Shows
She’s SmartDonnie Soddu – Energy, Intuition, and Modern HealingIn 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...
2025-12-181h 18
She’s SmartMichelle Yun Mapplethorpe - Making Art AccessibleIn 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 ho...
2025-12-0444 min
She’s SmartSamantha Yanks - A Conversation About Purpose, Creativity & CommunityToday 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/
2025-11-2052 min
She’s SmartKaren Ackley - A Life of Leadership, Service, and Extraordinary PurposeKaren 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...
2025-11-131h 11
She’s SmartEllen Scherer Crafts - Storytelling, Strategy & Building a Creative LifeIn 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 creati...
2025-10-2354 min
She’s SmartChristina Roughan – Designing a Life of Style and SubstanceThis 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...
2025-10-161h 02
She’s SmartIrene Chen- Redefining Functional Luxury with Parker ThatchThis 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 crea...
2025-10-0941 min
She’s SmartDr. Carla Caturia - Raising Resilient TeensDr. 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/
2025-09-2549 min
She’s SmartJodi Stevens Bryce- Lessons from a Life on StageBroadway 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.
2025-09-1845 min
She’s SmartNikki Glazer- Creating Spaces with Soul, History & IntentionNikki 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 bu...
2025-09-1145 min
She’s SmartShe's Smart Season 2 TrailerShe’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, l...
2025-09-0401 min
She’s SmartAldo Risso, Jr - Father's Day Special and Season FinaleTo 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...
2025-06-1252 min
She’s SmartKristen Ancker - Positive Discipline in the Real WorldIn 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 in...
2025-06-0555 min
She’s SmartAshley Holt - Baking Outside the LinesIn 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...
2025-05-2948 min
She’s SmartDr. Sharon Stoll - Unlocking Brain HealthIn 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 brai...
2025-05-2248 min
She’s SmartMother's Day Special: My Mom, MaryThis 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 s...
2025-05-0852 min
She’s SmartLauren Braun Costello - Mastering Life with Technique, Not TortureIn this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Lauren Braun Costello—chef, author, and the voice behind It’s Lauren, Of Course. Lauren shares her unexpected journey from the high-powered world of Wall Street to food styling on national TV and building a loyal community through her honest, hilarious, and skillful approach to cooking.
They talk about her leap of faith into culinary school, working behind the scenes on The View, the beauty of simple, well-executed food, and the challenges of building a brand in a world that often values flash over substance. Lauren also o...
2025-05-011h 14
She’s SmartMelissa Conner - Future of PR and Building Meaningful BrandsIn this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Melissa Conner — powerhouse publicist, local mom, and Partner & Managing Director at Jennifer Bett Communications — the agency behind some of today’s most beloved consumer brands.
From her early days in New York PR to co-founding JBC and scaling it into a 50-person agency working with brands like Magic Spoon, Parachute, Fashionphile, and MIDI Health, Melissa shares her journey of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose in the chaos. She opens up about trusting her gut, building a business while raising three kids, and how she and her business...
2025-04-2445 min
She’s SmartMaryclare Roos - Home Restoration and Treasure HuntingIn this episode of She’s Smart, we sit down with Maryclare Roos—mom of three, accidental archaeologist, and present-day steward of the Peter Thorp House, a 1739 farmhouse in Weston, Connecticut with a few secrets buried beneath the floorboards.
Maryclare shares how a late-night real estate scroll led her family to the historic home that would change everything. Since moving in, she’s uncovered 18th-century artifacts, discovered a midden pit in her backyard, and connected with historians, collectors, and even descendants of former residents. Oh—and yes, the house is very much haunted.
We chat about th...
2025-04-1701 min
She’s SmartNicole Branagh- From Olympian to AnalystIn this episode of She’s Smart, Maria catches up with childhood friend and Olympic beach volleyball player Nicole Branagh. From growing up in Orinda, California, to competing on the world’s biggest stage, Nicole shares her inspiring journey from three-sport high school athlete to professional volleyball player and current ESPN analyst.
Maria and Nicole dive into the power of community, the changing landscape of women’s sports, and what it really takes to chase Olympic dreams. They talk about everything from letterman jackets and high school rallies to the mental and physical endurance of pro athletics—and how...
2025-04-0351 min
She’s SmartAshleigh Owens - From Human Rights to Rock & RollAshleigh Owens is the Deputy Director at Shift, a global leader in advancing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights—and she’s also the lead singer of a local rock band. In this episode, Ashleigh joins Maria to talk about her incredible journey: growing up in a tiny beach town in Western Australia, working as a lawyer in Japan, navigating the world of international human rights, and rediscovering her creative voice through music.
They cover everything from ethical business practices and global supply chains to the power of following your creative instincts, no matter your...
2025-03-2748 min
She’s SmartEram Siddiqui - Founder of Hudson+Bleeker
In this episode of She’s Smart, Maria sits down with Eram Siddiqui, the founder of Hudson+Bleecker, to explore her remarkable journey from working in politics for Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Barbara Boxer to launching her own luxury travel accessories brand. Eram shares how her experience on Capitol Hill and her love for travel sparked the idea for stylish and functional travel pieces. She talks about navigating business challenges, the power of reinvention, and the importance of leading by example as a mom and entrepreneur. Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation!
Hudson+Bleeker: ht...
2025-03-2050 min
She’s SmartHannah Spencer - Style and FashionIn this episode, we welcome fashion stylist, Hannah Spencer from Nineteen Pieces. Discover how Hannah has crafted a thriving business around the concept of always having nineteen essential wardrobe pieces to create a versatile closet.
We explore the dynamic elements of fashion and style, including the transformative power of good tailoring, the impact of a standout coat, and innovative tips to revamp your closet into a functional fashion haven. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or just someone looking to enhance your personal style, this episode is filled with invaluable insights.
Nineteen Pieces - https://www...
2025-03-1338 min
She’s SmartDr. Diane Mueller - Naturopath and SexologistDr. Diane Mueller (sex and relationships) a naturopathic doctor, bestselling health author, international speaker, certified sexologist and host of The Libido Lounge podcast.
Dr. Mueller is here to shake up everything we think we know about intimacy, desire, and long-term relationships. If you’ve ever felt like life, kids, and stress have put passion on the back burner, Diane is here to tell us why that doesn’t have to be the case.
We dive into:
How to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships
Why scheduling sex is actually sexy
The powe...
2025-03-0653 min
She’s SmartVeena Dinavahi - Author of The True Happiness Company MemoirOn today's episode, we welcome Veena Dinavahi, the author of the powerful memoir, The True Happiness Company. Veena takes us through her deeply personal journey of breaking free from a controlling, self help cult and rediscovering her true self. In this candid conversation, she opens up about the emotional process of writing her memoir, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she’s learned about healing and self-empowerment. This conversation is full of insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of healing.
Pre-Order The True Happiness Company - https://www.amazon.com/True-Happiness-Company-Memoir/dp/0593447654
2025-02-2740 min
She’s SmartCori Adams - Fitness and CommunityOn today’s episode we welcome, Cori Adams. If you’ve been fortunate to secure a coveted spot to her Gold step aerobics class at the Westport Weston YMCA, you already know—she brings the heat, the energy, and the best beats that make you want to move. But before she became the queen of step, Cori built a career in the fashion world, working with brands like Mulberry and Welden. She’s got a story full of unexpected turns, saying ‘yes’ to opportunities, and creating a community wherever she goes. We talk about everything from finding your passion to trusting...
2025-02-2041 min
She’s SmartJill Dunn - Matchmaker and The Art of DatingOn today’s episode we welcome Jill Dunn, the powerhouse behind Jillin’ It, a matchmaking and dating service. Jill is a professional matchmaker, dating coach, and all-around love guru who helps people find real connections in this wild dating landscape. She started her journey after navigating the dating world post-divorce and turned her experience into a thriving business, matching hundreds of couples along the way.
Jill also opens up about the lessons she's learned, including the importance of letting go of rigid expectations and embracing the notion of 'dating without attachments'. Listen in as Maria and Jill delve...
