Being Mary
Mary Johnson Van Den Berge is a "wear your heart on your sleeve" kind of woman, an unapologetic bookworm, and an online shopping champion. She devours murder mysteries in every form — whether in books or podcasts — with an enthusiasm that surprises even herself. Raised on a farm near St. Marys in Southwestern Ontario, she now calls Petrolia home, nestled in Ontario’s scenic “banana belt.”
Mary is a proud advocate for women’s rights and believes deeply in the power of honest conversation. On her podcast, she creates a safe and open space for women to explore the emotional layers of life—through candid conversations about relationships, identity, healing, motherhood, and more. It’s not just her story anymore—it’s all of ours.
Episodes
43 episodes
The Smallest Conversations
Some days, the smallest conversations are the ones that matter most.A quick chat at the grocery store. A smile at the checkout. A kind word when someone least expects it.In this episode, I’m refl...
Motherhood Looks Different this Mother's Day
Motherhood… didn’t look the way I expected.And if I’m being honest… I don’t think I fully understood my own mom until much later.This episode is a reflection on that— on love, hindsight, and how motherho...
Elevator Speech - What's Yours?
If someone asked you today, “What do you do?” what would you say?Not the title you once had. Not the role you’ve always played. But the truth of who you are now.This week on Being Mary
Love, Loss, and Letting the Truth Breathe
Love, Loss, and Letting the Truth Breathe — now live.Five years ago, I lost my husband Casey.Grief has changed over time. It doesn’t disappear… it softens, it shifts, and sometimes it still shows up quietly when I ...
The Page I Almost Didn't Write
There are things in life we only begin to understand much later.Lately, I’ve been noticing something that surprised me a little.I’m just starting to understand what it truly feels like to be loved by people.Sometimes when w...
Hockey Tryouts & Life Lessons
Hockey tryouts aren’t really about hockey.They’re about effort. Disappointment. Confidence. And learning who you are when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.In today’s episode of Being Mary, I’m r...
A Gentle Nudge Back into the World
Lately I’ve noticed something about myself… When life is changing, I tend to retreat.And the more I isolate, the harder it feels to step back out again — even though getting out is exactly what I need.A simple conversatio...
Episode 4: Becoming a Grandmother — Legacy and Letting
Today on Being Mary, we come full circle.In the final episode of the Daughter – Mom – Grandmother series, I reflect on the tender wisdom of becoming a grandmother — or an Oma, as I’m called.This season is softer.It’s about presence ...
Episode 3: The Balancing Act — Parenting Adult Children
Today on Being Mary, we step into a chapter no one really prepares us for — raising adult children.It’s the quiet shift from being the one who leads… to the one who learns how to step back with love and trust.In ...
Episode 2: The Becoming of a Mother — Matrescence
When a woman becomes a mother, everything shifts — body, heart, and soul.In today’s episode of Being Mary, I explore matrescence — the profound transformation that happens as a woman learns to love, nurture, and rediscover herse...
Episode 1: The Ties That Bind — Daughters and Mothers
Today on Being Mary, we begin a brand-new series: Daughter – Mom – Grandmother: The Evolution of Love.We start at the beginning — the bond between a mother and daughter.It’s one of the most complex, beautiful, and emo...
Being Mary Re-Introduction
On Monday I said, “If you’re new here, come back Wednesday.”So here we are. 🤍This episode is a re-introduction—for those just joining me, and for those who’ve been walking alongside me for a while.Being Mary began as a book, but it’...
PICKLEBALL – and why I’m Hooked
I showed up alone with a paddle, a few nerves, and no expectations… and walked away hooked. This episode is about pickleball, community, and rediscovering the joy of play — no experience required. 🏓💛
Surviving the Holidays
🎄 Feeling like the holidays are just a Hallmark movie you didn’t audition for? Single? Alone? Or just avoiding awkward family drama? You’re not alone.Join me, Mary, as I talk about surviving the holidays—without losing...
Aging & Thriving, Part 2 - Connection, Home & New Adventures
Part 2 is here! 💕 This week on Being Mary, we’re talking about connection, home, and embracing new adventures — because aging isn’t about slowing down, it’s about showing up differently. Let’s keep walking...
Aging & Thriving, Part 1: Health, Purpose & Independence
New episode is up! This week, I’m diving into Part 1 of Aging & Thriving — how to stay healthy, find new purpose, and keep your independence strong. Retirement isn’t the end — it’s a new beginning....
My 69th Birthday
This week’s episode of Being Mary is a special one — a reflection as I turn 69.It’s been a year of growth, loss, laughter, and new beginnings.From publishing my memoir to launching this podcast, from road trips and friendships to ...
YES I Can
Some mornings I sit with my coffee and wonder… is this it? Retirement is supposed to be the best years of our lives, but what do we really do with them?That’s why I started my new podcast Yes, I Can!—a celebration of sa...
To the girls that are different
"Today’s episode of Being Mary is for the outsiders—the deep feelers, the ones who never quite fit in. 💫 Your strangeness isn’t a flaw—it’s your gift. Listen now!"
Funny Friend Requests - Part 2
“Hi, it’s Mary — today’s the day! The new Being Mary episode is out now, and I’m spilling the wildest TikTok friend requests I’ve ever received. From Keanu Reeves to princes and sugar daddies — i...
They Called Her Jezebel
"Healing starts when you recognize you are not the problem — the system is."— Dawn Stilwell, They Called Her JezebelHi, it’s Mary, and this week on Being Mary I sit down with my good friend Dawn Stilwell, author of Th...
3 Tiny Tweaks for a Younger, Energized You - Part 3 Relationships
Hi, it’s Mary—and welcome back to Being Mary.We’ve been talking about three small habits that can change your body, your energy, and your life. Habit #1 was all about moving your body. Habit #2...
3 Tiny Tweaks for a Younger, Energized You - Part 2 Phones
Hi, it’s Mary—and welcome back to Being Mary. Last week, we started with Habit #1: Move your body. This week, Habit #2 might surprise you.It’s simple. It’s powerful.&nbs...
3 Tiny Tweaks for a Younger, Energized You– Part 1: Move Your Body"
Hi, it’s Mary—and I’ve got a question for you:What if just 3 Tiny Tweaks could change your body, boost your energy, and add years to your life? Sounds dramatic, right? But it’s backed by science—and I’m breaking it al...