Show Notes
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When I congratulated my mom for reaching her “crone” stage on her 50th birthday, what was her interpretation? And why does it matter?
Welcome to The Modern Mammal, I am your host, Molly Caro May. My first interview guest is my mother (ta da!): Mary Besser May. She is known as “Mare” by her grandchildren, played a key role in my memoir, lived abroad for 14 years across five countries and is approaching her 75th birthday with a long view most of us never get to hear.
I wanted to start the interview part of this show by bucking the trend of famous-guest-first. In a world that veers toward glossy click-bait, star-power and performance, I wanted to center an elder in my tactile world—the woman who raised me. What conversations are you having with the wisdom keepers of your community?
In this episode, we dive into her experience as an American raising young children in places with no telephone or running water. We also discuss the difference between the freedom her generation had outside the home, and the freedom my kids have inside their own thinking. We land on what matters most as the end of life becomes more real. Lots of space here for my own imperfect questions, and our banter.
It is tender. It is honest. It is the conversation I needed to record.
Resources Mentioned:
Body Full of Stars: Female Rage and My Passage into Motherhood by Molly Caro May | Book Connect with Molly: Modern Mammaling | Substack Vermont Retreat | Website Mammaling Monthly | Workshops
Mary Besser May is a mother of three and grandmother of three. She is a graduate of an International MBA at Thunderbird, the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and Perfect Health Ayurveda at the Chopra Center. She is a lover of books, travel, food and long-term friendship.
Welcome to The Modern Mammal! Molly Caro May draws from neuroscience, story-weaving, and the relational field to support people to inhabit their full body mammal intelligence despite (and because of) the Modern Digital Era. Known for her warmth, straight-talk and emphatic expression, she is here to shine a light on what is possible for humans as we stand at this shared crossroads. She is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, author of two acclaimed literary memoirs, devotee of attention, creator of The Modern Mammal Framework and had led thousands of people through her transformational workshops and retreats for two decades. No, she isn't anti-tech, but she is pro-responsibility and believes in the importance of developing sacred discernment. The Modern Mammal Podcast is a combination of WEEKLY raw Solo episodes that offer real-time practicing and clear ways to reclaim yourself in this era plus unscripted, lively interviews with thinkers, makers, and practitioners who are asking the same question: how do we stay human in a world moving too fast?
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