Bloom Your Mind

Marie McDonald
  • 4.9 (91)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We all think and talk about what we’ll do someday, but what if that someday could start right now? If there’s a change you want to make in yourself, in your life, or an idea that you have that you want to make real … this podcast is for you. After 20 years leading and coaching innovators, Certified Coach Marie McDonald is breaking down how great change-makers think so you can do what they do and take your ideas out of your head and into the world where they belong. We’ll teach you how to stop trying to get other people to like you and your ideas, and how to be your own biggest fan instead. You’ll learn how to ditch the drama and have fun with failure, to stop taking things personally, and to get out of anxiety and into decisive action when you don’t even know how or what you’re doing yet. Marie has used this work to go from bar tender to Vice President, to create the family of her dreams, and to start a multiple six-figure business from scratch within eight months. Whether you want to change a relationship, a habit, write a book or start a movement, it starts here on The Bloom Your Mind Podcast. Find me on Instagram @the.bloom.coach to get a daily mind-bloom, and join my weekly list. See you inside!

  1. Ep 168: Reverse Aging

    23H AGO

    Ep 168: Reverse Aging

    At some point in life, many of us quietly stop imagining. We make the big decisions—where we live, what we do for work, whether we partner or have kids—and then without realizing it… we start maintaining instead of creating. We stop setting bold goals.  We stop asking who we want to become next.  We stop imagining what’s possible. In this episode, we flip that pattern. We talk about reverse aging—a way of thinking about your life where instead of your most exciting, expansive, alive years being behind you… they are still ahead. Where your future is more interesting than your past.  Where you are still becoming. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How we unconsciously “lock in” our identity after making major life decisionsWhy stagnation happens when we stop imagining new possibilitiesThe concept of reverse aging—living as if your best days are still aheadHow “being ridiculous at first” helps suspend disbelief and unlock creativityWhy blue sky thinking is essential for innovation in your life (not just business)How to re-engage your imagination to create a more expansive futureQuestions and lenses to ask about the future to open up possibility Five areas to reimagine with the lens of the best days still to come Let yourself be ridiculous at first. When you let yourself imagine again—without limits, without immediate realism—you reconnect with possibility. And from that place, everything opens up. So this week, ask yourself:  What would my life look like if I were reverse aging? And then let yourself begin. How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    20 min
  2. Ep 167: Do Less Be More

    MAR 27

    Ep 167: Do Less Be More

    Ever notice how sometimes, when you have the smallest margins and the most to do in a small period of time…for some reason that seems to be exactly when the tire is flat, the dog gets out, or you start getting that tickle in the back of your throat?  It was one of those weeks for me; with two back to back speaking events separated by a red eye flight, when I got really sick, for the first time in years. I didn’t have time to prepare the way I normally would. I had to re-think what was most important and how to pull it all off in a way that honored the people who were counting on me. And what happened next surprised me. Less preparation, and more presence can be a really, really good thing.  For so many of the women I coach, we’ve been socialized to believe that we need to do more, serve more, prepare more; provide more value. But what if we’ve been over-relying on doing… at the expense of being? What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why so many of us over-prepare, overwork, and over-function as a way to prove our valueHow the gender gap shows up in our belief we need to do more The hidden belief that “I have to do more to be enough”—and how it shows up in work, leadership, and lifeHow over-preparing can actually block presence, connection, and impactHow our capacity increases when we understand our value is our mind, our presence and whatever we bring in the momentHow releasing pressure allows you to be more open, responsive, and powerful in the momentHow to understand your yellow zones, and make a goal to increase your comfort with doing less How increasing your self-trust ripples out into every area of your lifeWhat if your value is already inherent—because you exist? When you start from that place, you show up more open, more grounded, more connected, more present to what’s actually happening - and ironically, that’s when your best work comes through. You are valuable because you’re you. Not because of how much you do. Not because of how well you perform. Not because of how prepared you are. When you release the need to prove, you unlock a different kind of power and capacity. A more grounded power. A more connected presence. A more magnetic way of moving through the world…and way more fun. So this week, experiment with doing a little less… And being a whole lot more. How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    14 min
  3. Ep 166: Five Mindset Hacks That Bloom Your Love

