Too Pretty To Be Single: Recent Episodes
Mary Owens
A podcast for the girl in every friend group who is tired of watching all her friends get married and wondering when it will be her turn? In this podcast we will explore all of the truly amazing things that come with singleness. Together we will dive into how to make the most of your singleness and find purpose and satisfaction in being an independent. Post masters Marriage and Family Therapist and relationship expert Mary Owens sits down with inspiring women in their late 20’s/ early 30’s to have honest, open, and heartfelt conversations about the struggles and opportunities that come with being single. Ready to take ownership of your life and your singleness?! You’re in the right place.
In our last episode of 2022 we sit down with Entertainment sales manager, Erin O'Hara, to unpack her whirlwind year of dating. She lets us in on her experience of challenging herself to go on one date per month for the whole year. She unpacks why she felt inspired to take on this challenge and her biggest takeaways.
Erin also shares her experiences of growing up in the International Church of Christ and her decision to take a step away from the intensity of the expectations placed on the church members. She shares her journey towards independence, seeking truth, and following her instincts.
You are sure to be inspired by her openness and bravery.
My favorite quote from the episode : "You can love people without wanting something from them."
Singer-Songwriter, Heather VIctorino, gives us her perspective on dating while pursuing a music career as a country artist. She talks growing up in a small town, and the leap of faith it took to go against the norm and move to Nashville. She shares the difficulties she has faced trying to find a partner who can support her while on a path to reaching her epic goals.
We unpack how having a deeper understanding of your family patterns and dynamics can help you make better choices for your own dating life. While offering encouragement to those who may be tempted to settle for something that feels familiar rather than fulfilling.
Find out who you are and do it on purpose. - Dolly Parton
In this episode we sit down with pre- licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Brett Rutledge, as he shares all about starting a new career in his 30's, redefining his faith, and finding safe people. We talk all about getting comfortable asking the hard questions, and learning to be okay with forging a path that may look different from those around us.
Brett shares what he has learned from his experiences dating in his 30's, as we unpack the value of dating even if it the person your dating isn't "the one." This episode is for those who are seeking to love people well, and let go of the "supposed to's."
My Favorite quote from the episode:
Marketing specialist and Real Estate Agent, Meagan Melancon, talks all about dealing with insecurities, building a solid faith foundation, and the realities of plastic surgery.
Meagan shares her experience of being on the Real World Atlanta, and how that type of exposure led her down a path of trying to fit into what society sees as the" standard of beauty." She gives us an honest look into her journey to feel pretty "enough", and challenges us all to look a little harder at how we define real beauty.
My Favorite quote from the episode: "What is for you won't pass you by."
World traveler and graphic designer, Kevin Smith, gives us a whole new perspective as our first guest that is part of the LGBTQ+ community!
Kevin bravely shares his story of wrestling with his sexuality and choosing to come out in his late 20's. He shares how this choice affected his dating life and perspective on vulnerability as he learned to step into his most authentic self. He shares some things he has learned about himself since starting his dating journey, and his path to honestly and openly loving himself.
My favorite quote from the episode: "Who knows what one little phrase could do for someone's life."
Marriage and Family Therapist, Sarah Long, aka the queen of "accidental relationships" gives us a crash course on how not to let your fear have authority over you. She gives us insight into how her past relationship experiences with "situationships", "accidental relationships", and "special friends hell" have caused her to proceed cautiously in her current dating life . We talk all about the fear of rejection, staying open to new possibilities, and harnessing the power of "what if's."
Listen to this episode if you need a little extra boost to do that scary thing you've been putting off!
My favorite quote from the episode: "I'm going to be uncomfortable, but i'm going to be okay."
In this episode Free People account executive and dating app specialist, Ellen Linam, gives us all the do’s and don’ts of navigating the world of dating apps. She shares how her mid 20’s move to NYC shaped her ability to adapt and redefine herself. We talk the importance of female friendships, finding someone to giggle with, and the beauty of being alone.
Listen until the end for her top 3 dating “rules.”
My favorite quote from the episode: Love yourself rather than the idea of you with someone else.
*Trigger warning- This episode contains conversations regarding sexual abuse-
Licensed Professional Counselor, Christine Snipes, bravely shares her story of overcoming abuse, mending church wounds, and wrestling with regaining a sense of self. In this episode Christine shares how personal therapy and becoming an equine therapist shaped her view of herself and her role in inspiring others to seek healing. We unpack how her past experiences with men lead to a lack of trust and intimacy in all her relationships, including her relationship with God. She shares how reestablishing a sense of intimacy with the Lord allowed her to find the ultimate sense of safety and trust we all so desire.
My favorite quote from the episode: There is no right way to heal.
Photographer and foster mom, Dani Brewer, talks the challenges of juggling being a single mom and a 28 year old navigating the dating scene.
We unpack the phrase "it will happen when you least expect it" and cultivating a mindset of hope versus "missing out."
We shift through the importance of self care regardless of current life stage, finding moments to be an individual, and the power of saying no to things that don't allow room for healing and growth in your life.
Dani shares the very unique perspective of how motherhood has changed her perspective on dating and her ability to be fully present while capturing other people's sweetest moments.
