At My Kitchen Table

This week at my kitchen table, I have a candid conversation with my friend, Mike Iorio.  Diagnosed with a stroke at 47 and colon cancer at 53, Mike gets real with me about the challenges of serious medical issues at relatively young ages, how his challenges strengthened his relationship, maintaining an "onward and forward" mentality through treatments, and being stalked.

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Get ready to steep in the fun, teabags!  This week at my kitchen table, I chat with my friends and fellow Pittsburgh-based podcasters, Jason Hill and CJ McDermott, creators of the You’ve Got Males podcast. As I mention early in the episode, AMKT doesn't exist without these guys, and I appreciate the hell out of how open and helpful they've been as I figured out my own podcast.

I had a blast recording with them over bourbon drinks (you can hear the ice clinking in the beginning!) as we covered topics like Yinzer ASMR, the impact of watching horror movies way too young, and podcasting for the love of the game…and the love of their German listener!  Pull up a seat as we get into that and more!

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Shannon Reichel loses her podcast virginity at my kitchen table this week! Our chat began with her recounting her experiences raising a biracial child. But because we veered off-topic, she comments on ideology versus action, family dynamics, and the impact of secrets. Shannon ends up spilling a few drops of tea towards the end of our time as we veer down the family secret path!

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Tim Gallagher, AKA Dirk Magnum, pulls up a seat at my kitchen table today!  Tim is the bass player and vocalist for Tongue 'N Cheek, an 80s band out of Wheeling, WV, that brings the decade of excess in full glory to every show.  Tim was very cool to be one of my early recordings when this podcast was all wishes and hopes.

We talk about rock & metal, what it's like to be in a band for almost 20 years, music genre definitions & purity, and we somehow largely ignore disco when we mention 70s music. Have a seat as we chat about the longevity of 80s metal!

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

I welcome Connie Iorio at my kitchen table with an adult beverage this week to talk about understanding menopause through the rearview, which is the only view you have  when you go through it early but the doctors won't take you seriously!  She very candidly discusses what she calls her "crazy years" as we walk through what it feels like when you aren't believed by the people you are supposed to be able to trust, and why it's so important for men to know more as well.

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Very excited to have EJ Post at my kitchen table this week.  I met EJ on threads, which is a plus in the "good" column of being on socials.  EJ is a Pittsburgh author, having published her first book Hiding Places in 2024.  She is one of those people who, when she sees a need, rolls up her sleeves and jumps in to fill that need.  She's deeply committed to the Pittsburgh community, and we talk about her book, healthcare, the publishing process, and some of the things that make Pittsburgh so magical.  Pull up a seat!

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Angela Myers pulls up a chair at my kitchen table to talk about her experience with postpartum depression with psychosis.  From when she noticed things weren’t right to the wrong medicine to a hospital stay to finding relief in functional medicine, Angela candidly tells a serious story with great humor.  Also, she’s my sister.

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

Coming soon and with weekly drops, join At My Kitchen Table to hear real stories from real people who do cool things, think fun thoughts, and have overcome big obstacles!

Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.