Explore every episode of the podcast At the Table with HopToi Mahjong

The Mahjong table has entered its accessory era. 😂

This week, we’re talking dice dishes, Joker Jail, and why Mahjong mats are suddenly the thing everyone needs on their table. Cathy also shares the story behind her incredible antique Mahjong set she found in California, and of course, we get into the things that make Mahjong tables just a little more fun, fabulous, and personal.

Because apparently, playing Mahjong isn’t enough. We also need the perfect accessories.

Pull up a chair and join us at the table!

We’re talking about one of our favorite things: MAHJONG TILES, RACKS, MATS. From vintage beauties and hand-painted sets to quirky designs and tiles with a story, we’re sharing all the sets we love, the ones we’re dying to get our hands on, and what makes a set truly special. Consider this your permission to have a serious tile obsession.

We have a mystery guest at the table, and he’s here to make the case for why more men should be playing American Mahjong. He went from self-proclaimed Mahjong Widow to what he calls North America’s Best Male-Jong Player. 😂

We get his take on why guys should play, what he’s learned from the ladies, and whether he can actually back up those Male-Jong credentials. Plus, he answers our completely unqualified, totally random “Dr. Questions” and somehow survives the experience.

It’s Mahjong, men, questionable medical advice, and a whole lot of laughs.

This week we're covering all the mahjong chatter that's been filling our group texts. We dive into the latest tile drops, debate whether getting on the Crisloid waiting list is really worth it, and Susan is back with another edition of Sports Minute. Then we tackle a question we promise is all in good fun: Should men be profiting off mahjong? (Relax... we're kidding. Everyone is welcome at our table.)

Pour yourself a drink, shuffle those tiles, and join us for plenty of laughs, a few opinions, and maybe even a hot take or two.

This week, we're tackling one of the biggest etiquette questions in mahjong: Should players be able to make up their own table rules at public events? What happens when someone starts telling beginners to play by their rules instead of the rules everyone signed up for? We share our thoughts on handling these situations while keeping the game welcoming for everyone.

Plus, we're celebrating Catherine's birthday, Susan is counting down the days until football season is back (finally!), and Lauren shares her controversial opinion that everyone should just play with the NMJL card. Agree? Disagree? We know you'll have thoughts.

Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join us for laughs, mahjong chatter, and a little friendly debate.

We're back from our summer adventures and catching up on all things mahjong, travel, and life. We chat about sister fights (because are you even sisters if you don't occasionally fight?), share what's new in the mahjong world, and, after binge-watching Nobody Wants This, Lauren has an unexpected realization... Catherine is a shiksa, which, according to Lauren's understanding, is a hot blonde who's married to a Jewish man. Tune in to find out if she's right.

What happens when a group of Mahjong players with completely different opinions sits down at the same table?

This podcast is proof that you don't have to agree on everything to enjoy each other's company.

We're from all corners of the spectrum; different political views, different food preferences, different wellness philosophies, different backgrounds, and definitely different opinions on just about everything. One of us is trying the latest health trend while another thinks it's ridiculous. One loves bone broth, another won't touch a dead cow. We debate, we laugh, we occasionally roll our eyes.

But then we sit down at the Mahjong table.

And somehow, all those differences become part of the fun.

Join us for lively conversations about Mahjong, life, friendships, trends, culture, and the things we agree, and disagree, on. We'll share stories from around the table, discuss the latest in the Mahjong world, and prove that friendly debate and genuine connection can still exist in a world that often feels divided.

Because at the end of the day, we may not agree on politics, wellness trends, food, fashion, or much else...

But we do agree on Mahj.

Come for the opinions. Stay for the Mahjong. And remember: it's all love, until someone steals your joker. 🀄💕

This week on At the Table with SWFL Mahjong, we’re saying what everyone is thinking: some fashion trends need to stay in the group chat. We’re talking the styles we just can’t get behind, the mahjong tiles we are absolutely DYING to get our hands on, and the emotional rollercoaster of being stuck in a mahjong winning drought.

From questionable outfits to joker dreams and table superstitions, this episode is equal parts mahj talk, hot takes, and chaotic best-friend energy. So grab your coffee, shuffle the tiles, and join us at the table.

This week we chat new mahjong tile drop drama, mystery illnesses, questionable dairy choices, and a deep dive into Susan’s horse girl past.

Spring is still attacking Susan (or maybe it’s a sinus infection — the jury is out). Thankfully Dr. Catherine steps in with her completely official medical opinion on what’s going on and why cottage cheese absolutely should not be trusted.

Plus, Susan shares her insider perspective on the Kentucky Derby, what it was like growing up a full-fledged horse girl.

Come for the girls weekend chaos, stay for the medical advice you probably shouldn’t follow and the Derby energy you didn’t know you needed.

