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What happens when the dream doesn't look the way you thought it would — but turns out even better?

In this episode of Hope Comes to Visit, Danielle Elliott Smith sits down with former award-winning journalist and communications executive Marla Cichowski, who shares her powerful journey to becoming a single mother by choice (SMBC).

After nearly two decades reporting from the frontlines of history — from natural disasters to diplomatic breakthroughs — Marla turned the camera inward. At a time when most people expected her to settle down the “traditional” way, she took a bold leap, choosing to create a family on her own terms.

With vulnerability, humor, and heart, Marla opens up about letting go of timelines, navigating fertility decisions solo, and why chasing a dream — no matter how long it takes — is always worth it. Today, she’s the proud mom of a vibrant five-year-old daughter and living proof that motherhood doesn’t have to follow the rules.

This is a conversation about rewriting the story, listening to your inner knowing, and trusting that love finds us — in unexpected, beautiful ways.

You can connect with Marla on LinkedIn and learn a bit more about about her SMBC journey on her Northwestern profile.

Thank you for listening to Hope Comes to Visit. If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the show — it helps others find their way to these conversations.

New episodes drop every Monday and Friday, so you can begin and end your week with a little light and a lot of hope.

For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit