Life Actually with Mary Belle

Mary Belle Books

We all had an early vision of what our lives would look like…then life actually happened. From marriage to motherhood, career dreams, and everything in between, this is Life Actually with Mary Belle. It's real, it's relatable, and at times, really funny. You'll feel a little less alone and a little more seen, like you're hanging with one of your best friends.

  1. Jan 26

    New Year, Better Me with Dave Reggina | Season 2, Episode 2

    Mary & Dave are back at it discussing the mental, emotional, and physical habits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.Dave Reggina is a Deputy Commissioner in Greenburgh, New York, host of the No Snooze Podcast, co-founder of Action Cultivates Excellence (A.C.E.), a men's movement alongside Sean Degnan, and author of the book 30 Lessons to Lead.Together, Mary and Dave discuss healthy habits and lifestyle changes that helped her lose forty five pounds while taking on more and more within her career and her life at home. Even amidst a fair amount of disagreements, one things remains clear, bettering ourselves isn't a linear journey and the path looks different for everyone.The moral of the story? Surround yourself with supportive people who care about you and then lean fully into yourself and your goals to watch your life change for the better.****Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, and newly corporate employee in the aesthetics world. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries.Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle."This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes.Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here:www.marybellebooks.com****Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions.https://www.cayivisions.com

    39 min

  2. Jan 19

    New Year, Better Me with Dave Reggina, Part I

    New Year, New You? Nah - Mary hates that phrase. New Year, Better You? That's more like it. Dave Reggina is back to kick off Season Two of Life Actually with Mary Belle. He's a Deputy Commissioner in Greenburgh, New York, host of the No Snooze Podcast, co-founder of Action Cultivates Excellence (A.C.E.), a men's movement alongside Sean Degnan, and author of the book 30 Lessons to Lead. Together, Mary and Dave discuss healthy habits and lifestyle changes that helped her lose forty five pounds while taking on more and more within her career and her life at home. Even amidst a fair amount of disagreements, one things remains clear, bettering ourselves isn't a linear journey and the path looks different for everyone. The moral of the story? Surround yourself with supportive people who care about you and then lean fully into yourself and your goals to watch your life change for the better. **** Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, and newly corporate employee in the aesthetics world. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries. Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle." This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes.Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here: www.marybellebooks.com **** Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions.https://www.cayivisions.com

    56 min

  3. 09/22/2025

    Falling in Love and Living the Italian Dream with Dena Fenza, Part II

    Dena Fenza is the founder of ‪@Miciamammas‬ and author of the cookbook, My Italian-American Table. Raised in a big Italian-American family in Brooklyn, Dena learned the power of tradition and a love of food—cooking side by side with her grandparents, passing down recipes that were not necessarily written down but always felt. From Sunday dinners to holiday feasts like the Seven Fishes, food was how her family stayed connected, no matter the distance or season of life.After years of teaching, catering, and running her own restaurant, Dena found a new path—sharing recipes and family stories online during the pandemic. That passion led to the purchase and renovation of a Tuscan farmhouse, where she now produces her own olive oil and hosts immersive tours. Through it all, Dena continues to bring people together around the table, keeping the heart of her family’s legacy alive.****Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries.Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle."This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes.Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here:www.marybellebooks.com****Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions.https://www.cayivisions.com

    49 min

  4. 09/15/2025

    Growing Up Italian-American with Dena Fenza, Part I

    Dena Fenza is the founder of  @Miciamammas  and author of the cookbook, My Italian-American Table. Raised in a big Italian-American family in Brooklyn, Dena learned the power of tradition and a love of food—cooking side by side with her grandparents, passing down recipes that were not necessarily written down but always felt. From Sunday dinners to holiday feasts like the Seven Fishes, food was how her family stayed connected, no matter the distance or season of life.After years of teaching, catering, and running her own restaurant, Dena found a new path—sharing recipes and family stories online during the pandemic. That passion led to the purchase and renovation of a Tuscan farmhouse, where she now produces her own olive oil and hosts immersive tours. Through it all, Dena continues to bring people together around the table, keeping the heart of her family’s legacy alive.****Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries.Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle."This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes.Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here:www.marybellebooks.com****Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions.https://www.cayivisions.com