This week on the podcast we’re sharing highlights from our girls weekend in beautiful Cashiers, North Carolina with the girls from Mahj in the City, the same crew behind the Bambird Scramble League!

Mahj in the City brought players together for a fun mahjong filled weekend centered around open play, connection, and community, and High Hampton was the perfect mountain setting for it all. Between the cozy lodge spaces, incredible views, and nonstop games, it was such a special weekend at the tables.

We’re sharing favorite moments from the trip, a little mahj table drama, and why mahj getaways like this are so much fun.

In this episode Lauren calls mahj… and it was not mahj. Catherine is absolutely thrilled, and we’re breaking down how the wrong dragons made it happen and why checking your hand matters more than you think. Plus a little Mahj Lore 101 as we cover the Unger family and somehow end up discussing Khloé and Lamar drama too. Strategy, etiquette, and classic table talk all in one episode.

This week we’re covering the Masters, how we met and clearing up one very important Mahjong misconception:
they’re not blanks… they’re replacement tiles.

If you’ve ever wondered how replacement tiles work in American Mahjong or felt confused as a beginner learning Mahjong tiles, we explain it in a simple, friendly way.

Somewhere along the way we also discuss what happens if aliens take Catherine and why they’ll have to come get her.

Whether you’re brand new and trying to learn Mahjong, or already deep in your tile era, this episode is part origin story, part Mahjong myth-busting, and part completely unserious contingency planning.

Grab your tiles, pick your Masters favorites, and come hang with us.

In this episode, we’re talking about a question that’s been coming up a lot lately in the mahjong world and beyond: are we too quick to tear down women who are doing well? 

We share our thoughts following the recent conversation around Oh My Mahjong and explore what it really means to support other women—especially in growing communities like mahjong.

Then we get into another classic debate: are you more comfortable with guys or girls? (According to Lauren… there’s only one right answer.) We talk about being a girls’ girl, building strong tables, and why women supporting women matters more than ever.

We’re also joined by the sweet and seriously cool Giuliana Sisk of Palm Beach Mahjong to chat about her mahjong community, friendship at the table, and the Palm Beach mahj scene. 

Giuliana will also be our special guest at Marissa Collections on April 6, and we can’t wait to play together in person!

If you love mahjong, thoughtful conversation, and a little red-flag energy along the way… this episode’s for you. 

New card season is officially here and we’re already spiraling. Do you memorize it immediately like it’s your full-time job, or take the slow-and-steady approach and let it come to you over the year? We’re debating both strategies and exposing which camp we fall into.

Then we pivot into main character energy - when it’s empowering, when it’s delusional, and why maybe your kids shouldn’t always be the main character in your story. Inspired by the new show Madison, we get into the fine line between giving your kids everything… and giving them too much.

And of course, we had to discuss the latest Bachelorette chaos because what is going on?? We break down the drama, the decisions, and the secondhand embarrassment we cannot look away from.

Mahjong, mindset, parenting hot takes, and reality TV, exactly what you signed up for.

Mahjong players all have their superstitions… and we are no exception. In this episode we dive into the little rituals, beliefs, and downright paranoia that show up at the mahjong table. Are the tiles sentient? Do they punish you if you complain about your hand?

We also discuss the one thing every mahjong player is currently obsessing over: the upcoming 2026 NMJL card. Are we calmly waiting? Absolutely not.

Plus, we go down a rabbit hole about Love Story, the lore around JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and whether this whole story we heard could possibly be real.

Mahjong superstition, pop culture tangents, and the eternal question: are the tiles actually listening?

This week we say goodbye to sweet Fern Berstein of the Mahjong Mondays podcast, honoring the light she brought to the mahjong community and the friendships built around the table.

We break down the Bridgerton finale, and yes, we are still convinced Benedict’s perfect match was the tall, dark, handsome man from episode one. Sorry, Sofie.

We talk about why apologizing to your friends matters, because repair builds stronger relationships than pride ever will.

And finally, should we all pick a lane in traffic and in life, or can we be like Benedict and occupy them all?

Grief, gossip, growth, and a little chaos.

This episode is a little bit literature, a little bit mahj, and very much superstition coded. We’re talking Wuthering Heights, adjusting your Mahjong expectations as a beginner, and most importantly the Year of the Fire Horse. We break down what this powerful and slightly dramatic year means and what not to do and not do for luck, beginning on the Chinese New Year, February 17th.

