Diet culture has a sneaky way of showing up everywhere. From weightloss plans disguised as “lifestyle changes” to wellness trends promising to heal everything from your skin to your soul. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD—author of The Wellness Trap and Anti-Diet—to unpack how diet culture infiltrates the wellness world and impacts women’s health in ways that are anything but healthy.

Christy explains how the multi-billion-dollar wellness industry often sells us pseudoscience, dubious diagnoses, and rigid food rules that can lead to disordered eating, body image issues, and mental health struggles. We talk about why so many people—especially women—get caught in this cycle, how eating disorders aren’t always obvious, and why scientific literacy is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health.

You will learn... 

• Why diet culture’s obsession with weight loss harms physical and mental health
• How wellness trends exploit fear to sell ineffective or harmful solutions
• The connection between restrictive eating, binge eating, bulimia, and long-term health issues
• Why women are extra susceptible to falling into diet culture and wellness trends
• How social media and our political climate contributes to wellness mis- and dis-information

Remember: Your worth isn’t measured by your weight, your diet, or how “well” you follow health trends. Real wellness is about freedom and self compassion.

Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and journalist who has been covering food, nutrition, and health for more than 20 years. She is the author of two books, The Wellness Trapand Anti-Diet, and host of the podcasts Rethinking Wellness and Food Psych. Christy’s decades of work in journalism, nutrition, and intuitive eating have helped thousands break free from the false promises of diet culture and find a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to food and health. Whether you’ve struggled with dieting, fallen into the wellness trap, or simply want to support women’s health in a more sustainable way, this conversation will help you see wellness culture in a whole new light.

Get Christy’s latest book: The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses and Find Your True Well-Being

Learn more about Christy at christyharrison.com and follow her on Instagram @chr1styharrison

Mentioned in This Episode: Fears About Food Additives, article by Christy Harrison Is Red Food Dye Dangerous?

If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to combat diet culture, promote body positivity, and spread self love.

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You can’t truly love yourself if you’re lying to yourself.

And you certainly can’t find peace in a version of you that’s not real.

Because when you try to love a version of yourself that isn’t true, it feels empty. It’s like people-pleasing: if you sacrifice authenticity for approval, then who are they really approving of? Not the real you. And the same goes for self-approval. If we dress up a lie and call it self love, we’re building a facade that will inevitably crumble.

Self love requires radical self honesty.

In this episode, you will learn…

• Why women, in particular, tend to lie to themselves (even more than they lie to others)
• What all major religions and spiritual teachings say about truth-telling
• 3 simple but profound ways to use honesty as a daily practice of loving yourself

We’ll also explore ideas from authors like bell hooks, George Saunders, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Tara Brach, whose teachings remind us that honesty is the foundation of love.

If you’ve ever felt like self-love doesn’t “work” for you, or that you’re doing everything but still feel disconnected, this episode might reveal why and inspire you to honestly love yourself.

Remember: telling the truth isn’t about sharing every secret, it’s about staying rooted in what’s real. And what’s real—no matter how messy—is worthy of self love.

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast

If you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life. Your support helps keep this show—and the message of self-love, confidence, and mental health—alive and thriving.

🫖 P.S. This self-love podcast episode pairs beautifully with:

• Ep. 212: How To Be Honest With Yourself
• Ep. 213: Sick of People-Pleasing? Listen to this.
• Ep. 242: How To Stop Comparing Your Current Self to Your Past Self

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A personal solo episode where I (Mary) share my “small joys” i.e. little acts of self-care that have made a big difference. Each one has become a gentle anchor, a little nudge to remember who I am and what I need. And through them, I’m realizing how the act of keeping promises to myself—no matter how small—has become a declaration of self-worth.

You will hear about... 

• 6 teeny tiny self-care practices that have made a big difference in my mental health
• the books I’ve been reading lately (including my unpopular opinion about The Women by Kristin Hannah)
• reflections on relationships and making new friends
• how to cultivate a positive mindset

At the core of this episode is the idea that keeping promises to yourself is a declaration of self-worth. Every time you follow through on taking care of yourself, you are signaling that you are WORTHY of the time, energy, money, and attention self-care demands.

Tune in for a gentle invitation to remember that your life is YOURS to shape, nurture, and enjoy. A positive mindset could be just a small step away.

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast

If you’re craving more conversations like this—about self-care, mental health, positive mindset, relationships, women's empowerment, and living in alignment with your authentic self—make sure to subscribe to this self-love podcast and leave a review. Your support helps this show reach more women and spread the gift of self-love.

Mentioned In This Episode... 

• Hilary Hahn performing J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 4. Double (Presto)
• Ep. 243: How to Stay Hopeful, Joyful, and Soulful with Victoria Hutchins on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
• Ep. 234: Finding Myself in the Unlikeliest of Places (Cuba) on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

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Being lost is not just necessary. It’s inevitable. Everyone feels lost at times, most of us feel slightly lost all of the time. Whether you’re going through a transition in your career, questioning your purpose or feeling confused about your next steps, this episode will give you glimmers of hope amidst uncertainty.

You will learn...

• the 2 manifestations of feeling lost and where they stem from
• how to feel less agitated and more excited
• mindset shifts and ways to deal with your un-lived potentials
• how to surrender and trust that you are exactly where you need to be

Remember: You can look for yourself in people, places, careers, hobbies, experiences, and things, but the core of who you are is already within you. Clarity will come when you try new things and put yourself in positions to meet new opportunities.

This episode is supported by Big Heart Tea, my favorite certified-organic tea, wrapped in sustainable packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded and mission-driven. Their Farmers Collection is a growing line of intentionally-sourced, direct trade teas, which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their signature Cup of Sunshine herbal blend which is great for the afternoon when you don’t want caffeine. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Cheryl Strayed’s book, Tiny Beautiful Things: https://amzn.to/43ebyUt
Oliver Burkeman’s book, Four Thousand Weeks: https://amzn.to/439aT6F

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Christy Harrison, a pioneer in the anti-diet movement, has transformed the way I see food, weight, and health. Now she’s coming on the show to talk about THE WELLNESS TRAP, a hodgepodge of diet culture, disinformation, and dubious diagnoses. Many wellness solutions that promise “health and healing” are really just promoting a standard of health that’s unattainable, problematic, and harmful to your health.

