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.
Episodes
50 episodes
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...
Retirement Dilemma
Retirement. Such a simple word for such a life-changing decision.This week on Being Mary, I’m talking about the emotions, fears, possibilities, and questions that often come with this next chapter of life.Because retireme...
Canada Day - The Freedom to Be Ourselves
NEW PODCAST EPISODE: The Freedom to Be OurselvesAs I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized freedom means more than where we live. Sometimes freedom is quieter than that.The freedom to speak honestly. To grow.
Exploring Healing Together
This week on Being Mary, I’m joined by Maggie Whitcroft for a thoughtful conversation about emotional healing, nervous system regulation, energy work, and what it means to reconnect with yourself after difficult seasons in life.I’ll be h...
Episode 2: It’s Never Too Late to Learn: Growing Your Brain as You Age
Learning isn’t just for young people.In fact, continuing to learn may be one of the best things we can do for our brains as we age.In today’s episode of Being Mary, we’re talking about curiosity, creativity, rest, and the small wa...
Episode 1: Everyday Mind Fitness
We 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 things you can do to keep your brain active and...
Strangers Who Stay With Us
Sometimes 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 episode, ...
The Smallest Conversations
Some 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 episode, I’m refl...
Motherhood Looks Different this Mother's Day
Motherhood… 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, hindsight, and how motherho...
Elevator Speech - What's Yours?
If 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 Mary
Love, Loss, and Letting the Truth Breathe
Love, 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 still shows up quietly when I ...
The Page I Almost Didn't Write
There 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 like to be loved by people.Sometimes when w...
Hockey Tryouts & Life Lessons
Hockey 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 Mary, I’m r...
A Gentle Nudge Back into the World
Lately 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 exactly what I need.A simple conversatio...
Episode 4: Becoming a Grandmother — Legacy and Letting
Today 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 called.This season is softer.It’s about presence ...
Episode 3: The Balancing Act — Parenting Adult Children
Today 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 back with love and trust.In ...
Episode 2: The Becoming of a Mother — Matrescence
When 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 learns to love, nurture, and rediscover herse...
Episode 1: The Ties That Bind — Daughters and Mothers
Today 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 the most complex, beautiful, and emo...
Being Mary Re-Introduction
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’...
PICKLEBALL – and why I’m Hooked
I 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 experience required. 🏓💛
Surviving the Holidays
🎄 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 surviving the holidays—without losing...
Aging & Thriving, Part 2 - Connection, Home & New Adventures
Part 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 differently. Let’s keep walking...
Aging & Thriving, Part 1: Health, Purpose & Independence
New 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 — it’s a new beginning....