On that last Thursday in June, the month of Pride, we are joined in conversation with Jack Lam. Jack is a colleague of mine, friend, and proud member of the LGBTQ community. 

Today, we are honoring the history of Pride month by recognizing what so many have done to fight for the world we live in today, and what so many are still fighting for. We unpack the messages that sometimes all too easily pass us by that have a deep impact on our connection and expression of ourselves. And we discuss how we can go about honoring all of this, as we call the people around us forward. 

In a world that has so many dark shadows right now, this conversation touched my heart. Through Jack's words, you can feel and honor the deep sadness that still exists in our world. And at the same time, you can feel the bright joy that comes when we create space for everyone to truly express and live who they are.  

I recognize that each person may have a different journey in engaging with activism, knowledge, and connection, and perhaps you may all be at different points in how you engage with the LGBTQ Community. Today, no matter where you are in engaging with the LGBTQ community, I invite you to pause, open your heart, and hear. Because another human being is sharing his beautiful story today, and there are so many insights and connection to be gained by showing up for another's story. I can't wait to share Jack's light with all of you. 

Today we are chatting with the incredible artist Tina Frey of Tina Frey Designs. After years in the finance world, Tina decided to pivot and launch into her passion of creating. She now owns and operates her design studio producing beautiful Resin objects ranging from table wears and vessels to furniture and more! 

Sometimes we hear someone living their passion and it can feel so inspiring. But when we turn to ourselves, we don't know where to begin...or maybe even it's too late? Did we take a wrong turn? 

In this episode, you will understand from Tina that in fact it's quite the opposite. It's in really listening to ourselves that we discover where we are meant to be going. And in fact, it's the journey that both continues to lead us, and mold us into the person we are today. So no matter where you are in your career, your self expression, or your discover, today's episode will inspire you to pause and get in touch with yourself, and realize that it is the ingredients of all of our experiences along the way that set us up for the next chapter. 

You might be wondering what fashion has to do with mental health. To that, I'd like you to think for a moment of when you put on your favorite outfit. Maybe it's your go-to t-shirt, the sneakers you are proud of, for me it's my yellow skirt. How do you feel? How do you walk through your day? In this episode, Valerie Dittner and I explore how what we choose to wear (or not wear) has the ability to lift our moods. We also discuss how we can make sure that what we are wearing is an expression of ourselves. 

Kiese Laymon, author of the American memoir, Heavy, joins us on Baking Bread today. Over his grandmother's squash recipe, we chat about our world today. We talk about what it means to love one another. We explore some of the darkness, and we figure out where some of the light is too.

We often hear that Danes know a thing or two about happiness, and as we talk about in this episode, you’ve probably seen a coffee table book about Hygge. The incredible thing Danae has observed since living there is the way the Danish are able to bring sunlight into their lives when there may be little.

So whether it is quite literally dark outside, or maybe that darkness might be settling inside, perhaps we can all learn a thing or two by traveling to Denmark today to visit with Danae, and explore what intentional intimacy, simply enough, and sunshine looks like in each of our lives too.

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of sharing a pint of ice cream with Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams! This episode is just like a chat with a good friend: it covers so many topics, and leaves you with a full heart. So grab your pint, and join Jeni and I as we explore what it's like to be an entrepreneur, what it means to live into our strengths, and the incredible ways ice cream can connect us to the things that matter most. 

Talking about how we're really feeling at home is nice. But how often do we really do it? On today's episode, my husband Will and I chat about some ways we've been able to relax, bring our whole selves into our house and relationship, and support each other in the process. We're also working on some really amazing frozen drinks at home, so between the recipe and take home tips you can do today, let's get chattin! 

Join us for today's chat with my longtime best friend Jolene! We are chatting about what it means to be friends as adults, how we support takin care of our heads and hearts, and the importance of McDonalds French Fries and the Boston Bruins. 

Welcome to Baking Bread! Today's episode is a short chat so we can get to know one another, and hear what this pod will be all about. 

Each week, we'll connect over a recipe, food or drink that we will fill you all in at. Then, as we gather around the table, we'll chat with some awesome people about what mental health looks like in their lives. 

We'll be sure to send you home with at "Take-out Box of Tips" that you can use to incorporate our chat in your life too. 

Thanks so much for joining! Can't wait to chat with you soon!