Picking Daisies

ALL moms are working moms, ya know? Just wanted to clarify, before we get into it.

This episode is from the working mom’s perspective, in terms of those who have a tangible paycheck earned from outside the home.  Sarah Steele, the hilariously creative Mama behind @TheCorporateMama is here to talk about how she’s balancing a career and kids… and how she’s created a space for mamas in a similar situation.

-Maternity leave bullshit

-Breastfeeding and Pumping at work

-Balancing postpartum anxiety

-Why we think men handle expectations differently

-What we hope ALL moms should strive for when balancing a household

Sarah Steele (aka The Corporate Mama) is a hardworking mom of two, balancing a marketing career, a content creation platform, and kids. She started her blog as a place for women in similar roles to go for a laugh, some camaraderie, and to feel not so alone. She’s your mom friend at work aiming to help other women learn to hack working mom life (with a little satire and a lot of iced coffee).  Find her on all platforms @thecorporatemama. 

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

My husband said that to me the other day. "I didn't think I was supposed to."

In this case, it was regarding dishes in the sink. But it got me thinking: why aren't we, as partners in a household, being more open about what we want and need from each other? Why are men celebrated for being physically present, when women's mental load is so much heavier? 

Let's dive into how to work on mutual respect—doing things as a team. Balancing the load. It's something I want for my marriage, but also... my son. Our kids. Their families.

I hope this episode inspires you to take on the challenge! Listen in, and let's get everyone on board with doing things, not because we're "supposed to" but because we can.

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

Ah, the in-laws. Whether you love 'em, hate 'em, or are somewhere in between - it's a package deal when you get married, right? And  unfortunately, finding the right balance in these relationships ain’t easy. The good news is, Katie and I can find humor in just about anything -- so let’s dig into this topic and have some fun!

We’re also starting a “Dear Abby” type discussion, where we answer your Instagram submissions and give our best advice. 

We’re sharing:

• The inside scoop on our mother-in-law (in-laws in general!) relationships
• The importance of setting boundaries
• The differences in parenting between generations
• Our advice to grandparents who want to have a relationship with their grandkids
• The bad words we weren’t supposed to say as kids but get our fill of in this episode

Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @Mommyneeds_morewine and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode.

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

What is zen? “Peace and calm,” by definition.

I think it’s fair to say, we could all use a little more “zen” while raising our littles. 

Brie Mazin, The Florida Yoga Mama, is here to talk about the power of yoga – why she loves it, and how it could be just the right routine to help build both mental and physical strength… a little zen, if you will.

Listen in because we’re covering:

• The benefits of practicing yoga
• How to fit in time for yourself amongst a busy schedule
• How mental focus can translate into all areas of your life
• Exercising while pregnant
• How she built her business from the bedroom 

Brie Mazin is a wife and mom of 3 young kids, living in South Florida. She teaches yoga both in-person and online, via her YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/BrieMazin.) You can follow her on Instagram @FloridaYogaMama where she shares inspirational messages, beauty and fashion finds, and of course - yoga! Namaste.

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 as Moms tend to really beat ourselves up over our bodies, don't we? Why do we do that? Our bodies have done some pretty incredible things in this life. 

Shannon Ritchey joins me to talk about some fitness, nutrition, and body image goals that we can ALL get behind. Let's focus on health, not numbers... and make the world a better place for our daughters.

Are you looking to feel better, look better? Don't miss:

• The process behind gentle consistency
• Setting sustainable goals so that you feel better about achieving them
• Unpacking fitness and diet culture
• What exercise is actually doing for your body, and what you should be focusing on
• Why we're doing this for the long haul

For a month of Evlo for listeners, use code MARY at checkout or use this link: http://members.evlofitness.com/checkout?code=mary&plan=monthly

Dr. Shannon Ritchey is a doctor of physical therapy and the Founder of Evlo Fitness, an online fitness platform designed with science and education in mind to help you exercise smarter. Her goal is to help women build strong, fit bodies without wrecking themselves. She does this by educating on the science of exercise, neurology, and physiology. Follow her on Instagram, @dr.shannon.dpt!

