Advertise on podcast: Making Room by Gather

A few months back I met John O'Leary at an event, after not knowing much about him before that. His humility, integrity, and wisdom shined through and quickly I recognized that that type of leadership and relationship honest come without a story ...and that story needed to be heard.  John O’Leary’s story began at nine years old, when a house fire left him burned on 100% of his body and given less than a 1% chance to live. Followed by years of hidden pain, stubborn hope, and a community that refused to let go. We sit with John to explore the heart behind Soul on Fire, the Sony film based on his life.  If you’ve felt stretched thin as a new parent, lonely while building a business, or stuck in a season where yesterday feels better than tomorrow, this conversation offers practical hope.  Stream Soul on Fire on Netflix or Amazon, then come back and tell us what moved you most. If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a reason to believe the best is still ahead. Learn more about Soul on Fire  Learn more about John O'Leary  -------- This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Ten Boom Coffee- Order your favorite blends from a brand that supports worldwide communities and gives back with every purchase! Use code GATHER for 15% your first order  Support the show

Do you buy wine based on the label? *No shame* Me too!  With the holidays, literally HERE, I wanted to chat with a winemaker to give answers to my questions!  We sit down with winemaker Andrea Card to make holiday wine approachable. Talking about the average day of a professional wine maker (Spoiler- it doesn't include daily charcuterie) to the process behind selecting labels this conversation is seasonal, light hearted and will lead you to you next best bottle of Prosecco *promise!*  • Do wine makers get drunk at work (I know you're wondering too!)   • Pairing made easy through complement or contrast  •   Why bubbles work with almost everything • Diamond Prosecco style, origin, and serving idea • The incredible experience that visiting Francis Ford Coppola offers!  It's a season of celebration and well, this conversation is the perfect listen (and inspiration) as you set your table to celebrate!  This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Creative Crayons Workshop- Purchase your own coloring tablecloth for the holidays (Or to keep your littles entertained while you listen to the show!) Use code KAYTY at checkout to save.  Ten Boom Coffee- Order your favorite blends from a brand that supports worldwide communities and gives back with every purchase! Use code GATHER for 15% your first order  Support the show

What if the missing link in your health story isn’t another pill, but intentional choices in your home, your gut, and a season of new conversations about health? We sit down with Dr. Ann Shippy, engineer turned board-certified functional medicine physician, to map a practical route from unexplained symptoms to real recovery.  When conventional care couldn’t explain a sudden crash in her health, she became her own experiment and uncovered the systems thinking that now guides her patients toward lasting change. We dig into the important conversation of mold in our homes as an overlooked driver of illness. You’ll learn how to test your space with composite dust sampling, when it’s time to move to cleaner air, and the tools that promote healing.  Whether you're interested in the conversation of longevity, pre-conception, mold and autoimmune disease this conversation is for you!  If you’re ready to replace questions with answers and quick fixes with real life health transformations, this conversation gives you hope.  This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Creative Crayons Workshop- Purchase your own coloring tablecloth for the holidays (Or to keep your littles entertained while you listen to the show!) Use code KAYTY at checkout to save.  Support the show

Justin Earley found himself in a life rattling season in his early 30's. This unexpected, and at times, dark season reveled a profound truth: your heart follows your habits. Through this deeply personal, and relatable conversation  we explore the habits that actually lead to the changes we long for in our relationships, health and overall lives. Through this conversation you will hear more on the topics of:  • living beyond labels and why naming is not fixing • life as a garden not a machine • breath prayer and box breathing to calm the nervous system • practice your way out of what you practiced your way into • pause prayers that lead to healthy parenting patterns  • eating, exercise, and 10 other new approaches to habits that lead to lasting change  If you're someone who has been longing for peace, healthy and change, or who learns about personal development but can't seem to find breakthrough...this is for you!  Get a copy of Justin's new release here This Episode is Sponsored by:  Creative Crayons Workshop- Purchase your own coloring tablecloth for the holidays (Or to keep your littles entertained while you listen to the show!) Use code KAYTY at checkout to save.  Ten Boom Coffee- Order your favorite blends from a brand that supports worldwide communities and gives back with every purchase! Use code GATHER for 15% your first order  Support the show

