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
Betty's Bookshelf
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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 something special about returning to the places that helped shape us. The streets may change, businesses may come and go, but the feeling of home often remains.
I'm also stopping by Betty's Bookshelf, a wonderful independent bookstore that supports local authors and now carries my memoir, Being Mary. Seeing my book on a shelf in the town where so much of my story began is both humbling and meaningful.
Come along as I revisit a hometown that will always hold a special place in my heart.
🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or visit beingmary.ca
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