She’s Smart

What happened to teen culture? This week on She’s Smart, Maria sits down with media insider turned culture-builder Paula James-Martinez — former Fashion Director at Refinery29, founder of Purple Diary, documentary filmmaker, and now the visionary behind Cuqui, a new teen magazine designed to give kids their MTV back. In a world where the algorithm shapes everything, Paula is building something tangible: a print magazine, club, and cultural home where teens can ask embarrassing questions, explore style, share essays, and connect without judgment. They talk about motherhood in the digital age, growing up online, why nine-year-olds want retinol instead of glitter, and how community — real, imperfect, in-person community — might be the antidote. It’s a conversation about nostalgia, hope, and what we’re building for the next generation. Visit cuqui.club

Perimenopause. Hormones. Anxiety. Sleep changes. Night sweats. Brain fog. If you’ve been wondering, “Is this just stress… or is something actually shifting?” — this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by Dr. Katie Takayasu, integrative medicine physician and founder of Wellness Insights in Darien, Connecticut. Dr. Katie blends traditional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies — including nutrition, acupuncture, lifestyle optimization, and mind-body medicine — to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity and confidence. In this conversation, we break down: What perimenopause actually is (and why it can begin in your late 30s) The most common early symptoms — from anxiety to sleep disruption Why hormones fluctuate so dramatically during this stage What menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) really means today How strength training, protein, and stress management support long-term health And how to advocate for yourself if you feel dismissed Dr. Katie reminds us that this transition isn’t something to “just get through.” With the right tools and support, women can feel strong, steady, and informed through it.   https://wellnessinsights.com/   This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual needs.  

Catherine Morrissey is the President of White & Warren, the luxury cashmere brand known for timeless essentials and uncompromising quality. In this episode, Catherine shares what it’s like to lead a heritage brand founded by her mother while guiding it into its next chapter — thoughtfully, intentionally, and with a deep respect for craft. We talk about Catherine’s path from Calvin Klein to the family business, how she’s helped modernize White & Warren without losing its soul, and the behind-the-scenes thinking behind the brand’s recent rebrand. Catherine opens up about navigating generational transition, scaling a business while staying detail-driven, and why evolution should feel like an invitation — not a disruption. Our conversation also explores the launch of new categories like Clubhouse and outerwear, how White & Warren is redefining everyday luxury, and what it means to create pieces designed for real life — versatile, lasting, and deeply wearable. Along the way, Catherine reflects on leadership, discipline, building strong teams, and how she finds balance in the midst of growth and change. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about legacy in motion, modern leadership, and the quiet confidence it takes to move forward with intention. whiteandwarren.com  

In this episode, I’m joined by Ginger Richardson, founder of Kiin Sauna, a mobile wood-burning sauna and cold plunge experience based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Ginger shares why she started Kiin, what it really looks like to build a business from scratch as a single mom, the physical and mental benefits of sauna and contrast therapy, the ancient roots of sauna culture, and how collaboration and community are at the heart of what she’s building. We also talk about fear, growth, reinvention, and what’s next for Ginger and Kiin. https://www.kiinsauna.com/

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Donnie Soddu, founder of High Light Rituals and a shamanic practitioner whose work bridges science, intuition, and healing in a truly thoughtful way. Donnie’s path is anything but linear. With a background in neuropsychology, research, and the corporate world, she once studied perception, sensory experience, and how humans understand reality—before eventually being called toward energy work, shamanic healing, and creating jewelry infused with intention. In this wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation, we explore what shamanic practice really is (and what it isn’t), how energy can be infused into objects, and how intuition shows up in everyday life—often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Donnie shares how motherhood became a turning point in her spiritual journey, why healing doesn’t have to look mystical to be meaningful, and how working with energy can bring clarity, calm, and balance rather than fear or overwhelm. This episode is not about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, listening, and being open to the many ways we experience the world. Whether you’re spiritually curious, firmly science-minded, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a refreshing, intelligent perspective on healing, intention, and connection. https://highlightrituals.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe — Director and Chief Curator of the Katonah Museum of Art — for a conversation that opens up the world of art in the most accessible, inspiring way. Michelle shares her path through MoMA, the Asia Society Museum, global exhibitions, and creative work that has taken her around the world. We talk about how to truly see art, how to start collecting it, why galleries shouldn’t feel intimidating, and what a curator really does. We also explore the power of the senses, the magic of travel, and how art reflects the world around us. Plus, Michelle gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her current Shen Wei exhibition and a beautiful upcoming project tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence. It’s thoughtful, energizing, and full of insight. https://www.katonahmuseum.org/ https://www.bedfordnewcanaanmag.com/blog-posts/the-katonah-museum-of-art-you-cant-spell-museum-without-u-and-me