2025-02-1345 min
She’s SmartEva Amurri - Buiding a Business and a BrandOn today's episode we welcome Eva Amurri. You may know Eva as the creator of Happily Eva After, her lifestyle brand and blog where she shares everything from motherhood and home design to personal style and wellness. But beyond the perfectly curated spaces and smart, relatable takes on modern life, Eva is a powerhouse—an entrepreneur, a mom of three, and someone who has navigated reinvention in so many ways.
We dive into what it means to evolve in your 30s and 40s, the art of saying no, and the importance of female friendships. Eva gets real ab...
2025-02-0649 min
She’s SmartFetch Rescue - The Power of FosteringJessie Shaw and Jenn Sommerfield (co-founders of Fetch Rescue in Westport, Connecticut)
These two women—and their amazing network—are working tirelessly to give dogs a second chance at life, matching them with loving homes right here in our community.
We’re talking about everything—from the magic of fostering and the real process of rescue, to debunking myths about shelter dogs and even tackling the challenges of shutting down unethical breeders and pet stores. And, of course, we’ll be getting into the transformations that happen when these dogs find their forever homes.
So, wheth...
2025-01-3034 min
She’s SmartAllison Wilson of The Hope Project - Healing military familiesIn today's episode we welcome Allison Wilson, founder of the Hope Project, a groundbreaking initiative offering support and healing to military families through holistic and innovative methods, including the use of psychedelics. Allison shares her deeply personal journey—from the challenges of life as a military spouse, navigating trauma, and losing herself, to rediscovering purpose and building a community that transforms lives.
Allison shares her deeply personal journey—from the challenges of life as a military spouse, navigating trauma, and losing herself, to rediscovering purpose and building a community that transforms lives.
https://thehope-project.org/
2025-01-2338 min
She’s SmartJulie Mountain and Dana Noorily - Founders of the Granola BarOn today's episode we welcome, Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, the dynamic duo behind The Granola Bar, a beloved café that started in Westport and has since grown into a local sensation. These two friends turned business partners share the incredible story of how a chance meeting at a kids’ birthday party sparked a journey that’s taken them from jars of granola to running multiple successful locations.
We dive into their backgrounds in music and finance, the trials and triumphs of building a business while raising kids, and the realities of navigating the blurred lines between frien...
2025-01-1646 min
She’s SmartKavita Srinivasan - Parenting Coach, Trauma Healer, and EducatorIn this episode we welcome, Kavita Srinivasan. Kavita is a Parenting Coach, Trauma Healer, and Educator whose personal journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After a successful career as the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan Middle East, HELLO!, and Masala!, she took a brave leap to focus on her own healing journey. Battling postpartum distress and uncovering childhood trauma, Kavita transformed her pain into purpose. She now holds a Master’s degree in Holistic Psychology and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma.
Kavita is on a mission to help parents heal so that children ca...
2025-01-0949 min
She’s SmartChristine Dunst - Nutrition and HealthIn this episode, we welcome Christine Dunst. Christine is the co-founder of Embody Wellness, a pioneering team of integrated, holistic nutritionists and health coaches. Christine shares insights into Embody's decade-long experience in offering personalized nutrition and health coaching.
The discussion delves into sleep, stress management, and self-care rituals.
Christine also discusses their work with clients dealing with perimenopause, menopause, and gut health, highlighting the importance of holistic health practices. Listeners can expect to hear inspiring personal stories and practical advice on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
https://embodywellnesscompany.com
https...
2025-01-0250 min
She’s SmartChristina Larson - Maria and her sister on family, holidays and funWelcome to a special holiday episode of She's Smart featuring Maria and her sister, Christina. The episode is filled with family stories, laughter, and cherished memories from their Christmas celebrations in California.
Discover the magic and warmth of the holiday season through the eyes of two sisters who have shared a lifetime of adventures.
Birthday gift links...
Tea - Magic Hour https://clubmagichour.com/
Book - Quicksilver by Callie Hart https://a.co/d/aSI7W1O
2024-12-2641 min
She’s SmartAshley Langer - Building CommunityIn this episode, we welcome Ashley Langer. Ashley is the founder of Business Socialistas, a community curated specifically for female entrepreneurs. Ashley is renowned for her expertise in community building and event strategy.
