Around The Table Podcast

In this week’s episode, we discuss emotional health and share our thoughts on practical ways to cultivate mental and emotional well-being. We also offer some practical tips for improving both writing and cooking skills. If you’ve had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute. What you’ll hear: Maggie's Diet Mountain Dew confession The role of relationships in emotional well being Thoughts on authenticity, self-awareness, and living outwardly The benefits of practicing thankfulness A few tips on how to become a better writer and chef Can I quote you on that? “I’m making an educated decision, it’s just the wrong one.” – Maggie “Close relationships depend on a lot of things, but one thing that they do not depend on is making sure people have a positive opinion of you all the time." – Jacey “It's not doing yourself or anyone else any favors to pretend to be ok when you’re not.” – Jacey “Treat yourself like a toddler.” – Jacey “One of the ways we ca

In this Five on Friday episode, we are sharing five awkward (but unavoidable) conversations, and how to make them more bearable: Calling it quits with a job Anything relating to money Assumed life stages i.e. "Do you think you'll have kids soon?" or "Are you dating anyone?" Relationship conversations i.e. break ups or the "DTR" Holding ground when you disagree The post Five on Friday: Awkward Conversations appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we host our third book club with B.J. Novak's collection of short stories, One More Thing, and we discuss what we're reading, watching, listening and following.  BUT FIRST! We would love for you to fill out our survey. It helps us create a better podcast and also lets us know a little bit about you, the listener. Find the survey HERE and don't forget to share your email address to be entered to win a $30 Amazon gift card! What you'll hear: Why Maggie doesn't love the short story genre Our favorite stories from One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories Why Jacey doesn't rewatch or reread things, and why Maggie does What we're reading, watching, listening and following lately! Can I quote you on that? "Slow and steady wins the race until truth and talent take their place." - excerpt from "The Rematch," our favorite story in One More Thing "Even if you have an eternal amount of time, you're going to use your time to do the things you want to do." Maggie "It's not that I don't have a heart; it ju

This week, we are joined by Gretchen Saffles of Life Lived Beautifully. We discuss the slippery slope of body image, instilling purpose in dressing up, and 90s music we still know by heart. We will be giving away one of Gretchen's beautiful 'Be Still and Know' mugs, so make sure to follow us on Instagram and keep an eye out for details on how to enter! What you'll hear: What it means to 'Be Still and Know' Gretchen's story of struggling with an eating disorder Where Jesus fits into style, fashion, and outward appearances Why Gretchen likes eating with tall people Why us 90s kids have to stick together Can I quote you on that? "The words 'be still' also mean to sink deep and to cease striving." - Gretchen "I've got this blank reminder on my mug that it's not about the caffeine that gets me through the day, it's about Christ and His strength." - Gretchen "Comparison was the very first thing I started struggling with." - Gretchen on her battle with an eating disorder. "This is not just about clothing. Our outwar

In this episode we share all of our favorite things about summer! Summer food, summer fashion, summer festivities. BUT FIRST! We would love for you to fill out our survey. It helps us create a better podcast and also lets us know a little bit about you, the listener. Find the survey HERE and don't forget to share your email address to be entered to win a $30 Amazon gift card! What you'll hear: A white chocolate fountain horror story Thoughts on breaking up with your dentist Our typical summer activities Summer style thoughts and tips Our summer food favorites, including what's in season Can I quote you on that? "You need to be able to feel comfortable when someone's hands are in your mouth." - Maggie "Let's use this season to kind of rest from innovation, do well what we're already doing, but be ready to go and grow in the fall." - Maggie "That's something that I don't love about summer...that I have to take so many more showers." - Jacey "I love hotdogs." - Jacey 'Tomato Sandwiches are a thing." - Maggie "St

