Thanks for listening to my guests and I over these last few years! It's been a wild ride, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity! While this is the end of Beyond the Venue Podcast, it's certainly not the end of my podcasting career! 

Thanks for listening!

Cassy and Joey met as doctoral students in Quant 2 in the Fall of 2020. Their friendship grew from a mutual passion for student engagement, community building, and professional development. Once I joined the doctoral student squad, they gave me an incredible opportunity to be able to bring my hospitality skills and values in to the College of Education and Human Development. Our relationship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an assessment nerd, educational psychologist, experiential educator, or dissertation defender, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Limitation of Jobs for Dramaturgs
• Finding Clarity through Research
• Complex Dynamic Systems and the DSMRI
• How to Build Community and Engagement 
• The Importance of Taking Care of your Mental Health
• Avoid Social Comparisons!

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reimagining Hospitality in Education 408 with Cassy Pressimone Beckowski & Joey Eisman”!

About the Guests:
Cassy Pressimone Beckowski is the Director of Assessment & Continuous Improvement at Gwynedd Mercy University. In May 2024, she graduated from Temple University with her PhD in Policy and Organizational Studies: Higher Education. During her time at Temple, she worked in the Office of the Provost to support university reaccreditation, strategic planning, and assessment; she also supported faculty research and graduate student engagement in the College of Education and Human Development. Additionally, Cassy has over 15 years’ higher education experience as a faculty fellow, instructor, and learning support specialist. Cassy is a passionate advocate for equitable student success; her research interests include first-generation college student success, institutional mission and culture, and engaging pedagogy. Her work has appeared at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Outside of work, Cassy is a mom of two as well as an avid distance runner, voracious reader, and occasional wedding singer.

Connect with Cassy on LinkedIn.

Joseph I. Eisman is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education and an adjunct faculty member at the College of Education and Human at Temple University. His research explores the relationships between empathy, emotion, motivation, identity, and creativity in educational contexts using complex dynamic systems theories. He also consults with educational organizations, including camps and after school programs to explore ways to meaningful consider the social, mental, and emotional wellbeing of their staff and participants. Eisman received his PhD at Temple University, and he holds an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, and BS from the University of Michigan.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, or his Website.

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions. 

For our final episode of Season 3, we’re kicking it old school. We’re switching back to a classic interview style with a fellow academic, Dr. Michael Sheridan.

Dr. Mike and I have known each other since we were in graduate school in the STHM program at Temple University. We ran into each other at an event honoring the incredible Dr. Betsy Barber, and I would learn that Mike had JUST become Dr. Mike, having defended his dissertation that very week. 

Following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Mike completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.

In this episode, we talk more about the difference between an EdD and a PhD, as I will be applying for my PhD over this next month!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Academic’s Thirst for Knowledge
• A Shared Passion for Teaching
• Using our Real World Experience as Teachable Moments
• The Power of Being Vulnerable and Transparent when You’re Not Okay
• State of the Hospitality Industry and the Economics Behind It

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode In Defense of the Dissertation 308 with Dr. Michael Sheridan.

About Dr. Mike:

Dr. Michael F. Sheridan joined the full-time faculty at STHM in 2013 after serving as an adjunct professor in 2012, when he taught undergraduate and graduate students about management, sales, development and other areas of tourism and hospitality.

Dr. Sheridan’s industry experience includes, most recently, serving as director of revenue management for Sofitel Philadelphia, where he was responsible for maximizing revenue for the luxury, four-star hotel through revenue management, inventory control, market-segment pricing, statistical analysis and demand-stimulating initiatives.

From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Sheridan was hotel program director for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), which is now known as Visit Philadelphia. During his tenure, he served as a liaison between Philadelphia’s tourism-marketing office and the more than 100 hotels in Philadelphia and the suburbs. He also presided over GPTMC’s most successful hotel package, the Philly Overnight Hotel Package, generating more than $21 million in room revenue. 

Dr. Sheridan has served on the boards of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association.

Dr. Sheridan received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising and his Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University. He earned a certificate in Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University and, in 2014, earned a Certificate in Teaching Higher Education from the Teaching and Learning Center at Temple University’s College of Education.

In 2022, following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Sheridan completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by my friend and now colleague Dr. Ben Torsney. 

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Josh & Onasis.

If you’re looking to gain insight into motivational teaching styles and creating psychologically safe classrooms, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Building Trust
• The Next Generation of Leaders
• Self Determination Theory
• Comparing Coaching to Teaching
• The Importance of Feeling Like You Belong

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Coaching in the Classroom 307.

About Ben:

Dr. Ben Torsney (he/him) holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies Department. Ben’s research is focused on college students’ engagement in schoolwork at various units of analysis; John Henryism, a form of high effort coping as a response to environmental stressors; college students’ willingness to take environmental action; and the motivation of pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field.

This former “wannabe basketball player” is also a father to a great little girl and a partner to a wonderful lady. 

Connect with Ben via email ben.torsney@gmail.com.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by my friends Alyssa & Nicole. We met through the Fulbright Program as English Teaching Assistants in Germany back in 2006!

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Armaan & Danny.

If you’re looking to gain insight into disability inclusion work and Asynchronous communication, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• DEI in Organizations
• Importance of Creating an Inclusive Culture
• Self Improvement
• Situational Leadership
• Formal Training vs On the Job Training
• Reconnecting and Rejoining Society After these last Few Years

Alyssa Ryanjoy (she/her) leads a team supporting an equitable and inclusive hybrid work environment at CUNA Mutual Group. Her career has included diverse roles and industries but she has always enjoyed bringing structure to new ideas while coaching and mentoring others. She is deeply involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work with a special focus on disability inclusion.  Alyssa attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison for both her Bachelor’s degree in Economics/German and her MBA. She loves volunteering with local organizations and currently serves on the board of First Unitarian Society of Madison, her faith organization, and Movin’ Out, a disability justice organization focused on housing. 

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Nicole Walberg (she/her) has worked over the past 18 years as an admissions counselor, academic advisor, fellowship advisor, study abroad advisor, international student advisor, and director of a college advising office. She currently owns her own business, which helps students navigate their college application and academic experience.

She is a Pacific Northwesterner, Fulbright scholar, German speaker, kitchen vixen, lover of the outdoors, and a cancer survivor. She loves to support others as they battle cancer and to help people navigate the path to their future career. 

Connect with Nicole on her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Daniel Stonis (he/him) is currently a Temple Graduate Student, studying for his MS in City and Regional Planning.

Connect with Daniel on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Mohamed Armaan Nathani (he/him) is a current student in the Adult and Organizational Development major at Temple University. 

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, DEI & Intersectionality 305 with Becky Yep

About Becky: Becky Yep (she/her/hers) is a Senior Technical Program Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a major technology company.  She works to embed DE&I into technical products and services for an equitable customer experience.  For example, she often works in partnership with the Accessibility team to make sure things like television and gaming remotes, web pages, and streaming content are readily available for folks that may have physical or intellectual disabilities.

Becky's background is in engineering; prior to her current position, she spent 8 years in the aerospace industry in roles ranging from structural analysis, manufacturing, project management, and system safety.  While a job in DE&I may seem like a departure from her educational background, it's really an opportunity borne from passion and engagement.  DE&I involvement was a "side hustle" that has been realized into a dream job!

Alexis (she/her) is a current Adult and organizational development student.

Eve (they/them) is a current Environmental studies and adult organization and development student.

Nasira (she/her) is an Adult and organizational development major. 

***

Connect with Becky on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by Daniela Galdi, an entrepreneur and business, arts, and wellness professional. She’s also the producer of Beyond the Venue Podcast!

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Daniela and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Margo & Leslie.

If you’re looking to gain insight into having a conversation as opposed to confrontation, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Leadership in the Non-Profit World
• Management vs Leadership
• Collaborations and Handling Confrontation
• Managing your Emotions

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Empathetic Communication 304 with Daniela Galdi.

Don’t be late to class!

About Daniela: 

Daniela Galdi is a leading creative resource giving the BIG PICTURE on Trending Media, Business Development, and Healthy Living empowering others to see things from new perspectives.  Her professional training as a Media Personality, Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Fitness & Wellness Expert, along with her self-started philanthropic outreach programs are the foundation to her innovative missions.

She is a multi-talented entertainment artist with an extensive background in performing, producing, and teaching fine arts and mixed media for over 15 years.

Daniela's purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals and live their passions. A self-starter and an entrepreneur since 21 years old, she shares her entrepreneurial prowess and expertise for other self-starters to aspire and build on their missions, visions, brands, and talents through her agency, ByVesta Agency, online publications/media network, IV Media, and media appearances, guest speaking, and trainings. 

She loves to meet new people, hear their stories, and help them heal in their journeys. She has been passionate about holistic wellness & self-help methods from a young age, and is a teacher and teacher trainer in fitness and Classical Pilates through with world-renowned training from True Pilates NY. She is also trained in Emotional Empowerment from the International Institute for Emotional Empowerment and is passionate about mental health advocacy through her support and empowerment organization, Still Standing Together and StillRise.

Connect with Daniela

***
Margo Haas (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development and Community Engagement with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship

Connect with Margo on Instagram and Linked In.