Ashley’s all about turning connections into collaborations, and today, she’s sharing her journey, her strategies, and the power of building a strong community.
Business Socialistas - business-socialistas.com
2024-12-1937 min
She’s SmartMin Santandrea - Founder of Sant M shoesIn this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Min Santandrea the Founder of Sant M Shoes. Min shares her journey from growing up in Korea to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry.
Min opens up about her educational path, from an unexpected start to her career shifts from art history to fashion.
This episode is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that everything happens for a reason.
Sant M Shoes - https://santm.co/
2024-12-1239 min
She’s SmartElaine Frontain Bryant - EVP and Head of Programming A&E, Lifetime and LMNIn this episode, we chat with Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming at A&E, Lifetime, and the Lifetime Movie Network. Elaine, a pivotal force in television, shares insights into her illustrious career, revealing the inspiration behind her storytelling and programming strategies that have led to Emmy-winning hits.
Elaine discusses her journey from formative childhood experiences watching TV with her family to becoming a key player in reshaping the TV landscape.
Elaine delves into the challenges of adapting to the evolving streaming world and maintaining relevance amidst shifting viewer habits.
...
2024-12-0544 min
She’s SmartMichelle Ruiz, Journalist - Beyond the BylineIn this episode, we welcome Michelle Ruiz, a contributing culture editor at Vogue and frequent cover story author at Vanity Fair. Known for her profiles on high-profile figures like Giselle, Bad Bunny, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
We dive into the nuances of choosing stories, the challenges and thrills of covering red carpets, and the dynamic world of the British royal family.
Disclaimer: Towards the end, we discuss the book "Ejaculate Responsibly" by Gabrielle Blair, focusing on its revolutionary take on shared responsibility in unwanted pregnancies and abortion.
“The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee
2024-11-2140 min
She’s SmartAnne Delorier, Owner of Eleven 11- EntrepreneurshipIn this episode, we dive into the story behind ELEVEN11, a thriving accessories business with owner Anne Delorier. Anne shares the origins and evolution of her subscription box business. She discusses her motivation to start the business, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the eventual opening of a retail space.
We chat about the importance of community, learning from failures, and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.
Eleven 11 - https://eleven11box.com/
2024-11-1427 min
She’s SmartChadaé Bowler - From Music to MarketingIn this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of my guest, Chadaé Bowler. Chadaé shares her story of growing up in Brooklyn as a first-generation American. She navigates the challenges and opportunities that shaped her life, driven by the belief in the American dream and the power of education.
We explore the evolving landscape of the music industry, the challenges and opportunities for artists today, and her passion for advocating for artists'. As Chadaé reflects on her journey, she shares insights on balancing work and personal life, the importance of intuition, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahe...
2024-11-0743 min
She’s SmartShe's Smart TrailerWelcome to She's Smart, where we celebrate the brilliance of extraordinary women and dive deep into their stories. I'm your host, Maria Rowbotham, a mom, business owner, and lifelong volunteer.
In each episode, I'll be interviewing smart, inspiring women from all walks of life. We'll uncover what drives them, the challenges they faced, and how they've turned their passions into purpose.
As I gain wisdom from these incredible women, you'll get to join in on the fun, insightful, and completely unscripted conversations. So get cozy as we connect, learn, and laugh together on She's Smart.
2024-10-2200 min
Uncommon SenseBONUS EPISODE – Public Sociology, with Gary Younge, Chantelle Lewis, Cecilia Menjívar & Michaela BensonWhat is public sociology and why does it matter more than ever? Gary Younge, Chantelle Lewis and Cecilia Menjívar join Michaela Benson to reflect on its meaning, value and stakes. In a time of perpetual crisis and gross inequality, how can sociologists best change minds and set agendas? Why are some voices valued over others? And who does being truly “public” involve more than simply being high profile?Gary Younge reflects on what sociologists and journalists can teach each other – and the ongoing struggle in the UK for space in which work on race can be...
2023-09-2959 min