Unapologetically Wild With Mary Giordano podcast

27:37

10 women. Ages 27-69 One life-changing week. This isn’t a vacation recap - it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when women stop waiting, get on the plane, and say yes to the thing that scares the hell out of them. In this episode, you’ll hear directly from the women who came on my most recent Unapologetically Wild retreat in Bali. What they were afraid of, what almost kept them from coming, and how this experience cracked them open in ways they didn’t see coming. You’ll hear the truth, the self-doubt, the “what ifs,” the hesitation, and the moment everything shifted. Because this isn’t just about Bali. It’s about freedom. And what happens when you stop asking for permission and start choosing yourself, even if you're scared. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a trip like this or just want to feel like you’re not the only one who second-guesses herself… this one’s for you. 🔥 We cover: The most common fears women had before saying yes What made them book the trip anyway How strangers became chosen family The power of showing up scared Why this kind of transformation sticks 💻 Want to join the next trip? Spots for Banff National Park (Aug 8–13) are almost full. 👉 LEARN MORE HERE 💌 Be the first to hear about future trips + free resources: Fill out my 2 min trip survey -> HERE 👇 Let this episode be your sign. Because if these women can do it scared… so can you. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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19. Bend, Don't Break: The Freedom in Letting Go 14:07

11 днів тому14:07

14:07

Ever notice how the second life veers off script, your whole mood shifts with it? In this episode, I’m coming to you from Bali (yep, still pinching myself) with some real talk about expectations—how they quietly hijack your presence, mess with your energy, and keep you stuck chasing a version of life that doesn’t actually exist. I’ll share why some of the most powerful moments of my life happened because the plan fell apart—not in spite of it. And why letting go—of the timeline, the checklist, the need for it to be perfect—might just be the most freeing thing you do all year. We’re talking: What to do when your carefully laid plans fall apart How to bend without breaking (and why that’s real strength) The trap of rigid expectations and how they block joy My own behind-the-scenes fail before Bali (yep, I missed two podcast episodes—on purpose) This isn’t about giving up on your vision. It’s about trusting that the magic lives in how you meet the moment—not how well it follows the plan. Press play and let’s talk about what it really means to live wild, grounded, and free, no matter what life throws at you. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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18. You Can’t Talk To Yourself Like Sh*t & Expect To Rise 13:02

5 weeks тому13:02

13:02

If someone followed you around all day and talked to you the way you talk to you… Would you call them supportive? Or would you slap them? Because most of us wouldn’t let a stranger say half the sh*t we say to ourselves—and yet we let it slide when it’s coming from inside our own head. This episode is your wake-up call. We’re not sugarcoating it. We’re going all in on the damage of negative self-talk, where it actually comes from, and how to stop being your own worst enemy. You can’t talk to yourself like sh*t and expect to rise. It’s time to shift the voice—and become the one who’s got your own back. 🔥 Inside This Episode: Why your inner critic isn’t just annoying—it’s rewriting your story The sneaky ways we internalize shame, fear, and "be small" messaging A raw breakdown of how to actually shift your inner voice Steps to rebuild self-trust (and stop breaking promises to yourself) What Ted Lasso and trauma have in common (yep, we went there) 🎧 Whether you’ve been stuck in a shame spiral or just need a real conversation about mindset that doesn’t feel like toxic positivity, this episode is your sign. 🧠 Reflection Prompt: What’s one lie your inner critic keeps repeating— and what’s the truth you’re ready to believe instead? Say it. Write it. Let it land. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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17. F The Shoulds: What Got You Here Won't Set You Free 14:52

6 weeks тому14:52

14:52

We’ve all been handed a script for how life should look: Get married. Have the kids. Climb the ladder. Be grateful. Be good. And don’t rock the boat. But what if that script never fit you in the first place? In this episode, I’m calling out the quiet ways we abandon ourselves trying to meet expectations we never agreed to and what happens when we stop living for the “shoulds” and start living for what actually feels aligned. I’ll share the real reason I never followed the traditional path, what I might have missed out on if I had, and why questioning the status quo might just be the most honest thing you’ll ever do. This one is honest, direct, and a wake-up call if you’ve been living on autopilot. In this episode, we talk about: Why “should” is fear dressed up as logic How I avoided a life that looked good on paper but felt like a trap What happens when you start asking what you actually want One small way to start unlearning the shoulds today CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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16. What 5 Days In A Treehouse Showed Me 12:28

