No Shrinking Violets
No Shrinking Violets
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores various themes centered around women's empowerment, mental health, and personal growth, covering topics such as invisible labor in the workplace, the complexities of autoimmune diseases, the importance of rest and renewal, and the concept of essential nature. Episode highlights include discussions on setting boundaries, navigating chronic illness, and drawing parallels between human and plant needs for fulfillment.
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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What if the real path to power isn’t armor, but undressing the layers that never belonged to you in the first place? Mary sits down with Nedjma Belaid—modern priestess, mentor, former pharmacist, and clinical hypnotherapist—to trace the journey from people pleasing and anxiety to a grounded, luminous self that doesn’t bend for approval. Their conversation pulls no punches: they name the “good girl” programming, the swing into rebel isolation, and the quiet cost of building a life around other people’s comfort.
Nejma shares how she stepped off the medication carousel and dove into psychology, NLP, hypnosis, and yogic philosophy to heal and then guide others. Together, we explore the Sacred Undressing Journey, a spiral path through four archetypes—Queen, Warrioress, Lover, Mystic—that helps women rebuild self-trust, express with composure, keep the heart open, and align with something larger than ego. Expect practical tools: noticing triggers without fusing to them, repairing after missteps, and choosing strategies that match your energy so your work feels congruent, not icky.
We also get personal about family, faith, and identity. How do you love and be loved when religion or culture diverge? How do you model humility and repair for your kids while staying rooted in your truth? Self-responsibility emerges as the secret sauce—attractive, stabilizing, and deeply freeing. If you’re tired of shrinking to fit a script, this conversation offers a map back to yourself, one gate at a time.
Loved this conversation? Follow and share with a friend who’s ready to stop dimming her light. If the episode helped you, leave a quick review and tell us which archetype you’re exploring next.
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