Leslie Garcia (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development with a Concentration in Community Education

Connect with Leslie on Instagram

***

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week we have another return guest from Season 2! I’m joined by James Varughese, a part of the Customer Experience team serving small businesses that use Intuit QuickBooks Payments products.

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, James and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Sierra & Celia who also care about leading with empathy and understanding their impact on a community.

If you’re looking to gain insight into self awareness as a leader and within community development, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Choosing a Major Based on Passions and Helping Others
• What is Community Development?
• Effective Leadership within Community Development Efforts
• Empathetic and Situational Leadership
• Applying Classroom Knowledge to the Real World
• Sustainability as it Relates to Food Insecurity

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Mindful Ways to Make an Impact 303 with James Varughese.

Don’t be late to class!

About James: James Varughese (he/him) has built a successful career in both advertising and financial technology industries since moving to California from New York in 2011.

He is currently part of the Fintech Customer Experience team at Intuit. One of his most important responsibilities is to understand V-O-C, or Voice of Customer, across multiple products and channels such as self-help, in-product feedback, app store, and when customers speak or chat with Intuit support experts. 

Analyzing data, creating insights, and telling data backed stories is how James delivers on the promise that QuickBooks has to it's customers to be the source of truth for their business and exceed expectations where & when it matters most. 

Outside of work James loves to spend time with his wife and two young children.

Connect with James on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as his website. 

Student Info:

Celia Myerov (she/her) a recent Temple grad is currently working as a Program & Expansion Associate.

Connect with Celia on Instagram and LinkedIn.

***

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by Sarah Zero, founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Sarah and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by fellow entrepreneurs, Suzie and her friend and business partner Samantha.

If you’re looking to gain insight into how much MG loves being a part of the Wellstruck community, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Recognizing your Personal Limits
• The Power of No
• Self-Awareness
• Leadership Mentality on Adjusting to Change
• Making Space for Rest
• Managing Anxiety Before it Manages You
• It’s Ok to Not Be Ok 

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Entrepreneurship with Empathy 302.

Don’t be late to class!

About Sarah: 

Sarah Zero (she/her) is the founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.

At Wellstruck, Sarah facilitates intimate workshops, accountability groups, and masterminds that give small business owners a safe space to navigate the mental and emotional ups and downs of building a life that aligns with their own version of success.

Sarah also recently launched The Wellstruck Podcast, where she interviews small business owners who talk candidly about the messy middle and uncovering zones of genius to create positive change in their communities.

Sarah lives in Delaware with her partner and pup. Lately, she’s been on a mission to get moving — an archery workshop, rock climbing with friends, and walks while listening to Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” audiobook.

To learn more about Wellstruck, visit the website. Applications for Wellstruck  mastermind + membership community are opening this Fall.  Subscribe at Wellstruck.com/subscribe to receive reminder emails.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Student Info: 

Suzie Oswald (she/her) is a recent Temple graduate and currently works as a Senior Mission Support Coordinator Supervisor.

Connect with Suzie on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

***

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

Season 3 of Beyond the Venue Podcast kicks off with Liz Einhorn, Founder of Experience Threee, a hospitality growth consulting firm. 

Liz was a guest on Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast, and I was excited to have her back on the show, but this time with an all new format. 

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Liz and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Caroline & Sara who also both work in hospitality.

If you’re looking to gain insight into how to work efficiently in a team as well as fun things to do in New Orleans, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe (Ted Talk)
• Service Industry Practices, especially with Covid
• Lessons Learned Working in Teams
• Do Schools Kill Creativity? (Ted Talk)
• Boundary Setting & Process Management
• Mindfulness and Attempting to Avoid Burnout

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Leadership in Hospitality 301 with Liz Einhorn.

About Liz:

Liz Einhorn (she/her) A native of Philadelphia, Liz cut her teeth in the beverage industry at The Boston Beer Company, playing a pivotal role in launching innovative brands like Truly Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Cider throughout her 10-year career at BBC. 

In 2017, Liz founded Experience Threee, a growth consulting firm, to bring her expertise to a portfolio of emerging and established hospitality brands.   

Liz developed the Brewtop Social Beer Garden concept slated to open in Seatac Airport this fall and has contributed and conceptualized beverage menus for concepts nationwide. She is also a Level One Cicerone and a certified Whisky Ambassador.  

Connect with Liz on Instagram and Linked In. Follow Experience Threee on Instagram.

Student Info:

Caroline Nicholson (she/her) is a current student, majoring in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University. 

Connect with Caroline on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Sara Lenney is a recent graduate of the Adult and Organizational Development program at Temple University. 

Connect with Sara on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

***

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

What better way to kick off Fall semester than with a brand new season of Beyond the Venue Podcast!  Wait, did she just say kick off the semester? I sure did. 

In the last few episodes of Season 2, I talk with my guests about what’s to come for me for 2022. I would be returning to Temple University to teach a few classes as an adjunct professor in the College of Education. 

For those of you who are tuning in for the first time, I started a business in early 2019 called MG the Venue Specialist. Most of my clients are couples who are frustrated by their wedding planning process because they can’t find the right venue. I’m their solution they never knew existed. Taking their stress, doing the work for them, making the wedding planning process fun and enjoyable. 

2019 was off to a great start and then Covid...

So in early 2021, I started this podcast, interviewing different guests each week, discussing how they have creatively navigated “Beyond the Venue”.

With both seasons, my goal was to entertain and educate my listeners, encouraging them to laugh while continuing to gain empathy and understanding for our fellow humans. 

With my transition back into academia, I am focusing Season 3 of Beyond the Venue podcast on education, leadership and emotional intelligence. I’m switching up the format a bit and bringing in the perspectives of my students from this past semester. 

As a project for my Leadership in Organizations class, I had the students pair up and record a 20-30 minute podcast about what they've enjoyed and learned in class so far, incorporating the overall theme of emotional intelligence.  I received permission from 7 groups to use their recordings and we’ve broken each recording up into bite size clips.

Each week you’ll hear from a different group of students paired with a guest, some of whom you’ll recognize from previous episodes! This season is about not only giving a platform to these “mostly” gen Z’ers but also discussing with my peers and colleagues about what they have to say.

It has been a tough couple of years, but to make this pivot from hospitality into education has been a seamless transition because I’ve always been an educator in different capacities. These students have inspired me, and I am very excited to get to know my new students for the Fall semester. They give me hope for the future, which is something we all could use a lot of right now.

So while I’ll always be MG the Venue Specialist, I’m enjoying my role as Professor MG. 

I want to thank all of you listeners who have supported both me and this podcast over the last two years. And I want to thank my producer Daniela Galdi of ByVesta Agency, without whom this podcast would have never happened.

Season 3 kicks off Friday, September 2nd, with new episodes airing every Friday. You can stream Beyond the Venue Podcast on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Follow us on Instagram @beyondthevenuepodcast. If you enjoy the show, leave us a kind review!

Thanks so much for listening, and make sure you’re not late to class!

Reflecting on the past year has been a complicated task for many of us, because it’s incredibly difficult to differentiate 2021 from 2020. Even though 2021 brought us the vaccine and put an adult in charge of our country, this past year has continued to be a rollercoaster of joy, anger, happiness and frustration.

Thank you to each and everyone who has been a part of Beyond the Venue Podcast, as a listener, as a guest or even as a producer! (Daniela is THE BEST!)

We look forward to coming back at some point with Season 3, but in the meantime, enjoy ALL of the episodes of Beyond the Venue Podcast from Seasons 1 & 2 on your favorite podcast platform!

About MG:

MG Hodge (she/her) is Founder & CEO of MG the Venue Specialist, host of Beyond the Venue Podcast, and an adjunct professor at Temple University. 

MG started her business because she recognized the difficulty people had in finding the right venue for their event. She’s able to use her strengths and talents to help people with orchestrating a major life event. She’s funny, passionate & dedicated and a big believer that life should be enjoyed and celebrated!

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

Sabina is one of the many incredible faculty members in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. Her glowing reputation preceded her as we finally had a chance to meet this past Spring. Our relationship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an associate professor who is passionate about researching the “skill and will” of reading, working with multilingual learners, and bringing her theatrical nature to the classroom and beyond, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Original Vanessa from Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights (fun fact!)
• Literacy as a Space for Social Justice and Empowerment 
• Starting Small to Impact Changes on a Bigger Scale
• Podcasts as Professional Development
• Strategies for Engagement and Interaction in an Asynchronous Class
• Advice for Graduate Students 
• The Beauty of Bringing the Outside in(to a venue)

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Equity in Literacy: A Multimodal Approach for Multilingual Learners 407 with Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer!

About the Guest:
Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer, Associate Professor of Literacy
Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer is an associate professor of literacy in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. Dr. Neugebauer’s research focuses on the language and literacy development of students in urban elementary and middle schools. Her work explores two aspects of efficacious reading: vocabulary and reading motivation. She investigates these two facets of reading at three complementary levels of analysis (individual, classroom and school context) to more comprehensively identify ways to support students in achieving equitable educational outcomes. Her scholarship identifies prominent sources of reading differences between individuals, evaluates classroom practices that empower student success, and designs assessments to help schools increase their use of evidence-based programs school-wide.

