She’s Smart

In this episode of She’s Smart, I sit down with Christine Short, Head of Research at TMX Group, to unpack the world of financial markets in a way that actually makes sense.

Christine has spent over 15 years analyzing corporate earnings and decoding what she calls the “body language” of companies—the subtle signals that reveal what’s really happening behind the numbers. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg, and more, but what makes this conversation so refreshing is how human and relatable she makes it all feel.

We talk about her unexpected path into finance, what it’s like being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and how understanding the markets is less about math—and more about storytelling.

We also dive into money, investing, and why women may actually have an edge when it comes to building long-term wealth.

Whether you’re deep into finance or just starting to think about your money differently, this episode will leave you feeling more informed—and more confident.

Note: This episode was recorded in November; some market references reflect that moment in time, but the insights remain incredibly relevant.

USA Today bestselling author Emily Liebert joins me today on She’s Smart to talk about the fascinating world of writing—from crafting bestselling novels to ghostwriting books for celebrities.

Emily’s career has taken her from producing specials at ABC News to serving as Editor-in-Chief of The WAG magazine, and eventually to becoming the author of multiple novels including Pretty Revenge and Perfectly Famous. Along the way, she’s also built an impressive second career as a celebrity ghostwriter, helping high-profile figures tell their stories while writing entirely in their voice.

In this episode, we talk about how book ideas are born, the surprising discipline behind writing fiction, what it’s really like to ghostwrite a book in just a few weeks, and how observing people in everyday life can shape unforgettable characters.

It’s a conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the many paths a writing career can take.

What happened to teen culture?

This week on She’s Smart, Maria sits down with media insider turned culture-builder Paula James-Martinez — former Fashion Director at Refinery29, founder of Purple Diary, documentary filmmaker, and now the visionary behind Cuqui, a new teen magazine designed to give kids their MTV back.

In a world where the algorithm shapes everything, Paula is building something tangible: a print magazine, club, and cultural home where teens can ask embarrassing questions, explore style, share essays, and connect without judgment.

They talk about motherhood in the digital age, growing up online, why nine-year-olds want retinol instead of glitter, and how community — real, imperfect, in-person community — might be the antidote.

It’s a conversation about nostalgia, hope, and what we’re building for the next generation.

Visit cuqui.club

Perimenopause. Hormones. Anxiety. Sleep changes. Night sweats. Brain fog.

If you’ve been wondering, “Is this just stress… or is something actually shifting?” — this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Dr. Katie Takayasu, integrative medicine physician and founder of Wellness Insights in Darien, Connecticut. Dr. Katie blends traditional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies — including nutrition, acupuncture, lifestyle optimization, and mind-body medicine — to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity and confidence.

In this conversation, we break down:

What perimenopause actually is (and why it can begin in your late 30s)

The most common early symptoms — from anxiety to sleep disruption

Why hormones fluctuate so dramatically during this stage

What menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) really means today

How strength training, protein, and stress management support long-term health

And how to advocate for yourself if you feel dismissed

Dr. Katie reminds us that this transition isn’t something to “just get through.” With the right tools and support, women can feel strong, steady, and informed through it.

https://wellnessinsights.com/

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual needs.

Catherine Morrissey is the President of White & Warren, the luxury cashmere brand known for timeless essentials and uncompromising quality. In this episode, Catherine shares what it’s like to lead a heritage brand founded by her mother while guiding it into its next chapter — thoughtfully, intentionally, and with a deep respect for craft.

We talk about Catherine’s path from Calvin Klein to the family business, how she’s helped modernize White & Warren without losing its soul, and the behind-the-scenes thinking behind the brand’s recent rebrand. Catherine opens up about navigating generational transition, scaling a business while staying detail-driven, and why evolution should feel like an invitation — not a disruption.

Our conversation also explores the launch of new categories like Clubhouse and outerwear, how White & Warren is redefining everyday luxury, and what it means to create pieces designed for real life — versatile, lasting, and deeply wearable.

Along the way, Catherine reflects on leadership, discipline, building strong teams, and how she finds balance in the midst of growth and change.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about legacy in motion, modern leadership, and the quiet confidence it takes to move forward with intention.

whiteandwarren.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Ginger Richardson, founder of Kiin Sauna, a mobile wood-burning sauna and cold plunge experience based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Ginger shares why she started Kiin, what it really looks like to build a business from scratch as a single mom, the physical and mental benefits of sauna and contrast therapy, the ancient roots of sauna culture, and how collaboration and community are at the heart of what she’s building.

We also talk about fear, growth, reinvention, and what’s next for Ginger and Kiin.

https://www.kiinsauna.com/

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Donnie Soddu, founder of High Light Rituals and a shamanic practitioner whose work bridges science, intuition, and healing in a truly thoughtful way.

Donnie’s path is anything but linear. With a background in neuropsychology, research, and the corporate world, she once studied perception, sensory experience, and how humans understand reality—before eventually being called toward energy work, shamanic healing, and creating jewelry infused with intention.

In this wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation, we explore what shamanic practice really is (and what it isn’t), how energy can be infused into objects, and how intuition shows up in everyday life—often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Donnie shares how motherhood became a turning point in her spiritual journey, why healing doesn’t have to look mystical to be meaningful, and how working with energy can bring clarity, calm, and balance rather than fear or overwhelm.

This episode is not about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, listening, and being open to the many ways we experience the world. Whether you’re spiritually curious, firmly science-minded, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a refreshing, intelligent perspective on healing, intention, and connection.

https://highlightrituals.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe — Director and Chief Curator of the Katonah Museum of Art — for a conversation that opens up the world of art in the most accessible, inspiring way.

Michelle shares her path through MoMA, the Asia Society Museum, global exhibitions, and creative work that has taken her around the world. We talk about how to truly see art, how to start collecting it, why galleries shouldn’t feel intimidating, and what a curator really does.

We also explore the power of the senses, the magic of travel, and how art reflects the world around us. Plus, Michelle gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her current Shen Wei exhibition and a beautiful upcoming project tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence.

It’s thoughtful, energizing, and full of insight.

https://www.katonahmuseum.org/

https://www.bedfordnewcanaanmag.com/blog-posts/the-katonah-museum-of-art-you-cant-spell-museum-without-u-and-me

Today on She’s Smart, I sit down with media strategist and founder Samantha Yanks, whose 25-year career spans Vogue, O, The Oprah Magazine, Hamptons, and Gotham. We talk about her transition from legacy media to building The Connecticut Edit with her daughter, the importance of community, and why AI—when used intentionally—can actually amplify human connection.

Samantha shares her perspective on intuition, reinvention, leadership, and creating work that people want to return to. It’s a conversation about purpose, creativity, and the power of women supporting women.

https://www.theconnecticutedit.com/

Karen Ackley spent more than 30 years inside the Central Intelligence Agency, rising into the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service — the highest leadership level in the Agency. She served as Deputy Chief of Station in Europe and the Middle East, Deputy Chief of Operations in the Counterterrorist Center, and Executive Assistant to the Director of the CIA. She later spent 28 months in Baghdad as the senior intelligence advisor to a four-star general, helping protect U.S. and allied forces.

In this episode, Karen shares:

How she was recruited into the CIA in college

What it’s really like inside an Agency most people only see in movies

Her experience working in a war zone

The decisions and tradeoffs women make when careers become all-consuming

Her story is bold, surprising, and deeply human.