Welcome to this Around the Table Lunch Break with Val Keinsley of Vallarina Creative. In this episode, we discuss using storytelling and creativity for a cause, who is eating at McDonald's, and whatever happened to Amelia Earhart. What you'll hear: The amazing work the Archibald Project is doing around the world The power of media missions and story telling Why life sometimes calls for Filet-O-Fish Our plans to start a social media revolution Can I quote you on that? "Personal stories have the power to change the world." - Val Keinsley "We tell the story of an organization, and then we put it out there, harnessing the power of the internet and social media, and give people a way to support that organization if that is what they want to do." - Val Keinsley "Sometimes we go days on end of eating super clean, paleo, only chickens that were hugged, and sung to, and loved in their life."- Val Keinsley "I'm a perfectionist, gonna do it all, and make it all seem like its rainbows and butterflies. But it's not, and s

This week, Maggie interviews Jacey about her European travels and they talk about the concept of "home." What you'll hear: Stories from Jacey's trip and an update on Maggie's life What it's like to go on an overnight train What "home" means to us How to handle homesickness Can I quote you on that? "I feel like if the Skimm were to do a Louvre tour, that's what we did." Maggie "Heaven is like this, all together around the table." Jacey "How can you pay a euro thirty for the best cappuccino you've ever had, and if you want anything close to that here, it's $6 and served with a side of pretension?" Jacey, on how America is getting coffee wrong "What lasts is not often the thing we spend most of our time trying to attain or give attention to. Money doesn't last. Fame doesn't last." Jacey "Be all in on the things that matter." Jacey "Three things make up  home: people, place and purpose." Maggie "There is a distinction between homesickness and a longing to feel at home where you are." Maggie "The sooner you have a

In this Five on Friday episode, we are sharing five conundrums. These are the questions that plague us and that we would genuinely love your feedback on. Maggie: What to do when you forget someone's name. How to navigate that awkward moment on a date when the bill arrives. One word: sweat. Hug or handshake? To tri or not to tri. That is the question. Jacey: Should she grow out her bangs? Why do we still insist on opening presents in front of a group? How can we make this less uncomfortable? What is the balance between being present in a moment and still allowing for the effort it takes to capture the moment (to share on social media, of course). Jacey Verdicchio (sp?) vs. The Balanced Wife. The accidental 'like' on Instagram or Facebook...WHAT DO YOU DO?! Image by @jensane The post Five on Friday: Conundrums appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

We rarely discuss news on this show, but for those of us who call Charleston home, and many around the country, conversations around our actual kitchen tables this weekend revolved around the horrific church massacre that took place last week. We had a very different episode recorded, but feel compelled to talk about this crime in particular, but also loving well in the midst of tragedy on a community or personal level.  We approach the mic hesitantly, but we offer our thoughts humbly, not because we offer incredible wisdom or insight, but because to stay silent given our proximity and love for our Charleston community would make us complicit in the problem. Quotes from the episode: "People in Charleston are feeling mournful; there's a somber mood and a sense of the community coming together, but there's also challenge, and rightfully so." Jacey, on the mood in Charleston post shooting "Right now there's a community of people hurting, of people whose lives will never be the same. When do you open up the conve

In this episode, Maggie is joined by a special guest host - her friend and documentary film maker, Lyttanya Shannon. They discuss the inspiring work that Lyttanya is involved in, share what they're reading, watching, listening to, and following this month, and compare British and American terminology. But first, if you’ve had a chance to rate and review our show on iTunes, THANK YOU! If not, would you please? It only takes a minute. What you'll hear: The British version of a Southern accent Lyttanya's journey to becoming a documentary film maker The challenges of telling stories of survival and hardship A lovely poem about plums The correct(?) way to pronounce 'herb' What we're reading, watching, listening to, and following this month Can I quote you on that? "The people who don't have a voice or don't have a medium t0 share their stories are often the ones who we learn the most from." - Lyttanya "I'm drawn to stories of survival." - Lyttanya "When you're directing...the camera is almost like a barrier." - Ly

Joining us around the table is Michelle Conley Cherry, a style Instagrammer and Maggie’s childhood friend. We chat about what’s behind the outfit of the day post, Maggie’s rebellious streak, summer style, and eyebrows on fleek. What you’ll hear: The definition and art of truck diving How many pictures are taken to capture the outfit of the day shot that gets posted How Michelle went from Instagram hobbyist to professional What style Instagrammers Michelle follows Summer style tips and trends Can I quote you on that? “Really awesome things are often accidental.” - Michelle Conley Cherry “I noticed how you could transform Instagram and social media into a business.” - Michelle Conley Cherry “The best everyday accessory is your eyebrows.” - Michelle Conley Cherry “I am all about the Birkenstocks.” - Michelle Conley Cherry “You can laugh at me and with me.” - Michelle Conley Cherry Links @julesdenby @alwaysjudging @damselindior @sincerelyjules Loeffler Randall (Michelle mentioned the pool slides) Connect with Mic

In this episode, we'll be talking about ways to boost your creativity, and a recipe for the perfect beach day.  What you'll hear: Ideas to help you be more creative The snacks, drinks, apparel and gear you need for a perfect beach day Can I quote you on that? "When it comes to improving your craft, you definitely want to be intentional in finding inspiration." Maggie "We should be able to bold and strong and sensitive at the same time." Jacey "I don't need to buck up. I don't need to get a thicker skin. That means things are going to hurt me more. That means I'm not going to be immune to criticism. That's a key to my creativity is well; I'm more permeable." Jacey "I think Instagram can be inspiring, but it can also drain you from your own ideas because you're seeing so much of everyone else's." Jacey "Live your life with an eye toward creativity." Jacey "The thing I love about watermelon is that you can pick it up with your salty, beachy hands and it adds to the flavor." Maggie "If you're going to have a cock

In this Five on Friday episode, we each share five things we should say more often. Short answers below, and listen in for our explanation of WHY we should say these things more often! Maggie: "No." "Nothing." "You're brave." "Help," and "Can I help you?" "Hi." Jacey: "Thank you." "I'm sorry." "You're enough." "I forgive you." "I'm proud of you." Image by @jensane The post Five on Friday: things we should say more often appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of a dream job and how it affects our career expectations. We also play a rousing game of 'Would You Rather...' What you’ll hear: Our definition of a ‘dream job’ and a breakdown of some of the most popular dream jobs A discussion on how the desire for meaningful work affects job expectations and performance Jacey and Maggie divulge some of their dream jobs An insightful game of ‘Would you Rather...’ Can I quote you on that? “People want to stuff their faces all the time.” - Maggie “There is a tendency to major on the dream and minor on the job.” - Jacey “We put too much stock in our jobs fulfilling us.” – Maggie “Our (generation’s) expectations for dream jobs are way out of proportion with reality and set us up for disappointment and disillusionment.” – Jacey “We’ve taken opportunity and turned it into birthright.” – Ted Harro, Huffington Post “It’s important to have a healthy balance between gratitude and aspiration.” – Jacey "Don’t let your passions die at the expense

In this episode we chat with Lindsay from Lindsay Letters. We discuss the addictive powers of hummus, adult onset ADD, different creative outlets, and the best places to eat in East Nashville.  What you’ll hear: Lindsay’s journey to launching her creative business Thoughts on decorating, cooking, and some of Lindsay's other creative outlets A few recommendations on where to eat in Nashville Our brilliant hummus trough idea Interesting last-meal requests from inmates on death row The one food we would eat on a desert island Can I quote you on that? “I’m going to go ahead and make what I think is cool and see if other people think it’s cool, too. And by the grace of god, they do.” - Lindsay Sherbondy “I’m ADD, but what that means is that I can hyper-focus on things that I care about...I try and embrace it when it works.” - Lindsay Sherbondy "Cooking is my number one creative outlet. I follow a recipe the first time but the rest of the time I just kind of make it up. And that is really fun for me." - Lindsay She

