Behind the creation of this podcast is a single conversation, and for the season one finale, Mary sits down with Emma and Jake, the couple who accidentally inspired the entire show. A casual chat over Chick-fil-A almost a year ago completely challenged the conventional wisdom of what the first year of marriage is supposed to look like, prompting a much larger conversation about what it actually takes to stay connected.Emma and Jake open up about the hidden transitions of their first two years, from leaving his hometown of Pima to navigating a unique spiritual experience that redefined their relationship. They pull back the curtain on the subtle dangers of mainstream social media advice, breaking down how popular phrases like "if he wanted to he would" can silently damage a marriage from the inside out.They also share the exact, unconventional practices they use to survive seasons of emotional exhaustion, including how they cut through intense tension when eye contact feels too heavy. This episode is a grounded, unfiltered look at stripping away the front, navigating the complex line between patience and forgiveness, and building a foundation that survives when life gets moving.

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

Linktree:https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

We often see people at their absolute best when we first meet them, but the real test of a relationship is learning who they are when the high wears off and the real world crashes back in.On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Tatum and Brenden Meyer to celebrate their first year of marriage and unpack a story that completely rewrites the typical timeline. After crossing paths in the intense bubble of church missions in Arizona, they returned home to a completely different reality. To make sure they were ready for forever, Tatum had one strict, nonnegotiable rule before making the ultimate commitment: four seasons and a road trip.

Navigating electrical engineering, college pressures, and major career shifts, they pull back the curtain on what happens when the mask of perfection finally drops. They open up about the raw sacrifices of putting one person's education first, balancing opposite worlds of sports and the arts, and the initial isolation of building a life together in a tiny apartment.

This conversation is a stripped down look at the hidden insecurities marriage forces you to face, the comfort of knowing you no longer have to tackle the future alone, and the unexpected daily habits that keep a relationship grounded.

True partnership is rarely about finding a perfect person, it is about having the courage to show up exactly as you are.

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodClick here to be a guest: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when a self-proclaimed player in his 20s meets a single mom of three at a local Chili’s?

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Billy and Shannon to dive into a laugh out loud, highly unfiltered love story that spans 16 years, nine kids, and a whole lot of chaos. From a whirlwind five month transition to moving in together, to completely rewriting the rules on what a blended family looks like, their chemistry is as electric today as it was on day one.

Billy and Shannon pull back the curtain on how they managed to raise a massive family while strictly prioritizing their relationship above everything else. They talk about the ultimate trials that tested their commitment, including major health crises that flipped their world upside down, and how they used a wildly playful sense of humor to survive the grim reality of hospital rooms.

Without spoiling the best parts, they tease some of their most hilarious relationship secrets, a legendary piece of furniture that stands nine feet tall in their living room, and a medical prank pulled on Billy that almost got his doctor fired.

This episode is a refreshing, energetic look at why you shouldn't sweat the small stuff, how to protect your partner from the world, and what it truly looks like when your spouse is your genuine best friend.

Plus, Billy talks about his 20 year journey building a successful, five star local business right here in Utah.

Follow and connect with Billy and Shannon:🌱 Yard Proof Utahyardproofutah.com

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when the childhood friend you’ve known for nearly 20 years transitions from your secret crush into your business partner, co-parent, and lifelong teammate?

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Aly and Spencer Dickinson to talk about a love story built on decades of friendship, breaking down mental health stigmas, navigating financial crisis, and the raw vulnerability it takes to build an intentional marriage. From growing up as family friends in a local Mustang club, to hiding their relationship as teenagers, to a wild full-circle moment where Aly ended up working as a psych tech on the exact hospital unit Spencer checked himself into for severe depression, their journey is a testament to unconditional love.

Aly and Spencer open up honestly about navigating the highs and lows of young adulthood, using couples therapy to dig up the root causes of a breaking-point video game addiction, raising a son on the autism spectrum, and surviving a grueling pre-foreclosure season by finding joy at home when the world felt like it was falling apart. They also share the playful everyday quirks that keep their relationship alive—from intense Grand Theft Auto sessions that earned them official "Arch Nemesis" status, to building the 9,000-piece Lego Titanic together, to Spencer’s undeniable role as the ultimate "girl dad" and comic relief.

