I don't know about you, but when I hear about travel agents I quickly think about My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Chances are, you do too. 

Whatever happened to travel agents? They're not just still around but what they offer is changing with the times and helping plan stress free vacations without spending a penny more than DIY bookings. Shocking right? 

Stephani Izzo, a travel expert specializing in Sandals, Beaches and Disney, breaks down the modern travel agent experience, dispelling myths along the way. The biggest revelation? Using an agent typically costs exactly the same as booking yourself!

"When you have an issue, you don't have to call an 800 number and press two to talk to someone. You just call us," Stephani explains. Travel agents often know about flight delays before their clients do, allowing them to solve problems proactively. This level of service becomes invaluable because let's be real- we go on vacation to take a break for managing lists of details. 

Ready to experience the difference? Stephani and Kayty are leading a girls' getaway to Sandals Royal Caribbean this September—a perfect opportunity to try the all-inclusive experience with a friendly group. Whether you join organized activities or simply relax poolside, this trip offers the perfect introduction to stress-free travel planning.

Isn't it time your vacations felt like actual vacations? Reach out to learn how a travel agent can transform your next getaway without adding a penny to your budget @travelwithstephani

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Picture a young girl planting grapevines at age ten, later rushing to shower and change so she could conduct wine tastings, occasionally interrupted by phone calls about escaped goats reaching the local Walgreens. This storybook childhood, filled with family meatball subs, gardening, and winemaking, formed the foundation for her multifaceted career.

Unexpected connections are a recurring theme throughout her life which led her through restaurant ownership, culinary achievements, and eventually to a devastating period during COVID when she lost her 18-year restaurant business through divorce.

The turning point? A chance conversation with a stranger on an airplane that connected her to Provocativo, where she now serves as executive winemaker, partnering with pop star Bebe Rexha to create organic sparkling wines that rival champagne at half the price. 

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, openness to unexpected opportunities, and the courage to embrace multiple passions can transform even our hardest moments into stepping stones toward fulfilling work.

Ready to taste what Brianna has created? Use code GATHER20 for 20% off at provocativobubbles.com and experience the magic for yourself.

This Episode is Sponsored by: 

Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more! 

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18 restaurants, feeding countless A-List celebrities and leading the plant based food scene sounds like the making of a riddle, but is the reality of our guests Mark. Over the years we've all heard the term plant based but what does it actually mean? Can it actually be good enough that it's highly sought after by foodies worldwide? 

A health crisis transformed Mark's relationship with food forever. After receiving a rare blood cancer diagnosis, he immersed himself in nutritional research while undergoing treatment. What emerged was not just a personal healing journey but the foundation for culinary innovation that would reshape Australia's plant-based dining landscape.

Mark's approach is refreshingly approachable. Through his 18 restaurants  across Melbourne, Sydney, and Byron Bay—he aspires to create vibrant spaces where food brings people together without dietary labels creating division.

His debut cookbook, "This Cookbook is a Huge Mistake" (named after a neon sign in one of his restaurants) emerged during Australia's lengthy COVID lockdowns. Quarantined alone in a hotel room for two weeks, Mark reflected on his culinary journey, documenting recipes and life lessons that had shaped his path. The result combines practical plant-based techniques with personal stories and his trademark pun-filled humor.

Beyond business success, Mark's most treasured accomplishment is the community he's built—including unexpected friendships with the Hemsworth family, who began as regular customers and became devoted supporters. 

Through beautiful, thoughtful food that momentarily transports guests away from daily stress, Mark reminds us that gathering around a table is ultimately about connection, not just nutrition.

Try something from this cookbook. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself reimagining what plant-based eating can be.

This Episode is Sponsored by: 

Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more! 

 It seemed like over the past few weeks EVERYONE was talking about the new release, Pretty Delicious created by Food Dolls, and I knew I had to have them on the show to talk more about the book and the heart behind it! 

Our conversation takes you behind the scenes with this dynamic sister duo who, surprisingly, didn't always love cooking. Growing up as first-generation Americans with Egyptian parents, they actually avoided helping in the kitchen whenever possible! Their journey to becoming well loved recipe developers and food stylists began when they had families of their own and started calling each other daily with the question: "What are you making for dinner tonight?" 

They introduce listeners to game-changing ingredients like sumac (a lemony herb), za'atar (an earthy spice blend), and pomegranate molasses (a must try if you love balsamic glaze). When they describe tahini as "the Middle Eastern version of peanut butter" that you can spread on toast with honey, you'll immediately want to explore these flavors in your own kitchen.

Rather than pursuing Instagram perfection, we frame beautiful food as "carving out moments of joy" in everyday life, instead of striving for perfection. 

