Beyond The Venue with MG The Venue Specialist

Beyond the Venue Podcast is back for a 4th and final season! Episode 1 is my reflection on the past year and a half, starting with my acceptance to Temple in January through my first year as a doctoral student. For anyone curious about what life is like as an entrepreneur and hospitality professional turned academic, this episode is for you!Additional Topics Include:Saying Goodbye to MG the Venue SpecialistPutting the Puzzle Pieces TogetherA Dramatic Reading of my Favorite AssignmentStaying True to my Hospitality RootsMy Unorthodox TrajectoryMy Love for BeyoncéGrateful for Having Taken Qual before QuantThanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reflections on Senior Year 401” featuring your host, MG Hodge!Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Only a few weeks left of the semester to go, so it's fitting time to wrap up Season 3!In Reflections on Junior Year, I share a part of my Statement of Goals that I have been working on over the last several weeks as a part of my PhD application. Taking a PhD level course has been great, but the work I'm having to do to get in is HARD! One of the things I'm trying to better articulate is my WHY. It was so easy as an entrepreneur, but trying to get that elevator pitch version of “why a PhD in Education” has been a work in progress.Thank you to all of my guests this past season! You all received a personalized thank you in this reflection! Thank you to my students - every single one of you I've taught since I was a TA for the freshman business class at Drexel! And of course, I am so grateful to every single person who has taken the time to listen to this podcast. Since I'll be taking Quantitative Research next year, here are a few stats on the podcast:1,606 total downloads as of November 18, 2022 at 4:12 pm while I'm on a train to BWI - VACATION!!Industry Shifts with Brandon Thrash, my very first episode, continues to be the most downloaded at 99, followed by Reflections on Sophomore Year with yours truly at 83!PhD applications are due December 1st, and I'm supposed to hear back in March. I will be teaching again this coming Spring, but instead of Leadership, I'll be teaching Organizational Processes. And Team Processes is going back to 100% in person! So next semester will be yet another rollercoaster, but you know me, I'm along for the ride!Follow @beyondthevenuepodcast on IG for updates!

For our final episode of Season 3, we're kicking it old school. We're switching back to a classic interview style with a fellow academic, Dr. Michael Sheridan.Dr. Mike and I have known each other since we were in graduate school in the STHM program at Temple University. We ran into each other at an event honoring the incredible Dr. Betsy Barber, and I would learn that Mike had JUST become Dr. Mike, having defended his dissertation that very week. Following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Mike completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.In this episode, we talk more about the difference between an EdD and a PhD, as I will be applying for my PhD over this next month!Additional Topics Include:The Academic's Thirst for KnowledgeA Shared Passion for TeachingUsing our Real World Experience as Teachable MomentsThe Power of Being Vulnerable and Transparent when You're Not OkayState of the Hospitality Industry and the Economics Behind ItThanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode In Defense of the Dissertation 308 with Dr. Michael Sheridan.About Dr. Mike:Dr. Michael F. Sheridan joined the full-time faculty at STHM in 2013 after serving as an adjunct professor in 2012, when he taught undergraduate and graduate students about management, sales, development and other areas of tourism and hospitality.Dr. Sheridan's industry experience includes, most recently, serving as director of revenue management for Sofitel Philadelphia, where he was responsible for maximizing revenue for the luxury, four-star hotel through revenue management, inventory control, market-segment pricing, statistical analysis and demand-stimulating initiatives.From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Sheridan was hotel program director for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), which is now known as Visit Philadelphia. During his tenure, he served as a liaison between Philadelphia's tourism-marketing office and the more than 100 hotels in Philadelphia and the suburbs. He also presided over GPTMC's most successful hotel package, the Philly Overnight Hotel Package, generating more than $21 million in room revenue. Dr. Sheridan has served on the boards of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association.Dr. Sheridan received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising and his Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University. He earned a certificate in Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University and, in 2014, earned a Certificate in Teaching Higher Education from the Teaching and Learning Center at Temple University's College of Education.In 2022, following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Sheridan completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

This week, I'm joined by my friend and now colleague Dr. Ben Torsney. Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Josh & Onasis.If you're looking to gain insight into motivational teaching styles and creating psychologically safe classrooms, you're in the right place!Topics Include:Building TrustThe Next Generation of LeadersSelf Determination TheoryComparing Coaching to TeachingThe Importance of Feeling Like You BelongThanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Coaching in the Classroom 307.About Ben:Dr. Ben Torsney (he/him) holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies Department. Ben's research is focused on college students' engagement in schoolwork at various units of analysis; John Henryism, a form of high effort coping as a response to environmental stressors; college students' willingness to take environmental action; and the motivation of pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field.This former “wannabe basketball player” is also a father to a great little girl and a partner to a wonderful lady. Connect with Ben via email ben.torsney@gmail.com.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

