Beyond the Cookie Cutter

Hosted by Mary Black

Business Entrepreneurship Kids Family Parenting Education

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Episodes

166

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Feeling stuck in a cookie cutter life? Struggling to inject order into schedule, children, work, and budget? No time for YOU and your UNIQUE needs? In this podcast, you will find insights from women who have – and are still living through many of the things that you are experiencing. They freely share wisdom and valuable lessons from years of experience. Mary Black shares her own lessons learned, along with outside interviews with beautiful, experienced women. Mary is an amazing communicator. She loves to teach naturally through stories that touch the heart. She helps women connect to the power of their own narrative to grow themselves and those they influence in joyful, inspiring ways.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 23, 2026Episode 911 min

Money Doesn't Change You—It Reveals You

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!Is building wealth selfish... or could it actually be one of the greatest ways to serve others?In this episode, Mary challenges some of the most common beliefs about money and explores a different perspective: wealth isn't about accumulating more for ourselves—it's about increasing our capacity to bless others.Together we'll explore powerful ideas like:Why character matters more than wealth.How money becomes "the hands" that allow love to act.Why generous people need resources.What it means to become someone who can be trusted with more.If you've ever felt guilty about wanting financial success, this conversation may change the way you think about money forever.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

July 16, 2026Episode 89 min

Generosity: Too Full to Hold It In

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!Mary reframes generosity as something you overflow with, not something you force. Through stories of a quiet morning of unexpected blessing and a 2am hotel mishap turned moment of connection, she unpacks a simple framework — Fill, Feel, Overflow — for letting genuine generosity flow naturally from a heart that's already full, rather than squeezed out of duty or guilt.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

July 9, 2026Episode 89 min

Gratitude: Seeing the Gift of Life through New Eyes

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this episode, I explore why gratitude is much more than saying "thank you." It's learning to recognize the gifts that are already all around us.I share my own personal experience of coming to appreciate the gift of life and the goodness of my wonderful mother. My perspective changed and I saw her - and myself - with new eyes.If you've ever wondered why grateful people seem to find more peace and joy in life, I hope you'll join me for this conversation. Together we'll discover that gratitude doesn't just change how we feel—it changes how we see the world.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

July 2, 2026Episode 77 min

Receiving: The Gift We Forget to Accept

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this episode, I explore something many women find surprisingly difficult—receiving.Why is it so much easier to give than to accept help, encouragement, or even a compliment? I share a personal story, and what I've been learning about how receiving can bless not only us, but the people who want to serve us.If you've ever said, "I'm fine," when you really needed help, this conversation is for you.Together we'll discover why learning to receive may be one of the most important steps toward stronger relationships, personal growth, and a life filled with greater hope.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

June 24, 2026Episode 613 min

You Were Never Meant to Do Life Alone

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this episode, I share what I’ve been learning about asking for help and why it can sometimes feel harder than it should.I talk about faith, learning to receive support, and how conversations with friends have helped me see things more clearly.I explore the idea that financial confidence and stability can often show up in other areas of life as well. And I share some thoughts about how children can exemplify a clarity that adults tend to forget.This is part of my journey of building a women’s network focused on growth, faith, and encouragement.If this resonates with you, I would love to connect with you. You can find the links below.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

March 31, 2026Episode 511 min

Who Are You Listening To?

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this episode, we take a closer look at the inner voice we listen to every day. So often, we can be our own harshest critics—speaking to ourselves in ways we would never speak to others. But what if becoming aware of that voice could help us grow?We explore how recognizing negative self-talk is the first step toward becoming a better, more compassionate version of yourself. By shifting your awareness, you can begin to replace criticism with encouragement and reinforce thoughts that build confidence instead of tearing it down.This episode offers simple, meaningful ways to practice positive thinking, speak to yourself with kindness, and choose a voice that uplifts rather than discourages—because the voice you listen to shapes the person you become.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

