Picking Daisies

In this episode, Mary shares her personal journey of discovering and being diagnosed with ADHD. She discusses the symptoms and challenges she faced, as well as the impact it had on her daily life. Mary also explores the connection between ADHD and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and how they can exacerbate each other. She shares her experience of starting medication for ADHD and the positive effects it has had on her overall well-being. Mary concludes by encouraging listeners to seek help and support if they suspect they may have ADHD. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this conversation, Katie and Mary discuss the challenges they face with school schedules and the frustrations surrounding Valentine's Day celebrations. They also delve into the difficulties they encounter with the school system, including issues with school registration and retention. The conversation highlights the considerations and concerns they have regarding kindergarten enrollment and the social development and maturity of their children. They emphasize the importance of advocating for their children and trusting their intuition. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the fight for their children's success and well-being. In this conversation, Mary and Katie discuss various challenges and experiences of parenting. They touch on topics such as body image and self-esteem, the mental load of parenting, the challenges of the teenage years, and the journey of parenthood. They also talk about feeling inadequate as parents and the struggles with yelling at kids. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of parental mood on children and the importance of navigating busyness and setting priorities. Takeaways Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this episode, Mary interviews Emma Jasper, also known as the Dilemmas of Emma online. Emma shares her personal journey of resilience and self-discovery after going through a divorce. She emphasizes the importance of embracing main character energy and making choices that align with your own desires and values. Emma encourages listeners to find joy in everyday moments and appreciate the little things in life. She also discusses the challenges and growth that come with navigating life's plot twists. Emma concludes by sharing her current work as a social media manager and content creator, highlighting the importance of finding purpose in one's career. In this conversation, Emma Jasper and Mary discuss the importance of intentionality and self-love. They emphasize the need to create purpose and meaning in everyday activities, highlighting the value of self-care and self-compassion. Additionally, they discuss the story of Cat Janice, a musician battling lung cancer, and the importance of supporting her by spreading her music and dancing to it. Takeaways Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this episode, your host Mary discusses the topic of closing the chapter on the baby making years. She shares her personal experiences and emotions surrounding this transition. Mary also addresses the pressure and expectations that society places on individuals regarding the decision to have more children. She encourages listeners to be honest with themselves and to consider their own desires and feelings when making this decision. Ultimately, Mary emphasizes that it is okay to sit on the fence and take the time to figure out what is best for oneself and one's family. Takeaways Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this conversation, Mary and Ashley from Tiny Human Print Co. discuss the importance of confidence in children and how it can be nurtured through positive parenting. They explore the impact of words and body image on children's self-esteem and the role of social media in shaping their perceptions. They also delve into the issue of trolling and online behavior, highlighting the need to raise kids who are kind and empathetic online. The conversation emphasizes the power of words and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability on social media. They conclude by discussing the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the need for love and emotional connection in raising resilient children. The conversation explores the evolution of social media platforms and their impact on children. It also delves into the importance of teaching emotional intelligence to kids and modeling positive behavior. Additionally, the discussion highlights the need to monitor conversations with adults as children are always listening. To Follow Ashely, you can find her here:https://www.instagram.com/tinyhumanprintco/ To shop her prints: https://tinyhumanprintco.com/ Code VERYMARY will get you 20% off anything on the site Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this conversation, Mary and Katie discuss the impact of perspective and the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life. They share their experiences with online criticism and the challenges of dealing with trolls. The conversation also delves into the judgment surrounding cosmetic procedures and the need to respect personal choices. They explore the trap of relatability and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. Finally, they discuss the evolution and growth of creators and the importance of protecting mental well-being in the face of online hate. In this conversation, Katie Costa and Mary discuss the pressure to be relatable on social media and the challenges that come with it. They explore the contradictions of social media and the difficulties of navigating criticism and disagreements. They also touch on the importance of differentiating mom shaming from constructive criticism and the significance of sharing safety concerns. The conversation concludes with a discussion on dealing with trolls and haters, choosing who to follow and engage with, and the upcoming changes on Katie's page. The main takeaway is the importance of kindness and empathy in online interactions. Takeaways Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this episode, host Mary Hendricks opens up about her personal experience with PMDD (Perimenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). She discusses the symptoms she has been experiencing, including imposter syndrome, irritability, and appetite changes. Mary also shares her struggles with suicidal ideation and the importance of seeking a diagnosis and opening up to healthcare providers. She explores different treatment options, including medication and nutrition, and emphasizes the role of nutrition and blood sugar in managing PMDD. As a mom and content creator, Mary discusses the challenges of navigating PMDD and encourages breaking the stigma surrounding women's health issues. Takeaways To check out Miranda from The Period Lab, who is helping me with my PMDD, you can find her here: https://www.mirandapopen.com/periodlab Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

