Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena's Time

Today's episode comes to you from the campground! 🌲⛺ I kicked things off by sharing my excitement about being outdoors and recording my podcast surrounded by fellow campers—while trying not to be "that loud person" everyone can hear across the campsite. But as often happens, the conversation took a deeper turn. Inspired by Father's sermon on Sunday, I reflected on the sanctit...

Sometimes the best conversations are the ones we never plan. Today's episode started with absolutely no agenda, no notes, and no idea what I was going to talk about. I simply turned on the microphone and started sharing whatever was on my heart. Somehow, that led me to tell the story of my sister and the small signs that have appeared since her passing more than 15 years ago. From pennies wit...

Have you ever wondered if God was trying to get your attention? In today's episode, I share the story of a man on TikTok who was completely baffled after repeatedly seeing the number 22 in the strangest places—including on his microwave, which appeared to display 11:22 even though it was actually 1:15 in the afternoon! It sparked a conversation about signs from God, divine timing, and those m...

Today’s episode is one I know many of you have been waiting for. I’m sharing an update on my recent health scare and opening up about my doctor’s visit yesterday. Through every moment of uncertainty, I could truly feel God walking beside me, giving me peace, strength, and comfort when I needed it most. I also chat a little about my plans for the day and throw a question out to all of you: does any...

Today’s podcast took a deeper dive into WHY I love thrifting so much. Sure, it’s fun, exciting and feels like a treasure hunt every single time…but it’s also become something much bigger than that for me. We talked about overconsumption, fast fashion and the overwhelming amount of clothing being produced in this world. I even shared a statistic claiming there are roughly THREE TIMES more t-shirts...

Today’s podcast was one straight from the heart. I spoke about Pentecost — what it is, what it means, and how Father’s sermon this weekend deeply touched my soul and inspired me to share God’s word. I reflected on the ways the Holy Spirit has moved in my life over the past year, especially through the emotional journey of deciding to sell The Dough Hook. In moments of uncertainty, fear, and transi...

Today’s podcast took a very “Mel Robbins” turn. 😂 We talked about how hard it can be to say no when someone asks for help…and how even harder it is not to carry someone else’s problems like they’re our own. I shared why setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish, why guilt sneaks in when we put ourselves first, and why we ALL need to practice saying no a little more often. Also…your girl is offi...

Today’s episode was yet another beautiful disaster. 😂 About halfway through recording, my computer completely glitched out and I had to stop and restart everything…which honestly felt very on-brand for this podcast at this point. BUT before technology betrayed me, we got deep into one of my favorite things ever: THRIFTING. From random finds to the thrill of discovering hidden gems, I could talk a...

Today’s episode is all about motherhood, multitasking, and giving credit where credit is due. I spent some time shouting out both working moms and stay-at-home moms because honestly…being a mother is a full-time job no matter what your schedule looks like. I talk about the importance of recognizing that stay-at-home moms are working just as hard and how valuable that role truly is. Then the episod...

Today’s episode (EPISODE 21!!!) was a little chaotic from the very beginning. After having to completely reboot the system just to get started, the conversation somehow turned into a mini history lesson covering everything from the evolution of Levi jeans and why vintage pairs are worth so much money today…to solo flights across the Atlantic. Was it organized? Not exactly. Was it entertaining? Abs...

Today’s episode starts with the absolute chaos that was my plumbing situation yesterday…because apparently life decided my bathtub needed to become a swimming pool. 😂 After surviving that adventure, I share the joy of attending the graduation ceremony at the career center where I substitute teach. It was such a special evening celebrating hardworking students stepping into their futures — includi...

Today’s episode was one of my favorites yet! We kicked things off celebrating Episode 19 before diving into a beautiful and emotional weekend experience at Baccalaureate Mass honoring this year’s graduating seniors. I share the touching way the graduates honored one of their classmates who passed away during high school, along with the powerful message from Father’s sermon about continuing God’s w...

