Prologues

66. After much time and consideration, Prologues is going on a temporary hiatus to allow me to not only rebrand and refresh the podcast, but also to allow me to take a sabbatical for personal growth. 2024 has proven to be a year of immense change, adjustment, and development for me, and I am excited that this break will allow me the chance to reflect, process, and settle in order to come back enthused and focused for Season Two. To everyone who has ever supported Prologues in any way, whether that be through listening, downloading, reviewing, sharing online, purchasing merchandise, etc: thank you. x

​This week’s episode is all about regrouping before the home stretch of 2024. I don’t know about you, but there are a few areas I feel my performance has dipped in this summer, and rather than wait til the exciting energy of the new year, I’d like to give myself a new start today. Although I kept the specific topics light, in this episode I shared my process for setting intentions and manifestations. INTENTIONS- performance review- Identify key areas- Break big tasks down into smaller actionable tasks MANIFESTATIONS- Work through your shit - Be honest about what you want - take aligned action This week’s episode is also the final regular episode before the hiatus. Next week I will share the official end of season one, my personal reasons for going on break, and my vision for season two. I hope you enjoy x

64. In which I realized in real time that maybe my life isn't actually falling to pieces, maybe it's that new birth control I'm on... Girl Talk pt 6 is all about Volufiline, insomnia, decoding friendships, and how to layer your fragrances. Join for another lighthearted chat with the girls x Info on Volufiline: https://www.skin-iv.com/en/ingredients/volufiline-2/#:~:text=It%20promotes%20body%20volume%20with,it%20has%20no%20hormonal%20effects. https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/what-is-volufiline

63. The tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFenVMf1/ Icing your vagus nerve: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10573386/  https://www.theskimm.com/wellness/vagus-nerve-stimulation-anxiety https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/vagus-nerve-cooling-anxiety Completing the cycle: https://hr.uky.edu/news/2020-11-17/completing-our-bodys-stress-response-cycle https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/news/stress-cycles-what-they-are-and-how-manage-them

62. It’s finally the best time of year for food, temperature, holidays, and of course, fashion. I’ve spent hours pouring over the internet and watching the girlies on the streets to assemble this list of Fall 2024 trends, and my wishlist is already a mile long…AUTUMN TREND PINTEREST BOARD:This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Check out this link for free sample pack of LMNT with the purchase of a drink mix powder! https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/Mary Skinner

61. We've all seen the social media horror stories of fairytale romances turned sour because it turns out two people are incompatible living together - so what can you do before moving in with a partner to set your relationship and new living arrangement up for success? I moved in with my now-husband about three and a half years ago, and today's episode is about the 10 conversations we had beforehand to ensure our transition was as smooth as possible. I really credit these conversations with helping us both adjust to living with a partner.

60. Have you heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? You've probably seen the diagram - a pyramid table with basic level needs on the bottom (food, shelter, community) and growth-based needs on top (purpose, fulfillment, self-esteem). In my constant quest for finding The Point of it all, I decided to sit down and flesh out my own personalized hierarchy of needs, and today I'm sharing with you!

59. Today's episode is special, because one of my best friends, miss Clara Peirce, is capping off her 11 day trip to visit me by coming on the pod. Two girls, one brain cell, and one microphone - this episode is a closer look into Clara's brain and into the side of me that giggles. I had so much fun recording and editing this episode, so we all need to tell Clara that she needs to come back on Prologues soon... WHERE TO FIND CLARA: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarapeirce/?hl=en - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clararpeirce?lang=en - Website: https://clarapeirce.com/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clarapeirce WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

58. I recently rang in my 26th birthday, I'm having some big feelings....I have always looked forward to past birthdays because I've seen getting older as a pathway to more self confidence, growth, and knowing myself better. However, for whatever reason, this birthday has brought up a lot of conflicting feelings for me. I recorded this episode to serve as a sort of time capsule for the exact way I'm feeling in my life right now, because I know I will appreciate looking back on it when I turn 27. Prologues also hit 1 million plays last week, so I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has ever listened, downloaded, shared, and rated this podcast. I hope this next year is better than ever! This episode is sponsored by LMNT. This link will get you a free sample pack of LMNT with any purchase of a drink mix powder! DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

57. Today we're finishing off the wedding reflections! WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

56. The listener-favorite Girl Talk series is back for the fifth installment, and the Prologues girlies delivered when it came to write-in suggestions. *Is* it bad to need academic validation? Do I have to break up with my boyfriend if I know I don't want to marry him? And what is orgasming good for, anyway? Pop your headphones in for a cleaning session or long walk and dive in with the girls. My Substack: https://maryskinner1.substack.com Tampon crisis: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/11/nx-s1-5036484/tampons-heavy-metals-study https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/well/tampons-arsenic-lead-heavy-metals-toxic.html

