Let's be honest… I've been quiet the past few weeks, not because I had nothing to say, but because I was overthinking how to say it. I kept waiting for the "perfect" setup. The camera. The lighting. The time. The space. And the truth is… it never came. So I didn't record. Not because I wasn't inspired, but because I was stuck in the cycle of wanting to do it right and ending up doing nothing at all. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing what's really been going on behind the scenes...juggling two businesses, setting time boundaries, and giving myself full permission to be in a season of both/and, not either/or. Whether you're building a business, managing a household, helping family, or doing all of the above. I hope this episode reminds you that it's okay to pivot, recalibrate, and honor what feels most aligned in the moment.   Here's what I share in this episode: • Why perfectionism was keeping me from showing up at all • What I've been working on behind the scenes in my mom's business • The mindset shift that helped me stop choosing between "this or that" • Why doing both can actually be better than forcing a choice   Let's Connect! Follow Mercedes Collins on Instagram Here Follow Rooted & Regulated Wellness Co Here Download Mercedes Free Guided Hypno-meditations Here Book a Neurofeedback Session Here

This is a special oneI recorded for the woman who's feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and like she has to do all the things just to stay afloat. In this sneak peek from my new mini course Aligned & Well, I'm sharing one of my favorite quick resets you can do anytime your nervous system feels fried—even if you're driving, chasing toddlers, or mentally spiraling before dinner. It's a small shift that creates big change, and it takes less than two minutes. If what I share today resonates, you can grab the full course for just $37 until June 3rd. After that, the price goes up! ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why you feel reactive, anxious, or constantly "on edge" The truth about survival mode (and why it's not your fault) My exact 2-minute reset practice you can do in your car How 528 hz music helps calm not just you but your kids too   This isn't about overhauling your life—it's about building micro-moments of calm into your existing day. And I walk you through it all inside Aligned & Well. 🎉 Grab it now for $37 before the price increases June 3rd: 👉 https://www.mercedescollins.com Want to check out more about the Neurofeedback I offer in Arizona? 🧠 https://www.rrwellnessco.com DM me anytime if this lands or you try the reset—I'd love to hear from you 💛 📲 @mercedes.a.collins

This topic might feel weird at first, but it's something I've been thinking about (and resisting) for a long time: the power of boredom. If you're anything like me—a high-achieving, podcast-loving, always-learning, always-doing kind of woman—then boredom probably feels uncomfortable, maybe even unsafe. I used to fill every pocket of silence with a podcast, a book, a to-do list, or something to keep my brain busy. But recently, my leadership coach challenged me to sit with the stillness—and let me tell you, it's been awkward… but also surprisingly freeing. In this episode, I open up about: Why boredom feels threatening for ambitious women (and why that's a nervous system thing) How constantly consuming input can drown out your own thoughts and creativity The mindset shift I've made that's helping me actually enjoy silence A few super simple ways you can start practicing boredom in your day—without overhauling your schedule Whether you're a mom, a business owner, or someone who never sits still, I hope this episode gives you permission to pause. There's something magical that happens when we stop trying to fill every moment. And yes, you might feel a little uncomfortable at first… but that discomfort? It could be the doorway to your next big idea. — Check out more of what I'm up to—including my guided hypno meditations and brain balancing sessions—at www.mercedescollins.com Let's hang out on Instagram: @mercedes.a.collins  

During a group tarot reading on a recent girls' trip to Sedona, I asked one simple question: How will my business growth impact my family? What I got in return was so aligned, it felt like the cards were reading my soul!! In this episode, I'm sharing the messages that came through, what they revealed about my next chapter, and how they mirrored the visions I've quietly been holding onto. If you've been feeling torn between your work and your family—or wondering when your breakthrough will come—this is your reminder to trust the timing AND your own intuition. In this episode, I share: What the cards revealed about my business timeline (and why it's sooner than I thought) Why embracing my shadow side—especially my "I can do anything" energy—is part of my growth The affirmation that I'm watering both my family and my work equally How I'm anchoring into peace and preparing for the next version of me Whether you're building something big or just waiting for your next season to click into place, this one's for you. Let's stay connected: 💻 www.mercedescollins.com 📲 Instagram: @mercedes.a.collins 🎥 TikTok: @neurogenbb.eastvalley

This episode is for the mama who's building something meaningful—whether it's a business, a community, or just a more intentional life for her family. I sat down with Amy McConnell, the owner of East Valley Moms, to talk about how she took a hyperlocal hobby blog and turned it into a go-to resource for thousands of families across Arizona. From launching a magazine to hosting sold-out events—all while raising her son without full-time childcare—Amy is proof that you can create impact on your own terms. Whether you're local to the East Valley or just craving inspiration around business, motherhood, and sustainable growth… you're going to love this one. In this episode, we talk about: How Amy grew East Valley Moms while navigating early motherhood Why she chose to outsource business tasks instead of childcare The importance of being where your feet are (especially when life throws curveballs) Creating real boundaries when your brand includes your kids If you've ever felt like you're "doing it wrong" because your business or motherhood doesn't look like someone else's—this episode will remind you that there's no one-size-fits-all way to build a beautiful life.   East Valley Mom's Info: Instagram: EastValley.Moms FREE Events Calander: Click here   Mercedes Info: Instagram: mercedes.a.collins Website + Free Meditations: Click here