You will learn...

• why diets and weight loss are NOT the solution to most all health concerns
• how the wellness world tricks us into dubious diagnoses and harmful approaches to “healing”
• who often falls into the wellness trap (and why YOU might have at times too…)
• how to think critically and employ scientific literacy

Remember: a healthy amount of skepticism will keep you from falling into the wellness trap. Not everything needs to be cured or healed, especially if the methods are scientifically unsound.

Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and journalist who has been covering food, nutrition, and health for more than 20 years. She is the author of two books, The Wellness Trap and Anti-Diet, and the producer and host of the podcasts Rethinking Wellness and Food Psych, which have helped tens of thousands of people around the world think critically about diet and wellness culture and develop more peaceful relationships with food. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, SELF, BuzzFeed, Refinery29, Gourmet, Slate, the Food Network, and many other publications, and her work is regularly featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more about Christy and her work at christyharrison.com

Follow Christy on Instagram: @chr1styharrison
Learn more about Christy’s new book, The Wellness Trap: https://christyharrison.com/the-wellness-trap

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @christyharrison

Mentioned in This Episode:
Fears About Food Additives (article written by Christy): https://christyharrison.ck.page/posts/fears-about-food-additives
Is Red Food Dye Dangerous? https://www.parentdata.org/p/is-red-food-dye-dangerous?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

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If you’ve ever struggled with binge eating, you know how difficult it is to stop. You might have tried everything from strict dieting to intuitive eating, wishing that something would help stop your battle with food for good. Mary has been on this journey herself after nearly a decade of struggling with bulimia and binge eating. In this episode, she shares the mindset that helped her FINALLY stop binge eating… forever. Tune in for some refreshing encouragement + a mindset shift for overcoming binge eating.

Remember: binge eating is symbolic of how we function overall. That frantic, compulsive energy around food translates into other areas too. Where else does this binge/ restrict/ self-hate pattern show up in your life?

If you’re interested in Mary’s 4-week program for conquering body-image struggles, breaking the diet cycle, and learning to love yourself, get it Beyond Body here for 75% off: https://maryscupoftea.com/beyond-body

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ED recovery and body acceptance influencer Brittani Lancaster joins us for an honest conversation about online dating, working a 9-5 AND being a TikTok influencer, and what life is like as a content creator.

Remember: it’s okay to keep your personal passion separate from your intellectual passion. You are a multi-faceted human being.

Follow Britt on IG/ TikTok: @brittanilancaster

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @brittanilancaster

On that note, I’m going to take a dramatic sip of tea... Big Heart Tea, that is! My favorite certified organic tea, wrapped in sustainable packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded and mission-driven. Their Farmers Collection is a growing line of intentionally-sourced, direct trade teas, which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their signature Cup of Sunshine herbal blend which is great for the afternoon when you don’t want caffeine. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You might have friends that you think you’re close to, but are you really? Most people say they don’t want surface-level friendships, but I think because of capitalism, hustle culture, and the individualistic way in which we live, our friendships have inevitably become surface level even if both people are actually rather deep! It’s just hard to translate that depth to another person unless you know how to intentionally take it there. In this episode, Mary talks about how to make your existing friendships stronger.

You will learn about...

• the importance of having fulfilling friendships and how to foster them
• some friend date ideas that are much more fun that your typical lunch date
• tips for getting your friends together in a wholesome way

Remember: it takes a village for you to thrive. We are not meant to walk through life alone.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media!

And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Mentioned In This Episode...
We’re Not Really Strangers card game:
Priya Parker’s, The Art of Gathering:

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If you have children in your life, whether they’re your own kids or perhaps your siblings/ nieces/ nephews/ students, then hopefully you want to create a body positive environment for them. Zoë Bisbing, MSW, LCSW is here to teach you HOW.

You will learn...

• what to say if a child asks, “Am I fat?”
• how to approach a conversation about “healthy eating” with kids
• what if your kid has a real health condition? how should parents approach their child’s food and weight then?
• what to say to stop family members from commenting on your child’s weight

Remember: building a body positive home starts with your own mindset first. As a parent, it’s important to heal your own beliefs about food, fat, weight, and health.

Zoë Bisbing, MSW, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and content creator. Zoë holds a Master of Social Work from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, and a certification in Family-Based Treatment from the Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders. She is the director of Body-Positive Therapy NYC and Body-Positive Home (formerly The Full Bloom Project), an educational resource offering workshops and body image workouts for the whole family. She loves teaching parents and professionals how to creatively build spaces where children of all ages, sizes, and gender expressions can naturally boost immunity to our appearance-obsessed culture and decrease risk for disordered eating and body image injury. Follow Zoë on Instagram: @mybodypositivehome

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @mybodypositivehome

This episode is sponsored by Big Heart Tea! My favorite certified organic tea with direct-trade ingredients, wrapped in packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded, intentionally-sourced, and mission-driven which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their Cup of Love tea and I also love their herbal blends for the afternoons. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary’s HUSBAND is joining us for a special podcast episode sharing aaalllll the details of their wedding + how it feels to be married!

You’ll hear about…

• a fight they had during the early stages of wedding planning
• feelings before, during, and after the big day
• their favorite and funniest moments of the wedding
• how they approached friends, family, and finances
• what their backyard wedding looked like
• advice to couples considering having a wedding
• thoughts on pre-nups and what it means to be married

Remember: most people want to have a wedding, but aren’t clear on what marriage looks like. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page before going into a life-long commitment.

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast

Mentioned In This Episode...
The Art of Gathering (Book): https://amzn.to/3MCKHfE
101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged (Book): https://amzn.to/3mn2IUG
Mary’s Wedding Planning Notion Template: https://www.notion.so/maryscupoftea/Wedding-Planning-Template-f5c3e7b8d4d746ccabac42babc334669?pvs=4

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary is practicing compassionate self-talk- here’s how.

You will learn how to...