Some new home stories start with spreadsheets. Ours began with a tired face at a graduation party and a nudge that wouldn’t let go. After six years in an 800-square-foot cottage that doubled as an studio and home, we were out of options and almost out of hope. We’d heard “you’ll never find it” from strangers and a realtor that reviewed our dream + budget on paper... Then quickly things changed. We reconnected with friends, after something in our heart told us to send the text that answered a prayer 6 years in the making. Their prayers met ours, and the door opened. Walking through that house felt like seeing a blueprint of our calling: a kitchen crafted for cooking, design details we’d pick ourselves, a guest room to truly be able to live 'open door' living. Layer on layer of the story reveals that this plan was not something we could have planned on our own. Only faith. Only God.  We talk candidly about how living in limbo can affect hospitality, the myths social media sells about home, and the invitation to name your dreams, pray specifically, and keep setting the table while you wait. If you’re navigating a cramped apartment, a damp rental, or headlines that say home is “not for you,”- this story is for you. Come hear how one gentle whisper, in divine timing, turned into a home that revived our work, rest, and welcome. Finally, we're inviting you into our miracle house story. Come on in!  This Episode is Sponsored by:  Creative Crayons Workshop- Purchase your own coloring tablecloth for the holidays (Or to keep your littles entertained while you listen to the show!) Use code KAYTY at checkout to save.  Support the show

I grew up watching PBS- chances are you did too. This made me particularly interested in the life and story of the new show, Kitchen Curious hosted by Vivian Howard. While I expected to connect over our love of food, and a commitment to learning in the kitchen- what I didn't expect was to be deeply inspired by her approach to burn out and creativity.  Through this episode we explore canning 101, how to keep creativity sustainable, and how her new show Kitchen Curious answers the questions that all of us are asking. She's wise, she's incredibly talented and committed to connection and craft! Through this conversation you can expect to hear: • Easy pickling and canning without special gear • Burnout, boundaries, and designing creative cadence • How a rural sizzle reel became a PBS Peabody winner • Why PBS matters • Kitchen Curious & why you'll love it! • Cast iron care made simple (learn from Kayty's mistakes) • Where and how to stream Kitchen Curious If you love this episode, be sure to share it with those in your life and leave a review on the show. And most importantly, after listening today, head on over to KitchenCuriousTV.com … and watch the show for yourself. This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Support the show

You should hire a personal chef! ...but seriously!   What if the solution to your dinnertime stress isn't another meal kit or recipe app, but a hired professional to join your family and make your life easier?  ...that's right, I said it!  Janice, founder of Tiny Spoon personal chef service, joins the conversation to challenge our assumptions about who personal chefs serve and how they can transform daily life. Janice's story led her to create a company that's redefining the personal chef industry not just for clients, but for chefs themselves. The conversation peels back the curtain on what makes Tiny Spoon unique: Fortune 500-level benefits for chefs including healthcare, 401(k) matching, and profit-sharing in an industry notorious for burnout and poor work conditions.  For clients, the experience begins with a thoughtful consultation focused on understanding family rhythms and preferences, creating a deeply personalized service that goes far beyond meal preparation. If you want to eat spicy but your kids don't, perfect! If you want chocolate peanut butter protein bites and to try Moroccan food for dinner, also perfect!  Whether you're a busy professional, overwhelmed parent, or someone who simply wants to delegate food preparation to focus on other priorities, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how we might rethink mealtime.  Curious listeners can visit tinyspooncnef.com/gather for $100 off their first service. Support the show

Becoming a mother transforms everything – your body, your relationships, your identity – but most parenting books barely scratch the surface of this seismic shift. Licensed therapist Rachel Elmore discovered this gap firsthand when she experienced postpartum depression after her first child's birth, despite her professional expertise. When established treatment resources failed her, Rachel created what became the foundation for her groundbreaking book "A Mom is Born" – the first postpartum resource written from both clinical and Christian perspectives by someone who lived through it. This conversation explores the comprehensive New Mom Wellness Plan that has helped thousands of women navigate early motherhood with grace and support. Rachel unpacks the practical wisdom behind creating a "postpartum pack" . Why accepting help isn't a burden but actually a gift to those who care, and how this vulnerability often leads to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Everything from handling meal trains and managing household responsibilities to navigating the significant hormonal shifts that occur even when weaning from breastfeeding. For those supporting new mothers, Rachel offers insight into creating truly welcoming spaces that accommodate both mother and baby needs. Most importantly, Rachel shares the perspective every struggling mother needs: "Bad moms don't worry about being bad moms. Good moms do that." The very act of worrying about your parenting indicates you're already on the right track. Whether you're a new parent, supporting someone who is, or preparing for future parenthood, this conversation provides the honest, compassionate guidance we all wish came standard with every baby shower invitation. Share this episode with anyone navigating the beautiful, challenging journey of early parenthood. This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Support the show

