A personal solo episode where I (Mary) share my “small joys” i.e. little acts of self-care that have made a big difference. Each one has become a gentle anchor, a little nudge to remember who I am and what I need. And through them, I’m realizing how the act of keeping promises to myself—no matter how small—has become a declaration of self-worth.

You will hear about...

• 6 teeny tiny self-care practices that have made a big difference in my mental health
• the books I’ve been reading lately (including my unpopular opinion about The Women by Kristin Hannah)
• reflections on relationships and making new friends
• how to cultivate a positive mindset

At the core of this episode is the idea that keeping promises to yourself is a declaration of self-worth. Every time you follow through on taking care of yourself, you are signaling that you are WORTHY of the time, energy, money, and attention self-care demands.

Tune in for a gentle invitation to remember that your life is YOURS to shape, nurture, and enjoy. A positive mindset could be just a small step away.

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast

If you’re craving more conversations like this—about self-care, mental health, positive mindset, relationships, women's empowerment, and living in alignment with your authentic self—make sure to subscribe to this self-love podcast and leave a review. Your support helps this show reach more women and spread the gift of self-love.

Mentioned In This Episode...

• Hilary Hahn performing J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 4. Double (Presto)
• Ep. 243: How to Stay Hopeful, Joyful, and Soulful with Victoria Hutchins on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
• Ep. 234: Finding Myself in the Unlikeliest of Places (Cuba) on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Let’s talk about SEX, baby! Shan Boodram, a renowned sexologist and relationship educator, joins our self-love podcast to share powerful insights on how to feel sexy and confident in a long-term relationship. We explore the nuances of body-image insecurities and relationship dynamics, as Shan delivers her no-nonsense advice on how to feel sexy.

You will learn how to...

• navigate body-image insecurities in the bedroom
• bring up your sexual needs, wants, desires, and concerns without killing the vibe
• navigate dry spells in a long-term relationship
• channel your sex appeal and feel sexy in your skin
• how to handle mix matched desires
• reignite the “spark” in your relationship

Shan also answers some of the most common questions about sex and relationships, like:

• They say couples should have sex at least once a week. Is this true?
• Does scheduling sex kill the mood?
• Do men have a higher sex drive than women?
• If the spark is gone, does it mean the relationship is deteriorating?

Whether you’re committed, married, or want to be one day, this conversation is filled with female empowerment and relationship advice that will boost your confidence. Get ready to FEEL SEXY.

Remember: A healthy long-term relationship gives you the freedom to be yourself. And THAT is sexy.

Shan Boodram is an AASECT certified sex educator, an American Board of Sexology certified Sexologist, with a M.S. in psychology best known for her work on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and as the host of Lovers by Shan Podcast. She has mainstream coverage across all major media networks including: The Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, The Talk, The Real, and The View. Boodram hosted The Marriage Pact on The Roku Channel, Hung Up from Headspace Studios, Makeup or Breakup on Watch, Sexology with Shan Boodram on Quibi and she co-hosted Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen on Peacock. Boodram is a best-selling author of, “The Game Of Desire" (HarperCollins, '19) acclaimed by TIME, Apple, Glamour & Refinery29. She's written for Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, CBC, Playboy and InStyle. Shan is part owner of Arya - a subscription service for couples, she is also Bumble’s sex and relationship expert as well as a longstanding member of the National Coalition for Sexual Health. She recently released a class on MasterClass called The Art of Sex Appeal. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters and husband Jared Brady. In the realm of modern intimacy and relationship education, Shan Boodram is not just a leader; she is a pioneer, constantly pushing boundaries since 2009 and inspiring millions to explore, understand, and celebrate the power of intimate connections.

Follow Shan on Instagram @shanboodram

Learn more about Shan’s MasterClass here and her new jewelry line inspired by Kama Sutra

And if you're enjoying this self-love podcast, screenshot this episode and share it on social media!

Make sure to tag @maryspodcast and @shanboodram

Mentioned In This Podcast...

Taylor Tomlinson’s “Do It Like Craig” bit

What if a little bit of delusion might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence? As the kids these days say: “being delulu is the solulu!”

Mary shares 4 mindset shifts– that some might consider “delusional”– but will do wonders for your confidence.

You will learn how to...

- lie to yourself in an empowering way lol

- stop comparing yourself to others with one very simple mindset shift

- break free from external validation and derive your confidence from within

- balance self-trust with consistent, confident action-taking

- release perfectionism and believe in yourself

Especially for women, embracing a positive mindset is often the first rebellion against a world that profits off of our self-doubt. This isn’t about toxic positivity or lying to yourself in a way that’s avoidant. It’s about consciously choosing beliefs rooted in self-love that remind you that you are enough. Reclaim your self-esteem by choosing self-talk that inspires action and fuels your dreams, regardless of personal insecurities or cultural expectations.

Remember: Confidence doesn’t always have to be logical. It just has to set you free. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women!

Deepen your self-love journey with Mary’s books:

1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself.

2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are.

Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast

Mentioned In This Episode:

Ep. 212 How To Be Honest with Yourself

How Often Do People Lie? University of Wisconsin article

Ep. 246: The Breakup That Paved My Self-Love Journey

@alok on Instagram

Ep. 250: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman

Useful Not True by Derek Sivers