Your People

Marissa and Mike introduce their first video episode! They argue that "messy" community can be meaningful and a sign of deeper relationships rather than failure. They encourage listeners not to jump ship over minor annoyances and to distinguish between small issues to tolerate (like social irritations with neighbors or coworkers) and bigger issues that may require hard conversations and boundaries...

In this episode, Michael & Marissa talk about radical generosity 🤍—what it really looks like to step outside our comfort zones and give from our own well of personal resources.  The result? Deeper connection, unexpected blessing, and a transformed heart 🙌. We explore what radical generosity can look like in everyday life: ⏰ Giving time, presence, and talents—not just finances 🫶 Servin...

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work—often alongside people we didn’t choose and don’t always connect with naturally. In this episode, Michael & Marissa explore what it looks like to foster genuine community in the workplace without forcing friendship or crossing professional boundaries 🤝. This conversation isn’t about finding your best friends at work. Instead, it’s about choo...

Last June, we recorded an episode all about the importance of small groups (Episode 15)—and at the time, our own life group was just getting started . After a brief pause from recording (we missed you! 😊), we’re back with an honest check-in: how is life group really going, seven months in? In this episode, Michael & Marissa unpack what we’ve learned so far—the joys, the adjustments, and the u...

Whatever you call them— small group, life group, Gospel community, home church —if you're a churchgoing believer, being part of one isn’t just a nice idea… it's something we truly believe is worth prioritizing. 🙌 This week, Michael & Marissa dive into the power and purpose of small groups in building deep, meaningful community within the church. Small groups aren’t just about Bible study (tho...

In this episode, co-hosts Michael & Marissa dig into radical vulnerability —what it is, what it’s not, and why it matters deeply in our pursuit of real connection 🤝💬. We live in a culture that often confuses vulnerability with over-sharing or glamorized chaos (“look how messy my house is!” 🙈). But true vulnerability goes deeper. It’s not about constant complaining or being reckless with our...

Is pulling back really protecting you… or is it slowly stealing your joy? 🤔 In today’s episode, we’re diving into the hidden cost of isolation and why choosing community—even when it’s hard—is one of the most powerful, healing decisions we can make. We’ll talk about: ✨ How isolation often sneaks in quietly 📖 What Scripture says about living in relationship 🛡️ Why the enemy loves when we isolate...

After three months apart, Michael and Marissa are back together to share the highs, lows, and lessons learned from this deployment season. From 24-hour shifts and navigating loneliness to solo parenting while sick and longing for connection, they open up about the challenges they faced on both sides of deployment. Michael shares the reality of maintaining operations with little rest, the struggle...

In today’s episode, Marissa sits down with her sister Emily, a licensed professional counselor working within the university system. Together, they dive into one of the most pressing challenges college students (ages 18-23) face when trying to build meaningful relationships: the impact of devices and social media. They explore why this stage of life makes it especially tough to connect and share f...

Boundaries can be a tricky topic— but they can make or break our ability to love others well. Are boundaries barriers that keep people out, or tools that help us build healthier relationships? And what does the Bible have to say about it? In this episode, co-hosts Michael & Marissa Ceci dive into the tension between setting healthy limits and vulnerably letting others in, in order to building...

After a not-so-brief (should have seen it coming) hiatus... we are BACK! (well.. almost) Between Michael leaving for deployment, Marissa single parenting for months, technical difficulties, traveling over the holidays and the inability to make an episode happen while Michael is deployed, an unintentional hiatus happened. Co-host Marissa welcomes listeners back into the space of finding and loving...

What does it look like to open your heart and your home to others during the holidays? Co-host Marissa shares stories of holidays spent away from family and how her friends and local community came together to celebrate- creating joyful lasting memories that would not have been possible if someone hadn’t simply made the invite, and opened their door to that time together. Not a call to action for...

Whether you're preparing for your very first move, a seasoned nomad navigating yet another transition, or someone deeply rooted in your community with no plans to leave, this episode is for you! In the final chapter of our On The Move Again series, co-hosts Michael and Marissa come together to unpack the main takeaways and themes from the previous two interviews. Together, they explore: 🌟 Buildin...

In this episode of Your People , Marissa welcomes onto the show her dear friend, fellow mama, and former military spouse Brittany Fine . Over 12 years of marriage, Brittany and her husband have moved five times, each relocation bringing new lessons and challenges. Brittany candidly shares how they navigated those changes, from her husband’s deployment within their first year of marriage, to an ove...

In this episode of Your People , Michael sits down with his longtime friend and fellow military service member, Riley Livermore. Together, they reminisce about Riley’s incredible journey, which saw him and his family of four move seven times over 12 years of service—five of those moves happening in just five years, including time overseas in Israel. Now settled in beautiful Vermont after recently...

In this episode, Michael and Marissa discuss the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to build meaningful connections. They dive into some of the challenges of initiating new friendships as we get older and out of our adolescent and college years. They offer practical advice and a few steps you can take this week to build your community and find your people. Get that number. Just say YE...

In this episode of Your People , host Marissa shares a heartfelt conversation about the power of intentionally praying for community—especially when it comes to friendship. While seasons of isolation can be part of life, they don’t have to equate to loneliness. Through scripture, Marissa explores how God designed us for connection and gave us prayer as a way to commune with Him, share our desires,...

In this episode of Your People , hosts Michael & Marissa delve into the intentional practice of breaking bread with others. Whether it’s coffee with a close friend, lunch with a colleague, a three-course dinner with friends, or pizza on the lawn with neighbors, sharing a meal is one of the most fundamental ways we connect as humans. It’s a moment to be vulnerable, build community, and strength...

In this pilot episode of Your People, Michael and Marissa invite you into their journey—a journey shaped by 6 moves together over 12 years of marriage and military service. Their experiences have led them to a powerful realization: we all need community. They'll share the heart behind this podcast, where each episode is crafted to inspire and challenge you to build meaningful connections and serve...

Your People Podcast tackles the loneliness epidemic by focusing on what matters most: community . Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Marissa Ceci, who have moved six times in 12 years of marriage and military service, they share insights on finding, nurturing, and deeply connecting with your people . Join them as they inspire and challenge you to build meaningful relationships and serve ot...