• be more conscious of the stories you’re telling yourself
• separate your struggles from your identity
• use word choice that’s more supportive and self-compassionate

Remember: your thoughts create your (internal) reality.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary has been struggling with self-sabotage so she’s talking about it! Tune in to hear a quick way to stop self-sabotage in its tracks.

Remember: self-sabotage’s close cousin is perfectionism…

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Ep. 50: How to Let Go of Control & Perfectionism: https://maryscupoftea.com/50-how-to-let-go-of-control-perfectionism/

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A short episode about how manifestation can be used in a practical way, since a lot of rhetoric on manifesting and the Law of Attraction can be a bit tone deaf… Tune in for Mary’s 3 simple steps for manifesting opportunities into your life.

Remember: the Law of Attraction is essentially a cognitive bias! You can use this brain hack to seek out positivity and goodness in your life, and thus, invite more of that in. Where your attention goes, energy flows and what you focus on grows.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s talk about SEX, baby! Shan Boodram, a renowned sexologist and relationship educator, joins our self-love podcast to share powerful insights on how to feel sexy and confident in a long-term relationship. We explore the nuances of body-image insecurities and relationship dynamics, as Shan delivers her no-nonsense advice on how to feel sexy.

You will learn how to...

• navigate body-image insecurities in the bedroom
• bring up your sexual needs, wants, desires, and concerns without killing the vibe
• navigate dry spells in a long-term relationship
• channel your sex appeal and feel sexy in your skin
• how to handle mix matched desires
• reignite the “spark” in your relationship

Shan also answers some of the most common questions about sex and relationships, like:

• They say couples should have sex at least once a week. Is this true?
• Does scheduling sex kill the mood?
• Do men have a higher sex drive than women?
• If the spark is gone, does it mean the relationship is deteriorating?

Whether you’re committed, married, or want to be one day, this conversation is filled with female empowerment and relationship advice that will boost your confidence. Get ready to FEEL SEXY. 

Remember: A healthy long-term relationship gives you the freedom to be yourself. And THAT is sexy. 

Shan Boodram is an AASECT certified sex educator, an American Board of Sexology certified Sexologist, with a M.S. in psychology best known for her work on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and as the host of Lovers by Shan Podcast. She has mainstream coverage across all major media networks including: The Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, The Talk, The Real, and The View. Boodram hosted The Marriage Pact on The Roku Channel, Hung Up from Headspace Studios, Makeup or Breakup on Watch, Sexology with Shan Boodram on Quibi and she co-hosted Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen on Peacock. Boodram is a best-selling author of, “The Game Of Desire" (HarperCollins, '19) acclaimed by TIME, Apple, Glamour & Refinery29. She's written for Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, CBC, Playboy and InStyle. Shan is part owner of Arya - a subscription service for couples, she is also Bumble’s sex and relationship expert as well as a longstanding member of the National Coalition for Sexual Health. She recently released a class on MasterClass called The Art of Sex Appeal. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters and husband Jared Brady. In the realm of modern intimacy and relationship education, Shan Boodram is not just a leader; she is a pioneer, constantly pushing boundaries since 2009 and inspiring millions to explore, understand, and celebrate the power of intimate connections. 

Follow Shan on Instagram @shanboodram 

Learn more about Shan’s MasterClass here and her new jewelry line inspired by Kama Sutra 

And if you're enjoying this self-love podcast, screenshot this episode and share it on social media!

Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @shanboodram

Mentioned In This Podcast... 

Taylor Tomlinson’s “Do It Like Craig” bit

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Eating disorders amongst is not talked about enough so in this episode, Mary is joined by fellow content creator Bobby Kasmire who vulnerably shares about his struggles with disordered eating.

You will learn...

• what it’s like struggling with Ed as a guy
• Bobby’s brilliant “2-week” rule which has helped him ease food anxiety
• how our Ed recovery is shaped and impacted by the internet

Remember: you are more than your Ed! There is a whole beautiful life waiting for you beyond recovery.

A recent college graduate who is currently creating content for over 300k+ followers across TikTok and Instagram, Bobby Kasmire shares his past and ongoing experiences in eating disorder recovery on social media in order to help break the stigma amongst men and eating disorders. He shares helpful tactics, tools, and thoughts that have helped him on his own journey to finding a better relationship with food.

Follow Bobby on Instagram and TikTok: @bobbykazz

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @bobbykazz Listen to Mary on the Bobby PodKazz Podcast here: Get Mary’s Self-Love Playlist: https://maryscupoftea.com/playlist

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The most wide-ranging conversation on this podcast! Activist and educator Blair Imani talks to us about topics spanning racism, religion, mental health, marriage, and so much more.

You will learn...

• how subtle racism can show up and what to do about it
• why Blair chose to convert to Islam
• how to feel your feelings AND move forward - ways to intentionally approach marriage with feminism at the forefront

If you made an anti-racist promise in 2020, this is your reminder that there is still tons of work to be done in 2023 and beyond.

Blair Imani (she/her) is the creator of the viral web series Smarter in Seconds. She is the LA Times Bestselling author of Read This to Get Smarter and Head of Education at Feminist for All. She is also the author of Making Our Way Home and Modern HERstory. Her scholarship spans intersectionality, gender studies, race and racism, sociology, and United States history. As a public speaker, Blair Imani has presented at universities including Oxford and Harvard. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Tegan and Sara Foundation. The New York Times praises Blair Imani’s unique ability to create “progressive lessons with vibrant visuals and a perky, quirky delivery.”

Her work centers women and girls, global Black communities, and the LGBTQ+ community. As an educator, influencer, and semi-retired organizer, Blair Imani is dedicated to making the world less terrible and amplifying the voices and work of those fighting the good fight. Learn more about Blair Imani by visiting blairimani.com.

Follow Blair on Instagram: @blairimani
Get Blair’s book, Read This to Get Smarter: https://blairimani.com/read-this-to-get-smarter

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @blairimani Mentioned In This Episode... Reclaiming Our Space by Feminista Jones: http://reclaimingourspace.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy birthday to our host Mary Jelkovsky! In this solo episode, Mary shares 25 things she’s learning (key word!) about people, life, and self-love.

