

No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women
No Shrinking Violets is all about what it truly means for women to take up their space in the world – mind, body and spirit. Mary Rothwell, licensed therapist and certified integrative mental health practitioner, has seen women “stay small” and fit into the space in life that they have been conditioned to believe they deserve. Drawing on 35 years in the mental health field and from her perspective as a woman who was often told to "stay in your lane," Mary discusses how early experiences, society and sometimes our own limiting beliefs can convince us that living inside guardrails is the best -- or only -- option. She'll explore how to recognize our unique essential nature and how to use that to empower a new narrative.Through topics that span psychology, friendships, nature and even gut-brain health, Mary creates a space that is inspiring and authentic - where she celebrates the intuition and power of women who want to chart their own course and program their own GPS.
Mary's topics will include sleep and supplements and nutrition and how to live like a plant. (Yes, you read that right - the example of plants is often the most insightful path to knowing what we truly need to feel fulfilled). She’ll talk about setting boundaries, communicating, and relationships, and explore mental health and wellness: trauma and resilience, how our food impacts our mood and the power of simple daily habits. And so much more!
As a gardener, Mary knows that violets have been misjudged for centuries and are actually one of the most resilient and ecologically important plants in her native garden. Like violets, women are often underestimated, and they can even mistake their unique gifts for weaknesses. Join Mary to explore all the ways the vibrant and strong violet is an example for finding fulfillment in our own lives.
Contributors

Guests
.jpg)
Amita Sharma
Amita is the co-founder of NourishDoc, a holistic wellness platform dedicated to empowering women through every stage of their hormonal transition—from PMS to perimenopause and beyond. She has pioneered a culturally sensitive, accessible, and innovative self-care app designed to support women with evidence-based, integrative wellness solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Guest appearance on:

Amy Stone
Amy Stone is an author, coach, and creator of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, where she champions adults navigating life's rich complexities. Through her engaging interview-style podcast and vibrant online community, she empowers individuals to embrace non-linear life journeys and continuous personal growth. She’s a mom, a stepmom and a seven-time Ironman finisher who bakes sourdough bread. Amy combines lived experience with practical guidance to foster authentic personal development.
.jpg)
Amy Vincze
Amy Vincze has been a dedicated professional in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years. As a certified Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, Colon Hydrotherapist, Reiki Master, and Tapping Coach, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Since earning her certification as a Tapping Coach 16 years ago, Amy has witnessed profound transformations—both in her own life and in the lives of her clients. She has even used tapping to heal herself from painful, chronic medical conditions. As the founder of the Soar with Tapping App, Amy is on a mission to make the life-changing benefits of tapping accessible to people everywhere. She firmly believes that tapping is one of the most powerful and transformative healing tools available today.
.jpg)
Andrea McGinty
Andrea McGinty is a true pioneer in the world of dating and relationships. As the founder of It’s Just Lunch and 33000Dates.com, Andrea has helped millions of singles navigate the often-tricky waters of modern dating. She sold It's Just Lunch to private equity when her company had 110 locations world-wide, as she knew the best way to meet people was online, with guidance. With over 30 years of experience, and over 10,000 marriages, she’s been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, The New York Times, and more, sharing her unique insights into finding love at every stage of life.
Now, Andrea is on a mission to empower singles over 50 with practical, no-nonsense advice for building meaningful connections in their second act. Whether you’re diving back into the dating pool or just curious about what’s changed, Andrea is here to guide the way.
She just released her new book 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50 in January, 2025.
Guest appearance on:

Bella DePaulo, PhD
Bella DePaulo, PhD, has always been single and always will be. The Atlantic calls her “America’s foremost thinker and writer on the single experience.” Her TEDx Talk, “What no one ever told you about people who are single,” has been viewed more than 1.7million times. She is the author of Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life, as well as other titles; has written the column "Living Single" for Psychology Today since 2008; and has been published by the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time, and other outlets, and been interviewed on shows including The Today Show, CNN American Morning, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, Anderson Cooper 360, and Hardball with Chris Matthews. Dr. DePaulo has a BA from Vassar College and a PhD from Harvard University. She is currently an academic affiliate in the Dept of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the Univ of California, Santa Barbara. She lives in Summerland, CA
Guest appearance on:

Carli May
Carli is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh where she majors in Psychology. In the fall, she will be attending Columbia University to embark upon her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She loves traveling, and she took the opportunity to study abroad in Cyprus last spring where she had the amazing opportunity to visit 8 countries. She has been a swimmer since she was 7 years old, and she loves to read (when she’s done with her academic papers haha). Finally, she is a huge Taylor Swift fan.
Guest appearance on:
Dr Christine Nowik
Dr. Christine Nowik has 25 years of leadership experience across non-profit and higher ed and has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Administration with a focus on power in organizational change. She has served as an organizational consultant to help organizations plan and execute effective change.
Guest appearance on:

