Your People

19. Wading Through the Muck: Why Messy Community is Good Community

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:28:26 GMT

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 (such as kids not getting along, workplace gossip, or faith differences).

Their practical guidance emphasizes over-communicating, giving others the benefit of the doubt, choosing not to be easily offended, and learning to agree to disagree—especially avoiding inflammatory social media behavior in favor of in-person conversations.

They close by challenging listeners to reflect on whether they are making “mountains out of molehills” or avoiding needed boundaries, reinforcing that imperfect people and relationships are worth working through.

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18. Radical Generosity and Loving Your People Well

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

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
🫶 Serving with an open heart, not a maxed-out life
🌱 Giving sacrificially and trusting God with the outcome

Generosity isn’t a formula or a checklist—it looks different for everyone. But when we choose it faithfully, God often uses it to shape our relationships and refine our hearts 💛.

Join us as we unpack the heart behind radical generosity and then spend some time reflecting on how this might look in your own life.

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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17. More Than a Job: Building Community at Work

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 choosing care over indifference and humanity over “robot mode” 🤖➡️❤️.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

Why workplace community matters more than we often realize
How to care for coworkers you’re “stuck with” (even when it’s hard)
The difference between clocking in/out and actually investing in people
Building trust and respect with appropriate boundaries
Why stronger relationships often lead to better teamwork and productivity

🌱 What we hope you’ll walk away with:

A renewed perspective on the people you work with every day
Practical ways to check in, serve, and show care at work
Encouragement that small, intentional efforts can shift workplace culture

Whether you love your coworkers, struggle with them, or fall somewhere in between, this episode offers a realistic and encouraging look at how community can exist at work—and why it’s worth the effort.

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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16. A Life Group Check-In: Seven Months In

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:02:37 GMT

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 unexpected fruit. We reflect on:

📖 Our curriculum and what we discuss each week.

🗓️ How changing the day we meet brought peace and calm we did not anticipate.

🤸🏼‍♀️The evolving reality of childcare and the unexpected beauty in the interruptions.

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 And most importantly, the fruit we’ve seen: deeper vulnerability, stronger marriages, walking with one another through hard seasons, and wrestling together with big theological and life questions.

This episode is our honest take. If it hadn’t gone well, we would’ve said so. Small groups aren’t perfect, and they don’t always run smoothly—but this one has been a true gift.

As we close, we reflect on how the very structure of small groups invites quality over quantity—a return to the kind of communal, face-to-face connection that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. And we’re so grateful for it. So what are you waiting for? Give this episode a listen and then challenge yourself to engage in a small group!

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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15: Built for Community: The Power of Small Groups

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 09:30:00 GMT

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 (though that’s part of it 📖)—they’re about walking through life with fellow believers, offering accountability, support, and encouragement as you grow in your faith together.

We share our own journey of stepping into (and eventually starting!) a life group, including the doubts we wrestled with:

👉 “Do we really need this?”

👉 “Do we have time for this?”

👉 “What if it’s awkward?”

👉 “What if we get hurt?”

Spoiler: those are real fears, but they don’t outweigh the beauty of what small groups can become—a place for spiritual growth, accountability, deep friendship, and mutual service 💛.

Whether you’re in one already, dragging your feet, or feeling burned by a past group—we’ve got something for you. This conversation is both a challenge and an encouragement: don’t settle for surface-level faith or isolated living. Get uncomfortable, get connected, and watch what God does.

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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14: Radical Vulnerability- Key to Cultivating Deeper Relationships

Sun, 18 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

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 emotions. It’s about intentionally opening up in the right time, space, and place to build trust, intimacy, and genuine support 💞.

We share personal stories, practical ways to begin sharing struggles (not just successes) 🎯, and how being the first to be vulnerable can create space for others to do the same 🌱.

How do we become someone others can trust with their stories? 🤔 What does it mean to be a safe place for honesty and growth? 🛡️💬

Vulnerability is a pinnacle of building lasting and deep community. And there is so much we have to learn about doing it well—and often. Let’s dive in! 🎧👇

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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13: The Hidden Cost of Isolation - And How Community Fosters Strength, Healing and Joy

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

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 ourselves

💬 What healthy, life-giving community can actually look like

Whether you’ve been hurt by people or just feel safer keeping your circle small, this conversation is a loving reminder: you were never meant to do life alone. Let’s rediscover the beauty of being known and the freedom found in connection. 💛

LET'S CONNECT!

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Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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12: Reunited & Reflecting: Community During Deployment, Both Overseas and On the Homefront

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:03:44 GMT

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 to find meaningful community, and what he’d do differently next time. Meanwhile, Marissa reflects on holding down the fort, unexpected hardships (hello, flu!), and the surprising ways time both flew and dragged. Through it all, they leaned on faith, community, and the choice to thrive rather than just survive.

Whether you're facing a deployment, a season of distance, or simply a challenging transition, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement for finding connection—even in the hardest moments.

Let's Connect!

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Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

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11: Finding Community as College-Age Young Adult in Post COVID, Device-centric World- Interview with Licensed Counselor, Emily Croft

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

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 five practical, encouraging steps to help you find and grow relationships with your people. And for those who have moved beyond the college years, they offer thoughtful insights on how adults can come alongside and support young people as they navigate this journey.

Looking to found a counselor in your area? Psychology Today is a great resource!

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https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

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10: Boundaries & Building Community- Loving Others Well Without the Burnout

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:30:00 GMT

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 deep, lasting community.

We’re not experts, just two people navigating this messy, beautiful thing called relationships—learning, growing, and figuring it out together. We’ll talk about when to say "yes," when to say "no," and how to balance loving others while protecting our own hearts. From boulders vs. knapsacks (you’ll love this metaphor) to avoiding the people-pleasing trap, we’re getting real about what it means to set boundaries in a way that honors God, strengthens community, and fosters deep, meaningful connections.

