This episode was originally broadcast on April 22, 2023

What is "financial etiquette," and how should we be aware of key money matters that may affect others? For instance, what is appropriate for tipping restaurant servers and others? How should we discuss splitting the check in a restaurant? Is it appropriate to "pick up the tab?" How can we plan group gifts without obligating people to participate? Steve discusses these and other questions of financial propriety, and gives viewers an opportunity to share their own opinions and perspectives on this episode of Coffee Brakes.

This episode was originally broadcast on April 15, 2023

Coffee Breaks' resident bibliophile, Anne Davis East, returns to the show to talk about keeping a reading journal, and how such a record can be helpful in tracking books you've read, books you want to read, and key topics or plot points you want to remember for future reference.

This episode was originally broadcast live on April 8, 2023

Entertainment attorney Celeste Moy joins Coffee Brakes to talk about her late sister, Sylvia Moy. Sylvia was an American songwriter and record producer, formerly associated with Motown Records. She was the first woman at the Detroit-based music label to write and produce for some of Motown’s most famous recording artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston, The Isley Brothers, and Martha Reeves. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006 and posthumously inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2017. Moy is the woman behind some of Motown’s greatest hits.She is, perhaps, best known for her songs written with and for Stevie Wonder, which includes Wonder’s greatest hits such as “Uptight,” “I Was Made To Love Her, Shoo –Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day,” and “My Cherie Amour,” but also include hit songs such as “It Takes Two,” “This Old Heart Of Mine,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Honey Chile,” and “Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone.” Sylvia’s collaborative writing partners included Henry Cosby, Holland Dozier Holland, William “Mickey” Stevenson, and others. Celeste and her siblings continue to honor Sylvia's legacy through the Sylvia Moy Foundation, and have established the Masterpiece Sound Studios Cover Song Contest in partnership with Sony Music Publishing to promote R&B music and encourage up-and-coming artists to discover and put their own mark on some of the iconic songs of that genre.

You can learn more about the Masterpiece Sound Studios Cover Song Contest and Sylvia Moy here: https://www.masterpiecesoundstudios.com/

Originally broadcast live on March 25, 2023

Where do our concepts of etiquette, manners and polite behavior come from? What were norms of politeness in the past that have become passé is modern times? What manners and etiquette are still acceptable - perhaps even important - today?

AnnaLia Young has studied etiquette and manners for many years, and looks for ways to continue incorporating proper behavior in her daily life. She joins Coffee Brakes to share her knowledge with us.

This episode was originally broadcast live on March 18, 2023

We fear failure. We avoid it. The thought of failing makes us cringe, and the reality of failing - in school, work or relationships - can crush us. But is failure necessarily a negative? Can we get beyond the fear, beyond the embarrassment, beyond the stigma to see the times when circumstances don't turn out the way we want as opportunities for growth. Can we even view what those around us call "failure" as something to embrace?

Lisa Steele joins the show to share her perspective on failure, as a public health and organizational development professional, and as someone who - like the rest of us - has addressed failure in her own life.

Originally broadcast on March 11, 2023

Singer/songwriter/producer/educator Derik Nelson, known for his role as the lead guitarist on the television series "Glee" joins Steve to talk about his background in music, how the pandemic changed many of his priorities and approaches to sharing his talent, as well as his current and upcoming projects.

Originally broadcast on March 4, 2023

Travel expert Katie Truesdell shares what we need to know about returning to travel in the post-pandemic world. What has returned to normal? What is still in transition following Covid? What has changed for the foreseeable future? And what is new and exciting for travelers to consider? Katie also talks about her unique travel agency, Magical Mystery Tours, that plans and provides surprise and mystery vacations for customers.

Learn more about Magical Mystery Tours and their creative vacation options.

Follow Coffee Brakes With Steve on Facebook to tune in live Saturdays at 9:30 AM Pacific Time and join the conversation.

Originally broadcast on February 25, 2023

As a boy, Mony Nop survived the Killing Fields of Cambodia and escaped with his family to Thailand and the Philippines, eventually immigrating to the United States. Defying the odds, Mony overcame various disadvantages to receive and education that led him to a career as a police officer. Later, he left law enforcement and became one of the most succesful Realtors in Northern california. As if that rise to success wasn't enough, Mony has dedicated his life to giving back by his philanthropy and service to his community.

Hear Mony Nop's amazing story as he joins Steve on this episode of Coffee Brakes With Steve.

So put on the brakes, grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation.

Originally broadcast on February 18, 2023

Izze Stein is a rising star appearing in venues across New York City. A multi-genre singer with a voice that carries with equal ease through jazz scats, R&B riffs and pop runs, she brings a unique talent to her performances. 

In this episode, Izze joins Steve to share her background in music, how she remains motivated and upbeat in the competitive world of entertainment, and what she sees in her future.

This episode was originally broadcast on February 11, 2023

What is "knowledge," and how do we share it? That may sound simple, but there is a difference between being a "know-it-all" and being a knowledge sharer. On this week's episode of Coffee Brakes, author, speaker, coach and advisor Dee Dee Kiesow joins Steve to talk about using our expertise and experience to disseminate what we know. How do we let go of territoriality and a fear that sharing what we know makes us dispensable? Can we empower ourselves to be a more effective teacher, mentor and coach - no matter what our role or status - in order to empower others and make the world a better place for all?