She’s Smart

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with renowned neurologist and neuro-immunologist Dr. Sharon Stoll for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation about the brain—how it grows, changes, and what we can do to keep it healthy.

Dr. Stoll shares her incredible journey into medicine, including how her own MS diagnosis during medical school inspired her to become a leading voice in neurology. Together, they explore the gut-brain connection, brain development across a lifetime, and how memory is affected as we age. From practical tips on supporting cognitive function to busting myths about brain health, Dr. Stoll makes complex science accessible and empowering.

Whether you’re curious about brain fog, aging, or just want to better understand the brilliant organ in your head, this episode is full of relatable takeaways and surprising insights.

https://www.drsharonstoll.com/

This week on a very special Mother’s Day episode of She’s Smart, I sat down with my original role model—my mom, Mary.

Mary shares stories from growing up in a big Spanish-Irish family in California, what it was like becoming a mom at 22, and how she managed to raise two daughters and a middle school classroom for over 30 years. They talk about love, marriage (50 years and counting!), raising kids, surviving teaching during the pandemic, and why affection and humor were at the heart of our home.

And yes, we finally get the full story of the serial killer who once hid in her basement (you’re not ready).

This episode is filled with laughs, wisdom, and all the heart that comes from mother-daughter conversations that go off the rails in the best way. Happy Mother's Day!

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Lauren Braun Costello—chef, author, and the voice behind It’s Lauren, Of Course. Lauren shares her unexpected journey from the high-powered world of Wall Street to food styling on national TV and building a loyal community through her honest, hilarious, and skillful approach to cooking.

They talk about her leap of faith into culinary school, working behind the scenes on The View, the beauty of simple, well-executed food, and the challenges of building a brand in a world that often values flash over substance. Lauren also opens up about stepping back from social media during difficult times, the importance of real expertise, and how she’s reframing creativity on her own terms.

This conversation is equal parts inspiring, smart, and full of laugh-out-loud moments—just like Lauren.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenofcourse/

https://www.itslaurenofcourse.com/

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Melissa Conner — powerhouse publicist, local mom, and Partner & Managing Director at Jennifer Bett Communications — the agency behind some of today’s most beloved consumer brands.

From her early days in New York PR to co-founding JBC and scaling it into a 50-person agency working with brands like Magic Spoon, Parachute, Fashionphile, and MIDI Health, Melissa shares her journey of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose in the chaos. She opens up about trusting her gut, building a business while raising three kids, and how she and her business partner have grown a company that’s as values-driven as it is effective.

We talk about:

How Melissa pivoted from fashion dreams to PR leadership

Why your story — and your product — matter more than ever

The power of strong female partnerships and work-life integration

Trends shaping the future of media, influencers, and PR

What makes a brand press-worthy in today’s crowded landscape

Melissa’s advocacy around small business tariffs and women’s healthcare

This is an inspiring and insightful episode for anyone building something — a brand, a business, or a life on your own terms.

Jennifer Bett Communications: https://www.jenniferbett.com

Female Founders Sound the Alarm about Tariffs: https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/female-founders-sound-the-alarm-about-tariffs-to-president-trump/91175323

In this episode of She’s Smart, we sit down with Maryclare Roos—mom of three, accidental archaeologist, and present-day steward of the Peter Thorp House, a 1739 farmhouse in Weston, Connecticut with a few secrets buried beneath the floorboards.

Maryclare shares how a late-night real estate scroll led her family to the historic home that would change everything. Since moving in, she’s uncovered 18th-century artifacts, discovered a midden pit in her backyard, and connected with historians, collectors, and even descendants of former residents. Oh—and yes, the house is very much haunted.

We chat about the thrills and chaos of antique home restoration, how Maryclare became a self-taught treasure hunter (thanks to one long-forgotten Father’s Day gift), the friendly spirits who pop in from time to time, and what it really means to be a steward of history.

