The Mary Marantz Show

Do you find it difficult to engage in honest and meaningful discussions about hot topic issues? Do you long to find connection rather than division without necessarily having to see eye to eye? If you can relate, this episode is a must listen! In today's episode, Mary is joined by two fellow Yale Law Alums, and authors of the brand new book, Union: A Democrat, a Republican, and a Search for Common Ground - Jordan Blake and Christopher Hall. Union is a road narrative, a civics lesson, and an unforgettable window into one epic friendship that was built because of, not in spite of, political differences. Today, Jordan and Christopher open up to Mary today about their unlikely friendship, and their travel across America on a deeply personal journey through the heart of a divided nation to find growth, hope, and fundamental strength in the country they love. What follows is a three-year adventure story, across forty-four states and along 20,000 miles of road to find out exactly where the American experiment stands at the close of the second decade of the twenty-first century. After listening you will be encouraged to unite over connection rather than divide over differences; develop a willingness to listen rather than judge; and, share a desire to seek the answer to one of the most pressing questions of our time, "How far apart are we really?" If you are ready to hit the road with Jordan and Christopher in search of reasons to strengthen bonds in an era of strife and partisanship, you won't want to miss this episode! Snag your book here! https://www.amazon.com/Union-Democrat-Republican-Search-Common/dp/0316423793

Have you ever felt trapped in life? Like there is no way for you to be able to get from where you are now to where you aspire to be? If you can relate, then this episode is for you! Today, Mary is joined by dynamic American TV personality (known for her time on "The Bachelor" and "Married at First Sight"), registered nurse, entrepreneur, and TV host - Jamie Otis! Mary and Jamie are continuing the conversation they started on Jamie and her husband Doug's podcast, "Hot Marriage. Cool Parents", except this time the tables have turned and Jamie is telling her incredible story. On today's episode Jamie vulnerably opens up about her past. Moving from trailer to trailer as a child. Watching her mom go down the dark road of drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Being granted custody of her siblings just a teenager herself. And how she fought for more and broke the cycle. Jamie also shares about her time on "The Bachelor" followed by "Married At First Sight", and talks about her hilarious memoir, "Wifey 101: Everything I Got Wrong After Finding Mr. Right," where she recounts how she fumbled her way through the newlywed game and lived to tell the tale. After listening, you will be empowered to continue on no matter what obstacles you are facing, challenged to think about using your own story to help others, and encouraged that your dreams are in fact within reach. Her story is one of perseverance, determination, and staying the course in even the face of extreme adversity. Make sure to tune into this powerful episode! Follow Jamie here! https://www.instagram.com/jamienotis/

Are you tired of living in periods of 'waiting'? Are you ready for a breakthrough? If you long to feel known, loved, and equipped right where you are, then today's episode is for you! Today Mary is joined by podcaster, speaker, photographer, founder of The Refined Woman, and author of the upcoming book, Sexless in the City: Sometimes Sassy, Sometimes Painful, Always Honest Look at Dating, Desire, and Sex- Kat Harris. In her upcoming book, Kat shares her discovery of a renewed Biblical vision for sex, singleness, and relationships, and her transformation into an empowered woman of Faith equipped to navigate today's dating culture with vision, clarity, and freedom. In today's episode, Kat opens up about her unexpected, but meant-to-be journey from her work in the non-profit space, to becoming a New York Fashion Week photographer, to becoming an author. With real talk and straight wisdom, Kat and Mary both dig into their messy, sometimes painful, and always honest journey of discovering their purpose even in periods of waiting. After listening to this raw, vulnerable, and honest conversation, you will have an understanding of what it means to be a 'refined woman'; you'll be challenged to look at your 'waiting periods' through a different lens while learning how to support those 'in waiting' around you; and, you will gain an alternative perspective of 'success'. No matter what she is doing, Kat is inspiring and empowering women everywhere to realize the person they were always meant to be. If you are ready to navigate your season with confidence and freedom, make sure to tune into this empowering episode! Follow Kat here! https://www.instagram.com/therefinedwoman/

