Press Kit for Dr. Mary Poffenroth

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Mary Poffenroth, Ph.D. or Dr. Mary Poffenroth

Here are a few phonetic spelling options for my last name, though I’m not delicate about mispronunciation. It’s a long one, so I’m happy with close enough.

PAW-fen-roth (“Paw” as in a dog’s paw, “fen” like the start of “fence,” “roth” rhymes with “cloth.”)

PAH-fen-roth

POFF-en-roth (more literal, but sometimes people emphasize the “off”, which is also fine)

About Brave New You

In the transformative book Brave New You, readers are invited on a journey that merges science with the power of storytelling to navigate the everyday fears that hold us back and keep us feeling small. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all advice, this pioneering work stands out by weaving together captivating personal anecdotes with neurohacks rooted in biopsychology, providing a multifaceted approach to cultivating bravery.

With a unique blend of evidence-based strategies and compelling narratives drawn from the author’s personal experiences, Brave New You emphasizes the importance of understanding the roots of our fears through a scientific lens, while also highlighting the transformative power of the human experience. From public speaking to change to failure, readers will find practical tools to help them navigate the normal, everyday fears we all face.

This is not a book about overcoming fear while climbing Mount Everest; it’s about embracing the journey towards a more courageous everyday life from the classroom to the boardroom. Brave New You is a beac

on for anyone looking to find everyday bravery, offering a fresh perspective that combines the best of science and the human spirit to guide readers to leave shame behind and step into a more courageous tomorrow.Brave New You encourages readers to see themselves as the hero of their own story, equipped with the knowledge and tools to conquer their fears and move through their day feeling powerful and victorious.

Why Mary Wrote Brave New You

Ultimately, this book is for the dreamers, the overthinkers, and the hesitant adventurers—people just like me, who want to live boldly but need a little guidance along the way. My greatest wish is for readers to see their fear not as a barrier but as a bridge to a more courageous, fulfilling life. Because when we learn to navigate fear, we unlock the true potential within ourselves and each other.

Brave New You was born from a deeply personal and professional journey to understand and reimagine fear. Growing up in a household dominated by anxiety, I inherited a legacy of fear—one that shaped my worldview and, ironically, set me on a path of discovery and growth. My childhood, marked by the quiet insistence that fear should be hidden and strength was found in stoicism, planted the seeds for a lifelong inquiry into emotions. As a young scientist working at NASA and later as a biology professor, I thought logic could protect me from vulnerability. But science led me to an unexpected revelation: our emotions, including fear, are fundamental to understanding ourselves and thriving as humans.

In Brave New You, I sought to turn fear on its head—to reframe it as an ally rather than an adversary. Fear is deeply embedded in our biology, psychology, and culture, but it doesn’t have to rule us. Through my research in biopsychology and my own lived experiences, I learned that the key to courage isn’t eliminating fear but befriending it. This realization was transformative, and I wanted to share that journey with readers in a way that felt personal, actionable, and deeply relatable.

Writing this book was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. It required me to share moments of vulnerability, from navigating the anxiety of high-stakes situations to confronting my own limitations. Whether it was facing a bear in the wilderness or the quieter fears of rejection and failure, these experiences became lessons in how courage is a practice—something we cultivate daily, even in small, seemingly insignificant moments.

Brave New You offers more than just stories; it’s a guide to help others tap into their inner bravery through science-backed tools like neurohacks, practical strategies, and reflective prompts. These tools are designed to make courage feel accessible, even in the face of everyday fears like uncertainty, judgment, or change. My hope is that this book becomes a companion for anyone seeking to move beyond the constraints of fear and into a life of purpose, connection, and authenticity.