Dr. Elizabeth Franze
Liz is a standout sex counselor with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami and a BS in kinesiology from Temple. She has worked as a Physical Therapist for over 10 years and has completed additional training in sex counseling and in pelvic rehabilitation and care. While excelling in orthopedic care and post operative recovery, Liz's true passion lies in pelvic health dysfunction. She has supported clients dealing with diverse challenges from prostate cancer and pregnancy related issues to urinary or fecal incontinence and pelvic pain during intimacy. Beyond treatment, Liz is deeply committed to sexual health education. Her holistic approach combines personalized care and education, supporting individuals to confidently embrace their well-being and to lead fulfilling lives beyond the professional.
Guest appearance on:

Dr. Kelly Weaber
Kelly has degrees in community health and student affairs, and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. She is a wife, a 2-time boy mom who successfully co-parents with their father (and her ex-husband), a dog mom, a caring and capable advocate for young people and – yet again – a student. As the youngest kid in her family – born after 3 other girls – she learned early how to stand her ground, as well as realizing the unique love and bonds shared by females. On the flip side, she is a nearly failed skier who ultimately became a skier par excellence, a baker and sourdough adventurer, an enviable sleeper, a reader, and a rare true friend made later in life. Oh, and she has an enviable pin collection and she hugs like she means it.
Guest appearance on:

Dr. Robin Buckley
Dr. Robin Buckley earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Hofstra University, with specialized training in cognitive behavioral methodology and executive coaching. Her work as an expert in the field has been featured on multiple media platforms, including Entrepreneur, Chief, Authority Magazine, Nike, and on the 2023 TED stage. As an international speaker, Robin focuses on the application of cognitive behavioral strategies to mental wellness in the workplace and women’s equity and empowerment. As a coach, Robin applies cognitive behavioral tactics to help organizations, couples, and individuals create strategic plans for professional and personal success.
Guest appearance on:
.jpg)
Eve Hall
Eve is a Licensed Physical Therapist who treats conditions regarding Sexual Health. She is also a Certified Health Coach who is on a mission to destigmatize conversations about sex and sexual health! Eve is the Host of a podcast called (said in a sexy voice) Please Me! where she covers all sorts of topics related to sexuality such as Safe Sex, Kink and Fetish, Orgasms, Big Clit Energy, Relationship Options and so much more! She is the creator of the growing Orgasm Revolution where she aims to bring awareness to the orgasm gap, and close women's orgasm gap one person at a time with education, awareness and communication.
.jpg)
Harmony Kwiker, LPC
Harmony Kwiker (kw-eye-ker), MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, is a psychotherapist, author, and visiting instructor at Naropa University where she teaches mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling. She is the founder of the Institute for Spiritual Alignment where she offers ongoing learning opportunities for therapists who are committed to awakening. Her first book, Reveal: Embody the True Self Beyond Trauma and Conditioning, is a vulnerable self-help memoir, and her second book, Align: Living and Loving from the True Self , and her third book, The Awakened Therapist: Spirituality, Consciousness, and Subtle Energy in Gestalt Therapy, is a text book.
Guest appearance on:
.jpg)
Heather Carey
Heather is a nutritionist and healthy eating cooking instructor who shows women how to love their midlife through ditching diet mentality and making peace with food. Becoming empowered in the kitchen and knowing the essential habits to lose weight and feel your best are what have led her hundreds of clients to healthy success.
Heather sees women 1-1 for private coaching, group workshops, and interactive cooking lessons, and she also teaches healthy online cooking classes and wellness webinars to corporations. Heather is also the host of the Real Food Stories podcast.

Jane Snyder, CRNP
Jane is a board certified Family Nurse Pracitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience and has dedicated the last 10 years to bring integrative and functional medicine into the primary care arena. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Millersville Univ and Master’s degree in Nursing from Widener Univ.
Jane completed an Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the Univ of Arizona Ctr for Integrative Medicine under Dr Andrew Weil and has advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Her clinical approach blends conventional care with holistic strategies to get to the root of illness, support healing, and promote long-term wellness.
In 2024, Jane co-founded MiddleWay Wellness, a Direct Primary Care practice in Lancaster Pennsylvania that is a revolutionary healthcare model, fostering a more personalized relationship with their patients that emphasizes prevention and wellness through Integrative and Functional Medicine.
Guest appearance on:

.jpg)
Julie Van Elswyk
Julie Van Elswyk is a Worthiness and Law of Attraction Coach who has guided hundreds of women to rewire self-ridicule into deep inner support and lasting confidence, helping them create lives that feel peaceful, aligned, and fulfilling.
Guest appearance on:

Karen Jones
Karen recently retired after 30 years as a therapist in various settings, including higher education, where she worked with young adults, a population that is close to my heart. Not ready to stop working entirely, she founded Mindfulness and Motion, LLC, where she uses mindfulness-based interventions to help others set intentions for, and achieve, optimal mental and physical well-being.
In her free time, Karen is passionate about travel and being outside in nature. She enjoys bicycling on trails or on the road with a local cycling club, as well as hiking and kayaking in state parks in her home state, Pennsylvania, USA.
Guest appearance on:

Kasey Lee
Kasey has degrees in Communications, English Literature and Language, and Leadership for Teaching and Learning. She is a PhD Candidate and ABD in Administration and Leadership Studies.
She was born and raised in Marietta, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, AJ, her dog, Ollie, and her cat, Daisy.
Kasey is Director of Training and Development for the City of Chicago. She and her team provide training and development support for all 32,000+ City of Chicago employees.
Fun facts:
She is a consummate baker and cake decorator, she loves women's sports and opera. A relative newbie to the world of women's sports, which she embraced when she moved to Chicago in 2021, she sees it as a source of solace as we witness the rolling back of many women’s rights and freedoms here and around the world.
Guest appearance on:


Marieke Nissly James
Guest appearance on:

Mary Ellen Francescani, CRNP
Mary Ellen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to integrative, functional, and evidence-based medicine. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Human Development and Nursing from the University of Vermont and Johns Hopkins University, and a master’s degree in Nursing from Millersville University.
She has practiced in a wide range of settings—from ICU nursing to primary care and integrative clinics—and has worked globally in roles such as Peace Corps Medical Officer and international health consultant in Nepal. With a background in research, education, and hands-on patient care, Mary Ellen offers a whole-person approach grounded in both clinical science and compassion.
Guest appearance on:

Melissa Crook
Melissa Crook is working to normalize conversations for women surrounding self-care, emotional health, boundaries, and embracing all of our beautiful and complex layers. She recognizes the barriers that women face, particularly our sisters in other marginalized communities. She's working to create a safe space for everyone and host open conversations to support, learn, and grow. She is host of the FEEL Podcast is for women who are looking for a supportive and authentic space to go on this journey together.
Guest appearance on:

Mindy Knaub, M.S, LPC
Guest appearance on:

Nicole Sommer Wahby
Nicole Sommer Wahby is a passionate and creative event planner and decorator with a flair for transforming ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for celebrations, she brings visions to life through thoughtful design and seamless coordination. Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a grand celebration, staging a home, office, or rental property. Having worked in Ireland, Germany, and various States of the USA on creating moments that leave lasting impressions, her enthusiasm, professionalism, and personal touch make her a trusted partner for clients looking to turn their special occasions and spaces into cherished vibes and memorable affairs.
Guest appearance on:
.jpg)
Sandy Joy Weston
Sandy Joy Weston M.Ed is a keynote speaker, international podcaster, 3x published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies over 30 years. Early in her career she became the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and spent many years as a media personality and as Philadelphia NBC10's Fitness Expert. She created the nationally recognized Philly Street Line Dance to help combat Philly’s “fattest city” label. For the past five years, Sandy has been focusing on SJW Productions, an international company whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. She does this through her international podcasts, her books, Train Your Head & Your Body Will Follow, My 30-Day Reset Journal and her programs and workshops. Sandy’s mission is to spread pure joy and inspire others to see their true power.
.jpg)
Susan Snow
On Halloween night in 1985, Susan Williams' (Snow) life changed forever when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was ambushed and killed. Her compelling story of Susan's and family's loss and the road to recovery from trauma provides hope and practical guidance for others who have been touched by violence and loss. Susan reclaimed her life, learned to manage PTSD, and found a path to vulnerability with courage, loss without victimhood, and love with forgiveness.
.jpg)
Teresa Rosario-Hernandez
Teresa is a proud single mom of two fabulous kids. She is a juggling pro, balancing multiple jobs while raising her mini-me’s and holding onto her sanity—well, most days!
An original Nuyorican who knows a thing or two about overcoming relationship rollercoasters and a questionable Millennial upbringing, Teresa loves to dive deep into engaging conversations that span every topic under the sun on her podcast, Prosecco Queen. Whether it’s books, music, or the chaos of everyday life, she is always ready to learn, teach, and inspire.
Guest appearance on:
.jpg)
Tigrilla Gardenia
Tigrilla Gardenia, B.M. M.S., Nature-Inspired Mentor, Certified Life Coach (ICF PCC), and World Ambassador for Plant Advocacy, empowers creative multipotentialites and nature-inspired professionals to confidently live authentic, purpose-driven lives in collaboration with the plant world.
A citizen of Damanhur—one of the world’s largest spiritual eco-communities—Tigrilla’s journey into plant wisdom began with a life-changing encounter with a musical plant. She is a Gaia Featured Expert, Kabbalist, instructor of Damanhur MeditAction, international speaker, and founder of the Naturally Conscious Community®, an online ecosystem for alternative thinkers and creatives seeking accelerated evolution with otherkin.
As host of the podcast ReConnect with Plant Wisdom, Tigrilla shares ancient and modern knowledge from biology to spirituality exploring the wonderous ways plants help you lead a naturally conscious life.