My favorite quote from the episode:: "Your value is your value because of who you are not your relationship status"
@danibreewer @tooprettytobesinglepodcast
In this very special holiday episode we sit down with therapist, Sophia Barringhaus, to talk all things pre-holiday break ups and New Years resolutions.
We break down what’s challenging about being single through out the holiday season, while giving some tips on how to reframe your negative thinking!
This is the perfect episode to close out your year and set intentions for what’s to come!
My favorite quote from the episode : “If you invest in others, they will invest in you.
On the final episode of season one we are doing things a little different! I wanted to take some time to reflect on why I started the podcast, and give you all a deeper insight into my story and why I’m so passionate about singleness!
I sit down with my dear friend Vanessa, and we talk through all the hard and sweet things I have experienced since starting the podcast. We talk about why it’s important to do things that scare you, and the value in believing in yourself and your vision. We sift through the beauty of vulnerability as well as the challenging things that come along with putting yourself out there!
Thanks so much for being a part of the Too Pretty To Be Single fam! We will see you very soon for season two!
Xx,
Mary
Trigger warning - this episode contains conversations regarding sexual assult -
Pure Barre Sales Manger, Brittney Tomlin, bravely shares her trauma story with us is hopes to inspire anyone who has ever felt unheard or fearful to speak their truth. We talk about the power that unresolved trauma can have on your dating life and on your sense of self. We dive into the difficulties of walking away from toxic relationships, and how to find help (only when you are ready).
We talk about how exercise and connection have shaped our healing journey's as part of the Pure Barre community, and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive messages that drive you forward.
My favorite quote from the episode: " As soon as I got out of that relationship, I remembered how much I missed myself."
Performer and fitness instructor, Nancy Owens, gives us her unique perspective on singleness, independence, and scratching your creative itches. At the age of 57, after a decade of being a performer in New York City, she gives us a look into her a full life of dating, following her passions, and cultivating genuine connection.
We dive into the honest realities of divorce, loneliness, and living up to expectations. We talk growing up in a small town, going against the "norm", and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that bring us joy.
My Favorite Quote from the Episode: "Even the happiest person is lonely sometimes."
Podcast host and future pastor, Hunter Wade, shares how Christian culture has influenced her view on dating ( for better & worse). She gives us all the horse girl energy we never knew we needed and dives into the challenges of being an "internet person."
We unpack the idea that church hurt can often turn into relationship hurt, commonly leading to bitterness and resentment. We explore how to reconnect with the goodness of relationships, and trust in what God has for you.
My favorite quote from the episode : "Once we are aware of what has hurt us, we can create something safer because we know how painful the rough edges are."
Cru team leader, Erin Crumley, shares her experience with mid- twenties break ups and her journey of grieving, processing, and healing. She shares all over her nuggets of wisdom from her therapy journey and what set her up for the most epic 30th birthday party! We talk understanding the difference between grief, fear, and shame and how to not let your challenging feelings rule your decisions or your sense of self.
My favorite quote from the episode : "It's better to experience loneliness in singleness than in marriage."
Therapist, Nick Cutler, bring us our very first male take on singleness! We dive into the importance of doing personal work in the midst of healing from heartbreak, building up your community, and learning how to find healthy dependency in relationships.
My favorite quote from the episode: "Who are in the midst of your relationships? You have to learn how to bring yourself to a relationship instead of hoping the other person brings it out of you. "
Entrepreneur, Alysse Hernandez, shares her experiences traveling across the world for 11 months with the world race!
She talks finding joy in the midst of pain, striving for intentionally in everyday life, and the importance of authenticity.
My favorite quote from the episode: “Be present with the person that's right in front of you, it's easy to miss out on the beauty of today if you're too busy dreaming about tomorrow."
Therapist and event coordinator, Paige Clayton, gives us a whole new perspective on singleness as our first ever guest in her mid 50’s!
She shares all the knowledge she has gained through career changes, healing from divorce, traveling the world, and continuing to trust God even through uncertainty and disappointment.
My favorite quote from the episode:
“The grass isn't greener, it's just a different kind of good."
9th grade English teacher Jill Runser talks the power of intentional female friendships, how to make the most of being the single friend at the wedding, and allowing yourself to “feel your feelings.”
My favorite quote from the episode:
“Don’t compare the hardest part of your life against the best part of someone else’s.”
Real Estate Mogul Laura Grace Dziagwa talks aligning your dating life with your personal goals, the benefits of failure, and the importance of just saying "yes." She shares her wildest travel, dating, and marriage proposal stories along with her tips on how to cultivate a mindset of gratitude in your daily life.
My favorite quote from the episode:
"You can’t have unfinished business within yourself, and hope someone else can fix it for you."
Singer/songwriter Emmi Elliot talks creating a long, beautiful life that isn't dependent on waiting for the "right" person. She breaks down bitter vs confident singleness, finding your "single girl energy," and shares her tips on how to find joy in the present moment.
My favorite quote from the episode: "Who you are on the other side of your heartbreak is going to be a deeper, more beautiful person. You just have to keep moving forward."