She’s Smart

Melissa Conner - Future of PR and Building Meaningful Brands

In 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 partner have grown a company that’s as values-driven as it is effective.
We talk about:
How Melissa pivoted from fashion dreams to PR leadership
Why your story — and your product — matter more than ever
The power of strong female partnerships and work-life integration
Trends shaping the future of media, influencers, and PR
What makes a brand press-worthy in today’s crowded landscape
Melissa’s advocacy around small business tariffs and women’s healthcare
This is an inspiring and insightful episode for anyone building something — a brand, a business, or a life on your own terms.
Jennifer Bett Communications: https://www.jenniferbett.com
Female Founders Sound the Alarm about Tariffs: https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/female-founders-sound-the-alarm-about-tariffs-to-president-trump/91175323

Maryclare Roos - Home Restoration and Treasure Hunting

In 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 the thrills and chaos of antique home restoration, how Maryclare became a self-taught treasure hunter (thanks to one long-forgotten Father’s Day gift), the friendly spirits who pop in from time to time, and what it really means to be a steward of history.
If you love old homes, ghost stories, vintage finds, or just a good tale of trusting your gut, this one’s for you.
https://www.instagram.com/peterthorphouse/
Weston Historical Society- http://www.westonhistory.org/join-donate-help
Domino Magazine Article - https://www.domino.com/lifestyle/real-haunted-house-weston-connecticut/
The Heirloomist - https://www.theheirloomist.com/

Nicole Branagh- From Olympian to Analyst

In 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 to find identity and joy beyond the game.
Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent of young athletes, or just love a good story about grit, growth, and going for it, this one’s for you.

Ashleigh Owens - From Human Rights to Rock & Roll

Ashleigh 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 day job. It’s a conversation about curiosity, courage, and the joy of doing things your own way.
✨ Topics in this episode:
What companies can do to truly respect human rights
Why corporate ethics matter (and how they often fall short)
Ashleigh’s surprising path from cheerleading in Japan to writing policy at the UN
How karaoke nights led to her joining a band
The value of community, creativity, and asking for help
Ashleigh is proof that smart isn’t one thing—it’s many things, all working together. You’re going to love her.
Teacup Sallie: https://www.teacupsallieband.com

Eram 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: https://www.hudsonandbleecker.com/
Road and Belt Initiative: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative

Hannah Spencer - Style and Fashion

In 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.instagram.com/nineteenpieces/
Hudson and King Jewelry -https://www.instagram.com/hudsonandkingjewelry/
This and That Vintage - https://www.thisandthatvintage.com/

Dr. Diane Mueller - Naturopath and Sexologist

Dr. 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 relationshipsWhy scheduling sex is actually sexyThe power of confidence, self-pleasure, and knowing what you really wantWhy “passion fades over time” is a total mythAnd yes… we even talk about lifting weights with your vagina.
This conversation is fun, open, and exactly what we all need to hear. Whether you're looking to reignite the fire in your relationship or just want to feel more connected to yourself, this episode is for you!
Jade Egg: https://www.etsy.com/listing/465868796/canadian-nephrite-jade-yoni-egg-with
Learn your Sex Type/Libido Code! Take the free quiz here:: LibidoCode.com
Orgasm Perception Quiz https://mylibidodoc.com/orgasmic-perception-questionnaire/
Free: Get your Libido Back Video Ebook: https://mylibidodoc.com/libido-video-ebook/
Dr. Mueller’s Podcast “Libido Lounge" mylibidodoc.com/podcast
Youtube: Youtube.com/@mylibidodoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylibidodoc/
 

Veena Dinavahi - Author of The True Happiness Company Memoir

On 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

Cori Adams - Fitness and Community

On 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 the universe—and trust me, you don’t want to miss this conversation.
Cori's Step Class: https://www.instagram.com/the_goldstep/
Goddess Circles with Alexis: https://www.agoddessmama.com/goddesscircleceremony
 

Jill Dunn - Matchmaker and The Art of Dating

On 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 into the nuances of building modern relationships, the role of communication, and the art of keeping masculinity and femininity in balance within partnerships. Whether you are single, dating, or in a committed relationship, this episode offers valuable wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone navigating the complex world of romance today.
Jillin’ It - https://www.jillinit.com