Everything Sucks, Now What? A Merriment Method for a Messy World.

Everyone wants to know if people can change.But that’s not actually the question.The real question is:am I stuck like this?…and if I am, whose fault is it?In this episode, we’re pulling that entire thread until the sweater unravels like a Weezer song.We’re talking about:🩷 why personality is both stable and changeable (yes, both… stay with me)🩷 how trauma, shame, and environment edit you over time🩷 why a lot of what we call “growth” is actually just really cutely decorated armor🩷 the difference between becoming someone new and remembering who you were before the world got loud🩷 why wanting to change means absolutely nothing (scientifically, unfortunately)🩷 + what it actually takes to come back to yourself without romanticizing the processWe're not doing a "just be yourself" pep talk...This is more like a “you might have buried yourself alive and called it maturity” conversation.With love.... (+ receipts).Bonus pack to accompany the episode inside Strange + Functional.

What happens when life looks good on the outside, but something still feels heavy... and you can't quite explain why?This week, I'm sitting down with Kendall, author, social worker, mom of two, and the creator of Cloudy Day Chronicles: a blog, Substack, and now a children's book built around one of the gentlest, most honest mental health metaphors I've ever encountered: the cloud that follows you.We met the way most great things happen; completely by accident, at Artscape, because a three-year-old lost her mind over a rainbow. And I've been grateful ever since.In this conversation, Kendall gets deeply real about what it actually feels like to live with high-functioning depression. The kind where you show up, hold it together, and still feel shaded even when you know the sun is there. We talk about postpartum depression, ADHD, disordered eating, autoimmune illness, body image, and what it means to build a shared language around feelings that are hard to name.We also dig into:🌥️ Why Kendall's cloud metaphor started as a wave in therapy (and why she had to change it)🌥️ What "high-functioning depression" actually looks like from the inside🌥️ The people-pleasing spiral and how to show up for others without abandoning yourself🌥️ Why she wrote a children's book about a mom's mental health ; and what traditional publishers said about it🌥️ The Pay It Forward program she built around her book to reach families who need it most🌥️ What her daughter Alma taught her about clouds that no therapist ever didThis one made me cry. In the best way.📖 Get the book & find all of Kendall Concini Moore's resources at cloudydaychronicles.org📸 Follow her everywhere @CloudyDayChronicles

You're tracking your spending. You're watching your account. But there's another currency you're hemorrhaging every single day ... and nobody taught you how to budget it.Your attention.In this episode, we get into why doomscrolling isn't just a bad habit... it's actually making you poor. We talk about the real cost of cynicism, why money is just a personality amplifier (scary thought, right?), and the uncomfortable truth about why getting resourced is one of the most generous things you can do.Plus: the courtroom case for why money is not the root of all evil, where you're leaving potential on the table that has nothing to do with finances, and how to start spending your mental currency on purpose.Your attention compounds. The question is what you're growing with it.Bonus pack for Positive Pulse members includes a mental money audit, 3-day doomscroll reset challenge, and a rewiring script.

You Don't Actually Want Money. (Sorry. Kind of.)Yeah, we're going there.This episode is going to annoy you a little .. fair warning. Because we're not talking about how to make more money. We're talking about why you even want it in the first place. And the answer is probably not what you think.Spoiler: it's not money. It's almost never actually money.We do a whole thought experiment about a stand-up comedian that will make you question every financial goal you've ever had. We talk about why entrepreneurs lie to themselves (lovingly). We drag the "do what you love" quote out back and examine it in broad daylight. And we get into the deeply uncomfortable truth that some of your money beliefs were handed to you by a parent, a commercial, or some guy's dad .. and you've just been carrying them around ever since like they're facts.We cover:What you actually want when you say you want money (hint: it's on a list and it includes "revenge")Why making your passion pay you can slowly ruin itThe difference between wanting money and wanting choice (not the same!!)How to stop outsourcing your worth to your salaryRewiring the money stories that were never even yours to begin withThis one's part therapy, part philosophy, part "wait have I just been chasing a symbol this whole time??"The answer might be yes. But the substance? Closer than you think.Next time we're talking about The Financial Thermostat a.k.a. why you sabotage yourself right when things start going well. Fun stuff!!

Are some people just lucky... or are they paying attention in ways the rest of us aren't?I've been thinking about this for a while ... and I noticed something. The "lucky" people in my life aren't just stumbling into good things. They're doing something different. I call it conscious luck.In this one, I break down 8 ways to actually become a lucky person. Not through "wishful thinking", but through attention, behavior, and a willingness to get out of your own way. (Also featuring a suspicious number of raffle wins.)You'll walk away thinking differently about gratitude, bold action, self-sabotage, and what it even means to "catch a break."If that sounds like your kind of rabbit hole ... come on in.

Radical responsibility is often explained in a way that sounds like blame. Like every painful thing that has ever happened to you must somehow be your fault in order for you to reclaim your power. That interpretation does not feel safe. And for many of us, it does not feel true. In this episode, we untangle that misunderstanding and offer a more compassionate, agency-centered perspective. One that allows you to acknowledge real harm, trauma, and unfairness while still reclaiming your ability to shape what happens next. We explore: • Why radical responsibility is about agency, not blame • How to hold “this hurt me” and “I still have power” at the same time • What it actually means to be “delusional on purpose” when shifting beliefs • How aligning your actions with your desired identity reduces inner conflict • A more nuanced version of gratitude that allows you to want more without guilt • Why focusing your impact on one lane creates deeper change in the world If you have ever rejected personal development language because it felt invalidating to your lived experiences, this episode offers a reframing that honors both truth and growth. You were not responsible for the crash. But you still get to decide what happens after. Inside Positive Pulse, you’ll find companion affirmations, prompts, and integration practices to help you reclaim agency without denying your trauma. And reminder that the price is increasing on March 1st, so lock in the 89 cents now! Uncustomary.org/PP You have to feel good to do good.

A furious essay kicked off this episode. It was moving, blistering, and full of big claims about patriarchy, biology, “the secondary sex,” and how fast humans have managed to speedrun catastrophe once domination became the operating system. So I’m doing something specific here. I’m honoring the rage. I’m keeping what’s accurate and important. And I’m gently but firmly correcting what’s exaggerated or scientifically shaky, because if we want real cultural change, precision is power. In this long-form episode, I introduce a simple framework that changes how you hear the whole conversation: Patriarchy is a ladder. Matriarchal logic is a circle. Not men vs women. Not flipping the hierarchy and calling it healing. Systems. Architecture. Power flow. Care. Accountability. We walk through: what the essay gets right (and why that matters) where it overreaches (and how to critique without gender essentialism) how patriarchy actually emerged historically (surplus, inheritance, early states, organized violence) what matrilineal and matrifocal societies really look like why Nordic countries often feel “more circle” inside modern institutions the micro level: how to build circles in your home, friendships, and community the macro level: what to advocate for in the U.S. if you want care-centered outcomes language that builds bridges instead of creating more division what men can unlearn, what women can unlearn, and what a realistic hybrid system looks like This is Merriment Making work because merriment isn’t fluff. Joy is a systems outcome. Nervous systems don’t open under domination. They open under care. Bonuses in Positive Pulse: I dropped a companion bundle inside Positive Pulse to help you integrate the episode, including reflection questions, a “One Circle” 7-day micro challenge, language upgrades (copy/paste phrases), key takeaways, Merriment Maker affirmations, and shareable pull quotes. Uncustomary.org/PP You have to feel good to do good.

By February, most people assume they’ve already failed their goals. The routines didn’t stick. The motivation dipped. January didn’t turn them into a new person. In this episode, I want to slow that story down. Instead of asking why you’re “falling behind,” we talk about how goals actually integrate into real lives. Gradually. Imperfectly. In layers. I share: why January isn’t a deadline, it’s a warm-up how to stop expecting overnight change what “showing up” actually counts as why doing half of your routine is not failure how to stack habits into containers that already exist how to use what you skip as information instead of evidence against you why big goals need tiny, daily anchors how seasonal focus makes long-term change sustainable how to give yourself more than one “new me” moment per year This is an episode for anyone who made a long list of goals, meant well, and then felt overwhelmed by how fast everything was supposed to happen. You’re not late. You’re building capacity. If January didn’t go the way you imagined, nothing is wrong. This episode is here to help you keep going… without burning out. You have to feel good to do good. 💛   Free Companion Bonuses inside Positive Pulse To support this episode, I’ve added a set of ready-to-use bonuses inside Positive Pulse, my gentle support space for orientation, momentum, and real-life integration. Inside, you’ll find: recap guidelines you can return to when goals feel heavy seasonal and monthly check-in ideas affirmations and quotes to interrupt goal shame journaling prompts for clarity and self-trust a gentle 7-day “keep going” challenge temporal marker ideas beyond New Year’s and a simple overview of the Merriment Method, adapted for goals Positive Pulse is free to join for the first week, and then just 89 cents to stay. No pressure. No perfection required. You can join anytime and explore what’s helpful at positive-pulse.mn.co   If January didn’t go the way you imagined, nothing is wrong. This episode is here to help you keep going… without burning out. You have to feel good to do good. 💛

There's a trend on making a carousel on Instagram to look back at 2016. But I took it further and I'm walking you through the carousel and my entire year, giving you full context to what that year was like. Including the goals I set for that year, whether I accomplished them, my top 5 lists for that year, the biggest things that were helpful for me and my biggest struggles, and how I feel like 2016 is a good parallel for what's happening for me in 2026. The good, bad, and ugly.

We often ask “Are you okay?” with good intentions. But when that question is asked publicly, quickly, or without context, it can feel like pressure. It can make someone feel like their face, mood, or energy is a problem to solve. In this episode, Mary explores: how concern can unintentionally turn into projection why people learn to mask in social spaces how to check in with care without making others feel wrong for existing as they are. You’ll hear alternative ways to offer support, language you can borrow on both the giving and receiving end, and permission to show up without performing emotional consistency. This is a resource for anyone who wants more humane, spacious, and emotionally intelligent connections. For bonuses like scripts, challenges, journaling prompts, affirmations, and more, check out Positive Pulse. Start free today. Uncustomary.org/PP

We talk a lot about "sitting" with feelings. Meditating on them. Quietly observing them. But what if that's not the most effective way for YOU to process your feelings? In this episode I share: + how I actually process emotions, ideas, grief, decisions, and inspiration in real life (without meditation) + why I dislike meditation and why it doesn't work for everyone + alternative ways for processing emotions, such as raging the page + how to use AI to turn your emotions into tools you can actually use   If you’ve ever felt like you were doing personal development "wrong" because you can’t sit still, this episode is for you.   If you want to go deeper with this, come join us in the Positive Pulse for a colorful, anti-beige community. As a bonus for this episode, I'm including 98 specific ideas for HOW to use AI to make tools that work for you. Plus rage-the-page prompts, an EFT script, affirmations that don’t feel fake, and playful challenges you can actually use when something’s alive in you, and a lot more. Positive Pulse - Uncustomary.org/PP

What if you planned the year assuming time was real? In this episode, I share a simple 4-step thought experiment I’m using instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions. It’s not about quitting your life, chasing a fantasy, or “making the most of every second.” It’s about clarity. The question is simple: What if you only had a year left to live, BUT your life stayed the same? You still have work. You still have obligations. You still have routines. The only thing that changes is your awareness of time. We talk about why mortality awareness can actually make life calmer and more aligned, how perspective shifts priorities without panic, and how to use this lens to decide what deserves your energy this year. If goal-setting has felt stale, forced, or slightly dishonest lately, this is a grounded alternative you can actually try.

