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.
Being Mary
Latest Episodes
When Life Gives You Lemons
🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons…Recently, I lost a collection of files I really wish I still had.Was it life-threatening? No.Was it disappointing? Absolutely.We’re allowed to feel frustrated when something goes wrong. Acceptance do...
Strength & Softness
We often think the meaning behind something has to be there from the very beginning.Sometimes... it isn't.Sometimes life gives it meaning later.Years ago, I chose a tattoo simply because I liked cats...
Betty's Bookshelf
Some places never really leave us.This week I'm taking a walk through St. Marys, Ontario — the town where I grew up, attended high school, raised my daughters, and spent many years building a life and making memories.There's somet...
1 Year Anniversary or Being Mary
One year ago, I nervously recorded my very first podcast episode with no real plan… just a head full of thoughts and a feeling that maybe I needed to start talking them out loud.Honestly, I never imagined where this little podcast journe...