Everyone runs in a race, one person gets the prize… so run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24

About Us

Meet Mary Douglas

My Autobiography
 
Mary Delores Douglas was born on August 8, 1954, in Chicago, IL. I am the mother of four adult children and four grandchildren. My extensive education and training include a BA in Psychology, AACC Board Certified Christian Life Coach, and a Certificate in Biblical Counseling. Most of my career was dedicated to early childhood education, where I showed a commitment to nurturing and guiding children through their developmental stages. Though I was compassionate about this work, I still felt I was not truly walking in my purpose. After years of praying and seeking my purpose, I had a moment of clarity-a divine revelation that I was already living it out. This came through the trust and confidence people placed in me, seeking my advice and guidance.
I was sexually abused by a close family friend from the age of seven until God delivered me at the age of fifteen. This experience led me to have low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and various struggles and strongholds in my young adult life, including alcohol, drugs, and divorce. My story is one of unwavering faith, a deep-seated desire to help others, and the recognition that my purpose was not something to be found, but something I was already living. God didn’t just restore me-He gave me a passion to help other women find their way back to wholeness. To God be glory!

Your Time to Shine: Getting a Life That Lights You Up

It’s more than just “getting a life” – it’s about claiming your power, pursuing your passions, and radiating your authentic self.

Are you ready to stop waiting and start living? “Your Time to Shine” is the podcast for women who are ready to break free from stagnation, rediscover their purpose, and create a life that truly lights them up. Join our panel as we explore practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable insights to help you define what “getting a life” means for you. From career pivots and entrepreneurial ventures to cultivating fulfilling relationships and prioritizing self-care, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to step into your full potential and truly shine.

Who It’s For

This is for you, if you are feeling stuck, uninspired, or are simply looking for guidance and motivation to make significant positive changes in their lives. Whether you want to:

Key Episode Themes

  • Defining “Getting a Life”: What does it truly mean to you? Moving beyond societal expectations.
  • The Spark Within: Discovering Your Passions (Your Time to Shine Moment #1): Exercises and insights for identifying what truly excites you.
  • Breaking Free from the Rut: Actionable Steps to Get Started: Overcoming inertia and taking the first small steps.
  • Career Reinvention: When Your Job Isn’t Your Life: Exploring career pivots, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.
  • Nourishing Your Soul: Self-Care Beyond the Bubble Bath: Practical strategies for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
  • The Power of Connection: Building Relationships That Lift You Up: Friendships, partnerships, and community.
  • Money Matters: Financial Empowerment for Your Dream Life: Taking control of your finances to fuel your aspirations.
  • Your Inner Critic vs. Your Inner Champion: Cultivating Self-Belief (Your Time to Shine Moment #2): Overcoming self-doubt and embracing confidence.
  • The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries for a More Fulfilling Life: Protecting your time and energy.
  • Embracing Imperfection: Progress Over Perfection in Your Journey: The messy, beautiful reality of growth.
  • Finding Your Voice: Speaking Your Truth and Standing in Your Power: Authenticity and self-expression.
  • The Ripple Effect: How Your Shine Inspires Others: The impact of living a fulfilling life.
  • Guest Interviews: Feature women who have successfully “gotten a life” in various ways – entrepreneurs, artists, activists, wellness experts, etc.
  • Listener Spotlight: Share success stories and insights from the podcast community.

Unwrapped: Discover Your Gifts, Get to Know You

Go beyond what you do and discover who you are. It’s time to unwrap your unique talents, uncover your purpose, and truly get to know the brilliant person you’re meant to be.

Have you ever felt like there’s more to you than meets the eye? “Unwrapped” is the podcast for anyone ready to dive deep, peel back the layers, and discover the hidden talents, strengths, and passions that make them uniquely extraordinary. Join our panel as we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Each week, we’ll explore practical tools, insightful conversations, and inspiring stories to help you identify your innate gifts, understand your true motivations, and cultivate a life that genuinely reflects the real you. From uncovering dormant creativity to recognizing your natural leadership abilities, we’re here to help you get to know the most amazing person in your life.

Who It’s For

This is for you, if you are

Key Episode Themes

  • Beyond the Resume: What Are Your True Gifts? Moving past job titles to identify inherent strengths and natural inclinations.
  • Echoes from Childhood: Revisiting Early Passions and Talents: How revisiting past interests can reveal core gifts.
  • The Energy Map: What Lights You Up and Drains You? Understanding your natural energetic flow as a clue to your gifts.
  • Fear as a Compass: What Resists You Often Reveals What’s Important: How facing discomfort can point to areas of growth and untapped potential.
  • Your Unique Lens: How Your Perspective is a Superpower: Recognizing the value in your individual way of seeing the world.
  • The Power of Curiosity: Following Your “What Ifs” to Discovery: Nurturing curiosity as a path to uncovering new talents.
  • Feedback as a Mirror: What Others See in You (That You Might Miss): Learning to receive constructive feedback to illuminate your strengths.
  • Mindfulness & Self-Observation: The Art of Getting to Know You, Day by Day: Practical meditation and journaling techniques for deeper self-awareness.
  • Overcoming the “Shoulds”: Releasing Expectations to Embrace Authenticity: Letting go of external pressures to reveal your true self.
  • The Uncomfortable Zone: Stretching Your Comfort Zone to Uncover New Gifts: Embracing new experiences to reveal hidden talents.
  • Your Purpose Puzzle: Connecting Your Gifts to a Meaningful Life: How discovered gifts can lead to a deeper sense of purpose.
  • Guest Interviews: Feature therapists, life coaches, artists, innovators, or anyone who has successfully leveraged their unique gifts.
  • Gift Spotlight” Segment: Share listener stories of discovering and utilizing their gifts.

