Shows
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about the Power of PetsSend us a textPaula shares some the mental health benefits of owning or engaging with pets, highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. She shares her personal experience with her rescue service dog, Fonzie, a tripawed cancer survivor, highlighting how pets can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase daily exercise. As well as some additional ways that animals have the ability to uplift us. establish routines, provide unconditional love, and foster social connections. She also addresses the practical aspects of pet ownership, including financial and time commitments, and suggests alternative ways to engage with pets, such as volunteering...2025-05-0627 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Working with Your Partner with JR PerezSend us a textJR Perez discusses the challenges and benefits of working together with Paula in business. They highlight the learning curve of running Personalize Your Coaching and Personalize Your Therapy, which started in 2018 and 2023, respectively. Paula shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and the need for a CEO mindset. JR emphasizes the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and understanding each other's roles. He also explains the financial aspects of business, including the impact of business structure and the necessity of hiring experts. They also discuss the importance of maintaining work-life balance and the value...2025-04-2253 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about GraceSend us a textPaula speaks about the concept of grace, exploring its importance beyond religious context and added use during the early days of the pandemic. She identifying ways that grace can be defined and practiced differently based on individual beliefs and values. Paula shares personal experience, including her own challenges and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring personal limitations while urging listeners to reflect on ways they can incorporate grace into their lives.In this episode, you will hear:defining grace and is relevancepersonal and professional insights on gracechallenges associated with...2025-04-1524 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Immigrant Scarcity Mindset with Carolyn O'Neal, LCSWSend us a textCarolyn explores the concept of scarcity mindset, particularly within immigrant communities. She and Paula share personal experiences associated with financial struggles and the cultural emphasis on resourcefulness over buying new items. Carolyn recounts her mother's journey from factory work to a stable career, highlighting the generational differences in work ethic and professional growth. Emphasis is also placed on the significance of unlearning scarcity mindset and teaching gratitude to the next generation.In this episode, you will hear:+ scarcity mindset and its impact+ generational gaps and cultural differences+ balancing...2025-04-0845 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Social RestSend us a textOn the final episode in the series about the seven types of rest, Paula discusses the intricacies of social rest. She emphasizes that social rest is often overlooked but crucial for mental and emotional well-being and highlights the need to be intentional about social connections, focusing on those who uplift and support us, and avoiding those who drain our energy. Paula stresses the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-reflection, and prioritizing positive social interactions as well as addresses common challenges like fear of isolation and the difficulty of saying no, suggesting various strategies...2025-04-0133 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Spiritual RestSend us a textIn the next episode on the series exploring the different types of rest, Paula digs into the concept of spiritual rest. She reflects on her experience at Retreat, Remix, Revive highlighting the challenges of balancing roles as a facilitator and participant and the ways it connects to this form of rest. Paula explains that spiritual rest involves deep tranquility and connection to something larger than oneself, not necessarily tied to religion. She suggests practices achieve spiritual rest and similarities in the reasons we often do not talk about this form of rest in...2025-03-2528 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Emotional RestSend us a textPaula discusses the importance of emotional rest as the next part of the series on rest. She highlighting its role in maintaining overall well-being and mental health as well as explains what emotional rest actually involves. Paula emphasizes emotional rest and the ways complements other types of rest, such as physical and mental, and the ways that it is often overlooked. She provides practical strategies to help prioritize emotional rest and addresses societal pressures and misconceptions that hinder the prioritization of mental rest.In this episode, you will hear:+...2025-03-1830 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Creative RestSend us a textPaula examines the importance of creative rest, in the fourth of the rest series. She highlights the challenges of maintaining creativity in a fast-paced world, noting that many people struggle with finding joy and inspiration. Creative rest is crucial for avoiding burnout, enhancing problem-solving skills, and fostering flexible thinking. Paula emphasizes that creativity requires nurturing and rest, contrary to the common misconception that it comes naturally. She also addresses societal and economic pressures that hinder rest, advocating for small, intentional shifts to improve overall well-being and creativity.In this episode, you...2025-03-1129 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Sensory RestSend us a textPaula discusses the importance of sensory rest, in the third of seven essential types of rest that will be explored in this series. Emphasis is placed on disengaging from screens and devices to reduce constant stimulation. She highlights the challenges of maintaining sensory rest in a tech-dependent society, noting the impact on mental health and stress management. Practical tips include limiting screen time, practicing silence, and creating calming environments. She also suggests using sensory tools to support with management and stresses the importance of self-reflection as well as communication with loved ones to...2025-03-0429 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Mental RestSend us a textPaula explores the importance of mental rest, the second of seven essential types that will be explored in this series. She explains the ways mental rest involves a break from constant mental stimulation, which is crucial for brain function and overall well-being. Paula highlights the challenges of achieving mental rest in a digitally-driven, fast-paced society, noting that cultural and personal responsibilities often hinder it. She poses suggestions of practices to utilize that can benefit our ability to increase mental rest as well as explores reasons that it isn’t talked about as well as...2025-02-2543 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Physical RestSend us a textPaula discusses the importance of rest, emphasizing that it involves more than just sleep. She highlights seven types of rest that will be explored in this series, starting with physical rest, which includes sleep and gentle movement. She stresses the need for consistent rest to avoid burnout and improve overall health, including brain function and muscle recovery. She shares personal anecdotes and strategies to enhance physical rest and encourages listeners to prioritize rest and persistently work towards incorporating healthy rest practices into their daily routines.