This is a video episode on YouTube and it's much more engaging if you watch it! Watch here: https://youtu.be/huFtLFVhb_E The days between December 26th and New Year’s Eve can feel oddly empty. 📅 You’re off schedule. Time feels fake. ⏰ 🫠 And suddenly you’re supposed to reflect on an entire year and magically feel excited about the next one. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I wrap up my year, step by step. 🪩 As a real, tangible process that helps me close a year without shame and enter the next one without punishment. You’ll hear how I actually do my year-end reflection.  The lists I make. 📝 The journals I revisit. 📲 The screenshots I save. The goals I retire. The proof I gather so my brain can’t tell me I did “nothing.” 🎀 I’ll share how I tie up loose ends, orient myself emotionally, and prepare for January without spiraling or forcing motivation. Then we talk New Year’s Eve. 🥳 Not the pressure version. 🍌 The absurd, celebratory, low-performance version. Whether you’re spending it solo or with friends, you’ll get playful, unhinged ideas for making the night feel meaningful again. Insane rituals. 🧸 Pajamas. Sparkles. Thirst-trap selfies in onesies. 💋 Early celebrations. Midnight rituals that don’t require reinvention. 🚫🍪 Screw cookie cutter nonsense. We're rewriting the "rules". This episode is for you if: 🎉 the year took more out of you than you expected 🎉 you don’t want to “fix yourself” in January 🎉 you want reflection without rumination 🎉 you want New Year’s Eve to feel fun, not hollow 🎉 you don’t know what to do during that weird December 26–30 stretch You’ll leave with: 🎈 practical ways to wrap up your year gently 🎈 ideas for tying up loose ends without overwhelm 🎈 celebratory New Year’s Eve inspiration (solo or group) 🎈 permission to cross the threshold as yourself If you want more structure, support, and softness, this episode pairs beautifully with my Merry New Year experience. It’s a guided container for reflecting on your year, making New Year’s Eve feel special again, and setting goals that don’t make you feel like crap. You can explore it anytime at 🔗 uncustomary.org/newyear No pressure. No clipboard. Just a kinder, more fun way to close one chapter and open the next.

I don’t think most self-help is wrong. I DO think a lot of it is beige. In this episode, I talk about why so much well-intended personal growth advice never landed for me. Not because the tools were bad. Not because I didn’t try hard enough. But because the rooms they lived in never felt safe for my nervous system, my personality, or my way of being alive. I explain what “beige self-help” actually looks like. The calm voices. The perfect routines. The unspoken assumption that everyone has stable energy, neutral emotions, and a nervous system that never spikes or freezes. I share a powerful realization sparked by a student inside Positive Pulse. It isn’t always the tools that fail us. Sometimes it’s the container. And when we don’t feel reflected, we don’t feel safe enough to practice, integrate, or trust ourselves. This episode is for anyone who has ever thought: “Why does this work for everyone else but not me?” “Why do I feel like I have to quiet myself down to belong?” “What if I’m not broken… I’m just in the wrong room?” Your happiness doesn’t have to get quieter. It might just need a space that fits you.   Uncustomary.org/PP

In this heartwarming, quietly rebellious episode of The Merriment Making Podcast, Mary sits down with Baltimore-based creative director and community connector Jessica Watson, the mind and heart behind the beloved Have A Nice Day Project. For more than a decade, Jess has invited Baltimoreans to gather around long tables, pick up markers, and write encouraging messages on blank coffee sleeves. These tiny billboards of joy make their way into local cafés, landing in the hands of strangers who might need a reminder to breathe, to laugh, or to keep going. Together, Mary and Jess explore: 🩷 What it means to find joy in a season of responsibility; especially when caregiving becomes part of your daily rhythm 🧡 How to schedule joy without making it feel like another task on your to-do list 💛Why grown adults still need adventure, curiosity, and the willingness to make a U-turn when something sparks wonder 💚 How to follow your weird; even when it doesn’t “match” how people expect you to present 💙 The origin story of the Have A Nice Day Project (spoiler: it began with a jarringly ugly corporate coffee sleeve) 💜 Why creative community work thrives when you let it be simple, imperfect, and wildly human They also talk about the beauty of Baltimore, the importance of micro-moments of delight, the secret gardens hidden in plain sight, and Jess’s worldwide adventures living “like a local” in cities across the globe. This conversation is balm. It’s an invitation. And it’s a celebration of the quiet weirdness that makes each of us who we are. 🌼 References & Resources Mentioned Have A Nice Day Project Website: https://haveanicedayproject.com Instagram: https://northbypointsnorth.com Instagram: https://www.bigimprov.org Atlas Obscura https://www.atlasobscura.com Roadside America https://www.roadsideamerica.com Mantra mentioned by Jess: “Be still and know that I am good.” - Nov 25th Episode - Women's Voices So Dangerous They Buried Them: Meggan Watterson (We Can Do Hard Things Podcast)

Ever treated yourself the way you wish someone else would? In this episode, I talk about SOLO DATES and show you exactly HOW to do them. PLUS a new fun way to incorporate joy missions into them! Whether you’re craving deeper self-connection, want to romanticize your Tuesday again, or are simply looking for a playful push to get out of autopilot, this conversation has everything from reflection tips to glitter-forward guerrilla kindness ideas. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why solo dates matter (and how to do them without feeling awkward) How to seamlessly incorporate joy missions into your alone time How to officially submit your act to the 11K Tracker and be part of our global joy map 🧡 BONUS: Tap into Positive Pulse for extras like: 50+ solo date ideas A “joy mission” supply checklist 25 rebellious missions Acts of merriment you can do in 2 minutes or less Solo reflection prompts to deepen your self-love game 📌 Want in on the 11K movement? Submit your joy act or follow along in real-time at Uncustomary.org/11K. Remember: You don’t need a partner to be in love with the world. You just need a spark. 🕯️ And you’ve already got that.   Get your bonuses for this episode in the Positive Pulse at Uncustomary.org/PP

Stuck in a DMV line? Sitting in a quiet waiting room? Driving home after something ends?  This episode helps you find joy in the in-between. We name why waiting (and liminal spaces) feels scary, tell real stories (medical tests, money stress, weird Tuesdays), and share tiny acts that make dull moments feel alive. You’ll get simple tools: a “doorway song,” a pocket anchor, micro-kindness missions, and better questions than “how’s the weather?”  Leave with a plan for fear, not just a scroll. Try this today: give one person in a waiting space something to smile about—even if it’s you. P.S. Positive Pulse is moving to Merriment Dues so we can keep the lights on. Current members: upgrade by Nov 21 (7-day free trial; 89¢/mo locked in). New members: paid starts Nov 1. There’s still a free section with select resources. 💛 Positive Pulse - Uncustomary.org/PP

Why do good things feel so terrifying sometimes? Why does joy make us hold our breath instead of exhaling? In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet, sneaky ways we brace for the end before the ending ever comes. Let's talk about how betrayal, scarcity, control, and anticipatory grief all trace back to fear and lack of trust, and how pre-grieving doesn’t actually protect us. Using the famous “regrets of the dying” as guideposts, we’ll look at what people wish they’d done more of (being present, taking chances, trusting love) and how you can start doing those things now while you’re still very much alive. I share a personal story about love, trust, and waiting for the other shoe to drop, plus practical, weird, Merriment-Making ways to start living the “middle” instead of fearing the end. This episode is a soft rebellion against living half-alive. For more absurd ways to feel more alive, join us in Everything Sucks, Now What? Positive Pulse - Uncustomary.org/PP Everything Sucks, Now What? - Uncustomary.org/EverythingSucks

It's that time of year! An unedited honest ramble of what's been going on in my life and my take on the new Taylor Swift album.

Peppercorns of Pleasure is a quick-hit tasting menu of 33 delight bites.  Strange, sweet, and ridiculous moments that made me smile for no reason at all. Think bald heads in party hats, bears admiring the view, or the cozy click of adjusting your leggings just right. These aren’t grand gestures of happiness, they’re micro-merriments, proof that joy hides in the smallest corners of our days. Listen in, laugh with me, and maybe notice your own peppercorns of pleasure along the way. Check out 111 FM for more positive audio! Uncustomary.org/111

Part pep talk, part rebellion, very practical. If the world feels loud and gross and you can’t make yourself care, this one’s for you. We talk about practical optimism (realistic, not “everything’s fine”), how to move from disenchanted → enchanted in small steps, and what to try on days when feeling good feels out of reach. You’ll get nervous-system first aid, micro “caught beauty” practices, art-in-live-time experiments, and ways to create safe pockets of meaning for yourself and your people. This isn’t about fixing you. It’s about finding workable levers again. I’m also inviting you to catch the world being beautiful this week—photo, sentence, voice not, and send it in so we can feature a few next episode. If this resonates, my new self-paced program Everything Sucks, Now What? is open on pre-sale inside Positive Pulse. It starts Oct 5. Pre-sale is $88 (or $44×2) until September 21st, then it’s $111. If your heart perked up, grab the lower rate.   Links: ↳ Submit your “caught beauty”: Uncustomary.org/11K ↳ Join Everything Sucks, Now What? (pre-sale): Uncustomary.org/EverythingSucks ↳ Join Positive Pulse (free community): Uncustomary.org/PP This episode is creative/philosophical support, not medical advice.

Happiness wasn’t handed to me. I built it on top of addiction, silence, and skeletons that still rattle when I celebrate. In this solo confessional, I name the cost: seven years of ketamine and dissociation, bloody letters on windshields when I didn’t know how to speak, recurring dreams (the tiger in the pit, the cords, the flat clock) that wired me for hyper-vigilance and perfectionism. I talk about waking up shoeless in fields, choosing CBT, crying after sessions, and finding mischief that heals: guerrilla art, yarnbombs, tiny public interruptions that get us off autopilot. There wasn’t one turning point. There were a hundred. I talk about how I: - ended up finding myself through guerrilla art - was called boring by my boyfriend - was inspired by David Goggins in a surprising way - don’t believe in ”one arc” or turning point - my deconstructed my 3 childhood recurring dreams and how they gave me insight into my childhood trauma - am not my best student - JUST realized why I’m drawn to my two biggest hobbies (live on air) ... I cry in this one Feeling good isn’t natural for me; it’s chosen, again and again, with mortality in the room. If everything feels unbearable right now, I built something for that: Everything Sucks, What Now? My practical toolkit inside the Positive Pulse, starting October 5. Play is my protest. Wonder is my work. Uncustomary.org/PP

I’m sharing the wild plan to complete 11,111 acts of kindness in under a year — and how you can be part of it from wherever you are. We’ll talk about joy as a movement, the surprising ripple effect of one small act, and I’ll even do a live act during this class. 🎁 Bonuses waiting in the Positive Pulse (free to join): 50 Places To Leave Guerrilla Art / Random Acts of Kindness 50 Notes To Leave For Strangers 25 Unique Compliments To Give Someone 111 Ideas for Acts of Joy PDF 👉 Join Positive Pulse free for instant access to the bonuses: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse See more about the 11K Acts Of Merriment Project at Uncustomary.org/11K

Ever asked yourself, "Why be a good person… when none of it seems to make a difference?” Let's talk about it.   When life feels chaotic, unfair, or deeply disappointing, it’s easy to wonder if anything actually matters. In this episode, Mary offers a sacred pep talk through the lens of existentialism—acknowledging the void, the absurdity, and the overwhelming nature of modern life… and then gently guiding you back to the power of choosing your own meaning. Whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, burned out, or somewhere in between, this is your permission slip to make hope your daily rebellion and meaning your own handmade masterpiece. 📍 At the end, you’ll be invited to reflect on: What meaning are you choosing to create this season? 🎁 Inside Positive Pulse, grab the free bonus pack that includes: A Journal Prompt Pack for exploring meaning in the midst of chaos 10 Micro-Meaning Practices to try today Affirmations for when you feel like nothing matters A printable Meaning Map to guide your day with tiny intentions A DIY Personal Philosophy Builder to anchor your outlook 🧭 Join the conversation + get your bonus resources inside Positive Pulse: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse

Do you ever feel pulled in opposite directions? Like you want to be held and be free? Crave stability and change? You’re not a mess—you’re a multitude. In this episode, we explore 6 core human paradoxes—based in psychology, astrology, and real life—and how they show up in your identity, creativity, relationships, and self-worth. Through stories, examples, and reflection, you'll learn how to hold space for your contradictions instead of trying to fix them. You’ll also get practical ways to embody both sides of yourself—from soft to wild, structured to chaotic, independent to deeply connected. 💛 Because the goal isn’t to choose—it’s to contain. — Want more support? Inside Positive Pulse, you’ll get a downloadable replay of this episode with: – 10 creative challenges to embrace your multitudes – A list of iconic people who lived their contradictions – A journaling prompt – A mirror mantra affirmation – And more bonuses for self-exploration Join the free community at: uncustomary.org/positive-pulse You have to feel good to do good. 💛

What if “feeling good” didn’t mean chasing happiness — but simply feeling at all? In this episode, we’re redefining what it means to feel good by making space for the full emotional spectrum — including grief, seasonal depression, numbness, anger, and those quiet in-between states we don’t always know how to name. Mary unpacks how toxic positivity, people pleasing, and emotional performance disconnect us from our truth — and how to gently return to presence, even when things don’t feel sparkly. You’ll hear: Why presence matters more than pleasure How grief and joy can coexist The Sandwich Metaphor (aka why faking joy backfires) How to stop sorting your feelings into “good” and “bad” The F.E.E.L. Process — a simple framework to help you navigate your emotions with honesty and care   Positive Pulse (free resources) - https://Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse Merriment Vault (self-love library) - https://Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Makers

Let’s debunk the myth that your zip code is the problem. This episode explores the real psychology behind why we blame our environments for lack of joy, connection, or progress—and how fear, projection, and resistance keep us from actually going after what we say we want. We’ll talk: • Why “boring” is often code for “I’m scared” • How to identify the deeper fear under your avoidance • Reflection prompts to get radically honest with yourself • Super specific tools and websites for finding events, friends, and support—even in tiny towns • Tips for navigating chronic illness, transportation challenges, and social anxiety • How to re-enchant your own block if that’s all you’ve got • A rebellious challenge to try this week in your own town 🎁 Want all the links, tools, and prompts from this episode in one place? Join Positive Pulse, my free community of 550+ joy-seekers, and unlock: → Tools for finding events in your zip code → Apps and websites for making new friends → Public transit + rideshare solutions → Travel tips for chronic illness + low energy → Search tricks to uncover hidden gems → Reflection prompts to name your resistance → Creative ways to make your block joyful → This week’s Rebellious Joy Challenge 🆓 Join Positive Pulse now at uncustomary.org/PP and get instant access to 170+ free resources (and meet new friends)!

In 2013, I quit my day job, got my heart broken, danced in bars dressed like a mermaid, and filled my bedroom with 60 balloons. I swam in the ocean at 3am, measured a train platform with a banana, got interviewed on the news for guerrilla art—and was told by my blogging heroes that my work didn’t matter. Spoiler: they were wrong. This episode is a time capsule. I'll walk you through everything that happened in 2013. It's A love letter to the version of me who didn’t wait for permission to be weird, wild, or wonderful—and a reminder that you don’t need permission either. Inside this episode: What quitting my psych rehab job taught me about joy The street art challenge that changed my life How I built magic from heartbreak Why 2013 Mary still guides everything I do What I wish I had said to the people who didn’t “get it” 💛 Plus: A special 13% off celebration for 111 FM—my joy sanctuary built on everything 2013 Mary believed in. 📻 Tune into the frequency: https://uncustomary.org/111 PS - I got the math wrong, it's not my 13th year of being in business, it's my 12th! It's my 13th year of MERRIMENT MAKING! But we're celebrating 2013 Mary and 13 years of Merriment Making so it still works. 

What if every day could be your luckiest day of the year? This episode invites you to tune into a new frequency—one where joy isn’t something you earn, but something you allow. Through honest storytelling, grounded tools, and playful philosophy, we explore how to reconnect with your authentic self in a way that feels real, not performative. In this episode, we cover: The Pygmalion Effect and how belief shapes what you attract The difference between faking it till you make it and being inauthentic Why confidence isn’t binary—and how you can feel unsure and still be radiant A personal story about being seen as confident even while feeling disconnected The power of radical honesty as a form of authenticity A short grounding exercise to reset your energy in 60 seconds Three ways to reconnect with yourself today 📡 Bonus Companion Kit inside Positive Pulse! Get these 4 extras to deepen the episode (free with replay access): ✅ Affirmation Pack: “Broadcast Beliefs” ✅ Journaling Prompts: “Tuning In” ✅ 3-Day Change the Channel Challenge ✅ Static-to-Signal Reflection Map 🎁 Access the replay + bonuses here → uncustomary.org/positive-pulse 🎶 Want to live life on a higher frequency? Join 111 FM — a joy-first audio sanctuary for just $37/month. Includes pep talks, tapping sessions, rituals, and real-world joy missions. → uncustomary.org/111

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “That’s how I feel inside — I just don’t know how to get there”? In this episode of the Merriment Making Podcast, Mary England speaks directly to the part of you that’s still here — even if it’s been buried, muted, or made to feel like “too much.” You’ll hear why 111 FM was created as a safe space to expand, how to reconnect with your truest self (without a single self-help checklist), and what to do when you’re tired of performing and ready to simply be. 📖✳️ Includes a special teaser from the Unmuted Audio Program + practical tips to feel like you again. This isn’t about fixing. It’s about feeling — and remembering who you were before the world told you to shrink. 💛 Plus: Find companion affirmations, journal prompts, and a mini challenge that go along with this episode in Positive Pulse! Uncustomary.org/PP Join 111 FM ➡️ Uncustomary.org/111

What if your story didn’t have a final version? What if you got to rewrite it every time you learned something new or felt something deeper? In this week’s episode, I’m reading aloud my interview with Voyage Baltimore—a not-so-definitive autobiography of my journey from chaos to creativity, from pain to playful rebellion. I share about what it’s meant to grow up different, misunderstood, and misdiagnosed—and how that turned into a lifelong mission to make joy accessible for other overwhelmed humans. You'll hear the raw, unfiltered moments that shaped me, the philosophy that fuels my work with Uncustomary, and why I believe feeling good must lead to doing good. This episode is a time capsule—capturing where I am, what I believe, and why I’ll always be a Merriment Maker. 🎧 Listen in, and then read the full interview here: 👉 voyagebaltimore.com/interview/community-highlights-meet-mary-england-of-uncustomary-merriment-maker 🌀 Want to join the movement? Start here for free: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse

When the world tells you “this is it”—a diagnosis, a label, a limitation—you don’t have to accept it as your whole truth. In this episode, we’re breaking down the lie of “nothing can be done” and replacing it with creative, rebellious possibility. This is a wake-up call, a pep talk, and a reminder that you are not your prognosis—and that change is always possible. 💥 Inside Positive Pulse: A written pep talk for when you're losing hope A guide to advocating for yourself at appointments A creative solutions worksheet for tough situations Affirmations to reclaim your agency   Join for free: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse Check out The Feel Good Troop: Uncustomary.org/Feel-Good-Troop

You don’t need to burn your life down to start over. Sometimes you just need to throw a little glitter in the gears. In this episode, I—your resident Joy Trickster and Sacred Disruptor—invite you to rethink what rebellion really looks like. We’re talking about disrupting guilt spirals, tuning into softer frequencies, and letting your weirdness be a form of wisdom. You’ll explore: 🎧 How sacred disruption interrupts burnout culture 🎧 Why joy is a neurological rebellion 🎧 Gentle ways to flip the script (without flipping out) 🎧 How to be your own Trickster friend—and make mischief your medicine ✨ Want more micro-revolutions in your inbox? Check out the 5 Day Reset or the 30 Day Reset as a journey into joyful rebellion and emotional alchemy. It’s the soft revolution you didn’t know you needed. 💖 🔗 5 Day Reset - Uncustomary.org/FeelGood5 🔗 30 Day Reset - Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Reset 🔗 Positive Pulse - Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse     ----   Short Guitar Clip by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

What if being a little bad at things was actually the secret to a life that lights you up? In this joyful and insightful conversation, I chat with Brigid Gibson of Vibrant Badass about stress relief, breaking out of perfectionism, and letting joy guide your choices—even when it feels weird, messy, or unproductive. We talk creative identity, stress management tools (like brain dumps and challenge playbooks), and how authenticity is actually the ultimate form of self-care. 🌟 Want more? Check out the replay inside The Positive Pulse, where you’ll find exclusive bonuses for this episode including: Affirmations for releasing pressure Journaling prompts to rediscover joy A 3-part mini challenge to help you try playful discomfort Brigid is a fellow member of Positive Pulse, and you can find her at @vibrantbadass. 📩 Momentum Monday Newsletter Sign up for inspiration & practical magic 📚 Magic Moments Book Grab it on Amazon 📸 Follow on Instagram @vibrantbadass Let this episode be your permission slip to stop “doing it right” and start doing what feels good.   Positive Pulse: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse

When you spend your life caring for others, who cares for you? Today, we’re building a Joy Toolkit — a playful, powerful emotional first aid kit that helps caregivers, helpers, and heart-forward humans stay resourced, recharged, and radiant. This episode is especially for the Heartfelt Caregivers — the over-givers, the nurturers, the ones who feel guilty resting. Less about healing, more about sustaining your sparkle. ✨ You’ll discover real tools (plus some delightfully weird ones!) to stock your kit, tips for actually using it, and loving reminders that you matter even when you’re not “producing” or “helping.” We’re reclaiming joy as a necessity — not a luxury. 🎉 Special Announcements at the Beginning! Merriment Makers and Feel Good Troop have officially shifted into Vaults! You have a limited-time discount for lifetime access if you’re a current member — don’t miss out before May 5th! Our Positive Pulse Party is happening TOMORROW (Wednesday, April 30th at 7 PM ET)! Come celebrate with us! 🎈 🎁 Want even more support? Inside Positive Pulse you’ll find free bonus resources: 35 Things to Put in Your Self-Care Kit Playful Toolkit Name Ideas Printable Merriment Missions Cards Personalized Journaling Prompts Link to the 1-Minute Joy Challenge 🛎️ Helpful Links Mentioned in This Episode: Join Positive Pulse for free: https://uncustomary.org/positive-pulse Grab your Merriment Makers Vault: https://uncustomary.org/merriment-makers Grab your Feel Good Troop Vault: https://uncustomary.org/feel-good-troop Get your Merriment Missions Deck: https://uncustomary.org/deck 👉 And don’t forget: Take the free Joy Archetypes Quiz to find out if you’re a Heartfelt Caregiver (and get extra free resources!): https://uncustomary.org/quiz    Let’s build a world where joy is part of the plan — not the prize for surviving it.

Why do some habits stick and others fade? It’s not about willpower — it’s about identity. In this episode, Mary explores the power of group culture, the psychology of belonging, and why “people like us do things like this” might be the most life-changing phrase you’ve never considered. You’ll learn why culture always beats strategy, how rituals reinforce who you really are, and why becoming a Merriment Maker is less about rules and more about joyful rebellion. Plus, Mary shares how her free Positive Pulse community can help you embody joy — without pressure or perfection. 💛 Bonus resources for this episode — including rituals, journal prompts, and a downloadable guide — are available exclusively in the Positive Pulse. Join for free and explore what it means to create your own culture of joy. 🔗 uncustomary.org/positive-pulse

What if joy wasn’t just a personal indulgence, but a professional advantage? In this episode, we’re exploring how therapists, teachers, caregivers, and helpers of all kinds can use delight—yes, delight!—as a real strategy for building trust, boosting morale, and deepening connection. Whether you’re guiding a classroom, holding space in therapy, or working with a team, joy isn’t just welcome—it’s powerful. 🤩 You’ll learn how joy builds rapport 🧠 Why science says play makes us more effective 🎨 Real-life joy rituals you can try today 💼 How to bring fun into your work without losing credibility 💛 Bonus Resources Available Only Inside Positive Pulse: Get exclusive access to companion content, including: • 20 Ways to Sprinkle Joy Into Your Workday • Joy Rituals & Journal Prompts • Affirmations for Joyful Professionals • Mirror Work + Brainy Fun Facts • A Weekly Joy Mission Challenge Join the free community and unlock the bonus resource vault at uncustomary.org/positive-pulse   🎧 Learn more at uncustomary.org 🎴 Grab the deck: uncustomary.org/deck 💛 Join the free community: Positive Pulse