Have you become so caught up in life that your well-intentioned plans may have accidentally planned God right out of it all? If you can relate, this episode is here to remind you to slow down and ask God to use you. Today Mary is joined by her dear friend, Teresa Swanstrom Anderson, who is the author Beautifully Interrupted. Through Teresa's personal story you will be inspired to learn the importance of giving your plans back to God to allow Him to expand the borders of your life and heart. Teresa is also the author of three new Bible studies that just released including: Leading Wherever You Are, Saying Yes In The Darkness, and Living for What Really Matters. On today's episode, Mary and Teresa dig deeply into what it looks like to have a tendency to want to run towards what is safe, how we can accidentally get to a place of planning out our years to the point that we actually end up planning God right out, and why we should be asking God to reveal His biggest desires for us rather than tackling life on our own. After listening you will walk away encouraged to live through the 'in-between' times of waiting, be equipped to brave the storms of life with grace and faith, and embrace the life-changing perspective of seeking God's plans first and foremost. If you are ready to turn your life over to God and see where He leads, you won't want to miss this powerhouse of an episode! Snag Teresa's latest Bible studies here! https://www.teresaswanstromanderson.com/bible-studies

Are you facing a challenging time right now? Do you long to know that God is at work even in the midst of your struggle? If you can relate, today's episode will teach you how to see the big picture, even when it seems like there are pieces missing. On today's episode, Mary is joined by pastor, speaker, host of the Greater Story TV show AND podcast - Sam Collier. Sam is also the author of the brand new book, A Greater Story: My Rescue, Your Purpose, and Our Place in God's Plan. In this deeply personal yet remarkably universal book, Sam tells his inspiring story of abandonment, sacrifice, gratitude, and rescue, revealing how God is always doing something bigger and better than we might imagine. Today, Sam opens up about his story which begins with his biological mother giving him up for adoption, the obstacles and challenges he faced throughout his life, and how in spite of opposition that God would prove He was truly writing a story that Sam could have never written in his own strength. After listening you will be encouraged to forge on even in the face of rejection, understand what it looks like to lean into surrender and trust, and believe that God is writing a better story for us even when it goes against what we had originally planned, against what we thought we were being called to do, and against what we thought our gifts were to be used for. If you are ready for a powerful episode that offers a unique perspective to finding your purpose in an ever-changing culture, this episode is a must-listen! Snag Sam's book here! https://www.amazon.com/Greater-Story-Rescue-Purpose-Place/dp/1540901076/

Do you feel overwhelmed by life, the clutter in your home, and your never ending to-do list? Do you long to be more present in the moment and truly enjoy those around you? If you are ready to take a deep breath and find joy in the mundane, then this episode is for you! Today, Mary is joined by 'The Life Minimalist' and host of "The Purpose Show" podcast, Allie Casazza. With a message that is weaved together with faith and a little bit of sarcasm, Allie is known for helping women achieve intentional, simplified living! Allie coaches women to find realistic minimalism in life and in the home that actually helps you free yourself up without counting everything you own! And, Allie helps mamas go from "I'm counting the minutes til bedtime" to "I love this sweet little life of mine"! On today's episode, Allie candidly opens up about her overwhelming first years of motherhood where she battled heavy depression and the feeling of just barely scraping by in life in survival mode; why she began to simplify and remove the unnecessary things that were taking up all of her time; and how she discovered a light at the end of a seemingly very dark tunnel. After listening you will be encouraged to know that life (and in particular, motherhood) doesn't have to be so difficult all the time, you will be inspired to transform your life from cluttered to crystal clear and thriving, and you will learn how to have enough time in a day to accomplish everything you need to, while living abundantly! If you are ready to walk away lighter, more fulfilled, and equipped to be the best version of you - then this episode is a must-listen! Follow Allie on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/allie_thatsme/

Do you have a heart for service? Are you ready to make an impact? If you have been looking for an organization to get involved with, then this episode is for you. In today's episode, Mary chats with activist, writer, and speaker - Terence Lester. Terence is regarded as a thought leader in the realm of systemic poverty and is known nationwide for campaigns that bring awareness to issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. Founder of Love Beyond Walls and Love Sinks In, Terence lives by the motto that "service is a lifestyle, not an event". Today, Mary digs deep into Terence's book, I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People. Through his writing and service, Terence calls us to see the "invisible" people around us by becoming proximate with them. Rather than choosing not to see the realities around us, Terence shares his personal encounters and real-life stories to challenge Christians to become more informed about poverty and homelessness, and to see the poor as Jesus does. Mary and Terence also discuss his latest campaign, Love Sinks In, which brings portable hand washing stations (20,000 and counting) to the most high traffic homeless areas across our nation, during our global pandemic. The campaign has been featured by Coca Cola and Brawny. It's been on NPR and countless other media outlets. And in today's episode, Terence talks about how he created the movement just by starting, just by seeing the one; he opens up about his heart for people experiencing homelessness and for racial justice; and he discusses the power of becoming proximate with those who are often overlooked. After listening you will understand the importance of seeing people through God's eyes, how to help others restore their dignity and find their place to flourish; and the value of showing empathy towards others, no matter their circumstances. If you are ready to let love open your eyes, and discover how seeing leads to greater action, you will not want to miss beautiful conversation. Check out Terence's journey and his book! https://www.instagram.com/imterencelester/ Also be sure to head over to Love Beyond Walls https://www.instagram.com/lovebeyondwalls/