#55. I've been making outfit videos online for over 3 years, and in that time, my style has gone through multiple evolutions - I've had some outfits I love, and I've also had some fashion tragedies as well. Over the last year and a half or so, I really feel like I've found my authentic style and have curated a wardrobe I'm in love with. Today I'm breaking that process down into 7 simple steps so you can hone your style as well! WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #54. If you have planned or are currently planning a wedding, you probably know how stressful and confusing it can be. From managing the opinions of others to navigating traditions and expectations to feeling pressured to make the day as Instagram-worthy as possible, weddings have the potential to turn from a day of celebration to a day of anxiety. When I was in my fiance era, I felt a lot of shame around my wedding anxiety, so today I'm opening up that conversation in the hopes that it brings a little relief to other anxious brides out there. If you're currently planning your wedding, congratulations!! WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

#53. It is officially one month since I moved to Scotland, and although I didn't expect it all to be sunshine and roses, I've still been surprised at how emotionally difficult I've found the process of settling in to be. Today’s episode is definitely a journal entry, but I do also share my therapist-advised action plan for getting out of my funk. This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Use this link for a free sample pack with purchase of a drink mix powder: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner Info on LMNT's electrolyte ratios: https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/lmnts-electrolyte-ratios-explained/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hot&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T9u6Q8CYjjEuIunJzRsyu0tn6PXMzArSa5Grcs2jZTJRACkWJDKgqwaAjNAEALw_wcB&_gl=1*1mzzelx*_ga*NzM4NjkzNTgzLjE3MDgzNzgxODY.*_ga_BKZV7MVXM7*MTcwODg5MDg2OC4zLjAuMTcwODg5MDg2OC42MC4wLjA. RESOURCES Effects of exercise on mental health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9902068/ Relationship between microbiome and mental health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384867/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6882070/ 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #52. A few days ago I got a DM marveling at how smooth my international move was based off of the content I posted on IG and Youtube - dear reader, it was not. It was manageable, but I was STRESSED for a while there. Here's the story of my move to Scotland! This episode is sponsored by Bondi Boost. Code Mary20 gets you 20% off only on the Bondi Boost website, so here's any easy link:  https://glnk.io/y3o81/mary [glnk.io] You can also find Bondi Boost at Ulta Beauty! 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #51

Entry #50. For the people who can barely keep their eyes open every day, but still have important things to get done, here are 6 of my tried-and-true personal tips for maximizing productivity while struggling low energy (or mild-moderate depression). This episode is sponsored by Bondi Boost!! ♡ Use code MARY20 *only on the BB website* or stop by your local Ulta Beauty to pick up my holy grail products that encourage hair growth and health. My favorite is the HG shampoo, but I'm also a fan of the HG rinse, intensive spray, and miracle hair mask. https://glnk.io/y3o81/mary [glnk.io] code MARY20! 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #49. I can't help it, I'm just a girl, and I love everything about tailoring my outfits, makeup, and products to a new season. Today I'm sharing my favorite products, trends, techniques, etc for hot girl summer 2024. Let me know yours! This episode is sponsored by LMNT. Use this link for a free sample pack with purchase of a drink mix powder: DrinkLMNT.com/MarySkinner Info on LMNT's electrolyte ratios: https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/lmnts-electrolyte-ratios-explained/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hot&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T9u6Q8CYjjEuIunJzRsyu0tn6PXMzArSa5Grcs2jZTJRACkWJDKgqwaAjNAEALw_wcB&_gl=1*1mzzelx*_ga*NzM4NjkzNTgzLjE3MDgzNzgxODY.*_ga_BKZV7MVXM7*MTcwODg5MDg2OC4zLjAuMTcwODg5MDg2OC42MC4wLjA. 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #48. Today we're tackling the age-old question that every single one of us has likely pondered.....do you like him? Or do you like the *idea* of him? In other words, girl talk is back! 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com

Entry #47 - in which I fail to make a more upbeat, less depressing episode of this show lmao. Y'all, I KNOW some of you have been listening to TTPD and reliving religious trauma, so in this episode, I walk through a few of the most significant songs and lyrics to me. Also - I find I'm drinking a bit more than usual lately, which makes me want to re-evaluate again, and I'm also not sure if my drinking habits will change after I move? Finally, I share a few thoughts about the Tiktok news - what do YOU think is going to happen? INFO ON THE TIKTOK LEGISLATION: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/25/business/bytedance-denies-reports-selling-tiktok-intl-hnk/index.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/23/tiktok-ban-us-start-explained/ 30% OFF PROLOGUES MERCH: theprologuespodcast.com WHERE TO FIND ME: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.cj.skinner - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySkinner - Business inquiries / submissions for upcoming Q&A episodes: theprologuespodcast@gmail.com