Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate a bustling fair while indulging in deep-fried ranch dressing? Join us as Rita recounts her whimsical adventure at the Minnesota State Fair, featuring humorous tales of quirky Midwestern traditions and fond family moments. We then welcome our guest, Janelle Greco, whose talent in storytelling brings to light her impactful work with formerly incarcerated individuals and youth in foster care. This episode is filled with laughter and heartfelt reflections, including touching memories of Rita’s glamorous grandmother.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the multifaceted world of education careers. Discover the triumphs and trials from teaching aspirations to grant writing, and learn about Janelle's journey through roles that balance passion and emotional well-being. We also discuss our writing practices, influences and dissect the genres of memoir, auto-fiction and narrative nonfiction. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we shine a light on the impact our family's have had in our lives and writing.

Mentions

• Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
• The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard
• Breece D'J Pancake
• James Baldwin
• Werdsmith

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What if our flawed social systems pushed people to commit crimes just to survive? In this compelling episode of "People at the Core," we start with a light-hearted chat about a quirky "What Would Justin Timberlake Do?" shirt and reflect on the pop star’s evolving charm, before segueing into a heartfelt discussion about Britney Spears' current struggles and the genuine support she needs. Our remarkable guest, Vivek Sreekumar, a dynamic individual who transitioned from bartending and DJing to impactful social justice work, joins us to share his incredible journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Vivek’s story is filled with serendipitous moments and valuable experiences, including how his hospitality in New York helped our host land their first job. We recount the origins of Beloved bar, which blossomed from a casual idea among college friends into a thriving community hub. This chapter highlights the deep sense of ownership and familial bonds that drove the bar’s success. From there, Vivek’s path takes a profound turn, shedding light on the complex realities of incarceration, homelessness, and systemic failures in urban planning and social support systems.

Our conversation with Vivek explores the harsh truth of how some individuals resort to committing minor offenses to access essential services provided in jails due to inadequate mental health and substance use support systems. We also discuss legislative efforts to improve housing stability and the emotional significance of pets for homeless individuals. The episode wraps up with a playful yet meaningful discussion on navigating cultural identity, the importance of friendship, and a whimsical game involving celebrity pampering. Tune in for a balance of heartfelt stories, serious social issues, and moments of levity.

Mentions

• Good Shepherd Services
• Rosie Singer Center at Rikers
• Coalition for the Homeless
• Youth Justice and Opportunities Act

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What happens when you mix the worlds of pizza and astrology, with a discussion of puppies and pigeons? Join us on this episode of People at the Core as Rita and Marisa kick things off with their latest adventures in town. We’re joined by the incredible Jenny Olbrich, who shares her fascinating journey from her Philly roots to nomadic pizza-making adventures in Rhode Island, the nuances of affluent clients as a personal chef to mastering pie-production in the tiny kitchen at her bar, The Esters

We shift gears to explore the intricacies of astrology and relationships, diving into zodiac signs and their influence on our romantic lives. You'll hear our candid thoughts on commitment, personal space, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in a fast-paced world. Plus, we reflect on our mutual love of animals, sharing stories of our pups as the definition of pure love. Jenny shares her heartwarming story of Jack, the foster dog from the Canary Islands who stole her heart, and how the loss of her beloved, Bunkie, stills hangs heavy on her heart.

But it’s not all serious talk; we bring humor to the forefront with amusing anecdotes from the hospitality industry, odd celebrity encounters, and even a playful game of "Fuck, Kill, Be" involving Tom Cruise and Scientology. Whether you're interested in solo travel, the subtle art of restaurant partnerships, or the quirks of boy dogs, this episode promises a rollercoaster of laughs, insights, and genuine moments. Don't miss out on this eclectic mix of stories that capture the essence of life, love, and pizza!

Mentions

• The Esters (Bar, Cheese, Pizza)
• Mike Tyson and Pigeons
• Duke Riley and Fly By Night
• Fresh Kills cocktail bar

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Ever wondered how an Emmy-winning editor got his start? Join us for an engaging chat with David Herr, the man behind some of your favorite TV moments. David's charming Midwestern demeanor and knack for corny jokes will have you laughing as he shares anecdotes about his surname which means 'Mister' in German, inspiring Rita and Marisa to bust out in singing "To Be With You" by Mr. Big. We'll set the record straight on whether Styx ever dabbled in Christian rock and reminisce about unforgettable concert antics from the Christian metal band Striper.

Our episode takes you on a nostalgic journey from his suburban upbringing outside of Toledo, Ohio, to the bustling streets of New York City. We'll swap stories about internships, the charm of soap operas like "Guiding Light," and the contrasting lifestyles between NYC and LA. Discover the importance of community spaces like the Palace Bar and how our Midwest roots influence our sense of belonging in diverse environments. With humor and heartfelt moments, this part of our conversation celebrates Midwest pride and the adventures of city life.

