At the Table with Southwest Florida Mahjong

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 TableThe 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.