Today on She’s Smart, I sit down with media strategist and founder Samantha Yanks, whose 25-year career spans Vogue, O, The Oprah Magazine, Hamptons, and Gotham. We talk about her transition from legacy media to building The Connecticut Edit with her daughter, the importance of community, and why AI—when used intentionally—can actually amplify human connection. Samantha shares her perspective on intuition, reinvention, leadership, and creating work that people want to return to. It’s a conversation about purpose, creativity, and the power of women supporting women. https://www.theconnecticutedit.com/

Karen Ackley spent more than 30 years inside the Central Intelligence Agency, rising into the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service — the highest leadership level in the Agency. She served as Deputy Chief of Station in Europe and the Middle East, Deputy Chief of Operations in the Counterterrorist Center, and Executive Assistant to the Director of the CIA. She later spent 28 months in Baghdad as the senior intelligence advisor to a four-star general, helping protect U.S. and allied forces. In this episode, Karen shares: How she was recruited into the CIA in college What it’s really like inside an Agency most people only see in movies Her experience working in a war zone The decisions and tradeoffs women make when careers become all-consuming Her story is bold, surprising, and deeply human.

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Ellen Scherer Crafts — producer, storyteller, and creative force behind the Emmy® Award-winning documentary Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street. Ellen shares her incredible journey from producing live boxing matches for HBO and Caesars Entertainment to leading global experiential events and founding Macrocosm Entertainment with her husband, Trevor. Together, they’ve built a career around heart, strategy, and storytelling — and Ellen’s insights on creativity, resilience, and collaboration are as inspiring as they are real. Now based in Weston, Ellen is channeling that same creative spirit into her podcast Yard to Table, a celebration of local living, food, and community. It’s a conversation about building something meaningful — at work, at home, and in the moments in between. https://macrocosm.tv/

This week on She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Christina Roughan, the acclaimed interior designer and founder of Roughan Interiors, a global design firm with offices in Weston, Connecticut, and New York City. Christina shares her incredible journey from the fashion world—working with Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger—to building a thriving design business known for its timeless, livable, and effortlessly chic interiors. Together, we talk about the link between fashion and home design, the evolution of style, trusting your instincts, and the beauty of creating spaces that truly reflect who you are. https://www.roughaninteriors.com/  

This week on She’s Smart, I’m joined by Irene Chen, co-founder of the California-based accessories brand Parker Thatch. Irene and I share roots in the same little pocket of Northern California, and we instantly connected over that shared sense of home. In this episode, Irene shares how she and her husband built Parker Thatch from the ground up — starting with a single roll of canvas and a sewing machine in a dry cleaner — and how a few words of encouragement from handbag icon Kate Spade helped shape the brand’s future. We talk about creativity, entrepreneurship, resilience, and how to find joy (and calm) in the process of building something meaningful. Irene’s story is full of heart and inspiration — you’ll finish this episode wanting to create something of your own. https://parkerthatch.com/

Dr. Carla Caturia has worked with more than 10,000 teens and families as an elite mindset coach specializing in emotional intelligence. In this episode, we explore how parents can guide their kids without hovering, why resilience and independence matter more than perfection, and the practical tools families can use to create more harmony at home. https://thehouseofrise.com/

Broadway veteran Jodi Stevens Bryce joins me to share her journey from New York stages to mentoring the next generation of performers. We talk about her family’s deep roots in music, her Broadway debut in Jekyll and Hyde, and the resilience it took to recover from a vocal injury. Jodi also opens up about finding balance through yoga and mindfulness, the joy of teaching, and how community cabaret nights are giving women their voices back. It’s a heartfelt, inspiring conversation about artistry, life lessons, and why living fully makes us better at everything we do. https://www.sbestudio.com/

Nikki Glazer — Owner and Director of Brand at GrayBarns — joins Maria to share the story of transforming a historic inn into a modern gathering place. From her early days at Google working on experiential pop-ups, to carrying on her family’s legacy in real estate and design, Nikki brings a unique perspective on hospitality, creativity, and community. In this episode, we talk about: The history and reimagining of GrayBarns How pop-up experiences are reshaping luxury retail The challenges (and rewards) of restoring historic properties Finding balance between vision, family, and business A conversation about heritage, creativity, and creating spaces that feel unforgettable. https://www.graybarns.com/ Financial Times Article - https://www.ft.com/content/5b00577f-0787-412a-97e7-e23f5dbc489e

She’s Smart Season 2 is almost here! 🎉 Get ready for another season of real, inspiring, and lighthearted conversations with incredible women—founders, creatives, moms, and trailblazers—sharing their stories, passions, and the smart paths they've carved along the way. In this quick teaser, host Maria Rowbotham gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2 and invites you to join the conversation, starting September 11. Share this podcast with a friend, family, or anyone who loves hearing from smart women doing amazing things. And as always… get cozy as we connect, learn, and laugh together on She’s Smart.

To close out Season 1 of She’s Smart, I’m breaking the mold—and the guest list rules—for a very special Father’s Day episode featuring the one and only man to ever appear on this podcast: my dad, Aldo. At 85, he’s sharp, hilarious, and full of stories—from chasing me around the dining table with a broom to inventing a "froggy pinch" that somehow got passed down to my own kids. In this episode, we talk about growing up in Oakland, working in the family business, falling in love with my mom, raising two daughters, and the joys (and chaos) of being a grandfather. It’s a conversation full of laughs, love, and a whole lot of heart. Thank you to all the dads and father figures out there—and to my husband Ben—for showing up in all the important ways. This one's for the dads. 💙

In this episode, we journey into the realms of parenting, education, and maintaining sanity during the challenging teenage years. Special guest Kristen Ancker, a seasoned Montessori-trained educator and mindset coach, shares invaluable insights into positive discipline—it's not what you think! Discover effective strategies for getting out the door without chaos and the revolutionary "connection before correction" approach that most of us missed out on as kids. Kristen also reveals the raw reality of morning hustle, her path to mindful parenting, and what inspired her to lead women's wellness retreats. Tune in to explore how to raise respectful and independent children while keeping your cool.  www.kristenancker.com

In this episode, Maria sits down with Ashley Holt — baker, artist, Bake Squad star, and founder of Sugar Monster Sweets — for a candid and inspiring conversation about creativity, reinvention, and chasing joy. Ashley shares how she went from modeling in New York City to building a cake empire (and winning Next Great Baker along the way), what it’s really like behind the scenes of a Netflix baking show, and how motherhood reshaped her approach to success. They talk about her wild ride through TV production, the emotional weight of edible art, her dream to sculpt a butter cow (yes, seriously), and what it looks like to say no, slow down, and pivot toward something more meaningful. Ashley is warm, hilarious, and incredibly wise — this one is for anyone who’s ever dreamed big, burnt out, and dreamed again. https://www.sugarmonstersweets.com/

In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with renowned neurologist and neuro-immunologist Dr. Sharon Stoll for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation about the brain—how it grows, changes, and what we can do to keep it healthy. Dr. Stoll shares her incredible journey into medicine, including how her own MS diagnosis during medical school inspired her to become a leading voice in neurology. Together, they explore the gut-brain connection, brain development across a lifetime, and how memory is affected as we age. From practical tips on supporting cognitive function to busting myths about brain health, Dr. Stoll makes complex science accessible and empowering. Whether you’re curious about brain fog, aging, or just want to better understand the brilliant organ in your head, this episode is full of relatable takeaways and surprising insights. https://www.drsharonstoll.com/  

This week on a very special Mother’s Day episode of She’s Smart, I sat down with my original role model—my mom, Mary. Mary shares stories from growing up in a big Spanish-Irish family in California, what it was like becoming a mom at 22, and how she managed to raise two daughters and a middle school classroom for over 30 years. They talk about love, marriage (50 years and counting!), raising kids, surviving teaching during the pandemic, and why affection and humor were at the heart of our home. And yes, we finally get the full story of the serial killer who once hid in her basement (you’re not ready). This episode is filled with laughs, wisdom, and all the heart that comes from mother-daughter conversations that go off the rails in the best way. Happy Mother's Day!