navigates this within her business. She shares tangible tips on how to start the process of overcoming perfectionism.  More About the Guest: Valerie is the CEO & Founder of Lumos Creative. Lumos Creative was established in September 2018 with a mission to provide small and woman-owned businesses with quality content to give them a competitive advantage. Valerie began as a solopreneur offering videography, photography and social media management. In the past year Lumos Creative has grown to a team of 6 female creatives, now offering: Social Media Management, Video and Photography, Graphic and Web Design, Branding and Strategy, Blog Writing, and Pinterest Management. Valerie is also the host of the You Glow Girl Podcast.    Guest Contact: Follow Valerie on Instagram at @valerierocio, check out her business website @lumoscreative.

Join me today as I ramble about 2020. I wanted to say how grateful I am for you listening to the podcast. I can't wait to step into 2021 and season 4 of the podcast. Watch out because it is going to be AMAZING!

IT'S THE HOLIDAYS FOR ME   The holidays are not always easy. They can bring up triggers, drama, and bottled up emotions. That’s why thanks to @iamhellostudios I was able to get together with the ladies of the @selfcare.gang podcast Devyn & Desireé to spill all the tea on how to handle the holidays whether you're spending it alone, going to see family, or using this time to reflect we talk about it all. We share personal advice on handling the holidays and how to protect your peace.   More about the guests: Devyn & Desireé are the hosts of the @selfcare.gang podcast. Devyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Desireé is a Mental Health Advocate pursuing a degree in rehabilitation counseling. They chat about all things mental health, pop culture, and tackle some heavy topics. These Black Queens are not afraid to tell it how it is while also providing empathy and compassion so go and show some love over at their podcast.  Follow Devyn @sentfromdevyn & Desireé @itsdesicakes Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Café with Monica podcast.

I am so honored to have today’s guest on the podcast Jo Lam,  a first-generation immigrant, spiritual gangster, domestic violence survivor, and Founder & Ceo of Project Beauty. Project Beauty is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through beauty and self-love. This episode is very special as we spread awareness of Domestic Violence. Did you know? On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. Disclaimer: We talk about some heavy stuff in this episode, and I want to caution you to listen to this episode with someone you trust.  To reach out to Jo and help support her cause follow: @project_beauty_dfw @dallasbeautywellness --- www.theprojectbeauty.org

Values are important because they guide our beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. They help us to grow and develop. They help us to create the future we want to experience. In this episode, Dr. Lauren Cook shares how she has helped others with creating value informed decisions that are in alignment with their lives. Dr. Lauren shares her insights on how identifying your values can be helpful to overall wellness. We also share exciting news on The Hearth Virtual Conference, which she will be hosting on World Mental Health Day October 10th. This conference is filled with amazing topics on fostering resilience, helping you learn coping skills, how to let go of shame and guilt, and cultivating healthy relationships.    Guest Contact: Follow Dr. Lauren Cook on Instagram @dr.laurencook and check out her website drlaurencook.com.   Resources Mentioned: Events: The Hearth Conference: Use discount code: CAFEWITHMONICA Course: The Decision Principles  Books: The Sunny Side Up Name Your Story

In today’s episode, I chat with Maham Qadri, founder of Texapreneur, an online platform that highlights Texas Entrepreneurs. Maham and I chatted on what it was like to start this business during a pandemic, why it’s important to build each other up, and how she got to where she is now. Maham is truly inspiring and she reminds us that taking messy action can yield results. Maham gives great insight and advice to new and aspiring entrepreneurs.    More about the guest: Maham Qadri is the CEO & Founder of Texapreneur. This company was founded in April 2020. Maham wanted to shed light on the importance of supporting locals and to empower and showcase other entrepreneurs in the state of Texas. Maham is extremely passionate on the importance of women supporting women, individuals supporting individuals, and overall wanting to inspire people as well as be inspired daily. Maham hopes to motivate individuals, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs via her Texapreneur platform. Guest Contact: Follow Maham on Instagram @texapreneur.

Spending day after day in the same place can make even the best couple a little stir-crazy.  That’s why I finally convinced my husband Adam to come on the podcast to share how we have been navigating COVID-19 and our mental health.   No relationship is perfect and we know that relationships take work. If you are struggling right now because you're spending way too much time with your significant other this episode is just for you. In this episode, we share advice and insights on living in a one-bedroom apartment, marriage, having a new pet, and how we have grown in our relationship.

Entrepreneurship can be tricky to navigate and sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost because we don’t have a sense of purpose. In this episode, I invited Miracle, a young entrepreneur to share how she discovered entrepreneurship and the importance of having a purpose and finding your voice. You will feel so inspired and just ready to take on any challenges after listening to this episode.  More about the guest: Miracle Olatunji is an award-winning Gen Z entrepreneur, international speaker, women’s advancement advocate, and author of Purpose: How to Live and Lead With Impact. She has been honored as a Young Global Leadership Scholar, Youth Entrepreneur of The Year, a 40 Under 40 Woman to Watch, and a grand prize winner of the World Series of Entrepreneurship. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, Technical.ly, The Female Lead, and other leading publications. She was a member of the advisory board for the Diamond Challenge, one of the world's largest entrepreneurship competitions for high school students and she continues to work with other organizations that empower future innovators and world-changers. Guest Contact: Follow Miracle  on Instagram @miracleolatunji, you can book her for your next speaking engagement here. Resources Mentioned: Book: Purpose: How to Live and Lead With Impact

Grab your favorite notebook and pen because in this solo episode I am sharing tangible ways you can start to put self-love into action.   Personally, self-love was a foreign concept to me for a long time. I didn’t realize I was not intentionally finding ways to show myself love until my therapist in graduate school pointed it out. I had just left a 3-year relationship when I found myself searching for ways to provide the love that I no longer received from another person. I remember my therapist asked me to note what my ex-boyfriend provided me in terms of love and asked me how I can replicate that and provide it to myself. It was then that self-love became an intentional and purposeful act.    Putting self-love into action not only makes us healthier people, but it also makes us better in our relationships and communities. It makes us better for us, better for others, and better for our lives.  