Do you feel misunderstood? Judged by others? Often this leads to a deep sense of hurt, shame, and loneliness. If you have a desire to be seen, heard, and understood, this episode is here to bring assurance that you are not alone. The longing for understanding and connection is a very basic, very innate need within us all! In this episode, Mary is joined by filmmaker and star of the internationally award winning film Hillbilly - Ashley York! Motivated by the desire to give voice to people who have been under-served, unheard, or misrepresented, Hillbilly introduces audiences to a nuanced, authentic Appalachia that is quite conscious of how it has been portrayed and the impacts of those portrayals. In today's episode, Ashley and Mary reflect on their own experiences of growing up in the Appalachian region, deconstruct mainstream representations, and address critical questions such as: Where did the hillbilly archetype come from and why has it endured on-screen for more than a hundred years? How does it relate to the exploitation of the land and people who live there? How do Appalachian and rural people view themselves as a result of these negative portrayals, and what is the impact on the rest of America? This is an eye opening episode that addresses our innate human desires while shining a spotlight on the region dear to Mary's and Ashley's heart. After listening, you will have a deep understanding of the rich history of Appalachia and where it's headed; how and why the media portrays the people of this region as two dimensional stereotypes; and why it is so important that we find the commonalities among ourselves while also celebrating our differences. If you are ready to broaden your knowledge, challenge your thinking, and examine the social and cultural underpinnings of stereotypes- you will not want to miss today's episode! There is so much to be learned from the incredible region and people of Appalachia. Check out Hillbilly the movie! http://hillbillymovie.com/

Are you listening to the lies in your head? The ones that sound like: "You are not enough", "God can't use you", "Nobody cares what you have to say". If you have ever found yourself wrestling with these lies from the enemy, this episode is here to help you move forward in your calling while leaning into faith, not fear! In this episode, Mary is joined by pastor, speaker, author, and founder of Jesus Culture - Banning Liebscher, as the two dive into his brand new book, The Three-Miles Walk: The Courage You Need to Live the Life God Wants For You. Drawing from the biblical story of Jonathan, who, after a treacherous three-mile hike, boldly stepped into battle and watched God work a stunning victory in the midst of impossible odds, The Three-Mile Walk offers fresh insight for answering your calling with a courageous "yes," and setting out on the journey of a lifetime. In this episode, Banning: Reveals the three key moves that will awaken your heart and propel you into a life of divine purpose, Dives into the frustration of sitting on the sidelines of life, and Talks about how Jesus has beckoned us out of passivity and into a high-stakes adventure with hearts fully alive and lives fully engaged. After listening, you will be encouraged to move forward in life, engaging in what God has called you to do; recognize the importance of immersing yourself in a community who speaks life over you; and, trust that no matter what disappointment you face along the way that God will give you the holy courage to walk out in faith. If you are ready to live out your God-sized dreams, lean into your calling, and have the faith to keep going when times get tough, this power-packed episode is a must-listen! Follow Banning at https://www.instagram.com/thebanning/ Snag his book https://www.amazon.com/Three-Mile-Walk-Courage-Need-Wants/dp/0310358485

Have you ever dreamed of changing the trajectory of your life for yourself and your family? Perhaps you long to provide a brighter future for your generations to come. If you are searching for ways to make this dream a reality, then this episode is a must-listen for you today! In this episode, Mary is joined by national bestselling author, speaker, financial expert and Ramsey personality - Anthony ONeal. Living by the motto "The choices you make today determine the caliber of your future," Anthony is passionate about helping others learn how to make smart decisions with their money, relationships, and education in order to live a well-balanced life. Reflecting on his own experience of being in debt and homeless by the age of 19, Anthony speaks candidly today about practical ways to pass on generational wealth and prevent grave regrets for your future self. Mary and Anthony also do a deep dive into a Yale University study about the wealth gap in our country, the root causes of this gap, and where we go from here. No matter your background or current situation, after listening to this episode you will be equipped with the knowledge to start building sustainable, generational wealth; challenged to consider and change your mindset; and encouraged to make smart decisions to live a full and balanced life. If you are ready to start building the kind of generational wealth that has the power to change things for lifetimes to come - make sure to tune into this power-packed episode! Follow Anthony at https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal/