For the 41st meeting of our (extremely) informal “editorial board”, we gathered, in the company of four *amazing* women, at Carmine’s Tuscan Grill in New Haven. (Duo and I providing the “junk DNA”.) Over delicious (and healthful!) appetizers, we talked about embarrassing moments, guilty pleasures – and choosing activities for summer vacations – with Deborah Pan, Kathy […]
Joanne Kahan: April Fools
For Episode 40 of the Real Life Survival Guide, the stage was set for the discussion to enter rare and undiscovered places. Would the exotic spices permeating the air at Sitar in New Haven lead our intrepid conversationalists into exploring the themes of truth and virtue found in the epic tale, “The Ramayana”? Would the […]
Episode 40: College, Politics and The World’s Largest Meatball
Our friends at Sitar in New Haven were kind enough to keep their amazing buffet open a little later than usual on a recent Sunday afternoon, and the result was a rollicking editorial meeting for the RLSG! We talked about April Fool’s Day (of course!), the changing nature of college admissions – and meatballs – […]
Episode 39: Happiness, Wealth, and Reasonable Self Promotion
We recorded Episode 39 at a lovely corner table at Carmen Anthony Steakhouse in New Haven – over their award-winning chopped salad and crab cakes – with our guest editors, Laura Campbell, Scott Feinberg, Jud Smith, and Gerry McGuire. We talked about correcting people, our infatuation with the rich, and navigating the DMV… Gerry McGuire took his love […]
Episode 38: The Silly Season
We chose O’Toole’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in New Haven as our venue for the 38th Real Life Survival Guide editorial board meeting, knowing that the show would air at the end of St. Patrick’s Day weekend. (What we didn’t know was the fact that the date would also mark the end of what the […]
Episode 37: Spring Springs Prematurely
We were thinking about flowers budding way too early in this week’s editorial board meeting for The Real Life Survival Guide, featuring Julie Braun, Lee White, Ryan Duques and Fred Lyle. (Lee says she has “stopped wearing socks, thinking that might spur spring up a bit”. Fred was concerned about his crocuses and rose bushes, and […]
Episode 36: The Man Show
Episode 36 was a bit of a college reunion; joining us my were fellow Hobart grads, New York Times Tech columnist Bob Tedeschi and ESPN producer Steve Petyerak. Rounding out this manly conclave: cohost Duo Dickinson, software engineer Justin Gill, and rugby coach and new media man John Broker. We met in a great spot […]
Episode 35: Ladies of the Connecticut Shoreline
We laughed a lot in Episode 35, recorded on a bright sunny day at the recently reopened Stone House in Guilford. The Stone House took a direct hit from Irene but is open for business and looking better than ever. The views – and the food – were SPECTACULAR, and we had conversations about about […]
Episode 34: Love Is In The Air
We recorded Episode 34 about a week before Valentine’s Day, so “love” was on the minds of our guest editors, dating coach Ronnie Ann Ryan, entrepreneur Danyel Aversenti, media personality Matt Scott, and freelance writer Sarah Kyrcz. Making matters even more romantic was the fact that we recorded our gathering at John Davenport’s on the 19th floor […]
Episode 33: Renovations, Commuting and Life Long Friendships
We had a lively editorial board meeting over delicious Mediterranean cuisine at The Greek Olive in New Haven’s Long Wharf section. (They’re a neighbor to the renowned Long Wharf Theater!) Our guest editors this week were Erika Horne, Gaye Hyre, Sallie Kraus, and Paul Schatz, and the conversations ranged from coping with family dramas caused by aging […]
Episode 32: Politics, Projects and Parties
We recorded this week’s episode at Bentara in New Haven’s Ninth Square (thanks to Niza for hosting us!), and our guest editors were Mary Elliot, Amy Nawrocki, Eric Lehman, and Paul Sessions. Mary is a stay-at-home Mom with four children, one husband and no pets unless you count that ant farm on the dresser in her […]
Episode 31: Food!
