The Anniversary Podcast

Mary W

Anniversaries aren't just about marking time; they’re about honoring growth. The Anniversary Podcast is a space where we celebrate another year, reflect on the lessons learned, and talk honestly about what it really takes to keep choosing each other. Whether you’re married, dating, or somewhere in between, join host Mary W. for candid conversations that bridge the gap between perfection and intention. We explore the mindsets that help us stay close when things get messy. Love is about intention—another year, another layer. Join the celebration!

  1. Jun 25

    The Post Mission Reality Check | Tatum & Brenden

    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

  2. Jun 23

    From Chili's to a Nine Foot Throne | Shannon & Billy

    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

  3. Jun 18

    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 @theanniversarypod Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theanniversarypodcast

  4. Jun 16

    From Waffles to Wedding Venues | Chelsea & Jason

    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

About

Anniversaries aren't just about marking time; they’re about honoring growth. The Anniversary Podcast is a space where we celebrate another year, reflect on the lessons learned, and talk honestly about what it really takes to keep choosing each other. Whether you’re married, dating, or somewhere in between, join host Mary W. for candid conversations that bridge the gap between perfection and intention. We explore the mindsets that help us stay close when things get messy. Love is about intention—another year, another layer. Join the celebration!

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