It's 2024 and we are back with another Katie's Corner with my bi-montly cohost, Katie Costa from @mommyneeds_morewine. In this episode, Katie and I discuss the challenges of parenting and feeling overwhelmed. We talk about the importance of focusing on the present moment and the power of manifestation. We also share their thoughts on setting goals and resolutions for the new year. The conversation touches on finding balance in life, the fear of losing purpose after children grow up, and the excitement of planning future trips and events. Watch this episode over on YouTube Takeaways Don't let social media backlash affect your self-worth. Focus on your own goals and desires. The Magic of Manifesting: 15 Advanced Techniques To Attract Your Best Life, Even If You Think It's Impossible Now My book: Hey, Little Mama Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Statistics show that about 40% of Americans have a fear of flying - that's 1 in 6 people! And yes... as I'm sure you know by now. I am that 1. I've had a few recent trips that really put me through it with anxiety and fear of getting on an airplane, so I'm so glad I was able to have this conversation with Kyle Koukol - an airline pilot and business owner who specializes in easing the public's fear of flying. Episode Highlights: -Recognizing anxiety and how to cope -Filtering out what you see online, and what's actually true -Interesting, lesser-known safety precautions airlines take -Answering questions of why we do certain things on a flight -Are certain airlines better than others? Kyle Koukol is one of the pilots and experts behind Dial A Pilot, a service that matches nervous fliers with a professional pilot to answer any and all questions about an upcoming flight. Follow along for great tips and insight on Instagram at @DialAPilot. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

If you're tired of telling your partner where the apple juice is in the fridge, then settle in. We're breaking down the mental and emotional load that comes with motherhood - and, even better - how to take actionable steps to lighten that load in your house. From the self-proclaimed "Recovering Man Child," Zach Watson is on a mission to make a more equitable world for his daughter. Episode Highlights: -Breaking down the concepts of Fair Play -How he is learning and adapting to approaching parenting as a team -Starting the conversation with your spouse -How his content is meant to encourage and influence the "modern dad" -Why it's more about equity than equality Zach Watson is a husband, dad, and content creator focusing on how to share the domestic, mental, and emotional load of parenthood. You can find more information about his Relationship Goals Consult on his website, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok for more great videos. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

It's the holiday season and here we are - freaking TIRED. I know you feel it, too. Let's get into it. Sit in this burnout, together. Have some laughs. Katie's here to make it all happen with me. Episode Highlights: -The marathon and difficulty of buying gifts for everyone -How do we feel about a hamster? -Making Christmas special without losing our sanity -Do we have ADHD? -Living in a state of organized chaos Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @mommyneeds_morewine and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode. Enjoy! Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Screen time is a polarizing issue for all parents - do you, or don't you? How much is too much? What's good and what's not? Thankfully, I'm talking to two experts who are dedicating their careers to helping parents let go of guilt and approach screens from a well-researched and realistic point of view. Dr. Roxy Etta and Dr. Liz Horgan are the two moms behind @ThoseMediaMoms, and offer some really great insight and tips for managing your day-to-day - because let's face it, screens aren't going anywhere. Let's all breathe a sigh of relief knowing we're not ruining our kids because they watch a show here and there. Episode Highlights: Dr. Roxy Etta is a mom to 3 and earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She's spent the last 10 years studying the intersection of kids and families with screens. Roxy and her family live in Wisconsin. Dr. Liz Horgan is a mom to 2 and earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Educational Psychology at UW-Madison. She focuses on digital play, and what parents think about it, through her experience researching children's cognitive development. Liz and her family live in Georgia. Together, as @ThoseMediaMoms, they aim to empower parents raising young children in the digital world through research-based solutions developed by true experts and moms. Their work has been featured by organizations around the world including the International Communication Association, Society for Research in Child Development, Cognitive Development Society, American Psychological Association, and Good Morning America. Find more information on their website, www.ThoseMediaMoms.com as well as links to their courses, The Science of Screen Time and Family Media Reset. You can also follow them on Instagram, @ThoseMediaMoms. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

I am thrilled to introduce a new voice to the podcast: Kendall Smith, author of Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time." Kendall is a veteran dad who uses his life experiences to help other men navigate fatherhood, especially if they didn't have a father figure at home growing up. This is a great listen for your partner, but know this is not just for men! It's a conversation I think we all need to hear, to create the balanced home we all desire. Episode Highlights: Kendall Smith is a father and the author of Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time. His goal in writing the book is to advise new dads, who didn't have a father figure growing up. It includes parenting tips, projects, cooking, and tips for relationships. You can read more about Kendall on his website, and check out his book from national and local booksellers. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