What if your anxiety, sleep struggles, or your toddler's meltdowns were actually signs of nervous system dysregulation—and there was a better way to support it? In this conversation, I sit down with my personal chiropractor and friend, Dr. Sydney Bickmeyer of Powerhouse Chiropractic. We unpack everything from how stress shows up in your body to how kids try and adjust themselves at a young age (yep, it's more common than you think). If you've ever been curious about chiropractic care for women and children—or how to regulate your own system between sessions—this one's for you! We chat about: How anxiety and stress show up differently in nervous system scans (and what to look for) The real deal on the vagus nerve, gut issues, and emotional stress being stored in your body Simple, practical ways to support your nervous system at home (even if you're short on time) Why moms and kids are energetically connected—and how calming yourself might be the best way to help your child Whether you're local to Arizona or just wanting to learn how to support your body in a deeper way, you'll leave this episode feeling empowered, seen, and ready to take the next step. — Links mentioned: powerhousechiropractic.com Instagram: @powerhousechiro — P.S. If you're ready to take nervous system support even deeper, brain balancing might be the perfect next step. Learn more at nbbeastvalley.com

This episode is super close to my heart! I'm sharing what it was actually like preparing for and delivering my very first keynote speech… in front of 200 women. 😳 Here's what I get into: The real nerves I felt leading up to the event—and how I calmed them. What helped me most in preparing (spoiler: ChatGPT, visualization, and a fire dress 💁‍♀️). The limiting beliefs I had to let go of to own that stage with confidence. What happened after the talk that completely shocked me (hint: sign-ups and real impact!). If you've ever had the dream to speak, or you just want a behind-the-scenes peek at a major milestone in my business, this one's for you. ✨ P.S. I'm linking the free hypno-meditations I created for this event below! One is for deep sleep and the other is a quick de-stress you can use anytime. They were a hit at the conference, and I'm so excited to share them with you too.   Grab your FREE Hypnomeditations for deep sleep and reducing stress here Insatgram: @mercedes.a.collins  

If you've ever dreamed of traveling more—but felt like your budget couldn't stretch that far—this episode will blow your mind. ✨ I sat down with travel rewards coach and Points to Paradise podcast host, Megan Lanford, to talk all things credit card points and how to use them to fund your dream trips (without racking up debt or juggling 17 different cards). Megan went from taking one trip a year to traveling six times annually, saving over $20K—and now she teaches other women how to do the same. If you've ever wanted to fly first class, stay at luxury resorts, or just take more family trips without breaking the bank… this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: The easiest card to start with if you're brand new to points How to get VIP-level upgrades with a simple email trick (no status required!) Whether all-inclusive is worth it and how to pick the right resort How to use your business credit card to rack up even more travel points Whether your goal is a weekend staycation, a bougie couples' getaway or an epic family vacay... this episode will help you travel smarter. Links Mentioned: Follow Megan on Instagram → @pointstoparadise Follow Mercedes on Instagram → @mercedescollins_ Download the app Megan recommends → Travel Freely Want to dive deeper? Check out Megan's membership, Travel Points Academy, for step-by-step guidance and support. You'll get access to her monthly coaching calls and learn how to actually use your points to book unforgettable vacations. Learn more at @pointstoparadise.

In this episode, we're diving into the all-or-nothing mentality that so many of us struggle with—whether it's fitness, work, parenting, or personal goals. If you've ever told yourself, "If I can't do it perfectly, why bother at all?" then this one's for you! I'm sharing my own experiences, including my on-again, off-again relationship with fitness and how I procrastinated on my website redesign just because I didn't have hours to dedicate at a time. We'll break down why we do this, how it holds us back, and simple shifts to create sustainable progress—without burnout. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How the all-or-nothing mindset shows up in different areas of life. Why we feel like we need to be 'all in' or not do something at all. The sneaky ways this mindset leads to procrastination and burnout. Small, actionable shifts to break free from this cycle and build momentum.   Let's Connect! Did this episode hit home for you? DM me on Instagram and tell me one small micro-commitment you're making this week! I'd love to cheer you on. Also, if you know a friend who struggles with this mindset, send them this episode! 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @mercedes.a.collins   If you loved this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and share it! Your support means the world to me and helps this podcast reach more ambitious women just like you. 💛

AI and ChatGPT aren't just for tech nerds or business owners—they're game changers for busy, ambitious moms. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've integrated AI into my daily life to save time, reduce mental load, and streamline everything from trip planning to business tasks. Whether you're running a business, working in corporate, or just trying to stay sane as a mom, this episode will show you how AI can make life easier. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How AI helps with trip planning, meal prep, and grocery lists (without endless Googling). Why I use ChatGPT for brain dumping, content creation, and organizing my ideas. How AI can support corporate moms by making work emails, schedules, and presentations easier. The surprising ways I've used AI for business strategy, financial planning, and even deciding to trade in my car.   Loved this episode? 👉 Leave a review & share with a friend who needs this in her life! 👉 DM me on Instagram @mercedes.a.collins if you're using AI—I'd love to hear your favorite hacks!