Making Room by Gather

Many of us daydream of leaving our home country to pursue our dreams, yet not many of us find ourselves making that a reality. Amelie Kang was one of the few who took the leap, leaving her home in China to move to America and explore a career in culinary arts. After years of being a student to a Chinese teacher with international cooking exposure and her grandmother's culinary influence, her curiosity was heightened. Upon arriving in America, she soon graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and hopped on the fast track to open her own restaurant. Through monumental success and a few bumps along the way, Amelie kept one thing at the forefront of all she does, keeping customer experience first. Through her dining, Mala Project aspires to bring bold, authentic flavors of China to the American table with a form of dining new to many of us called dry pot. This dynamic conversation will serve up: Her journey to America, and her inspiration along the way.How she ended up on Forbes 30 under 30 list and what she learned through the successes and failures along the way. What it means to be a “customer service company that happens to serve food.”How everyday hosts can bring her “culture building” philosophy to their own tables.How to broaden our scope of Chinese food with new menu items and dishes to try! Amelie and I found ourselves sharing so many of the same values when it comes to the table! We are overjoyed to bring you such an inspiring story of courage and community!  Support the show

If I could, I would be on the Mediterranean coast with salty air and surrounded by all the olives, mint, hummus, and local flavors one could imagine at any given time! My whole life I have savored (and craved) Middle Eastern flavors and am always looking for new dishes to try and more ways to incorporate them into my everyday life. Like many cuisines, I find that we generally have a limited scope of what’s available. Often sticking to hummus and a traditional greek salad, there are so many dishes awaiting the everyday chef (that will leave their taste buds never the same!) I recently came to know and love Eden Grinshpan, Host of the Cooking Channel Show, Eden Eats, and author of the new cookbook, Eating Out Loud. Born to a family of rich culture and a love of food, her approach to cooking is one that will add fresh inspiration and spice to every kitchen! Eden will guide us through with humor and decadence: How to introduce new foods to kids and help them to become well rounded eaters.What traveling around the world taught her about food culture. Food terms, types, and ingredients used in Middle Eastern cuisine that we should all know.What dishes are must-try if you’re looking for more options and to expand your palate.How she approached the design of her home, and her tips as you embrace your own home design process. Eden is a ray of sunshine and has a unique and refreshing view of food culture that I know will leave you running to the kitchen!Add a copy of Eden’s new cookbook to your collection here! Visit Eden, her recipes, and story on her website here! Support the show

Self-care is one of the loudest messages our culture is screaming at us right now. With products, ideas, food, and marketing all created with this end goal in mind, is it possible this may be leading us to an unexpected end result? I have been following Primally Pure, a non-toxic skincare line, for years! A few weeks ago, I heard the owner, Bethany McDaniel, share a unique spin on this topic and it caught my attention. She discussed the difference between self-care, self-love, and self-health along with the cautions and truths behind each of them. Helping to reframe the way we approach these topics in culture, Bethany focuses on:The definition of and differentiation between self-care, self-love, and self-health.The warning signs that we may be off-balance and need to change our approach.Self-health: what it means and how to implement it.Gua Sha Stones: what they are, their benefits, and how to use them (P.S. I’m hooked!)What’s coming for Primally Pure and clean beauty tell-all.I have always loved the one liner, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” I am so grateful for the way Bethany spoke into this and challenged me to shift my focus to caring for myself in a way that holds long term benefits. So many of us are looking for some relief from the hustle. My hope is that this conversation brings you encouragement and hope that with a few simple changes, that is not far away. Try some of the products we referenced in this episode from Primally Pure here with code GATHER for 15% off! Support the show

Figlia is a word that captivated me at first glance. It means “daughter” in Italian, but the Figlia Aperitivo team has expanded it to mean, “A tribute to the power of family- the given and the chosen. A community built for honest conversations. To offer a seat at the table and lend an ear. To serve the good stuff and talk about the hard stuff. To laugh, cry, and think together.” I am always drawn to brands that create products with belonging and intentionality in mind. Lily Geiger did exactly that. After losing her dad to alcoholism, she set out to create an elevated, non-alcoholic aperitivo in a way that could not only be enjoyed by all, but more importantly was not triggering to those avoiding alcohol. Through this conversation you will hear: How Lily used her own profound experience as a child of an alcoholic to create something beautiful and important for culture. Why she made sure her products weren’t triggering to guests who are avoiding alcohol. As a host, how we, too, can assure we are serving intentional options to guests. How to approach conversations with friends and loved ones when we feel there may be a problem with alcohol consumption. 5 Craft non-alcoholic drink options that aren’t seltzer!Truthfully, Lily and I connected over our stories. As a child of an alcoholic parent as well, I too am passionate about having this hard conversation. Even though Lily and I both drink a glass of wine on occasion, we are very aware that this is an area of hospitality many need to avoid for the sake of their recovery and we can help. I hope that this conversation gives you insight into ways we can come alongside guests in tasteful and intentional ways, while also making safe spaces for difficult conversations! Be sure to grab your own bottle of Figlia for your next gathering here! Support the show

Renovations and home building always seem a whole lot more glamorous when we’re watching them onTV. However, when it comes time to embark on a project like that ourselves, that’s an entirely different story. From excitement and big dreams, to surprises and messes, renovations and custom builds can seem like a daunting undertaking, but …it doesn’t have to.  We invited Kirsten Erickson from Alma Homes onto the show to talk through how to survive your renovation process and make sure the end result reflects your family well! Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to:As a kid, how Kirsten found herself playing with design software instead of other common computer games. The trial and error process of learning her personal design style, and how you can too.How to prepare in order to make the renovation process run smoothly. Finding a contractor: red flags and must-haves. How to ensure that your renovations reflect your family's lifestyle and story.Living in the house in the midst of renovations - a survival guide. Alma homes is actively working to create resources, classes, and more to give you confidence and peace of mind as you approach these projects in your own space. This conversation is unlike any other you’ve heard on this topic, I'm sure of it! One of our main heartbeats at Gather is that your home is an extension of YOU and one you are confident welcoming others into. Kirsten gives just the inspiration you need to take steps to do just that! Follow Kirsten @AlmahomesSupport the show

Cookies and health sound like an unlikely pair, but not to Sweet Loren’s Cookies owner, Loren Brill. After finding herself with a cancer diagnosis in her 20’s, she gained a new outlook on the connection between food and health. On her journey to learning how to make nutrient rich food delicious, she realized one thing - she was missing a crave worthy dessert that she could feel good about. This led her to not only create one, but to soon distribute it to grocery stores across the country! Loren’s approach to living a balanced lifestyle is one that our generation needs to hear more about, because it includes eating cookies! Whether you are looking to learn more about: The truth about eating clean, intuitive eating, and living a balanced lifestyle.How Sweet Loren’s went from an idea to a nationwide brand. Or, five unique ways to use Loren’s plant based, gluten-free, dairy-free cookie dough. …this episode is for you! My friends and I can always be found with a batch of Sweet Loren’s whenever we gather. Through this episode, I hope you leave running to get your hands on every flavor. Even more, I hope that you can feel confident in this special diet staple, knowing that everyone at your table will love them at first bite. Locate your local store that carries Sweet Lorens at www.sweetlorens.com 15% off online orders with code MAKINGROOM15------------Interested in learning more about our sponsor Gobble? Get your first 6 servings (3 meal kits!) For $36 Through this link! Trust us, you'll love it! Support the show

This week, we have the unique opportunity of giving you access to an audio clip  from Shauna Neiquests newest release, 'I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet.' Shauna has quickly become one of my favorite authors, after reading her book Present over Perfect. Her relatable storytelling invites you the beauty and vulnerability of all she shares, and in turn makes you feel known.  With that, I am overjoyed to cheer her on in this new launch!---Three years ago Shauna Niequist, her husband and two sons, alllifelong Midwesterners, moved from the Chicago suburbs to an 825-square foot apartment in Manhattan.What started as a family mantra, “I guess I haven’t learned that yet,” whenever city life surprised them, the phrase gave Shauna room to exhale and the freedom to relearn how life could be. In her new book, Niequist scoops up readers and gently tells them the same things she told her sons, “oh darlings, you’re not dumb – you’re new. We’re all new. And we’re all not failing.”In I GUESS I HAVEN’T LEARNED THAT YET: Discovering New Ways ofLiving When the Old Ways Stop Working, Niequist reflects on creating a quieter,deeper life, her evolving faith, gathering people around the table and the magic ofsaying “I don’t know.” She beautifully shares with readers how she learned tokeep going, living lightly and find healing in the face of major life transitions,chronic health issues and a global pandemic.“This is not a to-do list,” writes Niequist. “This is not a prescription for success ora road map to spiritual perfection. This is a love letter, a handful of treasures, alifeline, a hand reaching out in the darkness and offering hope and respite...Thisis the book I wish someone had written for me when I was in a season of near-constant untethering and unbelonging, wandering and fumbling, and ultimatelydiscovering a million beautiful surprises after a couple very dark years. This iseverything I know– wild and messy, accompaniments for the hardest stretches ofthe journey.”------Be sure to pick up your own copy of 'I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet', here! Taken from I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist. Copyright © 2022 by Shauna Niequist. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.comSupport the show

Have you ever found yourself in an ‘in-between’ season? A season of waiting, of wondering, of pain, or uncertainty? There is no question that this journey of moving back to America AND navigating starting a business has sparked ALL those and more for us. A few weeks ago, a new book flooded my instagram feed. It felt like everyone was posting about the launch of “What If It’s Wonderful?” by Nicole Zasowski. When asked, she graciously accepted our offer to come on the show. It wasn’t until I started to dive into this powerful, truth-filled book, that I realized how deeply personal this concept is for me. With that, I know it will be for you too as Nicole shows us:Practical ways to find the courage to celebrate when we find ourselves in the ‘in-between.’What it looks like to release fear, and how we can apply it to our own lives.Ways to tackle self-criticism and savor moments worth remembering.How to celebrate with others when we are not in seasons of celebration.The truth about not receiving compliments.As her subtitle so eloquently puts it, we know that this conversation will lead you to ‘release your fears, choose joy, and find the courage to celebrate’...with compassion, empathy, and actionable steps. You are not alone; the courage to celebrate starts here…together. Be sure to pick up your own copy of 'What If It's Wonderful' here. Interested in learning more about Gobble? Get your first 6 servings (3 meal kits!) For $36 Through this link! Trust us, you'll love it! Support the show

I grew up watching two things religiously: Game shows and Cooking Shows. Something about them inspired me, sparked curiosity and the dreams of what could be. As I got older, my love for these shows grew as I continued to follow new shows, new show concepts and new hosts. Recently, I began following Gail Simmons, chef, cookbook author, Tv personality and Judge on Bravo's Top Chef.  While I was intrigued to hear more about her career,  Gail shares not only about what she is currently known for, but the profound process that led her here. Through this conversation you will hear pieces of: - Food culture before the days of food media -How four words on a piece of paper led to her to #1 top food judge -Behind the scenes of Bravo's Top Chef -What colleagues inspire her personal journey with hospitality  - The importance of proximity and holding close career mentors -How to check in on friends mental health & How Gail dished me a piece of my own advice! We are thrilled to welcome Gail on to Making Room this week. We know that this conversation is one you will certainly...want to take a seat for! Buy Gails Recent CookbookInterested in learning more about Gobble? Get your first 6 servings (3 meal kits!) For $36 Through this link! Trust us, you'll love it! Support the show

This episode is a sweet one! With Easter and spring holidays right around the corner, we will talk through some details I am planning for my own spring entertaining, and fresh inspiration for your tables too! A season full of flowers, vibrant table scapes and  perfect weather, it's my favorite time to host! With the same holidays year after year, sometimes our tables can feel a little dull or in need of fresh inspiration. Through this episode, my hope is to inspire you with a few new ideas to try, ways to master current food and decor trends, and of course, ways to engage in community during this stunning time of year! You can expect to hear more about: Ways to use edible flowers on your food Infused water ideas for the season How to use flower cookie cutters to elevate your appetizers Naked cakes-your go to seasonal centerpiece Brunch Boards, two different types and where to learn moreHow to use fabrics & scents to embrace the season & 3 Ways to extend an invitation creatively this season We know that this episode will leave you ready for excited to start opening your door, and filling your table, this Spring! As you work through these tips and start to implement them on your own, be sure to send us pictures @gatherintentionallivingLinks Referenced in Today's Episode: Flower Cookie Cutter Naked Cake Decorating WorkshopBrunch Board Workshops Support the show