The "9,000 Pieces" Marriage: Putting the Pieces Back Together | Aly & Spencer

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 @theanniversarypodLinktree: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast