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 <a href="https://thececis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> 💻&nbsp;Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>! 👋🏼Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

13: The Hidden Cost of Isolation - And How Community Fosters Strength, Healing and Joy

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 <a href="https://thececis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> 💻&nbsp;Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> 👋🏼Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com

12: Reunited & Reflecting: Community During Deployment, Both Overseas and On the Homefront

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? <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Psychology Today </a>is a great resource! Connect with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

11: Finding Community as College-Age Young Adult in Post COVID, Device-centric World- Interview with Licensed Counselor, Emily Croft

Boundaries can be a tricky topic—but they can make or break our ability to love others well. Are boundaries barriers that keep people out, or tools that help us build healthier relationships? And what does the Bible have to say about it? In this episode, co-hosts Michael &amp; Marissa Ceci dive into the tension between setting healthy limits and vulnerably letting others in, in order to building deep, lasting community. We’re not experts, just two people navigating this messy, beautiful thing called relationships—learning, growing, and figuring it out together. We’ll talk about when to say "yes," when to say "no," and how to balance loving others while protecting our own hearts. From boulders vs. knapsacks (you’ll love this metaphor) to avoiding the people-pleasing trap, we’re getting real about what it means to set boundaries in a way that honors God, strengthens community, and fosters deep, meaningful connections. So, if you’ve ever wrestled with feeling stretched too thin or wondered if it’s okay to take a step back, this one's for you. Let’s work through it—together. SHOW NOTES:Books:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310351804/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K962F1CCD63W&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XxKLh3s_kvN90f0poYtQ81jLg4xh6HrFaHqf1XJq2Wb2gGDVaN42rS5kWUgnPgWBTiWk536YuAXRMS4hSFVETBsICrdYCc4KIaeSUmg0kG12-7H-nvorCZXlL8OVJ8ZeczPFLd0787Ld_LT78dQ3w4ffqSfWhcALTFIMssUlMyUs-Geeosr4sa8Lto699K8o2azcXk1X8Z7tBAfFqg_rC3Xw2ER-gOIV7rLEYkCyZ8o.eD3Nx4gSQV4olME3Kc0Mp8JI4tsFzAVbh3dcmlrWAd8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=boundaries+book&amp;qid=1740498433&amp;sprefix=boundaries+boo%2Caps%2C188&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Boundaries</a> by Henry Cloud<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q79KZL63IBJZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q3HvB-UBwMzwcS3W8z1tE5KA1-UWWWr8VT4ex_ZS8VOwKtDbpGVkZssOIX1ce3S9VFa0sOMt6wmsFc2ELkhOwJ1cNjWeL0KItBv3NJHlihxYAbOYSB8JP6FfN1fa13hlyviP4eSpwojxNYoBnLVwCUpvsBP0nl9O-jRsIvqJ4N1BEXVXrZJk4La2bb4eoaIiqssDHUXTGl782J4z6tFOaxoI5HRHDyH4-20sp3OMuA0.vcytxjmasu1dMBwjeNIDGhm5x2f7rsbBvsUlMUMlVpQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tipping+point&amp;qid=1740498504&amp;sprefix=tipping+poin%2Caps%2C174&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tipping Point</a> by Malcom Gladwell (the one Marissa referenced with Good Samaritan Study) Podcast episodes we found helpful:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fIgpPXSULahAEJqNuSvXW?si=d12965b224bb417c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Set Healthy Boundaries as a Christian</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cDhq1KfVmZFOLgmQkeVPj?si=20dc2ec5caae43d8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Steps on How to Set Boundaries without Offending People</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZOzw4QkCgTVU1tdibZzYR?si=b68ade201edd4dbb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Setting Boundaries within Relationships</a>

10: Boundaries & Building Community- Loving Others Well Without the Burnout 

After a not-so-brief (should have seen it coming) hiatus... we are BACK! (well.. almost) Between Michael leaving for deployment, Marissa single parenting for months, technical difficulties, traveling over the holidays and the inability to make an episode happen while Michael is deployed, an unintentional hiatus happened. Co-host Marissa welcomes listeners back into the space of finding and loving Your People after rehashing some of the details behind why things went on a bit of a pause. With 2 pre-recorded upcoming episodes set to release in the coming weeks, Michael returning very soon from his deployment, and so much more they want to unpack regarding community, they are BACK and are excited to have you come along. Like, comment, leave a review and share with someone you love so we can all join in on the conversation around the importance of, and HOW to build, better community! Connect with us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/ Visit Our Website: <a href="www.yourpeoplepodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.yourpeoplepodcast.com</a>

9: We're Back! (almost...)