Finally, we'll explore David's career trajectory from an aspiring screenwriter who started as a PA in LA to becoming an Emmy-winning editor. Learn about the evolution of digital editing, the impact of skateboarding videos, and the bustling reality TV industry of the early 2000s. David also shares his transition into sports documentary editing, with projects for Vice, The New York Times, and CNN. We round off our chat with a discussion on post-pandemic media trends, the allure of true crime and sports genres, and our wild fantasies of sudden wealth. Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughter, insights, and shared experiences!

David Herr
Website

Mentions

• Bone Tomahawk
• Guiding Light
• NYT The Weekly

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Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the highs and lows of the hospitality industry while finding your true passion? Our special guest, Ken, a neighbor and friend who’s seen it all from acting to bartending, joins us for an episode packed with personal stories and industry insights. We kick things off with some fun banter about the relentless summer heat and the complexities of today's political landscape, before diving into Ken’s fascinating journey. From stoop culture in New York to porch life in California, from his parents immigrant story to reuniting with family during a recent trip to Taiwan, Ken’s anecdotes are as heartwarming as they are inspiring.

Ken opens up about moving to a new city in his 30s and finding his niche behind the camera, culminating in a surprise home gallery that celebrates his work. We also touch on the unconditional love that pets bring, sharing tales of our furry friends that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Growing up near UC Berkeley and working in the family restaurant, Ken’s story paints a vivid picture of community and resilience, offering a deep dive into the intricacies of balancing personal and professional life in the ever-demanding hospitality industry.

If you're curious about the inside scoop on restaurant life, you’ll love our discussion on the love-hate relationship with the industry, the reality of pay disparities, and how to be a good bar guest. We also reminisce about our evolving drinking preferences, laugh over a game of "Fuck, Kill, Be", and share memorable experiences in Taiwan that highlight the joy of family and cultural connections.

Mentions
Amber Steakhouse

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This episode kicks off with Rita and Marisa sharing their insights on routines, early bedtimes, and the unspoken rules of not texting outside certain hours. We laugh along with their poker anecdotes and the texting habits inspired by Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Amidst the summer heat, we find solace in the cool ambiance of Greenpoint Palace Bar, where even the mascot Zelda knows how to keep it chill.

Ever wondered which 80s movie character you'd be? We transport you back to that neon era, reminiscing about films like "The Goonies" and "License to Drive." Our love for Cory Feldman and the poignant works of Brett Easton Ellis sparks a deep dive into the problematic yet beloved classics like "Pretty in Pink" and "16 Candles." From Greta Gerwig to Diablo Cody, we celebrate female filmmakers who have reshaped cinema, and yes, we have some thoughts on the "Barbie" movie worth tuning in for.

Love and addiction, two timeless themes, are candidly dissected as we reflect on past relationships and personal growth. Listen to stories about the challenges of dating with mental health conditions, the ever-evolving perspectives on love, and the pain of betrayal. We also confront our tendencies towards addiction, discussing microdosing, the Sinclair method, and the delicate balance of recreational use. We stroll down memory lane to our first concerts and childhood antics, painting a picture of the moments that made us who we are today. We wrap up the episode by choosing our favorite 'Jennifer' from the 80s.

***Correction- Ally Sheedy plays the mother in Single Drunk Female (not Jennifer Jason Leigh)

Mentions

• Video: Everyone's Upstairs Neighbor
• John Hughes
• Adore with Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman
• The Sinclair Method

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• Low Life by Lucy Sante
• Tender Data by Monica McClure
• "The Small Press World is About to Fall Apart." On the Collapse of Small Press Distribution by Adam Morgan
• Six to Eight Black Men by David Sedaris
• Who's Afraid of Gender by Judith Butler
• Dan Savage
• Seattle's The Stranger

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Have you ever wondered what life would be like as a therapist with an enticing voice or imagined the hilarious possibilities of stripper names based on your first pet and street name? Rita and Marisa kick off this lively conversation at Greenpoint Palace Bar in Brooklyn, sharing uproarious stories about phone sex operations and navigating the dark web. Joined by our special guest, Rich Piepho, we take you through a decade of his teaching adventures in New York's diverse boroughs, filled with humor and heartfelt tales. Rich’s passion for writing jokes and his involvement in the Palace Reading Series adds a unique twist, making this discussion both entertaining and insightful.

We take a nostalgic journey through early encounters with adult content, iconic movie scenes that stirred our first feelings of attraction, and the whimsical realization of the biblical reference behind the term "Adam's apple." Rich's adventurous move from LA, where he wrote for an animation studio, to New York for a teaching career, embodies the balance between following one's passion and seeking stability. Listen as we explore the ups and downs of freelancing in the entertainment industry and the irresistible draw of returning to the East Coast, all while reflecting on identity, history, and connection.

From the rewards and challenges of teaching to existential musings on midlife, our conversation covers a broad spectrum of life experiences. Rich shares how creating a safe and hospitable classroom environment can transform students' lives, engaging them with texts like "The Outsiders" and addressing their emotional and mental health needs. We delve into the significance of diverse storytelling in cinema and the lasting impact of literature, all while balancing deep reflections with a handful of jokes. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and the transformative power of education and literature.

Mentions
The Outsiders

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