Fair warning, our audio is a little wonky this episode. Please don’t judge. We’re just three girls doing our best 🔥🐎🍜

This week we’re talking the “Bunny Bowl” -aka the Super Bowl-because Bad Bunny is taking over the halftime show. 🐰🎤 We also unpack why Susan might suddenly be a hockey fan (is it just a very entertaining boy aquarium?), and we wrap it up with the latest mahjong tiles you need to see right now. Fun, unserious, and very on brand. 🀄️😜

This week, we’re covering it all. From our Grammys hot takes (fashion, snubs, and moments we’re still thinking about) to a candid conversation on why not every headline needs to turn political. We try to live life with Cher's energy namely her legendary quote, “Mom, I am a rich man" . We take a quick detour into our current obsession with Bridgerton, because escapism matters, and then get back to the table to break down the difference between tournament play and open play events. Whether you’re here for pop culture, thoughtful conversation, or mahjong strategy, this episode proves there’s room for all of it.

SWFL Mahj Is Back at the Table

The SWFL Mahj crew is officially all back together after the holidays and the energy is unmatched. In this episode, we chat all things Taylor Swift, sip on crisp Sancerre, and share exciting updates on upcoming SWFL Mahj events you won’t want to miss.

We also get a highly anticipated update on IguanaGate because yes, it’s cold in Florida and yes, the iguanas are literally falling from the trees. Consider this your official wildlife and mahjong crossover moment.

We dive into gameplay using the Big Card from The Mahjong Line, breaking down strategy, laughs, and plenty of table-side commentary. And of course, Catherine once again delivers her signature competitive flair, proving that winning is an art form, especially when paired with elite-level trash talk.

It’s equal parts mahjong, lifestyle, friendship, and fun. Pull up a chair. You’re always welcome at our table.

Welcome back to the show! Today we are at the table with the one and only Jenna Baum, who, along with her husband Matt, is the visionary behind Backyard Social in Fort Myers! Jenna is here to spill some exciting inside secrets about what’s coming next for Backyard Social’s restaurants and future projects.

We also dive into Susan’s childhood obsession with both Jenna and volleyball, and talk about what it’s really like growing up in Fort Myers and choosing to move back home.

On top of that, we chat about the sections in the brand-new international card from Oh My Mahjong. 🀄

Plus, Backyard Social is hosting a Children’s Entrepreneur Market this Saturday, and you absolutely should check it out! Head over to backyardsocial.com for all the details and to plan your visit.

Let’s jump in! 🎉

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Levene, our favorite Botox wizard, for a conversation that blends skincare, lasers, and mahjong. Sara shares her expert perspective on why facial symmetry isn’t actually the goal when it comes to looking refreshed, how she approaches injectables with balance and intention, and what people often get wrong about skincare and treatments.

We also talk mahjong, including her best advice at the table, and why the game pairs so well with great conversation and calming energy (which Sara has plenty of). If you’re curious about aesthetics, thoughtful beauty, or just love a good mahjong moment, this episode is for you.

We’re back with our annual holiday mahj and champagne tasting tradition 🍾🀄️ cards clacking, tiles flying, and bubbles flowing. This year we welcomed Arielle to the table, who definitely did not buy her way in with a fancy bottle of Egly-Ouriet Brut Champagne… just kidding. We love her. And we loved the champagne.

Alongside Arielle’s Egly-Ouriet, we popped Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve, and Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Aÿ Champagne-because holiday mahj deserves nothing less.

At the table: Arielle holds her own like a seasoned pro, Susan plays impressively despite being fully powered by allergy meds, Catherine-true to form-is neither a good winner nor a good loser but still manages a solid second place, Lauren takes first (per usual), and Lauren (also per usual) is just happy to be there.

We also attempt to coin a new mahj term for that hand that’s almost heavenly but still a win within a few tiles. Is it destiny? Skill? Champagne? We’re calling it a “Lucky Linda.”

Cheers to tradition, tiles, and top-tier bubbles. 🥂

This episode goes completely off the rails in the best way. We somehow cover everything from what we want to Christmas, merkins to the early-2000s trends making an unexpected comeback, while Susan shares her unwavering obsession with the Hurricanes football team. Catherine updates us on her ongoing war with the local iguanas (no spoilers, but the iguanas are still winning).

Arielle joins the chaos and recounts how we technically taught her to play mahjong, by throwing her straight into the deep end and wishing her luck. No lessons, no mercy, just vibes.

It’s funny, unfiltered, and a perfect snapshot of why nothing ever goes exactly as planned around here.

Our Friendsgiving episode features the inspiring Laura Jane McGee, the entrepreneur who hired us for our very first SWFL Mahjong event at her store, Ives, a few years ago.

Laura shares how she caught the “entrepreneur bug” from growing up in a family of creative business owners, and how those early influences shaped her own path. We also dive into gratitude, community, and what we’re all most thankful for this season.

A heartfelt conversation about family, entrepreneurship, and finding gratitude along the journey all while celebrating the game that brought us together.

We dive into the growing ‘card-troversy’ shaking the mahjong world. With two new playing cards entering the scene and challenging the long-standing National Mahjong League card, we unpack what’s changing, why players are divided, and how these new options could redefine how we play. Whether you’re team OG or team New Wave, this episode breaks down everything you need to know.