What does it look like to open your heart and your home to others during the holidays? Co-host Marissa shares stories of holidays spent away from family and how her friends and local community came together to celebrate- creating joyful lasting memories that would not have been possible if someone hadn’t simply made the invite, and opened their door to that time together. Not a call to action for all, but an intentional seed planted so that when the Lord puts that person on your heart, you are ready and willing to take action! Maybe its a recently divorced friend whose spending the holidays without her kids, or a neighbor new to town, or a student at your local college that does not have the means to travel home for the holidays. There are so many who long for a sense of belonging during this season, and maybe—just maybe—you and your family are meant to fill that gap.Tune in to be encouraged and then get in touch with your OWN stories of being invited, or inviting others, to celebrate holidays together and what that experience was like for you!

8: Mini Episode- Check In & Open Door Policy for the Holidays

Whether you're preparing for your very first move, a seasoned nomad navigating yet another transition, or someone deeply rooted in your community with no plans to leave, this episode is for you! In the final chapter of our On The Move Again series, co-hosts Michael and Marissa come together to unpack the main takeaways and themes from the previous two interviews. Together, they explore:🌟 Building Community: It takes radical vulnerability and intentional action.💖 Acts of Service: The key to initiating and nurturing lasting friendships.💪 Acknowledging the Challenge: Moving is hard—period.🚀 Starting Strong: Don’t delay; dive into your new community right away.🤝 Welcoming Others: How to support and embrace those who are new to your town. Whether you’re moving or welcoming someone who is, we hope this conversation inspires and equips you during seasons of change. Remember, even in the hardest transitions, there’s so much in store. Show up, lean in, and trust that the Lord can use every step of the journey for good! Connect with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/

7: On the Move Again Pt. 3 of 3- Wrap Up & Key Takeaways 

In this episode of Your People, Marissa welcomes onto the show her dear friend, fellow mama, and former military spouse <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifeasfine/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brittany Fine</a>. Over 12 years of marriage, Brittany and her husband have moved five times, each relocation bringing new lessons and challenges. Brittany candidly shares how they navigated those changes, from her husband’s deployment within their first year of marriage, to an overseas move to Germany, a quick 10 months in Texas and a transition to Virginia amid COVID, an election year, and a pregnancy. Despite the difficulties, Brittany reflects on how God blessed them in remarkable and often surprising ways. She found friendship in unexpected places, served others courageously, and discovered that even in the toughest seasons, people come together to form deep bonds and a vibrant community. Brittany also opens up about being a self-proclaimed introvert and how she still actively seeks to find her people in each new place. She shares her journey through seasons of anxiety and uncertainty, stepping out of her comfort zone, and embracing motherhood. Together, Marissa and Brittany reminisce about their time together in Germany, reflecting on the beautiful ways God worked in their lives during that season. So, grab a cozy cup of coffee or keep working through that pile of dishes, and join us as we share laughs, unpack some of life’s harder moments, and offer a bit of encouragement for anyone in the middle of — or just starting — a new chapter. Moving is tough, but remember, you’re not alone! Connect with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/ Connect with Brittany on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/lifeasfine/ Visit our Website:www.yourpeoplepodcast.com Subscribe to our Email Newsletter:https://chickpeamama.myflodesk.com/intheloop

6: On the Move Again Pt. 2 of 3- Interview with Brittany Fine

How to Build Community When You Move Frequently

In this episode of Your People, Michael sits down with his longtime friend and fellow military service member, Riley Livermore. Together, they reminisce about Riley’s incredible journey, which saw him and his family of four move seven times over 12 years of service—five of those moves happening in just five years, including time overseas in Israel. Now settled in beautiful Vermont after recently transitioning out of the military, Riley opens up about the challenges and rewards of building community, and how finding your people is possible, even when life has you constantly on the move. Riley shares his heartfelt wisdom on how simple acts of service can deepen friendships, why proximity matters, and the universal truth that moving is always tough, no matter the situation. This episode offers practical examples of building community, sometimes in the least likely of ways, as Riley shares the story of his journey and how him and his wife, Katie, have worked hard to serve others and find friendship everywhere they go. Connect with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/ Visit our Website:www.yourpeoplepodcast.com

5: On The Move Again Pt. 1 of 3- Interview with Riley Livermore

Your Community. How to Find Them. How to Love Them.

Your People Podcast tackles the loneliness epidemic by focusing on what matters most: community. Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Marissa Ceci, who have moved six times in 12 years of marriage and military service, they share insights on finding, nurturing, and deeply connecting with your people. Join them as they inspire and challenge you to build meaningful relationships and serve others, in simple and sometimes bold ways.