This week’s conversations took place at one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven: Union League Cafe (thanks Jean-Pierre!), and our guest editors were Cynthia Lyon, Susan Jacobs, and Cynthia’s sister, food critic Todd Lyon. Cynthia is the founder and leader of Eight To The Bar, where she is also the primary songwriter and arranger. She […]
Episode 30: Warmth, Email, Books and Relationships
We gathered to record Episode 30 at Cafe Romeo, the hip, delicious East Rock coffee shop. We were joined by Anne Witkavitch, Kristin Huffman, and Mark Branch, and hosted by Chris Mordececai. After getting her MFA, Anne Witkavich left Corporate America and started her own communications & change management consulting business. She also compiled and edited the […]
Episode 29: Vices, Heat, and Civic Duty
Episode 29 was recorded on a busy Sunday afternoon at the incredible Modern Apizza on State Street in New Haven. Our guest conversationalists were Debby Wan, Cristin Siebert and Ted Koppy. Debby is a Connecticut native but has recently moved to the New Haven area. She’s a mechanical engineer by trade and is also the […]
Episode 28: Social Networking, Tasty Food, and New Years Resolutions
Episode 28 was recorded on December 28th, 2011, as we dined on sustainable seafood at Miya’s Sushi on Howe Street. (Thanks, Bun!) Our Guest Editors were Kristen Cusato, Gary Choronzy and Ed Bartlett; As this new year begins, Kristen Cusato begins a new gig. No longer on News 8 in the morning, she is now following […]
Episode 27: Returns, Thank-yous, and Christmas with The McGuires
Episode 27 of The Real Life Survival Guide was recored at historic Lyric Hall in the Westville section of New Haven on December 18th. We were hosted by Colin Caplan – the creator of the Taste of New Haven eating and drinking tours – and joining the conversation were Marcia Simon, Holly Adam, and the aforementioned McGuires, […]
Episode 26: Gifts, Relatives, and Managing Expectations
Episode 26 was recorded on Sunday December 11th at Zafra Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar. Our guest editors were Ken Sperling, Jon Crane, Joy Gathers, and James Mapes. (You can learn more about them here. Duo was at the session, but left before Cindy took the photo…) We talked about gifts, relatives and managing expectations.
Episode 25: Eating, Tipping, and Unexpected Gifts
Episode 25 was recorded at Chips Family Restaurant in Orange (there’s also a Chips in Fairfield) where we feasted on award-winning pancakes. (Thanks to Dina for her award-winning hospitality!) Our guest editors were Susannah Bailin, Jaki Valensi-Lauper, Randye Kaye, and Helen Kauder. We talked about talked about moderation at holiday parties, how much to tip people […]
Episode 24: Arguments, Exercise, and Holiday Greetings
Episode 24 was recorded on Sunday November 27th in the cafe at the newly opened Elm City Market, a cooperative grocery story in the tony 360 State apartment building in downtown New Haven. Our guest list included Stacey Battat, Ira Rosofsky and Dr. Harry Schwartz, and we were hosted by Elm City Market’s Amy Christensen-Regni. (A word to […]
Episode 23: Bullies, Turducken and Getting Things Done
Our 23rd editorial meeting was held at Atticus Bookstore Cafe, an incredible independent book store on Chapel Street in New Haven. Our host was Dan Gaffney, and our guest editors included Eileen Kaplan, Lon Seidman and Jud Smith. (You can learn more about each of them in the show prep entry.) We discussed problems involving major illness, […]
Episode 22: Doing The Right Thing
This week Steve Katz hooked us up with a corner table at Katz’s Deli in Woodbridge. (He also introduced us to 90 year old Ed Abrams, who you’ll hear in this week’s conversation.) We also welcomed guest editors Jeanette Kuvin Oren, Nanci Sklar and Joel Sachs. We talked about the latest disappointments in the news […]
(How) did your marriage change you?
This one touched off some quite interesting back and forth during a recent RLSG recording session. (Duo was amazed that I went from an OCD-ey neat freak to a… well, slightly less OCD-ey neat freak.) (How) did your marriage change you?
