She’s Smart

Aldo Risso, Jr - Father's Day Special and Season Finale

To 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 the joys (and chaos) of being a grandfather.
It’s a conversation full of laughs, love, and a whole lot of heart. Thank you to all the dads and father figures out there—and to my husband Ben—for showing up in all the important ways.
This one's for the dads. 💙

Kristen Ancker - Positive Discipline in the Real World

In 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 independent children while keeping your cool. 
www.kristenancker.com

Ashley Holt - Baking Outside the Lines

In 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 cow (yes, seriously), and what it looks like to say no, slow down, and pivot toward something more meaningful. Ashley is warm, hilarious, and incredibly wise — this one is for anyone who’s ever dreamed big, burnt out, and dreamed again.
https://www.sugarmonstersweets.com/

Dr. Sharon Stoll - Unlocking Brain Health

In 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 brain health, Dr. Stoll makes complex science accessible and empowering.
Whether you’re curious about brain fog, aging, or just want to better understand the brilliant organ in your head, this episode is full of relatable takeaways and surprising insights.
https://www.drsharonstoll.com/
 

Mother's Day Special: My Mom, Mary

This 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 story of the serial killer who once hid in her basement (you’re not ready).
This episode is filled with laughs, wisdom, and all the heart that comes from mother-daughter conversations that go off the rails in the best way. Happy Mother's Day!

Lauren Braun Costello - Mastering Life with Technique, Not Torture

In 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 opens up about stepping back from social media during difficult times, the importance of real expertise, and how she’s reframing creativity on her own terms.
This conversation is equal parts inspiring, smart, and full of laugh-out-loud moments—just like Lauren.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenofcourse/
https://www.itslaurenofcourse.com/

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