In this episode, we discuss living with a chronic or ongoing illness - how to handle it emotionally, mentally and spiritually - how Jacey was diagnosed with lupus, and Maggie's year long battle with a mono-like virus. What you'll hear: What we've been eating The story of Jacey's lupus diagnosis at age 14 How Jacey has reconciled a chronic illness with a good God The emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of long term illness, and how we learned to deal with them. Can I quote you on that? "Maybe that was a bit of a wake up call, and I need to take a break from smoked or cured meats." Maggie "It's really difficult when someone tells you, 'This is chronic and it will never go away,' to not go to two extremes: one is 'head in the sand' and the other is taking that on as part of your identity." Jacey "It's not a betrayal of my faith or a weakness to rest." Jacey "Whenever you think you don't believe enough, that's a really dangerous place to be." Jacey "It doesn't make Him any less faithful whether I'm healed

Maggie's questions: What's the first thing that pops into your head as something you're thankful for from this past year? What is one thing you've learned about yourself this past year? What relationship (outside of your marriage) has had the greatest impact on you this past year? What is a relationship that exists in your life that you'd like to invest in this year? What style or fashion risk would you like to take on? Jacey's questions: How have you grown since your last birthday? Where do you want to grow in this coming year? What were some highlights from the past year? What losses and struggles did you endure this past year? What do you want for dessert? Links: How-old.net Image by @jensane The post Five on Friday: questions to ask yourself on your birthday appeared first on Around the Table Podcast.

In this week’s episode, we offer our monthly Read/Watch/Listen/Follow recommendations (you may notice a comedic theme) and host our second Around the Table book club where we discuss Donald Miller's latest book, Scary Close.  What you’ll hear: What we’re reading, watching, listening to, and following this month A shameless pun or two Jacey’s nightmare-inducing book recommendations Some of our favorite quotes from Donald Miller’s latest book, Scary close A few thoughts on ambition and how it affects relationships Our next book club choice Can I quote you on that?: “We don’t think of our flaws as the glue that binds us to the people we love, but they are. Grace only sticks to your imperfections.” – Donald Miller “Without imperfection, there is no space for grace. There is no need for it.” – Maggie “The closest relationships are the people that know my flaws, that accept me, that challenge me to be better, but that also extend grace.” – Jacey “I’m the kind of person who wants to present my most honest, authentic

In this episode, we chat with Theresa of Theresa M. Meacham Designs and www.theresammeacham.com. We discuss living abroad, counting your blessings, and one very memorable schnitzel experience. What you’ll hear: What Theresa has learned about hospitality while living overseas. Some of the major challenges of living abroad. Keys to finding a new normal in a new place. The importance of practicing gratitude. A story about the power of Schnitzel. Can I quote you on that? “It makes all the difference when someone risks their own comfort to greet me in the confines of mine.” – Theresa “Living overseas, the highs are a little bit higher and the lows are a little bit lower.” – Theresa “Put yourself in a place to be hosted.” – Maggie “The more you notice, the more you notice.” – Theresa "We need to become nuanced in our blessings.” – Mark Batterson “You make your biggest gains when you push through the hardest points.” – Theresa Meacham Links: Connect with Theresa on instagram, twitter, and her blog. Check out Theresa

In this episode, we discuss the surprising benefits of gossip and how it plays out in our lives, as well as talents we wish we had and new hobby horizons we'd like to explore. What you'll hear: Research that suggests benefits of gossip A rule of thumb for whether to say something behind someone's back or not What to do to disengage when you're party to gossip Ways we justify gossip when we shouldn't Talents we'd love to have and hobbies we'd still like to conquer Can I quote you on that? "If I'm venting to you about someone you don't know, is it gossip?" Maggie "As a rule of thumb, I try to ask myself, 'is this something I'm willing to bring up to this person's face?'" Jacey "In the same way that you want to extend grace to the object of the gossip, you also want to extend grace to the gossiper." Maggie "I'm making people feel insecure about my friendship if I'm gossiping to them." Jacey "Gossip is one of the major enemies of vulnerability." Maggie "When we do talk about other people, let's make it positive a