How do you turn fun into a career? In this honest, funny, and inspiring episode of The Messy Parts, celebrity event planner Marcy Blum tells Maryam how she went from living on a failed commune in Vermont to organizing lavish celebrations for LeBron James, Kevin Bacon, and countless billionaires, and why “fun” is her most powerful business strategy. Along the way, Marcy opens up about sexism in the culinary world, building her brand without a blueprint, and finding purpose after burnout. It’s a story of creativity, survival, and joy — the messy kind that makes a life worth celebrating.
Key Moments
🎭 From Bronx Kid to Performing Arts Dreamer
How a bold teenager chased art, broke expectations, and followed her creative instincts.
🏡 The Commune Years: Learning the Hard Way About Belonging & Failure
The Vermont commune experiment — and the messy lessons it left behind.
🍳 From “Let’s Make a Deal” to Le Cordon Bleu
How depression, a mother’s push, and Paris changed everything.
👩🍳 Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Kitchen
Being one of the first women at the CIA — and facing sexism head-on.
🍽️ From Miserable Chef to Accidental Entrepreneur
The bizarre lunch that led to her first big break — thanks to Ed Koch.
💡 Reinvention & Risk: How Marcy Accidentally Invented Wedding Planning
The Tony Robbins insight that pushed her to quit misery and start her business.
💰 The Pricing Wake-Up Call: Why It Took 25 Years to Stop Undervaluing Herself
Marcy’s candid money talk: from flat fees to millionaire weddings — and learning her worth.
🥂 The Queen of Fun: Turning Every Party Into Living Theater
How she brings joy, surprise, and connection into every event — even for billionaires.
– 💬 Real Talk: Boundaries, Asking for Help & The Power of the Specific Ask
Why vague “pick your brain” requests don’t work — and how to ask for help with confidence.
Email us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com
To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for listening.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.