7 weeks тому12:28

12:28

Sometimes the most important thing you can do… is pause . In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a chapter that’s been anything but easy. After months of living in a low-grade state of survival - navigating Phoebe’s health, abandoning my routines, and feeling completely disconnected from myself, I finally stepped away. Five days in a luxury treehouse tucked into the Colorado mountains gave me the breathing room I didn’t even know I needed. This wasn’t a trip to “reset” or come back with a 20-step morning routine. It was a return to presence. To myself. To stillness. Inside this episode: Why even the tools you know work fall away in survival mode The cost of constantly being “on” - even for someone who teaches this work What burnout really looks like (hint: it’s not always obvious) How five quiet days in nature helped me shift back into my body and remember who I am What I’m rebuilding now, and how I’m doing it differently If you’ve felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like your world’s gotten small lately, this one’s for you. And, you don’t need a luxury treehouse in the mountains to feel like yourself again. But you do need space, whatever that looks like for you. If you are curious about where I stayed (because yeah, it was incredible), you can check it out HERE CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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15. Procrastination Isn’t a Quirk - It’s a Cage 20:00

8 weeks тому20:00

20:00

You keep thinking you’re just “bad at time management.” Or that you just need to get your sh*t together. It's not just a bad habit. Procrastination is the invisible cage you keep locking yourself inside while telling yourself you’re “just busy.” This episode isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about finally understanding what’s actually happening underneath the stall... and how to start breaking the cycle before it becomes your identity. Inside this episode: 🔥 Why procrastination isn’t laziness (and what it really signals) 🔥 How shame, chaos, and perfectionism wire you into self-sabotage 🔥 What to do when you know better… but still can’t move 🔥 How to shift the story you're living in without waiting for panic to push you You don’t need a better planner. You need to stop living like you have unlimited chances. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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14. Motivation is Bullsh*t - Stop Craving It 15:37

9 weeks тому15:37

15:37

You keep waiting for the spark. The fire. The feeling that finally makes it all click. But here’s the truth: Motivation isn’t the fuel, it’s the reward. And if you’re sitting around waiting to feel ready , you’ll stay stuck in the same cycle you keep saying you want to break. This episode is a callout and a reset. Because your problem isn’t laziness, inconsistency, or lack of discipline It’s your relationship with discomfort. Inside this episode: 🔥 Why motivation is unreliable (and what to chase instead) 🔥 The real reason you keep stalling on the things that matter 🔥 What to do when you “know better” but still don’t move 🔥 How to rewire your identity through small action (without needing a pep talk) It’s not about hustling harder. It’s about acting like someone who finally f*cking means it. Let’s go. 🛠️ Stuff I mentioned: • The visual productivity timer I’m using to shift my focus without my phone → GET IT HERE CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. Until next time... Stay Wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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13. If You’ve Ever Had a Soul Dog…This One’s for You 37:25

10 weeks тому37:25

37:25

This episode isn’t about morning routines, mindset shifts, or microshifts. It’s about my dog. My almost 14-year-old yellow lab, Phoebe. My trail companion, road trip partner, rock-diving enthusiast, and soul dog. And what happens when the one who’s always held space for you, suddenly needs you to hold space for them. In this personal and emotional episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s been going on behind the scenes these past few months. It’s a story I haven’t told until now. We’re talking terrifying respiratory episodes, multiple vet visits, near-death moments, a full workup at CSU, and the decision between two very different surgeries. But it’s also about listening to your gut. Pausing when you need to. And what it means to choose presence...especially when it’s inconvenient. 💬 In this episode, I share: 🐾 What laryngeal paralysis (Lar Par) is and how it affects senior dogs - especially Labs 🐾 Early warning signs I missed with my last lab, Zoe 🐾 The day Phoebe collapsed in the backyard and I thought it was the end 🐾 What made me stop working, traveling, and creating 🐾 How I chose between tie-back surgery and a silicone stent 🐾 Why this gave Phoebe a second chance and me a whole new perspective This one’s for the dog lovers. The caretakers. The ones who’ve hit pause not because they’re stuck, but because they’re showing up for what matters most. 🩺 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Lar Par Facebook Support Group Slow Water Bowl on Amazon Laryngeal Paralysis Supplement Package Respiratory Tonic Elk Velvet Antler This episode is real. It's raw. And it’s proof that sometimes the bravest thing you can do… is pause everything and then come back. 🎧 If this resonated, share it with a fellow dog mom, leave a review, or hit follow. Your support means everything. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (my weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If you enjoyed this episode: Post it to your stories and tag me @liveunapologeticallywild Let’s get this message out to more dog lovers! Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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12. Your Future Self Is Counting On You To Stop Playing Small 12:42

