Conversations with the Hostess
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -Conversations with the Hostess is all about building community and deeper connections with those in your life through hosting them in your home. Join Amy, a wife, mom, Naval Officer, and online party planner as she has conversations weekly with entertaining and party experts. We will discuss parties, holidays, and celebrating life's big and small moments. You'll leave with inspiration and tactical ideas to build a community, deepen friendships, and lead a fulfilled life!
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Episodes
101: Being Healthy While Hosting with Esther Avant
April 30, 2024 22:35 - 39 minutes - 20.8 MBDo you ever want to bring something healthy to a party or potluck? Well, this week's guest, Esther Avant is a health and wellness coach with some great advice for being healthy and hosting. She's a military spouse that has moved around and helped lots of women get healthier even in the midst of transition. I loved her perspective on figuring out how to enjoy hosting especially if it's not something that comes naturally or you enjoy doing. Links You'll Need Find more from Esther and...
100-Traveling Through Life's Transitions with Dawn Benson
April 23, 2024 15:19 - 45 minutes - 35.4 MBWe made it to 100 episodes!! Feel free to share this podcast or any of the others you like to spread the fun we have over here at Conversations with the Hostess. This week, I'm interviewing Dawn Benson who is an author and travel coach for women going through major life transitions. Her wisdom comes from first hand experience of going through a big change and using travel to help her through the transition. Many of the things she shares with us is applicable to anyone in a military l...
99: Celebrating Bridgerton with a Custom Party Plan
April 18, 2024 14:04 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBThis week is so exciting and it's because it's all about one of my favorite shows, Bridgerton! The new season is airing on Netflix soon and I want to celebrate because it's been nearly two years since the last season. If you love the show too, listen in to hear all about why I do, what the show encouraged me to start doing, and how you can get your own Bridgerton party plan. I've put together a very detailed Bridgerton themed party plan. You can use it to celebrate the release of the ...
98: Getting to Know Your Neighbors
April 10, 2024 23:59 - 21 minutes - 23.8 MBWho is ready to spend some time outside on your street getting to know their neighbors? No more awkward waves to people you don't know as you drive by. This week we're talking all about how to get to know your neighbors, with a little help from a FREE downloadable introduction card, and I share a ton of ways to spend time with your neighbors. There are ideas for any favorite pastime, from celebrating holidays together to playing tournament games with your neighbors. This will encoura...
97: What to Do When No One Shows Up to Your Party
March 26, 2024 23:53 - 17 minutes - 20.7 MBI hope this never happens to you, but if you plan a party, celebration, or holiday event and no one can come we're going to talk about it on the podcast today. I go over how to mitigate this situation before it even happens, what to do if it turns out no one can come, and how to respond if you're the person that can't attend an event you were invited to. It's a little personal and a little ranty, but I hope you get some value out of it and don't find yourself in a situation where people...
96: Epidemic of Loneliness Part 3
March 20, 2024 17:58 - 18 minutes - 21.4 MBWe are wrapping up our three part series of the Surgeon General's Adviosry on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community in the report on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. The first week we talked about why this report and research was necessary and then in part two we get into the nitty gritty and talk about how Isolation and Loneliness affects our health. This week in part three we talk about the six pillars of how to advance social connection. I strived to give yo...
95: The Epidemic of Loneliness Part 2
March 14, 2024 12:55 - 19 minutes - 22 MBWe are continuing our three part series of the Surgeon General's Adviosry on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community in the report on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. Last week we went over what the report set out to do, and this week we get into the nitty gritty and talk about how Isolation and Loneliness affects our health. It affects our health in physical, mental, and lifestyle behaviors. We talk through all the ways our health is affected and how social conn...
94: The Epidemic of Loneliness Part 1
March 05, 2024 23:34 - 21 minutes - 21.9 MBWe are starting a three part series going over Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Conection and Community. It is eye opening to see how much social isolation affects us all. It affects everything from our physical health, mental health, and the health of our communities. In Part 1 we go over what the report set out to find, some of the research and ways to rethink our relationships and identify if we are isola...