This episode is a refreshing look at why a successful relationship isn’t a curated social media fairytale, but rather a choice to put down the background noise, advocate for your partnership, and never stop dating your spouse.

Plus, Aly and Spencer talk about their real estate investing business, Phoenix Project Co., and how they are passionate about teaching everyday people how to break into the market without needing to be rich.

Follow & connect with Aly and Spencer:🏘️ @PhoenixProjectCo InstagramFollow their real estate journey behind the scenes, get investing tips, and see how they are building their business.https://www.instagram.com/PhoenixProjectCo

🏘️ Phoenix Project Co. WebsiteLearn how to get started in real estate investing without needing your own money or being rich, and come learn if you're even a little bit interested.https://phoenixproco.com/

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when the venue where you celebrated your wedding reception walks back into your life a decade later...this time as a business opportunity?

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Chelsea and Jason to talk about a 12-year marriage built on gradual growth, absolute transparency, and the beautiful chaos of starting over in business together. From meeting at a friend's game night where Chelsea finally remembered what it felt like to laugh, to navigating a whirlwind eight-month engagement, their relationship is a refreshing reminder that true love doesn't always need a cinematic spark—sometimes, it’s a beautiful, slow burn.

Chelsea and Jason open up about the early years of marriage, breaking down the communication cycles that take days to untangle, and how they developed their signature "popcorn method" to pause high-emotion fights without sweeping them under the rug. They share the wild, emotional rollercoaster of buying Castle Park, a run-down wedding venue that completely tested their partnership down to the wire, and how choosing "kind candor" over superficial niceness allowed them to elevate each other as both romantic and business partners.

This episode is about learning to give your partner space to breathe, trusting the unique strengths of different personality types, and understanding that full disclosure is the only way to build a marriage with real buy-in.

Plus, Chelsea and Jason talk about the beautiful event space they’ve resurrected here in Utah and how they are creating a place for families to gather and celebrate their own milestones.

Follow & connect with Chelsea and Jason:

🏰 Castle Park Eventshttps://castleparkevents.com/

Social Media Pages:

Facebook: Castle Park Events and Weddings

Instagram: @castleparkweddings

More Links to connect with Chelsea and Jason:

www.royalcouncil.biz

https://linktr.ee/chelseakocherhans92

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:

Personal Instagram: @maclward

Podcast Instagram: @theanniversarypod

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when a completely casual, timeline-free relationship ends up being the exact foundation you need for a marriage that spans over a decade?On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Kala and Kaitlyn Friel to talk about a love story rooted in goofy friendship, spontaneous road trips, and learning how to look out for each other's emotional cues. From a hilariously one-sided first date sparked by a misplaced text message to an ultimatum that turned a looming LDS mission into a midnight marriage proposal, their journey is a refreshing look at what happens when you refuse to take life too seriously.Kala and Kaitlyn open up about transitioning from stable corporate careers to full-time entrepreneurship, building a joint creative space on YouTube, and navigating the reality of being total opposites. They share the mechanics of how they keep their 13-year marriage fresh—from explicitly stating their expectations instead of assuming mind-reading, to actively translating each other's love languages, to learning how a timely apology can bridge the gap between an analytical "bottler" and an intuitive, harmony-seeking thinker.This episode is about setting your partner up to win, rejecting the pressure to hit traditional relationship milestones on someone else's timeline, and intentionally designing a life focused on funding the fun rather than stacking the money.Plus, Kala and Kaitlyn talk about their signature ABC Dating Series and share a brilliant 10-minute, 10-dollar grocery challenge that any couple can use to inject some immediate spontaneity into their routine.Follow & connect with Kala and Kaitlyn:🎥 YouTube Channel• The Friel Family🎙️ Podcast• The Vibe Providers PodcastConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram: @maclwardPodcast Instagram: @theanniversarypod