Brave New You is:

Personal narrative driven
Science-based
Action-oriented
Filled with quick ways to neurohack your brain (which are cheat codes to faster bravery) to live with more everyday courage and less fear.
Normalizing the feelings of fear so we can stop being ashamed
Courage for all

Brave New You is not:

Fear-mongering
Story of courage for only the few outliers that fight in battles or climb Mt. Everest
Nebulous inspiration without concrete action
Spiritual or religious

Brave New You can be purchased directly from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, or at these major retailers:

Biography

Title Options

Mary Poffenroth, Ph.D., Biopsychologist, San Jose State University Faculty and Award Winning Author of Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day.

Mary Poffenroth, Ph.D., Neurohacking Biopsychologist, Fear/Courage Expert, and Award Winning Author of Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day.

Please choose any of the biography versions below that match your desired length or tone

Option 1

Dr. Mary Poffenroth, is a biopsychologist and fear/courage researcher known for turning complex neuroscience into practical tools that high performing organizations can apply immediately. Her work helps teams become more courageous, more adaptable, and more resilient without adding another burdensome initiative to the calendar. Mary translates science into evidence based neurohacks to help modern professionals regulate their nervous systems, reduce unhelpful threat responses, and act with courage and clarity under pressure – in the moment, not years from now – in easy to learn and easy to enjoy formats.

A first-generation college student, Mary began her career in the astrobiology unit at NASA Ames Moffett Field, supporting payload experiments for STS-107, the 28th flight of Space Shuttle Columbia. Backed by one of the world’s largest publishers, Mary’s award winning book, Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day (Hachette, 2024), offers readers an innovative solution for moving past stifling everyday fear and into a life filled with brave choices that result in transformational outcomes. Mary holds a doctorate in psychology and three master’s degrees (biology, psychology, and science communication) and has taught nearly 20,000 university students as biology faculty at San Jose State University since 2007. A Salzburg Global Fellow, Mary has spoken at TEDNext and TEDx London, Harvard, Stanford, SXSW, Google X Labs, San Francisco’s Exploratorium, Imperial College London, VMware Explore, the London Science Museum, and INBOUND. At the same time, her work is consistently featured in prestigious print outlets like TIME magazine, Forbes, Science, Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, SUCCESS Magazine, SELF, Men’s Health UK, and Fast Company, with TIME Magazine reporting her work gave them “life changing revelations”.

Demo Reel | Media Kit | Brave New You Retail PDF | Earned Press |

Option 2

Dr. Mary Poffenroth, a neurohacking biopsychologist, fear/courage expert, and award winning author of Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day (Hachette, 2024, awards), who TIME Magazine recently said gave them “life changing revelations” with her work. Mary has also been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, SUCCESS, and Fast Company ( all her print/TV/podcasts). Her workshops, keynotes, and elite retreats have been enjoyed by organizations like TED, GoogleX, Britannica, and the senior executives at Walmart.

Option 3 (104 words)

Dr. Mary Poffenroth is a biopsychologist and a leader in the field of fear science. She began her career in the astrobiology unit at NASA supporting experiments for STS-107, the 28th flight of Space Shuttle Columbia. She holds a doctorate in psychology and three master’s degrees and has taught at San Jose State University since 2007. A Salzburg Global Fellow, Mary has spoken at TEDx London, Harvard, Stanford, SXSW, Google X Labs, San Francisco’s Exploratorium, Imperial College London, VMware Explore, the London Science Museum, and INBOUND. Her work has been featured in TIME, Forbes, Science, The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, and Fast Company.

Option 4 (143 words)

Dr. Mary Poffenroth is a scientist, professor, and fear expert who has spent her career researching how we can all live more courageously, every day. From being adopted at birth to being the first – and only – family member to attend college to her first day at NASA and beyond, Mary has dedicated her life to understanding how best to do scary things. Her work is consistently featured in prestigious print outlets like TIME magazine, Forbes, Science, Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, SUCCESS Magazine, SELF, Men’s Health UK, and Fast Company. Mary has a PhD in psychology as well as three master’s degrees (biology, psychology, science communication) and shares some of her best stories and strongest courage building, fear fighting neurohacks in her award winning book Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day (Hachette, October 2024).