Ready to bring Mediterranean magic to your table?  Follow the Food Dolls @fooddolls on all platforms and grab their cookbook for 110 approachable recipes that will transform your everyday cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

This Episode is Sponsored by: 

Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more! 

I'll be honest, for years my knowledge of Mexican cuisine consisted of Tortilla chips, salsa and If I really wanted to live on the edge, some queso, too! It wasn't until I went to Mexico my Senior year of high school that I experienced REAL authentic cuisine and the flavors that quickly showed me what I was missing! Today's guest Freddsters shares how his families recipes can give you these very flavors at home...with ease! 

Freddsters worked as a private chef for MLB players before turning his culinary talents to social media during the pandemic. What began as casual posting evolved into a full-fledged career after landing his first brand partnership.

The conversation turns to his cookbook, which brilliantly bridges traditional Mexican recipes with incredible fusion dishes like Mexican chicken parmesan and street corn potato salad. 

Discover the story behind Fredddsters' signature product, Salsa Macha (a Mexican-style chili crisp), and learn why this versatile condiment works splendidly on everything from traditional Mexican dishes to pasta, pizza, and fried chicken. Ready to add some new recipes to your weekly recipe line up? You won't want to miss this conversation! 

This Episode is Sponsored by: 

Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more! 

Have you ever wished for more hours in the day while watching your to-do list grow endlessly? You're not alone, and the solution might surprise you.

The real issue isn't a lack of time—it's how we're managing the hours we already have. This revelation forms the foundation of my illuminating conversation with Kali Brigham, a time management expert whose journey began in the high-pressure environment of TV news production, where every second counted and deadlines weren't negotiable.

Kali introduces us to the concept of priority management rather than time management. Through practical strategies like conducting a time audit, we discover how most of us consistently underestimate, overestimate, or fail to estimate how long tasks actually take. This simple awareness can transform how we approach our schedules.

What struck me most was Kali's refreshing perspective that effective time management isn't about restriction—it's about freedom. "Time blocking is like an offensive line protecting the quarterback," she explains. "It's protecting your priorities, it's protecting your values." Rather than filling every minute with productivity, true time mastery means creating intentional space for what matters most. Each strategy is designed not to make you busier, but to help your schedule better reflect your values.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by commitments or struggling to make time for relationships and hospitality, this conversation offers hope that small changes can lead to significant shifts in how you experience time. Ready to transform your relationship with your schedule? Listen now, and discover how to make room for what truly matters.

Learn more about Kali on her website here 

This episode was sponsored by our friends at:

 N-2 Water! Looking for a way to hydrate with all the complete nutrients you need? Wanting to improve your hydration and health with ease and flavors you'll love? We LOVE N-2 and know that you will to! Head on over to their website and use code EARLYSIPS to save at checkout! 

Forget everything you thought you knew about salads. In this energizing conversation with Danielle of Healthy Girl Kitchen (@healthygirlkitchen), we unpack how salads can be transformed from sad side dishes into vibrant, satisfying meals that fuel your body and delight your taste buds.

Danielle shares her compelling journey from college student plagued with health issues to plant-based advocate with over 12 million followers across social media. The turning point? Discovering how dramatically her diet affected her energy, digestion, skin, and overall wellbeing. What began as experimentation in her dorm room—with nothing but a microwave and determination—evolved into a mission to help others experience similar transformations through accessible, delicious plant-centered meals.

We dive deep into the secrets of creating truly satisfying salads that won't leave you hungry an hour later. From incorporating protein-packed grains and legumes to the strategic addition of healthy fats and complex carbs, Danielle breaks down the formula for salads that serve as complete meals. You'll learn why your homemade dressings aren't emulsifying properly (hint: that coffee frother in your drawer has a second purpose!) and how hummus can transform into the creamiest dairy-free dressing base you've ever tasted.

The conversation explores highlights from Danielle's new cookbook "Life-Changing Salads," including warm salads perfect for winter months, grain-based options that travel well, and creative no-lettuce alternatives that won't wilt in your fridge. With 75 recipes designed for real people with busy lives, this cookbook stands apart with its accessibility, allergy-friendly options, and focus on ingredients you can actually find at regular grocery stores.

Whether you're a self-proclaimed "big salad friend" or someone who's been disappointed by too many bland, unsatisfying greens, this episode will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating. Because as Danielle proves, you don't have to choose between food that tastes amazing and food that makes you feel amazing—you can absolutely have both.

Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations about intentional hospitality, and check out lifechangingsalads.com to pre-order Danielle's cookbook before its April release!

Buy your copy of the cookbook, today! 

