The Messy Parts

Author: with Maryam Banikarim

New career advice and messy stories, every Monday. Whether youre at the top, or striving to get thereyou may have noticed the one thing people rarely talk about: how hard it is to achieve success. The Messy Parts is the answera podcast where youll hear about the twists, turns and pivots that shape extraordinary careers. The real messy parts along the way. Host Maryam Banikarim has been through it, so she gets it. Maryam has been a transformative leader across media, hospitality and tech. Her powerhouse resume features more than 20 years in the C-Suite at companies like Hyatt, NBC, and Nextdoorand she has a vast, influential network to match. On The Messy Parts, she brings you unparalleled access to that network. Deeply honest, vulnerable conversations with Maryamwho is never afraid to ask the questions on everyone's mind. Join us as we get real, unfiltered, and messy.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Careers, Society & Culture

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Celebrity Wedding Planner Marcy Blum Turned Fun Into a Million-Dollar Business
Episode 25
Sunday, 23 November, 2025

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 DreamerHow a bold teenager chased art, broke expectations, and followed her creative instincts.🏡 The Commune Years: Learning the Hard Way About Belonging & FailureThe Vermont commune experiment — and the messy lessons it left behind.🍳 From “Let’s Make a Deal” to Le Cordon BleuHow depression, a mother’s push, and Paris changed everything.👩‍🍳 Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated KitchenBeing one of the first women at the CIA — and facing sexism head-on. 🍽️ From Miserable Chef to Accidental EntrepreneurThe bizarre lunch that led to her first big break — thanks to Ed Koch.💡 Reinvention & Risk: How Marcy Accidentally Invented Wedding PlanningThe 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 HerselfMarcy’s candid money talk: from flat fees to millionaire weddings — and learning her worth.🥂 The Queen of Fun: Turning Every Party Into Living TheaterHow she brings joy, surprise, and connection into every event — even for billionaires.– 💬 Real Talk: Boundaries, Asking for Help & The Power of the Specific AskWhy vague “pick your brain” requests don’t work — and how to ask for help with confidence.Send us a textEmail 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.