At Our Table Podcast with Lindsay Pilot and Tina Sawtelle

Ep. 11: Embracing the Next Chapter: Leadership, Grief & Betting on Yourself with Tina Sawtelle

Join us for a deeply personal conversation with At Our Table co-host Tina Sawtelle as she takes a turn on the other side of the questions. From growing up in rural Maine to building a career as an executive, navigating marriage and motherhood, experiencing profound loss, and eventually betting on herself as an entrepreneur, Tina reflects on the chapters that have shaped who she is today.

In this episode, Tina reflects on:

Growing Up in Maine: Tina shares how growing up in a small town in central Maine shaped her work ethic and perspective on opportunity. She reflects on witnessing economic changes in her community firsthand, her early drive to work, and how music opened her eyes to a world beyond her hometown and ultimately helped shape her path to college.

Marriage, Motherhood & Blending a Family: Tina opens up about her 15-year marriage to her first husband, Andrew, the challenges they faced, and the painful decision to divorce while raising young children. She also reflects on eventually becoming part of a blended family herself, navigating the complexities of stepparenting, and learning what it means to build a shared approach to family and parenting.

Grief & Carrying Someone Forward: After the sudden loss of Andrew—her former husband and longtime best friend—Tina shares the realities of grieving someone who remained an important part of her life and family. She reflects on supporting her children as they each processed loss differently and the ways they continue to celebrate their dad and keep his memory present.

Leadership & Betting on Herself: After years of building a career as an executive, Tina opens up about a difficult professional transition that challenged her identity, stamina, and sense of what came next. Rather than immediately pushing past the sadness, she allowed herself to sit with it—and ultimately found the courage to take everything she had learned and bet on herself by building something new.

The Story Behind Mare + Co.: Tina shares how that next chapter became Mare + Co., a company whose name carries a deeply personal connection to her mother and a cherished memory of watching her find herself. What began during a period of uncertainty became an opportunity for Tina to create a business rooted in her own experiences, values, and vision for the future.

Tina's story is a reminder that starting over doesn't mean starting from scratch. Every relationship, loss, success, disappointment, and unexpected turn becomes part of what we carry into the next chapter—and sometimes the hardest endings create the space to finally bet on yourself.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #MareAndCo #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Grief #CareerPivots #StartingOver #BlendedFamily #LifeLessons #HumanConnection #MeaningfulConversations #RealStories

Ep. 10: Play Time's Over: Career Pivots, Lifelong Friendships & Finding Your Own Path with Lindsay Pilot

Join us for a personal conversation with At Our Table co-host Lindsay Pilot as she takes a turn on the other side of the questions. At 26, Lindsay reflects on the people, unexpected pivots, and experiences that have shaped who she is today—from growing up in a family deeply connected through adoption to abandoning her plans for law school, finding an unexpected career in New York City, and entering a new chapter where, as she puts it, "play time's over."

In this episode, Lindsay reflects on:

A Career She Never Planned For: Lindsay shares how her younger brother's struggles initially inspired her to study criminal justice and psychology with plans of becoming a defense attorney. But when her personal and professional worlds collided after college, a difficult four-month period forced her to reconsider the future she had mapped out. A chance conversation at a liquor store in New York City eventually opened the door to an entirely different career in food, beverage, and hospitality.

The Friends Who Became Her Foundation: When home life felt chaotic, Lindsay found stability in the friendships she built outside of it. She reflects on the group of childhood friends who have been by her side since she was 10 years old, the homes that became safe places for her growing up, and why she believes pieces of the people we love ultimately become pieces of who we are.

Growing Up Surrounded by Adoption: With both of her parents, her younger brother, and her paternal aunt all adopted, Lindsay grew up with a family tree that looked a little different from everyone else's. She shares how adoption shaped her family's identity, her parents' perspective on gratitude and generosity, and even made a seventh-grade genealogy assignment a little more complicated.

Independence, Discipline & Finding Her Own Way: From spending 15 years dancing, to watching her mother remain fiercely independent through some of life's hardest seasons, Lindsay reflects on where her drive comes from and why she has never felt the need to follow someone else's timeline for what her life should look like.

Holding Onto Human Connection: Lindsay shares why genuine, face-to-face conversation has become increasingly important to her. From political disagreements among close friends to an unexpected conversation with an 85-year-old stranger on a train, she reflects on what can happen when we put down our defenses, stay curious, and actually listen to people whose lives and perspectives look different from our own.

Lindsay's story is a reminder that finding your path doesn't always mean following the plan you started with. Sometimes it means changing direction, leaning on the people who have always grounded you, staying open to unexpected opportunities, and trusting that the pieces will eventually start to make sense.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #MareAndCo #CareerPivots #LifelongFriendships #FindingYourPath #HumanConnection #Friendship #Twenties #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #RealStories #MeaningfulConversations

Ep. 9: Side by Side: A Restaurant, a Collapsed Barn & the 75/25 Compromise with Garry & Marge Sawtelle

Join us for a heartwarming and humorous conversation with Garry and Marge Sawtelle, a couple whose 55 years of marriage have been filled with hard work, family, entrepreneurship, and plenty of compromise. From building businesses from the ground up to rebuilding after disaster, Garry and Marge reflect on what it really takes to build a life together—and stay side by side through every season.

In this episode, Garry and Marge reflect on:

55 Years of Marriage: Garry and Marge look back on more than five decades as husband and wife, sharing the realities behind a lasting relationship. From early cooking mishaps and everyday disagreements to raising a family and working side by side, they reflect on how their partnership has evolved throughout the years.

Building Tim and T's: What started as a small ice cream stand grew into a beloved family diner that demanded seven-day workweeks, early mornings, and plenty of perseverance. Garry and Marge share what it was like running a restaurant together, managing family employees, and making as many as 30 dozen fresh donuts a day.

When the Barn Came Down: During the devastating ice storm of 1997, Garry and Marge watched their newly built horse barn collapse under the weight of the ice. They share how they faced the setback the same way they approached so many challenges throughout their marriage—together, getting to work and rebuilding from the ground up.

The 75/25 Compromise: Forget 50/50. Garry shares his philosophy that a strong marriage is often 75/25. There will be days when one person can only give 25%, and the other has to be willing to carry the remaining 75%. Together, they reflect on compromise, understanding your partner, and showing up for each other when it matters most.

Garry and Marge's story is a reminder that a lasting marriage isn't built on everything always being equal or easy. It's built through hard work, humor, compromise, and the willingness to keep choosing each other through every version of life.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Marriage #Relationships #MarriageAdvice #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Compromise #LifeLessons #FamilyStories #HumanConnection #Storytelling #MareAndCo

Ep. 8: Being in My Nothing Box: Maine Roots, Carpentry & a Life-Saving Drive with Garry Sawtelle

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Garry Sawtelle, whose life has been shaped by hard work, humility, and a deep appreciation for life's simple moments. From growing up in rural Maine to building a career with his own two hands, Garry reflects on the experiences that taught him resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to live a good life.

In this episode, Garry reflects on:

Maine Roots: Garry shares stories from his childhood in Corinna, Maine, where days were spent building dams, helping on neighboring farms, and learning the value of hard work from his parents and grandparents. Those early experiences laid the foundation for the life he would go on to build.

Carpentry: After being told by a high school guidance counselor that he would never be anything more than a "mill rat," Garry followed his passion for working with his hands. He built a successful career as a master carpenter, managed multiple businesses, and proved that determination and craftsmanship speak louder than anyone else's expectations.

A Life-Saving Drive: At just 12 years old, Garry found himself behind the wheel during a life-or-death emergency, driving 12 miles to get help after his grandfather suffered a heart attack. He reflects on the responsibility he carried that day and how moments like these shaped the person he became.

Living a Good Life: Garry opens up about becoming a young husband and father, balancing work and family, and why his favorite place to be is in his "nothing box"—a reminder that peace, gratitude, and time with the people you love are life's greatest rewards.

Garry's story is a reminder that success isn't measured by titles or wealth, but by the life you build, the people you care for, and the values you choose to pass on.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Maine #HardWork #Family #LifeLessons #Storytelling #HumanConnection #PersonalGrowth #MareAndCo

Ep. 7: A Life of Purpose: Motherhood, Horses & Advocacy with Marge Sawtelle

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Marge Sawtelle, whose life has been shaped by faith, family, perseverance, and a deep love for helping others. From growing up in rural Maine to raising a family through unexpected challenges, Marge reflects on the experiences that strengthened her resilience and gave her a lasting sense of purpose.

In this episode, Marge reflects on:

Growing Up in Maine: Marge shares memories of leaving the mill town of Rumford for life on a farm in Fry, Maine, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and community. She also opens up about discovering family secrets at just 11 years old and how those experiences shaped her understanding of identity and forgiveness.

Motherhood & Unwavering Advocacy: Marge speaks candidly about the difficult birth of her son, Tim, and the medical complications that led to his cerebral palsy diagnosis. She reflects on decades of advocating for him, the challenges her family faced, and the unconditional love and determination that carried them through.

Finding Purpose Through Horses & Faith: Combining her lifelong love of animals with a desire to serve others, Marge built a horse farm that became a place of healing, learning, and connection for countless young people. She shares how her Catholic faith, family, and passion for horses gave her strength through life's most difficult seasons.

Lessons for the Next Generation: Looking back on a life filled with both joy and hardship, Marge offers her thoughts on today's world, the importance of compassion and responsibility, and the values she hopes future generations will carry forward.

Marge's story is a beautiful reminder that life's greatest purpose is often found in caring for others. Through faith, family, and resilience, she demonstrates how even life's greatest challenges can become opportunities to create lasting impact.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Motherhood #Resilience #Faith #Family #LifeLessons #HumanConnection #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #MareAndCo

Ep. 6:  Pain Is Pain: Step-siblings, Losing Your Father & Empathy with Ella Gallagher

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ella Gallagher, a 17-year-old high school senior whose perspective on grief, relationships, and life's transitions is both thoughtful and inspiring. As she prepares to graduate, take a gap semester, and begin the next chapter of her life, Ella reflects on the experiences that have shaped her resilience, emotional maturity, and outlook on the future.

In this episode, Ella reflects on:

The Next Chapter: Ella shares her excitement for graduating from Dover High School, taking a gap semester, and eventually attending the University of Tampa to pursue her dream of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She talks about embracing change and trusting the timing of life's journey.

Growing Up in a Blended Family: Ella opens up about her parents' divorce at a young age and what it was like growing up with "two of everything." Alongside Lindsay, she reflects on the unique relationship they've built as step-sisters and how patience, communication, and respect have helped them become lifelong friends.

Grief, Healing & Finding Signs: After losing her father to a sudden heart attack at just 12 years old, Ella shares how grief transformed her perspective on life. She speaks candidly about processing difficult emotions, why she believes crying is healthy, and the comfort she continues to find through meaningful signs that remind her of her dad.

The Meaning of True Friendship: Ella offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to be a good friend, especially to someone experiencing loss. She reflects on healthy conflict, showing up for the people you love, and why the strongest relationships are built through honesty and empathy.

Protecting Our Humanity: Looking toward the future, Ella shares her thoughts on rapidly advancing technology and why she hopes we never lose the simple moments and everyday experiences that make us human.

Ella's story is a beautiful reminder that wisdom isn't defined by age. Through loss, love, family, and hope, she encourages us to embrace change, cherish our relationships, and find gratitude in both life's ordinary and extraordinary moments.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Grief #BlendedFamily #Friendship #Healing #LifeLessons #HumanConnection #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #Family #MareAndCo

Ep. 5: Keeping Life Simple: Blended Family, Losing a Parent & Lifelong Friendships with Aidan Gallagher 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Aidan Gallagher, a 19-year-old power sports technician whose perspective on family, grief, and life is wise beyond his years. From an adventurous childhood in New Hampshire to navigating the loss of his father as a teenager, Aidan reflects on the experiences that shaped his resilience and the values he carries with him today.

In this episode, Aidan reflects on:

Growing Up in New Hampshire: Aidan shares memories of an active childhood in Dover, from playing wall ball at school to exploring the outdoors, gold mining in the creek with his dad and sister, and the simple moments that became lifelong memories.

Blended Family & Finding Your Place: Aidan opens up about experiencing his parents' divorce, adjusting to life in a blended family, and learning to navigate changing family dynamics while building relationships with step-siblings.

Honoring His Father's Legacy: After losing his father at just 14 years old, Aidan reflects on the bond they shared and the lasting lessons his dad left him about kindness, selflessness, hard work, and treating others with respect. He shares how those values continue to guide the way he lives his life today.

Perspective in a Divided World: Aidan offers a thoughtful outlook on today's culture, encouraging curiosity, respectful conversations, and the importance of listening before judging. He reminds us that meaningful connection often begins with an open mind.

Aidan's story is a reminder that wisdom isn't measured by age. Through loss, family, and everyday experiences, he shares a grounded perspective that encourages us to appreciate the people we love, stay open to different viewpoints, and never lose sight of what truly matters.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

Subscribe to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Grief #BlendedFamily #Family #LifeLessons #Resilience #HumanConnection #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #NewHampshire #MareAndCo

Ep. 4: Gratitude Through Grief: Loss, Resilience & Finding Joy with Lynn Smith

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Lynn Smith, whose life has been shaped by love, adventure, unimaginable loss, and an unwavering sense of gratitude. From her idyllic childhood in small-town New Hampshire to building a life with her husband, Guy, and navigating the heartbreaking loss of both her husband and daughter, Lynn shares the experiences that taught her how to keep moving forward with grace and hope.