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

Only 2 weeks shy of 8 years, come sit with Kev & I as we bring you down memory lane. We will walk you through what we remember most from the day we said "I do." Seems like a dream but gosh, what a fun and special day it was.

In this episode, we:

• Discuss our wedding regrets and loves
• Our favorite memories of the big day
• Advice for those getting married soon

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

Let’s take ownership of the fact that sometimes, bad moms are GOOD moms. Okay?

Katie and I have your back, if you’ve ever lost your s*it. Because, it happens! I mean, at some point… the “gentle” in parenting just runs out. I’m a big believer that if we talk about it, the less guilt we’ll carry with us! 

So sit back, and enjoy:

• Handling the triggers our kids serve us on the daily
• How cute new moms are when they say, “I’ll never do that”
• Building a support system 
• The pressure of breaking the cycle

Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @Mommyneeds_morewine, and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode.

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

Birth expectations. Was your experience exactly as you imagined it? I have a feeling, a majority of you will say there was some sort of speed bump along the road. And I imagine, it left you feeling unfulfilled, sad, maybe even angry. You are not alone.

Jen Hamilton is a labor and delivery nurse that also doubles as your biggest advocate, online. We had a great conversation about her mission to educate, support, and nurture any Mama through their healthcare decisions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Misinformation, and the danger it poses when circulated online
• How Jen is helping healthcare professionals provide more compassion and empathy before, during and after labor
• How to manage expectations and anxieties when making plans for our babies
• The "Hot Mess Express," and how the movement is helping overwhelmed Moms across the globe feel supported and loved

Jen Hamilton is a nurse and healthcare advocate who shares wonderful advice, support and laughs. I promise you'll feel good after watching her! Find her on TikTok,  @_jen_hamilton_ for more  (and don't sleep on the chicken content, you'll thank me later!). For all other things Jen is involved with, you can find that information here.

You can also shop Jen's custom merchandise 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

Let’s talk boobs! Like, really get to know them. And trust me, you’ll want to grab a pen to take some notes because this episode is FULL of valuable information - not just for women, but men too! Anyone and everyone who has breast tissue, you need to listen up. 

Dr. Robyn Roth, also known as The Boobie Doc, is here to answer a lot of your questions, and makes some recommendations to consider when advocating for your own health.

The "bRest" breast convo you’ll hear:

• Why you should know your lifetime risk
• Genetic screening: where to get it, and how to gain free or discounted access
• When and how to do a self breast exam
• What happens if you do need further attention or testing for breast cancer
• How to arm yourself with the right questions so you are empowered in your healthcare options

In this episode, we also discuss a very important deadline involving YOUR input on what breast health recommendations should be in the US. You can find the form to submit for that here: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/breast-cancer-screening-draft-recommendation

Dr. Roth is a board certified radiologist that specializes in breasts, raising awareness in an educational and approachable way. You can find her on Instagram @theBoobieDocs and listen to her podcast, “The Boobie Docs: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Breast Cancer, Breast Health and Beyond.” 

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 love my son, but... I don't really like him right now.

I am admitting this because I have a really good feeling that you understand! Recently I have felt like I'm finally coming up for air and then BAM! Here comes my 3-yearold, testing every last inch of me.

So, what's happening that makes me say all of this? In this episode, I'm sharing:

• Some behavior issues that I'm struggling to manage
• Making connections impossible
• Feeling isolated in this season of motherhood
• Worrying about traumatizing the kids, but what about us as parents?
• Figuring out ways to help you help yourself

We as moms need to come together, and own up to the fact that we all have our moments. Being honest through the hard stuff will help us not feel so damn alone. If you know someone who never complains... worry about them. Join me for some honest camaraderie! 

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