Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle
Cycle Chats Network
Break the Cycle, is here to guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Join hosts, Emily Palacios and Stephanie LoVerde for honest, thoughtful conversations that inspire you to break free from the chains of generational traumas, mental health challenges, societal pressures, women's health issues, toxic relationships, and more. Our mission is clear: to make our 15-year-old selves proud of the resilient, empowered individuals we've become. Let's embark on this empowering journey together!
Overcoming Body Image Issues and Rewriting Beauty Standards with Advocate and Coach Lucie Vallée
In this episode, we break the cycle of societal pressures, women’s health, and women’s mental health as we speak with body image coach Lucie Vallée about what type of body image issues women are facing, where body image issues stem from, what strategies she suggest for managing social media and its impact on body image, how people can handle comments or behaviors from others that trigger negative feelings about their body and what she believes are the key factors in developing a healthy body image. Listen to Today’s Episode to Learn About: -90s beauty standards and their effects on us -the giant umbrella of body image issues -our idea of thin=beauty -golden girls vs. sex and the city (same ages represented in totally different ways) -being terrified to age -body dysmorphia -social media and body image -how do we start changing our mindset? -the reward and punishment system for beauty -when does the cycle of shaming end? -the power of female friendship -listener questions WHO IS LUCIE: “Why is this topic important to me? Because I’ve been through it. I suffered from ED for more than 10 years. I went through all the phases of disordered eating: compulsive calorie counting, obsession with physical activity, and control over my appearance. My healing journey was transformative on a deep level. Today, I am passionate about guiding others on the same journey of acceptance and self-discovery.” SYNC UP WITH LUCIE: IG and Tiktok: @fightthiswithlucie Website: https://fightthiswithlucie.com/ #bodyimagemovement #bodyimagehealing #educationalpodcast #breakthecycle #learningtolovemyself
Jun 17, 2024
54 min
The Power of Female Friendship with Authors and Artists Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
In this episode, we break the cycle of women's health by speaking to creators of the graphic novel "Go With The Flow" and its sequel "Look On The Bright Side," authors Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann. Lily and Karen get very candid as they share their stories about their own personal "flows" as well as their origin story involving Karen saving Lily's life during an earthquake! They also give their view on how they believe knowledge about one's own health empowers individuals and how educators and parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing health-related issues openly. Listen to Today's Episode to Learn About: -using art as a way to connect  -the journey to being proud of your period  -healing yourself through writing  -hope -if we were the mean girls -the importance of being educated about your body  -book bans -how as parents and educators do we set up safe spaces to talk and educate our children? -the portrayal of female friendship and how that affects us -the middle school years  -why write for kids? -listener questions  WHO IS LILY? Lily Williams is an author, illustrator, and storyteller who seeks to inspire change through education. Her work covers many topics, from the trophic cascade in the award-winning animated documentary short film FINconceivable and critically acclaimed award-winning If Animals Disappeared nonfiction picture book series, to menstrual equity in the LA Times Book Prize finalist and Eisner Nominated graphic novel, Go With The Flow, to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in her My O.C.D. Story and I’m So O.C.D. That… comics and upcoming graphic novel Exposures (First Second). Lily believes in the power of making information fun, educational, and accessible for all audiences. Lily grew up in Northern California where she graduated from California College of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Animation. She spent time working in feature film animation in Los Angeles before becoming a freelance illustrator. In addition to public speaking engagements, Lily teaches kids of all ages in a variety of settings through University classes, public school, and online. When she isn’t creating, Lily can be found dreaming about the smell of cold winter air, listening for the sound of airplanes on a rainy day, and perfecting her gluten-free waffle recipe. Lily lives in Colorado with her husband and fellow illustrator, C. Grey Hawkins, and their blind rescue rabbit. WHO IS KAREN? Karen is co-author (with Lily Williams) of two graphic novels: "Go With the Flow" and "Look On The Bright Side." In their books, they have put a lot of effort into de-stigmatizing menstruation and reproductive health issues such as endometriosis and fibroids in a way that is approachable and easy to understand. Karen lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids and cat. She also works full-time as an engineer for an electric utility and has extensive experience as a woman working in STEM. *The struggle is real!*  SYNC UP WITH THE LADIES: Lily's Instagram: @LWbean Karen's Instagram: @whatthestuffs Their OG webcomic page: @TheMeanMagenta Cover Art created by Lily Williams!
Jun 3, 2024
52 min
Slow Style Home with Designer Zandra Zuraw
In this episode, we break the cycle of societal pressures by slowing things down with Podcast Host, Coach, and Creator of the Slow Style Approach. The ever-fabulous Zandra Zuraw. Zandra educates us on how the Slow Style approach uses your home as a place for personal development and healing and how to use your home as a creative incubator, inspiring you to become who you want to be. Listen to Today's Episode to Learn About:-the journey of finding who you are-what is the slow style approach?-how atmosphere and environment create expectations -being embarrassed for loving beauty -being proud of your home-Emily walks us through a lesson she teaches in her classroom -what does it mean when your style doesn’t connect to your personality -what is eclectic style? -conversation pieces -creating a space of safety -thrifting and up-cycling -listener questions WHO IS ZANDRA?Zandra is the founder of Slow Style Home, an interior design coaching platform for passionate homeowners.  She's currently writing a book about her Slow Style approach to design, to be released in Spring 2025 through Gibbs Smith.  Zandra is also the host of the popular podcast Slow Style Home, which has logged over 300 interviews with the most creative people working in the interior industry.  Within the first year, Slow Style Home landed on the coveted iTunes' New and Noteworthy list and is now in the top 5% of most downloaded podcasts across all categories globally.   The show has reached over 1 million downloads and counting.  Her business (formally known as “Little Yellow Couch”) has been featured in many media outlets such as Domino, Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today, and Podcast Magazine.  Zandra has also been a speaker at several creative business conferences in the US and Canada, talking about the business of podcasting and design. SYNC UP WITH ZANDRA:WEBSITE: https://www.slowstylehome.comIG: @slowstylehome  
May 20, 2024
57 min
Sexual Revolution with the Intimacy Doc, Dr. Catalina Lawsin
In this episode, we break the cycle of women’s sexual health with licensed psychologist Dr. Catalina! We discuss how sex is related to psychology and how our sexual health affects our mental health. We also dive into the difference between sex and intimacy and answer the age-old question: Can we have great sex without intimacy? Listen to Today’s Episode to Learn About: -living life with pleasure and desire -asexuals and sex -the work is done outside the bedroom -the scary notion of being in the moment -don’t think, feel -difference between sex and intimacy -can you have great sex without intimacy -choice is power -extremism -what makes great sex great? -why is sex such a taboo topic? -listener questions WHO IS DR. CATALINA? Great sex & intimacy is your absolute birthright. As a licensed psychologist for over 20+ years, I’ve worked with individuals affected by the big guns – cancer, death and dying. Through this work, I witnessed the one key factor that motivates one to keep on living – relationships. Relationships are essential to who we are and how we experience life. Unfortunately, sometimes relationships aren’t easy and sex can suck. I help visionaries who believe they deserve great sex & intimacy to experience ecstasy without settling for sexless relationships integrating neuroscience, attachment and tantra. Sync up with Dr. Catalina: Instagram: @theintimacydoc Website: theintimacydoc.com
May 6, 2024
54 min
Modesty and Purity Culture
Welcome to Chit Chats! A mostly unedited space where we break the cycle of what it means to be a woman...TOGETHER! Show it off or cover it up? It's time to settle the debate once and for all. We're pulling out all the stops (and the outfits) to finally decide...what IS shmexy? - - - #femalepodcasters #womeninpodcasting #viral #discovernewpodcasts #modesty #sexyoutfits #talkshowhosts #tiktokviral #viralvideos
May 3, 2024
16 min
Haircut Horror Stories, Inner Monologues, and Our Go To Hair Products
Welcome to another episode of Curly and Confident! Join your hosts Emily Palacios and Salisha Thomas as we dive deep into the world of curly hair and self-confidence once again. In today's episode, we'll be chatting about the everyday experiences and challenges that come with rocking our natural curls. From navigating the professional world as a working girl to the joys and struggles of wash day, we're covering it all. In this episode, we talk about: -being a working girl -hair dying debacles -day 8 hair -wash day! -haircut horror stories -the wolf cut -how often to go to the hair salon -giving yourself gifts -our wedding looks -your opinion matters most -how do you deal when someone questions you? -Salisha’s inner monologue -to straighten or not to straighten that is the question -bullies suck -the role society plays in how we feel about ourselves -our go-to product So, grab your favorite curly hair product and join us as we laugh, commiserate, and celebrate the curly hair journey together on Curly and Confident! Remember, your curls are your crown, and you wear them with pride. Stay confident, stay fabulous, and stay tuned for more episodes dropping on the last Tuesday of every month. See you next time!
Apr 30, 2024
46 min
Your Dream Wedding with Wedding Planner Elisse Mills
In this episode, we break the cycle of societal pressures as we sit down to chat with Founder of Our Own Table Co (or OOTC for short) Elisse Mills. She walks us through what some of the biggest things brides freak out about for their weddings and how she helps them. Plus, how she makes sure that her couples have their dream weddings that align with their budget without compromising on the most important elements. Listen to Today's Episode to Learn About: -when your career chooses you -the power of social media  -our connections to the bridal industry  -the biggest problems couples face during wedding planning  -when should you hire a wedding planner? -planning for the worst case scenarios -are mother in laws the hardest to please? -how to have your dream wedding but align with your budget? -the non traditional wedding -how to prioritize your mental health while wedding planning  -how to make sure to you enjoy your big day -listener questions  WHO IS ELISSE? Elisse is a lifestyle content creator that specializes in wedding, marriage and relationship centric content. With 4+ years as a wedding planner under her belt, Elisse posts logistical tips and creative ideas from her first hand experience. She stays up to date on the latest industry trends and enthusiastically shares the most popular trends and products with her followers all while planning her own 2024 wedding. SYNC UP WITH ELISSE: Instagram: @elissemills_ Website: https://www.ourowntableco.com/  
Apr 22, 2024
54 min
How We Went VIRAL!
Welcome to Chit Chats! A mostly unedited space where we break the cycle of what it means to be a woman...TOGETHER! In this episode, we talk about how we went VIRAL! Woo hoo! The algorithm has blessed us. Let's talk about what this means. - - - #femalepodcasters #womeninpodcasting #viral #discovernewpodcasts #rachelfromfriends #talkshowhosts
Apr 19, 2024
16 min
The Male and Female Brain with Psychotherapist Talia Bombola
In this episode, we break the cycle of women's mental health and toxic relationships as we sit down AGAIN with the ever-fabulous confidence and assertiveness specialist, Psychoanalytic LMFT, Talia Bombola. This time around, Talia is breaking down the differences between women and men when it comes to life and relationships. Listen to Today's Episode to Learn About: -differences between female and male psychology -CEOs and Alpha bros -how Talia’s words changed Stephanie’s life -pick me girls -the younger generation and dating and polyamory -nature vs. nurture -difference in chromosome size in men vs. women and what that affects -the loss of rituals and ceremonies for boys to men -how Stephanie’s new relationship is different than all the rest -men fall into two categories (do they want to build the castle with you or move you in once the castle is built?) -how to bridge the gap between men and women in relationships -listener questions SYNC UP WITH TALIA: Instagram + TikTok- @taliabombola Website- www.taliabombola.com Book Recommendation: The Male Brain and The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine WHO IS TALIA? "I am the Confidence + Assertiveness Specialist™. My work is centered around helping ambitious women heal patterns of feeling “not enough” or “too much” that manifest in their personal and professional lives and rewire subconscious beliefs so they can increase their self-worth and their net worth. I make sense of evolutionary and social psychology to help you, in modern-day, understand how men and women approach life and relationships differently. Like, extremely differently. I teach you what makes us do what we do as women, and why we will be disappointed if we expect men to be like us. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and am a Certified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist as well as a Jungian Life Coach. I felt too limited by the confines of therapy, so I began coaching to share my knowledge with a larger audience. I have extensive expertise to share that helps you gain a better understanding of how to change the way you think and feel to experience less disappointment in your life and how to attract and keep a partner. You will learn how to have a renewed sense of self in order to make the life you dream of and the partner you want a reality. My degrees, letters behind my name, and titles “technically” qualify me to do all that I do, but I have over 15 years of experience ‘doing the work’ on myself. When I mentor, I say, “You have to sit on the couch before you can sit in the chair.” I also tell my clients, “As deeply as you know yourself is as deeply as another can know you.”
Apr 8, 2024
54 min
New apartment, Rachel's got anxiety, Underage drinking and HOW many hours of sleep?!
Welcome to Chit Chats! A mostly unedited space where we break the cycle of what it means to be a woman...TOGETHER! In this episode, we dive *right* in because Stephanie is on the verge of her breaking point and there is simply not a moment to spare! OKAY, GREAT. Now that we've gotten that out of the way... What are we talking about? You may tell by the title that the train has left the station and it's headed to ALL of the places. We talk about Stephanie's first time in her own apartment, our good friend Rachel and her even better friend Anxiety, lowering the drinking age and the absolutely shocking information about how many hours women are *actually* supposed to get when they sleep! > > > #femalepodcasters #womeninpodcasting #anxiety #sleepstudies #lowerthedrinkingage #underagedrinking #italy #discovernewpodcasts
Apr 5, 2024
18 min
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