Do you want to know your deepest desires, drive, passions, and strengths?   Have you heard about the Enneagram?   The Enneagram is a powerful tool for psycho-spiritual growth. It does not put any of us in a ‘box’. It helps us work with our nuanced personality differences by tapping into our unique shadows and strengths. Cool Right? Well here’s a treat for you. I am so excited I got to chat with Michael Shahan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas City, Missouri all about the Enneagram and how he uses this as a tool to help his therapy clients. Michael has a wealth of knowledge on the Enneagram and I swear this episode will make you feel like you are chatting over coffee with your best guy friend. Who wouldn’t want that? Michael shares how each enneagram shows up in their unique ways in relationships. It’s such a binge-worthy episode!    After you take a listen you're gonna want to follow Michael over on his Instagram @michaelshahan_therapy where he provides awesome relatable memes and insights using the enneagram.    You can also  connect with Michael  on his website over at www.michaelshahan.com 

Are you fearlessly chasing after your dream?  My guest today sure is and she is spilling the tea on how she is doing it all and the struggles that come along with it.  One of the greatest things I get to do when interviewing people for the podcast is getting a glimpse into their lives and their story. In today’s episode, I chatted with one of my favorite people to follow on the internet, Madison Anaya.  Madison not only shares my love for the Office but in helping women by creating community and showing up authentically.  Madison Anaya is a speaker, writer, conference host, content strategist, and community builder who helps millennial women live with purpose, love their work, and make an impact. She's the host of The Fearless Chase Community + Podcast which is full of resources and events for female creative entrepreneurs choosing to fearlessly chase after their biggest dreams. You can find Madison on Instagram@madisonbaileyanaya Join the Fearless Chase Community on Facebook Listen to her podcast here Want to get help on content strategy check out her website at www.madisonanaya.com  

Do you feel uncomfortable talking about SEX better yet low sex drive?    I remember the first time I had to talk about sex with my mom it was not your typical the birds and the bees type conversation. To be honest I don’t even know where that phrase came from.   But anyway talking about sex was awkward for me. I remember talking to my first romantic partners about sex was awkward too and then there's talking to my gynecologist yikes even scarier.    So here is the conversation I wish I had when I was younger. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Lyndsey Harper about sex, sex drive, questions to ask your gynecologist, and so much more.    More about my guest:  Dr. Harper is the Founder and CEO of Rosy, a women’s health technology company that connects women who have sexual health concerns with hope, community, and research-backed solutions. She has been named Forbes Top 53 Women Disrupting Healthcare, People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40, and a Top Innovator in North Texas for 2020. Follow Dr. Harper on Instagram at @lydnseyharpermd Download the Rosy App Here

DOES FEAR CONTROL YOU? Has it ever stopped you from doing what you really want to do? Have you felt like if only it wasn't there you would be able to accomplish much more? If there answer yes! I got your back. In this episode, I talk about how to start letting go of fear with some practical tips to use. Are you ready to tackle your fear? Jump on a FREE Mental Health Clarity Call with to get started Click Here.

SETTING BOUNDARIES IS HEALTHY! Really excited to share my conversation with Therapist Mary Beth Somich who focuses on family dynamics and boundary setting in her therapy practice. Her style of family therapy involves building respect and boundaries in the home environment by examining relationships and communication patterns. She shares her insight on how she works with clients on finding their limits to establish healthy boundaries.  This episode is filled with tangible tips to help with setting boundaries in all areas of your life. Boundaries create emotional health and are created by people with emotional health. They are something you can start working on today with the people close to you and you’ll begin to notice a difference in your self-esteem, confidence, and emotional stability. More about the guest: Mary Beth Somich is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Private Practice in Raleigh, North Carolina who works with teens & young adults, and specialize in family dynamics. In addition, she provides support to other therapists in establishing their private practices as well as leveling up on Instagram and building their social media presence. Mary Beth's Instagram  Need help on setting boundaries I got you let's jump on a FREE Mental Health Clarity Call. Click Here

Guilty of Procrastinating?  You have probably researched a million articles on How To Stop Procrastinating and still feel lost. It's like what the heck right you love achieving you feel some days you are on top of the world and then something you don't want to do comes up and your like maybe later which only leads to feeling more frustrated.  In this episode, I share my insights on what has  helped me stop procrastinating and how you can help stop your procrastination.   Want to work with me? If you’re in the Texas I offer online counseling. I am accepting NEW counseling clients! Just simply contact me here. Sign up for my monthly recap email here filled with free guides, mental health tips, and encouragement on how to live your best life.  If you just want general tips and want to check out what I am up to follow me on social media:  Follow Me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and or contact me here.  If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate & review on Itunes here. No Itunes? No problem, you can subscribe/follow the podcast on Spotify.