Around the Table Podcast

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This week we are examining the power of 'should' in our lives, and addressing the recent uproar surrounding red meat.

What you'll hear:

Jacey's new lucrative hobby Why we don't like doing things we should The tension between encouragement and pressure Why women suffer from 'should' more than men Thoughts on meat: the good, the bad, and the medium (or medium rare)

Can I quote you on that?

"Most of the time, those things that we should do are beneficial in the long run, but not immediately gratifying." Jacey "Our impulse is always going to be to do what feels good right now." Jacey "Striving harder is not the answer, becoming perfect is not the answer, overcoming yourself and becoming more robotic and less human is not the answer." Jacey "It's a hard thing, sifting through the different sources of 'should, because there are some that are there to refine us and some that are there to crush us." Maggie "I think that women struggle more with the feeling of outer expectations because there are so many more than what there used to be and because we care a lot more about what people think of us than men." Jacey "We (women) do have so many more options, but instead of encouraging one another to explore those options we've drawn lines in the sand and said this is the best option." Maggie "We've set such impossibly high standards for ourselves because we feel like we're fighting against the more traditional expectations." Maggie "There's something to be said for overcoming your human, selfish instincts to do what feels good in the moment for a greater outcome long term for yourself or other people." Jacey "What's great about going meat free is not what you're taking out, but also what you're replacing the meat with." Maggie

Links:

Lunch Break with Steve Cockram ATT Episode 52: Habit formation and first impressions W.H.O. Q & A on Carcinogenicity and Consumption of Red Meat Veggie Chili Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Burritos Butternut Squash, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta Quinoa Black Bean Burgers Jamie Oliver's Eggplant Parmesan

Thoughts, questions, comments?

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

The post Examining the power of 'should' in our lives appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

This week, we discuss the forces behind popularity and viral content, and widely popular things that we think are overrated.

Head on over to our Facebook page, where you can enter to win a copy of Wolf by Wolf, the latest (award winning!) book from our latest lunch break guest, Ryan Graudin. 

What you'll hear:

Big life changes underway A sad realization about ourselves The genius of Clickhole Mass appeal vs. niches Maggie betray her fellow Americans How tied our tastes are to identity

Can I quote you on that?

"People are more likely to share things if they are able to make a statement about themselves: what they believe in, causes or values they align themselves with." Jacey "I can count the number of times I've shared something on Twitter on one hand." Maggie "We're a very self aware generation, which creates greater opportunity for those niche things to connect." Maggie "The best thing is not to try to write things that will go viral. The best thing is to write for just one person. Make an impact on just one person. Even better, make it so they can't sleep at night unless they choose to make a difference for one other person. The rest will take care of itself."  - Seth Godin, quoted in this article "I do have faith that the things that need to find me will: the books, podcasts, music, clothing companies - those things will find their way to me and I to them because of the beauty of the Internet." Jacey "'Hotline Bling' has tricked me into liking it." Jacey

Links:

Saying Goodbye to Naptime Diaries 'The Six Things That Make Stories Go Viral Will Amaze and Maybe Infuriate You'  [The New Yorker] 'How to Make Something Go Viral: Tips from Buzzfeed' [The Guardian] Clickhole.com What it feels like to go viral [Pacific Standard] So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson Jon Ronson on the Nerdist Podcast (not clean)

Thoughts, questions, comments?

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

...and we'll just leave this here:

How to leave an iTunes review from an iOS device

Launch Apple's Podcast app Tap the Search tab Enter the name of the Podcast you want to rate or review Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right Tap the album art for the podcast Tap the Reviews Tab Tap Write a Review at the bottom Enter your iTunes password to login Tap the Stars to leave a rating Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send.

(We get it - it takes a few steps. But we appreciate it more than you know!)

Affiliate links included in this post. Thanks for supporting our show!

The post It's not a popularity contest…or is it? appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode we are joined by award winning novelist Ryan Graudin. We discuss why she claims to love her characters like children and how she out-smarted some of our regular guest questions.

Don't forget to like our Facebook page and look out for a chance to win a copy of Ryan's most recent novel, Wolf by Wolf! What you'll hear:

Ryan describe her writing process Why sequels are so hard How Ryan's love for her characters is like a mother's love for her children Advice for aspiring novelists

Can I quote you on that?

"I have written entire books and then I've gotten to the end and have been like, this does not need to be out in the world, that was just a practice book." Ryan Graudin "Being a writer means wrestling with self-doubt." Ryan Graudin "I'm all about writing strong women characters." Ryan Graudin "Persistance is the strongest weapon in your arsenal." Ryan Graudin "Tell the story that you're the most scared to tackle." Ryan Graudin

Links:

Ryan's books: Wolf by Wolf, The Walled City, All that Glows, All that Burns Connect with Ryan on Instagram, or Twitter Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

The post Lunch Break with novelist Ryan Graudin appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this week's episode we discuss how to deal with toxic relationships. We also deep dive into the ways our relationships affect our eating habits. 

