Mary's Cup of Tea: the Self Love Podcast for Women

Mary Jelkovsky
  • 4.9 (670)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Self Love. We cover topics surrounding self love including body-image, confidence, self-worth, body positivity, mindset, mental health, feminism, relationships, and so much more. Along the way, your host Mary lets you in on her personal life, never shying away from the messy, raw, and real conversations that we all crave. So grab a cup of tea, slide in your headphones, and get ready for some self-lovin!

  1. 1D AGO

    28 Things I Wish I Knew at 18 (About Boys, Confidence, Dating, and Self Worth)

    With special guest: my Sister!!! For my 28th birthday, I sat down with my 18-year-old sister to share 28 truths about confidence, dating, boys, people, and being a woman with self-worth. This conversation moves from chaotic sister humor to the deeper realities of building confidence as a woman. We talk about why most mistakes get made after midnight, how everything feels more dramatic in the dark, and why intensity is not the same thing as compatibility. We unpack the difference between attraction and anxiety, and why calm, secure love can is often the healthiest. Beyond dating and relationships, we get into the foundations of self-love: choosing your environment wisely, eating consistently, setting boundaries without over-explaining, and remembering that no one is coming to save you. We talk about body image, spotlight syndrome, conquering insecurities, being the average of the people you spend time with, getting to know your mom as a person, and why embarrassment is a choice. I hope this Mary’s Cup of Tea episode feels like a confidence pep talk from your virtual big sister. Remember: “The worst thing in the world can happen, but the next day the sun will come up. And you will eat your toast. And you will drink your tea.” Hope this episode is somehow entertaining and somewhat useful to your self-love journey. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread women empowerment and self-love! Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary Jelkovsky on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... Mary’s Self-Love Playlist: maryscupoftea.com/playlist Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  2. FEB 5

    Self-Care During Hard Times: How to Stay Emotionally Regulated

    When the external world feels heavy, your internal world must stay regulated. Self-care is not about escaping reality. It’s about standing steadily inside it. This conversation is about how to stay emotionally regulated when the noise feels constant and the news cycle never ends. We’ll talk about protecting your energy, being intentional with your attention, and practicing self-care through boundaries with yourself. If your mental health has felt stretched thin by the state of the world, this episode offers perspective and encouragement. You will learn about… how social media functions similarly to propagandawhy energy management might be better than time managementhow I approach giving and charitable contributionthe idea of “joy stacking” as a form of self carewhy eye contact is a form of resistancesmall rituals that help you come back home to yourselfRemember: self-care is not disengagement from the world, it is how you stay resourced enough to meet it. Real self-care supports your mental health AND lets you contribute to causes you care about. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support expands our self-love circle and shows others that mental health matters. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary's self care journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... A Small Light series on Prime Video“I’m Russian. Here’s how propaganda really works” by Silent East Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min

  3. JAN 29

    What Women Misunderstand About Anxiety, Mental Health, and the Mind-Body Connection with Dr. Ellen Vora, MD

    Many women talk about anxiety as if it’s a personality trait, but Dr. Ellen Vora offers a different lens: anxiety could be a mind-body signal that something in your mental health ecosystem needs support. In this conversation, we unpack what women misunderstand about anxiety, why mental health is deeply physical, and how to stop seeing anxiety as a personal flaw. You will learn… the difference between “false anxiety” vs. “true anxiety” (and why that distinction changes everything)is it the mind-body connection or the body-mind connection?how women’s bodies, hormones, and cultural stressors create a unique anxiety landscapethe drawbacks of traditional cognitive behavioral therapyphysical ways to take care of your mental health  Remember: Anxiety doesn’t automatically mean something is mentally wrong with you. Often it’s your physical body asking for care, and sometimes it’s your inner compass asking for honesty. Either way, you deserve support that helps you feel safer in your body and steadier in your mental health. Dr. Ellen Vora is a board-certified psychiatrist who takes a functional medicine approach to mental health. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University. She’s also the bestselling author of The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response where she shares a whole-person perspective on anxiety, mental health, and overall well-being– especially for women. Follow Dr. Ellen on Instagram: @ellenvoramd Get Dr. Ellen’s book, The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @ellenvoramd Mentioned In This Episode... Quit Like a Woman by Holly WhitakerHealing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Dr. John SarnoThe Way Out by Alan Gordonresearch on Ketamine-assisted therapyWizard of Oz & Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd Theory EXPLAINED Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  4. JAN 22

    The Best Mental Health Book That Changed How I See Myself

    Sometimes the parts of us we’re trying hardest to fix are the ones working the hardest to protect us. Inspired by one of the best mental health books I’ve read recently, this episode offers a compassionate framework for understanding your inner world without pathologizing it. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, inconsistent, or torn in different directions, this conversation is for you. It explores why inner tension does not mean you are failing at mental health. It might actually make a lot of sense. This episode reviews my biggest takeaways from the book No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz. We’ll explore ideas like: Why there are no bad parts — only misunderstood onesHow self-compassion creates internal safety instead of controlThe difference between being protector-led vs. Self-ledWhy mental health isn’t about eliminating inner conflict, but learning how to relate to itWhat it looks like to stay engaged with the world while still protecting your energy  We also touch on something many of us struggle with: how to care deeply about the world without letting its weight completely overwhelm you. And why true self love does not require numbing out, bypassing reality, or carrying everything alone. Remember: Every part of your personality that you do not love will become hostile. The goal is not to get rid of parts of yourself, but to change how you relate to them. If you’re enjoying this self love podcast, share it with the women in your life! Your support helps spread conversations about mental health, confidence, and self-love in a way that feels real and sustainable. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary's self love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz  “How to talk to the worst parts of yourself” TEDx talk by Karen Faith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min

  5. JAN 15

    Why Manifestation Doesn’t Work Without Self-Worth with Samantha Chung

    WOW!!! This just might be the most enlightening, inspiring interview on Mary’s Cup of Tea, thanks to our guest, Samantha Chung. Rooted in self-love and self-worth, Sam’s approach to manifestation is deep yet simple, grounded yet expansive, firm yet deeply compassionate. Contrary to popular belief, isn’t about positive thinking, vision boards, or proving your worth — it’s about the relationship you have with yourself. Sam explains why healing shame, releasing self-criticism, and relating to yourself with compassion is what actually changes what you attract. You will learn about... the surprising link between loving yourself and manifesting your dreamshow to reconcile manifestation teachings with privilege, access, and real-world limitationswhy Sam hates the word “manifestation” and the connotations it comes withhow to repair a punitive, damaged relationship with yourselfwhy self-compassion will not you complacentwhat body-image struggles reveal about safety, control, and self worthhow to face your own unworthiness and make contact with a deeply supportive part of yourselfthe ONLY emotion that lowers your vibrationaccess the emotional experience you think money, love, or success will finally give yousee manifestation as a lifestyle rooted in self-love, not a method to fix yourselfRemember: Manifestation doesn't work without self-worth. It's not about getting or achieving something, it's about who you become along the way. Samantha Chung is a transformational life and mindset coach, viral content creator, and host of the top-ranking podcast Spiraling Higher. She is on a mission to help people break free from their conditioned narratives and awaken to their most authentic, limitless selves. Her paradigm-shifting perspectives have inspired millions to step into self-love and embody their highest potential. Today, she’s here to help you do the same. Follow Sam on Instagram: @simplifying.sam Learn more about Sam’s private coaching here. Share this self love podcast with the women in your life or on social media! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @simplifying.sam Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 5m