My Superpower

Making unique and innovative connections between seemingly unrelated or impossible things.

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Brief Overview of Mary’s Work

Short

The time of avoiding or suppressing fear – leading to mental/physical disease and lost opportunity – is over.

Mary wants the world to know that fear can be transformed into a tool for growth, success, and yes, even happiness. She empowers individuals and teams, from the stage to the page, to illuminate the root causes of fear, better understand the why, and then show the how using science-based actionable steps – neurohacks – so they don’t have to just face and embrace, but master fear and strengthen their everyday bravery.

The result? Using fear as a stepping stone instead of a roadblock to unlock courage, creativity, innovation, and resilience.

Long

Dr. Mary Poffenroth is a biopsychologist, professor at San Jose State University, and an acclaimed author, speaker, and researcher specializing in fear, courage, and innovation. Her company, rooted deeply in neuroscience and psychology, focuses on helping people redefine their relationship with fear through cutting-edge strategies known as “neurohacks.”

Mary believes that our understanding of fear, particularly everyday, non-clinical fear, is fundamental to personal and professional transformation. Instead of viewing fear as a barrier, her approach treats fear as a powerful tool for growth, innovation, and success. Her book, Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day, empowers individuals to harness their fears rather than simply manage or avoid them.

Mary’s methods are grounded in rigorous scientific research and practical experiences from her dynamic career journey. From a first-generation college student and early experiences at NASA to becoming a leading voice in biopsychology and courage research. Her transformative techniques equip individuals and teams to convert fear into actionable courage, creativity, and innovation.

Featured in prestigious media such as Forbes, TIME, TED, National Geographic, and Entrepreneur, Mary’s work resonates because it addresses a universal challenge: transforming everyday fears into stepping stones toward achieving personal and organizational goals. Her passionate, science-backed approach doesn’t just help people cope: it empowers them to thrive in uncertain and fast-changing environments.

Demo Reels & Event Samples

Descriptions and demo/sample reels can be found at https://marypoffenroth.com/events or go directly to the videos here:

Speaking Demo Reel: https://vimeo.com/user126443513/speakingdemoreel

Full-Length Keynote Sample: https://vimeo.com/user126443513/keynotesample

Immersive Experience Demo Reel: https://vimeo.com/user126443513/immersiveeventreel

Innovation Workshop Demo Reel: https://vimeo.com/user126443513/innovationworkshopreel

Press Topics

Innovation

Bravery

Travel

Biology & The Human Mind

Connection

Neurohacking

Mental Health

Personal Development

Courage

The Role Of Fear In Media

Immersive Experiences

Why We Like Scary Movies

How To Use Neuroscience To Help You Savor Experiences

Non-Clinical Anxiety Understanding & Management

Zombie Neuroscience (Comic Cons, Nerd Nites, Halloween events)

Q&A / Fun Facts / Personal Story Sampler

Sample Q&A

Theme: Poffenroth’s Why

Q: How did Dr. Poffenroth first become interested in studying fear?

A: Fearology is the study of fear, particularly its role in our lives and how it affects our decisions and behaviors. Dr. Mary Poffenroth became interested in the study of fear because she was raised by a mother who was afraid of everything. Her mother’s fears were passed on to her, and it wasn’t until her late twenties that she realized she needed to explore these fears and understand their impact on her life. She began studying fear from a biological and psychological perspective, seeking to understand how everyday fears could be managed.

Q: What inspired Dr. Poffenroth to make significant changes in her life, such as traveling solo and ending a long-term relationship?

A: Dr. Poffenroth was inspired to make significant changes in her life after realizing the fearful person she was raised to be, that society told her she should be, was limiting her life and opportunities. She wanted to break free from the small town she had lived in her entire life and sought to collect meaningful stories rather than live in a state of fear. This realization led her to travel solo to places like Costa Rica, Croatia, and Marrakesh, despite feeling afraid most of

the time. She also ended a 12-year relationship that wasn’t working, understanding that these changes were necessary to live a more fulfilling life.

