What a gift to have my friend Samantha on the podcast and I truly hope you are sitting down as you listen! Samantha and I have only known each other a short time, and I knew shortly after meeting her that I would be honored if she felt comfortable sharing this part of her life. After recording, Samantha texted me that sharing her story was “so cathartic and cleansing”, which was humbling for me to hear; I am grateful that is what she experienced. What is her story? It is her experience in the Mormon church, and for those who have experienced religious trauma (as I have), it was very healing for me and I hope it is for you as well. 

If you have listened since the beginning, you might remember I was inspired to start this podcast as a way for women to share the stories that shape them. Some stories are heart wrenching, some are uplifting, but in the end I hope all of these stories have found kindred spirits. 

I was both heartbroken and inspired by and for Samantha as I listened to her story, and found myself a kindred spirit to her experience. If you are a kindred spirit, or just want to learn more about this wonderful human, I have provided links below!

Thank you for listening and joining me on this journey! ----- Mary 

Empathy: Let me hold the door for you. I may have never walked in your shoes, but I can see your soles are worn, your strength is torn under the weight of a story I have never lived before. Let me hold the door for you. After all, you have walked through. It is the least I can do. 

TikTok 

Hozier

This episode of I'm so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock (@oracle.audio and oracleaudio.net).

I’m so glad you asked is a podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed  into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

Welcome to the September edit! I was so happy to have the opportunity to sit down with my friend, Megan, and learn the early loss that shaped her life. Thank you for taking time to listen and thank you Megan for sharing your story!

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock (@oracle.audio and oracleaudio.net)

I’m so glad you asked is an interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and story catcher.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed  into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

Welcome to Volume 2: the August edit! This episode is an incredibly special one and touches on many emotional topics; an enormous thank you to my friend, Jimmy, for his vulnerability, friendship and love. 

Romeo and Juliet soundtrack 

Dawson's Creek soundtrack 

Mirrorball

Whitney Houston

Mariah Carey

Hazelden Betty Ford

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. You can find Josh at oracleaudio.net and on instagram.

I’m so glad you asked is a storytelling podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and story catcher.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

Welcome to Volume 2: the June edit! Today’s guest is my friend, Kellie. A big thank you to my friend for her bravery and courage in sharing her journey; I know I am walking away learning so much more about who she is and have a better understanding of those who share the same struggles as Kellie. 

Thank you for listening as Kellie walks us through her journey of feeling less worthy than other people, the onset of depression and being diagnosed with Lipedema. I am grateful to Kellie for sharing her story. For more information on Lipedema, please click on the links below. 

Lipedema Sisters Facebook Page

Lipedema Foundation

Lipedema/Lipoedema Simplified Support

Legs Like Mine

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. You can find Josh at oracleaudio.net and on instagram.

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and story catcher.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed  into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

In this episode, "The Women Who Raised Me", Mary is beyond excited to welcome back her dear friend Lisa Macaione for Women's History Month! Lisa is a writer, poet, teacher and overall wonderful human.

Be sure to check out the links below for Lisa's website and Instagram and a few things we discussed during our wonderful conversation:

• Lisa's website! 
• Lisa's instagram!
• National Women's History Alliance
• Edith Farnsworth House
• Summer Sisters
• Ani DiFranco

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock.

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

In this episode, “Soil Cool '', Mary is excited to sit down with her friend and naturopath, Jen Stanley. Jen takes us on her sweet (pun intended) journey from French Pastry School to Naturopathy, and ends with the most current stop on her path, soil consultancy. You can find more information about Jen below and be sure to check out the links for the organizations she shared! 

From Scratch Wellness 

Contrary Mary's 

City Bee Savers 

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and story catcher.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. 

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

In this episode, “The Romanian Cracker Jack box”, Mary is excited to sit down with her friend Mirela and learn the story that shapes her. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and tuck in for a journey of Mirela's beautiful Romanian heritage and how this continues to shape who she is and how she shows up in this world.

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and story catcher.

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. 

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

Mary is thrilled to sit down with her neighbor and friend, Craig, for the second episode in the Men's Spotlight. Craig takes us on a journey beginning in 1942, and shares the story that continues to shape him. Please be sure to check out the links below that Craig mentions throughout this episode!

BILL W.: The Creative Force Behind Alcoholics Anonymous | WTTW

Katy bar the door

https://www.aa.org/

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock.

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and storycatcher.  

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed  into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

In this episode, “Never Give Up Girl”, Mary sits down with her dear friend Rachel, yes, THAT Rachel, the wonderful woman Mary mentions throughout her podcast. Rachel takes us on a journey starting from a young age into where she is now, and how this journey has paved a path for how she shows up in this world. Be sure to check out the links below for the articles and books mentioned throughout this episode!

How to Be an Antiracist 

Article

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. 

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist and storycatcher. 

What started out as a desire to hear the untold stories behind the women and friends in her life has developed  into a beautiful space for all individuals to safely share the stories that shape them. I am so glad you asked: Everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.  

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast 

In this episode, the first in the Men's Spotlight, Mary is honored to sit down with her friend, Anthony Neri. Anthony shares how poetry played an instrumental role in his life from a young age and shaped him as a person. Pour yourself a boulevardier and enjoy this first story in the Men's Spotlight series: every man has a story and I want to hear yours.

An Irish Airman foresees his Death

BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

I know that I shall meet my fate

Somewhere among the clouds above;

Those that I fight I do not hate,

Those that I guard I do not love;

My country is Kiltartan Cross,

My countrymen Kiltartan’s poor,

No likely end could bring them loss

Or leave them happier than before.

Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,

Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,

A lonely impulse of delight

Drove to this tumult in the clouds;

I balanced all, brought all to mind,

The years to come seemed waste of breath,

A waste of breath the years behind

In balance with this life, this death.

Invictus
BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

Out of the night that covers me,
      Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
      I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
      Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
      How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
      I am the captain of my soul.

This episode of I’m so glad you asked was edited by Josh Finfrock. 

I’m so glad you asked is a twice monthly interview podcast hosted by Mary Kruse (@mtheresafaith31), a Chicago based artist. 

Instagram: @imsogladyouaskedpodcast