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!
The End of an Era
After 4 ½ years, countless conversations, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our podcast.This isn’t the episode we thought we’d be recording—but it’s the one we need to have.Todays Topics:- Why we’re stepping away from podcasting. - The hard truths: feeling disappointed, under-appreciated, and undervalued in this space.- The emotional toll of pouring your heart into something that doesn’t always give back.- How this journey has shaped us—and what comes next.- A heartfelt thank you to those who showed up, supported us, and believed in our mission.We started this podcast to educate, empower, and create change. And while this chapter is closing, we hope the conversations we sparked continue to inspire, challenge, and push for better.To everyone who listened, shared, and stood by us—thank you. Your support meant more than you’ll ever know.We leave you with this: Stay safe. Stay strong. And never stop fighting for what matters. For one last time—thank you for syncing up with us.XOXO Emily + Stephanie
Feb 24, 2025
29 min
Women’s Self-Defense & Safety: Expert Tips to Stay Aware, Set Boundaries & Protect Yourself with Self Defense Expert Nicole Snell
In this episode, we break the cycle of fear and empower women to take control of their safety with Nicole Snell, an award-winning international speaker, TEDx speaker, trainer, survivor, and self-defense expert. Nicole is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Founder of Outdoor Defense, and a Credentialed Victim Advocate. She has trained every branch of the U.S. military, spoken at colleges, corporations, tribal nations, and global events, and is dedicated to ending gender-based violence through education and empowerment.Today’s Topics:-How have recent legal and societal shifts impacted women’s safety?-The most effective self-defense techniques women can learn quickly.-De-escalation strategies for potentially dangerous encounters.-Using everyday objects as tools for self-defense.-Setting boundaries assertively—and what to do when they’re ignored.-The role of mindset in self-defense and how to build confidence.-Situational awareness tips for parking lots, public transit, and walking alone.-Overcoming the freeze response in dangerous situations.We’ve been told to stay quiet. To shrink. To be afraid. Not anymore.Self-defense is not just about fighting back—it’s about reclaiming power, setting boundaries, and moving through the world with confidence.Tune in now and learn how to stay safe, stand strong, and never apologize for taking up space.Sync up with Nicole:Personal Instagram: @adventuresofnikBusiness Instagram: @girlsfightbackTikTok: @nicolesnell_selfdefenseWebsite: www.nicolesnell.com
Feb 10, 2025
29 min
Women’s Health Post-Election: Birth Control, Access to Care, and the Future of Reproductive Rights with Reproductive Rights Advocate Nikki Sapiro Vinckier
In this episode, we break the cycle of women’s healthcare with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, PA-C. Nikki is a reproductive rights advocate, licensed Physician Assistant, and founder/CEO of Take Back Trust, a platform empowering individuals navigating reproductive healthcare. With over a decade of gynecological expertise, 60,000+ social media followers, and experience as a Progressive News Correspondent and abortion fund board member, Nikki combines innovation, advocacy, and education to expand access to equitable care and inspire change. Today’s Topics: What are the biggest concerns women face since recent election results? Should you stock up on birth control or switch to long-term options like IUDs or implants? How funding cuts to reproductive health programs may strip access to affordable routine care like pap smears and STI testing. Addressing the growing gap in healthcare access for women across socioeconomic lines. Will policies further limit family planning options, like IVF or egg freezing? Preparing the next generation: How can we protect the rights of daughters, nieces, and mentees? They called us hysterical when we warned about Roe. They said we were crazy when we fought to protect abortion rights. And yet, here we are. We can’t afford to wait. We can’t afford to be silenced. When it comes to our bodies, our futures, and our freedom, our voices matter more than ever. Let’s turn “hysterical” into unstoppable. Tune in now and join the fight for a future where healthcare is a right—not a privilege. Sync up with Nikki: Instagram: @nikkivinck TikTok: @nikkivinck Website: takebacktrust.com
Jan 6, 2025
29 min
Cycle Swaps featuring Break the Cycle and Reclaiming Pride: LGBT+ Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse Podcast
It’s time to stop the competition and start the collaboration! In this episode, we speak to Sally Leslie, host of Reclaiming Pride: LGBT+ Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse Podcast. We have been looking forward to recording with Sally since we met her at Podfest last year. And we can’t wait for you to tune in and listen to this amazingly vulnerable conversation we had with Sally about why she decided to start podcasting, her experience of being in a relationship with a narcissist for 13 years, and the importance of creating spaces where people of the LGBT+ community can turn to be seen, heard, and understood. Remember, we are stronger together! Trigger Warning: We talk about domestic violence and narcissistic abuse in the episode. So make sure to follow, like, and support women looking to change the narrative. Where to find Sally: Personal Instagram: @reclaiming_pride_pod Website: reclaimingpride.buzzsprout.com
Dec 23, 2024
41 min
Cycle Swaps featuring Break the Cycle and The Fab Fatties Podcast
It’s time to stop the competition and start the collaboration! In this episode, we speak to 1/3 of The Fab Fatties Podcast, Alyssa Theobalt. This episode was so special, and we can’t wait to start normalizing the conversation around people in bigger bodies; it's so unique; thank you to Alyssa for being so open, honest, and vulnerable. During this conversation, we not only talk about our love of podcasting, and what it has given to us, we break down the idea of fat phobia, we plot taking Alyssa from The Fab Fatties, and so much more! Remember we are stronger together! So make sure to follow, like, and support women looking to change the narrative. Where to find Alyssa: Personal Instagram: @fatalbalt Podcast Instagram: @thefabfatties
Dec 16, 2024
48 min
Cycle Swaps featuring Break the Cycle and Talk Shit with P Podcast
It’s time to stop the competition and start the collaboration! In this episode we speak to the host of Talk Shit with P Podcast, Paula. In this episode, you will be able to immediately tell that we are all friends who enjoy vibrant colors, podcasting, and of course talking some shit. We laugh our way through as we talk about podcasting, the first time we met, and so much more! Remember we are stronger together! So make sure to follow, like, and support the women who are looking to change the narrative. Where to find Paula: Instagram: @talkshitwithp
Dec 9, 2024
43 min
4 Years Down Forever to Go: Lessons, Frustrations, and Exciting Plans for 2025
In this special episode, we are reflecting on the past four years of podcasting and sharing our thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the future. We open up about our journey over the last four years, what this experience has meant to us, and how it has shaped our mission and vision. We discuss the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve faced, and the incredible moments that have fueled our passion for this work. Looking ahead, we share what we feel is needed for the future, the exciting changes coming to the network, and how we plan to continue evolving to serve our community. To everyone who has supported us on this journey, thank you. You’ve been an essential part of this story, and we can’t wait to move forward together. Join the Fight: Instagram: @cyclechatsnetwork TikTok: @cyclechatschicks
Dec 2, 2024
31 min
Redefining Friendship: Navigating Expectations, Boundaries, and Letting Go of Toxic Connections with Friendship Expert Shasta Nelson
In this episode we break the cycle of female friendship with Keynote Speaker, Author, and Friendship Expert, Shasta Nelson. We speak with her about expectations not being met, how to be proactive going into conversations, what to do about not having those needs met, and when it's time to let go of a toxic relationship. Listen to Today's Episode to Learn About: ❤️our expectation for friendship  🧡asking yourself “how do I want to feel?” 💛romantic relationships vs. friendships  💚the 2 A’s 💙the fear of being a burden or lonely  💜ego and rejection  ❤️the friendship triangle  🧡using the word “friend” too easily  💛how to know it’s time to let go of a toxic friendship  💚what actually is friendship? 💙practice on the small things  💜listener questions  WHO IS SHASTA? A pioneer in belongingness, Shasta Nelson is an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time. For over 15 years, Shasta has been translating the science of human connection into actionable practices that lead to greater belonging in our communities and work culture. SYNC UP WITH SHASTA: Instagram: @shastanelson Website: www.shastanelson.com
Nov 18, 2024
56 min
Progress, Setbacks, & the Fight Ahead for Women
In this special episode, we are sharing our thoughts, feelings, and opinions on the 2024 presidential outcome. Emily and Stephanie open up about their honest reactions to the election results, the thoughts that have been occupying their minds, and how they plan to use their platform to continue empowering women through education and combatting the patriarchy. We also discuss ways to process and navigate these turbulent times together. For anyone out there feeling the same way, know that you are not alone. We stand with you, and we are always here to connect, support, and create change together. Join the Fight: Instagram: @cyclechatsnetwork TikTok: @cyclechatschicks
Nov 14, 2024
36 min
Understanding OCD: Breaking Myths, Managing Cycles, and Finding Support with OCD Therapist Juliet Gustafson
In this episode, we are breaking the cycle of misinformation and mental health by speaking with LGBTQ+ OCD Therapist, Juliet Gustafson. We talk about what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, some of the common misconceptions people have about the disorder, the portrayal of the disorder within pop culture, intrusive thoughts vs impulsive thoughts, how family members can support someone with OCD, advice for people living with OCD who may not have access to professional help and personal anecdotes from personal experiences with OCD. Listen to Today's Conversation to Learn About: ❤️common misconceptions about OCD 🧡the OCD cycle  💛intrusive thoughts vs. impulsive thoughts  💚what are compulsions (mental + physical) 💙how OCD is portrayed in media 💜suicidal ideation  ❤️difference between OCD and Anxiety  🧡how can friends and family be supportive? 💛the signs that you might have OCD 💚wanting to change for YOU 💙if you don’t have access to help where can you go? 💜listener questions  WHO IS JULIET? “I'm Juliet. I'm an LGBTQ+ OCD Therapist! I have a private practice based in Michigan where I treat teens and adults with OCD and OC-Related disorders. I also have a Patreon and Instagram where I post educational content about OCD!” SYNC UP WITH JULIET: Instagram: @ocd_therapist_juliet     Website: www. julietgustafson.com
Nov 4, 2024
58 min
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