93: Leading with Creativity and Care with Emma Manzi
February 13, 2024 12:48 - 42 minutes - 27.7 MBEmma Manzi of Grace and Yarmouth is a US Navy Surface WArfare Officer and has used her creativity to create a great product based business selling Navy specific paper goods and celebration items. We talked all about how important it is to have a creative outlet when working in a high stres industrial environment. She also shared her leadership philosophy and it's so applicable to many different aspects of life. Her efforts to help us slow down and celebrate our accomplishments are such ...
92: Overcoming Our Fears of Hosting with Kristie LaLonde on Happy Hostess Podast
February 06, 2024 17:29 - 35 minutes - 46.1 MBThis week I'm sharing the episode where I was a guest on the Happy Hostess podcast with Kristie LaLonde. We had a great conversation about overcoming your fears when it comes to hosting, how to be more vulnerable to create deep friendships, and advice on how to keep party planning stress to a minimum. It was so fun being a guest for once, and I know you're going to take a lot of value out of this episode. Don't forget to check out all of Kristie's podcasts at the Happy Hostess Podcast....
91: Hosting Teenagers with Courtney Stabler
January 30, 2024 19:57 - 48 minutes - 36 MBHave you ever wondered what it's going to be like to entertain your kids and their friends when they are teenagers? Today on the podcast, Courtney Stabler is giving us all the inside information. She has a ton of experience entretaining and hosting teenagers between her six kids and all of their friends. Our conversation is filled with sage advice from a mom that's a stage ahead and I know you're going to take some valuable information from listening in. She also is an expert tablescap...
90: Saying Yes to Hosting with Paula NIchols
January 23, 2024 23:28 - 33 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week I talk with Paul Nichols about her hosting journey and how saying yes makes all the difference. Her background has heavily influenced how she hosts today including where she grew up, but also they type of work she's done over the years. Say yes, and listen to this episode today, I know you're going to walk away with a lot of value from Paula's journey. Links You Need Paula shared a really great book, that anyone looking for community needs to read. It's Find Your People by ...
89: 2024 Celebrations Part 2
January 17, 2024 19:27 - 16 minutes - 19.1 MBWe are continuing our walk through of all the celebrations in 2024. We pick back up in July and continue through to the end of the year. There are so many ideas to get you celebrating this year as well. I hope to give you inspiration, encouragement, and advice on how to celebrate all the good things from July to December 2024. Check below to see links to all the free printables and episodes I shared in this podcast. Links You Need This episode has some really helpful printables...
88: 2024 Celebrations Part 1
January 09, 2024 21:53 - 15 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode I'm walking you through the first half of the year and all the celebrations I'll be taking part in. There are some personal to our family, but there are a ton of celebrations that you can share with your community too. I hope to give you inspiration, encouragement, and advice on how to celebrate all the good things from January to June 2024. Check below to see links to all the free printables and episodes I shared in this podcast. Links You Need Valentine's Day lov...
87: My Faith Journey and the Community It's Brought Me
December 22, 2023 23:51 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week's podcast is a solo episode and a personal one at that. I'm talking all about my faith journey. I thought it would be appropriate since I recorded it during the Christmas season. I share my faith background, what led me to change my faith, and how that faith has brought me an amazing community. If you are curious or want some great resources and encouragement to learn more about God, then listen in this week. I hope it can bring you what you need in your life at this moment. ...
86: Encouragement for Military Spouses with Madyson Greene
December 13, 2023 22:25 - 36 minutes - 28.2 MBOn this episode we talk with Military Spouse coach, Madyson Greene all about how to get involved and build community as a military spouse. She has so much experience to share with us as the Military Spouse Association president and former USO event planner. Madyson shares so many ideas on how to get involved, but also why it's so important for military spouses especially when you live in a remote location. Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Madyson Greene by following her ...
85: Creating and Celebrating Family Memories with Jenni Whitney
December 07, 2023 11:56 - 33 minutes - 25.9 MBThis week Jenni Whitney from Let's Create and Celebrate is here to share how she makes family memories her own by diying, crafting, and celebrating all of life's moments even when living far away as a military family. She has great advice to make holidays and celebrations your own and how to not spend a ton of money on parties or get caught up in the comparision game. I love her insight into uisng your gifts to help others and how to connect with your community when you have to establish...
84: Planning Ahead for Parties with Amy Walton
November 21, 2023 19:21 - 37 minutes - 28.9 MBWe always hear that the best way to plan a party is to plan ahead. But what does that actually mean? Today's guest started a business to answer that question. Amy from Plan Now, Party Later answers all of our questions about how to plan ahead fro any party and especiallyf or the holidays. Listen in to hear all of her genius tips. Which one are you going to apply when planning for your next party? Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Amy Walton at Plan Now, Party Later. Y...
83: Becoming a Happy Hostess with Kristie LaLonde
November 16, 2023 11:22 - 33 minutes - 26.2 MBThis week I talk with party and entertaining expert Kristie LaLonde all about how she got started hosting and her tips on changing your mindset to become a happy hostess. I know you're going to love Kristie's outlook and warm welcoming nature. I can't wait for you to hear this episode. Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Kristie LaLonde, here. You can also follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, or on Instagram. Be sure to listen to Kristie's Podcast, Happy Hostess Podcast w...
82: Building Strong Female Friendships with Dr. Amber Tichenor
November 01, 2023 15:54 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThis week I talk with psychologist, Dr. Amber Tichenor about female rivalry. I know there's a lot of us that have had difficult times with those tricky female relationships and friendships in our lives. Amber helps us figure them all out and gives us a lot of encouragement to be open to one another so we can build a great community of female friends. I'd love for you to listen and let us know what your biggest takeaway is. Or do you have a story where you can relate to having experien...
81: Getting Organized to Host with Maria Grove
October 17, 2023 17:33 - 35 minutes - 25.2 MBDo you feel like your home isn't ready to host people? This week, professional organizer, Maria Grove, from Bliss This House is helping us all get organized to help us host better. She has some great advice that's not overwhelming when it comes to getting organized. She also shares some great tips to make hosting, moving and packing easier. This is one you'll definitely want to listen to! Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Maria Grove here at Bliss This House. You can a...
80: Communicating with Your Community with Erin Woodruff
October 04, 2023 01:49 - 33 minutes - 23.5 MBWe always hear that communication is key, and today we're proving that. My guest, Erin Woodruff, is a communications coach and she is teaching us how to communicate better with everyone in our communities, from friends to spouses. She shares how to have difficult conversations, how to interact with someone that's an introvert, and how to build community with your neighbors. It's a great episode you don't want to miss! Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Erin Woodruff here at E...
79: Raising Resilient Kids to Help Host
September 26, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 20.5 MBToday's conversation is from a unique perspective, one from a Public Relations expert. We talk all about how approaching things like motherhood, raising kids, hosting parties, and having your kids help you host from a public relations perspective can help you raise resilient kids. Marjie is an expert in her field and has so much experience to share with us that I know you'll walk away after listening putting her knowledge into practice. Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Marj...
78: Building Community Later in Life with Carmen Leal
September 11, 2023 11:28 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBDo you ever have a hard time making friends after moving? Well, so do people later in life. I may even say it's harder for them to break into already well established friends groups. Today I talk with author, Carmen Leal about making those connections and building community later in life. Carmen has an amazing life story that has taken her from Topeka to Timbuktu, literally! We talk all about moving around, building community along the way, volunteering, and how her dog not only save...
77: Celebrating Birthdays While Traveling
August 28, 2023 11:00 - 13 minutes - 15.6 MBDo you normally host birthday parties at your house and can't figure out how you would do it anywhere else? Well this summer we hosted both of my kids' brithdays while we were traveling on vacation. It was a unique way to have their birthdays and in this episode I tell you all the things that made it easier and things I learned to still have a great birthday while you're traveling. Give it a listen and let me know what else you like to do if you have to travel during your birthday. B...