The best birthday gift is your listenership and being on this self-love journey together!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider taking 60 seconds to rate the show on Spotify or leave a review on Apple. Your feedback means the world and helps the show grow.

And make sure to get Mary’s books on self-love and if you already have them, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you bought them from!

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

This episode is sponsored by Big Heart Tea! My favorite certified organic tea with direct-trade ingredients, wrapped in packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded, intentionally-sourced, and mission-driven which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their Cup of Love tea and I also love their herbal blends for the afternoons. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WOW!!! This episode is a must-listen, especially for those in eating disorder recovery or dealing with any kind of disordered eating. In just one hour, Dr. Anita will enlighten you with her wisdom, humor, and helpful tools for healing your relationship with food.

You will learn...

• how disordered eating can be healed through spiritual stories and metaphors
• why an eating disorder is a unique type of addiction
• the role of “power” in one’s struggle with food
• how to uncover symbolic meanings in food
• why recovery is FUN!
• how to find your hunger and fullness cues
• and so. much. more.

Remember: full recovery is possible (this is coming from a renowned psychologist who runs a residential treatment center and has helped thousands of people recover for good).

Follow Dr. Anita on Instagram: @dranitajohnston
Learn more about Dr. Anita’s Feminine Psyche course here: https://lightofthemooncafe.com/the-four-faces-of-the-feminine-psyche/
FREE Food & Metaphor Guide: www.lightofthemooncafe.com/cot

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., is a Depth Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food Through Myth, Metaphor, and Storytelling, which has been published in seven languages. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Johnston has been treating eating difficulties and body image distress for over 35 years. She has developed eating disorder programs nationally and internationally and currently serves as Founder & Executive Director of ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Eating Disorders Programs which has a Residential Program in Maui. She is the co-creator of the Light of the Moon Café, an online resource with interactive and self- study courses for women around the world.
As a recognized international workshop presenter, Dr. Johnston lectures globally to professional organizations, conferences, universities, medical institutions, and the community at large and provides virtual consultations. She is best known for integrating metaphor and storytelling into her training as a clinical psychologist to explain the complex issues that underlie disordered eating behavior and other struggles with eating and body image. You can find Dr. Anita at https://dranitajohnston.com/

This episode is sponsored by Big Heart Tea! My favorite certified organic tea with direct-trade ingredients, wrapped in packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded, intentionally-sourced, and mission-driven which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their Cup of Love tea and I also love their herbal blends for the afternoons. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @dranitajohnston

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If you are a creative person, this conversation with Katie Dalebout will make you feel seen, heard, and understood.

You will learn about...

• how Katie’s orthorexia led her to create an extremely popular wellness podcast
• the mindset (and fears) of a creative person
• helpful tools and resources for writers and artists

Remember: creativity comes a lot easier when your nervous system is regulated.

Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiedalebout Learn more about Katie’s Creative Clinic here: https://www.katiedalebout.com/creative-clinic

Katie Dalebout is a writer who produces and hosts podcasts. Her weekly interview show Let It Out began in 2013 and now has over 400 episodes with nearly 9 million downloads. In 2019 she started producing Spiraling, a mental health show she co-hosts with Serena Wolf. In 2016, she published her first book Let It Out, an interactive book about using writing for emotional wellness. She now teaches writing workshops, consults with individuals and brands on creative strategy, and writes a weekly newsletter. She lives in Los Angeles where she walks like she still lives in New York.

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @katiedalebout

Get Mary’s self-love playlist: https://maryscupoftea.com/playlist

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You’ll feel the enthusiasm in Mary’s voice as she shares with you this 5-second gratitude practice you can do anytime, anywhere!

This episode is for you if you want an easy way to integrate a gratitude practice into your life. Try it and let us know what you think over on @maryspodcast!

And make sure to get Mary’s new self-love journal: https://maryscupoftea.com/100-days-of-self-love

Mentioned In This Episode...
Ep. 121 with Another Gratitude Tip: https://maryscupoftea.com/121-a-quick-gratitude-practice/
Ep. 115 about Learning the Difference: https://maryscupoftea.com/115-learning-the-difference-mindset/

This episode is sponsored by Big Heart Tea! My favorite certified organic tea with direct-trade ingredients, wrapped in packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded, intentionally-sourced, and mission-driven which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their Cup of Love tea and I also love their herbal blends for the afternoons. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary shares 2 green flags of a good relationship or 2 things you can practice with your partner. She also talks about her own relationship, lessons learned from couples therapy, and ways to foster a healthy dynamic with those around you.

Remember: there are ways to communicate with each other beyond using words… If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media!

And make sure to get Mary’s books on self-love:

The Gift of Self-Love workbook: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love and

100 Days of Self-Love journal: https://maryscupoftea.com/100-days-of-self-love

This episode is sponsored by Beducated, a platform with educational courses by real sex educators about anything sex/ relationship related. From dating to desire, Beducated has helped thousands of people enjoy better and more frequent sex, including moi! And what’s nice about the platform is that the videos are explicit for educational purposes, but not pornographic. Plus they’re inclusive of all races, genders, and orientations!. There’s so much I could share about Beducated, but you just have to take a peep you＜a href=”https://beducate.me/pd2302-maryscupoftea”＞Go to this Beducated link＜/a＞ and use code MARYSCUPOFTEA to get 40% off the yearly pass where you will get access to 100+ online courses on sexual health & intimacy, led by the world’s top experts. Let’s step into sexual health and happiness with ＜a href=”https://beducate.me/pd2302-maryscupoftea”＞Beducated＜/a＞.

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This was a HARD topic to talk about… no one likes feeling rejected because it threatens our #1 desire as human beings: the need to be accepted for who we are. Here is how to deal with rejection in a self-aware and self-loving way so that hopefully, other people’s opinions don’t stop you from living YOUR life.

You will learn about...

how to cope with feeling rejected
what to do if you’re the one rejecting YOURSELF
why people might not like you

Remember: REJECTION IS REDIRECTION.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media and feel free to send us a DM!

