Break That Cycle

Ep.14 From the Banker: Nobody Taught You This About Money

What if the biggest thing holding you back financially… was never being taught how money actually works? In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with retired banker Larry to break down real-world financial knowledge in plain English — the kind of stuff most people were never taught growing up. We talk about budgeting, banking, debt, credit scores, scams, saving money, and how the financial system really works behind the scenes. Whether you're starting from scratch, trying to rebuild, or just want to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can actually use. This isn't financial jargon or corporate talk. It's real conversation about real money problems people deal with every day. In this episode: * How credit scores actually work * The best ways to build or repair credit * Common financial mistakes people make * Why banking matters and the risks of staying outside the system * Predatory loans and hidden financial traps * How scams and identity theft happen * Ways to protect yourself financially * Budgeting and saving tips for real life * What banks look for behind the scenes * Simple habits that can change your financial future About Larry: Larry recently retired after a long career in banking and financial services. In this episode, he shares practical insight, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and straightforward advice to help people better understand money, credit, debt, and financial stability. About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations people don't normally have — from trauma and mental health to life skills, finances, relationships, and personal growth. If this conversation helped you, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 Cold Open: The Credit Card Secret 01:07 Introduction & Meet Larry 06:35 Segment 1: Money Foundations 06:40 Why Everyone Needs a Bank Account 09:44 Online Banks vs Traditional Banks 14:18 Healthy Spending Habits 17:49 Why Most Budgets Fail 20:18 The Biggest Financial Mistakes 23:31 The Two Bills You Never Skip 25:33 How Small Savings Become Big Money 28:50 Segment 2: Credit, Debt & Banks 29:14 Larry Explains Credit Scores 32:22 Building Credit the Right Way 34:20 Credit Cards: What NOT To Do 35:35 How Bad Credit Costs You Thousands 39:40 The Fastest Way to Build Credit 43:31 Payday Loans & Predatory Lending 47:15 How Car Dealers Trap Buyers 50:22 Why Long Car Loans Are Dangerous 53:05 Segment 3: Scams, Fraud & Protecting Your Money 53:24 Real Scam Stories 55:57 The Biggest Scam Red Flags 57:39 How Fraudsters Steal Your Accounts 59:33 Never Click These Links 01:03:11 Why You Should Stop Writing Checks 01:05:40 Freeze Your Credit Today 01:08:08 Smart Money Moves 01:09:17 The Power of a 401(k) 01:11:37 Larry's Advice for Young Adults 01:15:05 Final Thoughts

Ep.13 You Don't Look Depressed… | Anxiety, Culture & Hidden Struggles with Dr. Andrea Gleim

What if everything you thought you knew about anxiety and depression wasn't the full story? In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Gleim — psychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss — to have a real conversation about mental health, culture, and the pressure to "have it all together." We dive into how anxiety and depression actually show up in real life, especially for high-achieving individuals, and how cultural expectations can shape the way we experience — and hide — what we're going through. This isn't surface-level advice. This is the kind of conversation that helps you understand yourself — or someone you love — on a deeper level. In this episode: • How anxiety shows up differently across cultures • The hidden side of depression in high-achievers • Common misconceptions about mental health • The impact of cultural expectations like "stay strong" and "don't burden others" • Practical ways to better understand and manage anxiety and depression • Dr. Andrea's journey and the mission behind her work About Dr. Andrea: Dr. Andrea Gleim is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and entrepreneur focused on helping individuals honor their full selves — mind, body, and spirit. Through her work with Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss, she supports people in navigating mental health, identity, and success without burnout. Connect with Dr. Andrea: https://www.iammindfullymine.com [https://www.iammindfullymine.com] About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations that people don't have — from mental health and trauma to personal growth and life skills they were never taught. If this conversation hit home, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Cultural differences define various depressions 26:10 - The beast that is anxiety 52:01 - Mindfully Mine, TheraBoss, and more?!

Ep.12 Breaking Free: Kim Figueroa's Story of Survival and Strength

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Kim Figueroa, a survivor of long-term sex trafficking who now uses her voice and lived experience to help others find a way out. Kim's story is not what most people expect. It didn't begin with a dramatic moment — it started quietly, shaped by childhood experiences, difficult circumstances, and survival decisions that led her into "the life." For years, she lived through exploitation, control, and trauma that many people never see or understand. But this is not just a story about survival — it's a story about breaking free. In this conversation, we explore: How trafficking often begins and why it's so hard to leave. The reality of living "in the life" and the choices that come with it. What helped Kim finally get out and begin her healing journey. What survivors actually need — and what people often get wrong. Her work today alongside task forces and professionals fighting trafficking. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's meant to educate, challenge assumptions, and offer hope to those who may feel trapped in their own circumstances. 00:00 – Intro 01:21 – Life didn't become bad, it started bad 25:21 – How I was trafficked 48:48 – The survivor becomes the hunter

Ep.11 Wednesday Recap: Roles, Entitlement & Encouragement in Relationships

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we introduce a new series called Wednesday Recap — real conversations inspired by a Tuesday night women's group hosted by an MMH employee. Each week, a topic is brought to the table, and the group dives deep into honest discussion. On Wednesdays, we recap those conversations and unpack the themes together. This week's discussion centers around three powerful relationship topics: Roles in a relationship — who does what, and why? Entitlement — when expectations become unhealthy Discouragement vs. encouragement — how the words we use shape connection This episode is about self-awareness, accountability, and growth. Whether you're single, married, dating, or rebuilding, these conversations are meant to challenge thinking and strengthen relationships. Sometimes breaking the cycle starts with how we show up for each other. 00:00 – Intro 00:58 – Roles in a relationship 28:23 – Entitlement 54:09 – Discouragement vs. Encouragement

Ep.10 From Tragedy to Empowerment: Pearl Chiarenza on Finding Purpose After Loss

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Pearl Chiarenza, founder of Women's Successful Living, to talk about finding empowerment, purpose, and inner strength after unimaginable loss. Pearl shares her personal story of losing her son and the long, difficult road of grief that followed. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her, she chose to transform her pain into purpose — helping women uncover their worth, reclaim their confidence, and move forward even when life feels unbearably dark. In this conversation, we explore: Pearl's journey through loss and how she learned to keep going Tools for coping with tragedy, grief, and emotional pain How women can rediscover their inner beauty and strength during hard seasons The mission behind Women's Successful Living, her books, speaking work, and empowerment programs This episode is for anyone who has experienced loss, heartbreak, or hardship — and is searching for a way forward. Pearl's story is a reminder that empowerment isn't about avoiding pain, but learning how to rise through it. 00:00 – Intro 01:09 – Pearl's story and the loss of her son 28:43 – Navigating grief and finding purpose 55:54 – Tools for healing and self-empowerment