The Anniversary Podcast

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

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 WeddingsInstagram: @castleparkweddingsMore Links to connect with Chelsea and Jason:www.royalcouncil.bizhttps://linktr.ee/chelseakocherhans92Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram: @maclwardPodcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodLinktree: 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: @theanniversarypodDiscover 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_treasuresWebsite: rise.tmtreasures.netCheck out Teinnamarie on Good Things Utah: https://www.abc4.com/gtu/grati-tools-to-help-us-feel-grateful/Find Christopher:Website: universalheartministry.comConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore 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 VennInstagram & TikTok @vennsocialappWebsite www.FindMyVenn.comConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore 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 MattInstagram @theemptycuputConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore links linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when a strong early connection turns into marriage, college life, and growing up all at the same time? On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Nicole and Taylor to share their story of getting engaged young, navigating missions, school, finances, and very different communication styles, all while learning how to build a life together. They open up about the real work of marriage in your early twenties, from balancing individuality and shared goals to figuring out how to support each other through changing seasons.Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodLinktree: linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What happens when the person you can’t stand in high school turns out to be the one you can’t imagine life without?On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Tabitha and Jeffrey to unpack their unexpected love story that started in seminary classrooms and debate team banter. From first impressions of “loud and annoying” and “grumpy and rude” to slowly realizing there was something deeper underneath it all, their story is full of humor, honesty, and a whole lot of growing up together.They talk about going from enemies to best friends to lifelong partners, what it looked like to build trust over time, and how their friendship became the foundation of their marriage. They also open up about emotional growth, codependency, learning to slow down, and what it really means to choose each other through every season of life.Connect with TabithaInstagram @tabithawoodward_Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore links linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

Ever fallen for your best friend and thought, this might ruin everything? On this episode of the Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Ian and Genevieve to talk about what happened when their lifelong friendship turned into something more. From growing up together and navigating different relationships to finally choosing each other, their story is full of timing, trust, and taking a risk on something that already felt like home. They share how they support each other without trying to fix everything, why being 1 percent better matters, and what it looks like to build a relationship rooted in friendship first.Connect with GenevieveInstagram @cozzi_color_and_cutsConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore links linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What does it really take to build a relationship that lasts, especially when it begins in uncertainty and asks you to take big risks before you feel ready? On this episode of The Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Jonathan and Amy to talk about their journey from coworkers on a video call to building a life together. From dating during COVID and buying a house just eight months in, to cross country moves, a full home renovation, and starting a sourdough pizza business, their story is shaped by doing hard things side by side. They reflect on what it means to live with an “us versus the problem” mindset, stay connected through daily habits, and keep choosing each other through every season.Connect with Jonathan and Amy’s businessInstagram @quailstreetcoWebsite https://quailstreet.coConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast herePersonal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore links linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What does it really take to build a relationship that lasts, especially when it starts with long distance, emotional baggage, and a whole lot of uncertainty?This week on The Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Kaitlyn and Tommy to talk about the journey from strangers on a group camping trip to partners preparing for marriage. From motorcycles in the Tetons to late night phone calls, long drives between Salt Lake and St. George, and learning how to communicate through discomfort, their story is full of honesty, growth, and intention.Together, they open up about navigating trust after toxic relationships, what it actually looks like to choose each other on hard days, and how working in mental health has shaped the way they show up for one another. They share practical tools like their “don’t slip” rule for tough conversations and reflect on how love evolves from fireworks into something steadier, deeper, and more intentional.This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned whether love should feel easy, struggled with communication, or wondered what it means to truly commit to another person. Kaitlyn and Tommy remind us that love is not just about the highlight moments. It is about choosing the same person again and again, even when it is uncomfortable.Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram: @maclwardPodcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodMore links: linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

Ever wonder what happens to a marriage when life takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Mary sits down with Tim and Laura, a couple celebrating 20 years of marriage, to talk about love in its most real and tested form. From a fast-moving romance to navigating faith differences and the devastating loss of their daughter, their story is one of heartbreak, growth, and choosing each other again and again.Tim and Laura open up about what it looks like to rebuild trust after a faith transition, how they learned to communicate through deep grief, and why shared values matter more than shared beliefs. Their journey shows that strong relationships are not built on perfection, but on respect, intentional effort, and the willingness to grow together even when it is hard.If you have ever wondered how couples stay connected through life’s hardest moments, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes. You will hear how small daily rituals, emotional validation, and learning how to truly listen can transform a relationship over time. Tim and Laura’s story is a reminder that even in the most painful seasons, love can deepen, evolve, and endure.This episode includes discussions of child loss and may be heavy for some listeners.Connect with the Host!Podcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodMary's Instagram: @maclwardhttps://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast If you loved this episode, follow the podcast, like the video, and share it with someone who believes lasting love is worth celebrating.

