Marilyn Mercado’s transformation is a living poem — one written through movement, breath, and grace. Once anchored by pain that lived deep in her body, she learned to listen instead of resist. Through yoga, she began to stretch not just muscles, but memories. Through dance, she let rhythm rewrite her story. Through breathwork, she found the power to release what silence had held captive.

Each inhale became a reclamation. Each step, a prayer. Today, Marilyn moves with a freedom that speaks of healing — guiding others to rise from their own ache and rediscover purpose in the pulse of life itself.

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When we grow weary of hoping someone will change, when is it time travel different paths. Marilyn will takes us on a slow journey of how we can utilize yoga and dance to transform how we help ourselves and others.

You're talking, but are you being heard? You're listening, but are you truly understanding?
In this episode of Relationship Matters, we're breaking down the invisible walls that keep couples from truly connecting—communication barriers. These aren't just about what you say or don't say. They're about tone, timing, defensiveness, assumptions, past wounds, and the emotional baggage that turns simple conversations into full-blown battles.
We explore the most common communication barriers that sabotage relationships:

Talking AT each other instead of TO each other – when conversations become monologues instead of dialogue
Stonewalling and shutting down – when silence becomes a weapon
Assumptions and mind-reading – when you think you know what they mean, but you're completely wrong
Unresolved trauma – when past pain hijacks present conversations
Dismissiveness and contempt – when your words (or tone) say "you don't matter"
Poor timing – when you're trying to communicate but emotions are too high or distractions are too heavy

But we don't just identify the problem—we give you real, practical tools to tear down these barriers. Learn how to create safe spaces for honest conversation, how to listen with empathy instead of defensiveness, and how to communicate your needs without attacking your partner's character.
Because here's the truth: most relationship problems aren't actually relationship problems—they're communication problems. And when you remove the barriers, you create room for understanding, healing, and real intimacy.
If you've ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or like you're speaking a different language than your partner—this episode is for you.
It's not just the relationship. It's what matters in it—and communication matters most.
Tune in, break down the walls, and start building the connection you've been craving."

Support the show

When we grow weary of hoping someone will change, when is it time travel different paths. Marilyn will takes us on a slow journey of how we can utilize yoga and dance to transform how we help ourselves and others.

Your relationship should elevate you—not drain you. It should align with who God called you to be—not pull you away from your purpose.

Welcome to Relationship Matters, the podcast where we get brutally honest about love, faith, marriage, and the battles that happen when your relationship and your purpose collide. Hosted by Dr. Darlene, a compassionate therapist and truth-teller who believes that healthy love doesn't cost you your peace, your calling, or your identity.

This isn't your typical relationship podcast filled with surface-level advice and quick fixes. We're diving deep into the matters that truly matter: trauma and healing, infidelity and forgiveness, toxic patterns and breakthrough moments, spiritual alignment and emotional freedom. We talk about what happens when the person you love becomes the person who hurts you most—and how to know when to fight for love or fight for yourself.

Whether you're married, dating, healing from heartbreak, or rediscovering who you are outside of a relationship, this podcast is your safe space for real conversations, biblical wisdom, and practical tools to build the love life you deserve—one that honors God, protects your peace, and aligns with your divine purpose.

Because it's not just about being in a relationship. It's about the matters within it—and whether those matters are moving you closer to or further from the life God designed for you.

Tune in. Get honest. Get healed. Get aligned.

Support the show

When we grow weary of hoping someone will change, when is it time travel different paths. Marilyn will takes us on a slow journey of how we can utilize yoga and dance to transform how we help ourselves and others.