Making Room by Gather

A few weeks ago a question came into our Instagram Account: "Asking people to take off their shoes: Big deal or no?" As we posted our quick response, it opened up a big dialogue which revealed big feelings about the topic. What we found is that there are two sides to the 'shoes in the house' conversation and neither is right or wrong! Yet, it's worth diving into! For many reasons a host may want guests to remove their shoes. In the same way, for many reasons a guest may feel more comfortable leaving their shoes on. In this conversation we will be talking through understanding why/how each stance holds on to their value and how to better understand the other side. While it seemed a bit...silly to cover an episode entirely focused on shoes, these conversations are quite possibly amongst the most valuable! So often in hospitality offenses come through the small  details and have the possibility of being a wedge that severs a potential relationship. I don't want shoes to create relational divide on my watch. SO, Let's talk about it to be better prepared for this situation and develop a deeper understanding for both sides in the process! This episode is sponsored by our friends at Joolies Dates & Emily Lovejoy White Real Estate! Support the show

Are you into Jig Saw Puzzles? Truthfully, me neither! However, they've been on my mind a lot lately! I have really be struck by puzzles that are left with just one corner finished. Why? Because they leave you with only a small glimpse into the beauty of the whole picture that can only be discovered when it's put together piece by piece. Much like our own lives, and our world views, when we limit ourselves to one set of beliefs, traditions or cultural norms, we aren't able to fully grasp the beauty of what is available, the whole picture. We limit ourself to just one corner. I have been incredibly passionate about learning how other cultures approach the table, and with that the many ways we can learn from them! To help me better understand Thai Table culture I welcomed on Hong Thaimee, Entrepreneur, NYC Thai Restaurant Owner & a new Gather Friend! Through this episode we will discuss:Thai Food 101 The rich history of what formed Thai flavors and cooking technique The difference between food from Northern Thai food & Southern Thai food How Thai food is served, enjoyed and ordered What table culture is like growing up in a Thai Household What Sets Thai Hospitality ApartThe beauty of a good question asker & MORE! Join us in this conversation that will certainly make you laugh, make you hungry and give you some inspiration for your own table! Visit Hong at: https://www.hongthaimee.com/& @hongthaimeeSupport the show

Do you implement systems & stations at your gatherings? No? Well you are in the RIGHT place! Stations help your guests, help themselves. Most importantly, stations allow you to step back while the party runs itself! With a little intention in the planning you will find time to focus on other aspects of the gathering, or valuable time with your guests in return! Kayty, owner and Hospitality Educator of Gather believes that systems and stations are the key to navigating all of our events with ease. Based off her class Ready: Feeling Equipped for Everyday Hospitality from Hospitality Academie, she will be discussing the basics of how to craft a drink stations and why they matter! From the types of drink stations that you can create to ways to design them with ease, this episode will surely give any host tips that they will be able to directly apply to their next gathering. Are you looking for ways to enhance your next drink station? Be sure to follow our episode sponsors Plants by People to add stunning, vibrant  plant based tonics to the mix! Do you want to learn more and continue to grow your hospitality skillset? Join us in Hospitality Academie as a member today! Support the show

When you first think about etiquette what comes to mind? For many of us we quickly think of shows like Downton Abbey or hospitality from our grandparents era. I recently was thinking about this topic and how little we as a culture know not just about it's importance but...what it really is! In this episode Etiquette Coach Courtney Opalko will talk through: The difference between old school etiquette and modern etiquette How etiquette can translate into essential life "soft-skills" Must know etiquette for the modern day adult including  How to hold your stemware  How to properly use a napkin  Learn how to apologize appropriately  Write & send thank you notes Posture & eye contact5 etiquette musts to teach our kids from how to set the table to how to properly hold utensils! Join us in this conversation that will certainly reframe the way you see etiquette at your table! To learn more about etiquette join Hospitality Academie for Courtney's upcoming etiquette classes this winter! Get access to all of her classes for adults and children with 10% off annual memberships with code "Courtney" Follow Courtney at @courtneyopalkoetiquetteThis episode was sponsored by our friends at Plants by People. Visit their website to learn more and get your hands on your own tonic!Support the show

Before you skip over to the next episode, hang tight, let's talk! You see, so often at our tables, we want to put a cherry on top of grief. We want to change the topic and move on to something that covers the sting. However, the most precious gift we can give someone at our table, is the gift of making room. Our friend Peace Amadi will be walking us through what it looks like to walk through this very topic with us today: We will be working through:What is grief? What triggers grief and what to expect from those in our life experiencing grief? Why it's important to not overlook or brush past grief? How to let people be there for you as you go through grief How to support those in our community practically Our tables have the incredible opportunity to allow our guests to be seen, heal and carry the weight that grief can often bring. Join us as we dive into a hospitality topic that helps us move one step closer to cultivating meaningful connection through our tables. Get your own copy of Peace's book here!More About Peace Amadi: Mental Health Expert Dr. Peace Amadi, PsyD, is a Professor, Author, Speaker, Coach, and TV Host who helps high-potential people heal and lead. From leaders, content creators, and entrepreneurs, to pastors, parents, and teachers, Dr. Peace is a coach and cheerleader to the people in our lives that everyone goes to. @itspeaceamadihttp://peaceamadi.com/Support the show

Our culture says a few things about hospitality with kids: 1: "It's not possible, just accept it"2: "You need to wait for the next season, then it will get better"Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius talks with me in this episode about how hosting with kids is more than just possible, it can be good! We will walk through: What happens when we "wait for this stage to be over"How to reframe our expectation of mixing children & Hospitality Why it's important to invite people into your homes as a part of relationship. How and why to stop apologizing for our kids and homesWhere to start when you are looking for deeper relationships as a parent.What to do when someone comes over and the kids are off the wallsHow to not carry the responsibility of your spouses social experience & more Join us in this conversation that is transformational for the host without kids that wants to welcome families in, the parents who have been stuck in the "kid phase for too long" and are longing for community... and everyone in between! Follow Kendra & The Lazy Genius Pre- Order Kendra's Book The Lazy Genius Kitchen Here! @thelazygeniusSupport the show

A few weeks ago, we had the incredible privilege of welcoming Jacques Pepin on the podcast to talk about his life and legacy. Today we are turning the spotlight to further discuss the work he so passionately and generously pursues through the Jacques Pepin Foundation. To have this conversation we welcomed on the JPF executive director, and Jacques Son-in-law, Rollie Wesen. Through this episode you will learn about the ways community kitchens are being used to empower and give opportunity to those with high barriers of entry into society. You will see how powerful collaboration is and what is being done coast to coast through the non-profits that the JPF supports. Here at Gather, we are so passionate about this work because about 5 years ago, Gather started as a life skill training program based in my home kitchen half way across the world in Chiang Mai Thailand. We were working to assist at-risk youth re-enter society through baking and mentorship in the kitchen.  While we have moved back stateside and evolved from this specific model, we are committed through all we do to bring awareness to the power of the kitchen, its ability to heal, open doors of opportunity & bring communities together. Through all we do, our goal is is to support this work being done around the world through education and finances to see that these programs have all they need to continue with strength! Join us in the conversation with Rollie Wesen, and if you are compelled, join us also in giving towards their nationwide, community-shifting work. Follow the Jacques Pepin Foundation at: https://jp.foundation@jacquespepinfoundationFollow the work of the non-profits mentioned in this episode at: Wholesome WaveCommunity ServingsSouthside Community Land Trust Sign up for workshops with Jacques! Become a MemberLearn to Cook With Jacques Support the show

Whether we want to believe it or not, the holiday season is here! With that comes the balancing act of making baking fun while also being stress free! Hands up if you would like to make this year's baking a little less chaotic! We are overjoyed to welcome professional baker Joy the Baker to talk through everything holiday baking prep. From her experience in other people's kitchens, to becoming reputable in her own, Joy is a wealth of knowledge for the everyday host! In this episode we will dive into how to create a theme for your holiday baking, why to allow failure in the kitchen, and how to start small by mastering one recipe first! For the master baker to the first time baker, this episode will help you welcome in the holiday season with new excitement! Find Joy at: www.joythebaker.com @joythebaker Buy your own conversation napkins that we discussed in our conversation here! Support the show

If you take the time to look back through the past 50 years, American cooking has developed exponentially. With this the technique, ingredients and approach to everyday cooking in the home has evolved as well. At the lead of this was a group of formidable chefs, among them, Jacques Pepin. Along with these chefs, Pepin lead culture into a new way of approaching food in the restaurant industry and everyday table alike. With attention essential basic technique, and inspired by his international training, Jacques became a name that has made it's way into all of our homes. From his well loved cooking shows to his family-favorite cookbooks, Jacques has transformed American food culture and the way we approach time in the kitchen across multiple generations. Through this conversation you will feel inspired by his profound wisdom for the everyday chef, laugh at his wit and left awestruck by his life and legacy! For the longtime chef and the novice in the kitchen alike, this rich dialogue will be one you want to pull up a seat for! Here is a little more about our guest and friend, Jacques Pepin: Born in 1935 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, near Lyon, Pépin always found the kitchen to be a place of both comfort and excitement. He helped in his parents’ restaurant, Le Pélican, and at age 13, began an apprenticeship at the Grand Hôtel de L’Europe. He subsequently worked in Paris, ultimately serving as personal chef to three French heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle. After moving to the United States in 1959, Pépin first worked at Le Pavillon, an historic French restaurant in New York City. From 1960 to 1970, he was director of research and new development for Howard Johnson’s and developed recipes for the restaurant chain. At the same time, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Columbia University. Pépin is a former columnist for The New York Times and his articles have appeared in countless food magazines, particularly Food & Wine and author of 30 cookbooks, including the renowned classic La Technique, his biography The Apprentice and most recently A Grandfather’s Lessons. In 2017, he was honored with a feature film documentary of his life in the American Masters series: The Art of the Craft. He is the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from five American universities and was awarded France’s highest civilian honor, La Légion d’Honneur, in 2004, as well as the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in 1997 and the Mérite Agricole in 1992. He has received 16 James Beard Foundation Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. In 2015, he received the American Public Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the inaugural Julia Child Award, which was presented to him at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A longtime close friend of Julia Child, he starred with her in a PBS series called Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home, which won both an Emmy Award and a James Beard Foundation Award in 2001. For the past 30 years, Pépin has taught in the Culinary Arts Program at Boston University and, since 1989, he has served as dean of special programs at the International Culinary Center in New York City. He has called Connecticut home since 1975. Support the show

When someone in our community becomes pregnant, has a baby and journeys through postpartum there is no question that life changes. In our culture we see that these seasons, while they are very very exciting,  often lead to a disconnect from community, baby blues and postpartum depression. I welcomed my friend Allegra Gast, lactation consultant and birth doula, on the episode today to talk through how we can better host and support those in our communities in these seasons. The reality is that if we desire to stay in, and grow relationships with friends who are in these seasons, it requires an adjustment from us too! Here is what you can expect to hear in this relatable and actionable conversation! How to make evolve with the relationship by: Picking new activities Communicating &Understanding the changes that could be happening physically, hormonally and emotionally How to host a guest during pregnancy: Considering scents, food aversions and morning sickness Walking with both parents through postpartum: How to offer help,Showing commitment to the relationship through supporting friends in some of the less glamorous way. Knowing your friends love languages and supporting them through it. & Other practical ways that help them celebrate and adjust. I know that you will be encouraged that even though culture says this journey can be isolating,  we can keep a strong sense of community it just requires a few intentional changes. What is the best way you received support during pregnancy/ postpartum?  What is your favorite way to support new families? Where to find Allegra: Website: www.aloha-nutrition.comInstagram: @aloha.nutrition She also would like to offer all Making Room listeners 15% off all workshops and courses through her website with code GATHER15 Support the show