Q: What challenges does Dr. Poffenroth face in her work, and how does she overcome them?

A: One of the biggest challenges Dr. Poffenroth faces is imposter syndrome, especially because her work is so interdisciplinary and unique. To overcome this, she focuses on the value her work brings to others and continuously reminds herself that her contributions are important. She also pushes herself to face fears and take on new challenges, which helps her grow both personally and professionally.

Theme: How Poffenroth’s Work Helps Other be Less Afraid and More Courageous

Q: What is the difference between factual and fictional fear, according to Dr. Poffenroth?

A: Factual fear is a response to actual, immediate threats that are happening in a shared reality, like being mugged at knife-point. Fictional fear, however, is based on imagined scenarios or everyday worries that do not pose an immediate danger. Dr. Poffenroth focuses on helping people manage fictional fears by changing their relationship with these fears, preventing them from triggering the body’s full stress response unnecessarily.

Q: What is the significance of ‘fictional fear’ in modern society, and how does it affect our daily lives?

A: ‘Fictional fear’ refers to fears that are not based on immediate, real-life threats but rather on imagined scenarios or everyday anxieties. In modern society, especially in wealthier countries like the United States, most fears fall into this category. Dr. Poffenroth notes that while these fears may not be based on real dangers, they can still trigger the body’s full stress response, leading to unnecessary anxiety and health issues. She emphasizes the importance of discerning between factual and fictional fears to manage them better.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth suggest people manage their fears in everyday life?

A: Dr. Poffenroth has developed a strategy called the RAIN Method (Recognize, Assign, Identify, Navigate) to help people manage their fears. The first step is to recognize when you’re feeling fear. Next, identify the type of fear you’re experiencing, whether it’s a fear of not being good enough or a fear of losing control. Finally, address the fear by applying strategies to manage the outcomes. This approach helps people feel more empowered and in control of their emotional responses.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth suggest dealing with irrational fears that resurface, like thinking about a scary story days after hearing it?

A: Dr. Poffenroth explains that our brains have a tendency to constantly run tragedy rehearsals in our head, which means we revisit fearful thoughts in an attempt to prepare ourselves for potential danger. This is part of our brain’s natural inclination to seek safety, even though safety is often an illusion. By recognizing that this is a normal but not always helpful process, individuals can learn to manage these resurfacing fears. Acknowledging the fear, identifying it, and addressing it (as part of the RAIN method) can help reduce its impact.

Q: What is the difference between fear and clinical anxiety, and how do they relate to each other?

A: Dr. Poffenroth clarifies that while fear and anxiety are closely related, clinical anxiety refers to a condition that significantly impairs a person’s ability to function. It involves persistent and excessive fear or worry that can lead to negative health outcomes. Clinical anxiety requires professional intervention, whereas everyday fears can often be managed through strategies & neurohacks like Poffenroth’s RAIN method.

Theme: Poffenroth’s Responses on General Questions About Fear & Courage

Q: Can fear be a learned behavior?

A: Fear can indeed be both learned and unlearned. While we all have natural fear responses to certain stimuli, the intensity and focus of those fears can change over time based on experiences and belief structures. Individuals can learn to be more or less afraid depending on their environment and personal development.

Q: Is fear of the dark a universal experience for humans?

A: Yes, fear of the dark is mostly universal because humans are a diurnal species, meaning we are naturally active during the day. At night, our poor eyesight and vulnerability to predators historically made the dark a time to seek safety. This evolutionary trait still influences our modern fear of the dark, even though we now have artificial light and relatively safe environments.

Q: What happens to our body during a nightmare? Does it respond the same way as it does when we’re awake?

A: The body’s fear and stress response system operates similarly during sleep as it does when awake. When experiencing a nightmare, the body can have the same physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate and sweating, as it does in response to real-life fear. However, during sleep, the body has a mechanism that paralyzes us to prevent acting out our dreams, which is why we don’t physically react to the nightmare as intensely as we might if awake.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth distinguish between phobias and fear?

