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Everything Sucks, Now What? is a podcast about living thoughtfully in a complicated world.
Hosted by Mary England, creator of the Merriment Method, this show is for people who feel the weight of reality but still want to build something kinder inside it.
Each episode explores how to hold two truths at once: grief and hope, rage and responsibility, realism and joy. Instead of pretending things are fine or collapsing into despair, we practice nuance. We name what’s broken. Then we ask what we can do about it.
Through psychological insight, cultural analysis, and gently absurd real-life examples, Mary translates big systemic issues into personal, livable frameworks. You’ll hear conversations about care, power, relationships, burnout, joy, responsibility, and the systems shaping our daily lives. The goal is not perfection or positivity. The goal is clarity, agency, and shared responsibility in a messy world.
This is where we move beyond black-and-white thinking and learn how to build strong circles inside imperfect systems. It’s practical, emotionally honest, and grounded in the belief that feeling good is not denial. It’s a collective condition we help create together.
If you’ve ever thought, “Everything feels overwhelming, but I still want to live well and do good,” you’re in the right place.
Everything Sucks, Now What?
A Merriment Method for a Messy World.
Episodes

Feb 11, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
10 min
What if the most beautiful, joyous thing in your life wasn’t a sunset, a pet, or a twinkle-lit evening—but you? In this episode of Merriment Making, we’re flipping the script on self-worth and exploring what it means to be the star of your own story.
If you’ve ever felt like a supporting character in your own life—always prioritizing others, staying on autopilot, or feeling like your quirks make you an outsider—this episode is for you. We’ll unpack:
💛 Why your lived experience makes everything in your world meaningful.
💛 How to rewrite your life’s “second act” and step into your main character energy.
💛 What kind of movie you’re starring in—and how to direct it with intention.
💛 How self-love is an anchor, not an ego trip, and why feeling good helps you do good.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to step into your own spotlight, own your unique story, and start crafting a life that feels as beautiful as you are.
💖 Want to take this deeper? Join me for my FREE How to Be Your Own Valentine workshop, where we’ll explore self-love practices that make you feel radiant inside and out. Sign up now at uncustomary.org/valentineworkshop.
🎧 Listen now and let’s get you shining, star. 🌟

Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
19 min
In this episode, we're talking about the 🌿beautiful contradictions that make us human.
🪞 How to reconcile conflicting sides of your identity with compassion and curiosity.
Mary shares her personal journey through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how she learned to quiet her inner critic and embrace the messy, multifaceted nature of self. 🧠💖
🌈🧘♀️And join in for a guided soothing visualization exercise to help you create harmony within.
Learn how to deepen this practice with the free How to Be Your Own Valentine workshop: Uncustomary.org/ValentineWorkshop 💌
💛🏡 Because you deserve to feel good in your body and at home in yourself.

Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025
18 min
Stuck on autopilot? Coasting through your days without experiencing them?
Today we talk about:
- Why we fall into autopilot
- How it robs us of joy
- How to break free
From personal stories of overcoming dissociation to practical tips for adding whimsy and joy to your daily life, this episode will inspire you to take control and live intentionally.
Plus, I share how The Merriment Makers Membership and The Merriment Reset can help you reclaim your connection to joy and create a life you truly love.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Merriment Reset: 30 Days to Joy and Confidence: Start living intentionally today with daily challenges, printables, pep talks, and more! Learn more here.
- The Merriment Makers Membership: Access 1,500+ resources, 90 kindness missions, daily positivity texts, and a vibrant community of joy spreaders! Join us here.
💛 Share your Merriment Moment! What new thing did you notice today? Tag Mary on Instagram @merrimentmaker or join the conversation in the Positive Pulse community.

