Being Mary

Send us Fan Mail

Let yourself be the loser.

Let yourself miss the ball, struggle with the exercise or have absolutely no idea what you’re doing.

At almost 70, I’m not exercising because I need to impress anyone. I’m doing it because I want to travel, walk the trails, discover new places, meet new people—and keep saying yes to life.

It isn’t always easy. My body gets tired and achy, and some afternoons I would much rather read a good book or have a catnap!

But I know what I’m trying for.

Today on Being Mary, let’s talk about being willing to start small, look a little foolish and keep showing up—because we are worth the effort. ❤️

#BeingMary #HealthyAging #AgingWell #NeverTooLate #KeepMoving #BestChaptersAhead

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ More Than a Ribbon: Finding My Place at the Fall Fair

My daughter encouraged me to enter the Homecraft Division at the Petrolia and Enniskillen Fall Fair.

I wasn’t sure about it at first—but once my competitive side appeared, I entered eight categories and came home with two first-place ribbons, two third-place ribbons and a whopping $20.60! 😂

The biggest surprise was that my least-favourite entry won first prize, while my most precious entry—my mother’s Nine Patch quilt—didn’t win a ribbon at all.

But how could a judge possibly measure the memories sewn into that quilt?

This week on Being Mary, I’m talking about ribbons, family memories, community, trying something new—and my unexpected appreciation for the demolition derby!

Because sometimes the greatest prize isn’t a ribbon. It’s discovering another place where you belong.

🎧 Watch or listen to More Than a Ribbon: Finding My Place at the Fall Fair.

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

We often hear…

“It takes a village to raise a child.”

But what about later in life?

What happens to that village when we’re retired…
 when our children are busy…
 when friends become fewer…
 or when life simply feels a little quieter?

Today’s episode is about something every one of us needs—connection.

Because community isn’t just for children.

It’s something we need our whole lives.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Who has been part of your village… and whose village have you become?

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons…
Recently, I lost a collection of files I really wish I still had.
Was it life-threatening? No.
Was it disappointing? Absolutely.
We’re allowed to feel frustrated when something goes wrong. Acceptance doesn’t mean pretending the loss didn’t matter—it means recognizing when it has already taken enough of our time, energy, and peace of mind.
Today on Being Mary, I’m talking about spilled milk, sour lemons, impulsive decisions, and learning to carry the lesson instead of the loss.
And the moral of the story?
Sometimes…shit happens. Back it up. 🤷‍♀️😂
🎙️ Watch or listen today, and tell me: Have you ever had to accept something you couldn’t fix and simply move forward?

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

We often think the meaning behind something has to be there from the very beginning.

Sometimes... it isn't.

Sometimes life gives it meaning later.

Years ago, I chose a tattoo simply because I liked cats. There wasn't a profound reason behind it.

After refreshing it a few weeks ago, something unexpected happened.

For the first time, I understood what it really represented.

Strength.

Softness.

And the beautiful balance between the two.

This week's episode is about much more than a tattoo. It's about how life slowly shapes us into the people we're becoming.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen.

❤️ Mary

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

Some places never really leave us.

This week I'm taking a walk through St. Marys, Ontario — the town where I grew up, attended high school, raised my daughters, and spent many years building a life and making memories.

There's something special about returning to the places that helped shape us. The streets may change, businesses may come and go, but the feeling of home often remains.

I'm also stopping by Betty's Bookshelf, a wonderful independent bookstore that supports local authors and now carries my memoir, Being Mary. Seeing my book on a shelf in the town where so much of my story began is both humbling and meaningful.

Come along as I revisit a hometown that will always hold a special place in my heart.

🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or visit beingmary.ca

#BeingMary #StMarysOntario #ComingHome #SmallTownLife #LocalAuthors #BettysBookshelf #OntarioStories

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

One year ago, I nervously recorded my very first podcast episode with no real plan… just a head full of thoughts and a feeling that maybe I needed to start talking them out loud.

Honestly, I never imagined where this little podcast journey would lead.

This week’s episode is a reflection on the past year of Being Mary — the conversations, the laughter, the tears, the unexpected connections, and all the beautiful moments in between.

And truly… the biggest thing I want to say is thank you. 💛

Thank you for listening.
 Thank you for walking alongside me.
 And thank you for reminding me that none of us are alone in the things we carry.

“Well… look at us. We made it a year.” 😊

🎙️ Still Becoming — One Year of Being Mary

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

Retirement.
 Such a simple word for such a life-changing decision.

This week on Being Mary, I’m talking about the emotions, fears, possibilities, and questions that often come with this next chapter of life.

Because retirement isn’t just about finances…
 it’s also about identity, purpose, meaning, and asking yourself:
 “What kind of life do I want now?”

If you’re approaching retirement — or know someone who is — this conversation is for you. 💛

🎙️ New episode: The Retirement Dilemma

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

NEW PODCAST EPISODE: The Freedom to Be Ourselves

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized freedom means more than where we live.
 Sometimes freedom is quieter than that.

The freedom to speak honestly.
 To grow.
 To change.
 To become more fully ourselves.

Today on Being Mary, I’m reflecting on Canada, womanhood, aging, and gratitude for the ability to keep becoming — at every stage of life.

Happy Canada Day ❤️

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb

Send us Fan Mail

This week on Being Mary, I’m joined by Maggie Whitcroft for a thoughtful conversation about emotional healing, nervous system regulation, energy work, and what it means to reconnect with yourself after difficult seasons in life.

I’ll be honest — this was something very new to me, and part of this episode is simply allowing myself to stay curious and open to learning.

Whether this world feels familiar to you or completely outside your comfort zone, I think there’s something meaningful in hearing how different women find their way back to themselves.

Because healing doesn’t always look the same.
 And maybe it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

💛

🎧 Listen now on Being Mary.

Support the show

www.beingmary.ca

https://www.facebook.com/beingmaryvdb

https://www.instagram.com/beingmaryvdb/

https://www.youtube.com/@BeingMaryVDB

https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvdb