Your People

Last June, we recorded an episode all about the importance of small groups (Episode 15)—and at the time, our own life group was just getting started. After a brief pause from recording (we missed you! 😊), we’re back with an honest check-in: how is life group really going, seven months in?In this episode, Michael & Marissa unpack what we’ve learned so far—the joys, the adjustments, and the unexpected fruit. We reflect on:📖 Our curriculum and what we discuss each week.🗓️ How changing the day we meet brought peace and calm we did not anticipate.🤸🏼‍♀️The evolving reality of childcare and the unexpected beauty in the interruptions.🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 And most importantly, the fruit we’ve seen: deeper vulnerability, stronger marriages, walking with one another through hard seasons, and wrestling together with big theological and life questions.This episode is our honest take. If it hadn’t gone well, we would’ve said so. Small groups aren’t perfect, and they don’t always run smoothly—but this one has been a true gift.As we close, we reflect on how the very structure of small groups invites quality over quantity—a return to the kind of communal, face-to-face connection that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. And we’re so grateful for it. So what are you waiting for? Give this episode a listen and then challenge yourself to engage in a small group!LET'S CONNECT!Visit our website 💻 Follow us on Instagram! 👋🏼Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

Whatever you call them—small group, life group, Gospel community, home church—if you're a churchgoing believer, being part of one isn’t just a nice idea… it's something we truly believe is worth prioritizing. 🙌This week, Michael & Marissa dive into the power and purpose of small groups in building deep, meaningful community within the church. Small groups aren’t just about Bible study (though that’s part of it 📖)—they’re about walking through life with fellow believers, offering accountability, support, and encouragement as you grow in your faith together.We share our own journey of stepping into (and eventually starting!) a life group, including the doubts we wrestled with:👉 “Do we really need this?”👉 “Do we have time for this?”👉 “What if it’s awkward?”👉 “What if we get hurt?”Spoiler: those are real fears, but they don’t outweigh the beauty of what small groups can become—a place for spiritual growth, accountability, deep friendship, and mutual service 💛.Whether you’re in one already, dragging your feet, or feeling burned by a past group—we’ve got something for you. This conversation is both a challenge and an encouragement: don’t settle for surface-level faith or isolated living. Get uncomfortable, get connected, and watch what God does. LET'S CONNECT!Visit our website 💻 Follow us on Instagram! 👋🏼Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, co-hosts Michael & Marissa dig into radical vulnerability—what it is, what it’s not, and why it matters deeply in our pursuit of real connection 🤝💬.We live in a culture that often confuses vulnerability with over-sharing or glamorized chaos (“look how messy my house is!” 🙈). But true vulnerability goes deeper. It’s not about constant complaining or being reckless with our emotions. It’s about intentionally opening up in the right time, space, and place to build trust, intimacy, and genuine support 💞.We share personal stories, practical ways to begin sharing struggles (not just successes) 🎯, and how being the first to be vulnerable can create space for others to do the same 🌱.How do we become someone others can trust with their stories? 🤔 What does it mean to be a safe place for honesty and growth? 🛡️💬Vulnerability is a pinnacle of building lasting and deep community. And there is so much we have to learn about doing it well—and often. Let’s dive in! 🎧👇LET'S CONNECT!Visit our website 💻 Follow us on Instagram! 👋🏼Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

Is pulling back really protecting you… or is it slowly stealing your joy? 🤔 In today’s episode, we’re diving into the hidden cost of isolation and why choosing community—even when it’s hard—is one of the most powerful, healing decisions we can make.We’ll talk about: ✨ How isolation often sneaks in quietly 📖 What Scripture says about living in relationship 🛡️ Why the enemy loves when we isolate ourselves 💬 What healthy, life-giving community can actually look likeWhether you’ve been hurt by people or just feel safer keeping your circle small, this conversation is a loving reminder: you were never meant to do life alone. Let’s rediscover the beauty of being known and the freedom found in connection. 💛LET'S CONNECT!Visit our website 💻 Follow us on Instagram! 👋🏼Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

After three months apart, Michael and Marissa are back together to share the highs, lows, and lessons learned from this deployment season. From 24-hour shifts and navigating loneliness to solo parenting while sick and longing for connection, they open up about the challenges they faced on both sides of deployment.Michael shares the reality of maintaining operations with little rest, the struggle to find meaningful community, and what he’d do differently next time. Meanwhile, Marissa reflects on holding down the fort, unexpected hardships (hello, flu!), and the surprising ways time both flew and dragged. Through it all, they leaned on faith, community, and the choice to thrive rather than just survive.Whether you're facing a deployment, a season of distance, or simply a challenging transition, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement for finding connection—even in the hardest moments.Let's Connect!Visit Our website 💻 Follow us on Instagram 👋🏼Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

In today’s episode, Marissa sits down with her sister Emily, a licensed professional counselor working within the university system. Together, they dive into one of the most pressing challenges college students (ages 18-23) face when trying to build meaningful relationships: the impact of devices and social media. They explore why this stage of life makes it especially tough to connect and share five practical, encouraging steps to help you find and grow relationships with your people. And for those who have moved beyond the college years, they offer thoughtful insights on how adults can come alongside and support young people as they navigate this journey.Looking to found a counselor in your area? Psychology Today is a great resource!Connect with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/