Episode 21: The Good, The Bad, and Trouble in the Neighborhood
We like to gather at fun places, and this week was no exception: we met in Milford to check out the newly opened Plan B Burger Bar. The food, the people and and the atmosphere are all amazing … and Plan B also happens to be a kind supporter of Connecticut Public Broadcasting! Our guest […]
Episode 20: Simplify, Localize, Unplug
Episode 20 was recorded at Christopher Martins in New Haven as the New York Giants battled Miami on the big screen. I was joined by my cohost, Duo Dickinson, along with Brian Virtue, the co-owner and manager of Christopher Martins, and our guest conversationalists, Joanne Kahan, Marianne O’Hare, and Cynthia Lyon, band leader and keyboard player […]
Episode 19: Available Light
Episode 19 was recorded at Anna Liffey’s, an incredible Irish Pub on Whitney Avenue in New Haven. This weeks guests included Ann McGuire, Katie Gerhard, her husband Joe (a photographer and, as you’ll hear, a talented musician), John Broker, Frank from “The Liffey”, and last but certainly not least, our first heckler! We drank Guinness, […]
Episode 18: Woodstock, Shoptailing, and Living a Good Life
This is episode 18, recorded on Sunday October 16th at Press New Haven. Press is a happening restaurant in the “Goat Cheese” section of New Haven (as usual, you’ll just have to listen!) that specializes in artisan pizza and great wines. I was joined – as usual – by Duo Dickinson, along with Paul Weymann […]
Episode 17: Condolences, Guilt and Smartphone Addiction
Episode 17 was recorded on Sunday October 16th at 116 Crown in New Haven. I was joined by my “Spock”, Duo Dickinson, along 116 Crown’s John Ginetti, social media “gurette” Suzi Craig (she live Tweeted the session), personal organizing expert Elizabeth Larkin, and composer, educator, mathematician, inventor and iPhone app developer, Harlan Brothers. (Harlan is also […]
Episode 16: A Rock Star, an Oscar Blogger and a Stay at Home Dad
This week we gathered with owner Dave McCoart at Sage American Grille and Oyster Bar in the “City Point” neighborhood of New Haven. Our guest editors included the legendary “Beehive Queen”; musician, songwriter and lead singer for the Saturday Night Live band, Christine Ohlman; Scott Feinberg, the chief oscar blogger and analyst for The Hollywood Reporter; writer, […]
What are some of the best ways to express condolences?
This question is a direct result of the loss of Steve Jobs this week. I thought about how sad I was that he was gone, and realized that my pain was noting compared to the grief being suffered by his family and close friends. Which inspired this question; What are some of the best ways to […]
Should you treat all of your kids the same?
In our conversation at Geronimo, Paul Schatz noted the fact that it used to be common to treat all children the same way, but wondered if there needs to be “different ways to raise each kid to make sure they excel the most”. Great question. This is one of the most confusing things for me […]
Episode 15: A Fashionable Friend, A Writer and a Money Man
The 15th recording session for the RLSG on WNPR occurred on Sunday, September 25th at Geronimo in New Haven. Joining the conversation: my wonderful friend from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Holly Adam, “a Retailer, Fashion Director, stylist, merchandiser, fine cashmere expert, and the grand-daughter of the first Master of Davenport College at Yale”; Sarah […]
What is a good philosophy for parental involvement in schools?
Mark Oppenheimer raised this question during our conversation at Claire’s about the whole “back to school” phenomenon. We also discussed those tiny chairs they make you sit in for parent-teacher conferences. Are they kidding? If you can’t find me an adult sized chair, let’s just meet at Starbucks. So, what is a good philosophy for […]
Episode 14: Back To School, Division of Labor, and Red Plaid
We met at Claire’s Corner Copia, among the hustle and bustle of downtown New Haven, and in the shadow of what Duo told us is “reputedly the first Gothic Revival structure in America”. (We love Claire and we wanted to show our support after she and her husband Frank took a direct hit from Irene.) Joining […]
Episode 13: An Earthquake, A Hurricane, and What’s Really Important
Joining the conversation this week: Paul Sessions, the Director of the Center for Family Business at the University of New Haven, dog adoption advocate Sarah Oren, co host Duo Dickinson, and Meteorologist Matt Scott. We gathered at Manjares, a wonderful family owned restaurant in the Westville section of New Haven, on Sunday September 4th. In the previous week […]
What is your favorite smartphone app?
In Episode 12 at the New Haven Open, Gary Choronzy (our web guru) complained about what he perceived to be “techno bashing” in previous conversations. Invoking the story of the Luddites, Duo Dickinson “manned up” and took responsibility. So, in deference to our previous “Neo-Ludditeism” (Duo’s term), I pose the following question: What is your favorite smartphone […]
Episode 12: The New Haven Open
With summer winding down I thought it would be a good idea to reflect a bit. Joining cohost Duo Dickinson and me were author and radio host Binnie Klein, web designer Gary Choronzy, producer Cindy Papish Gerber, executive producer Kim Grehn and Kim’s wife Deb. I chose The New Haven Open at Yale as the site […]
When you greet someone: handshake, hug, or kiss?
One of the leading causes of awkwardness these days seems to be the art of figuring out what’s appropriate – especially if you hadn’t been thinking about the subject just before you encounter someone. I’ve noticed recently that right before I greet a member of the opposite sex, my brain is forced into overdrive to […]
What’s your “go to meal”?
Everyone has one: the quick, easy delicious dinner, and we had a lot of fun batting ours around during this week’s editorial meeting. (In a perfect world, they’re all healthful, easy to prepare, and go nicely with a buttery chardonnay. For Duo, the the on-the-go architect, the solution comes in the form of the pre-cooked […]
How much information about yourself should you share online?
This is a topic that was touched on by CT Out and About Publisher Ed Bartlett during our editorial meeting at Ashley’s Ice Cream, and again by Yale Rugby Coach John Broker during our most recent gathering at the New England Brewing Company. Everyone seemed to agree on one important fact: that while we’ve been […]
Episode 11: New England Brewing Company
It happened, on a recent Thursday afternoon in Woodbridge, Connecticut: we gathered at New England Brewing Company. This was because at Delaney’s, Amanda told us how much she loves their beer… and we ended up loving their beer, too! Joining us were Yale Rugby coach John Broker, Amanda from Delaney’s, Rob from NEB, Duo Dickinson and freelance writer Alix […]
Episode 10: Ashley’s Ice Cream
For Episode 10, we traveled to Ashley’s Ice Cream, a Connecticut favorite, in Branford. Joining us were co-owner Brian Anderson, organizing and lifestyle expert Lisa Lilas, cookbook author and personal chef Gloria Zimmerman, and Ed Bartlett, the publisher of CT Out and About.com.
When is it okay to correct a friend?
Mary Scanlon wants to know! If one friend says Ne-veah-dah and the other “Ne-vah-dah” (Duo’s a toe-mah-toe guy), when is it okay to correct the other person? Our editorial board seemed to agree that the intent provides an important piece of the puzzle. What do you think – when is it okay to correct a […]
What should we all be doing to prepare for the possibility of unemployment?
This question is especially important – especially if you work in the media, as our guest editors can attest – and it sparked a lively discussion during our editorial meeting at Miya’s. Pam Landry, former host of “The Blue Plate Special” on WPLR pitched the topic because it’s something she experienced first hand: “Our parents […]
Episode 9: Miya’s Sushi
We decided to hold this weeks editorial board meeting at Miya’s Sushi, one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven. Over Chef Bun Lai’s creative, soulful, and sustainable cuisine – at the restaurant his mom started when there literally were no sushi restaurants in Connecticut – we gathered with three guest editors: Pam Landry, Mary Scanlon […]
What’s the secret to receiving good customer service?
A story from Gary Choronzy during this week’s pitch meeting involved his frustration with cell phone and cable companies – and this evolved into a conversation about how tough it can be to get good customer service from any company. The recurring theme was how difficult it’s become to speak directly with a decision maker, […]
Where (and when) is it absolutely NOT appropriate to use your cell phone?
This is a question that arose from Joanne Kahan’s pitch about the noise that comes from people wearing headphones in public places. This, in turn, let to a conversation about what seems to be a need, on the part of many, to control the “noise” of everyday living – by creating their own! Cellphone use […]
Episode 8: Orange Hills Country Club
Nothing says “summer in the suburbs” like a golf course, and that’s where we headed to record episode 8! Orange Hills Country Club is a public 18 hole course in, not a surprise, Orange Connecticut. Our gracious hosts for the afternoon were Judy and Jud Smith; their father, Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Walter […]
How do you make mutually satisfactory compromises?
This question arose from Sarah Kyrcz’ story about going to a NASCAR race her husband wanted to attend… and how she ended up actually enjoying herself! (One of her secrets – just go with it.) Compromise is an issue we all have to deal with, and the ability to “give a little to get a […]
Episode 7: Bishop’s Orchards
It has become apparent (to me at least) that we are drawn to guest editors and locations because we love them.This week was no exception: Duo and I travelled to Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market in Guilford Connecticut to hear pitches from our host, sixth generation family member (and mother of 2) Sarah Bishop DellaVentura, along with […]
How should we teach our children good manners?
Guest editor (and Yale soccer coach) Brian Tomkins raised this issue in the Glenwood episode, having witnessed ill mannered kids taking more than one hot dog in a long line at a camp lunch this summer. The simple answer, of course, is for parents to model considerate behavior themselves: but based on the seemingly “epidemic” […]