Ever wondered why your cookies spread too much or your cake sinks in the middle? Sally McKenney, the self-taught baking expert behind Sally's Baking Addiction, joins us to reveal the kitchen secrets that transformed her personal blog into a trusted baking empire with millions of weekly visitors. Sally's approach to recipe development is refreshingly honest – she shares both successes and failures, helping readers understand not just how to bake something, but why certain techniques and ingredients matter. What began as a creative outlet while working in finance has evolved into a community-building endeavor that connects bakers worldwide through meticulously tested recipes and clear, supportive guidance. Learn why room temperature ingredients create better structure, how to quickly bring cold eggs to room temperature, and why doubling cake recipes often leads to disaster. Her ingenious bread test for finding oven hot spots and freezer strategies for always-ready treats are practical solutions for home bakers at any skill level. As someone who's made dozens of Sally's recipes over the years (her monster cookies are a personal favorite!), I can attest that her detailed instructions truly build confidence in the kitchen. We also get a sneak peek at Sally's newest cookbook, which features 101 recipes spanning every major baking category – from cookies and cakes to savory options like a caramelized onion and fig galette. With approximately 70 brand-new recipes and step-by-step photos for every creation, the book promises to become a treasured kitchen companion for years to come. Whether you're an occasional baker or dedicated enthusiast, you'll find Sally's passion for teaching the science of baking both inspiring and immensely practical. Ready to transform your baking results? Subscribe now and follow @sallysbakeblog to discover why millions of home bakers trust Sally's expertise to guide their kitchen adventures! This Episode is Sponsored by:  Tiny Spoon Chef- Get $100 off your customized in home personal chef service using this link!  Support the show

I don't know about you, but when I hear about travel agents I quickly think about My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Chances are, you do too.  Whatever happened to travel agents? They're not just still around but what they offer is changing with the times and helping plan stress free vacations without spending a penny more than DIY bookings. Shocking right?  Stephani Izzo, a travel expert specializing in Sandals, Beaches and Disney, breaks down the modern travel agent experience, dispelling myths along the way. The biggest revelation? Using an agent typically costs exactly the same as booking yourself! "When you have an issue, you don't have to call an 800 number and press two to talk to someone. You just call us," Stephani explains. Travel agents often know about flight delays before their clients do, allowing them to solve problems proactively. This level of service becomes invaluable because let's be real- we go on vacation to take a break for managing lists of details.  Ready to experience the difference? Stephani and Kayty are leading a girls' getaway to Sandals Royal Caribbean this September—a perfect opportunity to try the all-inclusive experience with a friendly group. Whether you join organized activities or simply relax poolside, this trip offers the perfect introduction to stress-free travel planning. Isn't it time your vacations felt like actual vacations? Reach out to learn how a travel agent can transform your next getaway without adding a penny to your budget @travelwithstephani Support the show

Picture a young girl planting grapevines at age ten, later rushing to shower and change so she could conduct wine tastings, occasionally interrupted by phone calls about escaped goats reaching the local Walgreens. This storybook childhood, filled with family meatball subs, gardening, and winemaking, formed the foundation for her multifaceted career. Unexpected connections are a recurring theme throughout her life which led her through restaurant ownership, culinary achievements, and eventually to a devastating period during COVID when she lost her 18-year restaurant business through divorce. The turning point? A chance conversation with a stranger on an airplane that connected her to Provocativo, where she now serves as executive winemaker, partnering with pop star Bebe Rexha to create organic sparkling wines that rival champagne at half the price.  Her story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, openness to unexpected opportunities, and the courage to embrace multiple passions can transform even our hardest moments into stepping stones toward fulfilling work. Ready to taste what Brianna has created? Use code GATHER20 for 20% off at provocativobubbles.com and experience the magic for yourself. This Episode is Sponsored by:  Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more!  Support the show

18 restaurants, feeding countless A-List celebrities and leading the plant based food scene sounds like the making of a riddle, but is the reality of our guests Mark. Over the years we've all heard the term plant based but what does it actually mean? Can it actually be good enough that it's highly sought after by foodies worldwide?  A health crisis transformed Mark's relationship with food forever. After receiving a rare blood cancer diagnosis, he immersed himself in nutritional research while undergoing treatment. What emerged was not just a personal healing journey but the foundation for culinary innovation that would reshape Australia's plant-based dining landscape. Mark's approach is refreshingly approachable. Through his 18 restaurants  across Melbourne, Sydney, and Byron Bay—he aspires to create vibrant spaces where food brings people together without dietary labels creating division. His debut cookbook, "This Cookbook is a Huge Mistake" (named after a neon sign in one of his restaurants) emerged during Australia's lengthy COVID lockdowns. Quarantined alone in a hotel room for two weeks, Mark reflected on his culinary journey, documenting recipes and life lessons that had shaped his path. The result combines practical plant-based techniques with personal stories and his trademark pun-filled humor. Beyond business success, Mark's most treasured accomplishment is the community he's built—including unexpected friendships with the Hemsworth family, who began as regular customers and became devoted supporters.  Through beautiful, thoughtful food that momentarily transports guests away from daily stress, Mark reminds us that gathering around a table is ultimately about connection, not just nutrition. Try something from this cookbook. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself reimagining what plant-based eating can be. This Episode is Sponsored by:  Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more!  Support the show