    39 min

  5. 09/08/2025

    Edible Entrepreneurship with Judy Annunziata, Part II

    Judy Annunziata is an Italian-American entrepreneur and passionate foodie with deep roots in family, tradition, and hard work. The daughter of parents born in Italy, Judy grew up watching their incredible work ethic and determination. Values they instilled in her and her siblings from an early age. Raised in her family’s iconic restaurant, Umberto's of Mamma Marisa, which opened in 1976, Judy learned the restaurant business inside and out which eventually helping to run the restaurant and catering operations alongside her brother, Carmine.Today, she continues that entrepreneurial spirit as the proud owner of an Edible Arrangements of the Hudson Valley franchise, where she focuses on creating memorable experiences for her customers.Family remains at the heart of everything Judy does, from caring for her elderly parents to cherishing time with her family and friends. Her story is one of tradition, perseverance, and passion and she’s here to share how her Italian roots and family values helped her build a sweet life of success.****Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries.Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle."This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes.Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here:www.marybellebooks.com****Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions.https://www.cayivisions.com

    43 min

  6. 09/02/2025

    For the Love of Famiglia & Food with Judy Annunziata, Part I

    Judy Annunziata is an Italian-American entrepreneur and passionate foodie with deep roots in family, tradition, and hard work. The daughter of parents born in Italy, Judy grew up watching their incredible work ethic and determination. Values they instilled in her and her siblings from an early age. Raised in her family’s iconic restaurant, Umberto's of Mamma Marisa, which opened in 1976, Judy learned the restaurant business inside and out which eventually helping to run the restaurant and catering operations alongside her brother, Carmine. Today, she continues that entrepreneurial spirit as the proud owner of an Edible Arrangements of the Hudson Valley franchise, where she focuses on creating memorable experiences for her customers. Family remains at the heart of everything Judy does, from caring for her elderly parents to cherishing time with her family and friends. Her story is one of tradition, perseverance, and passion and she’s here to share how her Italian roots and family values helped her build a sweet life of success. **** Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries.Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle." This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes. Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here: www.marybellebooks.com **** Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions. https://www.cayivisions.com

    38 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    Hustling & Healing Others with Dana Carretta-Stein, Part II

    Dana Carretta-Stein is a trauma therapist, author, and consultant who somehow built two businesses from scratch while juggling motherhood, marriage, and the mental load of keeping everyone alive. She’s the founder of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling and The EMDR Coach—two trauma‑informed brands specializing in EMDR therapy and nervous system care. When she’s not working, you’ll find her with her husband, their two and five year old tiny tornadoes, and their fur‑baby, Jack. Growing up in a big Italian family, she loves cooking and gathering in the kitchen with the people she loves most. **** Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries. Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle." This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes. Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here: www.marybellebooks.com **** Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions. https://www.cayivisions.com

    25 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    Marriage, Motherhood & Maintaining Sanity with Dana Carretta-Stein, Part I

    Dana Carretta-Stein is a trauma therapist, author, and consultant who somehow built two businesses from scratch while juggling motherhood, marriage, and the mental load of keeping everyone alive. She’s the founder of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling and The EMDR Coach—two trauma‑informed brands specializing in EMDR therapy and nervous system care. When she’s not working, you’ll find her with her husband, their two and five year old tiny tornadoes, and their fur‑baby, Jack. Growing up in a big Italian family, she loves cooking and gathering in the kitchen with the people she loves most. **** Mary Belle is a wife, mom, author, new podcaster, and lover of food. Since graduating college from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management and then promptly never working in a hotel or restaurant afterwards (sorry Mom & Dad!) her career has spanned eight different industries. Since deciding to cross "write a book" off her bucket list, she's become an author of contemporary romance, soon to be women's fiction and children's books, and now the host of "Life Actually with Mary Belle." This show will inspire anyone to chase their dreams regardless of their circumstances, remind moms that life as we know it doesn't stop when we become parents, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good people and solid relationships, and a variety of other feel good topics in shorter bite sizable episodes. Learn more about Mary Belle and her books here: www.marybellebooks.com **** Podcast produced by Claudio Valenzuela of Cayivisions. https://www.cayivisions.com

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We all had an early vision of what our lives would look like…then life actually happened. From marriage to motherhood, career dreams, and everything in between, this is Life Actually with Mary Belle. It's real, it's relatable, and at times, really funny. You'll feel a little less alone and a little more seen, like you're hanging with one of your best friends.

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