A: Phobias are irrational or obsessive fears that can be debilitating and are often considered over-the-top. Fear, on the other hand, is a response to everyday dangers and is a natural, physiological reaction that helps us survive. Fear is a more general response, while phobias are specific and excessive.

Q: What physiological processes occur in the body when we experience fear?

A: When we perceive a threat, the amygdala in the brain triggers the stress response. This response involves the hypothalamus and thalamus, leading to the release of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for fight or flight by shutting down non-essential systems like digestion and cellular regeneration and redirecting energy to muscles for survival.

Q: Why does anxiety or dread cause stomach cramps and other physical symptoms?

A: Anxiety and dread cause physical symptoms like stomach cramps because when the body is in a state of fear, non-essential functions like digestion are deprioritized. The body shuts down digestion to conserve energy for the fight-or-flight response. Additionally, the body may attempt to “lighten the load” by purging contents, which is a natural animal response to prepare for potential danger.

Theme: Media & Entertainment

Q: Why do some people enjoy fear-inducing activities, like watching horror movies, while others avoid them?

A: The enjoyment of fear-inducing activities, like horror movies, is often related to personal tolerance and the thrill of experiencing a controlled adrenaline rush. Some people are “adrenaline junkies” who enjoy the physiological effects of fear, while others find such experiences unpleasant and thus avoid them. It’s really about personal preference and how your past experiences have shaped what you enjoy.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth explain the phenomenon of people reacting strongly to fictional scenarios, like horror movies?

A: Dr. Poffenroth explains that people react strongly to fictional scenarios, like horror movies because their brains cannot always differentiate between real and imagined threats when deeply engrossed in a story. The brain’s limbic system, particularly the amygdala, activates the stress response as if the fictional scenario were really happening.

Q: Why do some people fear things they have never directly experienced, like sharks?

A: Dr. Poffenroth explains that fear of things like sharks, which many people have never encountered in real life, is often fueled by media and cultural representations. Sharks make compelling villains in stories because they are large, have sharp teeth, and are cold-blooded, which makes them seem more menacing. This portrayal taps into deep-seated fears of the unknown and the inability to control our environment, particularly in settings like the ocean, where humans are vulnerable and far less adapted to survive.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth recommend dealing with media that induces fear?

A: Dr. Poffenroth recommends being discerning about where you spend your “stress energy.” Engaging with media that constantly induces fear can be harmful, so it’s important to make conscious choices about what you expose yourself to. For example, avoiding comment sections or limiting exposure to fear-inducing content can help manage stress levels.

Theme: Fear/Courage Impacts on Physical Health

Q: What is the relationship between chronic fear, stress, and major health issues?

A: Chronic fear and stress have been linked to major health issues like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Living in constant fear prevents the body from performing essential functions like cellular regeneration and immune response, leading to various health problems. Managing stress and fear is crucial for maintaining overall health, as these emotional states can have a profound impact on the body’s physical well-being.

Q: How does chronic fear or stress affect digestion and the immune system?

A: Chronic fear or stress disrupts digestion by de-prioritizing it in favor of the body’s fight-or-flight response. This can lead to issues like poor digestion and reduced immune function because the body isn’t focusing on maintaining these systems properly. Additionally, stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, further exacerbating digestive and immune problems.

Q: What impact does living in a state of constant fear or stress have on the body?

A: Living in constant fear or stress can have severe consequences on the body. It can prevent essential processes like cellular regeneration and proper digestion, leading to long-term health issues. Dr. Poffenroth stresses the importance of managing stress and fear to avoid these negative outcomes and to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Theme: Children, Family, & Relationships

Q: What role do genetics and upbringing play in how individuals experience fear and anxiety?

A: Dr. Poffenroth acknowledges that both genetics and upbringing play significant roles in how individuals experience fear and anxiety. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, while others may have learned fearful behaviors from their parents or environment. The impact of trauma can even be passed down through generations at a genetic level. However, she also highlights that through strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and neurohacking, people can learn to manage and overcome these fears, even if they have a genetic or learned bias.

