Beyond the Cookie Cutter

Mary Black
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  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Twice Weekly

Feeling stuck in a cookie cutter life? Struggling to inject order into schedule, children, work, and budget? No time for YOU and your UNIQUE needs? In this podcast, you will find insights from women who have – and are still living through many of the things that you are experiencing. They freely share wisdom and valuable lessons from years of experience. Mary Black shares her own lessons learned, along with outside interviews with beautiful, experienced women. Mary is an amazing communicator. She loves to teach naturally through stories that touch the heart. She helps women connect to the power of their own narrative to grow themselves and those they influence in joyful, inspiring ways.

  1. 3 days ago

    You Were Never Meant to Do Life Alone

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In this episode, I share what I’ve been learning about asking for help and why it can sometimes feel harder than it should. I talk about faith, learning to receive support, and how conversations with friends have helped me see things more clearly. I explore the idea that financial confidence and stability can often show up in other areas of life as well. And I share some thoughts about how children can exemplify a clarity that adults tend to forget. This is part of my journey of building a women’s network focused on growth, faith, and encouragement. If this resonates with you, I would love to connect with you. You can find the links below. We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    13 min

  2. 31 Mar

    Who Are You Listening To?

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In this episode, we take a closer look at the inner voice we listen to every day. So often, we can be our own harshest critics—speaking to ourselves in ways we would never speak to others. But what if becoming aware of that voice could help us grow? We explore how recognizing negative self-talk is the first step toward becoming a better, more compassionate version of yourself. By shifting your awareness, you can begin to replace criticism with encouragement and reinforce thoughts that build confidence instead of tearing it down. This episode offers simple, meaningful ways to practice positive thinking, speak to yourself with kindness, and choose a voice that uplifts rather than discourages—because the voice you listen to shapes the person you become. We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    12 min

  3. 27 Mar

    More Than Perfect: Permission To Be You

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In a world that constantly pushes perfection, this episode is a reminder to slow down and recognize the progress you’ve already made. I talk about what it looks like to celebrate your successes—big and small—and truly notice how far you’ve come. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in this conversation, I explore how to define it for yourself in a way that feels meaningful and true to who you are. You’ll be encouraged to practice self-compassion, reflect on your strengths, and even take time to write down what you’re doing well—because those things matter more than we often realize. I also dive into the importance of asking for help and letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly on your own. This episode is a gentle invitation to release perfection, embrace your growth, and step into a more honest, confident version of yourself—because you are already enough, just as you are.  If you'd like to learn more, here are a few books I recommend: “The Gap and the Gain,” Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” Carol S. Dweck “The Gifts of Imperfection,” Brene’ Brown “Real Love,” Greg Baer, MD  We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    13 min

  4. 19 Mar

    Permission To Serve

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In a world that often celebrates recognition and achievement, this episode is a gentle reminder that some of the most meaningful work happens quietly. This episode explores the idea that women are naturally gifted with a desire to care for and uplift others—and that this calling is something to embrace, not overlook. I talk about how service can be a powerful source of joy and purpose, even in the smallest, most unseen ways. From caring for those closest to you to seeking out simple opportunities in your community, service doesn’t have to be big or noticed to matter. This episode is an invitation to let go of pressure and perfection, and instead give what you can, where you are. Whether it’s through your time, talents, or presence, your ability to serve makes a real impact.  When we choose to serve in the everyday moments, we create a life filled with purpose and quiet influence. Looking for ways to serve? Check out these organizations below if you would like to get involved: -https://www.justserve.org/  -https://www.icrc.org/en -https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html -https://www.idahokindness.com/ Please share your thoughts and feedback! We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    9 min

  5. 12 Mar

    Stronger Together: Women, Wealth & Wisdom

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In this episode, we explore what it means to become an agent in every area of our lives, especially when it comes to money. Too often, women are taught to fear finances or feel limited by scarcity. But financial education can empower us to step out of the mindset of lack and into a place of confidence, stewardship, and freedom. I talk about how understanding money can help us break free from the pressure of constantly serving it, and instead learn how to use it as a tool to build the life we truly want. When women come together to share their knowledge, talents, and experiences, something powerful happens—we lift each other up. This episode is an invitation to join a community of women building women. A place where we learn together, support one another, and grow in wisdom so that we can live with greater agency, purpose, and financial confidence. Because when women share what they know and strengthen each other, we truly become stronger together. We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    10 min

  6. 20 Feb

    Bridging The Lead Rope: Healing Horses, Healing Ourselves

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! In this grounding and transformative episode, we sit down with Syd of Honor Equine at Springhill Community Ranch in beautiful Belgrade, Montana, to explore how horses help us reconnect with our intuition, release what’s keeping us stuck, and step into a more authentic way of living. Syd, an Equus Coach, Intuitive Medicine Practitioner, Master Facilitator, and intuitive horse listener, shares how these powerful retreats create space for clarity, healing, and realignment. Together, we talk about the wisdom of horses, the power of nature to reset the soul, and what becomes possible when we slow down enough to truly listen. This conversation is an invitation to breathe deeper, trust yourself again, and rediscover the life you were meant to create. You'll hear:  Horses mirror our emotions and help us break through personal blocks.  Stepping away from everyday noise can change your life.  Learn to reconnect with your intuition in a grounded, practical way. If you’re ready to revitalize your life and immerse yourself in nature, learn more at: www.honorequine.com www.springhillcommunityranch.com We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    49 min

  7. 23/10/2025

    Learn • Live • Fly: Saying Yes to Promptings, Purpose, and Everyday Miracles with Livia Pewtress

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! What if your life changed by simply saying “yes” to God—one small prompting at a time? In this tender, faith-filled episode, Mary Black sits down with Livia Pewtress (Learn • Live • Fly) to talk about “God moments,” living a consecrated life, and how head-knowledge becomes heart-living—and then, with God, you fly. Livia shares her story as a devoted mom of five, creator, and community builder whose work centers on listening, obedience, and practical spiritual disciplines. She opens up about founding The Consecrated Life Project, the meaning behind Learn • Live • Fly (head → heart → Holy Spirit), and how tiny acts of showing up can ripple into miracles for many. You’ll hear: How to notice and act on promptings (even when they don’t make sense yet)“Learn • Live • Fly”: moving truth from the head to the heart—and into Spirit-led actionWhy “showing up” (imperfectly) invites miracles and multiplies blessingsCreating sanctuary: in your heart, home, community, and eventually in the worldDiscernment, boundaries, and choosing what keeps your light brightPractical encouragement for faith, family, health, and purpose-driven workResources & Ways to Connect 🌐 Livia’s hub: learnlivefly.com — podcast, community, resources, contact 📧 Email: livia@learnlivefly.com 🌿 The Consecrated Life Project: theconsecratedlifeproject.com 🙏 “Anchored in Christ” community (via Learn • Live • Fly) 🛠️ Tech made simple for heart-led founders (mentioned by Livia): via Learn • Live • Fly We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    43 min

  8. 28/08/2025

    From Storytelling to Strategy: Meaghan Anselm on Marketing, Media, and Valuing Your Worth

    Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you! Marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about storytelling that connects, inspires, and drives impact. In this episode of Beyond the Cookie Cutter, Mary sits down with Meaghan Anselm, founder of Saves the Day Marketing, to unpack the evolution of video, the power of audience connection, and why valuing your time is essential for success. With over 18 years in PR, marketing, digital strategy, and video storytelling, Meaghan brings a wealth of experience from producing television to building campaigns for mission-driven organizations. As the founder of Saves the Day Marketing, she and her team specialize in helping nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and public agencies find their voice, expand their reach, and create meaningful community impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the evolution of media has changed the way we connect with audiencesWhy storytelling is the most powerful tool in marketing todayPractical tips for entrepreneurs and nonprofits to stretch their budget without sacrificing qualityHow to set boundaries and price your services in a way that reflects your worthWhy clarity and authenticity matter more than polished perfection in building relationshipsWhether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or creative ready to elevate your message, this conversation will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to grow your impact without burning out. 📧 Connect with Meaghan: Meaghan@SavesTheDayMarketing.com  🌐 Learn more: savesthedaymarketing.com We love hearing from you! Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.com Gathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOh Podcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.com Instagram: @marybcooks For a free 1 on 1 meeting, find a time here: https://calendly.com/mblack7718/free-chat-with-mary Here's to your joy-filled life! -Mary

    41 min
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About

Feeling stuck in a cookie cutter life? Struggling to inject order into schedule, children, work, and budget? No time for YOU and your UNIQUE needs? In this podcast, you will find insights from women who have – and are still living through many of the things that you are experiencing. They freely share wisdom and valuable lessons from years of experience. Mary Black shares her own lessons learned, along with outside interviews with beautiful, experienced women. Mary is an amazing communicator. She loves to teach naturally through stories that touch the heart. She helps women connect to the power of their own narrative to grow themselves and those they influence in joyful, inspiring ways.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Black
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond the Cookie Cutter
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Cookie Cutter