Around the Table Podcast

This week, Maggie interviews Jacey about her European travels and they talk about the concept of "home."

What you'll hear:

Stories from Jacey's trip and an update on Maggie's life
What it's like to go on an overnight train
What "home" means to us
How to handle homesickness

Can I quote you on that?

"I feel like if the Skimm were to do a Louvre tour, that's what we did." Maggie
"Heaven is like this, all together around the table." Jacey
"How can you pay a euro thirty for the best cappuccino you've ever had, and if you want anything close to that here, it's $6 and served with a side of pretension?" Jacey, on how America is getting coffee wrong
"What lasts is not often the thing we spend most of our time trying to attain or give attention to. Money doesn't last. Fame doesn't last." Jacey
"Be all in on the things that matter." Jacey
"Three things make up  home: people, place and purpose." Maggie
"There is a distinction between homesickness and a longing to feel at home where you are." Maggie
"The sooner you have authentic, vulnerable relationships where you are, the easier it will be in the moments when you're really missing the ones that are far away." Maggie
"Home is where my microphone and my dog are." Jacey

Links:

Siena's Palio
La Durée
"I just want to hang out with my dog" shirt

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Instagram or Twitter, or leave a comment below.
Maggie on Instagram, Twitter, and her blog
Jacey on Instagram, Twitter and her blog

The post European escapades and the meaning of home appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this Five on Friday episode, we are sharing five conundrums. These are the questions that plague us and that we would genuinely love your feedback on.

Maggie:

What to do when you forget someone's name.
How to navigate that awkward moment on a date when the bill arrives.
One word: sweat.
Hug or handshake?
To tri or not to tri. That is the question.

Jacey:

Should she grow out her bangs?
Why do we still insist on opening presents in front of a group? How can we make this less uncomfortable?
What is the balance between being present in a moment and still allowing for the effort it takes to capture the moment (to share on social media, of course).
Jacey Verdicchio (sp?) vs. The Balanced Wife.
The accidental 'like' on Instagram or Facebook...WHAT DO YOU DO?!

Image by @jensane

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We rarely discuss news on this show, but for those of us who call Charleston home, and many around the country, conversations around our actual kitchen tables this weekend revolved around the horrific church massacre that took place last week. We had a very different episode recorded, but feel compelled to talk about this crime in particular, but also loving well in the midst of tragedy on a community or personal level. 
We approach the mic hesitantly, but we offer our thoughts humbly, not because we offer incredible wisdom or insight, but because to stay silent given our proximity and love for our Charleston community would make us complicit in the problem.

Quotes from the episode:

"People in Charleston are feeling mournful; there's a somber mood and a sense of the community coming together, but there's also challenge, and rightfully so." Jacey, on the mood in Charleston post shooting

"Right now there's a community of people hurting, of people whose lives will never be the same. When do you open up the conversation of the racial and social implications without minimizing or trivializing what nine families are going through?" Maggie

"What this particular crime has compelled me to face is that if I don't acknowledge that this is a problem that is not going away, that is not in the past, then I am part of the problem." Jacey

"That's the battleground where we'll see people's hearts and minds change: when you are challenging in love the people who you're close to in your immediate circles, in your immediate community." Maggie

"The greatest evil of our country today is not racism but ignorance." Septima P. Clark

"We have to become okay with the fact that things are not going to go back to normal, and that instead we have to get accustomed to a new normal." Maggie

"Let's dive into the reality of what it is: messy, uncomfortable and hard, but necessary." Maggie

"Real love is not tidy, it's not neat, and it doesn't go without mistakes." Jacey

If Charleston is heavy on your heart, three things you can do:

Always pray
Donate to the Emanuel Hope Fund
Overcome ignorance and/or denial of racism in your heart and community

Other links and thoughtful articles about the Charleston massacre and grief:

Emanuel AME Church: A Living Landmark
A Bow to Charleston
Don't be a Bystander to Hate - Not Even Yours
The New Normal - Stephanie Wittels Wachs on the grieving process

The post Mourning Charleston’s loss and loving well in the midst of tragedy appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, Maggie is joined by a special guest host - her friend and documentary film maker, Lyttanya Shannon. They discuss the inspiring work that Lyttanya is involved in, share what they're reading, watching, listening to, and following this month, and compare British and American terminology.

But first, if you’ve had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute.

What you'll hear:

The British version of a Southern accent
Lyttanya's journey to becoming a documentary film maker
The challenges of telling stories of survival and hardship
A lovely poem about plums
The correct(?) way to pronounce 'herb'
What we're reading, watching, listening to, and following this month

Can I quote you on that?

"The people who don't have a voice or don't have a medium t0 share their stories are often the ones who we learn the most from." - Lyttanya
"I'm drawn to stories of survival." - Lyttanya
"When you're directing...the camera is almost like a barrier." - Lyttanya
"It was after I put the camera down and gave the girls a hug...that's when you really allow yourself to be present in what's going on." - Lyttanya
"To-may-to, to-mah-to. Not just a saying, but a real life conflict." - Maggie
"When you see 1000 die, it's not the same as seeing one person die. Because you connect to that one." - Lyttanya

Links:

Esta Vida documentary page
A Collection of Poems: Edna St. Vincent Millay
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Chef's Table 
Cartel Land
A Syrian Love Story
Citizen Shade
The Rival
Lion Babe
"Finding Home Among the Homeless" - Derek Snook
Menina Dança
Lyttanya Shannon on Facebook and Twitter

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Instagram or Twitter, or leave a comment below.
Maggie on Instagram, Twitter, and her blog
Jacey on Instagram, Twitter and her blog

Some links are affiliates. Thank you for supporting our podcast!

The post Sharing stories through documentary and a special guest host appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

Joining us around the table is Michelle Conley Cherry, a style Instagrammer and Maggie’s childhood friend. We chat about what’s behind the outfit of the day post, Maggie’s rebellious streak, summer style, and eyebrows on fleek.

What you’ll hear:

The definition and art of truck diving
How many pictures are taken to capture the outfit of the day shot that gets posted
How Michelle went from Instagram hobbyist to professional
What style Instagrammers Michelle follows
Summer style tips and trends

Can I quote you on that?
“Really awesome things are often accidental.” - Michelle Conley Cherry
“I noticed how you could transform Instagram and social media into a business.” - Michelle Conley Cherry
“The best everyday accessory is your eyebrows.” - Michelle Conley Cherry
“I am all about the Birkenstocks.” - Michelle Conley Cherry
“You can laugh at me and with me.” - Michelle Conley Cherry
Links

@julesdenby
@alwaysjudging
@damselindior
@sincerelyjules
Loeffler Randall (Michelle mentioned the pool slides)
Connect with Michelle on Instagram

The post Lunch Break with Michelle Conley Cherry appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we'll be talking about ways to boost your creativity, and a recipe for the perfect beach day. 

What you'll hear:

Ideas to help you be more creative
The snacks, drinks, apparel and gear you need for a perfect beach day

Can I quote you on that?

"When it comes to improving your craft, you definitely want to be intentional in finding inspiration." Maggie
"We should be able to bold and strong and sensitive at the same time." Jacey
"I don't need to buck up. I don't need to get a thicker skin. That means things are going to hurt me more. That means I'm not going to be immune to criticism. That's a key to my creativity is well; I'm more permeable." Jacey
"I think Instagram can be inspiring, but it can also drain you from your own ideas because you're seeing so much of everyone else's." Jacey
"Live your life with an eye toward creativity." Jacey
"The thing I love about watermelon is that you can pick it up with your salty, beachy hands and it adds to the flavor." Maggie
"If you're going to have a cocktail on the beach, it needs to be uncomplicated." Maggie
"Never underestimate the power of a good beach day." Maggie
"I'm like a 60 year old woman at the beach." Jacey
"I think I'll be a great mom, but a terrible beach mom." Jacey
"Go to the beach. Make a cocktail. Have yourself a summer." Jacey

Links:

7 ways to boost your creativity from 99U
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Creative Mornings
Science continues to show us how to be more creative
Tequila soaked watermelon
Pimm's Cup cocktail

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Instagram or Twitter, or leave a comment below.
Maggie on Instagram, Twitter, and her blog
Jacey on Instagram, Twitter and her blog

If you've had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute.

The post Boost creativity and a recipe for the perfect beach day appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this Five on Friday episode, we each share five things we should say more often. Short answers below, and listen in for our explanation of WHY we should say these things more often!

Maggie:

"No."
"Nothing."
"You're brave."
"Help," and "Can I help you?"
"Hi."

Jacey:

"Thank you."
"I'm sorry."
"You're enough."
"I forgive you."
"I'm proud of you."

Image by @jensane

The post Five on Friday: things we should say more often appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of a dream job and how it affects our career expectations. We also play a rousing game of 'Would You Rather...'

What you’ll hear:

Our definition of a ‘dream job’ and a breakdown of some of the most popular dream jobs
A discussion on how the desire for meaningful work affects job expectations and performance
Jacey and Maggie divulge some of their dream jobs
An insightful game of ‘Would you Rather...’

Can I quote you on that?

“People want to stuff their faces all the time.” - Maggie
“There is a tendency to major on the dream and minor on the job.” - Jacey
“We put too much stock in our jobs fulfilling us.” – Maggie
“Our (generation’s) expectations for dream jobs are way out of proportion with reality and set us up for disappointment and disillusionment.” – Jacey
“We’ve taken opportunity and turned it into birthright.” – Ted Harro, Huffington Post
“It’s important to have a healthy balance between gratitude and aspiration.” – Jacey
"Don’t let your passions die at the expense of your job" – Matt Ehresman, Relevant Magazine
“Here’s something…you might be the problem.” – Jacey
“You heard it here, listeners, Maggie doesn’t care about you.” – Jacey

Links:

"Haven't Found Your Dream Job Yet? Get Over It."
"The Danger of Waiting For Your Dream Job"

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Instagram or Twitter, or leave a comment below.
Maggie on Instagram, and Twitter
Jacey on Instagram, Twitter and her blog

If you’ve had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute.

Some links are affiliates. Thanks for supporting our show!

The post Dream Jobs and Would You Rather appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode we chat with Lindsay from Lindsay Letters. We discuss the addictive powers of hummus, adult onset ADD, different creative outlets, and the best places to eat in East Nashville. 

What you’ll hear:

Lindsay’s journey to launching her creative business
Thoughts on decorating, cooking, and some of Lindsay's other creative outlets
A few recommendations on where to eat in Nashville
Our brilliant hummus trough idea
Interesting last-meal requests from inmates on death row
The one food we would eat on a desert island

Can I quote you on that?

“I’m going to go ahead and make what I think is cool and see if other people think it’s cool, too. And by the grace of god, they do.” - Lindsay Sherbondy
“I’m ADD, but what that means is that I can hyper-focus on things that I care about...I try and embrace it when it works.” - Lindsay Sherbondy
"Cooking is my number one creative outlet. I follow a recipe the first time but the rest of the time I just kind of make it up. And that is really fun for me." - Lindsay Sherbondy
“Hummus trough. Let's make it a thing." - Jacey Verdicchio
"Any story that starts with, 'I had a horrible experience while doing a juice cleanse' - yikes." - Maggie McDaris
"Sometimes when we sit down to dinner, it's just so short. We're there for 15-20 minutes and in between bites you don't really have a conversation." - Lindsay Sherbondy

Links:

Make sure to check out Lindsay's beautiful shop
Contact Lindsay on Instagram, and Twitter, or her blog.
Mas Tacos
Khan's
Two Ten Jack
Eat Well Embrace Life hummus
Unlikely Bunch
Last Suppers: Famous Final Meals from Death Row
Meals to Die For

Some links are affiliates. Thanks for supporting our show!

The post Lunch Break with Lindsay Letters appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss living with a chronic or ongoing illness - how to handle it emotionally, mentally and spiritually - how Jacey was diagnosed with lupus, and Maggie's year long battle with a mono-like virus.

What you'll hear:

What we've been eating
The story of Jacey's lupus diagnosis at age 14
How Jacey has reconciled a chronic illness with a good God
The emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of long term illness, and how we learned to deal with them.

Can I quote you on that?

"Maybe that was a bit of a wake up call, and I need to take a break from smoked or cured meats." Maggie
"It's really difficult when someone tells you, 'This is chronic and it will never go away,' to not go to two extremes: one is 'head in the sand' and the other is taking that on as part of your identity." Jacey
"It's not a betrayal of my faith or a weakness to rest." Jacey
"Whenever you think you don't believe enough, that's a really dangerous place to be." Jacey
"It doesn't make Him any less faithful whether I'm healed tomorrow, in ten years, or in heaven." Jacey
"There are qualities of my character and of my faith that I would not have without having gone through this." Jacey
"There is a bigger connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual health than we would like to acknowledge." Maggie
"One of the huge things when you're dealing with chronic illness is having community around you." Maggie
"I saw Him so clearly through the friendships and relationships I had in my life." Maggie
"If you're struggling with any kind of chronic illness, don't isolate yourself." Maggie

Links:

Wine and Charcuterie in Clapham
13 years since my diagnosis: what I've learned from Jacey's blog
Admitting I'm afraid (more thoughts on healing and chronic illness from Jacey's blog)

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Instagram or Twitter, or leave a comment below.
Maggie on Instagram, Twitter, and her blog
Jacey on Instagram, Twitter and her blog

If you've had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute.

The post Living with a chronic illness appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.