What happens when our self-worth gets entangled with pain? When dark seasons leave us questioning not just our value, but our very purpose? Erin Eddy Adkins  knows this terrain intimately.

Erin takes us behind the curtain of her journey through divorce. She reveals how this dark season led her to choices made in response to trauma—choices that ultimately taught her the profound connection between how we value ourselves and how we allow others to treat us.

 This understanding became the foundation for her clothing brand and community that bridges pain and shame toward self-worth awareness.

Beyond personal transformation, our conversation ventures into the entrepreneurial wilderness, where consistency battles with comparison and obedience doesn't always yield immediate results.  Her refreshing perspective offers a counternarrative to hustle culture while acknowledging the very real struggles creative entrepreneurs face.

Whether you're navigating your own dark season, questioning your worth, or simply tired of performing your way to belonging, this episode offers gentle wisdom from someone who's walked through the fire and emerged with a message: "You're worthy to show up to the thing that makes you come alive." Join us for this intimate conversation about finding worth in our wounds and purpose in our pain.

Learn more about Eryn Here

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This episode was sponsored by our friends at:

 N-2 Water! Looking for a way to hydrate with all the complete nutrients you need? Wanting to improve your hydration and health with ease and flavors you'll love? We LOVE N-2 and know that you will to! Head on over to their website and use code EARLYSIPS to save at checkout! 

I don't like to admit it, but one of my first thoughts when we experienced Thai culture was "How do they eat so much white rice and stay so thin?" Whether or not we realize it we believe certain narratives about how we approach food, its role in overall health without ever really questioning the truth behind them. I know I did. 

Kylie Sakaida, a nationally recognized well loved registered dietitian with over 6 million social media followers, comes on the show to bring a refreshing perspective to healthy eating that honors both nutritional science and her strong cultural background. Have you ever noticed that 'healthy cookbooks' don't include a lot of asian recipes? That changes HERE! 

Kylie courageously shares her personal struggle with ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a less common eating disorder characterized by extreme food avoidance. Her journey and recovery ultimately inspired her career path and compassionate approach to nutrition counseling. 

The conversation challenges common Western diet misconceptions, particularly around cultural foods like rice and noodles. Drawing from her Japanese-Hawaiian background her take on nutrition is refreshing and welcome. I know you'll feel the same! 

Kylie and I connect over similar parts of our eating disorder recovery, laugh over words that make me cringe and drool over recipes like her mason jar noodles that I can't get enough of. 

Follow her @NutritionByKylie across social platforms for more practical tips and recipes & get a copy of her book here! 

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This episode was sponsored by our friends at:

 N-2 Water! Looking for a way to hydrate with all the complete nutrients you need? Wanting to improve your hydrations and health with easy and flavors you'll love? We LOVE N-2 and know that you will to! Head on over to their website and use code EARLYSIPS to save at checkout! 

What happens when a cookbook becomes more than recipes? When it meets you at 4:44 AM as you're cleaning bottles, staring out the window, wondering what happened to you? That's exactly what Dina Delicia Gonsar accomplishes with her new book "At The Kitchen Sink" - a refreshing blend of practical recipes and soul-nourishing devotionals.

Returning to Making Room, Dina takes us behind the scenes of her publishing journey, revealing how years of seemingly rejected proposals transformed into perfect divine timing. Those waiting seasons allowed her to incorporate profound personal experiences - including her battle with cancer and postpartum depression - creating devotionals with authentic depth rather than surface-level encouragement.

Unlike traditional cookbooks organized by meal type, Dina structures her book around the actual rhythms of family life. "Carpool Warriors" offers meals you can eat in the car between sports practices. "Mom Minute" provides quick personal nourishment when you haven't had a moment to yourself all day. Even "eating off your kid's plate" becomes an opportunity for creativity - like adding protein powder to abandoned cereal milk.

What resonates most powerfully is Dina's liberation from rigid mealtime rules. Gone are the days of insisting on elaborate multi-component dinners at precise times. Instead, she embraces flexibility: sometimes dinner happens at 4:30 before soccer practice, sometimes it's breakfast foods at night, sometimes it's dessert with dad when he gets home late. This adaptability doesn't diminish the importance of gathering; rather, it makes consistent family time possible amidst life's constantly shifting demands.

Through it all, Dina reframes everyday cooking as meaningful ministry rather than mundane labor. When nobody's applauding the person wiping Cheerios off the floor for the fifth time, her book stands as a reminder that this too is sacred work.

Ready to transform your relationship with mealtime? Order "At The Kitchen Sink" today 

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This Episode was sponsored by Feast and Fettle. Get $25 off your first week of personal chef quality meals delivered straight to your door with code GATHER25