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Mary J. Yerkes

Mary J. Yerkes Chronic Illness Coach, Author, Speaker

Mary J. Yerkes is a Professional Life Coach who provides transformational coaching to women and sometimes men who desire to find and fulfill their life’s purpose, the chronically ill, established and emerging women leaders, and new and aspiring nonfiction writers. She brings a passion for transformed living to every relationship through her coaching, writing, and speaking.

Like many of her clients, Mary lives with multiple chronic illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankloysing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Unable to live the life she once lived after her diagnosis, Mary combined her years of working as a communications and marketing professional in the corporate world with her extensive church leadership experience to launch a writing, speaking, and coaching business focused on helping individuals find their purpose and live their passion.

A widely published author, Mary is currently working on a book, When Life Hurts: Ten Transforming Choices Every Woman Can Make. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications, including Focus on the Family’s flagship website, Christian Coaching Magazine, the former Discipleship Journal, The Journal of Biblical Counseling, SAVED: A Multicultural Christian Magazine, and A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women, to name a few. Her bylined and ghostwritten articles have also appeared in Associations Now, The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, PayTech, Bank Systems & Technology, and Community Banker.

Mary is also a popular speaker for church and community events. She covers diverse and multiple topics, including chronic illness management, personal development as a professional writer and speaker, calling and life purpose discovery, and more.

She is a member of the Christian Coaches Network, the International Coach Federation, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Mary and her husband Paul make their home in Virginia, about 40 miles outside of Washington, DC. Together, they have one son Ricky and a beautiful daughter-in-law Diana. Learn more about Mary at www.NewLifeChristianCoaching.com and www.MaryYerkes.com.

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Reading Janie Dempsey Watts’ New Book, “Mostly True: Stories with a Southern Sensibility,” Is a Delightful Treat, Much Like Catching Up with a Dear Old Friend

Review by Anne L. Holmes for the NABBW: The first thing that grabs your attention when you behold this  book is the gorgeous photo on the cover, which depicts two beautiful horses running across a grassy field, tails flying, against a backdrop of rolling hills and a forest of trees, starting to …Review by Anne L. Holmes for the NABBW: The first thing that grabs your attention when you behold this  book is the gorgeous photo on the cover, which depicts two beautiful horses running across a…Review by Anne L. Holmes for the NABBW: The first thing that grabs your attention when you behold this  book is the gorgeous photo on the cover, which depicts two beautiful horses running across a grassy field, tails flying, against a backdrop of rolling hills and a forest of trees, starting to display their fall colors. You start to really suspect that horses are an important part of this highly readable memoir when you turn to the book's back cover, and see that the publisher is Bold Horses Press, in Ringgold, Georgia. Leaf through, and you'll find yourself reading chapter titles that…

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Captivating Journeys–Disney to Africa

Ask AdrianeIn this inspiring episode of the Ageless Traveler, I sit down with travel expert Simon Veness, who shares his captivating journey through the world of travel and journalism. From his early experiences living in Africa to his love for Orlando and Disney, Simon discusses the unique perspect…Ask AdrianeIn this inspiring episode of the Ageless Traveler, I sit down with travel expert Simon Veness, who shares his captivating journey through the world of travel and journalism. From his early …Ask AdrianeIn this inspiring episode of the Ageless Traveler, I sit down with travel expert Simon Veness, who shares his captivating journey through the world of travel and journalism. From his early experiences living in Africa to his love for Orlando and Disney, Simon discusses the unique perspectives that come with being a travel writer.Listen, and learn about Simon's upcoming book on apartheid in South Africa and his aspirations to visit Antarctica. Additionally, we highlight the importance of voluntouring and the impact of charities like Give Kids the World. Tune in for a delightful …

Listen · 46:28
Linda Ballou Shares Seven Great Travel Picks for 2026. Now’s the Time to Plan an Epic Trip!!