Dr. Neugebauer’s research has been supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, Spencer Foundation, and U.S. Department of Education to improve the schooling experiences of multilingual students. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Scholar Award from AERA’s Division C, Learning and Instruction, and the International Literacy Association’s Elva Knight award. She is an associate editor for the Elementary School Journal and her work has been featured in journals including the Journal of Educational Psychology, Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Literacy Research and the Reading Teacher. She is a coauthor of Interventions for Reading Problems: Designing and Evaluating Effective Strategies, published by Guilford Press, and Indigenous Knowledge and Education: Sites of Struggle, Strength and Survivance, published by Harvard Educational Publishing Group. Her recent book is titled Reimagining Language Instruction: New Approaches to Promoting Equity published by Teachers College Press.

She received her doctorate from Harvard University & her BA from Wesleyan University. She has served as a reading interventionist & collaborated with urban schools in the US and in Latin America to develop multilingual, multi-tiered, & digital reading programs.

To learn more about Sabina’s research, view her publications here. 

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions. 

This is the last full episode of Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast! As we wrap up both the season and the year, I want to thank you for coming on this adventure with me.

Speaking of adventures, our final guest of the season is my friend Olivia. Olivia made the decision to hike the Appalachian Trail this past year, and I was fortunate enough to have followed along with her journey via Slack. Through this app she was able to share with her friends and family the highs and lows, pictures from the trail, and even insights as to what she was going through both mentally and physically. It was as if she was writing in a journal that she gave all of us access to, and I thank her for her openness and vulnerability. 

Topics Include:

🏕 Five Year Plans Don’t Always Happen the Way Your Goals Intended them To

🔥 It’s All About Your Support System

🗻The Past and Present Through Hiker Community 

🌄 For the Love of Condiments

🏕 There are Two Mt. Washingtons and One is a Lot Harder to Climb 

🔥 Cincinnati Chili 

🗻The Power of Self Reflection and Processing the Discomfort on the Trail

🌄 Pushing Yourself to Your Limits

Thanks for listening to Beyond the Venue Podcast, and enjoy the following episode The Beauty of Trail Magic & Tramilies: Hospitality on the Appalachian Trail with Olivia Lindstrom.

About Olivia:

Olivia Lindstrom (she/her ) is a Pennsylvania native, having spent most of her adult life living in Pittsburgh. Science has always been something she gravitated towards as a way to understand the world around her, making that the motivation for pursuing a degree in Biology at Pitt and for her ongoing curiosity with the interplay of science and hospitality.

Her passion for food and beverage really blossomed as she educated herself in the world of wine and achieved certification as a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. As someone who finds inspiration and knowledge through experience she strived to participate in as many F&B related things as possible including: President of Pittsburgh's USBG chapter in 2019, 2019 Tales of the Cocktail CAP, and the 2020 Team Taco at SACC. 

SACC eventually led to a friendship with Brandon Thrash which led to a move to Philadelphia! That move unfortunately coincided with COVID leaving Olivia unemployed. But as Matthew McConaughey wrote in his book Greenlights: "Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often." So she embraced the silver lining of a global pandemic, scrapped the shit off her boots and took off to the woods and a new adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Connect with Olivia on Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

My guest this week is the Ginge on a Binge, Connor Michalchuk. We originally met at Temple University but our paths were destined to cross again.

I’ve seen Connor perform several times over the years through his body positivity show, formerly Bearlesque, now called CaBEARet, taking place every First Friday of the Month at Tabu in the Gayborhood of Philadelphia.

The second I ran into Connor in Center City a few months ago, I squealed “omg can I hug you” yes, ok second question “will you be on my podcast”?

Topics Include:

🎵 Recognizing How to be More Inclusive for the BIPOC, Trans and Non-Binary Communities

✨ It All Started with a Coincidence & a Lack of Talent

🎤 Comedic Strip Tease IS a Talent

✨ It’s Ok to Say Fat If That is How a Person Feels Comfortable Identifying

🎵 A Trip to Palm Springs in February 2020 Brought Covid to Philly

✨ The Creativity of the Philly Drag Mafia - Performing in the Streets (and a Bus Parking Lot)

🎤 How to Tip Your Performers

✨ The Power of Permission - Asking First Before Unloading On Your Friends

Thanks so much for listening and enjoy the following episode “Body Positivity with a Smile, a Shimmy & a Shake with Connor Michalchuk”. 

About Connor:

Connor Michalchuk (he/him) is the host and creator of CaBEARet, (formally Bearlesque), a body positive variety show. His style encompasses the camp of vaudeville with the tact and social grace of Rush Limbaugh. Connor began his journey in nightlife in 2012 after losing a male beauty pageant. If he couldn’t be beautiful, he was going to be a stripper. 

Over the last 9 years, he’s traveled the country with his troupe, spreading body positivity with a shimmy and a shake. In his free time, Connor enjoys drinking Rose Kennedys and dating men with a lot of money and heart conditions. His advice - “Kindness, acceptance and positivity will get you everywhere in life. Nice guys no longer finish last. And keep your socials clean.”

You can find him at Tabu Philly either hosting Trivia every Wednesday at 7:00 and CaBEARet every 1st Friday or check out his regular appearances with the Philly Drag Mafia.

Connect with Connor on Instagram and Facebook. 

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week we’re jumping back into the hospitality industry with my friend Will, yet another former bar manager I sold beer to back in the day but kept a friendship with over the years.

Will left bartending in mid-February 2020 with the intentions of traveling over the following months. While that clearly didn’t happen, Will shares in this episode how he’s kept afloat over these last two years, and opens up about how he personally deals with anxiety.

Topics Include:

🍽 The Impact Covid Has Had on Anxiety Levels, Especially as a Bartender

🍸 Be Honest in Your Exit Interview

🎮 How Will’s Circle of Friends Relocated from Orlando to Philly

🚲 Dating Continues to be Rough, but Now’s the Time for Fully Vaccinated Fun

🍽  Hire for Attitude, Train for Success

🍸 We Miss Destination Dogs

🎮 Willdabeast - Best Nickname EVER

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, The Secret Ingredients to Service: Hustle & Communication with Will Monroe.

About Will

Will Monroe (he/him) has been living in Philly for the last 8 years. He works at Emmy Squared as their lead server and occasionally bartends. He’s a self-professed “geek who loves video games, anime & superhero films”, and he's also a great cook. His mission is to cultivate a positive work environment through training at Emmy Squared.

Connect with Will on Instagram.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week I’m talking with another fellow Drexel Dragon, my friend James Varughese. Even though he doesn’t work in the hospitality industry, he is passionate about people and their experiences. He works with small business owners to understand their experiences both with his company’s products and services as well as learning about what we as small business owners go through.

While he's had different roles across analyst, client services, product, and sales, his current focus on Customer Experience utilizes many of the technical skills that he's acquired over the last 20 years in professional environments. What's different about this current role is how critical empathy is in his day to day work. Listening & connecting with small business owners, utilizing Intuit's own Design for Delight method for innovation, and working with teams that James has been in at one time or another in his own career has solidified his desire to create a future as a CX leader.

Topics Include:

💻 For the Love of Spreadsheets

✨ The First Step/Jump/Leap is the Hardest

🌎 Breaking Goals Into Manageable Pieces

💻 How Zoom Helps with Active Listening

✨ Mutual Emphasis on Empathy

🌎 A Venue Isn’t Always Just a Place - It’s the People & Experience

💻 Continuing the Chain of Mentorship

✨ Darkness is Not the Opposite of Light, It’s the Absence of It

Thanks for listening and enjoy the following episode “Leading with Empathy & Understanding the Customer Experience: Small Business Edition with James Varughese”.

About James:

James Varughese (he/him) has built a successful career in both advertising and financial technology industries since moving to California from New York in 2011. 

As part of the Fintech Customer Experience team at Intuit, one of his most important responsibilities is to understand VoC, or Voice of Customer, across multiple products and channels such as self-help, in-product feedback, app store, and when customers speak or chat with Intuit support experts.

Outside of work James loves to spend time with his wife and two young children, start (and most times finish) DIY projects, watch and annoyingly quote movies & television shows, and is excited to start travelling to see friends and family again soon.

Connect with James on Instagram, LinkedIn and https://jamesvarughese.com/

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

In this episode you'll hear two perspectives - one from Grace, a student in Drexel’s Food and Hospitality Management Department and a freshman in the Spring of 2020 when the lockdown began, and one from Paul, one of Grace’s professors in the dept. and a long time friend and colleague of mine.  

They both share their experiences of taking the classroom virtual in a hospitality program. How does a professor virtually teach Fine Dining or a Wine Tasting class? Like everyone else, they found a way to make it work!

With the announcement of the new variant, I asked Paul about the current plans for the Philly Chef’s Conference, scheduled for late February 2022.  He said “As of now the conference sits on the island of misfit plans hoping for the best case scenario. We are still on and will be making an announcement soon, but nothing formal at this time.” 

Sounds like the proper summary of how to approach 2022. 

Additional Topics Include:

🍷 Lab-Based Classes Turned Virtual

🍽 Making the Decision to NOT host a Virtual Version of the Philly Chef’s Conference

🍺 Resources for Dealing with Mental Health and Toxicity in the Hospitality Industry

🍷 Seeing the Best & the Worst in People over the last few years

🍽 The Toilet Paper Shortage and Carole Baskin - Remember March 2020?