11 weeks тому12:42

12:42

You know that version of you you keep saying you want to become? She’s not waiting for perfect. She’s counting on you to stop playing small... now. In this raw, no-BS episode, we’re digging into the sneaky ways we hold ourselves back - not with massive failures, but with quiet avoidance, scrolling, self-doubt, and delay. Because here’s the truth: Every time you choose comfort over courage, you abandon the future you. If you’ve ever said: ✨ “I just need to figure it out first…” ✨ “I’ll go all in when things settle down…” ✨ “I know I’m capable of more, I just don’t know where to start…” This episode is your wake-up call. 🎯 In this episode, we’ll cover: What playing small actually looks like (it’s not always obvious) The hidden cost of shrinking back—and what it’s really stealing from you How to get clear on how you want to feel, not just what you want What it means to embody your future self now (without overhauling your life) One powerful mindset shift that will help you stop waiting and start moving CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (my weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode shook something loose in you, share it with a friend. Post it to your stories and tag me @liveunapologeticallywild Let’s get this message to more women who are ready to live wide awake. Until next time... Stay wild ⛰️💫🌵…

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11. Why Worrying Is A Waste Of Your Time And What To Do Instead 16:35

12 weeks тому16:35

16:35

How much time have you lost spiraling over things that haven’t even happened? Worry feels like it’s helping, but the truth is, it’s just keeping you stuck in survival mode. In this episode of Unapologetically Wild , we’re calling out worry for what it really is: 🛑 An illusion of control. 🛑 A pattern that robs you of peace. 🛑 A habit that paralyzes instead of prepares. I’ll share a personal story that brought this home for me (yep, it involves camping, my bank account, and a tattoo on my ribs), plus I’ll walk you through powerful microshifts you can use the next time your brain starts spinning. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why worry feels productive, but actually burns you out The sneaky way worry convinces you you’re “being responsible” A powerful mindset shift I learned from my parents (that changed my life) The difference between preparation and mental chaos A simple tool to interrupt the worry spiral and ground your energy How to identify what worry is really trying to tell you What to do when you can’t control the outcome—and how to reclaim your power anyway My favorite microshifts to shift from fear to action 📝 This episode is for you if… You constantly feel anxious about things that might happen You overthink, overanalyze, and spiral in “what ifs” You’re mentally exhausted and just want some damn peace You’re ready to stop letting fear run the show 💡 This Week’s Challenge: The Worry Journal I’ll guide you through a super simple practice to track your worry, interrupt the loop, and create space for aligned action (or presence) instead. Because your energy is sacred. And your future self doesn’t have time for this loop. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Bali 5/25 & Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. 🔥 Stay wild…

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10. You’re Already Consistent - And I’m About to Prove It To You 16:22

13 weeks тому16:22

16:22

First, let’s take a moment to celebrate hitting 10 episodes! 🎉 Thank you for tuning in, sharing, and showing up for this podcast, I couldn’t do it without you. Think you’re struggling with consistency? Let me flip that belief on its head because you’re already consistent… just not in the way you think. In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about consistency, why you’re not actually “inconsistent,” and how the habits you repeat every day, whether helpful or not, are shaping your identity and your outcomes. We’ll also talk about the concept of casting votes for your identity, something inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, and how misdirected consistency might be keeping you stuck without you even realizing it. If you’ve ever said: “I just need to be more consistent with working out.” “I wish I could eat healthy and stick with it.” “If I could just stay consistent, everything would finally fall into place…” This one’s for you. Because your problem isn’t consistency—it’s where your consistency is showing up. 🎧 In this episode: Why you’re more consistent than you think What “misdirected consistency” is and how it shows up in your daily life The identity loop you’re reinforcing (without realizing it) Why motivation is total BS and why systems matter more A shoutout to Atomic Habits and the “casting votes” concept One small mindset shift to help you redirect your consistency toward what actually matters 📘 Referenced in this episode Atomic Habits by James Clear – jamesclear.com/atomic-habits CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Bali 5/25 & Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. 🔥 Stay wild…

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9. Why You’ll Never “Find” Your Purpose - And Why That’s a Good Thing 23:13

