The Mariah Effect

In this epiksode of The Mariah Effect, I invited my mom Darsana to join me for what turned out to be one of the most honest conversations we've ever had.   This wasn't an easy episode to record. We probably said things we've never said out loud before. But I think that's what grief does, it makes you raw and real in ways you didn't expect.   If you've lost a parent, if Father's Day felt heavy this...

In this episode of The Mariah Effect , I'm joined by my best friend Malory for a deeply personal conversation about love, identity, and the beautiful complexity of human connection.   For Pride Month, I wanted to create space for the kind of raw, honest dialogue that this community deserves: one that goes beyond surface-level celebration to explore what it actually means to show up authentically i...

In this episode of The Mariah Effect, I’m sharing a really personal look at my mental health journey and what it looked like to show up for others while quietly struggling myself. Over the years, I have worked in a lot of different mental health settings, from crisis centers to sober living homes. Each role taught me something different about empathy, boundaries, and the weight of carrying other p...

In this episode of The Mariah Effect, I’m opening up about some of the big changes happening in my life like moving through grief, encouraging growth in myself, and reshaping the direction of this podcast. I’ve been learning to put my own needs first and make decisions based on what I want (not what others expect).   I also touch on what I’m most excited about as I step into this new season (inclu...

Grief doesn’t just show up after someone is gone—it begins in the waiting, in the witnessing, and in the quiet moments in between. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of my grief as I walk alongside the final days of Roland Merrill, a man who was not my biological father, but who loved me and showed up for me like a dad. I talk about what it means to grieve while someone is still he...

After surgery left me with way too much downtime, I turned to my favorite coping mechanism—watching an unreasonable amount of TV. In this episode, I’m diving into the absolute chaos of my recent watchlist, from nostalgic teen dramas to crime shows I never thought I’d be into, and of course, my many thoughts on Squid Game Season 2.I break down my reactions to The O.C. (why did I ever think Seth Coh...

After a long break, The Mariah Effect is back! In this episode, I open up about why I stepped away, what made it hard to come back, and why now feels like the perfect time to return. From struggling with technical issues and self-doubt to managing my health while working part-time, it’s been a lot. But after another transplant and a new diagnosis of partial remission (!!), I’m stronger, working fu...

Join Mariah and her brother Lucas for part two of their engaging conversation in this episode of The Mariah Effect. In this installment, they dive into their shared love for music, discussing artists like Labyrinth and Finneas. Mariah talks about her need to connect emotionally to music to enjoy it, while Lucas shares his different perspective and why he doesn't connect with musicals. They also re...

Tune in with Mariah and her brother Lucas in the first of a special two-part episode on *The Mariah Effect* as they explore the rhythm of their sibling relationship and the transformative power of music. Despite being seven years apart and Lucas being a twin—a phenomenon that gives Mariah a serious ick—they’ve grown remarkably close over the past few years.  In this fun and candid conversation, th...

Join Mariah in this heartfelt episode of The Mariah Effect as she finally shares the story about her beloved little brother, Patrick. After 4.5 attempts to get it just right, Mariah dives into their unique sibling bond, exploring her role in his life and the deep love she holds for him. She touches on the concept of "sonder" and reflects on the bittersweet reality of siblings growing up and forgin...

Welcome back to The Mariah Effect – Season Two is finally here! Get ready to dive deep into the raw and unfiltered world of Mariah as she spills the beans on all the juicy changes coming your way. With Jason taking a backseat, Mariah's ready to take the wheel and steer the show in a whole new direction. Expect shorter, punchier episodes hitting your ears every Tuesday and Friday at 7 am – perfect...

In this highly anticipated episode of The Mariah Effect, Mariah returns from a month-long hiatus, eager to share her exciting adventures and personal reflections. She takes you on a whirlwind journey through her recent escapades, from the scenic landscapes of Park City, where she spent quality time with Jason, to the tranquil shores of Bear Lake, where family bonds were strengthened. Mariah's cand...

Join Mariah in this reflective episode as she recounts her recent escape to her friend's restaurant in Boulder, Utah. With a sense of liberation akin to a bird out of its cage, Mariah shares the sheer joy of breaking free from routine and immersing herself in a different world. Her journey takes a cinematic twist as she discusses her visit to the theaters, where she watched both "Oppenheimer" and...

Diving into the depths of self-reflection, Mariah bares her journey as a self-professed perfectionist at 26. Join her on a poignant episode as she contrasts her youthful ideals with the realities of life, reflecting on her high school struggles and grappling with mental health challenges. Through heartfelt revelations, Mariah's candid narrative delves into the complexities of perfectionism, the hi...

In this weeks episode, Mariah and Jason embark on a conversation centered around Mariah's exciting news regarding her treatment journey. Tune in as Mariah shares her dedication to a new nutritional lifestyle, illuminating the profound role that food plays in her life. Delving into intriguing topics, they explore the fascinating link between food intolerance and ethnicity, shedding light on the div...

In this candid part two to the Unfiltered Conversations, join Mariah and Jason as they unveil new things about each other. From each other's birthdays to their worst fears. Using questions from Mariah's "Me Journal" questionnaire, they peel back the layers that most people never see past. This second part provides insight into Mariah's problem with birds and Jason's punch to the face he will never...

In this special two-part episode, join Mariah and Jason as they embark on an intimate journey of self-discovery and laughter. Using probing questions from Mariah's "Me Journal" questionnaire, they dive into a wide range of topics, from profound thoughts on resting places to lighthearted favorites like curse words. This first part offers an authentic glimpse into their inner worlds, as they share c...

In this compelling episode, Mariah bravely opens up about her firsthand experience with the Aurora Movie Theatre Shooting and its impact on her life. Sharing her limited views on gun violence and how literature shaped her understanding, she offers a personal perspective on the tragedy. With heartfelt reflection, Mariah delves into the profound emotions of being a teenager amidst such events and co...

Join Mariah and Jason in this empowering episode of The Mariah Effect as they discuss Mariah's decision to explore alternative treatments and lifestyle changes in her cancer journey. Discover the importance of building healthy relationships, inspired by the beloved show Steven Universe. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of overall well-being. Become a s...

Join Mariah and Jason in this powerful and emotionally charged episode of The Mariah Effect. As Mariah shares her recent camping trip with her family, she delves into the importance of storytelling as a means of connecting with loved ones and creating lasting memories. However, the conversation takes a serious turn as Mariah discusses an upcoming movie, "The Sound of Freedom," set to release on Ju...

Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming episode of The Mariah Effect! Join Mariah, her co-host Jason, and their special guest star Samuel Pierce III as they dive into a lighthearted exploration of their teenage years and the wild journey of their friendship. Get ready for laughter as they share comical anecdotes and reminiscences from their youthful escapades. From crazy adventures to embarrass...

In this poignant episode of The Mariah Effect, Mariah takes center stage as she opens up about the significance of Father's Day and the father figures in her life. Join her on a deeply personal journey as she candidly shares her longing to find her father, yearning to embrace her cultural heritage and strengthen her connection to her history. With vulnerability and introspection, Mariah delves int...

In this week's episode of The Mariah Effect, join Mariah and Jason as they explore the complexities of managing stress and the pursuit of self-compassion. Mariah opens up about her doctor's prescription for "no stress" and the immense challenges it presents for someone grappling with anxiety. Discover the strategies Mariah has found to destress and find solace, while Jason shares his own valuable...

In this remarkable episode of The Mariah Effect, we are honored to have Patti Merrill, who is, for all intents and purposes, Mariah's mother, as our esteemed guest. Mariah and Patti delve into the profound impact of their first meeting, a transformative experience that taught Mariah the importance of not judging a book by its cover and instilled in Patti a sense of self-compassion. Together, they...

In this captivating episode of The Mariah Effect, Mariah and Jason delve into a heartwarming week filled with cherished moments spent with loved ones, all while navigating the challenges of Mariah's ongoing chemotherapy treatments. They dive into Mariah's favorite anime, Fruits Basket, and explore how the characters, despite being supernatural or mythical, grapple with real-life struggles. Mariah...