Today’s short episode celebrates my daughter and nephew and their amazing scholastic achievements this year! I also share how I made the choice to lean into positivity this morning… even after breaking something I use every single day. 😅 Life is going to life sometimes, but our attitude really can change everything. And truly… thank you to everyone who reached out to me yesterday. Your kindness m...

This episode is a little messy emotionally...because I am too right now. After disappearing for a day, I’m opening up about the emergency room visitsss that completely shook me and the women’s health news that followed. I’m scared, overwhelmed, emotional, and trying to work through it all while still showing up here with you. There IS some really good news mixed into today’s episode too...because...

Some mornings you sit down with absolutely nothing planned to say… and somehow end up saying the things that matter most. In today’s completely unedited episode, I talk about learning to see the beauty God placed inside of you, the lengths we’ll go to for our children, and the indescribable love a grandma carries for her grandbabies. What started as a slow burn turned into one of the most heartfel...

Some mornings the coffee kicks in… and some mornings your brain just powers on like an old desktop computer from 1998. 😂 Today’s podcast is a little bit of everything and absolutely nothing all at once — getting ready, wasting time, trying to wake my brain up, and somehow stumbling into a few tiny life lessons along the way. It’s real life, unfiltered morning chaos, random thoughts, and proof tha...

Today’s episode was inspired by Eric Church’s powerful commencement speech to UNC — a speech that impacted me so deeply, I listened to it twice. I share some of the moments and messages that really stuck with me and relate them to my own real-life experiences, parenting, priorities, business, and the way I try to navigate this messy, beautiful life. And in true “real life” fashion…my granddaughter...

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!! 💐 Today’s episode is full of movie nostalgia, motherhood reflections, and a little “Miranda Priestly energy.” My husband took me to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 and let me tell you… the original movie has always been one of my absolute favorites! There’s just something about the confidence, drive, and passion that Miranda and Andy bring to the screen that always inspires me. T...

Parenting changes constantly — and just when you think you’ve figured one phase out, another one shows up to humble you. 😂 Today’s episode is a real-life conversation about navigating parenting through every stage…from little kid meltdowns to learning how to support older kids through difficult moments too. I also shared a really interesting tool I came across from the Occuplaytional Therapist Fa...

Today’s episode was recorded much later than usual and WOW…you can tell 😂 Between phone calls, surprise interruptions from the “chipmunk on steroids,” and trying to organize my thoughts, this one was all over the place in the best possible way. I talked about my love for camping, tried to remember the southern Ohio state park that just added full hook-up campsites, shared stories about making cin...

This episode? It’s about as real as it gets. I spent the night in the ER with my daughter, and I’d truly appreciate your prayers as we navigate this pregnancy. ❤️ In the middle of all that, I’m also sharing something important—I’m officially looking for a podcast sponsor. For just $25/month, you can help keep this show going as my Buzzsprout trial comes to an end. And because life doesn’t pause fo...

SPOILER ALERT!! If you didn’t watch the finale of Funny AF…don’t worry—I’ve got you covered (and yes, I have opinions 😏). Today’s quick 10-minute episode is basically me recapping the final showdown, running through the four finalists, and reacting to what’s next for each of them. Because honestly? Every single one of them could’ve walked away with the win. We’re talking standout moments, future...

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m diving headfirst into the science behind cookies (yes, we’re talking the why behind the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency) as I work on developing new recipes for my Etsy shop. Because if we’re going to do it… we’re going to do it right. 😉 But the real highlight? Celebrating a huge win—my daug...

Today’s episode is short, sweet… and just a little chaotic. 😅 I decided to mix things up and go live on TikTok while recording, which felt like a great idea… until it just threw me off. 🤦‍♀️ We'll try again tomorrow.... Somewhere in the middle of all that, I found myself having one of those full-circle mom moments—when my daughter called me for moral (and mental) support while navigating li...

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—in the best way. I’m sharing the impact Father’s sermon had on me this morning and the thoughts that really stuck with me as I walked out of church. Then we shift into one of the sweetest moments of the day… my husband taking our granddaughter fishing for the very first time (and yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds 🥹). And to wrap it up, I’m leaning i...