About Paul: 

Paul O’Neill (he/him) is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel University in the Food and Hospitality Management Department. After 25 years in the restaurant industry,  Paul was able to acquire the proper degrees and certifications and joined the Department of Food and Hospitality Management full time in 2014. 

He has been vice-chair of the Philly Chef Conference since its inception and serves as a board member for the Philly Wine Cru. 

Connect with Philly Chef’s Conference on Instagram.  Connect with Drexel Food & Hospitality Management Program:on Instagram.

About Grace:

Grace Schuler (she/her): Grace Schuler is a pre-junior in Drexel University’s Hospitality Management program.  Grace has been working toward her goal of opening her own event planning company after graduating from college. In addition to attending classes, Grace enjoys being a part of school clubs, doing volunteer work, singing/listening to music, spending time with her family and friends, and adventuring around Philly to find the best foods!

Connect with Grace on Instagram and LinkedIn.  Connect with the Drexel Hospitality Society on Instagram.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!  Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.  A byVesta Production.

The dynamic duo behind this “pandemic partnership” are my guests this week, Kerri & Lauren. They’ve been friends and colleagues for years, and it just made sense over these past two years to join forces. Their skill sets complement one another, and they are able to provide the best possible services for their clients by leaning into their strengths and relying on the other’s expertise depending on the task at hand.

We learn in this episode that Lauren was working for DiBrunos in their catering department back in 2015, and Kerri and I both happened to use them as our wedding caterers that year.  Kerri and Lauren had already met at that point, but I wouldn’t have the pleasure of meeting Kerri until 2019. I reconnected with Lauren when I started MG the Venue Specialist, because I knew I needed to connect with wedding planners as a venue sourcing specialist.

Additional Topics Include:

💗 Selfless Networking & Social Gardening
🌻 The Value of Systems and Processes
💍  You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
💗 The Varying Levels of a DIY Wedding
🌻 The Importance of a Wedding Planner Because the Couple IS the Host of the Party
💍  Venue Booking Trends Have Changed
💗 The Extra Work that Goes into Covid Era Weddings

Thanks so much for listening and enjoy the following episode “The Pandemic Partnership that Bloomed from Social Gardening with Kerri Sitrin & Lauren Westerman”.

About Kerri:

Kerri Sitrin (she/her): After 14 years in a Senior New Business Development role for Stephen Starr Restaurants Special Events Department, Kerri started her own company, Sitrin Consulting, when she noticed a need for marketing, events, and sales support for small businesses in Philadelphia with limited resources.

Connect with Kerri on Instagram, Facebook & Linked In.

Connect with Sitrin Consulting on Instagram & Facebook.

About Lauren:

Lauren Westerman, CWEP (she/her): Lauren is the CEO/Owner of Classic Events by Lauren & Lauren Westerman Consulting.  In addition to weddings and special event planning, Lauren has industry experience within hospitality and marketing departments. Through her many roles, she has had experience in planning events for Grammy, SXSW and Emmy; non-profit Galas such as the Garces Foundation event and Rittenhouse Soiree on the Square; and conferences for as many as 500 guests.

Connect with Classic Events by Lauren on Instagram & Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases

A byVesta Production.

CW - Language

While I was getting my Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Temple University, I had a graduate externship with Student Activities. These roles were offered as 20 hour a week paid positions for full time graduate students throughout the university. My role was to oversee all of the Student Organizations on campus. You’ll hear more about this later on this season when I interview a former student leader.  

My second year of grad school I would share my office with the new Greek Life graduate extern, this week’s guest, Dr. Ben Torsney. This 24 year old kid showed up from Pittsburgh to get his Masters in Education.

We joke, but in all seriousness, we probably wouldn’t have been friends had we not been paired together, but our friendship was meant to be. Even though I’m older than Ben, we both had a LOT of growing up to do that year, and I know we really helped each other achieve that goal. 

Ben and I have remained friends over the years, and as you learned in his partner Lauryn’s episode, he, Lauryn and I spent almost every Saturday “virtually” together on the same quizzo team from March 2020 until the Spring of 2021.

You’ll hear in this episode how Ben had reached out to me last summer about my graduate thesis. He thought I asked an interesting question about people’s motivation to attend beer festivals. He himself also studies motivation, so with a little work, Ben and his colleague co-authored my now published paper “Ticket to Intoxication: Exploring Attendees’ Motivations for Attending Craft Beer Events” in the Journal of Leisure Studies.

Additional Topics Include:

👨‍🎓  Difficulty of Pandemic Professorship

🏀 Mutual Interest in the Study of Motivation

👨‍🎓  Using Rap & Hip Hop as a Tool to Discuss Class, Race, Homophobia, Masculinity & Femininity

🏀 Dissecting and Understanding the Concept of Resilience

👨‍🎓  Everyone Needs a Class in Interpersonal Communication

🏀 The Feeling that we Lost an Entire Year

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, “Ticket to Motivation, Education & Intoxication with Ben Torsney”.

About Ben:

Dr. Ben Torsney (he/him) holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies Department. Ben’s research is focused on college students’ engagement in schoolwork at various units of analysis; John Henryism, a form of high effort coping as a response to environmental stressors; college students’ willingness to take environmental action; and the motivation of pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field.

This former “wannabe basketball player” is also a father to a great little girl and a partner to a wonderful lady. 

Connect with Ben via email ben.torsney@gmail.com.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week I’m chatting with my friend and fellow podcast host, Hillary Rea. We’ve only known each other for a few years, so most of our relationship has transpired during the pandemic. We’re neighbors who share similar values, and we even get our veggies from the same CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Taproot Farm.

In this episode, Hillary talks about her monthly virtual meet up called the Speak Up Session. It’s a free gathering for entrepreneurs, leaders & change makers craving a communication style that aligns who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. Check out her website or sign up for her newsletter to get the latest information regarding dates and time. Her November meet up was this past week, so make sure to join in December!

Hillary wrapped up Season 3 of her podcast Roshomon over the summer. While Roshomon has come to its conclusion, Hillary is too passionate about podcasts to walk away from them. While we both agree podcasts are a lot of work, Hillary loves both the audio work as well as helping others find their podcast voice. Which is what she did for me, when I didn’t even know I would be hosting a podcast when we worked together.

Topics Include:

🎧 Taking Chances and Saying Yes (and Knowing When to Say No)

📚 Walking Away from Social Media Actually Helped her Business Grow

🎤 The Power of Googleability 

🎧 Becoming Your Own Tech Expert

📚 Life (and Venues) Coming Full Circle 

🎤 Creating Your Own Opportunities 

🎧 The Importance of Grounding Oneself and Meditation

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Have I Got Some Stories For You with Hillary Rea”.

About Hillary:

Hillary Rea (she/her) is the founder of Tell Me A Story, a communication consulting and coaching business that teaches multi-passionate entrepreneurs, mission-driven leaders, and committed change makers how to use the art of storytelling as a powerful communication tool. 

She’s worked with leaders across industries — social justice nonprofits, women-owned small businesses, tech start-ups and Fortune 500 companies — to communicate an authentic narrative through her Crafting Your Narrative programs (now fully virtual).

She is an award-winning storyteller (NYC Moth StorySLAM winner and 2019 Rad Award for Storyteller of the year), has been telling her own stories on stage for 12 years. In addition to running her own business, Hillary is the producer and host of Rashomon (pronounced Ra-SHO-MAHN) - a long form narrative storytelling podcast where one family tells every side of the same story. Season 3 is out now and you can listen to it anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Hillary on Linked In or check out her website Tell Me a Story. 

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

At the time of this recording, I had only known Nick for a few weeks. Nick was visiting his friend here in Philly for the first time, and his friend happens to also be friends with Brandon Thrash, my friend and guest from Season 1.

Brandon brought Nick to my husband’s birthday celebrations, and I loved Nick’s friendly nature and positive attitude. 

In this episode, we hear NIck’s story about his growing passion for crafting cocktails, and how his eagerness and desire to learn got him where he needed to go.

Topics Include:

🍸 Mutual Love of Sitting at the Bar

🎵 Hire for Attitude, Train for Success

🍸 Opening a Bar/Restaurant in March 2020

🎵 Dance Like Nobody's Watching

🍸 Weekend Music Festival Experiences

🎵 When is Nick Moving to Philly?

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, “Eagerness to Learn, With a Twist” with Nick Dietrich. 

About Nick:

Nick Dietrich (he/him) is a Bartender and Lover of Life. He’s a people person who loves traveling and trying out local food and drink. He wants to experience the world and the culture of imbibing that comes with it. He’s doing his best, and wants others to feel content with their version of being their best. His advice - “Do your best and don't let anyone discourage you.”

Connect with Nick on Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

Liz and I first met at a mutual friend’s party when we were both working in the beer industry. We had heard each other’s names for years but finally got the chance to meet and our friendship took off immediately.

We’ve enjoyed various events, lunches and happy hours together over the years, and we start off this episode with how she began to mentor me as a small business owner. We have a mutual love of people and we know how imperative it is for both of our businesses to maintain relationships. 

We also both prioritize not only our own mental health, but we also strive to normalize conversations surrounding mental health. Mental health IS health!

Running her own company, Experience Threee, keeps Liz super busy and I’m really grateful for not only her friendship and guidance, but that she was able to join me for this recording. She shares a lot of helpful advice for our listeners and our conversation was quite entertaining. 

Topics Include:

🌺 Growth Strategy is Survival Mode in a Pandemic

🍺 Unintended Consequences

🌺 Exciting Developments in the Beverage Industry

🍺 Being Mindful of the Why

🌺 Mentorship is a Two-Way Street

🍺 Pay It Forward

🌺 Therapy is Work

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Mental Health, Mentorship & Maintaining Relationships, The Important 3Ms with Liz Einhorn

About Liz:

Liz Einhorn (she/her) loves people. She loves talking to people, developing relationships with people, and helping people build better brands. She loves it so much, she started Experience Threee to do just that- help others realize their identity, put people first, and achieve success with a simple method – the Three E’s - explore, educate, engage.

She is a hospitality professional and growth strategist with 15 years experience in business development, national sales, and brand management.  She spent a decade at The Boston Beer Company before starting Experience Threee in 2017. Since then, she has worked with brands & organizations such as Canteen Spirits, Workhorse Brewing, Vino Volo, The Mural Arts Foundation and Nerd Street Gamers and also created the Brewtop Social beer garden concept for the Seattle Airport.

Connect with Liz on Instagram and Linked In. Follow Experience Threee on Instagram.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

Kel and I met when they bought the house next door to mine! I was gearing up to start my PhD program, and I would learn that they were an “ABD” (all but dissertation). I would finally learn the “why” through this conversation! Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a passionate social worker who loves a two-wheeled life, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Recognizing When You Need to Walk Away from What’s Not Serving You
• Finding Organizations that Align with Your Values
• Supporting and Nurturing Youth Empowerment
• Adjuncting is Essentially Volunteering (from a monetary standpoint)
• The Power of Teaching and Creating Space
• Platonic Nesting in Your 40s

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Empowerment Evolution & Bike Revolutions 406 with Kel Kroehle”.

About the Guest:
Kel Kroehle
Kel Kroehle is the Learning and Development Director at the Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing, a national capacity building organization dedicated to strengthening youth-led and intergenerational movements for transformative social change. Supporting the organization’s funder organizing and research and evaluation efforts, Kel is committed to identifying the lessons emerging from the field and weaving together youth organizing’s lineages, practices, and visions for the world. Prior to joining the FCYO team, Kel served for seven years as Director of The Bryson Institute at The Attic Youth Center in Philadelphia. In this role, they coordinated and resourced a youth-driven education and training program, working alongside queer and trans youth to advance anti-oppressive practices and just policies among the region’s youth-serving systems. Their experience also includes facilitating participatory action research projects on trans student equity and youth sociopolitical development. Kel earned their Bachelors degree in Gender Studies and LGBTQ studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before earning their Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond the workday, Kel can typically be found connecting with loved ones and other rabble-rousers, negotiating with their four-legged muppet-companion, TumTum Geraldine, or prepping for an upcoming crossword competition.

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

This week I’m talking with my friend and one of my favorite bartenders, Sol Thomas. Although I’ve known Sol for quite some time and have enjoyed many of his cocktail creations, this interview was the first time I got to hear how he ended up in Philly as well as where he gets inspiration for his libations.

In this episode, I learned about how methodical and intentional Sol is with both his cocktail ingredients as well as his relationships throughout the hospitality and beverage community.

Topics Include:

🍸 The Importance of Building and Nurturing Relationships

🌶 From Farm to Glass - Using Fresh Produce for Cocktails

🍸 Opportunities and Education Through USBG - US Bartenders Guild

🌶 Cocktail Competitions & Frozen Aviations

🍸 Inherited Love of Food from Dad and Hospitality from Mom

🌶 Expansion of Spaces for Openly Discussing Mental Health in the Industry

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Cocktails & Community, Respecting Your Ingredients with Sol Thomas.

About Sol:

Sol Thomas (he/him) was born in Newark, New Jersey but lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. In 2009 he volunteered to help build a friend’s private catering business in Philadelphia while studying cell biology and neuroscience in New Jersey. He was hired by a restaurant called Destination Dogs on the strength of that volunteer work where he was able to work his way up from bouncing for bands on the weekends to managing. In 2016 he was given the opportunity to move to Philadelphia to be an opening manager of Destination Dogs new location. Sol seized that opportunity and has considerably grown his network through multiple professional hospitality education resources and cocktail competitions. 

Sol believes in the power of connection. His mantra is “laughter is the shock absorber of life”. He believes in the importance of seeking out people and experiences that bring you joy so you are not mired by the muck of the world as you travel through your life. Believe in who you are, live and be present in the moment so you can recognize the chances for growth in your life and act accordingly. If you ask him about his favorite cocktail, it’s the one in his hand.

Connect with Sol on Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

I first met Lauryn 11 years ago when she moved back to Philly with her partner Ben. Ben and I were co-workers and office mates in grad school, but you’ll hear more from Ben later on this season, as he is also a guest for Season 2. 

I wanted to bring Lauryn on the show because she is an elementary school teacher, mother, performer, bartender and just all around badass. Every single aspect of her livelihood was impacted by the pandemic, and I really appreciated getting to learn more about her experiences. 

Even though I saw Lauryn quite regularly during lockdown, well virtually that is, since she and Ben were on our weekly virtual quizzo team, this interview was the first time I learned of her distinguished award and the work that helped her earn it. She created a brave space for her students and gave them a creative outlet to express their thoughts and emotions. She goes into detail about the positive impact of this “classroom community”. I wish that this form of group therapy was set up in classrooms and workplaces everywhere!

Topics Include:

📚 Challenges and Lack of Boundaries when Teaching went Virtual

🎤 Music as her Passion & Creative Outlet

🍸 Service Bartender or Talk to People Bartender - Can’t do both at the same time

📚  Creating a Brave Space for her Students

🎤 Her Past and Upcoming Performances

🍸 Nominated for “Star Chefs” for her “Nine Rides Shotgun” cocktail because they all were named after Brand New songs

I checked in with Lauryn this week to see how her semester was going, since we recorded right before she was going back to the classroom. 

She said “The semester is going great right now, despite the fact that I'm May(end of school year)tired in October (beginning). My students are amazing and I just had friends and family donate like 200 books to my classroom library! My other library was basically destroyed by mold and mice during the pandemic school closure. Feel free to share my Amazon wishlist for my  classroom ”

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Ms. O’s Community Classroom, The Kids Are Alright with Lauryn Obozian.

About Lauryn:

Lauryn Obozian (she/her) was born and raised in northeast Philly. She’s been working since she was 10 and has had a gazillion jobs since then. Lauryn went to school for musical theatre in Pittsburgh where she met her partner, Ben. She has performed in many musicals and plays, and has worked as a professional singer for many years. She has worked as a bartender for a million years in both Pittsburgh and Philly and has several published cocktails. She and Ben now have a “threenager” named Violet who likes to unravel entire rolls of toilet paper and twerk. “Black Lives Matter. Get vaccinated. Don't ride your bike on the sidewalk.”

Connect with Lauryn on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

My Guest this week is Leah Coonan (she/her). Leah is a Philly local jewelry designer and the owner of Leah Creation Jewelry. Leah strives to make more space for other queer female/femme creators and she is passionate about repurposing objects helping to “shrink Trash Island”, contributing to making our planet sustainable and beautiful for the future.

Leah and I met over 10 years ago when we were both in very different stages of our lives. We had the opportunity to work together when I commissioned her to design my engagement ring and wedding band. 

I distinctly remember her asking me “what inspires you” when we first sat down to talk about the creation of my engagement ring, and I loved being able to hear more about her creative process during this interview. When Leah is creating a custom piece, she wants to know the story behind the who and the why. “There’s a story behind every piece of jewelry.”

Additional Topics Include:

💍 Leah’s Love of Vinyl and What Inspired her Vinyl Jewelry Collection

💍 The Creative Process of Creating Custom Jewelry

💍 Realizations and True Love that Led to Getting (and Staying) Sober

💍 Seeing the Best and the Worst in Humanity Lately

💍 Doodling as a Stress/Anxiety Reliever 

💍 Leah’s Love for Phish & Her Customized Phish Vans Sneakers

💍 Social Media and Leah’s Amazing Reels

About Leah:

Leah Coonan (she/her) was born and raised in Philly, and she’s a lifelong music lover and jeweler of twenty-four years. In 2009, she launched her vinyl record accessories collection, featuring earrings inspired by album artwork and her love of vinyl itself. She’s inspired by overlooked colors, shapes, and details all around us all the time. Neglected/"used-up" objects like scratched unplayable 45s make her curious about their past, and about what their future as cherished objects can be.  She’s a romantic, and really loves people. She’s inspired by the overlooked details of their lives too, the loves and memories they carry around invisibly every day. Crafting a wearable piece by commission to cherish and honor those, that’s Leah doing her best as a jeweler.  All of her pieces are handmade and one of a kind, but making fine jewelry by commission, exactly as a client dreams of them, is the ultimate challenge and reward for her. She makes engagement rings, wedding bands, commemorative pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other fine pieces. Jewelry is much more than an accessory: it can be a symbol of love, mark a life accomplishment, a representation of faith, or signify memories. It’s a piece of the past, present and future. All of that somehow came together, and all of that still goes into each piece.

Connect with Leah on Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

Welcome back for Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast! I wanted to kick off this newest season with a woman who has been a constant resource and inspiration for me since the moment she and I were introduced. 

Elisabeth “Beth" Kramer is a wedding planner in Portland, Oregon, who’s fighting the Wedding Industrial Complex. She's the co-founder of Altared, an event for wedding vendors who want to change the wedding industry, and she is also the host of her own podcast The Teardown, a podcast for wedding vendors who’ve had enough. 

In this episode, we learn about how Beth combined her background in journalism with her current role as a wedding planner to consistently report on the legality of weddings in Oregon since May 2020. We even had to reschedule our original recording date, as the day before our recording she would learn that the Governor of Oregon would be announcing new mandates at the exact same time when we were scheduled to record. 

She has compiled countless resources for couples planning weddings during this pandemic, including a Covid Safety Worksheet. “It is not sexy to talk about covid and your wedding, but it’s so important.”

As an entrepreneur, you don’t have traditional co-workers and so it’s up to you to create your own community. Beth realized that if she really wanted to affect change within the wedding industry, she would need to connect with vendors who felt the same way. Beth refers to the “nasty-isms” that are all very present within the wedding industry (Racism, ageism, homophobia). Both the Teardown and Altared bring together wedding vendors who love their jobs but recognize the deep problematic issues within the industry. It combines finding community with continuing to learn how to make others feel safe.

Additional Topics Include:

• Our Mutual Love and Respect for Jordan Maney and the Work that She does
• The Why of Weddings
• The Importance of Holding Space for Joy 
• Prioritizing Safety and Joy, not only for her clients, but also for other wedding vendors and more importantly for herself
• Vaccine Boundaries
• Podcasts are a LOT of work!

About Elisabeth:

Elisabeth "Beth" Kramer (she/her) is a wedding planner in Portland, Oregon, who’s fighting the Wedding Industrial Complex. She's also the co-founder of Altared, an event for wedding vendors who want to change the wedding industry. Learn more about her work at elisabethkramer.com.

Connect with Elisabeth on Instagram and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

CW:  Language

Who started her own business in the wedding and events industry a year before the pandemic would shut it all down?   That would be me, MG the Venue Specialist and your host of Beyond the Venue Podcast. 

I started my business because I love helping people. I saw a need for those who were frustrated by the event and wedding planning process because they couldn’t get over the first hurdle - finding the perfect venue. 

Now I’m far from the only one who had to get creative and navigate Beyond the Venue over these last 18 months. We recorded Season 1 in the Spring of 2021 to elevate stories from my friends in the hospitality and entertainment world whose careers and businesses were impacted by the pandemic. Listening to Season 1 is like stepping back in time, remembering what it was like before we were fully vaccinated, having zero clue what the rest of 2021 would look like.

It is now the Fall of 2021, and this collective trauma is still ongoing. We need to take time to laugh and be entertained, as well as continue to gain empathy and understanding for our fellow humans. I’ve asked my guests for Season 2 to share their stories and experiences, and they absolutely blew me away with what they have been able to accomplish.

Season 2 features several of my colleagues from the hospitality and event industry, as well as teachers and professors from a variety of disciplines. I interview other podcast hosts, storytellers, bartenders, parents and everything in between! 

Just like Season 1, my guests and I dive into some serious topics, but we have no shortage of humor and entertainment in store for our listeners. I want you to feel like you’re having a beverage with us - sharing stories and learning from one another.

Since we’re all still stuck in this never ending group project that none of us ever wanted to participate in, let’s have some laughs and learn a few things about what others are dealing with, shall we?

Season 2 launches Friday, October 1st with new episodes available every Friday.   

Follow @beyondthevenuepodcast on Instagram for the latest updates, and thank you so much for listening! 

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest and BTV Producer, Daniela Galdi, Founder of byVesta Agency. 

 In this Season 1 Wrap Up episode, MG and Daniela cover all you need to know about how Beyond The Venue Podcast started, including how they met, their mutual love of venues and each other, the INCREDIBLE guests and highlights from Season 1, and where BTV is headed for Season 2!

Our paths have crossed so many times and the universe has been trying to get us to work together since we met 2 years ago.  Now, it was time we saved each other's seats and shared how it all comes back to community support and fostering relationships to help one another grow.

Daniela Galdi's purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals and live their passions. A self-starter and an entrepreneur since 21 years old, Daniela shares her entrepreneurial prowess and expertise for other self-starters to aspire and build on their missions, visions, brands, and talents through her agency, ​byVesta Agency​, an arts, media, design management, development and consultation company that creates staying power through dynamic content.

Connect with Daniela on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

CW:  Language

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Kylie Lee Flett, Director of PR + Strategy at PUNCH Media. This former bartender is a huge animal lover, the co-founder of RestingGiftFace.com, and is Philly’s FAVORITE (and hilarious) Aussie!  Kylie is also a board member for Morris Animal Refuge and sits on the committee for their Annual Fur Ball Event.

In this episode, MG and Kylie have a good laugh over the phenomenal and creative packages that Resting Gift Face curates. They switch gears to highlight how the pandemic has affected animal shelters who rely on events, fundraisers and donations from the hospitality industry, a community that has also been trying to stay afloat over the past year and a half. Kylie opens up about the Australian WildFires in early 2020 and the fundraiser she organized here in Philly to help her native home.  With a hopeful outlook on the future, hear what they both have to share on the resilience and grit of the Philadelphia hospitality community and their excitement for the return of live music and shows.

Kylie Lee Flett rejoined the PUNCH Media team 5 years ago -- which is where she first launched her career and cultivated her love for PR. She is highly respected amongst Philadelphia’s press and business communities, particularly from a food and beverage perspective. Flett is a tenacious and seasoned pro — who like James, shares a must-win attitude for PUNCH Media’s clients. She has extensive experience in developing brand strategies for regional and national clients such as Coopers' Craft Bourbon, Sojourn Philly restaurants, The Bourse Food Hall, Tamworth Distilling, and Art in the Age. Flett holds a masters degree in Professional and Business Communications from La Salle University and hails from Adelaide, South Australia. 

Connect with Kylie on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

CW:  Language

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Meredith Rebar, Certified Cicerone, owner of Home Brewed Events, and new employee of Deer Creek Malthouse!  Meredith loves talking about beer and the power of fermentation. She and MG both adore food, beverage, and events and most importantly celebrating all of these with other people!

 
In this episode, you’ll learn about beer & spirits education, what it means to be Certified Cicerone, and the pleasure and not-so-pleasurable experience of tastings with off flavors and sensitive palates.  Meredith opens up about how music has been an instrumental outlet for her and how she has reconnected with her roots in the music industry. Despite the pandemic, she took her tastings and brewing courses to a virtual platform, and she is excited to continue her involvement in major festivals and events in Philadelphia like the 2nd Street Festival and Philly Beer Week!

Proprietor and Event Director, Meredith Megan Rebar (Certified Cicerone©), began her career managing and producing special events and concerts at the Abbey Bar as part of Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg, PA. She was part of the Tasting Room event team that opened the new Troegs Brewing Company location in Hershey, PA. After moving to Philadelphia to be a part of the burgeoning beer scene, she joined Origlio Beverage as a Corporate Communications Specialist, writing articles for the seasonal publications, Draught Lines and Heady Times, developed background knowledge of beer wholesaler operations and craft beer sales and how to incorporate social media to develop business growth. In addition to running HBE she brewed professionally at St. Benjamin Brewing Company, chairs the Philly Loves Beer Education Committee and is a founding member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pink Boots Society.   

www.homebrewedevents.com

Connect with Meredith on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Alyssa Martin, Yoga Teacher and Manager of a Philadelphia neighborhood studio in Fairmount called Lumos Yoga and Barre.  Their lives intertwined in so many ways after MG & Alyssa first met in early 2020. They became friends through the Wednesday yoga class they both needed.  Hear about the twists and turns of teaching virtually, studio closings, business redemptions, and both of their yoga journeys supporting them through the unknown.

“It was so wonderful having you as a friend and teacher this past year -- the most rollercoaster of all rollercoasters of a year” --MG

 
In this episode, you’ll learn in depth about wellness studio management, Vinyasa yoga practice, and a breakdown of how teachers structure their classes.  After studios closed and jobs were lost, they chatted about hope and new opportunities through continuing their practices together.  Although things may not have gone as planned, they can still laugh about it and persist forward!

Alyssa Martin has been practicing yoga for almost a decade and has been teaching for more than a year now. Yoga has been such a staple through all her transformations. This form of self-discovery continues to unveil things about her personality, helping her learn and grow as a person.  Her passion is to spread the practice of self-awareness. She hopes to continue to be a part of other people's journey as a teacher. Show people how to connect with their emotions. Teach people how to use the breath to discover their own boundaries and resilience, as well as learning to be okay with feeling everything there is to feel in each present moment. 

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram or Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Kristine Plourde Golden, CMP, HMCC, PCA. She’s an award-winning event and meeting manager, and marketing specialist with over 15-years of progressive experience. Having known each other for the past two decades, MG and Kristine have connected through their time at Drexel as undergrads, reconnecting through grad school at Temple, and most recently as Events and Hospitality Industry Professionals.  