76: Giving Yourself Permission with Shari Biery
May 09, 2023 14:36 - 45 minutes - 29.7 MBDo you ever just need someone to tell you that it's ok? On today's podcast National Certified Life Coach and veteran military spouse, Shari Biery, gives us all the permission we need. She shares her story of using volunteerism to discover her passions and gives us permission to find our own way to volunteer. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to transition through many moves and then finally into military retirement. You'll definitely want to listen to this episode and see how ...
75: Being Intentional When Making Friends with Amber Haggerty
April 25, 2023 16:59 - 37 minutes - 22.6 MBAmber Haggerty from, Amber Everywhere blog is with me today talking about how moving internationally has helped her to figure out finding people with similar experiences is the best way to make friends. It has helped her to be intentional about how she meets people and builds her community. She shares her experiences living abroad and traveling with us and how having patience and knowing the value of time has influenced how she hosts. It's a great episode with so many take aways! ...
74: Living a Globally Mobile Lifestyle and Repatriating with The Expat Partner Coach
April 19, 2023 22:21 - 31 minutes - 23.9 MBDo you ever need someone to just make you feel better about living your life abroad? Linda, The Expat Partner Coach is going to walk us through this globally mobile lifestyle we all lead. The life where we follow our spouses jobs around the world, live and work away from family, and then have to repatriate once we move back home. It's a great conversation with lots of advice and mindset shifts to help you get through those difficult times living abroad and moving back. Links You Nee...
73: Finding Community in Small Business with Michelle Zak
April 05, 2023 05:18 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBWhen you get to a new place do you eer consider finding community in the small businesses in your area? My guest this week has and it's such a great way to figure out the vibe of the area you're in as well as meet community leaders that are invested in your area. Who knows they may even become great friends or a great connector for you. Links You Need Find our more from my guest, Michelle Zak, and her work as a website designer at www.fourtabsdesign.com. You can also follow her on ...
72: Hosting a Dinner Party
March 28, 2023 10:41 - 21 minutes - 19 MBDo you love a dinner party but maybe need to figure out how to actually host one? This episode we dive into all the ways to host a great dinner party. Get ready to send those invites after listening to this! We talk about the food of course, but a lot of other things that often get overlooked when it comes to hosting a dinner party. Plus the one thing that is going to give you boundaries when planning, cooking, decorating, and more. The best part of the whole party should be the conn...
71: Being More Thoughtful and How it Builds a Better Connection
February 13, 2023 22:04 - 16 minutes - 19 MBDo you ever feel like you could be a little more thoughtful? Well in this episode I'm talking about how being thoughtful is something I'm not great at. We'll take a journey together about the mindset behind being more thoughtful, why it matters when it comes to building a connection, and a lot of practical ways to start applying right now. I promise by the end of the episode you'll be ready to reach out and do something nice for someone else. Even if it's just a quick text or message to ...
70: Making Adult Birthdays Fun!
January 31, 2023 19:50 - 19 minutes - 21.5 MBWhen is the last time that you had a blast celebrating your birthday? If it's been too long, listen in today for a ton of ways to make your grown up birthday fun, all about you, and a celebration you'll remember! Lots of ideas for birthdays where you go out, stay in, travel and give back. Plus if you need a fun birthday theme, I've got loads of those too. Bingeing Segment If you are in need of a fast way to get your groceries without actually going to the grocery store, then click ...
69: Connecting with Yourself While Traveling without your Kids
January 23, 2023 20:52 - 21 minutes - 23.3 MBIf you're a mom have you ever spend a few nights away from your kids? If the answer to that question is no, then today's podcast episode is one you definitely want to listen in to. I'm sharing my experience reconnecting with myself whenever I have to travel away from my kids. I give you ways to make the logistics of the whole event easier and share the benefits of getting away not only to you, but to your kids and spouse. Bingeing Segment I'm sharing a kitchen item that came in very ...