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by people shouting “Just start!” like that’s helpful (spoiler: it isn’t), this episode is your permission slip to try something different. We’re tossing out the rulebook and running our own experiments in joy — with curiosity, wonder, and a whole lot of permission to play. In this episode, I’ll teach you my S.P.A.R.K.L.E. system: a playful, step-by-step method to tap back into your inner knowing and figure out what actually works for you. Whether you’re feeling stuck in perfectionism, procrastination, or plain old autopilot, this episode will help you gently experiment your way back to feeling good — no rigid rules required. Plus, I’m sharing some wonderfully weird experiments you can try today (think: snack rituals, talking to your mug, and doing things backward on purpose). Because joy is not supposed to be serious. 🎉 Ready to run your own experiments? Join the 1-Minute Joy Challenge inside Positive Pulse and play along with us: Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse You have to feel good to do good. Let’s go sparkle. ✨

What if success didn’t require burnout, self-denial, or endless hustle? What if joy was actually the most sustainable fuel for growth, healing, and motivation? In this episode, Mary England kicks off April’s theme—making joy easy—by dismantling hustle culture myths and offering a gentler path to success: one built on delight, discipline, and a touch of weirdness. We’ll explore the difference between willpower and discipline, how happiness boosts physical energy and motivation (yes, there’s science!), and why your joy might be activating other people’s jealousy. You’ll hear reflections on martyrdom vs. trickster energy, playful habits that actually work, and how being your fullest self becomes a permission slip for others to do the same. 🧠 Featuring wisdom from Liz Gilbert, Dana Carvey, and a poetic riff on why more things rhyme with bliss than suffering. 🆓 Join the free community where we’re making joy a habit together: uncustomary.org/positive-pulse You don’t have to suffer to succeed. You just have to feel good to do good.

You don’t have to be fully healed to feel joy. You don’t have to wait until you “figure things out” to take action. And no—you’re not broken. You might just be bored. Overstimulated by junk, undernourished by joy, and caught in a loop that’s keeping you small. This episode is your sacred disruption. It’s your reminder that motion creates momentum. That you don’t have to wait to feel better to start feeling alive. And that maybe—just maybe—you’ve been stuck in victim mode longer than you needed to be. Let’s wake up. Let’s move. Let’s disrupt. Positive Pulse launches next week. Let’s go. Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse

Ever feel like you’ll never bounce back from a setback? That the bad stuff lingers longer than it should? Good news: your brain is built to help you recover, adapt, and even find happiness again—faster than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the psychological immune system—the brain’s built-in defense mechanism that helps us process challenges, reframe setbacks, and regain our joy. You’ll learn: 🪗 Why we overestimate how long we’ll feel bad (and what that means for your daily life) 🛠 How to strengthen your mental resilience with simple, actionable shifts 🧠 Why ‘synthetic happiness’ is just as real as ‘natural happiness’—and how to create more of it 🦹‍♀️ How to stop second-guessing your choices and feel more satisfied with where you are Your brain is already working to protect your joy. Let’s give it a boost! 🌼🌼🌼 BONUS: Ready for a full reset? Join my free live seminar, Refresh + Recenter, happening Sunday, March 23rd! We’ll dive deeper into mindset shifts, daily habits, and practical ways to feel lighter this spring. Sign up now at Uncustomary.org/Refresh! 🔄 If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that they’re more resilient than they realize! 💛

Have you ever felt like the world could use way more joy—but wondered if one person (aka you!) could really make a difference? Spoiler alert: you can. And today, I’m showing you exactly how.   In this episode, we’re diving into why joy is an act of rebellion, how small acts of kindness create real change, and practical ways to spread joy in your everyday life. You’ll learn:   💛 Why small acts of joy actually matter more than you think 🎨 Three simple ways to start spreading joy today (no extra time, money, or skills needed!) 🌟 How to become a Merriment Maker—a person who refuses to let joy be optional 🎭 How you can join me in-person or online to make an impact together   ✨ Join me for Operation Merriment! ✨ If you're in Baltimore, I’d love for you to come to Operation Merriment—a monthly in-person event where we gather, create guerrilla art, and spread unexpected joy into the world. No art skills needed—just a willingness to play, connect, and make someone’s day. 📍 Next event: March 29th @ Enoch Pratt Library 🎟 Sign up here → uncustomary.org/operation-merriment-event ✨ Not local? You can still spread joy! ✨ Join The Merriment Makers, my online community filled with resources, missions, and a like-minded crew of joy-spreaders making the world brighter from wherever they are. 🌎 Become a Merriment Maker here → uncustomary.org/merriment-makers   💬 What’s one tiny way you can spread joy today? Tag me on Instagram @merrimentmaker and let’s make this movement grow!   📢 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share it with a fellow Merriment Maker—it helps more than you know! 💛

Are you following rules you never actually agreed to? 🚫 In this episode, we’re diving into the power of micro-rebellions—tiny, mischievous acts of defiance that make life feel less suffocating. From taking a spontaneous road trip to eating sugary cereal straight out of the box for dinner, we’re talking about how breaking small, harmless rules can shake you out of autopilot and bring a much-needed jolt of joy back into your life. 🤘🌀🏴‍☠️ We’ll explore: 🔥 Why rebellion boosts dopamine and creates more vivid memories 🧠 The psychology behind why neurodivergent folks, trauma survivors, and people who feel misunderstood might get an extra thrill from rebelling 🍕 How to break habits, routines, traditions, and expectations to make life feel more fun and free 🕶️ The ultimate reminder that you can be any kind of adult you want to be—whether that means owning a house and theming your kids’ bedrooms or keeping a ball pit in your basement 👀 Want to go deeper? This episode is just the beginning! Rebellion is a major theme in my free Jumpstart Your Joy Class, available right now in Positive Pulse, my growing free community where we talk about joy, fun, and breaking out of the mold. Sign up today! ➡️ Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse 🎸 And if you’re ready to make rebellion, fun, and spontaneity a daily practice, The Merriment Makers has an entire module dedicated to FUN, packed with 30+ resources to help you inject more playfulness and adventure into your life. Right now, it’s never been more reasonably priced—come join us! Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Makers 📲 Tell me about your micro-rebellion! DM me, tag me on Instagram @merrimentmaker, or share it in Positive Pulse so we can celebrate your tiny act of defiance together. 🎧 Listen now and start breaking the right rules! 😈

Ever felt like self-improvement is just too much work? Like the idea of “getting better” makes you want to take a nap instead? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down why personal growth doesn’t have to feel like an exhausting full-time job—and how tiny, effortless shifts can actually make the biggest impact. We’ll talk about: 🩷 Why people make self-improvement harder than it needs to be 🩷 The difference between willpower and discipline (and why you need less of both than you think) 🩷 How to make progress 1% easier instead of trying to change everything at once 🩷 The sneaky feel-good habits you don’t want to admit actually work Spoiler: Real change isn’t about suffering—it’s about setting yourself up for success. And sometimes, all it takes is one ridiculously uplifting song to turn your whole day around. 🎧 Hit play and let’s make self-improvement way less exhausting. 🎶 Listen to Happy Songs - Uncustomary.org/Mixtape 👉 Tell me: What’s a tiny thing that makes you feel better, even if you don’t want to admit it? DM me on Instagram @merrimentmaker and let’s talk about it! 💛

Have you ever called yourself lazy for not getting enough done—when really, you were just exhausted?   Today, we're talking about the real difference between laziness and burnout. Spoiler: Being tired is not a character flaw. In this episode, we go over: 💠 Why exhaustion can feel like laziness (but isn’t) 💠 The difference between true rest and guilt-ridden procrastination 💠 How to actually relax when you’re used to half-resting 💠 Why nature doesn’t apologize for rest—so why do we? 💠 The science behind why rest prevents burnout (instead of being a ‘waste of time’) 💛  Plus, I’ve put together a Do Less, Feel Less Bad checklist to help you rest without the shame spiral.   🎁 Grab your free checklist here: Uncustomary.org/DoLess   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs this reminder. And as always, remember: You have to feel good to do good. 💛  

Feeling burned out? This episode dives into the science of burnout, why it happens, and how to reverse it with simple, 5-minute practices. Reclaim your energy, restore balance, and remember—you are enough just as you are. Program mentioned: Merriment Reset.

See video version on YouTube.com/MaryEngland. In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, I sit down—no script, no makeup, no edits—to talk about the messy, real-life struggles I’ve been navigating lately. From family crises and chronic illness to the exhausting tightrope of running a joy-centered business in a world that often feels overwhelming, I open up about the internal battle between my personal identity (Mary) and my public-facing brand (Uncustomary). How much is too much to share? Where’s the balance between being authentic and maintaining boundaries? And how do we keep showing up for ourselves and others when everything feels like it’s falling apart? I also explore: 🌀 The psychology of oversharing and why I struggle with it 💡 The impact of transparency on credibility (and why it shouldn’t matter—but does) 🔥 The emotional weight of chronic pain, trauma, and burnout 🎭 How we can live alongside our grief, struggles, and setbacks—without losing ourselves This is an episode about honesty, resilience, and figuring it out as we go. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who the world expects you to be, I see you. And you’re not alone. 👉 Stay connected: uncustomary.org 📅 Join me for Merriment Mondays Live on YouTube every other Monday 🎙️ New podcast episodes every Wednesday You have to feel good to do good. 💛

What if the most beautiful, joyous thing in your life wasn’t a sunset, a pet, or a twinkle-lit evening—but you? In this episode of Merriment Making, we’re flipping the script on self-worth and exploring what it means to be the star of your own story. If you’ve ever felt like a supporting character in your own life—always prioritizing others, staying on autopilot, or feeling like your quirks make you an outsider—this episode is for you. We’ll unpack: 💛 Why your lived experience makes everything in your world meaningful. 💛 How to rewrite your life’s “second act” and step into your main character energy. 💛 What kind of movie you’re starring in—and how to direct it with intention. 💛 How self-love is an anchor, not an ego trip, and why feeling good helps you do good. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to step into your own spotlight, own your unique story, and start crafting a life that feels as beautiful as you are. 💖 Want to take this deeper? Join me for my FREE How to Be Your Own Valentine workshop, where we’ll explore self-love practices that make you feel radiant inside and out. Sign up now at uncustomary.org/valentineworkshop. 🎧 Listen now and let’s get you shining, star. 🌟

In this episode, we're talking about the 🌿beautiful contradictions that make us human.  🪞 How to reconcile conflicting sides of your identity with compassion and curiosity.  Mary shares her personal journey through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how she learned to quiet her inner critic and embrace the messy, multifaceted nature of self. 🧠💖 🌈🧘‍♀️And join in for a guided soothing visualization exercise to help you create harmony within.  Learn how to deepen this practice with the free How to Be Your Own Valentine workshop: Uncustomary.org/ValentineWorkshop 💌 💛🏡 Because you deserve to feel good in your body and at home in yourself. 

Stuck on autopilot? Coasting through your days without experiencing them? Today we talk about: Why we fall into autopilot How it robs us of joy How to break free From personal stories of overcoming dissociation to practical tips for adding whimsy and joy to your daily life, this episode will inspire you to take control and live intentionally. Plus, I share how The Merriment Makers Membership and The Merriment Reset can help you reclaim your connection to joy and create a life you truly love. Mentioned in this episode: The Merriment Reset: 30 Days to Joy and Confidence: Start living intentionally today with daily challenges, printables, pep talks, and more! Learn more here. The Merriment Makers Membership: Access 1,500+ resources, 90 kindness missions, daily positivity texts, and a vibrant community of joy spreaders! Join us here. 💛 Share your Merriment Moment! What new thing did you notice today? Tag Mary on Instagram @merrimentmaker or join the conversation in the Positive Pulse community.