Mary's Cup of Tea: the Self Love Podcast for Women

This is for the women who know they want kids eventually, but don't know if or when they'll be ready. Some questions don’t have a clear answer… they just keep you up at night. “How do I know if I’m ready to have kids?” is one of them. Especially for women. This isn’t a how-to guide. Nor is it a checklist. I’m definitely not someone to tell you what to do with your life. It’s just an insight into my brain, and a real, unfiltered look at what it feels like to sit with that question. The back and forth. The moments where you want it so badly… and the moments where you look at your life and think, I love this, I don’t want to lose it. The weird shift from being terrified of getting pregnant to quietly hoping for it. The anxiety about motherhood and wondering if you’ll be a good parent. The thoughts many women don’t always say out loud. This conversation opens up something a lot of women carry privately: that readiness isn’t a clear, confident “yes.” Sometimes it looks like questioning, debating, researching, and imagining yourself in various versions of the future you can’t fully see yet. If you’ve ever gone back and forth on this… if you’ve ever felt both drawn to and scared of the idea of having kids… if you’ve ever wondered what “ready” is even supposed to feel like… you are not alone. And that’s the point of this reflective, solo episode. It’s a little different than the self-love topics we usually discuss on Mary’s Cup of Tea, but I think it’ll be relatable to many women who are debating whether or not to have children. Remember: You don’t need perfect certainty to make meaningful decisions—just enough candid conversations and self-compassion to explore what feels true in this moment. Mentioned In This Episode: Sophie Ansari’s short TikTok film “how the heck does anybody decide if they’re ready for a kid?” Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast And if you’re enjoying our self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps normalize these types of conversations about mental health, womanhood, and self-love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if being a more optimistic person has nothing to do with “staying positive”? In this conversation, we unpack the real psychology of optimism — and why it’s less about feeling good, and more about building resilience, curiosity, and emotional flexibility. If you’ve ever struggled with negative thoughts, anxiety, or your mental health, this episode will bring encouragement, hope, and helpful tools. You will learn… why nostalgia can actually regulate your nervous system and support optimism the real definition of optimism (and why it’s not the same as positivity) how anxiety fills in uncertainty with worst-case scenarios — and what to do instead what optimism looks like when you’re struggling, depressed, or barely getting through the day how curiosity — not confidence — might be the most powerful mindset shift Remember: being a more positive person isn’t about forcing yourself to feel good — it’s about learning how to stay open, grounded, and resilient through the full range of your human experience. Dr. Deepika Chopra, widely known as The Optimism Doctor®, is not your average shrink. A behavioral scientist, health psychologist, national best selling author, podcast host, visual imagery expert and sought after speaker, she holds a doctorate in clinical health psychology and completed a double postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her book The Power of Real Optimism (Simon and Schuster 2026) is a practical science based guide to staying resilient, curious, and open even when life is hard. Dr. Chopra is a  recurring guest on NBC’s TODAY Show  and her innovative and science based work on Optimism, Hope and Resiliency has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Goop, Variety, Fast Company, Newsweek, New York Times, The Boston Globe and more. She has led workshops and consulted for companies including Google, Amazon, Live Nation, UPenn Health, BCG, and Amex, and spoken at events such as the Aspen Ideas Festival, SXSW, and The Atlantic’sIn Pursuit of Happiness. Dr. Chopra is the founder of Things Are Looking Up®️, a consultancy devoted to the intersection of science and soul, and the creator of the hit optimism card deck of the same name. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Or on social media! Be sure to tag @maryspodcast and @drdeepikachopra Mentioned in this episode: 200 Reasons to Choose Self-Love Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wow!!! I can’t believe this is our 300th episode!! Thank you so so much for listening to Mary's Cup of Tea: the Self-Love Podcast for Women. This episode is a bit more personal and vulnerable. It’s me reflecting on why I started Mary’s Cup of Tea, what I’m struggling with, and if/ how I hope to move forward. I pull back the curtain to share what it’s actually taken to produce this show, use my voice, and keep going even when it’s felt messy and overwhelming. A lot of the times I feel less confident than I wish to be, but keep reminding myself that confidence is not synonymous with perfection. And self-compassion goes a long way. Tune into our 300th episode to hear... a behind-the-scenes look at what hosting this self-love podcast has really been like why celebrating your input matters more than waiting for external validation the tension between growth, pressure, and staying true to yourself what’s next for this show a reminder to honor your own process, even when no one else sees it Remember: self-love is about choosing to show, again and again, in ways that feel kind and true. Mentioned In This Episode... “200 Reasons to Choose Self-Love” (free download) The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Girls (TV show by Lena Dunham) Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast And if you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread the gift of self-love! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s a version of life many women are taught to chase: the one that looks put together, successful, desirable, and “right.” But behind the aesthetic routines, curated homes, and picture-perfect moments, so many of us feel disconnected, drained, or dissatisfied. This is the self-worth trap. In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful reframe: your self-worth isn’t built through appearances. It’s built through how your life feels, not how it performs. And when you prioritize appearances over truth, your self-worth will always feel unstable. Tune into our self-love podcast to learn… why something can look perfect but still feel completely wrong the hidden self-worth trap many women live in without realizing it how social media and external validation distort your self-worth the unexpected quadrant where real freedom, confidence, and alignment begin simple ways to stop performing your life and start actually living it This conversation also touches on body image, mental health, and the subtle ways women are conditioned to prioritize perception over truth. Mentioned In This Episode... Lena Dunham interview Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast And if you’re enjoying Mary’s Cup of Tea, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread the gift of self-love! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever noticed how the more you rush, the more everything seems to fall apart? Let’s explore how constantly being “on the go” disconnects you from your confidence and inner peace. If you’re constantly rushing, then you’re stuck in your own anxious headspace, not actually connected to yourself and your surroundings. In a world that rewards productivity and hustle, slowing down can feel uncomfortable… even wrong. But what if the very thing you think is holding you back is actually the key to building real confidence? What if taking your time is what allows you to hear yourself clearly again, trust your decisions, and move through life with more ease? This is an “encore” episode, one we’ve already shared on the Mary’s Cup of Tea Podcast but why not revisit it?! Tune into this self-love podcast to learn… why rushing keeps you stuck in anxiety instead of grounded in confidence how slowing down helps you reconnect with your intuition 5 simple ways to practice slowing down how to move slowly through life in a way that naturally builds confidence Remember: When you pause, you breathe, and when you breathe, you harness your power. Self-love requires slowing down. If you’re enjoying Mary’s Cup of Tea, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread the gift of self-love! Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spring is a natural time for renewal, and this is your reminder to come back to self love in a grounded way. Not a full reset, not a glow up, just a check-in. A moment to notice what feels good, what feels off, and where you might need a little more care from yourself right now. Here are 3 questions that are designed to make you feel more alive and aligned. I invite you to ponder these questions or better yet, use them as prompts for bullet journaling! Feel free to share your thoughts with me in a comment, message, or review. You will learn… How to bring more self love into your life by noticing everyday moments of magic Where you can disconnect from constant stimulation and reconnect with yourself A gentle way to check in with your thoughts without overanalyzing them The surprising impact of slowing down and going “analog” in your daily routine How to identify what part of you needs attention, care, or support right now Remember: Self love is magical, and so are you. So instead of another generic gift, give your mom, mother figure, or even yourself the gift of comfort. Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to http://cozyearth.com/ and use my code MARY for an exclusive 20% off. And if you get a post-purchase survey, you can mention you heard about it on Mary’s Cup of Tea. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread women empowerment and self-love! Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... Anna Karenina A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Mary’s Self Love playlist: maryscupoftea.com/playlist Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seven years together, three years married, and somehow we’re still learning new things about each other! In this episode, Husband joins Mary to reflect on moments that shaped their relationship. This isn’t relationship advice or a step-by-step guide to a perfect marriage. It’s just us looking back at what we’ve been through and realizing how those experiences changed the way we communicate, support each other, and show up in our relationship. Get ready for funny stories, peak memories, and relatable relationship dynamics! You will learn… how different communication styles can either clash or deepen connection in a healthy relationship what happens when you stop trying to control your partner’s emotions our favorite, most chaotic travel stories why shared experiences build confidence and emotional intimacy in a relationship how couples therapy helped us break unhealthy patterns the small ways respect, trust, and self-awareness show up in a strong marriage Remember: building a healthy relationship takes communication, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow together. And that can only happen through trial and error, forgiveness, resilience, and sometimes, couples therapy. About Mary’s Husband: Stan is Mary’s husband and occasional podcast guest who is either unintentionally insightful or unexpectedly hilarious. He immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan and brings a grounded, practical perspective to conversations about relationships, growth, and life. When he’s not helping Mary pack for trips or supporting her ideas, he’s working in the automotive industry and perfecting his Tony Soprano impression. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Or on social media! Be sure to tag @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode… 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged Shrinking on Apple TV Our honeymoon in Tanzania recap Our 1-Year Married Episode Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Five years ago, I published The Gift of Self-Love. Writing that book when I was just 20 years old was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. And its message around confidence, healing, and self-love still feels deeply true to me today. But five years of living, growing, and talking with thousands of women about their experiences has also expanded my understanding of self-love in ways I could not have fully seen back then. In this reflective episode, I look back on the book with fresh perspective and share a few ideas I might approach differently if I were writing it today. This conversation explores how our understanding of self-love can deepen over time, especially as life experiences reshape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Get my books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread the gift of self-love! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Same. Let's talk about inadequacy– how to snap the F out of it and shift into confidence. Mary introduces her powerful self-love formula, which intertwines self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-worth, as she challenges listeners to confront their feelings of inadequacy. We also unpack the heavy feelings of inadequacy and shame and how redefining self worth can help you stop measuring yourself against impossible standards. You will learn... the difference between insecurity and deeper feelings of inadequacy how to question the timelines, expectations, and systems shaping your sense of self worth confront uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding them reconnect with your inherent worth and rebuild confidence on your own terms create an “audacity list” to step outside comparison and reclaim agency in your life Remember: the goal isn’t to finally become “enough.” The freedom comes when you realize that standard was never yours to begin with. So instead of another generic gift, give your mom, mother figure, or even yourself the gift of comfort. Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to http://cozyearth.com/ and use my code MARY for an exclusive 20% off. And if you get a post-purchase survey, you can mention you heard about it on Mary’s Cup of Tea. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned in this episode: Why Self-Help Isn't Always Helpful for Self-Love How To Feel Confident When You Speak with Ryan O'Shea Why Manifestation Doesn't Work Without Self-Worth with Samantha Chung Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever felt like you have to constantly optimize your life to deserve self-love, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach personal development. A deep dive into the complicated relationship between self-help and self love, and why the self-help industry can sometimes leave women feeling more inadequate instead of more confident. You will learn how to... recognize when self-help messaging is subtly making you feel broken instead of helping you build self-love break the exhausting cycle of pressure → shame → burnout that comes from most self-help advice cultivate self love through community, connection, and self-acceptance rather than endless self-improvement Remember: you don’t need to become a better version of yourself to deserve self-love. The most powerful form of self love is learning to accept yourself exactly as you are, even on the days when nothing feels optimized. So instead of another generic gift, give your mom, mother figure, or even yourself the gift of comfort. Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to http://cozyearth.com/ and use my code MARY for an exclusive 20% off. And if you get a post-purchase survey, you can mention you heard about it on Mary’s Cup of Tea. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: *The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. *100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... My conversation with Oliver Burkeman about productivity Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman My conversation with Amelia Nagoski about Burnout Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Reddit discussion: Why self-help books are so popular in North America TikTok creator Paige Turner on self-help advice and gender Episode: How to Stop Comparing Your Current Self to Your Past Self Kurt Vonnegut & Joseph Heller story about “enough” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your voice changes when you feel insecure. It gets tighter, faster, or smaller, and suddenly you don’t feel confident anymore. In this conversation, we explore how to build real confidence by regulating your nervous system and learning to speak from a grounded, embodied confident place. Mary is joined by voice and communication coach Ryan O’Shea to explore how your voice can make or break your confidence. And no, this isn’t about fixing vocal fry or sounding “more professional.” It’s about learning how to feel more grounded, authentic, present, and confident no matter who you’re communicating with. You will learn… Why some people naturally command attention while others feel chronically unheard How nervous system regulation directly affects your voice and presence The difference between rambling and inhibition — and how to find the sweet spot A simple real-time practice you can use before a presentation, job interview, date, or hard conversation to feel more confident The 3 components of a powerful vocal presence Remember: confidence isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about feeling safe and connected in your body when you speak. Your voice isn’t something to fix — it’s something to reclaim. Ryan O’Shea is a Los Angeles based voice, accent, and communication coach certified in Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Knight-Thompson Speechwork®, and Organic Intelligence®. Ryan combines her experience as an actor and coach to develop a holistic approach to voice and communication. She wants her clients to feel that learning voice and communication skills can help them feel more like themselves, so she merges voice and delivery skills with tools of nervous system regulation and presence. Ryan works with actors who you've seen (and heard!) on HBO, Showtime, Netflix, AppleTV, Fox, ABC, as well in audiobooks, commercials, and theatres across the world. And she’s worked with countless entrepreneurs, and corporate communication clients from Adidas, Tinder, Alpinestars, and more. Website: https://www.voiceandspeechwithryan.com/ Instagram: @voiceandspeechwithryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-o-shea-27a473277/ Self-led Voice Course: Foundations of Voicework, https://www.voiceandspeechwithryan.com/foundations-of-voicework If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Or on social media! Be sure to tag @maryspodcast and @voiceandspeechwithryan Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eating disorder recovery is a journey, and sometimes old patterns will show up even after you’re fully recovered. Let’s talk about 5 disordered habits you might still be doing (despite knowing better) and how to stop doing them.These subtle disordered eating are often framed as “normal” in our culture, but in reality, they’re leftover patterns from diet culture. Whether you’ve been in eating disorder recovery for years or are just beginning to heal your relationship with food and your body, it’s important to notice these sneaky habits so you can break free from them once and for all.Mary talks about the common ways women internalize harmful beauty standards and how those beliefs show up in everyday choices. From body-checking to moralizing food, these eating disorder behaviors might feel second nature, but they don’t serve your self love journey. Recovery is about unlearning toxic patterns and choosing self love, compassion, and confidence instead.Take a moment to reflect: Which of these 5 eating disorder habits are you still holding onto? Becoming aware is the first step toward true healing and building a positive mindset around food, body image, and self love.If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread women empowerment and self-love!Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With special guest: my Sister!!! For my 28th birthday, I sat down with my 18-year-old sister to share 28 truths about confidence, dating, boys, people, and being a woman with self-worth.This conversation moves from chaotic sister humor to the deeper realities of building confidence as a woman. We talk about why most mistakes get made after midnight, how everything feels more dramatic in the dark, and why intensity is not the same thing as compatibility. We unpack the difference between attraction and anxiety, and why calm, secure love can is often the healthiest.Beyond dating and relationships, we get into the foundations of self-love: choosing your environment wisely, eating consistently, setting boundaries without over-explaining, and remembering that no one is coming to save you. We talk about body image, spotlight syndrome, conquering insecurities, being the average of the people you spend time with, getting to know your mom as a person, and why embarrassment is a choice.I hope this Mary’s Cup of Tea episode feels like a confidence pep talk from your virtual big sister.Remember: “The worst thing in the world can happen, but the next day the sun will come up. And you will eat your toast. And you will drink your tea.”Hope this episode is somehow entertaining and somewhat useful to your self-love journey.If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread women empowerment and self-love!Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary Jelkovsky on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode...Mary’s Self-Love Playlist: maryscupoftea.com/playlist Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When the external world feels heavy, your internal world must stay regulated. Self-care is not about escaping reality. It’s about standing steadily inside it. This conversation is about how to stay emotionally regulated when the noise feels constant and the news cycle never ends.We’ll talk about protecting your energy, being intentional with your attention, and practicing self-care through boundaries with yourself. If your mental health has felt stretched thin by the state of the world, this episode offers perspective and encouragement.You will learn about…how social media functions similarly to propagandawhy energy management might be better than time managementhow I approach giving and charitable contributionthe idea of “joy stacking” as a form of self carewhy eye contact is a form of resistancesmall rituals that help you come back home to yourselfRemember: self-care is not disengagement from the world, it is how you stay resourced enough to meet it. Real self-care supports your mental health AND lets you contribute to causes you care about.If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support expands our self-love circle and shows others that mental health matters.Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary's self care journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode...A Small Light series on Prime Video“I’m Russian. Here’s how propaganda really works” by Silent East Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many women talk about anxiety as if it’s a personality trait, but Dr. Ellen Vora offers a different lens: anxiety could be a mind-body signal that something in your mental health ecosystem needs support. In this conversation, we unpack what women misunderstand about anxiety, why mental health is deeply physical, and how to stop seeing anxiety as a personal flaw.You will learn…the difference between “false anxiety” vs. “true anxiety” (and why that distinction changes everything)is it the mind-body connection or the body-mind connection?how women’s bodies, hormones, and cultural stressors create a unique anxiety landscapethe drawbacks of traditional cognitive behavioral therapyphysical ways to take care of your mental health Remember: Anxiety doesn’t automatically mean something is mentally wrong with you. Often it’s your physical body asking for care, and sometimes it’s your inner compass asking for honesty. Either way, you deserve support that helps you feel safer in your body and steadier in your mental health.Dr. Ellen Vora is a board-certified psychiatrist who takes a functional medicine approach to mental health. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University. She’s also the bestselling author of The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response where she shares a whole-person perspective on anxiety, mental health, and overall well-being– especially for women.Follow Dr. Ellen on Instagram: @ellenvoramd Get Dr. Ellen’s book, The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear ResponseAnd if you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @ellenvoramdMentioned In This Episode...Quit Like a Woman by Holly WhitakerHealing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Dr. John SarnoThe Way Out by Alan Gordonresearch on Ketamine-assisted therapyWizard of Oz & Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd Theory EXPLAINED Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes the parts of us we’re trying hardest to fix are the ones working the hardest to protect us. Inspired by one of the best mental health books I’ve read recently, this episode offers a compassionate framework for understanding your inner world without pathologizing it.If you’ve ever felt conflicted, inconsistent, or torn in different directions, this conversation is for you. It explores why inner tension does not mean you are failing at mental health. It might actually make a lot of sense. This episode reviews my biggest takeaways from the book No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz.We’ll explore ideas like:Why there are no bad parts — only misunderstood onesHow self-compassion creates internal safety instead of controlThe difference between being protector-led vs. Self-ledWhy mental health isn’t about eliminating inner conflict, but learning how to relate to itWhat it looks like to stay engaged with the world while still protecting your energy We also touch on something many of us struggle with: how to care deeply about the world without letting its weight completely overwhelm you. And why true self love does not require numbing out, bypassing reality, or carrying everything alone.Remember: Every part of your personality that you do not love will become hostile. The goal is not to get rid of parts of yourself, but to change how you relate to them.If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread conversations about mental health, confidence, and self-love in a way that feels real and sustainable.Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode...No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz “How to talk to the worst parts of yourself” TEDx talk by Karen Faith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WOW!!! This just might be the most enlightening, inspiring interview on Mary’s Cup of Tea, thanks to our guest, Samantha Chung. Rooted in self-love and self-worth, Sam’s approach to manifestation is deep yet simple, grounded yet expansive, firm yet deeply compassionate.Contrary to popular belief, isn’t about positive thinking, vision boards, or proving your worth — it’s about the relationship you have with yourself. Sam explains why healing shame, releasing self-criticism, and relating to yourself with compassion is what actually changes what you attract.You will learn about...the surprising link between loving yourself and manifesting your dreamshow to reconcile manifestation teachings with privilege, access, and real-world limitationswhy Sam hates the word “manifestation” and the connotations it comes withhow to repair a punitive, damaged relationship with yourselfwhy self-compassion will not you complacentwhat body-image struggles reveal about safety, control, and self worthhow to face your own unworthiness and make contact with a deeply supportive part of yourselfthe ONLY emotion that lowers your vibrationaccess the emotional experience you think money, love, or success will finally give yousee manifestation as a lifestyle rooted in self-love, not a method to fix yourselfRemember: Manifestation doesn't work without self-worth. It's not about getting or achieving something, it's about who you become along the way.Samantha Chung is a transformational life and mindset coach, viral content creator, and host of the top-ranking podcast Spiraling Higher. She is on a mission to help people break free from their conditioned narratives and awaken to their most authentic, limitless selves. Her paradigm-shifting perspectives have inspired millions to step into self-love and embody their highest potential. Today, she’s here to help you do the same.Follow Sam on Instagram: @simplifying.samLearn more about Sam’s private coaching here.Share this self love podcast with the women in your life or on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @simplifying.sam Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Self love isn’t just about accepting yourself as you are or chasing a better version of yourself. It’s about learning how to hold contradictory parts of yourself with self compassion and curiosity.This conversation explores self love, confidence, mental health, body image, and self-awareness through the lens of growth, rest, insecurity, joy, and becoming. If you’re in your late 20s, or going through a big life transition, this episode is for you.You will learn how to…reframe the way you think about insecuritiesquestion diet culture, beauty standards, productivity, and comparisonunderstand how pleasure can coexist with painRemember: self love is not about reaching a healed or perfected version of yourself. It’s about staying honest, present, and compassionate through every season of becoming.If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love.Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode...Beauty Sick by Dr. Renee EngelnNo Bad Parts by Dr. Richard SchwartzFlesh World, Substack by Jessica DeFino Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Astrology can be a grounding, practical tool for self-love and mental health, especially for women navigating change. Daniela from Cosmic Latte joins me to break down rising signs, moon energy, and Saturn returns—and how understanding your zodiac chart can help you meet yourself with more compassion, confidence, and care. Whether you’re looking to add a little whimsy to your life or fully devote yourself to the stars, this episode is equal parts fun and educational.You will learn about...why most daily horoscopes are incorrectthe importance of knowing your rising signhow the moon influences mood, energy, and confidencehow astrology can help you build routines that support your mental healthwhat a Saturn return brings up in your late 20s (and why it’s not all doom)the astrology of weekdays i.e. how to plan your week around the planets Remember: Self-love isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about understanding yourself and letting that understanding soften the way you show up. Daniela Karpenos is a New York-based astrologer and founder of Cosmic Latte, a community of 200,000+ unique souls worldwide devoted to feeding spiritual curiosity, creativity, and connection. With her Leo sun flair and Cancer moon intuition, she shares playful astrology content to help you discover your “you-niverse.”Get your personalized eclipse guidebook from The Cosmic Latte here!Or book a private astrology reading with Daniela at thecosmiclatte.com and follow her on Instagram @thecosmiclatteMentioned In This Episode...The Astrology of Days GuideStardust (moon + cycle tracking app)No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @cosmiclatte so we can share this self-love journey with you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A vision board can be a powerful tool for self love when created intentionally. In this episode, Mary shares how to approach vision boarding as a self-love practice rooted in intention, self worth, and presence rather than pressure, perfection, or productivity.If you want Mary’s vision board template, you can get instant access at maryscupoftea.com/vision and follow along.Instead of focusing on how your life should look, this process invites you to reconnect with how you want it to feel — offering a refreshing approach to self love that prioritizes intention over outcome, being happy in your life (not just happy with it), and learning to enjoy the process of becoming someone you’re proud of.Tune in to learn…How to make a digital vision board that feels supportive instead of overwhelmingWhy intentions are much better than traditional goal-settingHow to manifest from self compassion rather than controlThe difference between being “happy with your life” vs. being happy in itWhat a vision board becomes when it’s rooted in self-worth, not pressure Remember: Your vision board is not a contract — it’s a conversation with your future self. What’s meant for you is already unfolding, and your only responsibility is to stay present, responsive, and kind to yourself along the way.If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love.Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary's self-love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As women, we’re often praised for being “good” — benevolent, proper, generous, and agreeable. But that version of goodness often comes at the expense of your mental health. And it requires a type of self-abandonment which leaves little room for complexity, creativity, or truth.Poet and writer Joy Sullivan joins Mary to explore why being “good” can be antithetical to being fully human. Together, they unpack purity culture (both religious and progressive), moral performance, and the shame that follows many women. They also explore Joy’s viral essay Tiny Evils and why allowing ourselves small, imperfect, human transgressions can actually reconnect us to creativity.You will learn how to…Question moral perfection without abandoning integrityUnderstand why goodness is often performativeReclaim creativity as survival, not productivityWrite and create with confidence and without censoring your vulnerabilityRemember: You don’t have to be flawless to be worthy. Your self worth is inherent. If you can love yourself as you are, your creativity will skyrocket.Joy Sullivan is a poet, teacher, and author of the national bestseller, *Instructions for Traveling West.* She received a Masters in poetry from Miami University and has served as the poet-in-residence for the Wexner Center for the Arts. Her work has appeared in places like Goop, Oprah Daily, and The Sunday Paper.In addition to leading international writing retreats, Joy has guest-lectured in classrooms from Stanford University to Florida International University and is the founder of Sustenance, a community designed to help writers revitalize and nourish their craft. Read her thoughts on the creative life in her Substack newsletter, Necessary SaltFollow Joy on Instagram: **@**joysullivanGet Joy’s poetry book *Instructions for Traveling West.*Learn more about Joy’s writing community, Sustenance, here.And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @joysullivan so other women can find this self-love podcast.Mentioned in This Episode…Tiny Evils by Joy SullivanGlamour UK featureMiranda JulyEllen BassAda Limón Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Mary explores seven principles of self love, using her Self-Love Tree framework as a calm and grounding guide for your year-end reflection and renewal.You will learn how to…Understand the roots of self-love: self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-worthApply the Self-Love Tree framework to your spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, social, romantic, and existential wellbeingCreate your own personalized self-love template to support next year’s intentionsMay you always ground yourself in your own unique individual framework for self love, whether that's a tree or something else you want to plant.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the self love tea!Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books: 1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary talks with licensed psychotherapist Whitney Goodman about the harmful effects of toxic positivity on our mental health. We’ve all heard it, seen it, and experienced it — those moments when someone brushes off your pain and tells you to “just think positive!” It’s dismissive, overwhelming, and the opposite of self compassion.Whitney shares with us about... what toxic positivity is and the different areas it shows up in (specifically how it appears in religion, workplace, health, grief, etc)how toxic positivity differs from true self compassionthe antidote to toxic positivity how to talk to your loved ones when they are experiencing painself talk tools that will support your mental health without the pressure to have a positive mindset 24/7Whitney Goodman is the radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit, the founder of Calling Home, author of Toxic Positivity, and owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a private online therapy practice in Florida. Her work deeply resonates with women who are navigating boundaries, complex family systems, and the pressure to stay “positive” no matter what.Whitney earned her undergraduate degree at Tulane University and her graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of Miami. She has advanced training in couples work, trauma, family dynamics, and chronic illness. Her writing appears in Psychology Today and she has been featured in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, NY Magazine, InStyle, and Good Morning America.A millennial therapist committed to making mental health information accessible, Whitney believes authenticity and emotional expression are essential to living a grounded, meaningful life. Her transparency around her own humanity helps normalize the full spectrum of feelings we all experience.Remember: “Happiness and positivity have become both a goal and an obligation.” But you don’t have to buy into that—real well-being honors your full emotional landscape and protects your mental health.Follow Whitney on Instagram: @sitwithwhitGet Whitney’s book Toxic Positivity here.And if you're enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @sitwithwhit.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If decision fatigue has you spiraling, this episode will help you reconnect with your needs, wants, desires, and values. Mary shares 7 steps for soothing anxiety, finding clarity, and making choices with confidence and from a place of self-love. You will learn how to... - Stop outsourcing your life to other people’s opinions - Regulate your nervous system so you can make decisions from a place of confidence and self love - Clarify your values and return to your own inner guidance Remember: self love isn’t about making the “perfect” choice. It’s about making the choice that honors who you are right now. This episode is a self-love reminder for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed by decision fatigue. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: 1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode: Podcast Interview: Why Self Worth Starts in Your Body with Beatriz Victoria Albina Book: Stop Emotional Outsourcing by Béa Victoria Albina Mary’s viral video: “What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Relationship conflict doesn’t have to feel like walking on eggshells. With the right tools and a sense of confidence and self trust, even the messiest moments can become turning points for deeper intimacy. This conversation with relationship expert Baya Voce is packed with research-backed relationship advice that helps you understand why you fight the way you do—and how to shift patterns that have followed you for years. You will learn... what healthy fighting look like and how to navigate conflict with confidencethe different types of toxic tendencies many of us default to when triggereddo men and women differ when it comes to default patterns?Gottman’s 4 Horsemen, the subtle-but-deadly behaviors that quietly erode connectionwhat to do when you’ve asked your partner to change, but they can’t or won’thow to decide whether to stay in or leave a relationship Remember: A healthy relationship isn’t defined by “never fighting.” It’s about navigating conflict with confidence, a regulated nervous system, and trust in your ability to repair. Baya Voce is a relationship repair expert helping couples fight better and make up faster. She holds an MSW from Columbia University, is in ongoing supervision with Esther Perel, and is trained and mentored by Terry Real. Baya collaborates with Columbia University, MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), and Rick Doblin on pioneering research into MDMA-assisted couples therapy. She regularly speaks at SXSW, and with over 5 million views, her TEDx talk on loneliness highlights the often-overlooked impact of relational disconnection. Follow Baya on Instagram: @bayavoceBaya’s Workbook on How To Bridge the “Effort Gap” in Your Relationship Get Baya’s free guide on what to say to your partner after a fight And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life to spread the gift of self love! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @bayavoce   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If intuitive eating feels harder during the holidays, you’re not alone. Between buffet tables, endless trigger foods, family comments, and social anxiety, it’s easy to slip into old, disordered eating habits. In this solo episode, Mary shares a simple but powerful intuitive eating tip that can help you feel less crazy around food. This mindset shift will help you approach holiday eating from a place of self compassion and self trust.This episode isn’t about what’s on your plate — it’s about how you relate to it. Because when food becomes tangled up with guilt, rules, or anxiety, it takes away from your ability to be present in the moment. Instead of succumbing to diet culture, use this intuitive eating tip to rebuild your sense of safety around food and feel more full, whole, and complete.If you’ve ever found yourself circling the snack table, cutting slivers of dessert, or trying to outsmart your hunger, this one’s going to hit home.You deserve to be fed, nourished, and loved.Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying our self love podcast, please review the show and share it with the women in your life. Your support not only helps the show grow, but also spreads the message of self love– from intuitive eating to positive body image to self compassion as a whole. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People mistakenly believe that self worth lives in the mind. Like if you just think confident thoughts or repeat affirmations like “I’m a worthy woman,” it’ll magically click. But if you’ve ever tried to think your way into feeling like you are enough, you’ve probably noticed… it doesn’t last. That’s because true self worth doesn’t start in your head — it starts in your body.In this episode, Mary talks with Beatriz Victoria Albina, a Somatic Life Coach and author of End Emotional Outsourcing, to explore how reconnecting with your body can transform your relationship with yourself. Béa explains that so many women have been taught to “emotionally outsource” — to base their worth on other people’s validation, approval, or emotions. Traditionally, this has been labeled as codependency, but Béa offers a more compassionate lens that helps us understand why we do it and how to heal.Together, they unpack what emotional outsourcing really means, how to regulate your nervous system, and how to come back home to yourself. This conversation will help you move beyond people pleasing and perfectionism and into a sense of embodied safety — where self worth isn’t something you have to prove, but something you feel.In this episode, you will learn…why and how self worth starts in the bodywhat emotional outsourcing is and how it differs from codependencyhow to break free from self abandonment and practice self compassionways to stop chronically people pleasing and detach from others’ emotions Beatriz Victoria Albina, NP, MPH, SEP (she/her) is a UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, author of "End Emotional Outsourcing: a Guide to Overcoming Codependent, Perfectionist and People Pleasing Habits" (published Sept 30) and Breathwork Meditation Guide with a passion for helping humans socialized as women to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems and rewire their minds, so they can break free from codependency, perfectionism and people pleasing and reclaim their joy. She is the host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, holds a Masters degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a BA in Latin American Studies from Oberlin College. Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Béa grew up in the great state of Rhode Island. She has been working in health & wellness for over 20 years and lives with her wife, Billey Albina and their handsome all-black cat Wade.🌿 Order Béa’s book End Emotional Outsourcing → beatrizalbina.com/book/🧘‍♀️ Try her free meditations → beatrizalbina.com/free-meditations/💌 Follow Béa on IG → @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp💖 Tag @maryspodcast and share this episode with the women in your life to spread the gift of self love! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Self love isn’t a one-time epiphany; it’s a lifelong practice of coming home to yourself. True self-love is rooted in deep self-awareness — because you can’t fully love yourself without first knowing yourself.This Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea episode brings together some of my favorite clips about healing through self-love. My hope is that these reminders meet you exactly where you are and offer a gentle nudge to keep showing up for yourself, even when the path feels messy or uncertain.In this episode, you’ll hear about:why the cure to burnout is NOT self carehow to detach your self worth from your productivitytools for healing from heartbreak and breakupsa simple trick for practicing compassionate self talkthe power of slowing down and restinghow to hold onto hope when everything sucksways to reconnect with yourself when you feel lostsimple, grounded ways to prioritize self love every daymindset shifts for self love, confidence, and knowing that you are enough Whether you’re coming out of burnout, trying to separate your worth from your work, or putting yourself back together after heartbreak, this episode is your reminder that self-love isn’t selfish. It’s essential. ✨ Deepen your self love journey with the full episodes featured:#237: 7 Self-Love Lessons I’m Taking Into My 27th Birthday#243: How to stay hopeful, soulful, and joyful with Victoria Hutchins#217: The Mistake We Make with Self-Love#180: Detaching Self-Worth from Productivity#138: Healing from Heartbreak#223: Dear Mary, how do I know if I’m on the right path?How to Love Yourself Through Trauma, Grief, and Chronic PainEp. 177: The Power of Slowing DownEp. 209: The Cure for Burnout is Not Self-Care with Amelia NagoskiEp. 156: Compassionate Self Talk#212: How To Be Honest with Yourself#122: Your Self-Love Survival Guide for When Everything Sucks#186: 5 Habits that Have Made Me a Better Person Listen to the other episodes in this Best of Mary’s Cup of Tea Series:Eating Disorder Recovery Tools for Women Who Are DONE with Diet CultureBody Love & Self Worth for Women Who Hate Beauty StandardsFemale Friendships Advice for Women Who Crave Deeper ConnectionHealthy Relationship Advice for Women Who Value Love That LastsPowerful Mental Health & Mindset Shifts for Women Who Feel LostConfidence Practices for Women Who Want to Trust Themselves AgainSelf Love Reminders for Women Who Are Ready for Healing Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the self love tea! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Confidence isn’t something you either have or you don’t — it’s something you practice, lose, question, rebuild, and redefine a hundred times over.This “Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea” episode brings together some of the most powerful confidence advice. Whether you’re rebuilding your self confidence after a setback, learning to trust yourself again, or simply trying to quiet that inner critic, this episode is your reminder that confidence is a practice. It’s for women who want to embody AUTHENTIC confidence.We will unpack…signs that you’re struggling with self confidencemindset shifts that will help you feel more confidentwhy your insecurities might secretly be your strengthsadvice from my teen sister (aka my confidence icon) on embracing your uniquenesshow to stop comparing yourself to other versions of youways to deal with criticism and rejectionhow the language we use shapes our worldviewwhy affirmations don’t work (and what to do instead)what purpose means in the context of self lovehow to deal with uncertainty and self doubtWhether you’re looking to boost your confidence or learn to trust yourself again, let this episode be a reminder of your self worth.If you want to dive deeper into the confidence tips, here are the full episodes:Full episodes:Ep. 167: 5 Signs You’re Struggling with Self ConfidenceEp. 251: Delusional Mindset Shifts that Will Instantly Boost Your ConfidenceEp. 197: The Only Way to Conquer InsecuritiesConfidence Advice for Teen Girls Feat. My 17-Year-Old Sister (video)Ep. 127: Nervous About Your Purpose? Listen to this.Ep. 189: 5 Thought Patterns Keeping You Stuck in a Negative MindsetEp. 202: Dealing with CriticismEp. 69: Is Diet Culture a Cult? with Amanda MontellEp. 183: The Best Book on CommunicationHow To Build Confidence Through Mindfulness with Dr. Ellen LangerEp. 66: Dealing with Uncertainty, Fear, and DoubtEp. 57: Why Affirmations Don’t Work (and What to Do Instead)Ep. 135: On Being a Multi-Passionate, Empathetic Creative with Arielle Estoria💡 If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life!Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary Jelkovsky on Instagram: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taking care of your mental health is never one-size-fits-all, especially for women who experience self-criticism, overwhelm, and constant comparison.This is part of our “Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea” series, where I gathered some of the most powerful conversations we’ve had across 250+ episodes. Today’s episode focuses on mental health and positive mindset shifts for women who are ready to get unstuck.You’ll hear clips on…motivating yourself with self compassion vs. self criticismletting go of control and perfectionismwhy women must approach mindset work through a feminist perspectivehow to redefine success on your termshealing your relationship to money and abundancethe underrated power of enthusiasmmantras to carry you through hard timeshow to process emotions effectivelycoping with feeling lost or “behind” in lifeusing the power of your mindset to cope with mental health strugglesLet this compilation be one giant reminder that you are enough and you are not alone. This self love podcast is here to support your mental health and mindset.✨ Deepen your journey with the full episodes on our self-love podcast:Ep 101: Stop Judging YourselfEp. 250: Productivity Meets Self-Compassion: Overcome Overwhelm with Oliver BurkemanEp. 207: Why Women Are Trapped in the Virgin/Mother/Whore Paradigm & How to Break Free w/ Kara Loewentheil, J.D.Ep 98: How to Cope with Capitalism and Embrace Courageous Living with Rha GoddessEp 189: 5 Thought Patterns Keeping You Stuck in a Negative MindsetEp. 53: Money, Abundance, and Alignment with Melyssa GriffinEp 195: The Most Underrated EmotionEp 134: How to Stop Struggling and Start LivingEp 90: To My PerfectionistsEp 226: 5 Mantras to Get You Through Hard TimesEp 224: How to Process Feelings and Emotions EffectivelyEp 233: Motivating Yourself with Self CompassionEp 163: Feeling Lost? Listen to this.Ep 185: Feeling Behind in Life? This one's for you.💡 If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, please share it with a friend who could use a gentle reminder that they’re not alone.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary Jelkovsky on Instagram: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Healthy relationships are such a big part of self-love.But love, dating, and long-term partnership can feel complicated — especially when it comes to intimacy, communication, and navigating conflict. In this self-love podcast episode, we’re diving into relationship advice for women who value love that lasts.This is part of our “Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea” series, where I pulled together some of the most powerful conversations we’ve had across 250+ episodes. Today’s episode focuses on relationship advice. Whether you’re single, dating, married, or hoping for long-term partnership, you deserve safe, healthy love.You will hear about…early-stage dating advice from me and my husbandkeeping intimacy and sexual connection alive in long-term relationshipseasy ways to build eroticism and closeness with your partnerhow to create an egalitarian partnershipnavigating conflict, fighting fair, and communicating effectivelyrecognizing and healing from toxic dynamicscoping with heartbreak and learning to enjoy being singlebuilding up your self-worth to attract healthy, stable loveWhether you’re looking to boost your confidence in dating or strengthen your long-term partnership, tune in for practical, heartfelt relationship advice rooted in women empowerment.May this be a reminder that healthy relationships — romantic or otherwise — are a key part of self-love.If you want to dive deeper into relationships, intimacy, and healing, here are the full episodes:#199: Celebrating 1 Year Married w/ Husband! Dating and Relationship Advice#128: Making Your Relationship Last with Dr. Alexandra Solomon#194: How to Love Someone Without Losing Yourself with Dr. Alexandra SolomonHow to Feel Sexy in a Long-Term Relationship with Sexologist Shan Boodram#147: Make Your Relationship(s) Better with These 2 Tips#38: Sex, Orgasms, & Masturbation with Emily Nagoski#239: My Unfiltered Opinions on Marriage, Dating, and Love#168: Imbalances in Relationships & How to Fix Them with Eve Rodsky#203: Coping with Getting Ghosted and Family Estrangement w/ Minaa B., LMSW#157: Wedding Reflections w/ my HUSBAND!#175: When It Feels “Too Good To Be True”The #1 Relationship Tip That Transformed My Marriage, Family, and Friendships#73: Healing from Toxic Relationships, Embracing Sobriety, and Growing Up Asian-American with Kelly Uchima#138: Healing from Heartbreak#238: The Art of Moving On… Breakup Advice with Kendra AllenDeepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love – An interactive workbook that helps you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love – A guided self-love journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and embrace who you areFollow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with your partner, friends, or anyone you want to nudge toward better relationships — and maybe try the eye-gazing challenge while you’re at it! ;) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This self love podcast is ALL about women empowerment, and friendships are such a key part of that.But female friendships in particular can feel complicated, especially as women navigate a world that often undervalues their emotional needs and social bonds. In this self-love podcast episode, we’re diving into friendship, connection, and how women can cultivate meaningful relationships in adulthood.This is part of our “Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea” series where you’ll hear a compilation of clips from our self-love podcast. Today’s episode focuses on friendships, connection, and the joy of being close to like-hearted women.You will hear about…how to make new friends as an adultways to get closer with your existing friendsbreaking past surface-level “catch-up culture” and building rituals that matterthe different types of friendships women can cultivate and why quality mattersnavigating conflict in female friendships with compassionovercoming fear of rejection and people-pleasing in relationshipswhy in-person gathering is an important part of community-buildingwhy asking for help is a powerful way to strengthen bondsWhether you already have great girl friends and want to get closer or are looking to find your people, this episode will help you with the who/ what/ where/ how and why.May this be a reminder that meaningful relationships are a key part of self-love and women’s empowerment.If you want to dive deeper into female friendships and building your support system, here are the full episodes:#236: Making Friends as an Adult – Where, How, and Why#236: How To Make Adult Friendships Easier with Kat VellosKat’s blog post about my neighbor’s BBQ#159: How To Make Your Friendships StrongerFeeling Lost After Eating Disorder Recovery and Befriending Like-Minded Women with Jessi Jean#230: Bestie Break-Ups and Why Female Friendships Feel So Fragile with Danielle Bayard Jackson#219: Should Your Partner Be Your Best Friend? with Rhaina Cohen#231: Meet My Bestie Dahli Durley! Neurodivergence, Retreat Reflections, and 2025 Goals#146: Overcoming Rejection and People Not Liking You#165: People-Pleasing Thought Patterns & How to Break Them with Béa Victoria Albina#190: How to Ask for & Receive HELP without Feeling Guilty#188: 12 Lessons Learned in 2023 (on Marriage, Family, and Friendships)Let these conversations be your friendly nudge to show up for the women who matter in your life. Because the people around you can make or break your self love journey.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life to support womens empowerment and promote self love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Body love can feel impossible in a world obsessed with beauty standards, especially for women. In this self love podcast episode, we’re diving into body love, self worth, and how women can navigate a world that often undervalues them.This is part of our “Best Of Mary’s Cup of Tea” series where you’ll hear a compilation of clips from our self love podcast. Today’s topic addresses how to love yourself beyond your appearance and approach body image challenges with self compassion.You will hear about…how to be body positive and navigate health challenges with self compassiondetaching your self worth from beauty standards and external validationthe slew of socio-cultural forces that make body love really fckn hard for womenhow to decide what clothes to wear when you’re having a bad body image daybody shame in the bedroomdealing with weight gainpractical ways to cultivate body love and self worth Whether you’re starting your journey toward body love or just need a refresher, these conversations will remind you that your self worth is not determined by your appearance.If you want to dive deeper into your body love journey, here are the links to the full episodes:Can Food Freedom Coexist with Chronic Conditions (PCOS, Celiacs, Crohns, IBS, etc)? with Abbie AttwoodHow to Be Body Positive AND Pursue HealthConquering Summer Body Image StrugglesHow Women's Body Image is Plagued by "Beauty Sickness" w/ Dr. Renee EngelnYour Summer Body (a Pep Talk for Body Love)Where Beauty Standards Come From and How to Stop Self-Objectification with Dr. Lindsay KiteHow to Love Yourself Through Bad Body Image DaysFeeling Like Your Body Betrayed You with Grief Expert Ashley LemieuxConquering Body Shame in the BedroomDealing with Weight GainDeepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary Jelkovsky on Instagram: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to challenge beauty standards, inspire body love, and spread the gift of self love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eating disorder recovery is possible, even if it feels difficult at times. So many women struggle in silence with disordered eating and the constant pressure of diet culture, even if they’re not formally diagnosed with an eating disorder.In this special “Best Of” episode, I’m sharing some of the most powerful moments from our self-love podcast. And today’s topic is eating disorder recovery, breaking free from diet culture and leaning into intuitive eating. You’ll hear bits and pieces of my personal eating disorder story, what helped me recover from bulimia, as well as advice from therapists and dietitians.You will hear about...how diet culture works in insidious waysmy experience with an eating disorder (bulimia + binge eating)the root cause of binge eating and how to break the cyclewhat finally helped me overcome binge eatingwhy intuitive eating works is so much more liberating than any diet or weight loss program Whether you are just beginning your eating disorder recovery journey or you’ve been working at it for years, these conversations will remind you that recovery is not only possible—it’s worth it.Here are the links to the full episodes:Sneaky Eating Disorder Habits You Might Still Struggle WithThe Spiritual Side of Eating Disorder Recovery with Dr. Anita JohnstonHow Diet Culture Hijacks Women’s Wellness with Christy Harrison, MPHGiving Up Fitness Influencing (Christy Harrison Interviews Mary Jelkovsky)My Entire Eating Disorder Story: the Dark Side of Bikini CompetitionsWhy Binge Eating Isn’t Really About Food with Nutritionist and Therapist Ryann PrenticeHow Intuitive Eating Helped Heal with Elyse Resch, MS, RDNAn Intuitive Eating Mindset Hack: Balance vs. Harmony If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to combat diet culture, promote positive body image, and spread the gift of self love.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself. Follow Mary Jelkovsky on Instagram: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many women phase bad body image days, especially in a world that equates beauty with self worth.If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and struggled to feel comfortable in your skin, then this episode is for you. The relationship between body image and self-love is complex, but I’m here to remind you that body love is possible.By shifting our focus from our body image to how our bodies feel, we can reject beauty standards and build our self esteem.Tune in to learn...why the phrase “body image” or “body positivity” is a bit misleadinga somatic exercise that will instantly help you love yourselfone question to ask yourself to invite in more confidence and self-loveThis episode is not just about body love; it's a heartfelt discussion on self confidence, self esteem, and reclaiming self worth beyond our bodies.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life to help spread this self love tea!🫖 P.S. This self love podcast episode pairs beautifully with: Mary’s TEDx Talk about body-image Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Diet culture has a sneaky way of showing up everywhere. From weightloss plans disguised as “lifestyle changes” to wellness trends promising to heal everything from your skin to your soul. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD—author of The Wellness Trap and Anti-Diet—to unpack how diet culture infiltrates the wellness world and impacts women’s health in ways that are anything but healthy.Christy explains how the multi-billion-dollar wellness industry often sells us pseudoscience, dubious diagnoses, and rigid food rules that can lead to disordered eating, body image issues, and mental health struggles. We talk about why so many people—especially women—get caught in this cycle, how eating disorders aren’t always obvious, and why scientific literacy is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health.You will learn... Why diet culture’s obsession with weight loss harms physical and mental healthHow wellness trends exploit fear to sell ineffective or harmful solutionsThe connection between restrictive eating, binge eating, bulimia, and long-term health issuesWhy women are extra susceptible to falling into diet culture and wellness trendsHow social media and our political climate contributes to wellness mis- and dis-informationRemember: Your worth isn’t measured by your weight, your diet, or how “well” you follow health trends. Real wellness is about freedom and self compassion.Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and journalist who has been covering food, nutrition, and health for more than 20 years. She is the author of two books, The Wellness Trapand Anti-Diet, and host of the podcasts Rethinking Wellness and Food Psych. Christy’s decades of work in journalism, nutrition, and intuitive eating have helped thousands break free from the false promises of diet culture and find a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to food and health. Whether you’ve struggled with dieting, fallen into the wellness trap, or simply want to support women’s health in a more sustainable way, this conversation will help you see wellness culture in a whole new light.Get Christy’s latest book: The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses and Find Your True Well-BeingLearn more about Christy at christyharrison.com and follow her on Instagram @chr1styharrisonMentioned in This Episode: Fears About Food Additives, article by Christy Harrison Is Red Food Dye Dangerous?If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to combat diet culture, promote body positivity, and spread self love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can’t truly love yourself if you’re lying to yourself.And you certainly can’t find peace in a version of you that’s not real.Because when you try to love a version of yourself that isn’t true, it feels empty. It’s like people-pleasing: if you sacrifice authenticity for approval, then who are they really approving of? Not the real you. And the same goes for self-approval. If we dress up a lie and call it self love, we’re building a facade that will inevitably crumble.Self love requires radical self honesty.In this episode, you will learn…Why women, in particular, tend to lie to themselves (even more than they lie to others)What all major religions and spiritual teachings say about truth-telling3 simple but profound ways to use honesty as a daily practice of loving yourselfWe’ll also explore ideas from authors like bell hooks, George Saunders, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Tara Brach, whose teachings remind us that honesty is the foundation of love.If you’ve ever felt like self-love doesn’t “work” for you, or that you’re doing everything but still feel disconnected, this episode might reveal why and inspire you to honestly love yourself.Remember: telling the truth isn’t about sharing every secret, it’s about staying rooted in what’s real. And what’s real—no matter how messy—is worthy of self love.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life. Your support helps keep this show—and the message of self-love, confidence, and mental health—alive and thriving.🫖 P.S. This self-love podcast episode pairs beautifully with:Ep. 212: How To Be Honest With YourselfEp. 213: Sick of People-Pleasing? Listen to this.Ep. 242: How To Stop Comparing Your Current Self to Your Past Self Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A lack of self-confidence doesn’t always scream at you—sometimes it whispers in the background of your day. Today,  Mary shares 5 not-so-obvious signs that your self-confidence might be quietly taking a hit… signs she’s personally working through, too.These confidence red flags are common, especially amongst women. From seeking validation in the wrong places to constantly doubting your decisions, exploring self-confidence struggles can also help you shift them. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your own inner wisdom, this episode is for you.You will learn how to... stop trying to fill inner voids with external things (AKA build self-worth from within)start trusting yourself more, even when life feels uncertainbreak out of a victim mindset and reassure yourself that you are enough Because here’s the truth about confidence: no amount of success, praise, or “shiny new thing” will give you lasting confidence or a truly positive mindset. You’re the only one who can create those feelings within yourself. And while that might sound daunting, it’s also incredibly empowering.And make sure to get Mary’s books two on self-love: The Gift of Self-Love: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-love. This is a self-love workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love: maryscupoftea.com/journal. This is a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. If you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Just don't say Mary's Cup of Tea is the best self-love podcast for women ;) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder how some people move through life with ease, even when everything feels uncertain? According to Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, it’s not about control—it’s about mindfulness. Mindfulness can be a vehicle to confidence, happiness and inner peace.Dr. Ellen shares with us her refreshingly practical take on mindfulness—not as meditation, but as a way of engaging with the world that leads to more confidence and self-trust. You’ll hear her thoughts on why stress is optional, how to stop overthinking, and how letting go of “right vs. wrong” thinking can open up space for happiness.You will learn how to... move through life more mindfully confidently make decisionsbe more comfortable with uncertainty break out of black-and-white thinking embrace your individualityRemember: Self-confidence doesn’t come from knowing. Rather, confidence comes from noticing.Ellen Langer earned her Ph.D. at Yale University in Social and Clinical Psychology and joined the faculty at Harvard in 1977. She is considered the mother of mindfulness and has written five books on the topic starting with her best-seller, Mindfulness, and her newest book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. The Langer Lab conducts research on health, happiness, decision- making, education, business and culture all through the lens of mindfulness. Because of this research, among other honors, Professor Langer has earned three Distinguished Scientist Awards, The Staats Award for Unifying Psychology, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and The Liberty Science Genius Award. If you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, send it to a friend or share a screenshot on social media! Your support helps keep this podcast—and the message of self-love, confidence, and mental health—alive and thriving. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you are someone who loves building healthy relationships, communication skills, and personal growth, then this episode is for you.A few years ago in couples therapy, I learned one simple relationship tip that completely changed the way I communicate, especially during conflict. It’s something I come back to again and again, whether I’m arguing with my husband or navigating tension with a family member.This advice is so powerful because it works outside of romantic partnerships too—whether you're navigating tension with a friend, a family member, or anyone you love and respect.In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact phrase my therapist said that stopped me in my tracks, helped my husband and I reconnect, and later, helped my sister and I move from feeling misunderstood to finally hearing each other.But first, a big disclaimer: this tip only works with emotionally intelligent, securely attached people. It’s not for those in abusive dynamics or with people who are committed to misunderstanding you. If that’s something you’ve struggled with, I hope this episode gives you clarity on when to apply healthy communication tools—and when to have the self-worth to step away.You’ll learn:Why being “right” is overrated in relationshipsHow to shift from objective truth to subjective experiencesWhat emotionally-intelligent conflict resolution actually sounds likeHow to move from defensiveness to connection in under 10 minutesWhether you're in a long-term relationship or just want to improve how you show up for the people you love, this episode will give you the mindset shift you didn’t know you needed.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re enjoying this self-love podcast, share it with the women in your life to spread the gift of self-love!Mentioned In This Episode...Ep. 170: Intentional Wedding Planning and Artful Gathering with Priya ParkerEp. 257: Me and My Sister Recap Our Trip to France Ep. 258: Confidence Advice for Teen Girls (feat. My Amazing Sister)Ep. 258: Confidence Advice for Teen Girls (feat. My Amazing Sister)Podcast Episode with relationship therapist, Terry RealEp. 183: The Best Communication Book Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready for a confidence pep talk from my wise little sister?! Though she’s only 17, her perspective on mental health, body-image, and self-love is relatable to teens and adults alike. Whether you’re a big sister, auntie, parent, caretaker, or teen, you’ll walk away with a confidence boost and encouragement for self-love. We talk about what it’s like growing up today—from social media pressure, identity struggles, family dynamics, and bullying at school. But we also unpack the beautiful parts: the power of a positive mindset and how even the messiest moments can spark personal growth.You will learn about... the challenges teenagers face these days and how adults can show up for them why feeling lost is actually a good thing our crunchy mom and how that’s impacted me and my sister’s body-image how to deal with the grief of an absent or emotionally unavailable parent with self-compassion ways to cultivate confidence and a positive mindset as a teen girl what it’s like growing up in an immigrant household what helps cope with bullying how caretakers can support a teens with mental health strugglesWhether you're struggling with your own self-esteem or supporting a teen who is, this episode reminds us that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s something all of us must practice. And sometimes, the people we think we’re teaching (like little sisters) end up being our greatest teachers. Remember: If you’re having a hard time with confidence, self-esteem, or mental health in general, please reach out to someone you trust. Talking about it is the first step to healing—and you never have to do it alone.And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on Instagram! Sharing helps the message of self-love reach more women and girls around the world. For more empowering conversations on self-love, confidence, relationships, body-image, mindset and mental health, please explore past episodes of Mary’s Cup of Tea: the Self-Love Podcast for Women. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode, I sit down with my little sister to reflect on our unforgettable trip to France. Though my self-esteem was tested, it was a journey that made me and my sister closer than ever. From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the Mediterranean breeze in Nice, we share how travel can shape your confidence, challenge your mindset, and create memories you’ll never forget. You will hear about… the sister fights we had in France (and how we repaired)our best and worst moments from the trip, including my “haircut from hell” that totally tested my self-esteemwhat I learned about my perfectionism and personal growthmy sister’s relationship with art, her supportive art teacher, and how creative expression has shaped her self-esteem and sense of identity how it feels to turn 17 and the pressure of feeling like you have to figure out who you’re supposed to beThough this podcast is usually about self-love, body image, and confidence for women, I hope you enjoy this conversation with my sister. We learned so much about each other, the beauty and complexity of family, and how embracing imperfections can lead to genuine connection. Traveling together magnified our insecurities but also opened our hearts to more empathy and understanding—both for ourselves and for each other.Remember: you don’t have to have everything perfectly planned out to be worthy of love, adventure, and self-compassion, and connection. Growth happens in the messy, unpolished moments, not just the picture-perfect ones. Your self-esteem might waver, and your confidence might crack, but you are enough exactly as you are.Mentioned In This Episode... Google map with all of our France recommendations Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s dive into some unconscious ways us women tend to sabotage our self-love—especially in times of collective stress, societal pressure, and emotional overwhelm. In a world that constantly demands more from women—more productivity, more perfection, more performance—it’s no wonder we struggle to stay connected to our own self-worth.If you’ve ever felt reactive, rushed, or stuck in regret, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts and grounding reminders you need to return to yourself.You will learn how to...Stay rooted in self-worth when the world feels like it’s on fireRecognize the difference between reacting and respondingFree yourself from the cycles of rushing and regrettingThis self-love podcast episode is meant to help you reflect rather than react, slow down instead of rushing, and trust yourself instead of spiraling in regret.We often think of self-love as something fluffy or indulgent, but the truth is: it’s crucial. It’s the foundation for how we show up in the world, how we treat others, and how we protect our peace. As you’ll hear in this episode, the more you cultivate self-love, the less reactive you become. The more grounded you are, the less likely you are to betray yourself in moments of stress or uncertainty.Remember: self-love isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of personal and collective healing.If you enjoyed this self-love podcast, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love!Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:*The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode…Joy Sullivan’s newsletter “Women at the Protest”Meditations for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanEp. 250 on Mary’s Cup of Tea: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ruthie Lindsey joins us for a powerful and tender conversation about healing, self-compassion, and what it truly means to love yourself. As a speaker and author, Ruthie shares her journey of navigating chronic pain, deep grief, and religious trauma. Her story reminds us that even in the most painful chapters of life, there is beauty to be found—and that healing is possible when we learn to come home to ourselves.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Ruthie “came back to life” after both physical and emotional traumaThe ongoing journey of processing grief, including the loss of her father and how it shaped her healingThe challenges of living with chronic pain while still choosing to love your bodyWhat “embodied healing” means and feels likeEmbodiment practices that help you process and release traumaHow religious trauma shapes our relationship with ourselves and how to rediscover spirituality on your own termsWhat it looks like to reparent yourself and love yourself through the processThis episode is especially meaningful for women who are on a healing journey whether it’s navigating grief, mental health, faith shifts, body image struggles, or simply trying to feel more comfortable in your body. Ruthie offers a compassionate reminder that you don’t need to be “fixed” to be worthy. You just need to show up with presence, honesty, and a willingness to love yourself as you are. You are enough.Follow Ruthie on Instagram: @ruthielindsey Check out her upcoming workshops and retreats.If this episode resonates with you, screenshot and share it on social media! Tag @maryspodcast and @ruthielindsey so we can thank you for spreading the love.Mentioned in this episode:Watch the toddler video we talked about Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a “reverse interview” where Jessi Jean interviews Mary about the aftermath of ED recovery. Let’s unpack a feeling many of us know all too well—feeling lost, lonely, and realizing that making friends as an adult is HARD. We chat about how healing your relationship with food and body image can throw you into an existential crisis. You might have also asked yourself, "WTF just happened?" or "Who am I?" after ED recovery. How do you move forward when (thankfully) food and body-image no longer control your life?Mary shares her journey from battling disordered eating and body-image issues to becoming a self-love queen, hosting retreats, writing books, and blowing up on social media. We break down the nuances of ED recovery, followed by the awkward "I'm lost" phase, why building community as an adult is so damn hard, and how to actually do it.This conversation is for anyone feeling lonely, lost, or in need of community.Tune in to hear…01:37 Mary's Journey to ED Recovery and Self-Love04:01 The Concept of Being 'Recovered' from an Eating Disorder07:48 Navigating Identity and Purpose After ED Recovery17:50 Building Community and Friendships as an Adult33:55 Advice for Making Your Friendships Stronger39:00 What It Means to Act “As If” to Create a More Positive Mindset39:17 The Importance of Low Expectations in Friendships46:36 What is a Self-Love Retreat? Why Did Mary Start Hosting Self-Love Retreats?53:15 The Power of In-Person Connections and GatheringsWhether you're trying to level up your relationships, figure out who you are, or start a self-love journey, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and wisdom from two women who are very much so still figuring it out.If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women!Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A personal solo episode where I (Mary) share my “small joys” i.e. little acts of self-care that have made a big difference. Each one has become a gentle anchor, a little nudge to remember who I am and what I need. And through them, I’m realizing how the act of keeping promises to myself—no matter how small—has become a declaration of self-worth.You will hear about... 6 teeny tiny self-care practices that have made a big difference in my mental healththe books I’ve been reading lately (including my unpopular opinion about The Women by Kristin Hannah)reflections on relationships and making new friendshow to cultivate a positive mindsetAt the core of this episode is the idea that keeping promises to yourself is a declaration of self-worth. Every time you follow through on taking care of yourself, you are signaling that you are WORTHY of the time, energy, money, and attention self-care demands.Tune in for a gentle invitation to remember that your life is YOURS to shape, nurture, and enjoy. A positive mindset could be just a small step away.Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastIf you’re craving more conversations like this—about self-care, mental health, positive mindset, relationships, women's empowerment, and living in alignment with your authentic self—make sure to subscribe to this self-love podcast and leave a review. Your support helps this show reach more women and spread the gift of self-love.Mentioned In This Episode... Hilary Hahn performing J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 4. Double (Presto)Ep. 243: How to Stay Hopeful, Joyful, and Soulful with Victoria Hutchins on Apple, Spotify, and YouTubeEp. 234: Finding Myself in the Unlikeliest of Places (Cuba) on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s talk about SEX, baby! Shan Boodram, a renowned sexologist and relationship educator, joins our self-love podcast to share powerful insights on how to feel sexy and confident in a long-term relationship. We explore the nuances of body-image insecurities and relationship dynamics, as Shan delivers her no-nonsense advice on how to feel sexy.You will learn how to...navigate body-image insecurities in the bedroombring up your sexual needs, wants, desires, and concerns without killing the vibenavigate dry spells in a long-term relationshipchannel your sex appeal and feel sexy in your skinhow to handle mix matched desiresreignite the “spark” in your relationshipShan also answers some of the most common questions about sex and relationships, like:They say couples should have sex at least once a week. Is this true?Does scheduling sex kill the mood?Do men have a higher sex drive than women?If the spark is gone, does it mean the relationship is deteriorating?Whether you’re committed, married, or want to be one day, this conversation is filled with female empowerment and relationship advice that will boost your confidence. Get ready to FEEL SEXY. Remember: A healthy long-term relationship gives you the freedom to be yourself. And THAT is sexy. Shan Boodram is an AASECT certified sex educator, an American Board of Sexology certified Sexologist, with a M.S. in psychology best known for her work on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and as the host of Lovers by Shan Podcast. She has mainstream coverage across all major media networks including: The Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, The Talk, The Real, and The View. Boodram hosted The Marriage Pact on The Roku Channel, Hung Up from Headspace Studios, Makeup or Breakup on Watch, Sexology with Shan Boodram on Quibi and she co-hosted Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen on Peacock. Boodram is a best-selling author of, “The Game Of Desire" (HarperCollins, '19) acclaimed by TIME, Apple, Glamour & Refinery29. She's written for Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, CBC, Playboy and InStyle. Shan is part owner of Arya - a subscription service for couples, she is also Bumble’s sex and relationship expert as well as a longstanding member of the National Coalition for Sexual Health. She recently released a class on MasterClass called The Art of Sex Appeal. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters and husband Jared Brady. In the realm of modern intimacy and relationship education, Shan Boodram is not just a leader; she is a pioneer, constantly pushing boundaries since 2009 and inspiring millions to explore, understand, and celebrate the power of intimate connections. Follow Shan on Instagram @shanboodram Learn more about Shan’s MasterClass here and her new jewelry line inspired by Kama Sutra And if you're enjoying this self-love podcast, screenshot this episode and share it on social media!Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @shanboodramMentioned In This Podcast... Taylor Tomlinson’s “Do It Like Craig” bit Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if a little bit of delusion might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence? As the kids these days say: “being delulu is the solulu!”Mary shares 4 mindset shifts– that some might consider “delusional”– but will do wonders for your confidence. You will learn how to... - lie to yourself in an empowering way lol - stop comparing yourself to others with one very simple mindset shift - break free from external validation and derive your confidence from within - balance self-trust with consistent, confident action-taking - release perfectionism and believe in yourself Especially for women, embracing a positive mindset is often the first rebellion against a world that profits off of our self-doubt. This isn’t about toxic positivity or lying to yourself in a way that’s avoidant. It’s about consciously choosing beliefs rooted in self-love that remind you that you are enough. Reclaim your self-esteem by choosing self-talk that inspires action and fuels your dreams, regardless of personal insecurities or cultural expectations. Remember: Confidence doesn’t always have to be logical. It just has to set you free. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women! Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books: 1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode: Ep. 212 How To Be Honest with Yourself How Often Do People Lie? University of Wisconsin article Ep. 246: The Breakup That Paved My Self-Love Journey @alok on Instagram Ep. 250: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman Useful Not True by Derek Sivers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to‑do list? This episode is truly the best productivity advice you'll ever receive because it's built on a foundation of self-compassion. It's  Oliver Burkeman exposes why mainstream time management hacks fail and how accepting your human finitude liberates you to be meaningfully productive.You will learn how to...redefine productivity beyond endless to‑do listsditch hustle culture, but still do what matters mostapproach time management with self-acceptance and self-compassionunlock mental shifts that free you from perfectionism, anxiety, and overwhelmcare about the world’s problems without succumbing to paralyzing despairRemember: One day, you will die with an unfinished to-do list. No amount of productivity hacks will avoid that. Let this truth liberate you to focus on what truly matters and approach your workload with self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-love.OLIVER BURKEMAN is the acclaimed author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. His earlier works include The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking and HELP! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. For years, he penned the Guardian column “This Column Will Change Your Life,” and his writing has been featured in the Observer, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Psychologies magazine, and New Philosopher. A former Brooklyn resident, Oliver now lives with his wife and son in England’s North York Moors.Sign up for Oliver’s newsletter, The Imperfectionist Please get yourself copies of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals!!And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and share it on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode...Productivity for Self-Lovers, Ep. 125 on Mary's Cup of Tea PodcastElizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, LoveElizabeth Gilbert's book, CommittedResonance: A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World by Hartmut RosaNew York Times article on NoveltySlow Productivity by Cal NewportAre We Still Empathic if We Don't Take Action? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feeling stuck in a rut? Like you've lost your spark? You’re not alone. Many women experience moments where motivation seems to slip through their fingers, leaving them questioning their worth and purpose.Using a balance of mindset shifts and practical advice, Mary will guide you to reigniting your sense of self-worth. Tune in to hear small self-love shifts will help you get your spark back.You will learn how to... - release perfectionism and stop fantasizing about an unrealistic version of perfection - build confidence that is NOT based on external validation - practice mindfulness to strengthen your self-love - lean into a spirit of self-discovery - incorporate small self-love habits into your life that can lead to significant shifts in mindsetRemember: No one can take away what’s in your mind. Your mindset is always the one thing within your control. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love!Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.This self-love podcast for women is here to help you love yourself. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcastMentioned In This Episode... The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl TikTok video with advice on how to get your spark back Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.