What does it really take to keep choosing each other when things get hard, communication feels different, and the future feels uncertain?In this episode of The Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Franco and Kenna, a couple whose story begins in an unexpected place and unfolds into something deeply intentional, honest, and full of growth.From a memorable first date with a picnic, thoughtful snacks, and a surprise bald reveal, to navigating real challenges like different communication styles, big life decisions, and moments where everything felt uncertain, their relationship offers a refreshingly real look at what it takes to build something lasting.Franco and Kenna open up about how they have learned to meet in the middle, how they decide what truly matters in conflict, and why seeing each other as teammates instead of opponents has shaped the way they move through both small frustrations and big turning points.They share the quiet moments that made them realize they work well together, the ways they have influenced each other to grow, and the mix of excitement and fear that comes with building a future side by side.This episode is for anyone who wants a grounded and hopeful look at modern relationships, where love is less about perfection and more about intention, effort, and continuing to invest in something meaningful.Connect with the guests:Kenna on Instagram @kennajoneesConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram @maclwardPodcast Instagram @theanniversarypodMore links https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, like, and share The Anniversary Podcast so more people can discover stories of love, growth, and commitment.

This episode sets the tone for The Anniversary Podcast, what it is, what it is not, and why it exists.This is not a space for perfect advice or one size fits all answers. It is a collection of real conversations with couples navigating relationships in their own unique ways. Each story offers a different perspective, and over time, those perspectives start to paint a fuller picture of what it actually looks like to build something lasting.Listen with curiosity. Take what resonates, leave what does not, and let the stories speak for themselves.To explore more episodes, check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

What does it really take to keep a high school romance thriving over 22 years while raising a family, building careers, and navigating life’s twists together? This week on The Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Kristie and Wylie to talk about growing together, staying flexible, and choosing each other every single day. From a first meeting at the scone cutter, navigating early dating drama, and setting goals for the future, to running businesses, raising kids, and creating humor-filled “judgment zones,” their story is full of honest, grounded, and practical insight about real partnership. This episode is for anyone who wants a deeper look at communication, commitment, flexibility, and the little (and big) things that make a marriage last. Kristie and Wylie also share what love has taught them about trust, humor, supporting each other’s growth, and why staying a team matters more than ever.Connect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram: @maclwardPodcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodMore links: linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, like, and share The Anniversary Podcast so more people can discover these stories of love, growth, and commitment.

What does it really take to build a lasting marriage while raising a family and growing a business side by side? This week on The Anniversary Podcast, Mary sits down with Elizabeth and Arthur McCane to talk about 22 years of love, compromise, entrepreneurship, and learning how to keep choosing each other through every season. From an unexpected first meeting to building a business together, raising three children, and making a major move from Georgia to Utah, their story is honest, grounded, and full of insight about what real partnership looks like over time. This episode is for anyone who wants a deeper look at commitment, communication, resilience, and the work of building a life with someone. Elizabeth and Arthur also share what marriage has taught them about compromise, connection, outside opinions, staying close when life gets hard, and why choosing each other is still worth it after all these years.Connect with Elizabeth here:Instagram: @ceoelizabethmccaneWebsite: mobiletestingmentorship.comConnect with Mary and The Anniversary Podcast here:Personal Instagram: @maclwardPodcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodMore links: linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, like, and share The Anniversary Podcast so more people can discover these stories of love, growth, and commitment.

Ever wonder what keeps love alive year after year? Mary sits down with Veronika and Tony Pett, a couple celebrating 16 years of marriage, to get the inside scoop. From the sparks that started it all to the challenges that shaped them, they share the real story behind staying together beyond the Instagram moments and the big celebrations. Their story shows that long-term love takes intentional growth, both individually and as a couple, and that honest communication is the foundation for navigating life’s ups and downs.This episode is for anyone curious about what makes relationships thrive, what lessons stick over time, and why the everyday choosing is where love really grows. You’ll hear how the quiet, everyday decisions—the simple acts of choosing each other again and again—are what truly make love last. Veronika and Tony’s insights are a reminder that relationships require effort, vulnerability, and the willingness to grow together.Connect with the GuestYouTube: https://youtube.com/@alexpetov-m9x?si=UYD11a8em9WpYf-IConnect with the Host!Podcast Instagram: @theanniversarypodMary's Instagram: @maclwardWant to be a guest on The Anniversary Podcast?Apply here: https://forms.gle/cK6fRu2bnkWd5szJ6If you loved this episode, follow the podcast, like the video, and share it with someone who believes lasting love is worth celebrating.

We all love the sparkler send off. The “just married” sign, tin cans on the trunk, and the cheering as the couple drives away. But what we do not see after the celebration ends is where the real story begins. In this intro episode, Mary shares the heart behind The Anniversary Podcast, a show about the moments that do not make Instagram. The quiet choosing, the hard conversations, and the everyday commitment that makes love last.The idea started at a Chick fil A anniversary dinner with friends, when a simple question, “What helped you stay together this year?” sparked something bigger. Mary realized there is not enough space for honest relationship stories. The kind that take effort, consistency, and choosing each other again and again.This podcast is for anyone who cares about meaningful commitment, wants to grow in their own relationships, or simply believes love is built over time. The highlight reel is beautiful, but the staying is what makes it last.If this resonates with you, make sure to follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube so you do not miss future anniversary stories. Every couple has something we can learn from, and there is so much more to come.If you are enjoying the show, leaving a review truly helps more people find these stories and celebrate lasting love.You can follow along with the podcast on Instagram at @theanniversarypodcast. If you would like to connect with the host, you can find Mary at @maclward. And if you want to be a guest and share your own anniversary story, apply here: https://forms.gle/HL58GrbzwaXqe2sy7Let’s celebrate the staying.