Discover More here: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when the person you never truly got over walks back into your life 15 years later?On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Justice and Steph Goodwin to talk about a love story that spans three decades, heartbreak, blended families, second chances, and choosing each other again and again. From meeting in 1995 when Steph was Justice’s nanny, to separating because of family and religious pressure, to reconnecting years later in a crowded Raiders bar where time seemed to completely disappear, their story feels straight out of a movie.Justice and Steph open up about navigating divorce, raising 10 kids together, building trust in a blended family, surviving custody battles, learning how to communicate through conflict, and why real love is less about perfection and more about showing up for each other every single day. They also share the small everyday moments that make their relationship work — from late-night talks and road trips with no music to somehow craving the exact same tuna melt at the same time.This episode is about trusting your heart, unpacking your baggage with someone who stays, and building a relationship rooted in friendship, respect, and intentional love.Plus, Justice and Steph talk about the unique billiards community they’ve built here in Utah and how they bring some of the best pool players in the world into local spaces through their business.Follow & connect with Justice and Steph:🎱 Ice House ConsultingIce House Consulting🎱 Facebook Pages• Ice House Consulting• Western BCA • Salt Lake City Ultimate Pool League Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/17jKDNdrQR/Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

What happens when two people spend years unknowingly crossing paths, only to finally meet at the exact right moment?

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Christopher and Teinamarrie to talk about the love story that began while volunteering for Utah Pride in 2002 and grew into a 24-year partnership built on honesty, playfulness, and intentional love. From Christopher buying the ring just weeks into dating to late-night conversations about life, healing, and the universe, this episode dives deep into what it means to truly know and choose each other.

They share how their relationship moved past superficial dating almost immediately, why communication and “disconnects” matter more than fighting, and how giving each other space has strengthened their marriage over the years. The conversation also explores soulmates, emotional safety, staying playful in long-term love, and the little rituals that keep connection alive — from music dedications and handwritten notes to blowing kisses in parking lots and saying “I love you” even during hard moments.

This episode is warm, emotional, funny, and deeply reflective. A reminder to us all that love isn’t about perfection, but about building a foundation strong enough to weather every season of life together.

Find Teinamarrie:

Instagram/Facebook: @teinamarrie_treasures

Website: rise.tmtreasures.net

Check out Teinnamarie on Good Things Utah: https://www.abc4.com/gtu/grati-tools-to-help-us-feel-grateful/

Find Christopher:

Website: universalheartministry.com

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here

Personal Instagram @maclward

Podcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

More links: ⁠linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast⁠

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Braeden and Madison to talk about building a marriage through heartbreak, entrepreneurship, infertility, and nearly a decade of choosing each other again and again. From meeting on Tinder after a divorce and a broken engagement to eloping just a few months later, their story is honest, vulnerable, and deeply grounded in intentional love. They open up about navigating miscarriages and infertility together, what it means to “lean in” during the hardest seasons of marriage, and how they’ve stayed connected while running businesses side by side. This conversation is full of raw honesty, emotional resilience, and reminders that love isn’t about perfection — it’s about continuing to choose your person, even when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Connect with Venn
Instagram & TikTok @vennsocialapp
Website www.FindMyVenn.com

Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here
Personal Instagram @maclward
Podcast Instagram @theanniversarypod

More links: linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when you fall in love, get engaged, and start a business all within a year?

On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Madie and Matt, the couple behind The Empty Cup, to talk about building a relationship and a business at the same time. From meeting while Matt was working at Disney and navigating a whirlwind long distance relationship to launching a mobile coffee trailer together in Utah, their story is full of intentionality, humor, communication, and learning how to keep choosing each other even in stressful seasons. They open up about blending very different personalities, showing up for each other through chaos and exhaustion, and why love is less about perfection and more about being willing to grow together.

Connect with Madie and Matt
Instagram @theemptycuput

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Personal Instagram @maclward
Podcast Instagram @theanniversarypod
More links linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast