In this episode of Picking Daisies, Mary sits down with Elise—therapist, life coach, and founder of Be Bloomed—to talk about the parts of life we usually keep tucked away. From chronic health struggles and layered grief to the fine line between intuition and anxiety, this conversation is a deep dive into healing, honesty, and showing up as your full self.

Elise opens up about how her own challenges led her to support others through therapy and coaching. Mary shares her experience navigating family dynamics, motherhood, and what it means to keep growing even when life feels heavy. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and authenticity aren’t just helpful—they’re healing.

If you're someone who’s ever felt too much, too broken, or just tired of pretending everything’s fine—this episode is for you.

💛 Want to work with Elise? She’s offering Picking Daisies listeners 15% off a single support session with code DAISY at bebloomed.co.

🪻 Follow Elise on Instagram: @elise__dean

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this episode, Mary sits down with Dr. Jen Wagner and Bethany Scott—hosts of The C-Section Experience podcast—for a raw, honest, and empowering conversation about the side of childbirth that doesn’t always get the spotlight: C-sections.

Bethany, a three-time C-section mom turned doula, and Jen, an OB anesthesiologist with her own Cesarean story, bring both personal experience and professional insight to the table. Together, the three unpack the emotional, physical, and mental layers of Cesarean birth—and why the narrative around it needs to change.

They talk about:

• What it really feels like to have a C-section—emotionally and physically
• The unspoken shame and grief many women experience after
• How maternal care has evolved—and where it's still falling short
• The role of self-advocacy and informed decision-making
• Recovery truths: the shoulder pain, nausea, and that dreaded first poop
• How to find support and feel empowered, no matter how your birth unfolds

This episode is filled with stories, laughter, truth bombs, and heart. Whether you’ve had a C-section, are planning one, or just want to hear what real motherhood sounds like—you’ll walk away feeling seen, heard, and a little less alone.

Because every birth story matters. And it’s time we talk about them.

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In this honest and surprisingly funny episode, I’m joined by Brianna Riser, mom, dental professional, and now VP of Experience at Toothpillow—a brand on a mission to change the game when it comes to pediatric dental health and sleep.

We chat about everything from early orthodontic intervention (yes, it matters way more than we think) to how sleep issues and mouth breathing could be impacting your kid’s mood, focus, and development. Brianna breaks it all down without the jargon, shares her personal “why” behind the work she’s doing, and offers real support for parents navigating the confusing and expensive world of dental care.

We also talk about:

• Why sleep apnea is more common in kids than we realize
• How cultural habits, diet, and access all play into oral health
• The mental load of motherhood and why dental care becomes one more thing on the list
• Toothpillow’s mission to educate, empower, and support families
• And the very real possibility that my husband and I will have to sell feet pics to afford our kids’ future braces

Whether you’re a seasoned mom or still Googling “when do baby teeth fall out,” this episode is packed with info, empathy, and reminders that you’re not alone in trying to figure it all out.

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com