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Mary shares her 3-step process for setting intentions for the New Year + tips/ tools for organizing your 2023 goals.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media so we can see your New Years intentions! And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love:

• The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
• 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Mentioned In This Episode...
My Vision Board in Notion: https://www.notion.so/maryscupoftea/Intentions-f4a527b20f844b219f91cbdfb709a41b

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We are joined by the sex positive Dr. Tanaya who talks to us about common mistakes/ misconceptions that vagina-owners often have in regards to their reproductive health.

Here are the topics/ questions we dive into:

1. What causes your uterus and cervix to change over time
2. Do menstrual cups cause prolapse?
3. Do vaginas stretch or get loose if you have a lot of sex?
4. Tips for calming medical anxiety
5. What are common misconceptions about orgasms, specifically for vulva owners?
6. Does penis size matter?
7. Is hair removal dangerous? What’s better: Shaving? Waxing? Laser
8. Does not wearing a bra really make your boobs saggy?
9. Do vibrators de-sensitize your clitoris?
10. Tips for prime sexual health!!

Remember: learning about and understanding your body is a form of SELF-LOVE.

Dr. Tanaya is a medic who is passionate about sexual and reproductive health, and likes to put the ‘fun’ in fundamental sex ed! Having amassed almost a million followers, she focuses on busting sexual health myths, and creating candid, engaging, & informative conversations around these “shushed” topics.

After studying medicine in India, Dr. Tanaya then got a masters in assisted reproductive technologies at the University of Oxford, where she was surprised to see the many many medical myths amongst her highly educated peers! This inspired her to start her Instagram channel, @Dr_Cuterus, where she uses fairytales, mannequins, fun GIFs, and hilariously relatable examples to talk about complex medical & sexual education topics, all wrapped up with an inclusive and gender-neutral bow — a safe place where no topic is too taboo to discuss!

Follow Dr. Tanaya on Instagram: @dr_cuterus Get Dr. Tanaya’s book: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0143455702?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_DKPTASVP98X1D2DKPKXV

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @dr_cuterus

This episode is sponsored by Big Heart Tea! My favorite certified organic tea with direct-trade ingredients, wrapped in packaging made from plants (not plastics), and produced with the utmost regard for the farmers who grow it. I love Big Heart Tea because their company is female-founded, intentionally-sourced, and mission-driven which you can really taste with every sip. I’m currently drinking their Cup of Love tea and I also love their herbal blends for the afternoons. Stock up on your own tea by going to bighearttea.com and use code MARY20 for a discount!

Mentioned In This Episode... Cardi B’s words of wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/p/CD7ii2FAPqb/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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What if a little bit of delusion might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence? As the kids these days say: “being delulu is the solulu!”

Mary shares 4 mindset shifts– that some might consider “delusional”– but will do wonders for your confidence. 

You will learn how to... 

- lie to yourself in an empowering way lol 

- stop comparing yourself to others with one very simple mindset shift 

- break free from external validation and derive your confidence from within 

- balance self-trust with consistent, confident action-taking 

- release perfectionism and believe in yourself 

Especially for women, embracing a positive mindset is often the first rebellion against a world that profits off of our self-doubt. This isn’t about toxic positivity or lying to yourself in a way that’s avoidant. It’s about consciously choosing beliefs rooted in self-love that remind you that you are enough. Reclaim your self-esteem by choosing self-talk that inspires action and fuels your dreams, regardless of personal insecurities or cultural expectations. 

Remember: Confidence doesn’t always have to be logical. It just has to set you free. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women! 

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books: 

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 

2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. 

Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast 

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Ep. 212 How To Be Honest with Yourself 

How Often Do People Lie? University of Wisconsin article

 Ep. 246: The Breakup That Paved My Self-Love Journey 

@alok on Instagram 

Ep. 250: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman 

Useful Not True by Derek Sivers

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If you’re stressed about food during the holiday season, this episode is for you. Mary is joined by Sarah Simpson to talk about how to embody food freedom and self-trust during a time of year when it’s easy to fall back into old habits.

You will learn about...

• what life is actually like after recovery
• the 4 types of hunger
• how to trust your body and yourself around food

Remember: healing isn’t linear, sometimes it’s a cha-cha: a couple steps back is part of the dance! The holidays can help you learn, grow, and heal in a new way.

Sarah is a body image and food freedom coach whose passion for self love and whole-body wellness emerged from her own experiences in the hamster wheel of dieting and weight loss culture. After recovering from her eating disorder and finding her inner confidence, she became a coach. She understands that our relationships with our bodies and food impact every area of our lives, and not enough is done to help us through that.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahinyellow
Learn more about Sarah’s holiday masterclass here: https://fabulous-leader-1123.ck.page/8b805bff35
Get Sarah’s Food Mindset e-course: https://sarah-simpson-s-school.teachable.com/p/freedom-university

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @sarahinyellow

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Have you ever felt like making friends as an adult nearly impossible?! Like WHERE do you find like-minded people and HOW do you go from strangers to besties? In this episode, Mary shares her advice for making new friendships and strengthening your existing ones.

You will learn...

• the mindset and energy you MUST embody to make new friends
• WHERE to find potential friends (the answer might surprise you!)
• how to talk to people without being awkward

Remember: people can and will surprise you once you open your heart to genuine connection.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s two books on self-love:

1. The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
2. 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I’m convinced that everyone has at least ONE difficult family member (if not, it might be you 🤪). Family can bring up a lot for us emotionally which is why today we’re talking about how to deal those triggers in a healthy way.

You will learn…

• 5 questions to ask yourself BEFORE setting boundaries
• how to use self-awareness and emotional intelligence with your family
• my 5-step process for approaching difficult conversations

Remember: people often project their own insecurities not because they’re malicious, but because it’s easier to direct energy outward than it is to reflect inward. 🎤

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s books on self-love:

1. The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love, a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.
2. 100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Ep. 35: How to Set Boundaries with Diet Culture: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-how-to-set-boundaries-with-diet-culture/id1495128359?i=1000493293855
Blog post on setting boundaries: https://maryscupoftea.com/how-to-set-boundaries-with-diet-culture/
Boundary Coach, Kami Orange, on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kami_orange

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Mary shares what’s helped her start journaling, stay consistent, and go on to create her own self-love journal! Tune in for journaling tips + techniques + prompts.