What you'll hear:

Why Jacey turned down the opportunity to drive a Mustang Characteristics of and tips for dealing with toxic relationships How our relationships affect our eating habits Jacey comes out of the Ranch dressing closet

Can I quote you on that?

"When I am hesitant to bring up an issue or an offense, it shows that I'm afraid this relationship isn't going to survive me being upset: and that's not a good sign." Maggie "It's O.K. for one of us to not be O.K., and for the other person to let them not be O.K. and not try to fix it." Jacey "Jealousy is never 'loving'." Maggie "One behavior that I know can be toxic is to expect any relationship to fulfill existential-type needs, to be for you what only God can be for you." Jacey "Toxic relationships can sometimes look like relationships that are complacent." Maggie "When you enter into a relationship, you're not 'completing' anyone, instead your doubling any incompleteness that exists." Maggie "If you have respect for yourself and know your value as a person and your value to God, then it'll be easier for you to stand up in situations that you need to." Jacey "I was picking my meals based on what I could dip in ranch." Jacey

Links:

Toxic Relationship Habits Most People Think Are Normal 6 Ways to Avoid Toxic Relationships How to leave an iTunes review:

Thoughts, questions, comments?

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

The post Dealing with toxic relationships appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

This week, in honor of the holiday we love to hate, we're talking all things romance: best and worst dates, chivalry, the importance of romantic gestures and gifts, the decline of the rom com and more!

How to leave an iTunes review from an iOS device:

Launch Apple's Podcast app Tap the Search tab Enter the name of the Podcast you want to rate or review Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right Tap the album art for the podcast Tap the Reviews Tab Tap Write a Review at the bottom Enter your iTunes password to login Tap the Stars to leave a rating Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send.

(We get it - it takes a few steps. But we appreciate it more than you know!)

What you'll hear:

A leap into lipstick update Our identical worst Valentine's Day experiences The history and decline of the romantic comedy The rom coms we would want to live inside. Jacey chooses a male lead. A heated debate over whether forts are romantic or childish.

Can I quote you on that?

"Big gestures would embarrass me and make me feel uncomfortable rather than make me feel loved." Jacey "As you get older, you begin to really appreciate those small consistent things over the emotional drama that can be behind the grand gestures." Maggie "Baxter, you know I don't speak Spanish." Anchorman "The time it takes to write a letter communicates a lot." Maggie "I'm not going to be picky about how I get my hotdogs." Jacey

Links:

Spicy lentil nachos with three cheese sauce Butternut squash goat cheese dip Rosemary, lemon and feta spread "To fall in love with anyone, do this" Why are romantic comedies so bad?" Related past episode: long distance relationships 

Thoughts, questions, comments?

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

The post The first (and last) romance episode appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Rach Kincaid of The Influence Network. We discuss digging for gratitude when it doesn't come naturally, the tension between grace and works, the beauty and holiness of her job as a hospice nurse, and naked Brussels sprouts. 

What you'll hear:

How a lifelong believer can "deny grace" What it means to strive, but after His kingdom The beauty of hospice work What it's like living in a 100 year old farmhouse

Can I quote you on that?

"It is His grace that compels us to do good works." "There's something really powerful about saying, 'I don't have control.'" "When you hit rock bottom and start living in freedom forever and always amen, then life gets really fun." "My life doesn't have to come together, because JESUS."

Links:

Just be tired with him Connect with Rach on her blog, Instagram, or Twitter Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

The post Lunch Break with Rach Kincaid appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

This week, we share our thoughts on navigating failure. We also discuss what we've been reading, watching, listening to, and following this month.

What you'll hear:

How we measure up on our adulthood scorecards How we define failure The do's and dont's of processing failure Our monthly segment, Read/Watch/Listen/Follow

Can I quote you on that?

"I kinda feel like the version of myself that runs out of dish soap and is on my dry shampoo game is actually the version of myself that I want to lean into more." Jacey "So I was feeling like the Lord was trying to speak to me, but then I realized that I think the app I use to read articles just has a good algorithm." Jacey "How many things we chalk up to Jesus, when really it's just the internet." Maggie "How you view failure makes a big difference in how you process it and how it affects you." Jacey "How we define failure doesn't pose as much of a problem as what we think the implications of that failure are." Jacey "Confidence is 10% hard work and 90% delusion." Tina Fey "One of the easiest ways we can process failure is using it as a launching pad for improvement." Maggie "You probably won't steward success well if you've never failed." Maggie "Failure after long perseverance is much grander than never to have a striving good enough to be called a failure." George Eliot

Links:

Relevant Magazine: 4 Ways to Fail Well The Lazy Genius: 'Twenty Guys My Husband is Glad Are Fake' The Lazy Genius: 'Ralph Fiennes and 12 Other Sex Symbols I Just Don't Understand' The Lake House by Kate Morton Love and Other Ways of Dying: Essays by Michael Paterniti DeRay McKesson Helps Stephen Colbert Address His Privilege What's Missing From 'Straight Outta Compton' Modern Love: the Podcast Girl Boss Podcast The Lively Show: Behind the Scenes of the Royal We Coffins by Mr. Wives Nutrition in Action newsletter Above Average How to leave an iTunes review:

Thoughts, questions, comments?

