Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena's Time

Marlena Ballinger
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Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena’s Time is exactly what it sounds like—ten minutes, one take, no edits. Each morning, Marlena hits record and talks about whatever’s on her mind that day. Some days it’s business. Some days it’s faith. Some days it’s just real life as it’s happening. No scripts. No overthinking. No polished version—just honest thoughts, in real time. You never really know what you’re going to get… and that’s kind of the point.

  1. 1d ago

    Day 30: I'm Finally Saying This Out Loud | The Dream That's Beginning to Take Shape

    For today's episode, I'm finally saying something out loud that's been quietly growing in the back of my mind. What started as a simple Route 66 dream is beginning to take on a life of its own. What if, for a special series, this podcast hit the road? What if I traveled Route 66, stopped in small towns, highlighted local businesses, shared their stories, and invited you along for the adventure? It's still just an idea—but sometimes the best dreams begin by simply saying them out loud. I also read another beautiful letter from my dear friend Rebecca Conklin Kleibomer as part of her 60-episode sponsorship series, reflecting on her love for the Toledo Opera and the impact one person can have on a community. This episode is about dreaming big, celebrating small businesses, believing in rural America, and having the courage to share an idea before you know exactly how it's going to happen. Maybe this is the beginning of something really special. Support the show

  2. 2d ago

    Day 29: God Sent Me Two Signs This Weekend

    Have you ever wondered if the work you're doing is actually making a difference? This weekend, God answered that question for me in a way I never expected. Through two completely different conversations, I was reminded that sometimes we never truly know how our words, our kindness, or even a simple podcast can impact someone else's life. It was one of those moments where I couldn't help but stop and say, "Okay, God...I hear You." In today's 10 unedited minutes, I'm sharing those unexpected encounters, why they meant so much to me, and how they reminded me that God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Maybe you've been wondering if your own efforts matter. I hope today's episode encourages you the way this weekend encouraged me. Thanks for spending 10 unedited minutes with me. ♥️ Marlena Podcast Sponsor A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca Conklin-Klieboemer for sponsoring this special 60-day series of 10 Unedited Minutes of Marlena's Time. Your generosity helps keep these conversations going and allows stories of faith, hope, and encouragement to reach listeners around the world. Support the show

  3. 4d ago

    Day 28: It Started With a Letter | Faith Finds a Way

    One heartfelt letter has a way of opening the door to a much bigger conversation. Today I share another beautiful letter from my dear friend Rebecca, this time honoring the intervention specialist who helped shape her son's early school years with patience, compassion, and unwavering encouragement. That simple act of gratitude leads us into a conversation about remarkable teachers, a memorable evening spent sharing dinner with our new parish priest, and why I believe hope for the next generation may be stronger than we sometimes realize. Sometimes the best conversations aren't planned—they simply unfold one thought at a time. Support the show

  4. 5d ago

    Day 27: Beastie Day & Best Friends | The Friends Who Become Family

    Some friendships don't just last—they become family. In today's episode, I share the story behind "Beastie Day," a tradition that celebrates one of the most meaningful friendships in my life. Inspired by a beautiful love letter from today's sponsor, I'm reflecting on the people who walk beside us through every season—the friends who know our stories, cheer us on, and remind us that distance and time don't have to weaken genuine connection. If you've ever been blessed with a lifelong friend, I hope this episode reminds you just how precious those relationships really are. Today's Sponsor: Rebecca Conklin-Klieboemer. Thank you for supporting 10 Unedited Minutes with Marlena and helping keep these conversations going. ♥️ Support the show

  5. 6d ago

    Day 26: Seeing Yourself Through Someone Else's Eyes

    Nine years ago, my friend Rebecca wrote me a letter that I've never forgotten. Today, I finally read it out loud—and let's just say there were a few tears along the way. In this episode, I reflect on what it feels like to see yourself through someone else's eyes, share the hilarious story behind Rebecca's infamous "cow tongue" comment, and talk about why the people we surround ourselves with can change the direction of our lives. I also share my first impressions of Empty Your Backpack by Sam Demma, a book that's reminding me how important it is to invest in relationships that encourage, challenge, and inspire us. Sometimes the greatest gift isn't advice...it's having someone who truly sees the best in you. Support the show

  6. Jul 22

    Day 25: Some Rewards Take Years

    Sometimes the best podcast topics aren't planned—they find you. Today begins with another beautiful letter from my dear friend Rebecca, whose words have been inspiring this special sponsored series. As I reflected on her message, I couldn't help but think about a conversation I had earlier today with a young couple looking for parenting advice. Funny how life works that way. A letter written years ago and a simple conversation today somehow found each other, leading me to think about what we leave behind, the people we shape, and how our perspective changes with time. This episode is about legacy, family, and one of the greatest blessings that often isn't fully understood until years later. I hope it gives you something to think about. Support the show

  7. Jul 21

    Day 24: Sometimes I Just Hit Record

    Today's episode is a collection of real-life moments—from an unexpected visit with my granddaughter to preparing for surgery, growing my marketing business, and getting ready to welcome our new parish priest for dinner. Along the way, I share another beautiful love letter from Rebecca's 2017 project and tell a funny story about preparing every room in the house for a priestly blessing. Sometimes the best conversations are simply whatever is on your heart that day. Support the show

  8. Jul 20

    Day 23: When Gratitude Brings You Back to the People You Love

    Some memories arrive when you least expect them. Today I continue sharing another one of Rebecca Conklin Klieboemer's beautiful "love letters" from February 2017. This one was written to her sister, Melissa, and as I read it aloud, I realized something that had somehow escaped me all these years—we both have sisters named Melissa. That simple realization opened the door to memories of my own sister, who passed away after years of struggling with mental illness. I found myself remembering who she was before life became so difficult, wondering what she might have been like today, and feeling grateful for the time we did have together. I also share a simple moment from my weekend that reminded me how much life has changed. Floating peacefully in the pool, talking with God, and reflecting on His faithfulness, I realized just how far I've come from a season of constant stress and worry. Sometimes healing isn't loud. Sometimes it looks like quiet gratitude, peaceful moments, and trusting God with the things we can't control. Thank you for spending a few unedited minutes with me today. If this episode encourages you, please consider following the podcast, sharing it with a friend, or leaving a review. Your support means more than you know. ♥️ This episode is proudly sponsored by Rebecca Conklin Klieboemer, whose generosity helps keep 10 Unedited Minutes with Marlena on the air. Support the show

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Ten UNEDITED Minutes of Marlena’s Time is exactly what it sounds like—ten minutes, one take, no edits. Each morning, Marlena hits record and talks about whatever’s on her mind that day. Some days it’s business. Some days it’s faith. Some days it’s just real life as it’s happening. No scripts. No overthinking. No polished version—just honest thoughts, in real time. You never really know what you’re going to get… and that’s kind of the point.

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