So, if you’ve ever wrestled with feeling stretched too thin or wondered if it’s okay to take a step back, this one's for you. Let’s work through it—together.

SHOW NOTES:

Books:

Boundaries by Henry Cloud

Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell (the one Marissa referenced with Good Samaritan Study)

Podcast episodes we found helpful:

How to Set Healthy Boundaries as a Christian

10 Steps on How to Set Boundaries without Offending People

Setting Boundaries within Relationships

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9: We're Back! (almost...)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:16:38 GMT

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 Your People after rehashing some of the details behind why things went on a bit of a pause.

With 2 pre-recorded upcoming episodes set to release in the coming weeks, Michael returning very soon from his deployment, and so much more they want to unpack regarding community, they are BACK and are excited to have you come along.

Like, comment, leave a review and share with someone you love so we can all join in on the conversation around the importance of, and HOW to build, better community!

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https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

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www.yourpeoplepodcast.com

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8: Mini Episode- Check In & Open Door Policy for the Holidays

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:52:18 GMT

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 all, but an intentional seed planted so that when the Lord puts that person on your heart, you are ready and willing to take action! Maybe its a recently divorced friend whose spending the holidays without her kids, or a neighbor new to town, or a student at your local college that does not have the means to travel home for the holidays. There are so many who long for a sense of belonging during this season, and maybe—just maybe—you and your family are meant to fill that gap.Tune in to be encouraged and then get in touch with your OWN stories of being invited, or inviting others, to celebrate holidays together and what that experience was like for you!

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7: On the Move Again Pt. 3 of 3- Wrap Up & Key Takeaways

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:30:10 GMT

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:

🌟 Building Community: It takes radical vulnerability and intentional action.

💖 Acts of Service: The key to initiating and nurturing lasting friendships.

💪 Acknowledging the Challenge: Moving is hard—period.

🚀 Starting Strong: Don’t delay; dive into your new community right away.

🤝 Welcoming Others: How to support and embrace those who are new to your town.

Whether you’re moving or welcoming someone who is, we hope this conversation inspires and equips you during seasons of change. Remember, even in the hardest transitions, there’s so much in store. Show up, lean in, and trust that the Lord can use every step of the journey for good!

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6: On the Move Again Pt. 2 of 3- Interview with Brittany Fine

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 08:27:15 GMT

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 overseas move to Germany, a quick 10 months in Texas and a transition to Virginia amid COVID, an election year, and a pregnancy. Despite the difficulties, Brittany reflects on how God blessed them in remarkable and often surprising ways. She found friendship in unexpected places, served others courageously, and discovered that even in the toughest seasons, people come together to form deep bonds and a vibrant community.

Brittany also opens up about being a self-proclaimed introvert and how she still actively seeks to find her people in each new place. She shares her journey through seasons of anxiety and uncertainty, stepping out of her comfort zone, and embracing motherhood. Together, Marissa and Brittany reminisce about their time together in Germany, reflecting on the beautiful ways God worked in their lives during that season.

So, grab a cozy cup of coffee or keep working through that pile of dishes, and join us as we share laughs, unpack some of life’s harder moments, and offer a bit of encouragement for anyone in the middle of — or just starting — a new chapter. Moving is tough, but remember, you’re not alone!

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Connect with Brittany on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/lifeasfine/

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www.yourpeoplepodcast.com

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5: On The Move Again Pt. 1 of 3- Interview with Riley Livermore

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:19:27 GMT

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 transitioning out of the military, Riley opens up about the challenges and rewards of building community, and how finding your people is possible, even when life has you constantly on the move.

Riley shares his heartfelt wisdom on how simple acts of service can deepen friendships, why proximity matters, and the universal truth that moving is always tough, no matter the situation. This episode offers practical examples of building community, sometimes in the least likely of ways, as Riley shares the story of his journey and how him and his wife, Katie, have worked hard to serve others and find friendship everywhere they go.

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4: Finding Your People as an Adult- How to Find and Make Friends in Different Stages of Life

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 12:06:48 GMT

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 YES, managing time constraints, and how to be a "wingman" to help others find connections and community. The episode also touches on what to do when friendships don’t perfectly align between couples.

At the end of the day, quality matters much more than quantity, but sometimes casting a wide net is how you eventually find... YOUR People.

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https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

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3: Praying for Friendships

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 09:30:45 GMT

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, and trust Him for big outcomes when aligned with God’s will.

Marissa opens up about a particularly lonely season in her life and how, when she finally surrendered her longing for community to the Lord, He showed up in BIG ways. With each move to a new place, the challenges of finding community were real, but one thing remained constant: they prayed for friendships, stepped out in faith, and let God work.Tune in to hear Marissa’s journey and discover how you, too, can pray purposefully for the friendships you need.

Follow along and join the conversation on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

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2: Breaking Bread- Intentionally Sharing Meals with Others

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:30:37 GMT

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 strengthen friendships. They explore the deep significance of gathering around food, discuss common obstacles to hosting, and offer encouragement on how to overcome them. The episode also features personal stories, including their beloved “pizza era” during the early years of parenthood. Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the simple act of sharing a meal can create lasting bonds and enrich our lives in meaningful ways.

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1: Where Your People Came From

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:15:12 GMT

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 others with intention. With loneliness now declared a public health epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General, Your People believes the solution lies in community. We're here to help you find your people, love them well, and become a source of connection for others. Let’s dive in and start building the community we all need!

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https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

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Your People Podcast Trailer

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:35:19 GMT

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 others, in simple and sometimes bold ways.

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