  6. JAN 8

    6 Self Love Lessons I’m Taking Into My Late 20s (Encore)

    Self love isn’t just about accepting yourself as you are or chasing a better version of yourself. It’s about learning how to hold contradictory parts of yourself with self compassion and curiosity. This conversation explores self love, confidence, mental health, body image, and self-awareness through the lens of growth, rest, insecurity, joy, and becoming. If you’re in your late 20s, or going through a big life transition, this episode is for you. You will learn how to… reframe the way you think about insecuritiesquestion diet culture, beauty standards, productivity, and comparisonunderstand how pleasure can coexist with painRemember: self love is not about reaching a healed or perfected version of yourself. It’s about staying honest, present, and compassionate through every season of becoming. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: *The Gift of Self-Love,* an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.*100 Days of Self-Love,* a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... Beauty Sick by Dr. Renee EngelnNo Bad Parts by Dr. Richard SchwartzFlesh World, Substack by Jessica DeFino Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  7. JAN 1

    How Astrology Can Support Your Mental Health with Daniela Karpenos

    Astrology can be a grounding, practical tool for self-love and mental health, especially for women navigating change. Daniela from Cosmic Latte joins me to break down rising signs, moon energy, and Saturn returns—and how understanding your zodiac chart can help you meet yourself with more compassion, confidence, and care. Whether you’re looking to add a little whimsy to your life or fully devote yourself to the stars, this episode is equal parts fun and educational. You will learn about... why most daily horoscopes are incorrectthe importance of knowing your rising signhow the moon influences mood, energy, and confidencehow astrology can help you build routines that support your mental healthwhat a Saturn return brings up in your late 20s (and why it’s not all doom)the astrology of weekdays i.e. how to plan your week around the planets  Remember: Self-love isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about understanding yourself and letting that understanding soften the way you show up. Daniela Karpenos is a New York-based astrologer and founder of Cosmic Latte, a community of 200,000+ unique souls worldwide devoted to feeding spiritual curiosity, creativity, and connection. With her Leo sun flair and Cancer moon intuition, she shares playful astrology content to help you discover your “you-niverse.” Get your personalized eclipse guidebook from The Cosmic Latte here! Or book a private astrology reading with Daniela at thecosmiclatte.com and follow her on Instagram @thecosmiclatte Mentioned In This Episode... The Astrology of Days GuideStardust (moon + cycle tracking app)No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @cosmiclatte so we can share this self-love journey with you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    How to Make a Vision Board: A Self-Love Practice for the New Year

    A vision board can be a powerful tool for self love when created intentionally. In this episode, Mary shares how to approach vision boarding as a self-love practice rooted in intention, self worth, and presence rather than pressure, perfection, or productivity. If you want Mary’s vision board template, you can get instant access at maryscupoftea.com/vision and follow along. Instead of focusing on how your life should look, this process invites you to reconnect with how you want it to feel — offering a refreshing approach to self love that prioritizes intention over outcome, being happy in your life (not just happy with it), and learning to enjoy the process of becoming someone you’re proud of. Tune in to learn… How to make a digital vision board that feels supportive instead of overwhelmingWhy intentions are much better than traditional goal-settingHow to manifest from self compassion rather than controlThe difference between being “happy with your life” vs. being happy in itWhat a vision board becomes when it’s rooted in self-worth, not pressure  Remember: Your vision board is not a contract — it’s a conversation with your future self. What’s meant for you is already unfolding, and your only responsibility is to stay present, responsive, and kind to yourself along the way. If you’re enjoying our self love podcast, share it with the women in your life to continue spreading the gift of self love. Deepen your self love journey with Mary’s books: The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook to help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts for calming self-criticism and learning to love yourself.  Follow Mary's self-love journey on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
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4.9
out of 5
670 Ratings

About

Welcome to Self Love. We cover topics surrounding self love including body-image, confidence, self-worth, body positivity, mindset, mental health, feminism, relationships, and so much more. Along the way, your host Mary lets you in on her personal life, never shying away from the messy, raw, and real conversations that we all crave. So grab a cup of tea, slide in your headphones, and get ready for some self-lovin!

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