Public Speaker | Former News Anchor | Storyteller
“On the other side of fear is understanding and belonging, and the kind of love, and respect and connection that makes our lives so much richer.”
The Power of Human Connection
In this powerful talk, Marilyn shares how human connection became her lifeline through illness, grief, and healing - and why it's the most essential thing we have to offer one another.
Marilyn’s Mission
With a long-standing career as a trusted news anchor for CBS and NBC affiliates, Marilyn Getas Byrne has always known the power of a well-told story. But after facing breast cancer, profound personal loss, and her own journey through grief and healing, she stepped into what she now knows is her true calling: using her voice to uplift others.
Today, Marilyn speaks from the heart with authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep commitment to connection. Her talks are a blend of practiced poise and raw honesty, shaped by decades of storytelling and lived experience. Whether she’s standing on a keynote stage, emceeing a cancer benefit, or holding space on her upcoming podcast I Choose Happy, Marilyn brings compassion, clarity, and light to every conversation.
Her message is simple but profound: we can choose joy, even in the middle of heartbreak. We are not alone.
Speaking Topics & Experience
Marilyn has shared her message with audiences across the country, bringing a unique blend of warmth, clarity, and courage to every stage. She was honored to speak on the DebX stage at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Arizona, delivering a powerful talk on the healing power of human connection.
She has served as a keynote speaker for the American Cancer Society, regularly emcees fundraising events for cancer research, and speaks on behalf of Healing Touch through Healing Partners of the Central Coast, advocating for the impact of compassionate, hands-on healing.
Her speaking topics include:
Finding light in the darkest places
The healing power of connection and community
Choosing happiness after trauma, illness, or loss
Breast cancer awareness, advocacy, and survivorship
The role of storytelling in personal and collective healing
In Summer 2025, Marilyn will launch her podcast, I Choose Happy sponsored by The Comfy, where she’ll invite others to share their stories of resilience, survival, and the radical choice to keep moving toward joy. It’s an extension of her mission on stage - to show that even when life breaks us open, there is still beauty, still purpose, and still a reason to reach for the light.