In this episode, you’ll learn about how they got started & their passion for events, including how MG ended up in the craft beer industry through Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Philadelphia Area Chapter. Plus, listen in on how they reconnected when MG hired Kristine for her own wedding, and worked together again on the Venue Specialist Branding through Kristine’s company, Personal Marketing Solutions. Krstine also highlights her new certification as a “Pandemic Compliance Advisor” and how she is able to  provide a safe environment moving forward with live events.  

Kristine Plourde Golden, CMP, HMCC, PCA, is an award-winning event and meeting manager, and marketing specialist with over 15-years of progressive experience. She's planned and managed a variety of events from weddings, to backyard socials, to corporate events, to multi-day medical meetings. In her spare time, she is the Programming Co-Chair for Temple Women's Network, and is the incoming Vice President of Finance for the MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter. Kristine holds a Master of Tourism & Hospitality Management from Temple University, a BS in Communications from Drexel University. She lives in Delaware County, PA, with her husband, two small children, and rescue cat who is always hungry.  She also really loves volunteering her professional skills and has been a member of MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter since 2005.

Connect with Kristine on Instagram, LinkedIn or at PM Solutions.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

Temple University’s mascot is the owl, and my guest this week is the math queen, my friend Katherine. We met in our Qualitative Analysis class that I took in the Spring of 2023, while I was still teaching as an adjunct, before I started my doctoral program full-time. We would go on to have several classes together each semester. Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a life-long student, lover of math, and engaged marrier who is planning a wedding while in grad school, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Sometimes We Have to go to Plan C, or D, or E
• SMET vs STEM
• What is Developmental Math?
• Content Creation for Fun
• You Can Always Off-Ramp
• The Lack of a Third Space

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Motivation to Learn OWL-gebra 405 with Katherine Burke”!

About the Guest:

Katherine J. Burke is, a third year graduate student in Temple University's education doctoral program.  She has an extensive academic background, as both a student and educator. She is passionate about mathematics education and deeply believes that everyone can, and has the potential to, learn math. 

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guests, Michelle Freeman and Jaison Smulski, the dynamic duo of Witty Gritty. They, along with their incredible team, energize communities and connect people with both resources and one another through experiences and engagement. 

In this episode, MG, Michelle, and Jaison reminisce about their memories as longtime friends, including memorable moments inside the Witty Gritty Office, Jaison and Michelle’s wedding, Event Planning approaches, their love for bringing people together, and of course music and karaoke.  You’ll hear about life and career highlights, priorities, lessons learned, and the importance those lessons are to their work culture. 

Michelle Freeman, CEO of Witty Gritty, is a lifelong resident who is strongly committed to Philadelphia. She dedicates much of her work on creating programs and events that highlight civic-minded people and projects through her company, Witty Gritty.  She is passionate about girls/women having space in male-dominated industries (ie. music, skateboarding), supporting immigrant communities, and civic engagement in Philadelphia.  In her free time, Michelle DJs (vinyl only!) and plays bass and sings in grrrl punk band, Thee Glitterbombs. 

Jaison Smulski, Creative Director of Witty Gritty, is a friendly and focused graphic designer and event production specialist, with more than a decade of experience in design, marketing, and logistics. He has worked with both established organizations and start-ups, helping to build brands from initial concept to actualization. While he is not working on creative or event projects, Jaison is an active musician. He is the bassist in Philly twangcore group, Betty Iron Thumbs; and guitar in power-pop trio, Sick Panda. He is an avid collector of records, and is currently running out of space to store them. A lover of cats, food, and off kilter artwork.  

Both reside in South Philly with Sprocket the Cat. 

CW: Language

Connect with Michelle and Jaison via Witty Gritty on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Karen Seymour, Founder & Social Media Strategist at Karen J Seymour - Digital Marketing, LLC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MG and Karen talk about the rollercoaster they’ve been riding throughout the pandemic, both personally and professionally.

In this episode, MG and Karen discuss the importance of an online presence for any business, their prioritization of self care, and how integral human connections and building relationships are as a support system for entrepreneurs.

Karen J Seymour - Digital Marketing, LLC was created in 2017, after a 10-year career as a consultant and project manager.  She combined her extensive experience in business and her love for entrepreneurship to create a service that helped business owners navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing. Karen specializes in growth on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, partnering with her clients to make success on social media both easy and attainable for business owners. She grows audiences and creates communities of loyal, raving fans and customers.

CW:  Language

Connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Candice Johnson, a talent coordinator and event curator who works with up and coming local talent in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. MG and Candice originally connected over instagram through their mutual love of people and events. They both value collaboration and being able to work with and learn from one another. 

 
In this episode, MG and Candice highlight the importance of community and building one another up to reach our potential. They speak about Candice's passion for advocating for the underdog, which helped her create her persona as “The Wallflower Observer” and her CommUNITY Garden.  

“I see people and help them blossom.” -Candice Johnson, a Philly Native, born and raised, and budding Black Female Entrepreneur.

Candice speaks about how both the Black Lives Matter movement and Madam Vice President Harris’s inauguration pushed her to be who she wanted to be -- recognizing her own strength and owning who she is as a leader for other black females.

Candice Johnson is a talent coordinator and event curator that specifically works with up and coming local talent in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. She has 10 years of experience working in the music industry and pre pandemic was employed by Live Nation at The Fillmore Philadelphia. She works with talent of all forms. Her main goal is to help plant the seeds for those who are ready to bloom and create a community of people who can grow together. 

Connect with Candice on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Cecily Alexandria, a Philly local comedian and producer. Having only spoken through Instagram and email, you’ll listen in on their first ever “face-to-face” conversation! They discuss Cecily’s events that have gone virtual, and their current binge-worthy TV show suggestions. 

In this episode, MG and Cecily highlight the importance of comedy and entertainment over this past year. Being able to reach a broader audience through virtual events actually helped build a larger platform for Cecily’s shows, “I Promise This is Funny” her comedy show, and “Truth Tellers,” a show Cecily created to amplify the voices of people of color. 

Cecily Alexandria is a Black woman of many talents. Producer, actor, writer, friend, auntie, wedding officiant, human person, and even more. Among the top comma descriptions is comedian. She has appeared in many comedy festivals, podcasts, and has even written a book (Vagina Strong). If you’re looking for a smart, informed, and funny human you’ve found her right here.

Connect with Cecily on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guests, Tom Heinly and Qamara Edwards. MG met Tom in the early 2000s when he was the karaoke DJ at her college bar and one of MG’s go to song’s was “Alone” by Heart, and Tom and Qamara have been friends for years through quizzo. The three friends talk about how they have had to change their business models and approach this past year, and how they are shaping the future of events. 

In this episode, MG, Tom & Qamara discuss how they have found community in unexpected places, the importance of relationships, their love of hospitality and entertaining, hospitality as an all encompassing industry & how they are supporting it and a few silver linings they discovered over the past year.

ABOUT TOM
Tom has been a Dj and Quizzo Host for 17 years. He opened Press Play Djs in 2013 and expanded his business to book Djs and Quizzo hosts at multiple venues in the Philadelphia area.

ABOUT QAMARA
While studying at Northwestern University, Qamara fell in love with the hospitality industry.
Restaurants and hospitality combine all of her passions into one: making new friends, hosting friends to her “home” with amazing food and drinks, event planning, and the challenges of running a business – tapping into her strong entrepreneurial spirit. A chance meeting between proud Northwestern alumni (Jill is also an alumnus), she welcomed the opportunity to join Jill Weber’s team in 2014, to help open the group’s third restaurant, Café Ynez.

Qamara took on more responsibilities and projects in her current position, Director of Business and Events.  In this new role, she introduces the group’s restaurant and catering portfolio to guests through on-site private events and off-site community events. In 2019, Qamara became President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, which allows her the chance to bring the entire hospitality industry together in becoming one stronger voice across the state.

Away from the restaurants, you will find Qamara hosting game nights at her home or Jet Wine Bar, and she enjoys playing softball and fancies herself a Boggle Master.

Connect with Tom on Instagram.

Connect with Qamara on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!


Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

CW:  Language

INTRO
This week MG is saving a seat for her guest Christine Fisher! Friends from when they were in the beer industry (and now both can no longer drink beer) they discuss navigating through the world with their food allergies & intolerances and the anxiety that comes along for the ride, and most importantly their journey to prioritizing their mental health and self-care.

ABOUT EPISODE
In this episode, MG and Christine talk candidly about their mental and physical health and their journey on finding answers, even when the results were difficult to process.

Topics include:
🍺 The “Before Times” which for us means when we could drink beer (spoiler alert - we no longer can!)
🍺 The Mental, Physical, and Emotional Effects of Recurring Allergy and Intolerance Issues
🍺 Dealing with the Diagnosis - Next steps with ADHD and Autism
🍺 Christine’s Experience as a Quizzo Host with the Mission to Continue Bringing People Together

ABOUT CHRISTINE
Christine Fisher (she/her) is a Philly native and serves as the Program Manager of Wharton Leadership Ventures, a co-curricular program that teaches leadership through immersive wilderness and paramilitary experiences. She is also currently studying towards a Masters in Environmental Studies at Penn. Christine came to Wharton from the hospitality industry, and prior to that, non-profit fundraising and event-planning. One of her greatest passions in life involves getting people together in shared space so that great things can happen. She is an avid runner, frequently travels to New Orleans, loves to read non-fiction, and to spend time in the woods or on the water.  