14 weeks тому23:13

23:13

How many times have you told yourself you just need to find your purpose - like it’s some missing puzzle piece waiting to be discovered? What if I told you that’s the very thing keeping you stuck? In this episode of Unapologetically Wild , we’re flipping the script on everything you’ve been taught about purpose. Because the truth is, purpose isn’t something you find . It’s something you create . If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind, waiting for clarity, or stuck in the figuring it out phase, this episode will change the way you think about purpose forever. By the end, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why the pressure to “find” your purpose keeps you stuck ✔️ How to stop overthinking and start moving toward a meaningful life ✔️ The small, daily choices that actually create a sense of purpose ✔️ Why waiting for the “right time” is keeping you from living fully ✔️ The simple shifts that will help you align your life with what matters to you 📍 Ready to take action? Join me in Bali for a life-changing adventure designed to help you step out of your day-to-day routine and into something bigger. The deadline to register is April 1st! CLICK HERE to learn more and let’s make it happen. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Bali 5/25 & Banff 8/25 Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. 🔥 Stay wild…

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8. Lessons From The Wild: What Nature Taught Me About Trust, Confidence, & Fear 21:18

15 weeks тому21:18

21:18

If there’s one thing the outdoors has taught me, it’s that real confidence doesn’t come from knowing—it comes from doing. We spend so much time trying to prepare. We read the books, we listen to the podcasts, we Google ourselves into oblivion—convincing ourselves that if we just gather enough information, we’ll finally feel ready. But here’s the truth: you don’t build confidence by thinking about it—you build it by stepping into the unknown and proving to yourself, over and over, that you can handle it. Mother Nature doesn’t wait for you to feel ready. She throws you into the moment and forces you to trust yourself. And that’s why she has been my greatest teacher. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🌿 Why trust isn’t something you start with—it’s something you build 🔥 How fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s proof you’re growing 🚐 The time I pushed my RV (and myself) to the limit 💡 The biggest lesson that changed the way I see my own capability Because the biggest lessons in life? They don’t come from books or waiting until you feel ready. They come from experience. From stepping into adventure, into the wild, and into the unknown. Ready to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone? If you’ve been craving adventure—the kind that challenges you, expands you, and reminds you exactly what you're capable of—this is your sign to say YES. 🌴 Bali (May 22-29): Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, deep connection, and the kind of experiences that awaken something deep inside you. Deadline to register April 1, 2025! 🏔 Banff (August 8-13): A rugged, awe-inspiring adventure that will push you beyond what you thought possible - and leave you stronger for it. 📍 Join the adventure: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/mary-5cma2 Spots are limited—if you feel the pull, don’t ignore it. 💫 CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and let’s bring more women into this wild, unapologetic space. 🔥 Stay wild…

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7. Stop Apologizing - Here’s Why (And What to Say Instead) 21:33

16 weeks тому21:33

21:33

If “I’m sorry” is practically your default response, this episode is for you. Women have been conditioned to shrink themselves—to soften their words, cushion their presence, and apologize for simply existing. But every unnecessary “I’m sorry” chips away at your confidence and reinforces the belief that you should be the one adjusting. In today’s episode, we’re diving into: 🔥 Why over-apologizing is more than just politeness—it’s conditioning 🔥 A Costco moment that made me really see how often women do this 🔥 How apologizing too much impacts your confidence, career, and relationships 🔥 The simple language shifts that help you stop saying “I’m sorry” (when you don’t need to) If you’ve ever caught yourself apologizing for no reason, this is your wake-up call. What You’ll Learn ✅ Why women over-apologize (and how to break the habit) ✅ The sneaky ways we shrink ourselves without realizing it ✅ Easy swaps to replace “I’m sorry” with confidence and clarity ✅ A simple challenge to help you retrain your brain How to Stop Over-Apologizing 1️⃣ Notice when you say it – Just pay attention. No need to change it yet. 2️⃣ Ask yourself if it’s necessary – Are you actually in the wrong, or just filling space? 3️⃣ Swap it out – Try: 🔹 “Sorry I’m late” ➡️ “Thanks for waiting.” 🔹 “Sorry to bother you” ➡️ “Do you have a moment?” 🔹 “Sorry for the mistake” ➡️ “I appreciate your patience.” Your Challenge 📌 For one day, track how often you say “I’m sorry.” 📌 Swap it out when it’s unnecessary. 📌 Notice how it changes the way you feel. Because you were never too much—you were just taught to believe you were. CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to UA Wild Chronicles (weekly newsletter) Check out my Women's Group Trips Connect with me on Instagram Follow me on Substack Subscribe to my Spotify Playlist 🎧 If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot, tag me, and let me know your biggest takeaway! And if you’re loving the podcast, leave a review -it helps so much!…

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6. The One Habit That Changed My Life (And It’s Not What You Expect) 24:19

17 weeks тому24:19