March 27, 2026Episode 412 min

More Than Perfect: Permission To Be You

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In a world that constantly pushes perfection, this episode is a reminder to slow down and recognize the progress you’ve already made. I talk about what it looks like to celebrate your successes—big and small—and truly notice how far you’ve come.Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in this conversation, I explore how to define it for yourself in a way that feels meaningful and true to who you are. You’ll be encouraged to practice self-compassion, reflect on your strengths, and even take time to write down what you’re doing well—because those things matter more than we often realize.I also dive into the importance of asking for help and letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly on your own.This episode is a gentle invitation to release perfection, embrace your growth, and step into a more honest, confident version of yourself—because you are already enough, just as you are. If you'd like to learn more, here are a few books I recommend:“The Gap and the Gain,” Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” Carol S. Dweck“The Gifts of Imperfection,” Brene’ Brown“Real Love,” Greg Baer, MD We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

March 19, 2026Episode 39 min

Permission To Serve

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In a world that often celebrates recognition and achievement, this episode is a gentle reminder that some of the most meaningful work happens quietly. This episode explores the idea that women are naturally gifted with a desire to care for and uplift others—and that this calling is something to embrace, not overlook.I talk about how service can be a powerful source of joy and purpose, even in the smallest, most unseen ways. From caring for those closest to you to seeking out simple opportunities in your community, service doesn’t have to be big or noticed to matter.This episode is an invitation to let go of pressure and perfection, and instead give what you can, where you are. Whether it’s through your time, talents, or presence, your ability to serve makes a real impact. When we choose to serve in the everyday moments, we create a life filled with purpose and quiet influence.Looking for ways to serve? Check out these organizations below if you would like to get involved:-https://www.justserve.org/ -https://www.icrc.org/en-https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html-https://www.idahokindness.com/We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

March 12, 2026Episode 29 min

Stronger Together: Women, Wealth & Wisdom

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this episode, we explore what it means to become an agent in every area of our lives, especially when it comes to money. Too often, women are taught to fear finances or feel limited by scarcity. But financial education can empower us to step out of the mindset of lack and into a place of confidence, stewardship, and freedom.I talk about how understanding money can help us break free from the pressure of constantly serving it, and instead learn how to use it as a tool to build the life we truly want. When women come together to share their knowledge, talents, and experiences, something powerful happens—we lift each other up.This episode is an invitation to join a community of women building women. A place where we learn together, support one another, and grow in wisdom so that we can live with greater agency, purpose, and financial confidence. Because when women share what they know and strengthen each other, we truly become stronger together.We love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary

February 20, 2026Episode 148 min

Bridging The Lead Rope: Healing Horses, Healing Ourselves

Send us a Text Message! We would love to hear from you!In this grounding and transformative episode, we sit down with Syd of Honor Equine at Springhill Community Ranch in beautiful Belgrade, Montana, to explore how horses help us reconnect with our intuition, release what’s keeping us stuck, and step into a more authentic way of living.Syd, an Equus Coach, Intuitive Medicine Practitioner, Master Facilitator, and intuitive horse listener, shares how these powerful retreats create space for clarity, healing, and realignment. Together, we talk about the wisdom of horses, the power of nature to reset the soul, and what becomes possible when we slow down enough to truly listen.This conversation is an invitation to breathe deeper, trust yourself again, and rediscover the life you were meant to create.You'll hear: Horses mirror our emotions and help us break through personal blocks. Stepping away from everyday noise can change your life. Learn to reconnect with your intuition in a grounded, practical way. If you’re ready to revitalize your life and immerse yourself in nature, learn more at:www.honorequine.comwww.springhillcommunityranch.comWe love hearing from you!Gathering Women of Hope Email: gatheringwomenofhope@gmail.comGathering Women of Hope Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4vs9IOhPodcast Email: marybcooks@gmail.comInstagram: @marybcooksHere's to your joy-filled life!-Mary