Prologues - podcast cover

Prologues

My name is Mary and I’m the host of Prologues, a lifestyle podcast where each episode is like a digital journal entry detailing whatever it is I’m going through in life at the moment. I talk about my journey with mental health, relationships, wellness, beauty, personal development, and more, so join me every Monday morning for a reminder that we’re all still figuring out life for the first time, and you are still in the beginning of your personal story.
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Episodes

10 Conversations to Have Before Moving In Together

61. We've all seen the social media horror stories of fairytale romances turned sour because it turns out two people are incompatible living together - so what can you do before moving in with a partner to set your relationship and new living arrangement up for success? I moved in with my now-husband about three and a half years ago, and today's episode is about the 10 conversations we had beforehand to ensure our transition was as smooth as possible. I really credit these conversations with hel...

Aug 19, 202432 min

My Hierarchy of Needs for Intentional Self Care

60. Have you heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? You've probably seen the diagram - a pyramid table with basic level needs on the bottom (food, shelter, community) and growth-based needs on top (purpose, fulfillment, self-esteem). In my constant quest for finding The Point of it all, I decided to sit down and flesh out my own personalized hierarchy of needs, and today I'm sharing with you!

Aug 15, 202436 min

Mary and Clara Pass the Mic

59. Today's episode is special, because one of my best friends, miss Clara Peirce, is capping off her 11 day trip to visit me by coming on the pod. Two girls, one brain cell, and one microphone - this episode is a closer look into Clara's brain and into the side of me that giggles. I had so much fun recording and editing this episode, so we all need to tell Clara that she needs to come back on Prologues soon... WHERE TO FIND CLARA: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarapeirce/?hl=en - Tikt...

Aug 05, 202448 min

26 Thoughts for Turning 26

58. I recently rang in my 26th birthday, I'm having some big feelings....I have always looked forward to past birthdays because I've seen getting older as a pathway to more self confidence, growth, and knowing myself better. However, for whatever reason, this birthday has brought up a lot of conflicting feelings for me. I recorded this episode to serve as a sort of time capsule for the exact way I'm feeling in my life right now, because I know I will appreciate looking back on it when I turn 27....

Jul 29, 202444 min

What I Wish I Knew While Wedding Planning pt 2

57. Today we're finishing off the wedding reflections! WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Jul 22, 202431 min

Girl Talk pt 5: Academic Validation, Marriage & Breakups, The Best Underwear, Orgasms

56. The listener-favorite Girl Talk series is back for the fifth installment, and the Prologues girlies delivered when it came to write-in suggestions. *Is* it bad to need academic validation? Do I have to break up with my boyfriend if I know I don't want to marry him? And what is orgasming good for, anyway? Pop your headphones in for a cleaning session or long walk and dive in with the girls. My Substack: https://maryskinner1.substack.com Tampon crisis: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/11/nx-s1-5036...

Jul 15, 202443 min

7 Steps to Finding Your Personal Style

#55. I've been making outfit videos online for over 3 years, and in that time, my style has gone through multiple evolutions - I've had some outfits I love, and I've also had some fashion tragedies as well. Over the last year and a half or so, I really feel like I've found my authentic style and have curated a wardrobe I'm in love with. Today I'm breaking that process down into 7 simple steps so you can hone your style as well! WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.ski...

Jul 08, 202432 min

What I Wish I Knew While Wedding Planning

Entry #54. If you have planned or are currently planning a wedding, you probably know how stressful and confusing it can be. From managing the opinions of others to navigating traditions and expectations to feeling pressured to make the day as Instagram-worthy as possible, weddings have the potential to turn from a day of celebration to a day of anxiety. When I was in my fiance era, I felt a lot of shame around my wedding anxiety, so today I'm opening up that conversation in the hopes that it br...

Jul 01, 202438 min

The Post-Move Funk

#53. It is officially one month since I moved to Scotland, and although I didn't expect it all to be sunshine and roses, I've still been surprised at how emotionally difficult I've found the process of settling in to be. Today’s episode is definitely a journal entry, but I do also share my therapist-advised action plan for getting out of my funk. This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Use this link for a free sample pack with purchase of a drink mix powder: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner Info on LMNT's e...

Jun 24, 202439 min

I Moved to Scotland: Storytime

Entry #52. A few days ago I got a DM marveling at how smooth my international move was based off of the content I posted on IG and Youtube - dear reader, it was not. It was manageable, but I was STRESSED for a while there. Here's the story of my move to Scotland! This episode is sponsored by Bondi Boost. Code Mary20 gets you 20% off only on the Bondi Boost website, so here's any easy link: https://glnk.io/y3o81/mary [glnk.io] You can also find Bondi Boost at Ulta Beauty! 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH:...

Jun 10, 20241 hr 4 min

6 Productivity Tips for Low Energy Girls

Entry #50. For the people who can barely keep their eyes open every day, but still have important things to get done, here are 6 of my tried-and-true personal tips for maximizing productivity while struggling low energy (or mild-moderate depression). This episode is sponsored by Bondi Boost!! ♡ Use code MARY20 *only on the BB website* or stop by your local Ulta Beauty to pick up my holy grail products that encourage hair growth and health. My favorite is the HG shampoo, but I'm also a fan of the...

May 20, 202427 min

Hot Girl Summer Favorites | 2024 Fashion and Beauty Trends

Entry #49. I can't help it, I'm just a girl, and I love everything about tailoring my outfits, makeup, and products to a new season. Today I'm sharing my favorite products, trends, techniques, etc for hot girl summer 2024. Let me know yours! This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Use this link for a free sample pack with purchase of a drink mix powder: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner Info on LMNT's electrolyte ratios: https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/lmnts-electrolyte-ratios-explained/?utm_sourc...

May 15, 20241 hr 3 min

Girl Talk pt 4: Should You Have to Ask for Flowers? How to Make Friends in your 20s? How Long to Wait Before Getting Engaged?

Entry #48. Today we're tackling the age-old question that every single one of us has likely pondered.....do you like him? Or do you like the *idea* of him? In other words, girl talk is back! 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: thepro...

May 06, 202442 min

TTPD is My Deconstruction Album, I'm Drinking More Right Now?? And Tiktok Got Banned

Entry #47 - in which I fail to make a more upbeat, less depressing episode of this show lmao. Y'all, I KNOW some of you have been listening to TTPD and reliving religious trauma, so in this episode, I walk through a few of the most significant songs and lyrics to me. Also - I find I'm drinking a bit more than usual lately, which makes me want to re-evaluate again, and I'm also not sure if my drinking habits will change after I move? Finally, I share a few thoughts about the Tiktok news - what do...

Apr 29, 202457 min

Nutrition for PCOS, Caffeine on an Empty Stomach, & Blood Sugar Balance | with Registered Dietitian Taylor Grasso @simplyhealthyrd

Entry #46. Simply Balanced's Taylor Grasso is here to answer listener questions for a registered dietitian! I loved getting the chance to sit down and chat with Taylor, and I learned so much from this episode - like the importance of blood sugar balance, how to craft the perfect snack plate, and so much more. If you liked this episode, make sure to check out Taylor @simplyhealthyrd on Tiktok and Instagram, and listen to her podcast, Simply Balanced! This episode is sponsored by Bondi Boost. Use ...

Apr 22, 20241 hr 22 min

Am I Addicted to Social Media? My Story and Tips for Mindful Engagement

Entry #45. I know this might sound contradictory coming from an influencer and content creator, but I feel that social media addiction is a concerning problem in our current culture, and I believe strongly in learning how to practice healthy habits and mindful moderation when it comes to social media consumption. I've had an off and on struggle with social media addiction, and today I'm sharing my story and helpful (scary?) information I've found in various studies and articles online that perta...

Apr 15, 202456 min

I'm Not [Doing] Enough | Imposter Syndrome and the Feeling of Always Needing More

Entry #43. This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Use this link for a free sample pack with purchase: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner Info on LMNT's electrolyte ratios: https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/lmnts-electrolyte-ratios-explained/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hot&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T9u6Q8CYjjEuIunJzRsyu0tn6PXMzArSa5Grcs2jZTJRACkWJDKgqwaAjNAEALw_wcB&_gl=1*1mzzelx*_ga*NzM4NjkzNTgzLjE3MDgzNzgxODY.*_ga_BKZV7MVXM7*MTcwODg5MDg2OC4zLj...

Apr 01, 202453 min

AMA: Tiktok Ban, Fighting With Your Partner, Content Creation, Masseter Botox, Anxiety Management

Entry #41. ARTICLES MENTIONED Tiktok ban: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/16/tech/congress-privacy-tiktok-meta-social-network/index.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/technology/tiktok-ban-law-congress.html https://www.npr.org/2024/03/13/1237501725/house-vote-tiktok-ban https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53476117 Oil pulling: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602184/ Bilateral movement for anxiety: https://www.newpathwaystherapy.com/blog/emdr-therapy-and-trauma https://bayareacbtce...

Mar 18, 202452 minEp. 41

Religious and Relational Trauma, Healing, and Therapy Insights from Clinical Psychologist and Psychodynamic Therapist Dr. Shelby Reep

Entry #40. Today I am joined by psychodynamic therapist Dr. Shelby Reep for a vulnerable conversation about mental health, trauma, and healing. Dr. Reep has a doctorate in clinical psychology and uses a trauma-informed approach to work with patients on a variety of topics, including religious trauma. As someone who has dealt with severe religious trauma, I was moved and encouraged by our conversation, and I hope this episode reaches anyone who may need it. Around the one hour mark, we also discu...

Mar 11, 20241 hr 48 min

The Girls are Spring Cleaning

Entry #39. Today's episode is a fun debrief on what the Prologues girlies are spring cleaning out of their lives. I share about how I'm currently feeling an urge to take stock of my life and get rid of everything no longer serving me, and then we go through listener submissions to see what else just has to go. See you next Monday x 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...

Mar 04, 202439 min

Fostering Independence in a Relationship | Staying True to Your Sense of Self and Identity

Entry #38. When I was younger, I struggled with getting swept away and losing parts of myself in my relationships. Multiple times, I fell into codependent habits, which proved detrimental to my mental health and the health of the relationships overall. It also wasn't fair on the past partners - nobody can be *everything* to somebody else. This is something I've spent years working on in therapy and out, and I am now in a place where I feel strong in my sense of self - which is obviously somethin...

Feb 26, 202458 min

Maximizing Productivity and Mental Clarity with Journals, Planners, and Lists

37. At any given moment, I am within three feet of my journal or planner....but like actually. Journaling, planning, and list making are some of my favorite ways to order my thoughts, manage my productivity, regulate my emotions, and stay focused. I have been journaling and planning for years, so this week, I'm sharing my best tips and tricks for forming these new habits. See you next week x RESOURCES Foucault's Panopticon: https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/english/theory/newhistoricism/module...

Feb 19, 202447 minEp. 37

Emotional Burnout is OUT

Entry #36. Today's episode is particularly vulnerable, because I'm opening up about struggles I've had for months. I haven't been able to name it until now, but after a few recent sessions with my therapist, I've learned the name: emotional burnout. A result of steady stress over a long period of time, emotional burnout can happen to absolutely anyone, and it requires dedicated self care to heal from. I haven't started healing yet - I'm still in step one, which is realizing that I'm not okay. I ...

Feb 05, 202439 min

GIRL TALK pt 3 | Boyfriend Air, Gym Anxiety, Orgasms

Entry #35. No, you're not crazy for thinking your skin has gotten worse since getting a boyfriend. Girl Talk is back for a third round, and we're covering everything from feeling anxious in the gym to faking orgasms. Check out @theprologuespodcast on Instagram to hear from the group about topics like a best friend's husband admitting he was attracted to you, or whether you should delete old text threads from previous partners. See you next Monday x PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE ...

Jan 29, 202452 min

Reviewing 2024 Wellness Trends

Entry #34. See you next Monday x This episode is sponsored by LMNT. FREE SAMPLE PACK OF LMNT WITH PURCHASE: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner They also have a zero-questions-asked return policy! ARTICLES: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/still-feeling-good-the-us-wellness-market-continues-to-boom https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/#:~:text=Facilities%20offering%20sauna%20bathing%20often,%2C%20stress%20management%2C%20and%20relaxation PROLOGUES ME...

Jan 22, 202455 min

Loving Someone Through Depression

Entry #33. This is one of my favorite episodes to date. I have been living with mental illness (bipolar II + ocd) for almost half my life, and it's something that feels present in my closest relationships. I've also supported loved ones through their own difficult times of depression. Today on Prologues, I'm combining both sides of that experience to offer thoughts and advice on loving someone through depression - both loving someone going through depression, and being a good partner to someone ...

Jan 15, 202458 min

2024 INS & OUTS + start of year catch-up

Entry #32. *ins and outs start at 20:53* Welcome to the first episode of the new year! After a two week break for the holidays, I am excited to be back. I thought it was only right to kick 2024 off with a big life update session, since this year is going to bring a lot of change for me, and then we discussed everything that is IN and OUT for 2024. Let me know your ins and outs below or on the Prologues instagram! PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www...

Jan 08, 202458 min

My Healing End of Year Ritual + 2023 in Review

31. I can't believe this is the last episode for 2023. I've been going through an intense period of reflection and reckoning lately, so I thought it would be a good time to catch you up on some personal things I've gone through this year, as well as how I plan to process and move forward. I also look forward to my end of year ritual every year, because it's a time for me to take stock of my life and set intentions for the future. It's one of my favorite moments of the holiday season. I hope this...

Dec 18, 202347 minEp. 31
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