Find Around the Table on Facebook, 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. Thanks for supporting our show!

The post The do's and don'ts of failure appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss BFF's in adulthood, how to "friendship date," and our dream pop culture BFF's for various life stages and events.

Don't forget! We're also on Facebook now. Head there for all the details on our Leap into Leapstick challenge, including how you can win one fancy lipstick of your choice, handpicked for you by Maggie!

What you'll hear:

Maggie's new calling in life Discrimination against Americans. It's real. Whether it's realistic (or desirable) to find a best friend you see on a daily basis. The harrowing reality of friendship dating

Can I quote you on that?

"It was a perfect place, perfect time, perfect person type scenario." Maggie on our friendship "Everyone's afraid of the same thing. We all are afraid of being rejected." Jacey "There are some people you connect with, and some you don't, and that's okay." Maggie "It's gonna be a little awkward." Jacey on friendship dating "People want to be friends with your imperfect self." Jacey "When you have authentic relationships where you feel known and loved, you don't feel the need to be loved by people who don't know you as well." Maggie

Links:

Why We're Better Off With Fewer Friends How to leave an iTunes review:

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 Too old for BFF's? appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

This week, we're grabbing our thermoses and our smart wool socks and diving into winter: what we love, what we don't, and ways to survive the bleaker weather. 

BUT before we dive in, we have some exciting news! We are (finally) on Facebook! Do us a favor and like our page. Who knows, there might even be a little something in it for you (besides great content, of course). What you'll hear:

We're on FACEBOOK! What took Jacey so long to watch Pitch Perfect Details on how to apply to be our hype-man What we love and don't about Winter time Tips for people who are always freezing Fun Winter recipes and activity ideas Thoughts on adult coloring books

Can I quote you on that?

"I prefer my puns intended" quote from THIS thug life shirt "I think my appreciation for Winter has a lot more to do with my lack of appreciation for sweltering heat and the amount that I perspire." Maggie "A lot of my reasons for loving Winter are incredibly shallow." Maggie "It's an excuse to lean into my natural tendency of staying in my own house...by myself." Jacey "In Winter time it is more socially acceptable to sneak booze into your beverages." Maggie "Bake something simple that feels like an accomplishment." Jacey "It is OK to just rest and do nothing." Maggie

Links:

Target 'Don't Quit Your Daydream" candle 'Mindfulness and the Popularity of Adult Coloring Books' Jacey on 'What Should I Read Next' Jacey's Savory Soup Pinterest Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos Pinch of Yum Jacey's maroon duster Maumero Shoes Ottolenghi Winter vegetable recipes How to leave an iTunes review:

Thoughts, questions, comments?

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

The post Winter is not the worst appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Kendra Adachi of the Lazy Genius Collective. We discuss what it means to be a lazy genius, why it is important to set goals that you look forward to, and Kendra shares exactly how long it would take her to watch everything in her Netflix queue (hint: the answer is in years)!

What you'll hear:

The story and vision behind the Lazy Genius Collective Kendra's recommendations for what to read and watch in 2016 How we are using resolutions to distract ourselves from the real issues Why we should create a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days That Avril Lavigne actually had two albums (what?)

Can I quote you on that?

"I want to help people be a genius about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don't." Kendra "If I watch T.V. for three hours a day, every day, it would take me six years to watch everything on my queue." Kendra "Whenever I would set that goal in front of me, that I needed to look a certain way, what I was saying to my soul was, 'you aren't enough right now. The way you look right now is not enough for yourself or other people.'" Kendra "Setting goals and making resolutions in and of itself is not a bad thing, but so often we're doing it because A) we think we should and B) because we think that who we are and what we're offering the world is not enough." Kendra "The 'fresh start' air of January is a really beautiful thing, but it can be really distracting from what's going on deep down." Kendra "It is such a relieveing concept to be able to set goals and have things in your life that you can look forward to." Kendra

Links:

Masterpiece podcast Song Exploder 101 Things: Kendra's resolution guidelines The Celebrities I'd Invite Over for Dinner: Kendra's expanded ideal dinner party Connect with Kendra on her blog, Instagram, or Twitter Connect with us on Instagram or Twitter

The post Lunch Break with Kendra Adachi of the Lazy Genius Collective appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.