Introducing the Big Guy: A Decade + of Marriage, Growth, and Staying Connected

In this heartfelt and candid episode, I’m sitting down with my husband, Igino Cafiero, to share an unfiltered look inside our 14-year relationship. From meeting on Match.com to navigating long-distance dating, marriage, miscarriage, entrepreneurship, and raising two kids, we’re opening up about the real moments that have shaped us—both the beautiful and the hard.

Together, we talk about what it takes to build a resilient marriage, why radical honesty has been our compass, and how we keep growing individually and together. Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or dreaming of one, this conversation is an invitation to reflect, connect, and remember that no relationship is perfect—but it can be perfectly yours.

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In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Our origin story (and why Igino thought I was a “bit much” at first)

• The lessons we learned from long-distance dating

• How we’ve navigated big life transitions: career pivots, miscarriage, and identity shifts

• Our approaches to communication and conflict resolution

• Parenting philosophies and what we hope our kids learn from watching us

• Why vulnerability is the foundation of intimacy

• The importance of supporting each other’s dreams (even when they don’t make sense to anyone else)

• Practical advice for staying connected through every season

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Favorite Quotes:

“Anything is possible. In the array of things that are possible, we should just do that.” – Igino

“If you want to do this, then I’m going to be doing it despite the fact that it’s not popular. And I’m not going to please people.” – Rebecca

“Most of the problems [in relationships] stem from not feeling seen, not feeling heard, not feeling valued.” – Igino

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Action Steps & Takeaways:

• Prioritize Communication: Be willing to have the hard conversations and stay open, even when it’s uncomfortable

• Practice Radical Accountability: Own your role, apologize often, and focus on solutions

• Invest in Your Relationship: Make space for connection without kids—date nights, walks, and time away matter

• Support Each Other’s Growth: Celebrate your partner’s passions and give each other room to evolve

• Remember Repair: Every relationship has ruptures—what matters is how you repair and move forward together

🌿 Resources & Links:

Download your free copy of the Balance Blueprint – a simple tool to help you reset your week and bring more clarity, joy, and intention into your everyday rhythm:

https://bit.ly/rebeccasbalanceblueprint

Subscribe for more soulful, strategy-filled episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/rebecca.cafiero