In this deeply moving episode, Marnie sits down with Marcus Paladino, Tofino-based surf photographer to talk about all things family, anxiety, identity, love, loss, and learning how to feel the fear and do it anyway. Marcus opens up about growing up in a tense household, being bullied, and carrying shame into adulthood. He shares the moment anxiety first showed up in his life, how therapy and meditation helped him reconnect with himself, and what it took to accept who he is beneath everything he was carrying.
The conversation flows through Marcus’s creative journey — from photo school and financial fear to going all in on surf photography and finding a sense of belonging in Tofino. Marcus vulnerably reflects on falling in love with his best friend, getting engaged, experiencing heartbreak, and rebuilding his identity without losing himself. In the second half of the episode, Marcus speaks candidly about caring for his mom through cancer, the intimacy of caregiving, the reality of grief, and the moments that stay with you forever — including the quiet ritual of leaving the door open. This episode closes with a powerful discussion on men’s mental health, community, asking for help, how to navigate the holidays, and what it really means to show up for yourself even when it’s hard.
Follow Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcuspaladino
Shop Prints: https://www.marcuspaladino.com/surfing
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Chapters:
(00:06:01) Growing Up on Eggshells
(00:09:09) Bullying, Shame & Not Feeling Enough
(00:12:56) Panic Attacks & the Cost of Holding It In
(00:15:28) Therapy, Meditation & Learning to Sit With Yourself
(00:24:32) Becoming a Surf Photographer Against the Odds
((00:29:18) Finding Home & Acceptance in Tofino
(00:31:00) Going All In Risk & Financial Pressure
(00:41:00) Falling in Love & Life-Altering Heartbreak
(00:50:52) Rebuilding Identity & Not Reverting Back
(00:55:25) Caring for My Mom Through Cancer
(01:04:46) Grief, Loss & Leaving the Door Open
(01:22:22) Men’s Mental Health, Community & Asking for Help
(01:36:42) Rapid Fire Questions
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