    MAR 20

    Ep 166: Five Mindset Hacks That Bloom Your Love

    If you’ve ever thought that focusing on the good in your relationship is “cheating” or “fooling yourself,” this episode is your reset. Because the truth is: this is exactly what the most successful, long-lasting, deeply fulfilling relationships are built on. In this episode, we dive into five powerful (and yes, a little sassy) mindset shifts that will help you become the spark in your relationship. The one who brings the energy, the connection, the playfulness, and the depth—on purpose. Because love isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create with how you think. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why focusing on what’s working in your relationship is backed by research—and not delusion How your thoughts shape what you see, feel, and create in loveWhy the most successful couples actively choose beliefs that strengthen their bondHow to use mindset as a tool to increase connection, attraction, and appreciationFive specific, practical mindset hacks you can apply immediately to transform your relationshipHow research supports the effort we put into mindset as the highest yielding investment we can make in our relationship. These five mindset shifts are simple—but they are not small. They change what you notice.  They change how you feel.  They change how you show up.  And that changes everything in your relationship. You don’t need your partner to change first.  You get to lead. And when you do, love expands. That’s what I’ve got for you this week. 💛 How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    18 min
  4. Ep 165: Imposter Syndrome

    MAR 13

    Ep 165: Imposter Syndrome

    We’ve all felt some version of it at some moment in our lives; some more than others. Often, the people who experience it most intensely are the people you would least expect. Imposter syndrome can come for leaders. Founders. Experts. High-achievers who are objectively doing incredible work. And yet privately they’re thinking things like: I don’t belong here.They might see through me.I don’t know enough.I’m not at the caliber of the people around me.I’m not okay with this, but I can’t say it out loud. In this episode, I share a different way of understanding imposter syndrome based on both psychological research and years of coaching leaders and entrepreneurs. Because over time I began noticing something fascinating: almost every time someone experiences imposter syndrome, something is being hidden. Not because they’re a fraud—but because there’s a thought, doubt, disagreement, lack of preparation, or truth they don’t feel safe expressing. When we understand that, imposter syndrome stops being something to “fix” and becomes a signal we can listen to. In this episode, I share a personal story of experiencing imposter syndrome while leading a company-wide meeting, moments where I stepped into new roles I hadn’t fully embodied yet, and what I’ve learned from supporting clients through this same experience. We explore how imposter syndrome works psychologically, why it shows up so often in high-achieving people, and how to work with it in a way that leads to more authenticity, confidence, and growth. What you’ll learn in this episode:  • What imposter syndrome actually is and why it often shows up in high achievers  • The common thoughts that create the feeling of being an imposter  • My core observation: imposter syndrome often appears when we’re hiding something or being inauthentic  • How the brain’s threat detection system contributes to these feelings  • Why stepping into new roles or identities can trigger imposter syndrome  • How environments and power dynamics can amplify imposter feelings  • The difference between self-doubt that needs coaching and signals that something in your environment needs to change  • Why authenticity is one of the most powerful antidotes to imposter syndrome We’ll close with three ways to work through imposter syndrome, so that you can own your own voice, your space, your ideas, and sometimes- ask for backup to help you do that. Because imposter syndrome isn’t proof that you don’t belong. Often it’s a sign that: • You’re growing into something new  • Something in the environment needs to shift  • Or there’s a truth inside you that wants to be expressed The antidote isn’t perfection. It’s authenticity. Showing up honestly, owning what you know, owning what you’re still learning, and saying the unseen out loud when it doesn’t feel quite right, allows us to step through impostor syndrome and keep stepping forward with all of our moxie.  How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    23 min
  5. Ep 164: Compassionate Observer

