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.

A Big Announcement 🫶🏼

Thank you so, so, so, so much for the community we’ve built through this podcast over the last two and a half years. I have truly loved making this show for you. Not goodbye forever!! Just a see you later 🫶🏼

09-23
23:19

Adding Whimsy to Everyday Life

Special shoutout to the girls on the From Start To Finish chat for sending in these delightful suggestions!!

09-16
39:45

In Defense of Intentionally Childfree Women | Freewrite

"You'll change your mind when you're older""Who will take care of you when you're older?""Not wanting kids is selfish"If you are also intentionally childfree, I know you've heard all of these not-so-subtle criticisms and digs. Society really hates a woman who doesn't want children, unfortunately. I don't have kids and don't have plans to have kids at this time, and I frequently get hate comments when I discuss it online. So I'm discussing it again!!! Because not wanting children is perfectly normal and more women should feel comfortable talking about it.

09-09
26:38

My Personal Syllabus for Autumn 2025

Personal syllabus, personal curriculum, etc - you've probably seen this trend dominating your fyp as schools and universities gear up for the next semester. The personal syllabus trend is all about coming up with your own list of "required readings," topics you'd like to know more about, skills you'd like to acquire, or really anything you want to assign yourself to learn. I love anything that makes curiosity and learning seem fun, so I'm all over this trend.

08-25
33:52

How To Rest Without Feeling Guilty About It

If your attempts at resting are filled with anxiety, comparison, or shame, this is the episode for you. As a dedicated do-nothing-er, I'm here to encourage you to unpack the inner critical voice telling you that you can't be still. Sure, rest can be productive, but it doesn't have to be, and you don't have to earn or justify it.xx Mary

08-18
40:37

Fall 2025 Fashion Trends, Straight From the Streets of Copenhagen

I've got some boots-on-the-ground fashion reporting for you today - I just got home from Copenhagen Fashion Week, and the street style outside of the runway shows left me so inspired for my own fall outfits. Here are all the trends the coolest girls you can think of are wearing this season.Read more on substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/hellomaryskinner/p/fall-2025-fashion-trends-straight?r=3rhsyg&utm_medium=ios

08-11
39:23

Beauty Standards, Anti-SPF Propaganda, and Red Flags in the Aesthetics Industry | with Dr Ben Taylor-Davies

Today I'm joined by Dr Ben Taylor-Davies from The Stockbridge Clinic to discuss some of the deeper issues threading through the aesthetics industry. From the lack of regulation and licensing for injectors in the UK (which leads to improper treatment and "Love Island face"), to the relationship between beauty treatments and the beauty standard, to the concerning rise of anti-sunscreen rhetoric online, Dr Ben is here to answer all of our questions and give an inside look into the aesthetics industry.*note* Mercury Retrograde struck me again during the recording and I lost a few minutes of footage at the beginning of our conversation. You shouldn't have an issue keeping up, but the first discussion of the episode centers around the lack of proper licensing and training for injectors in the UK.

08-04
57:53

Dialogues: Hangxiety, Long Distance, and Engagement Rings

*if you heard an earlier version of this episode today with a corrupted file and audio issues, no u didn’t. mercury retrograde has been coming for me* It's been too long since Dialogues hit the Prologues airwaves, so I'm back this week with another listener-led chat. We're discussing how to choose the best out of two guys, how to deal with long distance, and what to do when your hangxiety has you convinced that you're an evil little gremlin that no one likes to be around... anywayI also recap my birthday in Ibiza!This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Get a free flavour sample pack with purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinnerInquiries: hellomaryskinner@gmail.com

07-28
49:53

26 Wrapped & Goals for 27!!

In keeping with Prologues tradition, here is the birthday episode!! This week I'm recapping all the biggest moments of 26 and laying out some hopes for 27. Thank you for listening and supporting, love you forever xx

07-21
38:26

Functional Freeze and Substack Doomscrolling

A few substack newsletters to follow if you want to start fixing your attention span:Postcards by ElleLearning Loving and Meaning MakingMind box The Love ListLong LiveBack RowAngel CakeRich TextAs Seen OnInternet PrincessOutlaws and HighwaysSteph :) Empty CaloriesLiminal SpaceTommy DixonCatherine ShannonCulture Study

07-14
36:35

You Can't Fail If You Never Try!

Why is it that I always feel the most motivated to change my life when I'm not in the position to do anything about it? This week I explore the fact that, actually, I am just afraid! Other topics include my childhood relationship with food and giving my husband a film education to prove to him that women are funnier than men. Obviously.

07-07
37:13

And Would It Still Be Fun If I Wasn't Posting It?

On this week's episode of Prologues I'm discussing the difference between old friendships and new friendships, my trouble finding a passion, a potentially changing mental health diagnosis, and my fear of peaking in my 20s / over-romanticizing my 30s <3 This episode is sponsored by LMNT. DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner

06-30
40:11

A Massive Life Recap & Catch Up!!!

I've been here, there, and everywhere lately, and it's been weeks since I've sat behind the mic and given a proper catch up!!

06-16
43:41

Married to an Influencer: My Husband Takes the Mic

If you've ever wondered what it's like being married to a full time influencer, my husband is here for the second part of his Prologues feature to spill it all. We also tell the story of how we met and answer questions related to our journey. Matthew is more of a behind-the-scenes man, so it's very special that he's joined us again!!

06-09
58:29

Expectation vs Reality - My Husband Interviews Me For One Year in Scotland

One year after making his Prologues debut during My United States Exit Interview, Matthew is back to follow up on how the first year in the UK went for both of us. Did reality meet our expectations?

06-02
59:27

1 Year in Scotland | Wherever You Go, There You Are

I've officially lived in Scotland for one entire year, which feels extraordinary, fake, joyful, and sudden all at once.

05-26
27:27

How To Feel Sexy & Confident

Women aren't really taught to feel sexy - to sexualize ourselves, sure, but to feel sexy for our own empowerment? Not really. Due to my upbringing in high-control religion, my relationship with my sexuality and confidence has always been layered. I feel I've swung to both extremes of the spectrum at times, before finally landing where I am now.

05-19
34:37

Dialogues: Friendship Breakups, Is P*rn Cheating, Interreligious Relationships

We're so back!!! Back with another Dialogues episode, the part of Prologues where you talk and I talk back x

05-12
49:43

How To Walk In Alignment With Your Purpose | Sarah Wood González on Journalism, Entrepreneurship, and Courage

Meet Sarah - How many people you know have gone from the trading floor at Goldman Sachs to being published in Vogue in less than five years? Now you know at least one - Sarah Wood González is a freelance journalist, agency owner, joy soldier, and creative spirit I met shortly after moving to Scotland. She knows all about how to take a risk on yourself - her entire career has been built off of betting on her own ability to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to. Her story has inspired me since I met her, and I hope it inspires you as well.FIND SARAH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwoodgonzalez/?hl=enSubstack: https://limminal.substack.com/Her writing: https://www.sarahwoodgonzalez.com/This episode is sponsored by LMNT. DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner

04-21
01:51:23

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