Jan 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
15 min
Play can boost your mood, ground you in the present moment, and connect you to joy. Find out the science of WHY (and the secret about why you NEED to play for the rest of your life).
Plus, the 8 Play Personalities as defined by Stuart Brown, and a challenge to take with you!
Uncustomary.org

Jan 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
8 min
🏰 Have a story or belief that makes you feel badly or just wanna change it? 📜
In this episode, I'm teaching you to 🗯️ identify a limiting belief, ✏️ choose a new story/narrative, and take easy, tangible steps to incorporate it into your every day life.
❣️ For more big transformations through 5 minute challenges, check out the Merriment Reset at Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Reset

Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
16 min
- Defining a 'weirdo'
- Why some people relish in standing out and being misunderstood
- How standing out will only get you so far
- How to embrace the more common aspects of yourself as well as the different parts (whether you feel like you're in control of them or not)
- Masking behavior
- What to do if you don't know who you are yet or what makes you unique
- 3 steps to get started embracing your uniqueness
Learn more about the Merriment Making Method at Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Makers

Dec 31, 2024
Dec 31, 2024
53 min
A deep personal look into this year and moving into next.
Merry New Year Plan: https://uncustomary.org/merry-new-year-plan/
Merriment Reset: https://uncustomary.org/merriment-reset-30-days-to-joy-and-confidence/

Dec 17, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
6 min
In this episode of the Merriment Making Podcast, we’re diving into a simple yet powerful practice to reconnect with your body and ground yourself in gratitude. The Joyful Walkthrough is a mindful body scan with a joyful twist, designed to help you celebrate the little ways your body brings joy and magic into your everyday life.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a quick reset, this 5-minute practice will leave you feeling calm, centered, and refreshed. Plus, I’ll share how you can take these grounding techniques even further with my Feel Good in 5 Days program—your step-by-step guide to reclaiming confidence and joy in just five days.
💛 Take a deep breath, tune in, and let’s walk through gratitude together.
Programs Mentioned:
- Feel Good in 5 Days: Includes a Confidence Boost Pep Talk, a Call In Confidence EFT session, and a Holiday Self-Care Checklist. Get started for just $17!
- The Merriment Reset: 30 Days to Joy and Confidence: Packed with daily challenges and tools to start the year strong. Early bird bonuses available now!
https://uncustomary.org/feel-good-in-5-days/
https://uncustomary.org/merriment-reset-30-days-to-joy-and-confidence/

Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
23 min
In this episode of The Merriment Making Podcast, we tackle a belief many of us hold: that feeling good is selfish, especially when others are struggling. 🌈 Permission to Feel Good: Embracing Your Right to Happiness explores why your joy isn’t just valid... it’s vital. ✨
Mary dives into the science behind why we often deny ourselves happiness 🧠 and addresses common barriers like guilt 😔, fear of judgment 😟, and the internalized productivity culture that ties our worth to achievement 🏆. With actionable tips 💡, relatable examples 🪞, and a soothing visualization exercise 🧘♀️, this episode will help you reconnect to your right to feel good and spread joy to others. 💖
Tune in for a transformative conversation that will leave you glowing with happiness 🌟 and empowered to share your light with the world! 🌞

Dec 5, 2024
Dec 5, 2024
21 min
That pesky voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? That’s your inner critic—and you don’t have to believe everything it says. In this episode, we’re diving deep into The Inner Critic Trap, exploring how to recognize when this voice shows up, understand its roots, and—most importantly—soothe it with compassion.
Transform negative self-talk into a supportive inner dialogue. You’ll learn grounding exercises, practical affirmations, and visualization techniques to hush the inner critic and embrace your inner cheerleader.
🎉 Plus, exciting news! The Feel Good Troop membership is your go-to resource for taming your inner critic and so much more. With over 50 masterclasses—including one specifically on this topic—live coaching, and worksheets, it’s a treasure trove of support. For December, new members will receive a special bonus depending on when they join.
https://Uncustomary.org/Feel-Good-Troop
https://Uncustomary.org/Merriment-Makers
Listen now and take the first step toward silencing that inner critic and celebrating yourself as you are!