​I’m Mari Mitchell,
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​In 2006, I began a journey back to myself. For far too many years, I had been striving to be the person other people wanted me to be. All this was in order to be nice, loved, and accepted. The truth is, I was miserable. Going against my wishes, desires and preferences took a toll. I knew I had to find a different way of being. It turns out I needed to get back to me, to my authentic self. My way back to my authentic self wasn’t easy, but it’s a journey I will always be grateful for. There is something incredibly freeing about being who you truly are: no masks, no pretending. And the journey continues as I discover new areas in my life where I can show up even more authentically.
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Welcome to my website!
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​​Guiding others to create their best lives by stepping into their authentic selves is deeply fulfilling for me. I’m equally inspired by interviewing individuals on my Dare to be Authentic Podcast, who are genuine, heart-centered, and making a difference in the world. My Dare to Be Authentic book series gives me the opportunity to showcase others who are living authentic lives and have a story to share with the world.
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I currently live in Southern California, enjoying a life filled with love, laughter, family, and friends.
Dare to be Authentic Podcast
In 2013, I was invited by a radio station in Los Angeles to host my own show. That opportunity led me to create the Dare to Be Authentic Radio Show, now known as the Dare to Be Authentic Podcast. On my podcast, I feature guests from all walks of life who are courageously living their truth. To date I've interviewed almost 450 people.
Listen to my Podcast
Tune in to my Dare to Be Authentic podcast, where I interview business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, mentors, and more who boldly share their authentic journeys in order to inspire and empower others.
Be a guest on my Podcast
I absolutely love showcasing incredible people on my podcast. As a guest, you'll be the star of the show and my goal is to provide you with a platform to share your insights, ideas, and inspiration with the world. If you're interested in being a guest, feel free to reach out!
Books
​Although I began writing years earlier, I self-published my first book, Diary of a Hopeless Romantic, in 2012. I filled the novel with so many of the lessons I had learned about being authentic when it came to love and dating. Becoming a published author was an incredible milestone, made even more special by the overwhelming support of my clients, friends, and family at my first book signing. Since then, I’ve also published The Cuban Heart, a book of poetry exploring the Cuban-American experience, and my newest book is Talking to Strangers, a novel that blends romance and suspense.
Talking to Strangers
Diane is a legal secretary with an extremely demanding mother and an equally demanding boss. She meets a charming and handsome stranger on a bus and is both thrilled and nervous when he asks her out. That same week, her boss is attacked at his law offices and ends up in the hospital with injuries. Diane's life becomes filled with fears and uncertainty as she becomes the reluctantly passenger in the ride of her life.
Diary of a Hopeless Romantic
After six years in a relationship that has taken her from the heights of ecstasy to the depths of misery, Natalie leaves her lover. Brokenhearted and with barely a shred of self-esteem, she soon meets her next obsession and enters into an equally frustrating and unfulfilling relationship. When this man disappears, Natalie wonders why she keeps getting involved with men who lack in love and appreciation. Her determination to find the perfect man, takes her through disappointment, hilarious dating scenarios, and a journey of self-discovery.
The Cuban Heart
The Cuban Heart is a book of poetry about many of the experiences, trials and difficulties Cubans faced before and after Castro took over the island of Cuba. It also speaks of the Cuban-Americans; children of those who left their homeland in search of a better life for themselves and for the future of their families. Writing these poems has led to deep healing of pain I had been carrying since I was a child. I hope you are not only touched by them but encouraged in knowing that the spirit of the Cuban people could not be broken.