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2025-02-1827 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Friendships with Vanessa CruzSend us a textVanessa and Paula who are long time friends and former colleagues discuss their evolving friendship as well as the complexities of adult relationships. Vanessa highlights shared experiences, importance of honestly and the challenges associated with maintaining connections as we grow older. Emphasis is placed on the value of genuine, supportive friendships and the benefits of prioritizing self-care and boundaries.Guest Bio:Vanessa Cruz is an accomplished science educator based in New York City, bringing passion and expertise from her Dominican roots and Afro-Latina heritage. Holding dual master's...2025-02-041h 02
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Money with Marci Grossman, CPASend us a textMarci returns to speak with Paula about her new app, "Let's Talk About Money," designed to help take the guess work out and facilitate financial conversations. The app, available on Android, includes over 100 conversation starters to help users discuss various financial topics, such as debt and medical expenses. Marci emphasizes the importance of communication in financial relationships and shares her goal of making financial education accessible. Paula highlights the app's potential to bridge gaps in financial education and support diverse audiences.Guest Bio:Marci is a CPA...2025-01-2836 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Resolutions and ResistanceSend us a textDuring this fun-size episode to get the ball rolling on our New Year, Paula discusses the cultural and personal pressures associated with resolutions and resistance towards them. She highlights the societal expectation to be productive, the intrinsic need to rest, explores the concept of resistance in therapy as well as the importance of understanding one's motivations.In this episode, you will hear:resolutions and their cultural contextconcept of rest as resistanceresistance in the therapeutic spacealternatives to New Year’s resolutionscognitive restructuring for positive change...2025-01-0713 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Ask P Anything Vol. 3Send us a textIn our highly anticipated Year-End "Ask Paula Anything - Vol.3" Episode, Paula dives into an array of questions submitted by our vibrant and supportive community of listeners. She shares her unique perspectives and offers a wealth of personalized feedback covering a variety of topics that resonate with many. Paula provides insightful suggestions and diverse strategies, serving as a catalyst for achieving even greater success as we eagerly anticipate 2025!Social Work Professional Development - 10 CEUsRetreat, Remix, Revive - Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025For More Information: https://bit.ly/4gzTkTW2024-12-1744 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Being Thankful for 100 Episodes!Send us a textIt's been 100 episodes and what better day to share how thankful we are for the show than Thanksgiving. (United States Version) Paula and everyone at Fonzie-Try Media appreciate everyone who been a guest, listened, followed, and shared. Enjoy and thanks for listening to our show!Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-11-2928 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Training & Development for School Social Workers with Dr. Gabriella McBride, DSW, LCSWSend us a textGabi and Paula converse about her career trajectory, starting out as a foster care social worker, transitioning to Founding Social Worker & Director of Social Services at Mott Haven Academy Charter School and involvement with launching a program at NYU Silver School of Social Work designed specifically to train school social workers. She highlights need for specialized training for school social workers, noting the complexity of their roles and the lack of consistent support. They emphasized the importance of community, data utilization, and professional development as well as discussed the challenges of advocating for...2024-11-1245 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Social Work Retreats: From Planning to ParticipatingSend us a textPaula is joined by an awesome panel of dedicated social workers Ancy, Cindy, and Emily who discuss the origins and impact of their annual retreat for school social workers and youth mental health providers. The retreat, which began in March 2024, aims to address burnout, provide continuing education units, and foster community among professionals. Despite personal challenges, such as health issues and grief, the organizers emphasized the importance of collaboration and self-care as well as the significant positive changes identified by participants. The next retreat is scheduled for March 2025, with a focus on the...2024-10-2951 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about The Importance of Sleep During Adolescence and BeyondSend us a textMotivated by recent conversations with parents and students, Paula explores the critical importance of sleep for adolescents and other age groups, shares information on the impact of insufficient sleep on our mental and physical development/health, and suggestions to develop a sleep schedule.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-10-2238 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about JoySend us a textPaula picks apart the emotion of joy, speaking to its role in both the mental and physical of our existence. She shares the biological aspects of the way joy is regulated by the frontal lobe and thalamus, associated with neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Paula highlights the challenges in cultivating joy as well as suggests practices to support investing in experiences that enhance it.