The Uphill & Downhill Climb: Your Support Group for Life's Rollercoaster

Life’s a journey, and sometimes it feels like an endless climb. We’re here to talk about the uphill battles, celebrate the downhill coasting, and remind you that you don’t have to go it alone.

Does it sometimes feel like everyone else has it figured out? “The Uphill & Downhill Climb” is the podcast that gets real about the messy, beautiful, and often challenging journey of being human. Each week, we dive into the ups and downs of life, from navigating difficult decisions and overcoming setbacks (uphill battles) to savoring moments of joy, progress, and peace (downhill coasting). This isn’t about perfectly polished stories; it’s about authentic conversations, shared experiences, and practical insights designed to make you feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re wrestling with a new challenge, celebrating a win, or just need a reminder that someone else understands, we’re your support group for whatever climb you’re on.

Who It’s For

Individuals seeking relatable stories, emotional support, and practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges and celebrating its triumphs. You might be dealing with:

Key Episode Themes

  • The Weight of the Uphill: Stories and strategies for pushing through difficult times.
  • Catching Your Breath: Moments of rest, recovery, and self-care during the climb.
  • The View from the Top: Celebrating achievements, big or small, after an uphill effort.
  • Coasting Comfortably: Embracing periods of ease, flow, and joy (the downhill).
  • When the Path Changes: Adapting to unexpected detours and new directions.
  • Finding Your Sherpa: The importance of mentors, therapists, and friends (your support group).
  • Building Your Backpack: Essential tools and resilience skills for any journey.
  • The Echo Chamber of “You”: Dealing with self-doubt and cultivating self-compassion.
  • Shared Summit: Real-life stories from listeners about their uphill challenges and downhill wins.
  • Navigating the Fog: When the path isn’t clear and you’re feeling lost.
  • The Power of Perspective: Reframing challenges and finding gratitude in every stage.
  • Guest Interviews: Individuals who have overcome significant challenges, therapists, coaches, or community leaders who offer support.

More Love: The Blended Family Journey

Navigating the unique highs and lows of blended family life with open hearts, real talk, and always more love.

Building a blended family is an incredible adventure, often filled with unexpected twists and turns. On “More Love: The Blended Family Journey,” we dive deep into the beautiful complexities, the challenging moments, and the profound joys of bringing two families together. Join our panel as we share candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories from real-life blended families. From mastering communication and managing expectations to celebrating milestones and finding your unique rhythm, we explore every facet of this dynamic life. This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving, learning, and discovering how to cultivate more love in every corner of your blended home.

Who It’s For

Parents and stepparents in blended families, those who are considering blending families, or anyone seeking understanding and connection.

Key Episode Themes

  • The “More Love” Mindset: Shifting perspective to embrace the abundance a blended family offers.
  • The First Blend: Early Joys & Jitters: Navigating the initial stages of bringing families together (the highs and initial lows).
  • Communicating Across the Divide: Strategies for co-parenting, stepparenting roles, and clear communication with all adults involved.
  • Children’s Perspectives: Their Highs & Their Lows: Understanding and supporting children of all ages through the transition.
  • Stepparent Superpowers: Celebrating the unique role and contributions of stepparents.
  • United Front: Building a Strong Couple Foundation: Prioritizing the couple’s relationship amidst the family dynamics.
  • Holiday Hurdles & Happy Traditions: Navigating special occasions, creating new traditions, and managing expectations (definitely some highs and lows here!).
  • The Ex-Factor: Managing Relationships with Former Partners: Strategies for respectful boundaries and communication.
  • Sibling Bonds: From Strangers to Super Sibs: Fostering relationships between stepsiblings.
  • Financial Fusions: Budgeting and Blending Finances: Practical discussions around shared expenses and financial planning.
  • Discipline & Consistency: Finding Your Family’s Flow: Establishing rules and boundaries that work for everyone.
  • The Unseen Wins: Celebrating Small Victories & Everyday Love: Acknowledging the quiet moments of connection and growth.
  • Guest Interviews: Feature blended family experts (therapists, authors), other blended families sharing their journeys, or even adult children from blended families.
  • Listener Spotlights: Share uplifting stories and questions from the “More Love” community.