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.

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Being Mary

Being Mary Re-Introduction

January 28, 2026 • Mary Vandenberge • Season 2 • Episode 2

0:00 | 2:32

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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’s become so much more than that. It’s a space for real conversations about life, loss, love, healing, and becoming—at any age.
You can listen to the episode now, and if you’d like to explore more, my new website is live with past episodes, my book, and everything in one place.
Thank you for being here. Truly.
Let’s keep walking—together.

#BeingMary #PodcastCommunity #WomenSupportingWomen #LifeReflections #NewBeginnings

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Hi, I’m Mary Johnson Van Den Berge—and if you’re new here, welcome. I’m really glad you found your way to Being Mary.

At this stage of my life, I never imagined I’d be hosting a podcast, sharing my stories out loud, or launching a new website… but here we are. And honestly, I’ve learned that the most meaningful chapters often come later than we expect.

A while ago, I wrote a memoir called Being Mary.
It was deeply personal—stories about marriage, motherhood, loss, faith, and learning to find my voice after years of putting myself last.

Writing that book was healing.
But what truly surprised me were the messages from women who said,
“I thought I was the only one.”
Or, “You just told my story.”

That’s when I realized this journey wasn’t meant to stay on the page.

Being Mary became a podcast—a place where we talk honestly about real life. Sometimes it’s just me, a cup of coffee, and a story. Other times, it’s conversations with women who’ve walked their own winding paths.

This space isn’t about having it all figured out.
It’s about showing up.
About the quiet things we carry, the lessons we learn along the way, and the courage it takes to keep becoming—at any age.

So whether you’re walking through change, finding your footing again, or simply wondering what’s next for you… you belong here.

If you’d like to explore more—past episodes, my book, or what I’m currently working on—you can now find it all on my new website. I’ll leave the link below for you to visit when you’re ready.

Thank you for being here. Truly.
This is Being Mary… but really, it’s about being you.

So let’s keep walking this journey together.