68: Celebrating a Military Retirement
January 11, 2023 15:58 - 45 minutes - 43.1 MBI have a repeat guest on teh podcast today and we're talking all about his military retirement ceremony and reception. This is a great episode for anyone that might be retiring from the military soon. Even if you aren't in the military or having to plan a retirement ceremony, there are a lot of good ideas and tips when it comes to planning any large event. I hope you enjoy it and get some value out of learning from our mistakes! Get your own retirement checklist with the things we ...
67: Building Community at the Gym with Suzanne Berger
January 05, 2023 13:22 - 33 minutes - 20.1 MBWho is kicking off 2023 by trying to get to the gym more? If so, you'll love this conversation with one of my trainers from Burn Bootcamp. Suzanne shares her story about why this particular gym feels like home and how to make friends and build community with others at the gym. It's a great conversation that may just get you motivated to get back into the gym. Links You Need You can find out more about Burn Bootcamp here. You can join my gym! If you live in the Kansas City Metro a...
66: Top 10 Best Party Hosting Tips
December 29, 2022 11:34 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBThis is a fun recap episode of ten of the best party hosting tips that my guests have shared with us all. I've gone back through and picked out some of the best advice, encouragement, and tips for hosting any party. I hope you enjoy the episode and share with me which tip was your favorite. Or better yet, tell me your best party hosting tip if yu didn't hear it in the episode today. Links You Need Here are links to all the full episodes of the guests you've heard from today. #10 ...
65: Decorating for Christmas with Lee Varhola
December 13, 2022 12:50 - 36 minutes - 26.4 MBThis is such a festive and fun episode talking with Lee Varhola all about how she decorates for Christmas. Lee is a bonafide Christmas tree expert putting up and decorating many in her own home along with doing it for others in their homes. Listen in as she tells us the best way to decorate a Christmas tree, along with a lot of other great hosting tips and ways to furnish and decorate your home on a budget. Links You Need You can find out more from Lee by going to her website Lee Varh...
64: Accepting Help When Hosting
November 14, 2022 14:09 - 13 minutes - 10.5 MBThis week I'm talking about a problem all of us Type A control freaks have and that's accepting help. Listen in to hear a few areas where it's really easy and definitely beneficial to accept help. Plus, there's some encouragment to take it one thing at a time to slowly ease into accepting help. Are you a control freak when it comes to hosting? How much better could your party or event go if you accepted a little help and didn't have to do it all yourself? Bingeing Segment This week I...
63: How to Feel Settled After Moving
October 06, 2022 08:58 - 17 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this week's episode I'm sharing my ways to feelsettled after moving. We get asked a lot if we're feeling settled in our new place. The short answer is no, but there are some things we're doing that make us feel more connected and that we're surrounded by our community. Listen in today if you have made a move recently, or send this to someone that you know has recently moved. Bingeing Segment This week I'm bingeing a set of pans we needed to buy to tide us over while waiting for ou...
62: Celebrating Without Buying All New Decor
September 28, 2022 11:56 - 18 minutes - 14.1 MBEver feel like everyone is telling you that you have to buy a bunch of new stuff every time there is a new season, holiday, or celebration? Well, we're not going to be doing that. In this episode I share five ways to decorate for the seasons, holidays, and even parties wihtout having to buy a bunch of new decor. Most of the options I share are even free! Listen in and be sure to share your money saving ways to decorate when you leave a rating and review or send me a DM on Instagram @...
61: Dealing with Transitions and Your Feelings with Renee Rugile
July 05, 2022 05:44 - 33 minutes - 20.4 MBMy guest this week has a breadth of experience with military members and their families. She helps them through therapy with a gentle and safe approach. She especially helps those in the commnity that are going through transitions, whether it be during a PCS or even retirement. Renee Rugile has so much wisdom to share and her comforting voice will make you feel so good about yourself after listening! Links You Need You can find out more from Renee by going to her website Inner Sanctua...
60: Relying on Your Community During Difficult Times with Gillian Burgess
June 30, 2022 13:42 - 35 minutes - 20.1 MBThis week we're tackling a tough subject and asked Gillian Burgess to share her story and journey with her cancer diagnosis with us. She gave us so many useful ways to help others in our communities during a difficult time. I know you'll get so much value from listening to the episode, so don't miss it. Links You Need You can find out more from Gillian by going to her website Semi-Together. Or follow her on Instagram here. Follow her on Facebook here. Find the books Radical ...
59- Hosting Overnight Guests
June 21, 2022 15:37 - 13 minutes - 10.5 MBThis week, let's talk about how to make overnight guests feel the most welcome in your home. Simple ways to make their space accomodating for them so they can get settled quickly and you can enjoy your time together. Bingeing Segment This week, I'm loving some new pillows that will make your guests feel super comfortable in your guest bed. You can some similar to the ones I own here. Don't Forget If you have any questions I'm always happy to help, just send me a DM @thedail...
58: Organizing Your Home with Macu Mateo
June 14, 2022 15:41 - 33 minutes - 18.3 MBWho is feeling crazy during this PCS season? Don't you think a little organizing can help put htings where they need to be and get you prepared for your move? My guest this week, Macu Mateo, is a professional organizer that helps families implement systems in their home to be more efficient and work better for them. She has some great insight and practical ways you can get ready for PCS season and get your home ready to host and enjoy with your community. Links You Need You can fin...
57: Hosting a Summer Picnic
June 07, 2022 15:34 - 16 minutes - 12.3 MBGear up for some fun in the sun this summer with a picnic. They are such a great way to host friends in family while enjoying being outside, and it's a bonus that you don't have to clean your house before hosting a picnic either! Listen in while we talk all about the food, gear, and fun things you can do during your picnic. Links You Need Click here for the picnic basket options I talked about in this episode. Option 1 | Option 2 Click here for the picnic blanket options. Opt...
56: Using Your Skills for Your Community with Suzy Sevier
May 26, 2022 05:46 - 39 minutes - 25.1 MBHave you ever felt like you've lost your identity and need to figure out who you are again? My guest this week, Suzy Sevier, has some great encouragement and practical tips to help you find your skills and figure out how to fit yourself into the best career or community. Her advice applies to so many aspects of life including your career, spouse, and community of friends. This is a must listen where you'll walk away encouraged, joyful, and ready to put your skills to use. You can fi...
55: Entertaining Kids at a Party
May 17, 2022 15:26 - 16 minutes - 12.4 MBHave you ever not hosted something because you weren't sure how to do it with kids present? If having kids at a party has every stopped you from hosting then this episode is going to give you a lot of ways to keep the kids entertained so you can still enjoy the adult conversation and time spent with your friends. We all love kids, but keeping them entertained so you can enjoy yourself is totally normal, listen in to see how to do it! Bingeing Segment: This week I am bingeing something...
54: Celebrating Travel with your Community
May 03, 2022 04:42 - 19 minutes - 14.6 MBWho is ready for a vacation? After the last couple years I'm pretty sure most people are. We were so excited to come to England so we could travel and after lockdowns the last two years, thankfully things are more open and we've finally been able to travel more. This episode is going to walk you through how to make those trips more of an event, share it with others in your community, and do things that will cement those vacation moments into your memory forever. Listen in before you ...
53: How to Make Saying Goodbye Easier
April 28, 2022 11:12 - 21 minutes - 16.5 MBIt's PCS season (that means a lot of military families will be moving over the next few months) and with that a lot of goodbyes are going to be said. This week's podcast is going to walk you through several ways to make saying those goodbyes a lot easier. I'm talking about marking off those bucket list items, making plans with friends to stay in touch, and how to make saying goodbye easier for your kids too. I hope you get some value out of the episode and share it with another military...
52: Building a Tablescape
March 21, 2022 13:43 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week is an episode that I had a lot more to say about than I realized. I love a beautiful tablescape and this episode breaks down how to do it yourself. I walk you through all four main parts of the tablescape and give you lots of ways to make them personalized for your party, theme, season, or holiday. It's a great episode that can be used throughout your home and throughout the year. Click below for all of the resources that go along with the episode. You can read the show ...