What if the loudest critic in your kid's life isn't in the bleachers... it's in their own head? Dr. Peter Economou, licensed psychologist, Zen teacher, and Olympic-level competitive swimmer, joined us for a conversation that's equal parts practical and profound, and it applies to every mom who's ever wondered whether she's helping or accidentally adding to the pressure.
What You'll Learn
✅ Why mindfulness isn't about slowing down, it's about training your brain on purpose, and why that distinction changes everything for high performers
✅ What the "demons on the boat" metaphor from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches us about bully thoughts, and why trying to push them down is exactly what keeps kids stuck
✅ The middle path between "nothing is ever good enough" and burnout — and how parents can help kids find it without living out their own unfinished stories through them
✅ Three simple, practical ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life without a meditation cushion or a free hour
Website: https://www.officialdrpete.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/
Chapters
00:00 Hamster Wheel Hook
00:18 Podcast Intro
00:49 Meet Dr Pete
02:07 Fun Fact Olympic Swimmer
03:28 Belonging Beyond Titles
04:32 Mindfulness Meets Sports
06:18 What Mindfulness Is
08:08 Mindfulness for Busy Moms
09:13 Three Everyday Practices
11:01 Quieting Bully Thoughts
14:51 Middle Path Parenting
17:47 Motivation and Self Care
19:50 Balance and Perspective
22:23 Legacy and Genuineness
24:00 Where to Find Dr Pete
24:32 Host Wrap and Reflection
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ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. I believe the people who give everything to everyone else deserve to stop surviving and start living intentionally.
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Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.