By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate   NOTE to READERS: Last month Linda offered NABBW readers a handful of "giftable" travel-related books related to trips she highly recommends. All books she's enjoyed about places she would visit again in a heartbeat. This month, she's sti…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate   NOTE to READERS: Last month Linda offered NABBW readers a handful of "giftable" travel-related books related to trips she highly recommen…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate   NOTE to READERS: Last month Linda offered NABBW readers a handful of "giftable" travel-related books related to trips she highly recommends. All books she's enjoyed about places she would visit again in a heartbeat. This month, she's still urging us to put down our smart phones, walk away from the stress of day-to-day life -- not to mention the siren call of social media -- and get outside to allow time in nature to heal our souls. Hopeful that we are listening, today she's sharing seven of her all-time favorite trips. Which one wi…

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Finding Festivals with PBS Star Haylie Robinson

Ask Adriane"Festivals are the only place where annual traditions are preserved, practiced, and actively participated in."  Haylie Robinson, Creator of Finding Festivals PBSThis week, I sat down with Haylie Robinson, creator of Finding Festivals, to explore her world — from small-town celebrations…Ask Adriane"Festivals are the only place where annual traditions are preserved, practiced, and actively participated in."  Haylie Robinson, Creator of Finding Festivals PBSThis week, I sat down with …Ask Adriane"Festivals are the only place where annual traditions are preserved, practiced, and actively participated in."  Haylie Robinson, Creator of Finding Festivals PBSThis week, I sat down with Haylie Robinson, creator of Finding Festivals, to explore her world — from small-town celebrations to cultural touchstones with global impact.Haylie takes us from her days as a festival queen in Ohio to her work uncovering the most meaningful festivals across the U.S. and beyond. Her message is refreshing and straightforward: you don't need a passport to experience culture. Sometimes the ri…

Listen · 40:43
Eco-tourism opportunities for travelers

Ask Adriane“This garden is a beautiful, planted hectare botanical garden—one of the only in the world that has healing plants."Step into Tonga’s lush Eneio Botanical Gardens—one of the world’s rare botanical spaces dedicated to healing plants and cultural storytelling. In this week’s epi…Ask Adriane“This garden is a beautiful, planted hectare botanical garden—one of the only in the world that has healing plants."Step into Tonga’s lush Eneio Botanical Gardens—one of the world…Ask Adriane“This garden is a beautiful, planted hectare botanical garden—one of the only in the world that has healing plants."Step into Tonga’s lush Eneio Botanical Gardens—one of the world’s rare botanical spaces dedicated to healing plants and cultural storytelling. In this week’s episode of The Ageless Traveler, we travel to Tonga to explore a hidden sanctuary rich with cultural symbolism, ancient healing plants, and ecological purpose.The Gardens were founded by Haniteli Faanuno, whose vision was to create a living archive of Tonga’s indigenous flora. Today, under the leader…

Listen · 23:26
Creating Home, Community & Adventure Abroad

Ask Adriane“We are creating a new industry standard — totally a new industry — which is called home basing.”Meet Anna Marie Lavasari, a pioneer in reshaping the travel lifestyle with a community model that blends independence with companionship in beautiful locations like France and Italy.I …Ask Adriane“We are creating a new industry standard — totally a new industry — which is called home basing.”Meet Anna Marie Lavasari, a pioneer in reshaping the travel lifestyle with a communi…Ask Adriane“We are creating a new industry standard — totally a new industry — which is called home basing.”Meet Anna Marie Lavasari, a pioneer in reshaping the travel lifestyle with a community model that blends independence with companionship in beautiful locations like France and Italy.I speak with Anna Marie Lavasari, founder of Le Joie Home Base, about a part-time, community-driven way for women to explore Europe and beyond while building lasting friendships and cultural connections.Enjoy a safe, supportive, culturally rich home base where you can stay for two weeks to a month —…

Listen · 39:46
The Texas Country Music Cruise

Ask AdrianeIn this episode, join me on an exciting journey aboard the Texas Country Music Cruise, a unique experience that combines the joy of cruising with the vibrant sounds of Texas country music. I interview Cynthia Sayko, the cruise founder, who shares her inspiration behind this innovative co…Ask AdrianeIn this episode, join me on an exciting journey aboard the Texas Country Music Cruise, a unique experience that combines the joy of cruising with the vibrant sounds of Texas country music.…Ask AdrianeIn this episode, join me on an exciting journey aboard the Texas Country Music Cruise, a unique experience that combines the joy of cruising with the vibrant sounds of Texas country music. I interview Cynthia Sayko, the cruise founder, who shares her inspiration behind this innovative concept, and Eric Lennington, the cruise director, who provides insights into what attendees can expect. From live performances by Texas artists to mingling with fellow music lovers, this cruise promises a memorable adventure on the high seas, with stellar entertainment options available, from Broadw…

Listen · 21:17
Passport and Visa Know-How, Schengen Expedited and UK Authorizations

Ask Adriane"Travel is therapeutic, and I truly believe everyone should travel, regardless of age or health."Whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your first international trip, this episode will help ensure your travel plans go off without a hitch. My guest, Antoinette Leon, shares ex…Ask Adriane"Travel is therapeutic, and I truly believe everyone should travel, regardless of age or health."Whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your first international trip, this epis…Ask Adriane"Travel is therapeutic, and I truly believe everyone should travel, regardless of age or health."Whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your first international trip, this episode will help ensure your travel plans go off without a hitch. My guest, Antoinette Leon, shares expert insights on obtaining passports and visas, avoiding fraud, and understanding expedited services. We discuss dual citizenship, traveling with minors, and the Schengen visa covering much of Europe. We also tackle common pitfalls and scams—like fake government websites that overcharge and delay…

Listen · 36:26
Discover the Art of Slow Travel on the Burgundy Canal!

Ask Adriane"I felt more patient in life. I loved living in the moment on the barge." AdrianeReady for a transformative travel experience? Join us on the Burgundy Canal with European Waterways! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the luxury of a private barge, savoring exquisi…Ask Adriane"I felt more patient in life. I loved living in the moment on the barge." AdrianeReady for a transformative travel experience? Join us on the Burgundy Canal with European Waterways! Immerse…Ask Adriane"I felt more patient in life. I loved living in the moment on the barge." AdrianeReady for a transformative travel experience? Join us on the Burgundy Canal with European Waterways! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the luxury of a private barge, savoring exquisite cuisine, and steeping yourself in the culture of wine country. Don't miss this unique adventure! Meet Derek Banks, the founder and managing director of European Waterways, to discuss the art of slow travel and the unique experiences that come with it. Discover how this immersive journey al…

Listen · 38:28
Linda Ballou Suggests Gifts for the Adventure Travel Junkie in Your Life: Awesome Adventure Travel Books!

By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate  Hello friends! It's my hope that today's article will be a timely and practical one which is designed to help you find the perfect gift for any number of upcoming gifting events. Below you'll find a healthy helping of gift ideas designed to ap…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate  Hello friends! It's my hope that today's article will be a timely and practical one which is designed to help you find the perfect gift for any…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate  Hello friends! It's my hope that today's article will be a timely and practical one which is designed to help you find the perfect gift for any number of upcoming gifting events. Below you'll find a healthy helping of gift ideas designed to appeal to your friends, family and associates who are fans of -- or actively involved in adventure travel. (And yes, you can also gift any of these ideas to yourself. Or add them to your personal holiday and birthday gift lists.) Yes, I'm sharing my personal list of great gifts designed to appeal to a…

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How to Be a Voluntour: Combining Sightseeing and Good Works

Ask Adriane“Voluntouring can be just a buzzword or it can change your life and the lives of others.”In this week's podcast I interview Lorraine Keenan creator of hero holidays in South Africa. You'll discover how she manages a weekend for 52 girls from South Africa who who have never s…Ask Adriane“Voluntouring can be just a buzzword or it can change your life and the lives of others.”In this week's podcast I interview Lorraine Keenan creator of hero holidays in South Africa…Ask Adriane“Voluntouring can be just a buzzword or it can change your life and the lives of others.”In this week's podcast I interview Lorraine Keenan creator of hero holidays in South Africa. You'll discover how she manages a weekend for 52 girls from South Africa who who have never seen the African Bush. “My purpose” says Lorrane is to ”catch them before they fall.” Imagine the joy voluntours feel in helping these young women. Or if conservation is your mission, stay with the Lorraine at a beautiful game ranch, enjoy safari and discover how to protect the environment.Re…

Listen · 30:40
Four of the World’s Best Safaris–Uganda Unique Part II

Ask AdrianeAre you ready for an unforgettable journey? Adventure awaits in Uganda! Join us as we explore the thrilling world of safaris, gorilla trekking, and more. Tune in to discover why Uganda should be your next travel destination!In this episode of The Ageless Traveler, I take you on four thri…Ask AdrianeAre you ready for an unforgettable journey? Adventure awaits in Uganda! Join us as we explore the thrilling world of safaris, gorilla trekking, and more. Tune in to discover why Uganda sho…Ask AdrianeAre you ready for an unforgettable journey? Adventure awaits in Uganda! Join us as we explore the thrilling world of safaris, gorilla trekking, and more. Tune in to discover why Uganda should be your next travel destination!In this episode of The Ageless Traveler, I take you on four thrilling Safaris through Uganda: jeep, walking, water, and the famous primate treks.Joined by Derick Remember, the founder and CEO of Ronick Tours and Travel, we discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and the importance of conservation efforts in this beautiful country. Whether you'r…

Listen · 28:14
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