Q: What is Dr. Poffenroth’s perspective on the connection between fear and anger?

A: Dr. Poffenroth explains that fear and anger are closely related, with anger often serving as a way to mask or respond to fear. For many people, particularly men, anger is a more socially acceptable way to express fear because it feels more powerful. Understanding this connection can help individuals better manage their emotional responses.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth describe the impact of societal norms on how we express fear?

A: Dr. Poffenroth explains that societal norms, especially in Western culture, discourage people from expressing fear openly. Instead, people are encouraged to “pick themselves up by their bootstraps” and not show vulnerability. This socialization leads many to internalize their fears, often manifesting them as anger or anxiety. She advocates for changing this narrative by allowing fear to be expressed in healthier ways and for everyone to be taught tools, like the neurohacks she shares with her audience.

Q: How does Dr. Poffenroth recommend handling fear in romantic relationships or close partnerships?

A: Dr. Poffenroth recommends that individuals in romantic relationships or close partnerships should openly communicate about how they respond to fear. Knowing each other’s fear responses, whether it’s shutting down (being a turtle) or becoming angry (being a porcupine) can help partners support each other better. Of course, she reminds us that taking a break or stepping away if necessary to avoid saying something hurtful being said in the heat of the moment is important, but also knowing each other’s attachment types can help make this easier.

Theme: Business & Leadership

Q: Do super incredible people experience fear differently from others?

A: According to Dr. Poffenroth, super successful people, like Richard Branson of Virgin and Ed Catmull of Pixar, not only experience fear, but they often acknowledge it openly. Research has shown that hyper-successful individuals frequently use words like “fear,” “afraid,” and “scared” in their vocabulary. They believe that if they are not afraid, they are not pushing their limits. In contrast, less successful individuals tend to describe their experiences as “stressful” rather than fearful. Embracing fear and running toward it, rather than away from it, is a common trait among highly successful people.

Fun Facts About Mary

I once worked at NASA! Before diving into fearology, I started my professional career at NASA as part of the research team for the Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-107.

I’m a tiny, self-described “fun-sized” person—perfect for squeezing into small spaces! This came in handy when I had to make myself as small as possible while hiding from hunters who accidentally shot near me while I was alone studying small mammals in the vast Warner Mountains wilderness.

I’ve been chased by a bear while holding a $45 pizza! Well, kind of. While waiting for my partner Craig to come down from a hike, a bear almost nabbed the pizza I bought, but I sprinted back to the car, clutching the pizza and yelling, “Start the car!” as I barrel rolled into the backseat – pizza in tow – and we sped away. It’s one of my more dramatic encounters with factual fear.

I adore Bandit, my dog, and he frequently makes appearances in my anecdotes. He helps ground me and reminds me that love, loyalty, and companionship can be excellent counters to fear and stress.

I’m fascinated by “neurohacks”—shortcuts that help optimize brain function. I use these little tricks to boost bravery and creativity, sharing them to help others deal with their fears more efficiently.

I was born in the California Bay Area, specifically Fremont – the home of the first “Hollywood”, where silent films were made in the Niles district before the move to talkies and Southern California.

My loves: travel (I travel constantly and have been a digital nomad for many years), YA and Cozy mystery novels, my rescue dog Bandit, pilates/dance, wine, immersive experiences/theatre.

I’m the only one in my family to go to college, and out of the five of my mother’s children, the only one to graduate high school despite being the youngest.

I was raised by a very fearful mom who never traveled or even got a passport. I didn’t realize until my twenties that I had also never left the country due to those inherited fears and dedicated my late twenties to current day traveling the world.

I’ve taught university biology since 2007 at San Jose State University. Starting when I was just 27 years old, I’ve dedicated my professional life to using science to help others more deeply understand the world and themselves.

I hit my manager’s car on my first day at NASA—yep, my first day at NASA, I backed into my manager’s car and didn’t realize it until government security called me the next day as the whole thing was caught on camera. It was a low point but also a turning moment in my battle with imposter syndrome.

Dangerous things I’ve done: SCUBA diving throughout the Caribbean, skydiving in Chicago, trekking through the Moroccan desert, sailing into a cyclone in the Adriatic Sea outside of Croatia, repelling down waterfalls in Costa Rica, working with primates and being bit by a Capuchin Monkey.

Interesting Personal Stories Sampler

From Adopted At Birth To NASA Payload Researcher To World Explorer (Triumph, Coming Of Age)

Mary was adopted at birth by her maternal grandmother, “Momma Helen,” and her husband, Les, after her teenage birth mother struggled to raise her first son. Les died three months after the adoption, leaving Momma Helen to raise Mary alone. After a series of personal losses, Momma Helen instilled a pervasive sense of fear, teaching Mary to be afraid of the world and to hide emotions other than happiness.

Mary was the first, and still the only, one in her family to go to college and even as the youngest of five children, the only one to graduate high school. Mary would go on to pursue a career in science, initially working at NASA on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-107 before becoming biology faculty at San Jose State University.

Despite professional success, Mary struggled with understanding and expressing emotions, realizing that personal achievements did not bring a sense of wholeness. This was the driver to study fear/courage both academically with science and experientially through skydiving, SCUBA diving, and traveling the world.

Climbing Mount Whitney & Running from a Bear with a Pizza (Comedy, Action, Adventure)

Mary’s partner, Craig, and his son, Riely, hiked Mount Whitney to celebrate Craig’s birthday.
Mary waited at base camp, deciding to surprise them with a hot pizza upon their return.
While retrieving the pizza, a black bear appeared atop the bear box, clearly lured in by the delicious smells, prompting a fight-or-flight response.
Mary managed to grab the pizza and sprint back to the car, escaping the bear and saving the pizza!

Teachable Moments:

The Gondola Ride Up Mont Blanc, Europe’s Tallest Peak

Mary recounts an experience of fear while riding a gondola up Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. This story is used to demonstrate the power of showing up and confronting fear, even when the situation feels overwhelming. The experience is framed to highlight that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to face it despite the discomfort. Additionally, it highlights that we can be brave in some areas and terrified in others.

Falling into a Hole in Panama

While on a trip to Panama, Mary falls into a hole and severely injures herself. She fixates on this negative experience, allowing it to overshadow the entire trip. This story highlights how negative experiences can dominate our perception if we allow them to.

Who’s Your Dive Buddy? A Near Miss While SCUBA Diving

In this story, Mary recounts a near-death experience while scuba diving off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Mary was so enthralled by the beauty of the underwater reef wall that she lost track of her depth, descending too deep and experiencing nitrogen narcosis, a condition that impairs judgment and coordination. Fortunately, her dive buddy, Craig, noticed the danger, pulled her to safety, and potentially saved their life. The story highlights the importance of having someone in your life who can help you when you’re in a vulnerable state.

Sailing Through a Croatian Cyclone on an Inflatable Banana

After the death of her mother, Mary joins friends on a sailing trip through the Croatian Adriatic Sea. During a stormy night, they face the fear of being stranded on an island during a cyclone. The story vividly illustrates Mary’s use of the RAIN method to manage her fear and make a daring decision to return to her boat on an inflatable banana, demonstrating the method’s practical application in extreme situations.

Recent Awards

San Jose State University Innovation Award

Awards for Brave New You

Recent Press & Media

Aligned Genres: self-improvement, personal growth, professional development, women’s interest, leadership/executive, science/neuroscience, creativity, innovation.

Full media links found at: https://marypoffenroth.com/press/

A few high profile selections:

TIME Magazine (2024)

The Wall Street Journal

Success Magazine

SELF Magazine ( 11/24, 1/25)

Amazon Featured Author October & November 2024