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-09-2432 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about DisgustSend us a textPaula explores the emotion of disgust, emphasizing its importance despite being often overlooked. She provides a simple definition of disgust, explains how it can be triggered by various sensory experiences and, highlights strategies to manage its complexities.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-09-1727 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about FearSend us a textPaula discusses the emotion of fear, emphasizing its impact on our mental and physical health. She defines fear, and shares information associated with the fight, flight, freeze, fawn responses, and the impact of prolonged fear. can lead to negative health effects, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular issues. Paula suggests strategies to manage fear and highlights the importance of addressing fear to prevent long-term health impacts. Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-09-1027 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about SadnessSend us a textPaula discusses the emotion of sadness, emphasizing its early development in infancy and its role in organizing behavioral responses. She highlights the challenges of expressing sadness, advises exploring acknowledging feelings, and the importance of identifying trusted individuals to confide in among other supportive strategies. Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-09-0328 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about AngerSend us a textPaula discussed the complexities of anger and its various expressions, triggers, and cultural influences. She emphasized the importance of identifying the underlying causes of anger to manage it effectively and, highlighted the negative consequences of unmanaged anger on one's well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-08-1334 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about EnnuiSend us a textPaula McMillan-Perez discusses the French word 'Ennui,' as an emotion. She explains the differences between ennui and boredom, and the differences between a deeper issue like depression. Paula emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming emotions like ennui to help individuals feel seen and understood. She also provides strategies for management.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-08-0619 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about NostalgiaSend us a textPaula explores the concept of nostalgia, discussing its definition, positive and negative aspects, and influence on collective memory. She highlights the importance of balancing positive and negative experiences as well as leveraging nostalgia as a coping mechanism for trauma and significant life changes. Paula shares her experiences of feeling nostalgic and distracted, and the value of identifying the opposite perspective and keeping things in perspective.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-07-2324 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about EmbarrassmentSend us a textPaula discusses the complexities and manifestations of embarrassment, the history of its origins as well as responses/strategies for managing it. She also shares a personal story where she was impacted by embarrassment and why it is so important to reflect on these experiences.Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-07-1628 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about EnvySend us a textPaula explores the complex emotion of envy, defining it and its differences with jealousy. She examines the negative impact of envy on mental health and various relationships. Paula also delves into the various forms of envy and their impact on motivation and self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these feelings to overcome them. In this episode, you will hear:+ emotion of envy defined+ envy vs. jealousy+ types/variables of envy+ impact of envy and its relationship to our mental healthFollow us on I...2024-07-0923 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about AnxietySend us a textPaula provides an overview of Anxiety and how it affects both adults and adolescents in the US, with gender differences in prevalence. She explores some factors contributing such as social exclusion, bullying, family dynamics, trauma, and personal factors as well as practical strategies for addressing anxiety at any level.U.S Anxiety DataFollow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-07-0224 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Youth and Summer BreakSend us a textPaula explores challenges faced by youth in accessing summer engagement and programs due to financial constraints, transportation issues, or other factors as well as the impact of summer break on mental health, including anxiety and disrupted daily routines. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with youth, particularly during the summer months, to create spaces where they feel seen and heard. Paula highlighted the need for parents and caregivers to prioritize building connections and provides suggestions surrounding validating the feelings of youth to support their mental health.Follow us...2024-06-2524 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Grief & Trauma w/ Claire M. SchwartzSend us a textClaire shares personal experiences and professional insights on grief and trauma with Paula while also emphasizing the importance of authenticity, empathy, and holistic healing approaches. She discussed the challenges of supporting clients through their grief journeys and the need for shared understanding as well as the importance of prioritizing self-care and healing in the aftermath of traumatic events.Guest Bio:Claire is the Founder of Miriam’s Well Healing LLC and You Can Heal Your Grief. She is a BA, Certified Professional Coach, Grief & Trauma Recovery Strategist, Reiki Ma...2024-06-1154 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Engaging with TeensSend us a textPaula explores some themes that can impact parents as they work to connect with teens, including navigating emotional experiences and difficult interactions. She highlights the challenges of parenting in the digital age, emphasizing the need to find a balance between using tech and personal interaction while also cultivating safe and non-judgemental spacesFollow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod2024-06-0424 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Menstrual Stigma w/ Urmi HossainSend us a textUrmi speaks candidly with Paula about menstrual stigma, its cultural and societal roots as well as personal experiences as a Muslim woman. She emphasizes the importance of education and open discussion as well as creating access and celebration to increase empowerment and decrease shame.Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. She is the holder of the CFA charter, one of the highest designations...2024-05-1442 min