Connect with Christine on Instagram and Linkedin.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A byVesta Production.

CW: Language

This week, MG is saving a seat for guest Brandon Thrash, Philadelphia Beverage Professional and PA Food Workers Advocate.  

ABOUT EPISODE

MG chats with Brandon about how they met, how he ended up in Philly, his advocacy work, and more.  

Topics include:

• How to approach relationships both inside and outside of the hospitality industry
• The "True Cost" of food and beverage
• Advocacy for laborers, non-ownership workers in the restaurant, and the beverage industry
• Personal and professional growth
• Dedication to making conscious and methodical decisions that affect producers and consumers

ABOUT BRANDON

Brandon is passionate about helping to restructure our industry to pay living wages, more equitable wages between front and back of house employees, improve mental health in our industry, create a long term and viable future for restaurants and bars, develop a culture that pays the fair price of food, and raise awareness that spirits are an agricultural product.  Follow @pafoodworkers on Instagram as we grow awareness of action points and disseminate information to keep you informed about issues facing our industry.

Brandon grew up in Arkansas, and although he’s lived all over the world, still considers Northwest Arkansas home. He's worked behind the bar all over the country, including in San Francisco, Chicago, South Florida, and Philadelphia. In 2018 and 2019 he split time between being head bartender at Bad Hunter in Chicago (Tales of the Cocktail Top 10 f Restaurant Bar) and making wine in Oregon with Ross and Bee Maloof of Maloof Wines. In Oregon, he was able to learn more about his true passion, fruit fermentation and distillation. After returning to Philadelphia and spending a few months as a beverage director, Brandon is currently advocating for labor rights in PA and organizing education classes for Philadelphia bartenders.

Connect with Brandon on Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

CW: Language

Hello! I’m MG the Venue Specialist! I want to take you on a journey through the numerous facets of the hospitality and entertainment industry, introducing you to my friends and colleagues here in Philadelphia. We’ll dive into some serious topics, but we want you to feel like you’re having a beverage with us - sharing stories and learning from one another. 

Although I’m relatively new to the wedding industry, I've spent the last decade working in hospitality, specifically in craft beer sales and education. I loved the relationship aspect of the beer industry, and it seamlessly translated to the connections I have formed with venues and event industry professionals. 

I started MG the Venue Specialist only a year prior to the pandemic. I saw a need for those who were frustrated by the event and wedding planning process because they couldn’t get over the first hurdle - finding the perfect venue. SO THEN the world shifts and events move “Beyond the Venue”. 

So here we are! Season 1 starts Friday, March 19th and new episodes will be released every Friday!

Kizzy and I met (virtually!) in January when she joined a research project I had been working on for the previous few months. We learned during this podcast recording that she and I will have class together this upcoming semester, meaning we will get to meet IRL for the first time! Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an adjunct professor, part- time EdD student, and full-time Assistant Director of Academics and Student Services, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Passion for Student Success
• Life as K-12 Teacher in Baltimore
• Importance of Self-Reflection to Find Your “What’s Next”
• The Difference Between an EdD and a PhD
• Mutual Dislike for 4pm Friday Meetings
• Physical Exercise as an Outlet
• What to do about AI as an Educator

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Research Approaches & Life Methodologies 404 with Kizzy Davis”.

About the Guest:

Kizzy Davis, Doctoral Student, Adjunct Associate Professor, Assistant Director of Academics and Student Services

Kizzy, a powerhouse in the field of education with over two decades dedicated to transforming learning environments and advocating for marginalized student populations. 

Kizzy’s career has been a journey through nearly every role in K-12 education, from teaching students as young as five to guiding adults as old as sixty. Her extensive experience spans roles such as Teacher, Mentor, Workforce Instructor, Admission Counselor, and Academic Advisor. This rich background underscores her deep commitment to education and her passion for making a difference.

With a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Kizzy's academic foundation is as solid as her practical experience. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services at Temple University’s Center City campus, where she plays a pivotal role in student support—from navigating academic programs to career exploration and ensuring student success.

In addition to her role at Temple University, Kizzy is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Human Development, where she teaches General Education courses. She is also an active member of the College Success Research Collaborative (CSRC), which bridges practice, research, policy, and action to enhance the academic and social experiences of postsecondary students.

Kizzy is now pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education at Temple University, aiming to further her impact and ascend to higher levels of leadership within the field. Her dedication and vision are set on continuing to drive change and foster equitable opportunities in higher education.

Follow Kizzy on Instagram.

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Three Literacy & Learning doctoral students walk into a classroom…and they were super kind and wonderful to MG, the lone non-literacy doctoral student! The four of us shared every Wednesday night together this past Spring Semester, and just like last week’s guest Amy, our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an international doctoral student or what it’s like to be a full time middle school teacher while obtaining their PhD, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Managing a Full Time Job, Full Time Family, & Part Time PhD
• What exactly is “literacy” how does it play a role in preserving democracy?
• Preconceived Notions About US Universities
• Learning to Speak with Agency
• Reading Motivation
• Teaching the Teachers

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Making Meaning of Meaning Making 403 with MG’s “Learning to Read Classmates” Janine Conti, Youngseo Kim, & Drew Gingrich.

About the Guests:

Janine Conti, English Language Arts Teacher

Janine Conti is a middle school English Language Arts teacher living in New Jersey with her husband, three kids, and a dog. She is pursuing her doctorate in education and plans to use the knowledge and skills gained from her career in the K-12 setting to support and inspire pre-service teachers as they enter the profession. When she is not in the classroom, Janine enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and reading.

Follow Janine on Instagram.

Youngseo Kim, PhD student.

Youngseo Kim is an International PhD student at Temple university and is from South Korea. He is studying in the Literacy and Learners program. He is interested in finding how to motivate, engage, and have fun to read for school age people. He likes books (especially cartoons), dramas, beer, and wine. He has recently completed watching House of cards season 2.

Drew Gingrich, Teacher and Doctoral Student

Drew Gingrich is a 6th grade teacher and a pro-public education advocate. He received his master's degree in education from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Penn State University. Drew believes passionately that education is a practice of freedom that can lead to our individual and collective liberation and freedom. Drew is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts and the belief that education can lead to a more equitable, just, and transformed future. 

Follow Drew on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Beyond the Venue on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Amy and I met in our first semester as full-time PhD students in our Philosophical Foundations of Educational Research class. Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a doctoral student in her 40s, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• What exactly is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst?
• Why NOT Teaching?
• Ineffectiveness of “Band-Aid” Solutions
• Importance of Effective Training for those who Teach
• Emotional Transition Required for the PhD
• Morphology of a Writing Group

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, “Philosophical Foundations of Friendship 402 with Amy Wasersztein”.

About the Guest:

Amy Wasersztein is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and Pennsylvania licensed behavior specialist (LBS). She holds a Masters degree in behavior analysis and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in special education. She has held a variety of roles in clinical and educational settings serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over fifteen years. Amy’s primary research interests are improving fidelity of evidence-based behavioral and teaching practices in special education.   

Amy enjoys spending time with her son, husband, friends and family, traveling, reading, and watching bad reality television!

To learn more about Amy’s research, you can check out her publications here. 

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Beyond the Venue Podcast is back for a 4th and final season! Episode 1 is my reflection on the past year and a half, starting with my acceptance to Temple in January through my first year as a doctoral student. For anyone curious about what life is like as an entrepreneur and hospitality professional turned academic, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Saying Goodbye to MG the Venue Specialist
• Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together
• A Dramatic Reading of my Favorite Assignment
• Staying True to my Hospitality Roots
• My Unorthodox Trajectory
• My Love for Beyoncé
• Grateful for Having Taken Qual before Quant

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reflections on Senior Year 401” featuring your host, MG Hodge!

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Only a few weeks left of the semester to go, so it’s fitting time to wrap up Season 3!

In Reflections on Junior Year, I share a part of my Statement of Goals that I have been working on over the last several weeks as a part of my PhD application. Taking a PhD level course has been great, but the work I’m having to do to get in is HARD! One of the things I’m trying to better articulate is my WHY. It was so easy as an entrepreneur, but trying to get that elevator pitch version of “why a PhD in Education” has been a work in progress.

Thank you to all of my guests this past season! You all received a personalized thank you in this reflection! Thank you to my students - every single one of you I’ve taught since I was a TA for the freshman business class at Drexel! And of course, I am so grateful to every single person who has taken the time to listen to this podcast. 

Since I’ll be taking Quantitative Research next year, here are a few stats on the podcast:

1,606 total downloads as of November 18, 2022 at 4:12 pm while I’m on a train to BWI - VACATION!!

Industry Shifts with Brandon Thrash, my very first episode, continues to be the most downloaded at 99, followed by Reflections on Sophomore Year with yours truly at 83!

PhD applications are due December 1st, and I’m supposed to hear back in March. I will be teaching again this coming Spring, but instead of Leadership, I’ll be teaching Organizational Processes. And Team Processes is going back to 100% in person! So next semester will be yet another rollercoaster, but you know me, I’m along for the ride!

Follow @beyondthevenuepodcast on IG for updates!