No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women

Mary Rothwell

No Shrinking Violets is all about what it truly means for women to take up their space in the world – mind, body and spirit. Mary Rothwell, licensed therapist and certified integrative mental health practitioner, has seen women “stay small” and fit into the space in life that they have been conditioned to believe they deserve. Drawing on 35 years in the mental health field and from her perspective as a woman who was often told to "stay in your lane," Mary discusses how early experiences, society and sometimes our own limiting beliefs can convince us that living inside guardrails is the best -- or only -- option. She'll explore how to recognize our unique essential nature and how to use that to empower a new narrative.Through topics that span psychology, friendships, nature and even gut-brain health, Mary creates a space that is inspiring and authentic - where she celebrates the intuition and power of women who want to chart their own course and program their own GPS. Mary's topics will include sleep and supplements and nutrition and how to live like a plant. (Yes, you read that right - the example of plants is often the most insightful path to knowing what we truly need to feel fulfilled). She’ll talk about setting boundaries, communicating, and relationships, and explore mental health and wellness: trauma and resilience, how our food impacts our mood and the power of simple daily habits. And so much more! As a gardener, Mary knows that violets have been misjudged for centuries and are actually one of the most resilient and ecologically important plants in her native garden. Like violets, women are often underestimated, and they can even mistake their unique gifts for weaknesses. Join Mary to explore all the ways the vibrant and strong violet is an example for finding fulfillment in our own lives.

  1. Is Empathy Getting in the Way of Healthy Boundaries?

    2D AGO

    Is Empathy Getting in the Way of Healthy Boundaries?

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! Chasing the reason someone hurt you can feel productive, but it often turns into a maze that drains your energy and delays the one thing that actually helps: a clear boundary. I’m sharing a short, practical mindset shift for anyone who keeps replaying a painful interaction and asking “Why would they do that?” especially when the pattern isn’t new. We start with a quick update on my upcoming book launch party in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, including what we’ve planned and why registering matters. Then we move into the heart of the mini episode: boundaries are not about control or punishment, they’re about curating what you want to have in your life. When empathy takes over, we can ignore our instincts, tolerate chronic hurt, and accept behavior from close relationships that we would never accept from a stranger. I break down why “why” is a question therapists often avoid, and how it can trap you in mind-reading and rumination. Instead, I offer a more grounded approach: when behavior is truly unusual in an otherwise safe relationship, ask “what is happening?” But when the hurt is chronic, the motive won’t fix it. That’s the moment to expect the expected, decide what you will allow, and shift how you interact, whether that means a new limit, a new expectation, or stepping away for your own wellbeing. Sign up for my BOOK LAUNCH PARTY on May 12, 2026 in Lancaster, PA at THIS LINK Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    8 min
  2. How to be "Bad": Finding Your Authentic Voice Through Nature And Sass

    6D AGO

    How to be "Bad": Finding Your Authentic Voice Through Nature And Sass

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! Being “too much” is often just another way the world tells women to be smaller. Mary Rothwell sits down with author and writing teacher Amy Lou Jenkins to trace how a strong, sassy voice gets mislabeled as “bad” and how reclaiming that voice can become a turning point for identity, safety, and self-respect.  Amy shares vivid flashbulb moments from a volatile childhood, including an experience that forced her to choose self-protection over compliance. From there, we follow the thread that runs through her work: nature as a refuge and a teacher. We talk about what you learn when you slow down enough to observe real ecosystems, how diversity keeps systems alive, and why stepping away from constant social pressure can help you hear your authentic self again. Along the way, we connect resilience, trauma, boundaries, and the mental health benefits of nature to the creative act of turning lived experience into stories that matter. We also get honest about feminism, why the word triggers such a strong reaction, and how history still shapes modern life through remnants of coverture, the legal doctrine that treated women as property under a father or husband. The takeaway is practical and hopeful: using your voice is personal, relational, and political, and you don’t have to do it perfectly to do it meaningfully. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about women’s empowerment, authentic voice, nature-based wisdom, and the hidden structures that shape our lives, follow and share this episode with a friend. Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    50 min
  3. The Simple Shift that Increases Emotional Regulation

    APR 27

    The Simple Shift that Increases Emotional Regulation

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! Your mind can spin a thousand explanations in seconds, but your body just wants one clear answer: what are you feeling right now? In this mini No Shrinking Violets conversation, I share a deceptively simple technique that can reduce emotional pain and emotional confusion by changing the words you use when you’re upset. We dig into affect labeling, a research-backed concept from UCLA neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman. When you stop narrating the whole situation (“I’m failing” or “everything is falling apart”) and instead name the emotion (“I feel lonely” “I feel frightened”), you give your brain a clearer signal. That clarity helps de-escalate the amygdala, your internal smoke detector, and brings your prefrontal cortex online, the part that supports language, perspective, and emotion regulation. The goal isn’t to talk yourself out of feelings; it’s to understand them well enough to respond instead of react. I also talk about why “mad, sad, happy” isn’t enough, and how a richer emotional vocabulary can be empowering. We touch on Brene Brown’s Atlas of the Heart and the difference between sadness, grief, hopelessness, and despair, because intensity and nuance matter when you’re trying to care for yourself well. Plus, I share a quick out-loud practice you can use the next time anxiety feels vague or overwhelming. Register for my book launch party at https://maryrothwell.net/launchparty Mentioned in this episode: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    9 min
  4. Surviving Tragedy: How a Near Death Experience Changed Her Priorities

    APR 23

    Surviving Tragedy: How a Near Death Experience Changed Her Priorities

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! We talk with Pam Warren about how a single catastrophic day reshapes identity, priorities, and the meaning of a life well lived. We dig into trauma, chronic pain, PTSD, and the practical mindset shifts that help us stop shrinking and start choosing our response. • Pam’s account of the Paddington rail crash and the calm of survival mode • The “It Has Not Been Worth It” moment and the split between pre-crash and post-crash identity • Years of surgeries and recovery plus the delayed diagnosis of PTSD • Living with chronic pain and learning to stop fighting mental health episodes • How tailored therapy and coping strategies rebuild forward motion • Wearing the perspex mask for two years and becoming the Lady In The Mask • Humor as resilience without slipping into toxic positivity • Setting boundaries around news and focusing on what we can affect • Survivor organizing and campaigning that drives nationwide rail safety changes • Catching the slide back into the rat race and building a project-based life • Pam’s message to fall in love with change and find purpose through what you can do If you were moved or inspired by this episode, please forward to a friend. You can find Pam HERE https://www.pamwarren.co.uk/ Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    51 min
  5. Are You Loving Well?

    APR 20

    Are You Loving Well?

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! The easiest reaction to a stressful world is to pull back, close the shutters, and decide you’re done with people. We’ve felt that impulse too, especially when politics, headlines, and even everyday friction with neighbors can make connection feel impossible. This mini episode of No Shrinking Violets is a reset for anyone who wants more peace and belonging without checking out of real life. We start with a personal shift that makes the theme concrete: moving from a quiet, nature-filled home into a smaller city townhome with shared walls and nonstop sound. Instead of letting irritation turn into judgment, we explore a simple but powerful reframe that supports mental health and emotional resilience: what if the thing you’re labeling as “rude” is also someone trying to take up space in the only way they can? From there, we walk through five practices inspired by a piece on how to love better: love yourself (including your “dandelion” traits you keep trying to uproot), see the innocence in others, stay permeable instead of armored, learn to listen deeply, and build a “house of belonging” where connection actually nourishes you. Along the way, we use nature metaphors, real-life examples, and practical cues you can try today to reduce stress, soften conflict, and create healthier relationships. If you’re near central Pennsylvania, we also share details for the Nature Knows book launch party in Lancaster on May 12. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s been feeling disconnected, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    15 min
  6. Tiny Reframes For Positivity And Self-Acceptance

    APR 16

    Tiny Reframes For Positivity And Self-Acceptance

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! A lot of “positive quotes” sound good and vanish two hours later. We wanted something different: real stories that earn the takeaway, the kind you can carry into your day when you’re driving, cleaning the sink, or lying awake with your brain on repeat. That’s why I loved talking with Lorie Kleiner Eckert, author of Chai On Life, a book built from short slices of life paired with one-line lessons that actually stick. Lorie shares the flashbulb moment that changed her trajectory, divorce at 42, and how gratitude can coexist with heartbreak. We dig into the meaning of “chai” as life, why the number 18 matters, and how midlife reinvention happens one small decision at a time. From the “flawsome” idea of being awesome with flaws to the very human reality of belly fat and self-acceptance, Lorie keeps bringing it back to compassion over perfectionism. We also get practical about mental health. Lorie talks openly about therapy without stigma, cognitive behavioral therapy style reframes, and why “tiny steps” beat all-or-nothing motivation. We explore rest as legitimate self-care, why doomscrolling knots up your brain, and how journaling helps when your heart is trying to tell you the truth. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a negative loop, this conversation offers gentle tools you can try today. You can find Lorie HERE. https://www.loriekleinereckert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review. Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    49 min
  7. Getting Lost, Finding Belonging, and Living Authentically

    APR 9

    Getting Lost, Finding Belonging, and Living Authentically

    Thoughts or comments? Send us a text! Tracy Smith and I trace how a one-way ticket to Iceland opened a lifelong practice of choosing ourselves, building belonging from the inside out, and letting imperfect trips change more than itineraries. Tracy shares candid stories from panic in Reykjavik to deep friendships in Vietnam that redefined courage and connection. • learning to say yes to yourself without “reinvention” • fear, airports, and the pause that finds the right door • belonging as an inner practice, not sameness • solo travel, movement, and making conversation easier • Vietnam friendships that grew beyond the tour • modeling boundaries and choices for our kids • embracing messy trips and small first steps • book details, website, and Substack links • future plans: gorilla trekking in Uganda, dreams of Petra If you would like to help fund my caffeinated exploration and buy me a coffee, click the support the show link in the show notes and I will report back on what I find You can find Tracy HERE https://tracysmithauthor.com/ Support the show Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at NSVpodcast@gmail.com.  Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingviolets Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!

    51 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

No Shrinking Violets is all about what it truly means for women to take up their space in the world – mind, body and spirit. Mary Rothwell, licensed therapist and certified integrative mental health practitioner, has seen women “stay small” and fit into the space in life that they have been conditioned to believe they deserve. Drawing on 35 years in the mental health field and from her perspective as a woman who was often told to "stay in your lane," Mary discusses how early experiences, society and sometimes our own limiting beliefs can convince us that living inside guardrails is the best -- or only -- option. She'll explore how to recognize our unique essential nature and how to use that to empower a new narrative.Through topics that span psychology, friendships, nature and even gut-brain health, Mary creates a space that is inspiring and authentic - where she celebrates the intuition and power of women who want to chart their own course and program their own GPS. Mary's topics will include sleep and supplements and nutrition and how to live like a plant. (Yes, you read that right - the example of plants is often the most insightful path to knowing what we truly need to feel fulfilled). She’ll talk about setting boundaries, communicating, and relationships, and explore mental health and wellness: trauma and resilience, how our food impacts our mood and the power of simple daily habits. And so much more! As a gardener, Mary knows that violets have been misjudged for centuries and are actually one of the most resilient and ecologically important plants in her native garden. Like violets, women are often underestimated, and they can even mistake their unique gifts for weaknesses. Join Mary to explore all the ways the vibrant and strong violet is an example for finding fulfillment in our own lives.

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