Being Mary
Mary Vandenberge
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About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
Episode 1: Everyday Mind Fitness
Send us Fan MailWe spend a lot of time talking about taking care of our bodies as we age.But what about our brain?In today’s episode of Being Mary, we’re talking about everyday mind fitness — simple…
Strangers Who Stay With Us
Send us Fan MailSometimes the people we remember most… are the ones we barely knew.A quick conversation in a grocery store. A shared laugh in passing. A moment of unexpected connection.In this…
S2E12 The Smallest Conversations
Send us Fan MailSome 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…
S2E13 Motherhood Looks Different this Mother's Day
Send us Fan MailMotherhood… 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,…
Elevator Speech - What's Yours?
Send us Fan MailIf 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…
S2E10 Love, Loss, and Letting the Truth Breathe
Send us Fan MailLove, 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…
S2E9 The Page I Almost Didn't Write
Send us Fan MailThere 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…
S2E8 Hockey Tryouts & Life Lessons
Send us Fan MailHockey 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…
S2E7 A Gentle Nudge Back into the World
Send us Fan MailLately 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…
S2E6 Episode 4: Becoming a Grandmother — Legacy and Letting
Send us Fan MailToday 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…
S2E5 Episode 3: The Balancing Act — Parenting Adult Children
Send us Fan MailToday 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…
S2E4 Episode 2: The Becoming of a Mother — Matrescence
Send us Fan MailWhen 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…
S2E3 Episode 1: The Ties That Bind — Daughters and Mothers
Send us Fan MailToday 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…
S2E2 Being Mary Re-Introduction
Send us Fan MailOn 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…
S2E1 PICKLEBALL – and why I’m Hooked
Send us Fan MailI 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…
S1E30 Surviving the Holidays
Send us Fan Mail🎄 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…
S1E29 Aging & Thriving, Part 2 - Connection, Home & New Adventures
Send us Fan MailPart 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…
S1E28 Aging & Thriving, Part 1: Health, Purpose & Independence
Send us Fan MailNew 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 —…
S1E27 My 69th Birthday
Send us Fan MailThis 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…
S1E26 YES I Can
Send us Fan MailSome 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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Being Mary has published 45 episodes since April 2025, covering topics in Personal Journals, Relationships.
Being Mary is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 5m.
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