 It seemed like over the past few weeks EVERYONE was talking about the new release, Pretty Delicious created by Food Dolls, and I knew I had to have them on the show to talk more about the book and the heart behind it!  Our conversation takes you behind the scenes with this dynamic sister duo who, surprisingly, didn't always love cooking. Growing up as first-generation Americans with Egyptian parents, they actually avoided helping in the kitchen whenever possible! Their journey to becoming well loved recipe developers and food stylists began when they had families of their own and started calling each other daily with the question: "What are you making for dinner tonight?"  They introduce listeners to game-changing ingredients like sumac (a lemony herb), za'atar (an earthy spice blend), and pomegranate molasses (a must try if you love balsamic glaze). When they describe tahini as "the Middle Eastern version of peanut butter" that you can spread on toast with honey, you'll immediately want to explore these flavors in your own kitchen. Rather than pursuing Instagram perfection, we frame beautiful food as "carving out moments of joy" in everyday life, instead of striving for perfection.  Ready to bring Mediterranean magic to your table?  Follow the Food Dolls @fooddolls on all platforms and grab their cookbook for 110 approachable recipes that will transform your everyday cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Episode is Sponsored by:  Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more!  Support the show

I'll be honest, for years my knowledge of Mexican cuisine consisted of Tortilla chips, salsa and If I really wanted to live on the edge, some queso, too! It wasn't until I went to Mexico my Senior year of high school that I experienced REAL authentic cuisine and the flavors that quickly showed me what I was missing! Today's guest Freddsters shares how his families recipes can give you these very flavors at home...with ease!  Freddsters worked as a private chef for MLB players before turning his culinary talents to social media during the pandemic. What began as casual posting evolved into a full-fledged career after landing his first brand partnership. The conversation turns to his cookbook, which brilliantly bridges traditional Mexican recipes with incredible fusion dishes like Mexican chicken parmesan and street corn potato salad.  Discover the story behind Fredddsters' signature product, Salsa Macha (a Mexican-style chili crisp), and learn why this versatile condiment works splendidly on everything from traditional Mexican dishes to pasta, pizza, and fried chicken. Ready to add some new recipes to your weekly recipe line up? You won't want to miss this conversation!  This Episode is Sponsored by:  Travel with Stephani- Are you looking to plan a vacation for your family this Summer? Get access to unique deals, exclusive access and save HOURS on research by working with a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything at all but saves you loads of stress. Sounds like a dream right? Reach out to her here and on socials @travelwithstephani to learn more about booking a trip to Sandals, Beaches, Disney & more!  Support the show

Have you ever wished for more hours in the day while watching your to-do list grow endlessly? You're not alone, and the solution might surprise you. The real issue isn't a lack of time—it's how we're managing the hours we already have. This revelation forms the foundation of my illuminating conversation with Kali Brigham, a time management expert whose journey began in the high-pressure environment of TV news production, where every second counted and deadlines weren't negotiable. Kali introduces us to the concept of priority management rather than time management. Through practical strategies like conducting a time audit, we discover how most of us consistently underestimate, overestimate, or fail to estimate how long tasks actually take. This simple awareness can transform how we approach our schedules. What struck me most was Kali's refreshing perspective that effective time management isn't about restriction—it's about freedom. "Time blocking is like an offensive line protecting the quarterback," she explains. "It's protecting your priorities, it's protecting your values." Rather than filling every minute with productivity, true time mastery means creating intentional space for what matters most. Each strategy is designed not to make you busier, but to help your schedule better reflect your values. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by commitments or struggling to make time for relationships and hospitality, this conversation offers hope that small changes can lead to significant shifts in how you experience time. Ready to transform your relationship with your schedule? Listen now, and discover how to make room for what truly matters. Learn more about Kali on her website here  This episode was sponsored by our friends at:  N-2 Water! Looking for a way to hydrate with all the complete nutrients you need? Wanting to improve your hydration and health with ease and flavors you'll love? We LOVE N-2 and know that you will to! Head on over to their website and use code EARLYSIPS to save at checkout!  Support the show