    MAR 6

    Ep 164: Compassionate Observer

    What does it really mean to become the compassionate observer of your own mind? In this episode, we explore the practice of stepping back and watching your thinking instead of becoming consumed by it. Because here’s the truth most of us forget: you are not your thoughts, and you are not your feelings. But when we first begin noticing our thinking, many of us run into a new problem. We judge it. We see a thought and immediately think, Nope. That’s a bad thought. I can’t think that. I can’t be the kind of person who thinks that. So we push it down. We do the same with feelings like resentment, anger, or jealousy. We shove them underground. And when we do that, those thoughts and feelings don’t go away—they just move into the subconscious where they start running the show. So today we talk about a different approach: learning to observe your thoughts and emotions with curiosity instead of judgment, so they feel safe enough to reveal themselves. Because when we can truly see what’s happening in our minds, that’s when real change becomes possible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What it means to become the compassionate observer of your thoughts and emotionsWhy suppressing thoughts and feelings actually gives them more power over youThe “watch the thinker” practice and how it helps you separate yourself from your thoughtsWhy the subconscious “elephant” always wins when we try to control ourselves through judgmentHow creating safety and compassion toward your own mind allows hidden patterns to surfaceReal examples of how compassionate observation reveals patterns like over-responsibility, fawning responses, or shrinking in moments of leadershipWhy curiosity—not criticism—is the key to seeing what’s actually holding you backHow practicing compassion with yourself naturally increases compassion for othersWhy releasing self-judgment makes you more confident, more present, and more magnetic in your relationshipsWhen we practice compassionate observation, something surprising happens. We stop judging ourselves—and when that happens, we stop assuming everyone else is judging us too. Instead of walking into a room wondering “Do they like me?” we walk in thinking “There you are.” We become more present. More open. More connected. And ironically, that’s when confidence and magnetism start to grow. All of this begins with one simple practice: watching your mind with compassion. So today, your job is simple. Notice your thoughts. Don’t judge them—just acknowledge them. Let your emotions move through you. And from that place of awareness, choose the thoughts that move you toward the life you want. Little by little, that’s how your moxie grows. How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    23 min
  6. Ep 163: Dream Work Partnerships

    FEB 20

    Ep 163: Dream Work Partnerships

    In this episode, I interview Maggie Roach Black in a live conversation about the partnership Maggie and I have built over 18 years of working together. We talk about what makes a work partnership not just functional — but dream-level aligned. The kind of partnership that makes better work, deeper impact, and a lot more joy possible. This is an inside look at how we think, how we collaborate, how we navigate challenges, and how we’ve stayed each other’s primary thought partner and creative partner for almost two decades. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The traits and values we find make deeply compatible work partnersHow we manage our minds to get the best out of ourselves and each otherHow we navigate challenges without damaging trust or momentumWhy we’ve been able to sustain a primary work partnership with each other for nearly 20 yearsHow meetings on the beach, working dinners and laughing about EVERYTHING keeps us strongerWhy joy, partnership, and collaboration directly translate into stronger outcomes and better workHow we create deep organizational impact by helping leaders and teams access their bestest bestHow we help mission-driven organizations build cultures where humans actually thriveThe next big idea we’re building together — including retreats in ParisThis conversation is really about what becomes possible when you build work relationships rooted in trust, growth, shared values, and hilariousness.  When partnership is aligned, work gets better.  Impact gets bigger.  And the experience of building something meaningful becomes a whole lot more fun. Maggie Roach Black Maggie is an executive coach, mom of three wild daughters, holder of multiple degrees from Stanford University, and co-founder of Bloom Leadership. She loves spending her days coaching individuals, training managers and leaders, and helping all kinds of people get unstuck (along with volunteering at her kids’ schools and Girl Scout troops). Her career experience includes leading a scaling business, building processes for staffing and decentralized culture at scale, strategic planning, managing functional teams of managers for people at all levels, and working directly with teachers and kids. She thrives on helping individuals and teams to set the right goals, and believes every work experience can be fun. How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    35 min
  7. Ep 162: Stay in Your Model

