Beyond the Cookie Cutter

Mary Black

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. MAR 27

    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  Please share your thoughts and feedback! We love hearing from you! 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. 10/23/2025

    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 Please share your thoughts and feedback! We love hearing from you! 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
  3. 08/28/2025

    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 Please share your thoughts and feedback! We love hearing from you! 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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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.