**In this episode, Lynn reflects on:**

• **A "Happy Days" Childhood:** Growing up in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, surrounded by family, community, and adventure, Lynn shares how an active upbringing and parents who led by example instilled the values of kindness, resilience, and giving back.

• **A Life of Adventure & Love:** From attending Endicott Junior College to working as a flight attendant in the early 1970s, Lynn embraced new experiences that ultimately led her to meeting her husband, Guy Smith—a full-blooded Mohawk Native American, professional hockey player, and later, a respected veterinarian. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and shared purpose.

• **Navigating Profound Loss:** Lynn speaks with remarkable honesty about the sudden passing of her husband and, years later, the devastating loss of her daughter, Jamie. She reflects on the realities of grief, supporting her family through unimaginable heartbreak, and learning to carry loss without letting it define her life.

• **Choosing Gratitude Every Day:** Through trusted friendships, faith, and a commitment to embracing life's joys alongside its hardships, Lynn shares how she continues to live with a "glass-half-full" outlook. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about moving on—it's about learning to move forward with love, gratitude, and hope

  
  

Lynn's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, family, and gratitude. Her honesty reminds us that even in life's darkest moments, there is still beauty to be found, joy to be experienced, and reasons to be thankful.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

**Subscribe** to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Leadership #Adoption #Fatherhood #PersonalGrowth #Family #HumanConnection #Storytelling #LifeLessons #CorporateLeadership #Mentorship #Relationships #MareAndCo

Ep. 3: The Heart of a Leader: Adoption, Leadership & Fatherhood with Mike Pilot

Join us for an honest and thoughtful conversation with Mike Pilot, a retired GE executive, husband, and father, whose life has been shaped by adoption, leadership, and family. From being adopted as an infant to spending more than three decades leading teams at one of the world's largest companies, Mike reflects on the experiences that challenged him, changed him, and ultimately taught him what matters most.

**In this episode, Mike reflects on:**

• **The Gift of Adoption:** Mike shares the story of being adopted at three months old, the special poem his mother recited throughout his childhood, and what it was like meeting his birth mother decades later. He opens up about identity, belonging, and why the family who raised him will always be his true family.

• **Leadership Beyond the Boardroom:** Drawing from a 35-year career at GE, Mike discusses the lessons that transformed him from a results-driven manager into an empathetic leader. He reflects on mentoring future leaders, supporting women in executive roles, and why listening is one of the most valuable leadership skills.

• **Fatherhood, Regret & Second Chances:** Mike speaks candidly about balancing career ambition with family life, the moments he wishes he could do differently, and the patience required to rebuild relationships by "playing the long game." His reflections offer an honest look at what it means to grow as both a father and a person.

• **Finding Happiness in a Connected World:** Now in retirement, Mike shares why he believes true happiness comes from meaningful relationships, curiosity, and lifelong learning. He also offers his perspective on social media, technology, and why younger generations should seek real human connection over constant digital validation.

Mike's story is a reminder that success isn't measured by titles or achievements, but by the relationships we nurture, the people we invest in, and the legacy we leave behind.

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table.

**Subscribe** to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co

#AtOurTable #Podcast #Leadership #Adoption #Fatherhood #PersonalGrowth #Family #HumanConnection #Storytelling #LifeLessons #CorporateLeadership #Mentorship #Relationships #MareAndCo

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with John and Gloria (Toot) Pilot, a couple whose love story has spanned over seven decades. From their first encounter at a high school "broom dance" in the 1950s to celebrating nearly 70 years of marriage, they share the wisdom gained from a lifetime of growing up together.

*In this episode, John and Toot reflect on:*

• *The Journey of Adoption:* The emotional road to building their family through Catholic Charities, including the life-changing moment their first son was placed in their arms.

• *"In My Heart, Not Under It":* The beautiful way they raised their two adopted children and one biological son to feel no different from one another, anchored by a special family poem.

• *Building a Life from Scratch:* The grit of the early years, from John’s service as a paratrooper to building their own "kit house" by hand while working full-time jobs.

• *Secrets to Longevity:* How they navigate their 90s with humor, daily walks, and their signature "meetings" to resolve disagreements with kindness and honesty.

• *A Legacy of Love:* Real advice for the next generation on finding the right partner, staying "best friends," and never sweating the small stuff.

John and Toot’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of compromise, and the enduring beauty of a life lived entirely together

Whether you're here for comfort during a hard time, navigating your own relationships, or simply looking for authentic stories and meaningful conversations, there's a seat for you at our table. 

*Subscribe* to follow our journey as we improve our audio, lighting, and storytelling one episode at a time.

Mare + Co. Website: https://www.mareandco.co 

#Relationships #LifeLessons #LoveStory #Grandparents #RelationshipGoals #Adoption