(#008) The Love of Friendship — A Midlife Relationship That Changes Everything with Marni Ilyse

In this soul-nourishing episode, I’m joined by one of my dearest friends and chosen family, Marni Ilyse Rivera. We explore the power of deep friendship in midlife — the kind that sees you, supports you, and says “There she is” every time you show up as your full self.

From our first meeting to becoming besties and “Mama partners”, we reflect on the magic of female connection, how chosen sisterhood has become one of the most transformative relationships in our lives, and what it means to walk through fire together. We laugh, cry, tease, and honor each other — and we invite you into the joy, safety, and radical acceptance that true friendship can offer.

Whether you’ve found your “person” or are still longing for deep connection, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to find your people, become yourself, and feel at home in love that doesn’t have to be romantic to be life-changing.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The healing power of a midlife friendship built on loyalty, honesty, and unconditional love
• How Marni’s comfort in the discomfort allows her to show up for others — from grief and illness to everyday struggles — with presence, compassion, and homemade chicken pot pie
• The way breathwork cracked open a new channel of connection for Marni — creatively, emotionally, and spiritually — including powerful visits with her mom and grandma on the other side
• How her deep faith fuels her service and inspires her mentorship of the youth in our community, especially as a steady, loving presence for teens navigating loss and identity
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