Best Uncustomary Podcasts (2026)

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The Best, Most Unexpected Way To Set Goals This Year: A 4-Step Thought Experiment About Time, Priorities, and Real Life 18:06

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8h ago18:06

18:06

What if you planned the year assuming time was real? In this episode, I share a simple 4-step thought experiment I’m using instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions. It’s not about quitting your life, chasing a fantasy, or “making the most of every second.” It’s about clarity. The question is simple: What if you only had a year left to live, BU…

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9 Steps + 25 Ways to Wrap Up Your Year and Make New Year’s Eve Feel Fun Again 22:29

16d ago22:29

22:29

This is a video episode on YouTube and it's much more engaging if you watch it! Watch here: https://youtu.be/huFtLFVhb_E The days between December 26th and New Year’s Eve can feel oddly empty. 📅 You’re off schedule. Time feels fake. ⏰ 🫠 And suddenly you’re supposed to reflect on an entire year and magically feel excited about the next one. In this …

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Why Beige Self-Help Never Worked for Me: When the Advice Is Fine but the Room Feels Wrong 11:47

23d ago11:47

11:47

I don’t think most self-help is wrong. I DO think a lot of it is beige. In this episode, I talk about why so much well-intended personal growth advice never landed for me. Not because the tools were bad. Not because I didn’t try hard enough. But because the rooms they lived in never felt safe for my nervous system, my personality, or my way of bein…

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Tiny Billboards of Joy: Jessica Watson & The Have A Nice Day Project 1:35:15

29d ago1:35:15

1:35:15

In this heartwarming, quietly rebellious episode of The Merriment Making Podcast, Mary sits down with Baltimore-based creative director and community connector Jessica Watson, the mind and heart behind the beloved Have A Nice Day Project. For more than a decade, Jess has invited Baltimoreans to gather around long tables, pick up markers, and write …

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How To Do Solo Dates (AND Do Joy Missions!) 14:35

2M ago14:35

14:35

Ever treated yourself the way you wish someone else would? In this episode, I talk about SOLO DATES and show you exactly HOW to do them. PLUS a new fun way to incorporate joy missions into them! Whether you’re craving deeper self-connection, want to romanticize your Tuesday again, or are simply looking for a playful push to get out of autopilot, th…

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How To Have Fun While You Wait: Why Liminal Spaces Feel Scary 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

Stuck in a DMV line? Sitting in a quiet waiting room? Driving home after something ends? This episode helps you find joy in the in-between. We name why waiting (and liminal spaces) feels scary, tell real stories (medical tests, money stress, weird Tuesdays), and share tiny acts that make dull moments feel alive. You’ll get simple tools: a “doorway …

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When Good Things Feel Scary: You’re Allowed to Enjoy It Anyway 10:54

3M ago10:54

10:54

Why do good things feel so terrifying sometimes? Why does joy make us hold our breath instead of exhaling? In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet, sneaky ways we brace for the end before the ending ever comes. Let's talk about how betrayal, scarcity, control, and anticipatory grief all trace back to fear and lack of trust, and how pre-griev…

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Life Update: October 2025 51:48

3M ago51:48

51:48

It's that time of year! An unedited honest ramble of what's been going on in my life and my take on the new Taylor Swift album.By Uncustomary

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Peppercorns Of Pleasure: 33 Good Things 5:05

4M ago5:05

5:05

Peppercorns of Pleasure is a quick-hit tasting menu of 33 delight bites. Strange, sweet, and ridiculous moments that made me smile for no reason at all. Think bald heads in party hats, bears admiring the view, or the cozy click of adjusting your leggings just right. These aren’t grand gestures of happiness, they’re micro-merriments, proof that joy …

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How to See Beauty When You’re Mad at the World 27:08

4M ago27:08

27:08

Part pep talk, part rebellion, very practical. If the world feels loud and gross and you can’t make yourself care, this one’s for you. We talk about practical optimism (realistic, not “everything’s fine”), how to move from disenchanted → enchanted in small steps, and what to try on days when feeling good feels out of reach. You’ll get nervous-syste…

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The Skeleton Under My Joy: A Memoir of What It Took To Be This Loud About Love 34:24

4M ago34:24

34:24

Happiness wasn’t handed to me. I built it on top of addiction, silence, and skeletons that still rattle when I celebrate. In this solo confessional, I name the cost: seven years of ketamine and dissociation, bloody letters on windshields when I didn’t know how to speak, recurring dreams (the tiger in the pit, the cords, the flat clock) that wired m…

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11K Acts Of Joy in 365 Days: Can We Do It 16:18

5M ago16:18

16:18

I’m sharing the wild plan to complete 11,111 acts of kindness in under a year — and how you can be part of it from wherever you are. We’ll talk about joy as a movement, the surprising ripple effect of one small act, and I’ll even do a live act during this class. 🎁 Bonuses waiting in the Positive Pulse (free to join): 50 Places To Leave Guerrilla Ar…

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The Existential Option: Why Meaning Is Your Job Now 11:33

5M ago11:33

11:33

Ever asked yourself, "Why be a good person… when none of it seems to make a difference?” Let's talk about it. When life feels chaotic, unfair, or deeply disappointing, it’s easy to wonder if anything actually matters. In this episode, Mary offers a sacred pep talk through the lens of existentialism—acknowledging the void, the absurdity, and the ove…

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The 6 Human Paradoxes: How to Celebrate Your Contradictions 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

Do you ever feel pulled in opposite directions? Like you want to be held and be free? Crave stability and change? You’re not a mess—you’re a multitude. In this episode, we explore 6 core human paradoxes—based in psychology, astrology, and real life—and how they show up in your identity, creativity, relationships, and self-worth. Through stories, ex…

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Feel Good ≠ Feel Happy: The F.E.E.L. Process 19:55

6M ago19:55

19:55

What if “feeling good” didn’t mean chasing happiness — but simply feeling at all? In this episode, we’re redefining what it means to feel good by making space for the full emotional spectrum — including grief, seasonal depression, numbness, anger, and those quiet in-between states we don’t always know how to name. Mary unpacks how toxic positivity,…

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Your Town Isn’t Boring. You’re Just Afraid. 18:42

6M ago18:42

18:42

Let’s debunk the myth that your zip code is the problem. This episode explores the real psychology behind why we blame our environments for lack of joy, connection, or progress—and how fear, projection, and resistance keep us from actually going after what we say we want. We’ll talk: • Why “boring” is often code for “I’m scared” • How to identify t…

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2013 Mary: The Year I Lived Out Loud (Celebrating 13 Years Of Merriment Making) 17:24

6M ago17:24

17:24

In 2013, I quit my day job, got my heart broken, danced in bars dressed like a mermaid, and filled my bedroom with 60 balloons. I swam in the ocean at 3am, measured a train platform with a banana, got interviewed on the news for guerrilla art—and was told by my blogging heroes that my work didn’t matter. Spoiler: they were wrong. This episode is a …

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Tuning Into Your Luckiest Self: Confidence Isn't Binary 12:43

7M ago12:43

12:43

What if every day could be your luckiest day of the year? This episode invites you to tune into a new frequency—one where joy isn’t something you earn, but something you allow. Through honest storytelling, grounded tools, and playful philosophy, we explore how to reconnect with your authentic self in a way that feels real, not performative. In this…

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How To Feel Like Yourself Again: 6 Tips To Unmute The Real You 17:11

7M ago17:11

17:11

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “That’s how I feel inside — I just don’t know how to get there”? In this episode of the Merriment Making Podcast, Mary England speaks directly to the part of you that’s still here — even if it’s been buried, muted, or made to feel like “too much.” You’ll hear why 111 FM was created as a safe space to exp…

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This Isn’t My Definitive Autobiography (But It’s One Of Them): My Interview With Voyage 9:55

8M ago9:55

9:55

What if your story didn’t have a final version? What if you got to rewrite it every time you learned something new or felt something deeper? In this week’s episode, I’m reading aloud my interview with Voyage Baltimore—a not-so-definitive autobiography of my journey from chaos to creativity, from pain to playful rebellion. I share about what it’s me…

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They Said Nothing Could Be Done. I Don’t Believe Them : How to Reject Hopelessness and Rewrite Your Story 11:37

8M ago11:37

11:37

When the world tells you “this is it”—a diagnosis, a label, a limitation—you don’t have to accept it as your whole truth. In this episode, we’re breaking down the lie of “nothing can be done” and replacing it with creative, rebellious possibility. This is a wake-up call, a pep talk, and a reminder that you are not your prognosis—and that change is …

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Sacred Disruption 101: Merriment Against The Machine 8:33

8M ago8:33

8:33

You don’t need to burn your life down to start over. Sometimes you just need to throw a little glitter in the gears. In this episode, I—your resident Joy Trickster and Sacred Disruptor—invite you to rethink what rebellion really looks like. We’re talking about disrupting guilt spirals, tuning into softer frequencies, and letting your weirdness be a…

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Comfortably Uncomfortable: Permission to Play with Brigid Gibson 2:00:18

8M ago2:00:18

2:00:18

What if being a little bad at things was actually the secret to a life that lights you up? In this joyful and insightful conversation, I chat with Brigid Gibson of Vibrant Badass about stress relief, breaking out of perfectionism, and letting joy guide your choices—even when it feels weird, messy, or unproductive. We talk creative identity, stress …

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The Joy Toolkit: What Every Helper Needs in Their Emotional First Aid Kit 9:06

8M ago9:06

9:06

When you spend your life caring for others, who cares for you? Today, we’re building a Joy Toolkit — a playful, powerful emotional first aid kit that helps caregivers, helpers, and heart-forward humans stay resourced, recharged, and radiant. This episode is especially for the Heartfelt Caregivers — the over-givers, the nurturers, the ones who feel …

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People Like Us Do Things Like This: How Culture, Community, and Ritual Create Change 9:26

9M ago9:26

9:26

Why do some habits stick and others fade? It’s not about willpower — it’s about identity. In this episode, Mary explores the power of group culture, the psychology of belonging, and why “people like us do things like this” might be the most life-changing phrase you’ve never considered. You’ll learn why culture always beats strategy, how rituals rei…

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Joy as a Professional Tool: How Therapists and Teachers Can Use Delight in Their Work 7:07

9M ago7:07

7:07

What if joy wasn’t just a personal indulgence, but a professional advantage? In this episode, we’re exploring how therapists, teachers, caregivers, and helpers of all kinds can use delight—yes, delight!—as a real strategy for building trust, boosting morale, and deepening connection. Whether you’re guiding a classroom, holding space in therapy, or …

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Run Your Own Joy Experiments: (The S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method for Personalized Joy) 12:31

9M ago12:31

12:31

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by people shouting “Just start!” like that’s helpful (spoiler: it isn’t), this episode is your permission slip to try something different. We’re tossing out the rulebook and running our own experiments in joy — with curiosity, wonder, and a whole lot of permission to play. In this episode, I’ll teach you my S.P.A.R.K.…

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You Don’t Have to Suffer to Succeed: How Silliness, Softness, and Science are Better than Hustle Culture 9:17

9M ago9:17

9:17

What if success didn’t require burnout, self-denial, or endless hustle? What if joy was actually the most sustainable fuel for growth, healing, and motivation? In this episode, Mary England kicks off April’s theme—making joy easy—by dismantling hustle culture myths and offering a gentler path to success: one built on delight, discipline, and a touc…

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You're Not Broken. You're Bored. 7:10

10M ago7:10

7:10

You don’t have to be fully healed to feel joy. You don’t have to wait until you “figure things out” to take action. And no—you’re not broken. You might just be bored. Overstimulated by junk, undernourished by joy, and caught in a loop that’s keeping you small. This episode is your sacred disruption. It’s your reminder that motion creates momentum. …

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The Happiness Immune System: And How It Protects Joy 13:15

10M ago13:15

13:15

Ever feel like you’ll never bounce back from a setback? That the bad stuff lingers longer than it should? Good news: your brain is built to help you recover, adapt, and even find happiness again—faster than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the psychological immune system—the brain’s built-in defense mechanism that helps …

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How to Use Joy to Make a Difference (Even If You Feel Small) 11:32

10M ago11:32

11:32

Have you ever felt like the world could use way more joy—but wondered if one person (aka you!) could really make a difference? Spoiler alert: you can. And today, I’m showing you exactly how. In this episode, we’re diving into why joy is an act of rebellion, how small acts of kindness create real change, and practical ways to spread joy in your ever…

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Micro-Rebellions Against the Bullsh*t 28:36

10M ago28:36

28:36

Are you following rules you never actually agreed to? 🚫 In this episode, we’re diving into the power of micro-rebellions—tiny, mischievous acts of defiance that make life feel less suffocating. From taking a spontaneous road trip to eating sugary cereal straight out of the box for dinner, we’re talking about how breaking small, harmless rules can s…

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When "Getting Better" Sounds Like Too Much Work 28:44

11M ago28:44

28:44

Ever felt like self-improvement is just too much work? Like the idea of “getting better” makes you want to take a nap instead? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down why personal growth doesn’t have to feel like an exhausting full-time job—and how tiny, effortless shifts can actually make the biggest impact. We’ll talk about: 🩷 Why …

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You're Not Lazy -- You're Tired. 22:16

11M ago22:16

22:16

Have you ever called yourself lazy for not getting enough done—when really, you were just exhausted? Today, we're talking about the real difference between laziness and burnout. Spoiler: Being tired is not a character flaw. In this episode, we go over: 💠 Why exhaustion can feel like laziness (but isn’t) 💠 The difference between true rest and guilt-…

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5 Tips For Burnout: Recovery For Caregivers 8:30

11M ago8:30

8:30

Feeling burned out? This episode dives into the science of burnout, why it happens, and how to reverse it with simple, 5-minute practices. Reclaim your energy, restore balance, and remember—you are enough just as you are. Program mentioned: Merriment Reset.By Uncustomary

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The Struggle To Be 'Real' Online: And A Real Personal Update 56:00

11M ago56:00

56:00

See video version on YouTube.com/MaryEngland. In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, I sit down—no script, no makeup, no edits—to talk about the messy, real-life struggles I’ve been navigating lately. From family crises and chronic illness to the exhausting tightrope of running a joy-centered business in a world that often feels overwhelmi…

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You Are the Most Beautiful Thing in Your Life: Self-Love as an Anchor 10:03

11M ago10:03

10:03

What if the most beautiful, joyous thing in your life wasn’t a sunset, a pet, or a twinkle-lit evening—but you? In this episode of Merriment Making, we’re flipping the script on self-worth and exploring what it means to be the star of your own story. If you’ve ever felt like a supporting character in your own life—always prioritizing others, stayin…

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Give Yourself An Olive Branch (Or Piece Of Cornbread) – Making Peace With Every Part of Yourself 19:57

11M ago19:57

19:57

In this episode, we're talking about the 🌿beautiful contradictions that make us human. 🪞 How to reconcile conflicting sides of your identity with compassion and curiosity. Mary shares her personal journey through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how she learned to quiet her inner critic and embrace the messy, multifaceted nature of self. 🧠💖 🌈🧘‍♀️A…

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Letting Go of Autopilot: How to Live Intentionally Every Day 18:10

12M ago18:10

18:10

Stuck on autopilot? Coasting through your days without experiencing them? Today we talk about: Why we fall into autopilot How it robs us of joy How to break free From personal stories of overcoming dissociation to practical tips for adding whimsy and joy to your daily life, this episode will inspire you to take control and live intentionally. Plus,…

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The Power Of Playfulness: The Ultimate Grounding Tool 15:43

12M ago15:43

15:43

Play can boost your mood, ground you in the present moment, and connect you to joy. Find out the science of WHY (and the secret about why you NEED to play for the rest of your life). Plus, the 8 Play Personalities as defined by Stuart Brown, and a challenge to take with you! Uncustomary.orgBy Uncustomary

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Rewriting Your Story: How To Rewrite Your Own Narrative 8:22

12M ago8:22

8:22

🏰 Have a story or belief that makes you feel badly or just wanna change it? 📜 In this episode, I'm teaching you to 🗯️ identify a limiting belief, ✏️ choose a new story/narrative, and take easy, tangible steps to incorporate it into your every day life. ❣️ For more big transformations through 5 minute challenges, check out the Merriment Reset at Unc…

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Embracing The Weirdo Within: 3 Steps To Start Being Yourself 16:19

1y ago16:19

16:19

Defining a 'weirdo' Why some people relish in standing out and being misunderstood How standing out will only get you so far How to embrace the more common aspects of yourself as well as the different parts (whether you feel like you're in control of them or not) Masking behavior What to do if you don't know who you are yet or what makes you unique…

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2024 Reflection: Not Being A Narcissist In 2025 53:44

1y ago53:44

53:44

A deep personal look into this year and moving into next. Merry New Year Plan: https://uncustomary.org/merry-new-year-plan/ Merriment Reset: https://uncustomary.org/merriment-reset-30-days-to-joy-and-confidence/By Uncustomary

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Joyful Walkthrough: 5 Minutes to Gratitude 6:42

1y ago6:42

6:42

In this episode of the Merriment Making Podcast, we’re diving into a simple yet powerful practice to reconnect with your body and ground yourself in gratitude. The Joyful Walkthrough is a mindful body scan with a joyful twist, designed to help you celebrate the little ways your body brings joy and magic into your everyday life. Whether you’re feeli…

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Permission to Feel Good: Embracing Your Right to Happiness 23:09

1y ago23:09

23:09

In this episode of The Merriment Making Podcast, we tackle a belief many of us hold: that feeling good is selfish, especially when others are struggling. 🌈 Permission to Feel Good: Embracing Your Right to Happiness explores why your joy isn’t just valid—it’s vital. ✨ Mary dives into the science behind why we often deny ourselves happiness 🧠 and add…

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The Inner Critic Trap: Recognizing and Soothing Negative Self-Talk 21:38

1y ago21:38

21:38

That pesky voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? That’s your inner critic—and you don’t have to believe everything it says. In this episode, we’re diving deep into The Inner Critic Trap, exploring how to recognize when this voice shows up, understand its roots, and—most importantly—soothe it with compassion. Transform negative self…

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You Deserve As Much Love As You Give 24:49

1y ago24:49

24:49

Let's get into the disconnect between the love they give to others and the love they offer themselves. Through compassionate insights and practical advice, let's redefine self-love as an essential practice, not a selfish act, and unpack the societal myths that keep us stuck in cycles of guilt and over-giving. Discover how cultural conditioning, gui…

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Breaking Out Of Autopilot: Finding Joy In Small Moments 10:30

1y ago10:30

10:30

Are you running on autopilot, just getting through the day without truly living it? In this first episode of the mini series Joyful Grounding: The Caregiver’s Path to Self-Love and Inner Peace, I'm talking about how caregivers and support-givers like you can gently step out of the hustle of survival mode and reconnect with the small, meaningful mom…

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Why Permission Slips and Disclaimers Are Keeping You Small 17:03

1y ago17:03

17:03

In this episode, we’re talking about the "permission slips" we often give ourselves and each other—those little reminders like “It’s okay to be yourself” or “You’re allowed to be weird.” While they seem supportive, these statements can keep us stuck in old habits of self-doubt, as if our authenticity needs validation. Today, we’re moving beyond tha…

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Post Election Inspiration - Be The Person You Say You Are 6:13

1y ago6:13

6:13

This isn't a call to action, your whole life is. Don't waste time wallowing on the couch and posting pointless negative or fear-mongering memes. It's time to be a Merriment Maker. To leave your house and BE the thing you're scared to stop happening. If you're scared to see a record store go out of business, shop at it. If you're scared to see kindn…