You will learn how to...

• how to start journaling and stay consistent
• what to write about when you’re journaling (plus, the ONE main question you must ask yourself every single time)
• 3 different approaches to journaling and which one might be best for you

Remember: My new book, 100 Days of Self-Love, is a guided journal with daily musings + thought-provoking prompts followed by space to write. Not only is it BEAUTIFUL, but it’s also something that will help keep you going (read: growing) on your self-love journey.

Get yourself a copy of 100 Days of Self-Love by going to maryscupoftea.com/journal or pick it up at your favorite book retailer!

Mentioned In This Episode...
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: https://amzn.to/3hLo4Ik
Mary’s new guided journal: https://amzn.to/3UXzI1o

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Mary talks to Lindsay and Brenna from Blue Star press about book writing, paving your own path, and building a company. They talk about how their career didn’t follow a straight path, but rather, were carved out through curiosity, preparation, and a bit of luck.

You will learn about...

• how to stay open-minded as you seek career opportunities
• what to do if you don’t know what you want to do
• how Mary’s publisher, Blue Star Press, started their company

We hope you enjoy this unique conversation with 2 people who helped bring both of Mary’s books to life!

Get your copy of Mary’s new self-love book: 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Pre-order it today and get the audiobook for free by visiting maryscupoftea.com/journal.

Mentioned In This Episode...
“You Don’t Actually Know What Your Future Self Wants” TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/dtfaccGmCCs

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This one if for those who are going through a breakup or healing from heartbreak of any sort. You will hear from Mary and a few of her friends on what’s helped them heal their hearts after a break-up. Tune in for heartfelt advice, words of encouragement, and a dose of poetry.

You will hear from…

• Mary (@maryscupofteaa) on leaving someone after experiencing trauma together and heavily relying on each other
• Kelly (@_kellyu) on finding your own identity after leaving a toxic relationship
• Julia (@fitfatandallthat) on letting yourself grieve the loss of a future
• Whitney (@whitneyhansonpoetry) who shares a spoken poem for those who are afraid to love again…

Remember: breakups suck, but they’re something to celebrate, too.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

Pre-order Mary’s NEW BOOK: 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Pre-order it today to get the audiobook for free by visiting maryscupoftea.com/journal.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Excerpt from pg. 94 of 100 Days of Self-Love titled “Celebrate Breakups”
Excerpt from pg. 170 of 100 Days of Self-Love titled “Breakups Are Mirrors”
”home” poetry book by Whitney Hanson: https://amzn.to/3UfIAif

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Want to know how to motivate yourself in a self-loving way? Tune into this episode to learn practical tools for finding and creating motivation through a lens of SELF-LOVE, of course!

You will learn how to...

• Why you might be feeling de-motivated
• Use a technique called “10 WHYs” to find intrinsic motivators
• Employ self-discipline (but not in the way that you think…)

Remember: You don’t need to wait until you’re perfectly motivated to start taking action. Imperfect, messy, reluctant action will often be enough to prove to yourself that you CAN do it, that you DO have it in you which creates a positive feedback loop. Micro steps over everything.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

Mary also has a NEW BOOK coming out on November 15th: 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Pre-order it today to get the audiobook for free by visiting maryscupoftea.com/journal.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Dr. Kristin Neff on the Mary’s Cup of Tea Podcast Episode #32: https://youtu.be/SIN48AbUi-A
The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity Research Study: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/691462

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Mary talks about 3 ways to balance body positivity with the pursuit of health. She hopes you will see that contrary to misconceptions on the internet, body positivity and health are actually one and the same.

You will learn how to...

• approach food with a non-diety, yet health-focused, mindset
• think about movement in a way that isn’t body or weight loss focused
• trust your body after years of trying to control it

Remember: accepting, loving, and caring for your body is the healthiest thing for you. Don’t let diet culture tell you otherwise!

Mary has a NEW BOOK coming out on November 15th: 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Pre-order it today to get the audiobook for free by visiting maryscupoftea.com/journal.

We are also celebrating over 1 million podcast downloads thanks to all of you self-lovers!!! Thank you so much for supporting this small show over the years. If you have 60 seconds to tell us what you love about the show, we would greatly appreciate a review on Apple or a rating on Spotify. Always love hearing from you!

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Arielle Estoria is back on the show to talk to us being a multi-passionate creator. Arielle Estoria is a Spoken Word Poet, a Writer and Author, as well as an Emcee, Speaker and Actor.

You will learn about...

• how yoga can be incredibly healing to your relationship with your body
• what it means to be multi-passionate and how to embrace it as a GIFT
• how Arielle practices rest and boundaries as a soulfilled creator

Remember: the real work is rest.

Follow Arielle on Instagram: @arielleestoria
Arielle’s new book The Unfolding is coming spring 2023. Pre-order it here: https://amzn.to/3S7ne6m

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @arielleestoria

Mentioned In This Episode...
Listen to Mary’s previous conversation with Arielle (Episode #21)
Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling?language=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Mary talks about her struggles with... struggle.

You will learn about...

• finding or having more meaning in our lives
• enjoying life without trying to fix everything that is ”wrong with you”
• lack of connection making us want to fill a void

Remember: You are enough, your life is enough and who you are at your core is totally okay.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media!

Mary is so excited to announce that her NEW BOOK, 100 Days of Self-Love, is now available for you to pre-order at maryscupoftea.com/journal Make sure you pre-order the journal by November 1st so that you can get the audiobook for freeeee!

Mentioned In This Episode...
Episode #61: Stop Trying to Be Happy (and Do This Instead)

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to‑do list? This episode is truly the best productivity advice you'll ever receive because it's built on a foundation of self-compassion. It's  Oliver Burkeman exposes why mainstream time management hacks fail and how accepting your human finitude liberates you to be meaningfully productive.

You will learn how to...

• redefine productivity beyond endless to‑do lists
• ditch hustle culture, but still do what matters most
• approach time management with self-acceptance and self-compassion
• unlock mental shifts that free you from perfectionism, anxiety, and overwhelm
• care about the world’s problems without succumbing to paralyzing despair

Remember: One day, you will die with an unfinished to-do list. No amount of productivity hacks will avoid that. Let this truth liberate you to focus on what truly matters and approach your workload with self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-love.

OLIVER BURKEMAN is the acclaimed author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. His earlier works include The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking and HELP! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. For years, he penned the Guardian column “This Column Will Change Your Life,” and his writing has been featured in the Observer, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Psychologies magazine, and New Philosopher. A former Brooklyn resident, Oliver now lives with his wife and son in England’s North York Moors.

Sign up for Oliver’s newsletter, The Imperfectionist Please get yourself copies of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals!!

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast

Mentioned In This Episode...

• Productivity for Self-Lovers, Ep. 125 on Mary's Cup of Tea Podcast
• Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, Love
• Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Committed
• Resonance: A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World by Hartmut Rosa
• New York Times article on Novelty
• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
• Are We Still Empathic if We Don't Take Action?

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Mary is joined by Melody Godfred to talk about how self-love shows up in our lives, especially post pandemic.

You will learn...

• how self-love shows up in motherhood and parenting
• why achievements don’t always bring joy
• the intrinsic power women hold and how to embrace it

Remember: the goal is not to check the boxes for the sake of “success”; it’s to get closer to YOUR aligned center and be able to live authentically.

Melody Godfred is the Self Love Philosopher. As a poet, author and speaker, she is devoted to empowering people to love themselves and transform their lives. Her poetry has been featured by Oprah Magazine and Today with Hoda and Jenna, among others, for its wisdom and ability to deeply resonate and uplift. Her bestselling debut poetry collection, Self Love Poetry: for Thinkers & Feelers, was recognized as one of the best poetry books of 2021 by Woman’s Day, and her self love guided journal, The ABCs of Self Love, was recently featured by Hudson Booksellers at over 300 airports across the United States. Melody’s new poetry collection, The Shift: Poetry for a New Perspective, is set to be published on September 27, 2022 by Andrews McMeel Publishing and is designed to reframe how we see and move through this brave new, post-pandemic world.

Follow Melody on Instagram: @fredandfar
Learn more about Melody’s self-love poetry books here: https://www.melodygodfred.com

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @fredandfar

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Mary shares the details about her new book, 100 Days of Self Love! It’s a journal that complements her first book, The Gift of Self Love, to help you continue to grow on your self love journey! There are 100 journal prompts accompanied by little musings by Mary to help guide you.

100 Days of Self Love is now available for pre-order! And if you pre-order now, Mary will send you a copy of the audiobook version for free as a special thank you gift!

Go to maryscupoftea.com/journal to pre-order and fill out the form by October 31 to receive your audiobook!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary is so excited to announce that her NEW BOOK, 100 Days of Self-Love, is now available for you to pre-order at maryscupoftea.com/journal

After publishing my first book, The Gift of Self-Love, many of you asked for a tool that would help you build a daily practice of self-love into your life. I wrote 100 Days of Self-Love you do just that. It’s got 100 journaling prompts that cover ALL areas of life—body, identity, purpose, relationships, and more—so you can really think of it as a metaphorical multivitamin for self-love, something to keep you going or GROWING on your self-love journey.

Go to maryscupoftea.com/journal to learn more about this new self-love journal! Make sure you pre-order the journal by November 1st so that you can get the audiobook for freeeee!

This solo episode is about what I’ve learned after writing and publishing 2 self-love books. I talk about…

• My writing process including how I deal with challenges
• Tips for overcoming self-criticism as a creator
• Why you MUST share your gifts with the world

Remember: do. the damn. thing. I believe in you and I will keep reminding you of that until you start believing in yourself.

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In today’s episode, Mary gives a little pep talk around what to do when you’re having a bad day.

You will learn how to...

• shift your mood when you have a bad moment in your day
• define what a bad day means to you and what is contributing to those feelings
• define what a good day looks like for you

Remember: We need to work on untying and detaching our mood on external factors.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

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Our first ever male guest on the show (aside from Boyfriend, of course!) is Jake Sasseville!! Jake is a dear friend of Mary’s who vulnerably shares his life story including struggles with weight/ body-image, career successes and failures, and what he’s learned along the way.

This is a conversation about…

• surrendering to life’s highs and lows
• overcoming codependent and addictive behaviors
• creating true, unimaginable success in your life
• how your weight does not have to hold you back

Remember: NEXT. RIGHT. ACTION.

Jake Sasseville is a serial entrepreneur, author, podcaster and TV producer. He is the CEO of Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica, he was the youngest host in late-night TV history on ABC, and the White House, and Kauffman Foundation named him one of the most “innovative entrepreneurs.” He has built a wide-ranging and impactful career at the intersection of culture and consciousness.

At 17, he learned early on about life’s private struggles: his thirteen-year brother died of leukemia and his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the same year. As a result, Sasseville has been known to be a sensitive, steadfast and resilient leader, often choosing pioneering paths instead of roads frequently traveled.

Follow Jake on Instagram: @jakesasseville

Learn more about retreats at Imiloa Institute here: https://imiloainstitute.com/retreats/ (and use code TEA to get $250 off an Imiloa Signature Retreat!)

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @jakesasseville

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A short solo episode where Mary shares her #1 tip for feeling confident in yourself while dating. Whether you’re seeing someone or just casually dating, this is the mindset you must adopt to attract good, healthy people in your life.

Remember: you are worthy of stable, healthy love.

Get Beyond Body for 75% off: https://maryscupoftea.com/bb

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Since Mary is getting married soon, it’s only fitting that she talks to renowned relationship psychologist Dr. Alexandra Solomon.

You will learn...

• which green flags to look out for in your relationship
• how to navigate feeling like you’re carrying the “emotional burden” of your relationship
• what it means when you say “I love you but I’m not in love with you”
• the key to making a relationship last long-term

Follow Alexandra on Instagram: @dr.alexandra.solomon
Learn more about Alexandra here: www.dralexandrasolomon.com

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @dr.alexandra.solomon

Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University, a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a regular contributor at Psychology Today, the creator and host of the Reimagining Love podcast, and the author of Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want (February 2, 2020; New Harbinger) and Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want (2017; New Harbinger), which was featured on the TODAY show.

