Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena's Time

SPOILER ALERT!! If you didn’t watch the finale of Funny AF…don’t worry—I’ve got you covered (and yes, I have opinions 😏).Today’s quick 10-minute episode is basically me recapping the final showdown, running through the four finalists, and reacting to what’s next for each of them. Because honestly? Every single one of them could’ve walked away with the win.We’re talking standout moments, future potential, and of course… the winner. 🏆Was it the right call?Did I agree?Am I now emotionally invested in strangers’ comedy careers? Absolutely.If you love stand-up, competition shows, or just listening to someone passionately spiral about TV—this one’s for you.🎧 Short, spicy, and straight to the punchline.

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.I’m diving headfirst into the science behind cookies (yes, we’re talking the why behind the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency) as I work on developing new recipes for my Etsy shop. Because if we’re going to do it… we’re going to do it right. 😉But the real highlight? Celebrating a huge win—my daughter officially received her massage license and is stepping into her own business journey. Watching her build something of her own has me in full proud mom mode, and I had to share it with you.And just to keep things interesting… I’m giving you a little teaser of what’s coming next: we’re about to dig into the beef industry in an upcoming episode, and I’ve got some thoughts.This one’s about growth, curiosity, and building something meaningful—whether that’s in your kitchen, your business, or your life.

Today’s episode is short, sweet… and just a little chaotic. 😅I decided to mix things up and go live on TikTok while recording, which felt like a great idea… until it just threw me off. 🤦‍♀️ We'll try again tomorrow....Somewhere in the middle of all that, I found myself having one of those full-circle mom moments—when my daughter called me for moral (and mental) support while navigating life with a strong-willed 3-year-old. And let me tell you… it felt like I was staring straight into a mirror of my past.If you’ve ever raised—or are currently raising—a headstrong toddler, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. The sass, the independence, the why are you like this moments… all of it.This episode may only be about 6 minutes long, but it’s packed with real-life chaos, a little humor, and one of those reminders that parenting has a funny way of coming full circle.🎧 Quick listen. Real talk. Slight train wreck energy… but we’re rolling with it.

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—in the best way.I’m sharing the impact Father’s sermon had on me this morning and the thoughts that really stuck with me as I walked out of church. Then we shift into one of the sweetest moments of the day… my husband taking our granddaughter fishing for the very first time (and yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds 🥹).And to wrap it up, I’m leaning into what Sundays are really meant for—slowing down, being present, and spending intentional time with family.This episode is simple, real, and a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful days aren’t the busiest—they’re the ones we actually feel.

This episode? Yeah… it’s a lot.I opened up about something deeply personal—the stillbirth of my second granddaughter—and a moment that completely stopped us in our tracks. My daughter saw a cardinal yesterday… and in her heart, she knew it was her baby saying hello.And yes… I cried. Like, real cried.But here’s the part nobody talks about—life doesn’t pause for grief.One minute you’re feeling something that deep… and the next? You’re laying in bed, doom scrolling social media like your brain just said, “nope, we’re not processing this today.”That emotional back-and-forth? It’s real. It’s messy. And honestly… it’s kind of wild.We round it out with a complete pivot—because of course we do—talking about thrifting with my daughter and ending the day at church.Because somehow, in the same 24 hours, you can experience heartbreak, healing, distraction, connection… and yes, thrifting too.This episode is raw, unfiltered, and a little all over the place—just like real life.

Well… this episode took a turn. 😅A phone call hijacked my recording halfway through, my tech said “absolutely not,” and somehow I ended up sounding like a caffeinated chipmunk for a hot second.Am I fixing it? Nope.Do I have time for that? Also nope.We’re embracing the chaos today, because honestly… this is what running a business really looks like sometimes.Hit play if you’re here for the real, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship—glitches and all. 🎙️

In today’s episode of 10 Unedited Minutes of Marlena’s Time, I’m taking you through a very real morning—starting with a frustrating experience on Facebook Marketplace that completely threw off my mood (you know those moments 😅).From there, I dive into something every business owner knows all too well: overwhelm. When your business is growing, busy, and demanding everything from you, it can feel like a lot…fast. But here’s the thing—feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It often means the opposite.I’m sharing what that looks like for me right now, along with a few simple, practical ways I work through those overwhelming moments and get myself back on track.Plus, I’m giving you a peek into what I’m working on today and what’s currently on my plate.This one is unfiltered, honest, and probably a little too relatable.

Today’s episode is a real one. I’m talking about the balance between short-term goals and long-term vision—and how both are necessary if you actually want to move forward.But we’re also getting into something that’s been on all of our minds…AI.Let’s be honest—we’ve all got a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. It’s powerful, it’s fast, and sometimes it feels like it’s doing too much. But here’s the truth: AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s here to support you.In this episode, I share why we need to stop resisting it (or relying on it too much) and start using it as the tool it was meant to be.Because your ideas, your voice, and your vision?Those are still the most important part of the equation.If you’re building something, growing something, or just trying to figure it all out as you go—this one’s for you.Make sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—in the best way.I’m sharing an unexpected update from my substitute teaching journey and how I’ve started to find my groove specifically within career centers. It’s funny how the right environment can completely shift your perspective on something.I also talk about the work I’ve been doing behind the scenes creating materials for my daughter’s massage practice, and it sparked a reminder that too many businesses overlook: your brand shouldn’t stop at your logo or your social media.From intake forms to internal documents, every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your identity and professionalism—and I’m breaking down why that matters more than you might think.If you’re building something, pivoting, or just trying to figure out where you fit, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I’m just showing up—no script, no edits, just honesty.I talk about what it feels like to hit my first goal with this podcast: simply being present and pressing record. But more than that, I open up about the faith it’s taken to start Hook & Rise Creative… even when I don’t have the full picture.This is about trusting the process, doing it anyway, and building something before you feel “ready.”

This is it—episode one.No script, no plan… just hitting record and seeing what happens.In this first episode, Marlena kicks off Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena’s Time exactly how it was intended: real, off-the-cuff, and completely unfiltered. A little bit about why this podcast exists, a little bit of figuring it out in real time, and a whole lot of just starting before everything feels perfect.If you’re someone who’s been overthinking starting something… this one’s for you.