Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena's Time

September 1, 2026 was the most incredible day of my life. Almost exactly 11 months after our family experienced the heartbreaking loss of our second grandbaby, my third granddaughter, Teegan, was born. After a high-risk pregnancy filled with worry, fear, prayers, and memories of what we'd been through before, the moment she arrived felt like the complete opposite end of the spectrum. In this...

I'M BACK! After a four-week hiatus, I am finally back behind the microphone—and WOW, what a four weeks it has been! In this episode, I catch you up on where I've been and why I've been away. I had a hysterectomy, which meant going from perimenopause to menopause basically overnight, and let me tell you… recovery has been one of the strangest experiences of my life. I'm sharing...

Some of life's greatest blessings don't come with a title...but for me, being an aunt is one I'll never take for granted. Today's episode began with a beautiful letter from my dear friend, Rebecca, sharing her own journey as an aunt. Her words stirred something in my heart and reminded me just how much my nieces and nephews have shaped my life. Being their aunt has been one of...

We all have an "Amanda." Maybe it's a cousin, a best friend, a sibling, or someone who has quietly stood by your side through every season of life. In today's episode, I share a heartfelt letter my friend Rebecca wrote to her cousin Amanda. As I read her words, I couldn't help but reflect on my own cousin Amanda and the countless ways she's been a source of strength,...

Sometimes Mondays don't have a grand lesson. They're just...Mondays. This episode is part of my 28 Love Letters series, proudly sponsored by my dear friend, Rebecca Conklin-Klieboemer . Rebecca spent the month of February writing a love letter every single day, and this series is my way of carrying that same spirit of encouragement, gratitude, and genuine connection forward. I'm so...

Sometimes the simplest reminders are the ones that stay with us the longest. In today's episode, I share a handwritten letter from my dear friend, Rebecca, that challenged me to choose kindness, extend grace, and remember that every person we meet has a story we may never fully understand. Her words led me to reflect on a few recent experiences that reminded me just how quick we can be to jud...

Today begins with one of the most beautiful love letters I've ever heard. Written years ago by my dear friend Rebecca Conklin-Kleibomer, it's a reminder that before we pour into everyone else, we have to take care of ourselves. Her words challenged me to ask an important question: What would I say if I wrote myself a love letter? That message became even more meaningful after I missed ye...

For today's episode, I'm finally saying something out loud that's been quietly growing in the back of my mind. What started as a simple Route 66 dream is beginning to take on a life of its own. What if, for a special series, this podcast hit the road? What if I traveled Route 66, stopped in small towns, highlighted local businesses, shared their stories, and invited you along for th...

Have you ever wondered if the work you're doing is actually making a difference? This weekend, God answered that question for me in a way I never expected. Through two completely different conversations, I was reminded that sometimes we never truly know how our words, our kindness, or even a simple podcast can impact someone else's life. It was one of those moments where I couldn't...

One heartfelt letter has a way of opening the door to a much bigger conversation. Today I share another beautiful letter from my dear friend Rebecca, this time honoring the intervention specialist who helped shape her son's early school years with patience, compassion, and unwavering encouragement. That simple act of gratitude leads us into a conversation about remarkable teachers, a memorabl...

Some friendships don't just last—they become family. In today's episode, I share the story behind "Beastie Day," a tradition that celebrates one of the most meaningful friendships in my life. Inspired by a beautiful love letter from today's sponsor, I'm reflecting on the people who walk beside us through every season—the friends who know our stories, cheer us on, and...

Nine years ago, my friend Rebecca wrote me a letter that I've never forgotten. Today, I finally read it out loud—and let's just say there were a few tears along the way. In this episode, I reflect on what it feels like to see yourself through someone else's eyes, share the hilarious story behind Rebecca's infamous "cow tongue" comment, and talk about why the people we...

Sometimes the best podcast topics aren't planned—they find you. Today begins with another beautiful letter from my dear friend Rebecca, whose words have been inspiring this special sponsored series. As I reflected on her message, I couldn't help but think about a conversation I had earlier today with a young couple looking for parenting advice. Funny how life works that way. A letter wri...

Today's episode is a collection of real-life moments—from an unexpected visit with my granddaughter to preparing for surgery, growing my marketing business, and getting ready to welcome our new parish priest for dinner. Along the way, I share another beautiful love letter from Rebecca's 2017 project and tell a funny story about preparing every room in the house for a priestly blessing. S...

Some memories arrive when you least expect them. Today I continue sharing another one of Rebecca Conklin Klieboemer's beautiful "love letters" from February 2017. This one was written to her sister, Melissa, and as I read it aloud, I realized something that had somehow escaped me all these years—we both have sisters named Melissa. That simple realization opened the door to memories...

Some conversations aren't planned...they simply unfold. Today begins with another beautiful love letter from my dear friend Rebecca—a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on another—before taking an unexpected turn through everyday life. From witnessing a frightening moment at the local pool, to an incredibly kind cashier at Meijer, to reflecting on social media, today's...

Today started with smoky skies, a heartfelt love letter from my friend Rebecca, and an unexpected conversation with a cashier at Meijer that reminded me just how powerful simple kindness can be. In this episode, I share another one of Rebecca's beautiful February Love Letters before reflecting on the small moments that often make the biggest impact. In a world where anger, division, and negat...

One year after closing my business, I finally realized just how much weight I'd been carrying. Today's episode begins with another beautiful letter from Rebecca's "Love Letter Project"—this one written to her father during his recovery from heart surgery. It's a heartfelt reminder of how love is often found in ordinary moments and lifelong memories. From there, I refl...

Today's episode is a little different...and very close to my heart. Several years ago, my dear friend Rebecca began a simple but extraordinary project: she spent the entire month of February writing daily love letters to people who had impacted her life. Those posts became a beautiful reminder of the power of gratitude, encouragement, and speaking kindness out loud. When Rebecca generously ch...

There are some conversations that don't come naturally. Today's episode is one of them. Mental health isn't something I've ever felt completely comfortable talking about—not because it isn't important, but because I've always worried about saying the wrong thing. Instead of waiting until I had all the answers, I decided to simply be honest. In this episode, I share wh...

Today's episode is actually...take two! After recording most of the episode, my granddaughter had other plans, my daughter walked in, and I realized life was reminding me exactly why this is called 10 Unedited Minutes of Marlena's Time . Today I'm sharing a little about our unexpected weekend, my daughter's return trip to the hospital, meeting our new priest, celebrating an exc...

Some moments stay with you forever, and this episode begins with one of them. I'm sharing a memory of my dear friend Rebecca taking me to the home where she grew up and introducing me to her parents. It was such a simple afternoon, but one I'll always treasure because she invited me into a very special part of her story. Then we catch up on where I've disappeared to for the last few...

Today started with a phone call at 4:00 a.m. that no parent wants to receive. My daughter, who is in the middle of a high-risk pregnancy, had a bleeding scare, and was on her way to pick me up so we could head to the hospital. We both expected a quick checkup, some reassurance, and a trip back home. Instead, she was transferred by ambulance to the High-Risk OB team at Ohio State. As I followed the...

Some days just feel...off. You blink, it's late afternoon, and you can't shake the feeling that you've been physically present all day but mentally somewhere else. Today was one of those days for me. I seriously considered saying, "Forget it," skipping the podcast, and calling it a day. Instead, I hit record. Today's Rebecca memory is exactly what you'd expect—ou...

This morning starts with another favorite Rebecca memory...and this one involves themed parties! From prom parties to "White Out" parties, she always knew how to throw an unforgettable celebration. I even share the story of the infamous night we "shot the rainbow"—a decision that seemed like a fantastic idea at the time and a terrible one the next morning! 😂 Then I take you ca...