If you love old homes, ghost stories, vintage finds, or just a good tale of trusting your gut, this one’s for you.

https://www.instagram.com/peterthorphouse/

Weston Historical Society- http://www.westonhistory.org/join-donate-help

Domino Magazine Article - https://www.domino.com/lifestyle/real-haunted-house-weston-connecticut/

The Heirloomist - https://www.theheirloomist.com/

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria catches up with childhood friend and Olympic beach volleyball player Nicole Branagh. From growing up in Orinda, California, to competing on the world’s biggest stage, Nicole shares her inspiring journey from three-sport high school athlete to professional volleyball player and current ESPN analyst.

Maria and Nicole dive into the power of community, the changing landscape of women’s sports, and what it really takes to chase Olympic dreams. They talk about everything from letterman jackets and high school rallies to the mental and physical endurance of pro athletics—and how to find identity and joy beyond the game.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent of young athletes, or just love a good story about grit, growth, and going for it, this one’s for you.

Ashleigh Owens is the Deputy Director at Shift, a global leader in advancing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights—and she’s also the lead singer of a local rock band. In this episode, Ashleigh joins Maria to talk about her incredible journey: growing up in a tiny beach town in Western Australia, working as a lawyer in Japan, navigating the world of international human rights, and rediscovering her creative voice through music.

They cover everything from ethical business practices and global supply chains to the power of following your creative instincts, no matter your day job. It’s a conversation about curiosity, courage, and the joy of doing things your own way.

✨ Topics in this episode:

What companies can do to truly respect human rights

Why corporate ethics matter (and how they often fall short)

Ashleigh’s surprising path from cheerleading in Japan to writing policy at the UN

How karaoke nights led to her joining a band

The value of community, creativity, and asking for help

Ashleigh is proof that smart isn’t one thing—it’s many things, all working together. You’re going to love her.

Teacup Sallie: https://www.teacupsallieband.com

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Eram Siddiqui, the founder of Hudson+Bleecker, to explore her remarkable journey from working in politics for Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Barbara Boxer to launching her own luxury travel accessories brand. Eram shares how her experience on Capitol Hill and her love for travel sparked the idea for stylish and functional travel pieces. She talks about navigating business challenges, the power of reinvention, and the importance of leading by example as a mom and entrepreneur. Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation!

Hudson+Bleeker: https://www.hudsonandbleecker.com/

Road and Belt Initiative: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative

In this episode, we welcome fashion stylist, Hannah Spencer from Nineteen Pieces. Discover how Hannah has crafted a thriving business around the concept of always having nineteen essential wardrobe pieces to create a versatile closet.

We explore the dynamic elements of fashion and style, including the transformative power of good tailoring, the impact of a standout coat, and innovative tips to revamp your closet into a functional fashion haven. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or just someone looking to enhance your personal style, this episode is filled with invaluable insights.

Nineteen Pieces - https://www.instagram.com/nineteenpieces/

Hudson and King Jewelry -https://www.instagram.com/hudsonandkingjewelry/

This and That Vintage - https://www.thisandthatvintage.com/

Dr. Diane Mueller (sex and relationships) a naturopathic doctor, bestselling health author, international speaker, certified sexologist and host of The Libido Lounge podcast.

Dr. Mueller is here to shake up everything we think we know about intimacy, desire, and long-term relationships. If you’ve ever felt like life, kids, and stress have put passion on the back burner, Diane is here to tell us why that doesn’t have to be the case.

We dive into:

This conversation is fun, open, and exactly what we all need to hear. Whether you're looking to reignite the fire in your relationship or just want to feel more connected to yourself, this episode is for you!

Jade Egg: https://www.etsy.com/listing/465868796/canadian-nephrite-jade-yoni-egg-with

Learn your Sex Type/Libido Code! Take the free quiz here:: LibidoCode.com

Orgasm Perception Quiz https://mylibidodoc.com/orgasmic-perception-questionnaire/

Free: Get your Libido Back Video Ebook: https://mylibidodoc.com/libido-video-ebook/

Dr. Mueller’s Podcast “Libido Lounge" mylibidodoc.com/podcast

Youtube: Youtube.com/@mylibidodoc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylibidodoc/