
The Mary Marantz Show
How do I overcome the FEAR that it’s too late to chase a dream? How do I get out of being STUCK in perfectionism, worrying that people will judge me, and being caught up in comparison and self doubt? How do I stay motivated and stop procrastinating out of fear of failure, always feeling unprepared and unqualified before I even begin? How do I prioritize and start making consistent progress on my goals and dreams with highly successful habits, discipline, and focus? And the biggest question of all, how do I OWN my muddy story with bravery, courage, conviction and faith?
If you have ever asked yourself these questions, take a deep breath, because you’re in the right place.
Welcome to the Mary Marantz Show. Where we answer ALL those questions and more! A space to own the muddy parts of your story, build things that matter, and where slow growth always equals strong roots.
Listen in each week as host, Mary Marantz, brings you honest conversations and her best tips about business, relationships, faith, goals & more... where we feel the fear and move forward anyway.
Along with serving her best business and life tips, you’ll also hear motivating interviews from some of the best in the industry - authors, speakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs like Natalie Franke, Jess Connolly, Jessica Honegger and more– to bring you one step closer to your goals.
You’ll learn business strategies to more effectively serve your audience, receive inspiration to dig deeper and find freedom in relationships, and learn how to build a legacy that lasts.
You’re here and you have scars. You’re here and you have dirt in your story. You’re here and you’re afraid both of those disqualify you before you even start.
But you have a place here. Your story already matters.
Because one day, when we get to where it is we’re going, it won’t be despite these scars we bear. It will always be because of them.
Slow growth equals Strong roots.
Latest episodes

May 14, 2024 • 1h 6min
I Shouldn’t Feel This Way: How to Name Hard Feelings & Take Brave Action with Dr. Alison Cook
Do you ever catch yourself dismissing your feelings or letting your inner critic boss your emotions around? ‘I should be happier…’ ‘I just need to think more positively…’ ‘I shouldn’t feel this way…’ Join Mary and Dr. Alison Cook, therapist, author, and podcaster, as they discuss the science behind our shame spiral, the gift of liminal space, and the three-step framework that will transform your mental and emotional health. Tune in to hear, The science behind our shame spiral Why your inner critic is sabotaging your growth How to make decisions that break cycles of defeat If you are tired of trudging through life with unresolved emotions and the guilt that you should be responding differently to what you are going through, this conversation will set you on a new trajectory. Say goodbye to staying stuck in the endless cycle of self-sabotage and hello to clear-minded and brave action toward the life you dream of. Just remember friend, the only way forward is through. Follow Dr. Alison here! https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/ Check out her new book here: https://www.dralisoncook.com/books For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Dr. Alison Cook: Dr. Alison Cook is a therapist and host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast. Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Alison studied at Dartmouth College (BA), Denver Seminary (MA), and the University of Denver (PhD), where she specialized in integrating psychology and theology. Dr. Alison’s doctoral dissertation centered on the relationship between religion and prejudice. She is certified in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and is the author of the ECPA bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul, with nearly 100,000 copies sold– based on the popular IFS therapy model. Widely recognized as an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, Dr. Alison empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and forge healthy relationships. In her new book, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action, Dr. Alison will help you name, tame, and transform conflicting feelings into clear solutions with purpose and confidence.

May 7, 2024 • 57min
Unplugged: How to Look Up from Your Screen & NOTICE Life Again with Joey Odom
Have you ever found yourself, phone in hand, involuntarily reaching to check notifications that haven't even buzzed, to scroll through a digital stream of consciousness, or to lose yourself in the infinite grid of pictures? Join Mary and Joey Odom, storyteller, podcaster, and co-founder of Aro, as they dive into the worlds we carry within our pockets, the science of habit formation, and the changes we can make to move towards a more engaged, present, and gratifying life. Tune in to hear, The three reasons why you have a relationship with your phone Why your willpower will never be enough to make a change The discipline of noticing If you are tired of doom scrolling your life away and longing for actionable steps to reroute your digital habits, this episode is a master class in goal setting and habit formation! So friend, pull up a chair and grab your notebook, your life won’t be the same after this conversation! Follow Aro here! https://www.instagram.com/goaronow/ Check out Aro here: https://www.goaro.com/ For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Joey Odom: Joey is a natural storyteller and a dynamic leader known for his ability to inspire and foster deep connections with others. His own experience with technology as a husband and dad led Joey to help create Aro alongside co-founder Heath Wilson. Aro is a disruptive technology company that uses technology to help us put down our phones and be fully present in the moment with the people who matter most. The Aro platform leverages the science of habit formation to create patterns and rhythms of presence for families. Every member of Aro’s team is passionate about fulfilling the company’s vision, which is to create an entire generation of intentional families. Joey also hosts The Aro Podcast, which is a weekly conversation with leaders and influencers who strive to live intentionally. Joey and his wife of nearly 20 years, Cristin, live in Knoxville, TN with their son, Harrison (15) and Gianna (13).

Apr 30, 2024 • 51min
How to Let Go of Other People’s Opinions & Create a Life You Love with Stephanie May Wilson
Do you feel caught between where you want to be and where you “should” be in life? Join Mary and Stephanie May Wilson, author, podcaster, and speaker, as they dive into the importance of conscious decision-making, the value of assembling a trusted board of advisors, and the impact of societal expectations on our life choices. Tune in to hear, How to sideline the opinions of the couch cushion coaches in your life Build security and peace in both who you are and the season you're in What we can learn from shopping for a pair of pants If you find yourself bending to the opinions of others and overwhelmed by the pressure to figure your life out, Stephanie is the trail guide you have been looking for! Friend, whatever season of life you find yourself in this conversation will be the nudge you need to reconsider the narratives that are holding you back and the longings you have quieted along the way. Loving your life is not off the table and today is the perfect day to start! Follow Stephanie here! https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/?hl=en Check out her new book here: https://stephaniemaywilson.com/create For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Stephanie May Wilson: is an author, a podcaster, a speaker, and the go-to guide for 20- and 30-something women as they navigate their most important relationships. Through her books, her courses, and her chart-topping podcast, Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson, she has mentored more than a million women as they cultivate healthy, thriving relationships with God, their friends, their significant others, and with themselves. Stephanie got her start as a writer when she packed up her backpack and traveled around the world for a year, keeping a blog of all her adventures. Stephanie’s writing has been featured on NBC, the Anthropologie blog, and in Relevant Magazine. She has also been a long-time blog contributor for CNBC’s Nightly Business Report, Darling magazine, and Christian Mingle. In her newest book, Create a Life You Love: How to Quiet Outside Voices So You Can Finally Hear Your Own, Stephanie helps women shrug off the pressure of what they think their lives are supposed to look like and take on the next big decision or life transition with intentionality and confidence.

Apr 23, 2024 • 55min
House Rules: How to Take Risks, Make Mistakes & Let Go of Perfection with Myquillyn Smith
Are you overwhelmed by all the unfinished projects around your home? Do you feel stuck in analysis paralysis when it comes to making design decisions? Join Mary and Myquillyn Smith, author, speaker, and designer, as they delve deep into the wisdom of imperfection, the power of limitations, and embracing the journey of creating a home that's true to you. Tune in to hear, How to break through the mental blocks of decision making The one rule of design that is really worth living by Why limitations can be a gift to you and your space This conversation will revolutioize the way you approach your home and, quite frankly, your life. Friend, today is the day to unravel the knot of design paralysis and open yourself up to the possibility of creating a space you love one step at a time. Follow Myquillyn here! https://www.instagram.com/thenester/ Check out her new book here: https://thenester.com/houserules For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Myquillyn Smith: Myquillyn Smith, also known as “The Nester,” is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home. For the past 17 years, she’s been encouraging women to embrace their space—imperfections and all—and make it their own. Her previous homes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Cottages & Bungalows. She recently purchased and redecorated a 1905 Queen Anne Victorian home in Morganton, North Carolina, the inspiration for her new book House Rules. She’s never met a home she didn’t love.

Apr 16, 2024 • 54min
Now and Not Yet: What to Do When Your “Right Now” is Hard with Ruth Chou Simons
Do you ever wish you could skip to the “good part” of your life? Join Mary and Ruth Chou Simons, author, artist, and founder of GraceLaced.com, as they discuss the fear of missing out on our life, why we numb out and avoid our disappointment, and the art assignment that changed Ruth’s life. Tune in to hear, The one question you need to ask yourself when you feel behind Why chasing ‘someday’ devalues your diligence today How to live faithfully in the tension between what is and what is not yet If you are tired of chasing after “someday” in your life or running away from the restlessness within, this episode is for you! Friend, today is the day you stop waiting for your life to begin and experience the richness being formed within and around you right now. Follow Ruth here! https://www.instagram.com/gracelaced/ Check out her new book here: https://nowandnotyetbook.com For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Ruth Chou Simons: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including Now and Not Yet, GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease, and TruthFilled. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through social media, and her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
Don’t Give Up… Just Yet. How to Know When to Keep Going with Nick Connolly
Have you ever felt like you have heard clearly from the Lord about a decision or direction, and yet there still seems to be resistance? Like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get beyond what is standing in your way? Join Mary and Nick Connolly, author, speaker, and pastor, as they dive into the myths that lead us to burnout, simple strategies to reconnect with ourselves, and the gifts hidden in our weakness. Tune in to hear, The one posture shift you need to make in your thinking Seven different areas of our lives where resistance shows up and wreaks havoc How to hope without the fear of disappointment If you feel like you have lost yourself and are longing for practical ways to move from numbing to living your life fully alive, this episode is a must listen! Follow Nick here! https://www.instagram.com/nconnolly/?hl=en Check out his new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Give-Just-Yet-Overwhelming/dp/1496478363 For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Nick Connolly: Nick Connolly is the founding and lead pastor of Bright City Church. Bright City is passionate about being a light in culture, living out the way of the bright, and creating a space where people can not only come to church, but encounter a living and powerful God who loves them. Additionally, Nick loves to be involved in entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2013, he helped his wife create Naptime Diaries, an online print shop that eventually became All Good Things Collective. He now helps Jess run Go + Tell Gals and coaches other entrepreneurs, pastors, and small business owners when he isn’t busy pastoring Bright City Church. In his debut book, Don’t Give Up Just Yet: Choosing Persistence in a World of Overwhelming Resistance, Nick wants to help people keep going in their individual callings as they experience the power and presence of God in their daily lives.

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 7min
Tired of Being Tired? The 4 Kinds of Rest You Need with Jess Connolly
Are you tired of being tired? We tell ourselves it will get better after the next deadline or rest will come once we cross the finish line of this season, yet, it never comes. Day in and day out we remain stuck in the loop of repeating the same mantras while still longing deeply for rest that will satisfy. Join Mary and Jess Connolly, friend author, speaker, and coach, as they discuss the impacts of the gender exhaustion gap, the ministry of absence, and practical ways to experience rest in a loud and wild life. Tune in to hear, How to rewrite the cultural narratives keeping you stuck Why healing is a holistic process One practice that will revolutionize saying no If you have ever felt like exhaustion is inevitable or even your fault, Jess’s story will leave you with practical steps to live a more fulfilling life! Friend, today is the day to move from escaping life to redefining rhythms that awaken us to the precious days we have been given. Because rest is the very foundation we were created from. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Follow Jess here! https://www.instagram.com/jessaconnolly Check out her new book here: https://www.jessconnolly.com/tiredofbeingtired For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Jess Connolly: Jess Connolly is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about family, God's Word, and seeing women take their place in the kingdom. She's an author, a church leader, and a coach and has written nine books - including Wild and Free with Hayley Morgan, You Are The Girl For The Job, Breaking Free from Body Shame, and most recently, Tired of Being Tired: Receive God's Realistic Rest for Your Soul-Deep Exhaustion releasing April 9, 2024. Jess and her husband Nick live in Charleston, SC where they've planted Bright City Church. They have four wild and hilarious kids: Elias, Gloriana, Benjamin, and Cannon. They also have an unruly dog named Deacon.They have four wild and hilarious kids: Elias, Gloriana, Benjamin, and Cannon. They also have an unruly dog named Deacon.

Mar 26, 2024 • 58min
Really Very Crunchy: How to Let Go of Toxic Ingredients (and People!) with Emily Morrow
Toxins. Crunchy. Natural. Healthy. All buzzwords to lead a ‘better’ life. But really - who has the time to implement these things?! And even if we did, what do we do with the contradicting data and the judgey sentiment that comes with it? If you can relate, this humorous, approachable, and informed conversation will be music to your ears. And de-humidified air to your lungs. Ha. Join Mary and Emily Morrow, author, content creator, and stay-at-home mom, as they dive into the realities of a toxin filled world, the hurdles to making healthier choices, and how to embrace the comedy that comes with living against mainstream norms. Tune in to hear, Why we have it all wrong about natural living How to navigate the challenges of adopting the crunchy way of life with sensible, easy-to-implement ideas The one change you can make today that will improve your mind, body, and soul. If you are looking for practical ways to integrate more holistic choices into your life without sacrificing your sanity this episode is for you! Whether you would classify yourself as crunchy or just beginning to become more conscious of your daily decisions, everyone is welcome here. There is no one size fits all to crunchy living. Follow Emily here! https://www.instagram.com/reallyverycrunchy/?hl=en Check out her new book here: https://www.zondervan.com/p/really-very-crunchy/ For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Emily Morrow: Emily Morrow is a stay-at-home mom who founded the social media channel "Really Very Crunchy" with her husband Jason in 2022. Since then, her channel has grown rapidly, with over 2 million followers and more than a billion views on her videos. Emily’s first book, Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner's Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life without Adding Them to Your Personality, is set to release March 12,2024. Emily is deeply committed to living a natural and sustainable lifestyle, and she shares her experiences with her followers on her channel. When she's not busy creating content or spending time with her family, Emily enjoys gardening, foraging, reading, and exploring the great outdoors with her two kids.

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 10min
If I Don't Laugh I'll Cry: You Are More Than the Sum of Your Mistakes with Molly Stillman
Do you feel like you are at rock bottom? Are you exhausted from trying to pick up the pieces of your life and searching for hope? Join Mary and Molly Stillman, writer, speaker, and podcaster, as they discuss the unforgettable twists and turns of Molly’s life and how she found faith, joy, and hope in the middle of it all. Tune in to hear, Why life and healing aren’t linear The four ways we respond when an idol disappoints us What we can learn from wrestling with God If you have ever felt like you have reached the end of yourself and you can’t see any possibility of redemption in your story, this conversation is for you! Today is the day to find peace in the process of slow growth because friend, your story isn’t over yet. Follow Molly here! https://www.instagram.com/stillbeingmolly Check out her new book here: https://www.stillbeingmolly.com/if-i-dont-laugh-ill-cry/ For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Molly Stillman: Molly Stillman is a writer, speaker, bible teacher, and host of the Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? podcast. She has been writing for nearly 20 years, and her first book, If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For, is scheduled to release March 26th. Molly lives on a small farm with her husband John and their kids Lilly and Amos.

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 10min
Knowing When to Stay & When to Walk Away with Emily Freeman
'Is it time for me to stay or should I consider walking away?' Join Mary and Emily P. Freeman, author, spiritual director, and podcaster, as they discuss the how, when, and what now of walking out of rooms and into new ones with peace, confidence, and a whole heart. Tune in to hear, How to discern the difference between true peace and discomfort avoidance The four guideposts you need to listen to in your life Why we cannot wait on timeliness and readiness to take our next step If you are overwhelmed by decision fatigue and longing for more clarity to discern your next right step, this episode will give you the tools you need to clear the fog. You won’t want to miss this masterclass on what it means to be compassionate and curious in the liminal spaces of life! Follow Emily here! https://www.instagram.com/emilypfreeman/ Check out her new book here: https://emilypfreeman.com/how-to-walk-into-a-room-book/ For full episode notes, head to: https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow More About Emily P. Freeman: Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including her newest release How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away. As a spiritual director, workshop leader, and host of The Next Right Thing podcast (more than 25 million downloads), her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Emily holds a master’s degree in spiritual formation and leadership from Friends University. She lives in North Carolina with her family.