    FEB 13

    Ep 162: Stay in Your Model

    Today we’re revisiting one of the most powerful frameworks I teach: the Regenerative Thought Model — and then taking it one step further into real-life application inside relationships, leadership, and everyday human interactions. At its core, the model is simple: There are factual circumstances in the world.  We observe them (ideally from a compassionate, grounded space).  Our thoughts about those circumstances create our feelings.  Our feelings drive our behavior.  Our behavior creates our results. And then the sneaky part:  Our results almost always appear to prove our original thought true.  Our brain says, “See? I knew it.”  And confirmation bias strengthens that thought, those neural pathways, and that belief system over time — keeping us locked in familiar patterns. Here’s the next layer most people don’t realize: You are always inside a thought model.  All day long.  And so is everyone else. The problems start when we accidentally jump into someone else’s model without realizing it. This happens when someone says something, does something, or gives off body language or energy — and suddenly we stop relating to our own thoughts and feelings and start trying to interpret, validate, or live inside their perspective instead. Then we start asking:  “Is their perspective right?”  “Is my perspective wrong?”  “Should I feel differently?” But thoughts are not objectively true or false.  They are subjective interpretations. When we forget that, we create confusion, emotional whiplash, and disconnection from ourselves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: A clear refresher on the Regenerative Thought Model and how it shapes every result in your lifeWhy you are always inside a thought model — and how other people are tooHow and why we accidentally jump into someone else’s modelThe four main reasons this happens:Momentarily forgetting that thoughts are subjectiveOur deep wiring for belonging and not wanting to be excludedOur brain’s threat detection system over-focusing on potential negativesMirror neurons making emotional states contagiousHow to recognize when you’ve stepped out of your model (sudden emotional shifts, confusion, disorientation, self-doubt)Why staying in your model doesn’t mean ignoring other people — it means staying grounded while gathering dataA simple 4-step process to:Notice when you may be in someone else’s modelSeparate their perspective from yours Reconnect with your own grounded thinking and emotional stateTake in useful information from their experience without abandoning yourselfWhen you learn to stay in your model, you stop getting emotionally knocked over by other people’s storms. You can be present, empathetic, and connected — while still staying anchored in yourself. If you want support practicing this in real time: Bloom Room — foundational thought and emotional skill building Moxie Mastermind — high-level application while building real-world ideas, leadership, and impact How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    27 min
  8. Ep 161: Thinking Yourself Into Better Relationships

    JAN 30

    Ep 161: Thinking Yourself Into Better Relationships

    Relationships are not actually about other people. They are about the thoughts we think about other people. And that is incredible news. Because it means that even when another person doesn’t change, even when circumstances don’t shift, even when history is complicated… you still have agency. You can change the entire emotional climate of a relationship by changing the way you think, feel, and show up inside of it. In this episode, we explore why it only takes one person in a relationship shifting their inner world to transform the dynamic between two people. And we walk through exactly how that works at the level of thoughts, emotions, nervous system, behavior, and connection. You’ll learn why: Thoughts create our body language, tone, and the emotional safety or distance in our relationshipsHow all of that becomes contagious in relationshipWe break down how negative thought loops become self-fulfilling propheciesHow those thoughts quietly shape our body language and the other person’s subconscious response to usHow thoughts gather more evidence that looks like them. How people who believe they are liked tend to be more likableCouples who believe their relationship is special tend to create relationships that actually areTake responsibility for your side of the streetPractical tools for cleaning up our side of the street in relationships, so that we have have more love, connection and joyRelationships are everything, and you have far more power in them than you were ever taught. How to connect with Marie: On the Web | The Local BloomInstagram: @the.bloom.coachAll Things Marie on LinkTreeJOIN THE BLOOM ROOM! We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
91 Ratings

About

We all think and talk about what we’ll do someday, but what if that someday could start right now? If there’s a change you want to make in yourself, in your life, or an idea that you have that you want to make real … this podcast is for you. After 20 years leading and coaching innovators, Certified Coach Marie McDonald is breaking down how great change-makers think so you can do what they do and take your ideas out of your head and into the world where they belong. We’ll teach you how to stop trying to get other people to like you and your ideas, and how to be your own biggest fan instead. You’ll learn how to ditch the drama and have fun with failure, to stop taking things personally, and to get out of anxiety and into decisive action when you don’t even know how or what you’re doing yet. Marie has used this work to go from bar tender to Vice President, to create the family of her dreams, and to start a multiple six-figure business from scratch within eight months. Whether you want to change a relationship, a habit, write a book or start a movement, it starts here on The Bloom Your Mind Podcast. Find me on Instagram @the.bloom.coach to get a daily mind-bloom, and join my weekly list. See you inside!

Information

  • Creator
    Marie McDonald
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bloom Your Mind
  • Show Website
    Bloom Your Mind

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