Mentioned In This Episode...
Dr. Alexandra’s podcast episode with her husband Todd: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/podcasts/love-stories-toddcast/

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Last week, Mary almost applied for a job at Trader Joe’s because she was feeling nervous about her purpose. If you’ve ever questioned your path in life, then this episode is for you.

You will learn...

• the 2 scenarios that lead to questioning everything
• how to create your purpose in a sea of possibilities
• 3 questions to ask yourself to gain clarity around your purpose

Perhaps it’s unwise to think about the future when there is so much for us to learn in the present…

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

Mentioned In This Episode...
Blog post on Japanese concept of “ikigai”: https://www.brightspacecoaching.com/blog/find-your-purpose

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An incredibly rich conversation about how travel transforms your character. Mary interviews Chelsea Glass, owner of Heart of Travel, an organization that helps you learn about Latin American culture through Spanish classes and small group trips.

You will learn about…

• how to travel ethically and truly support the country you’re visiting
• the hardships of interracial and intercultural relationships
• how to find your “home,” whether it’s the place you were born or somewhere abroad

Remember: travel can teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us. If done intentionally, travel transforms you.

Chelsea Glass was born and raised in California and first began studying Spanish at the age of 19. After more than a decade immersed in the language, along with her post-graduate studies in Spanish at CSU Sacramento, Chelsea is a fluent Spanish speaker and experienced language instructor. From 2012 to 2016, Chelsea worked in both tourism and language education (Spanish and ESL) while pursuing her M.A. in Spanish before moving back full time to Guatemala in 2017 to start Heart of Travel. Chelsea has a deep passion for authentic travel and aims to dispel preconceived ideas and notions about Latin American cultures through small group trips. She currently resides in Antigua, Guatemala with her partner and two daughters.

Follow Heart of Travel on Instagram: @heartoftravel__
Heart of Travel’s Spanish courses: https://heartoftravelspanish.teachable.com/?affcode=1054958_iujaf4rj
Heart of Travel’s small group trips: https://heartoftravel.org/pages/travel-with-us

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @heartoftravel__

Mentioned In This Episode...
Basic level Spanish class Mary is taking: https://heartoftravelspanish.teachable.com/p/basic-travel-spanish-i2?affcode=1054958_iujaf4rj

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In order to go after our goals and make our dreams come true, we must prioritize stuff that’s important over tasks that feel urgent. Mary will teach you how to use self-love to decipher between urgency and importance.

You will learn...

• why it’s so hard to motivate yourself
• the difference between urgency and importance, and why you must prioritize the latter)
• how to replace FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)

Remember: accepting that we are finite creatures with infinite possibilities liberates us to do what we really want to. Love yourself enough to choose the important over the urgent.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

Mentioned In This Episode...
How to Master Your Priorities Medium Article: https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-master-your-priorities-with-the-urgent-important-matrix-a7904de55266
Productivity for Mortals on the Making Sense Podcast: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/289-time-management-for-mortals

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Feeling stuck in a rut? Like you've lost your spark? You’re not alone. Many women experience moments where motivation seems to slip through their fingers, leaving them questioning their worth and purpose.

Using a balance of mindset shifts and practical advice, Mary will guide you to reigniting your sense of self-worth. Tune in to hear small self-love shifts will help you get your spark back.

You will learn how to... 

- release perfectionism and stop fantasizing about an unrealistic version of perfection 

- build confidence that is NOT based on external validation 

- practice mindfulness to strengthen your self-love 

- lean into a spirit of self-discovery 

- incorporate small self-love habits into your life that can lead to significant shifts in mindset

Remember: No one can take away what’s in your mind. Your mindset is always the one thing within your control. 

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love!

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

This self-love podcast for women is here to help you love yourself. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast

Mentioned In This Episode... The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl TikTok video with advice on how to get your spark back

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The fear of failure is closely related to the fear of success. Even though it seems like they’re opposite, both are a self-worth struggle.

In this episode you will learn how to...

• self-talk your way through the fear of failure
• believe in yourself
• take small risks that lead to big results

Remember: Believing in yourself is harder to do than not believing in yourself. It takes courage. It takes willpower. It takes support. It takes stamina and stubbornness and it’s really uncomfortable but boy is it worth it.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An interview with Erica Smith (@ericasmith.sex.ed), a sexuality educator who talk to us about abortion, purity culture, and how to talk to people about sex.

You will learn...

• why sexual education is so important and how to talk to young people about sex
• how to talk to people in your life who might not understand the severity of the abortion issue, specifically your partner
• what purity culture is and how deeply it affects us

Erica Smith (she/her) is an award winning sexuality educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience. She has provided comprehensive sex education and advocacy to young women and LGBTQ+ youth in Philadelphia’s juvenile justice system, worked in abortion care, and supported HIV+ and transgender adolescents and their families. She received her Master of Education from Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies. In 2019, she developed the Purity Culture Dropout™️ Program to help people learn all of the sex education that they missed growing up in purity culture- sex ed that is accurate, queer inclusive, trauma informed, compassionate, and comprehensive. Erica lives in Philadelphia with her partner and house full of rescue animals and you can find her on Instagram at @ericasmith.sex.ed

Follow Erica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericasmith.sex.ed/
Learn more about the Purity Culture Dropout Program here: https://www.ericasmitheac.com/the-purity-culture-dropout-program

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @ericasmith.sex.ed Mentioned In This Episode... Sex Education- show on Netflix

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Mary shares her best advice for practicing self-love during difficult times.

You will learn...

• the 3 components of self-compassion
• how to know the difference between avoiding and coping
• ways to process and move through heavy emotions

Remember: we must be protective and intentional with our energy. Self-care is important now more than ever.

If you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on social media! And make sure to get Mary’s book, The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. It’s a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. Available in stores and online, worldwide!

Mentioned In This Episode...
Episode #115: Learning the Difference
Episode #32: Tools for Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff
Well + Good Article: https://www.wellandgood.com/manage-stress-roe-v-wade/

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