This is not a drill. The OG everyone-can-relate-viral-social media Moms are HERE. Yes, I'm talking about Cat & Nat: best-selling authors, podcasters, content creators, and fellow-mom cheerleaders. I am a BIG fan of these two women, and I'm so grateful they took the time to join me for this episode. They are honest and so, so real: you won't want to miss their advice on the different stages of parenting, making mom friends, and yes - even some sex confessions. Episode Highlights: From catandnat.ca: With seven kids between the two of them, Cat & Nat know just how lonely and isolating motherhood can be. So, they set out on a mission to bring women and moms together by hosting dinner parties and events - with wine and without babies. The events garnered huge success in Toronto and were talked about all over, leading Cat & Nat to take things to the next level and break into the online world to reach more people and connect women and moms everywhere. Cat & Nat's rapidly-exploding community of like-minded moms tune in every day to watch them rewrite the paradigm of “the perfect mom.” With honesty and humor, Cat & Nat dismantle the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood that are often presented throughout social and traditional media. Through their virally famous #MOMTRUTHS videos, which have garnered hundreds of millions of views, their Facebook Lives and Instagram stories, their best-selling book, and iHeartRadio award nominated podcast, Cat & Nat share everything moms think but are too afraid to talk about. Over the past few years, Cat & Nat have taken their #MOMTRUTHS on the road, performing over 100 live shows across North America. Check out the links below to follow, like and support Cat & Nat: Podcast Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok Books Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Geordian Abel is a new mom who likes to get up and get fully dressed for the day - and the internet has a BIG problem with that. Yikes. I'm sure by now you've seen the post that launched Geordian into the public eye, but if not - we're talking all about it in today's episode. Geordian shares her daily routine that helps her feel successful as a mom. If it's different from the way you do things, cool. Is she a bad person? No. Are you? No. Can we all take a minute and quit judging strangers online? Yes. Let's get into it. Episode Highlights: Geordian Abel is a wife and mom to son, Hutton, and lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She owns an online boutique, Flourish in Frills, and shares her fashion finds and lifestyle online via her Instagram @GeordianAbel and her website, www.adoremorewithgeor.com. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

I find myself constantly going back and forth - should we or shouldn't we? Have another kid, I mean. Jess Runas is the ultimate "Mom of All Stages" - teen, little kid, toddler, and a baby. She knows what it's like to balance every stage of the game! So this was a fun conversation to weigh the ultimate decision of adding another kid to the family. Episode Highlights: Jess Runas is a wife and Mom of 4, based in California. Her social media accounts are real, funny, and welcoming. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and also shop her online store, 4theloveshop. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Putting yourself out there on social media can feel like throwing content into a void: Is anyone even seeing this? Where is it going? What am I doing wrong? Why did this one go right? Laura Bitoiu, the founder of BSquared Social, is an expert in all things content. She has made a business by helping creators find a game plan to grow their audience, sell a product, or get brand deals. She's sharing some of her best tips and breaking down the "behind the scenes" of being an influencer, in any capacity. Episode Highlights: Laura Bitoiu is an Instagram Reels Strategist and the founder of BSquared Social, a social media marketing agency. She has years of experience as a social media manager and consultant, now offering straightforward and realistic reel strategies to help businesses grow and succeed. Her business offers online education, actionable strategy, and coaching. Find her online and on Instagram, @BSquared.Social. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

We're home from LA. Let's talk all about it! Episode Highlights: Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @mommyneeds_morewine and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode. Enjoy! Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Navigating motherhood often involves a lot of patience, and room to pivot. Laura Wilfon (@WineatBedtime) knows that life well, and I'm so glad she's joining me to discuss all the things we didn't necessarily expect when becoming a parent - and how we keep it "real" without worrying about "relatable." Episode Highlights Laura Wilfon is the "Mother Hustler" behind @WineatBedtime, sharing her favorite tips and tricks to make the most of each day for both yourself and your family. Find her on Instagram or TikTok, and on her website, www.wineatbedtime.com. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Whitney Allen was pregnant with her 2nd child when her husband suffered a severe reaction to a bee sting, and died just a few months later. At the time, her children were 4 and 3 months old. Heartbroken and left to navigate a new normal, Whitney worked through the grief and found a new calling: to help other women, who are also hurting, to find their purpose again. Grief is not a one-size-fits-all feeling. It shows up in different ways for different people, and it's a process. If you're hurting in any way, this episode is worth a listen. Episode Highlights: -Her story of losing a husband at a young age, with two young kids -How grief hits in different stages -The process of refocusing on the future -How to talk about death with your kids -Writing the next chapter after a loss Whitney Allen is an author, a mother of 2, and a widow. Her husband, Ryan, suffered a rare and severe reaction to a bee sting leading to cardiac arrest and an anoxic brain injury - at the young age of 35. After his untimely death, she took her own experience and turned it into a career as a grief coach, helping other women navigate their pain and step into magical, joyful, and purpose-driven lives. If you are also grieving, and looking for help from a trusted professional, you can find more information on Whitney's website. Her memoir, Running in Trauma Stilettos, is available for purchase and you can apply for Grief Coaching here. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com