This week, I'm joined by my friends Alyssa & Nicole. We met through the Fulbright Program as English Teaching Assistants in Germany back in 2006!Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Armaan & Danny.If you're looking to gain insight into disability inclusion work and Asynchronous communication, you're in the right place!Topics Include:DEI in OrganizationsImportance of Creating an Inclusive CultureSelf ImprovementSituational LeadershipFormal Training vs On the Job TrainingReconnecting and Rejoining Society After these last Few YearsAlyssa Ryanjoy (she/her) leads a team supporting an equitable and inclusive hybrid work environment at CUNA Mutual Group. Her career has included diverse roles and industries but she has always enjoyed bringing structure to new ideas while coaching and mentoring others. She is deeply involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work with a special focus on disability inclusion.  Alyssa attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison for both her Bachelor's degree in Economics/German and her MBA. She loves volunteering with local organizations and currently serves on the board of First Unitarian Society of Madison, her faith organization, and Movin' Out, a disability justice organization focused on housing. Connect with Alyssa on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Nicole Walberg (she/her) has worked over the past 18 years as an admissions counselor, academic advisor, fellowship advisor, study abroad advisor, international student advisor, and director of a college advising office. She currently owns her own business, which helps students navigate their college application and academic experience.She is a Pacific Northwesterner, Fulbright scholar, German speaker, kitchen vixen, lover of the outdoors, and a cancer survivor. She loves to support others as they battle cancer and to help people navigate the path to their future career. Connect with Nicole on her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Daniel Stonis (he/him) is currently a Temple Graduate Student, studying for his MS in City and Regional Planning.Connect with Daniel on Instagram and LinkedIn.Mohamed Armaan Nathani (he/him) is a current student in the Adult and Organizational Development major at Temple University. Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, DEI & Intersectionality 305 with Becky YepAbout Becky: Becky Yep (she/her/hers) is a Senior Technical Program Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a major technology company.  She works to embed DE&I into technical products and services for an equitable customer experience.  For example, she often works in partnership with the Accessibility team to make sure things like television and gaming remotes, web pages, and streaming content are readily available for folks that may have physical or intellectual disabilities.Becky's background is in engineering; prior to her current position, she spent 8 years in the aerospace industry in roles ranging from structural analysis, manufacturing, project management, and system safety.  While a job in DE&I may seem like a departure from her educational background, it's really an opportunity borne from passion and engagement.  DE&I involvement was a "side hustle" that has been realized into a dream job!Alexis (she/her) is a current Adult and organizational development student.Eve (they/them) is a current Environmental studies and adult organization and development student.Nasira (she/her) is an Adult and organizational development major. ***Connect with Becky on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

This week, I'm joined by Daniela Galdi, an entrepreneur and business, arts, and wellness professional. She's also the producer of Beyond the Venue Podcast!Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Daniela and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Margo & Leslie.If you're looking to gain insight into having a conversation as opposed to confrontation, you're in the right place!Topics Include:Leadership in the Non-Profit WorldManagement vs LeadershipCollaborations and Handling ConfrontationManaging your EmotionsThanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Empathetic Communication 304 with Daniela Galdi.Don't be late to class!About Daniela: Daniela Galdi is a leading creative resource giving the BIG PICTURE on Trending Media, Business Development, and Healthy Living empowering others to see things from new perspectives.  Her professional training as a Media Personality, Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Fitness & Wellness Expert, along with her self-started philanthropic outreach programs are the foundation to her innovative missions.She is a multi-talented entertainment artist with an extensive background in performing, producing, and teaching fine arts and mixed media for over 15 years. Daniela's purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals and live their passions. A self-starter and an entrepreneur since 21 years old, she shares her entrepreneurial prowess and expertise for other self-starters to aspire and build on their missions, visions, brands, and talents through her agency, ByVesta Agency, online publications/media network, IV Media, and media appearances, guest speaking, and trainings.  She loves to meet new people, hear their stories, and help them heal in their journeys. She has been passionate about holistic wellness & self-help methods from a young age, and is a teacher and teacher trainer in fitness and Classical Pilates through with world-renowned training from True Pilates NY. She is also trained in Emotional Empowerment from the International Institute for Emotional Empowerment and is passionate about mental health advocacy through her support and empowerment organization, Still Standing Together and StillRise.Connect with Daniela***Margo Haas (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development and Community Engagement with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management and Social EntrepreneurshipConnect with Margo on Instagram and Linked In.Leslie Garcia (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development with a Concentration in Community EducationConnect with Leslie on Instagram***Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

This week we have another return guest from Season 2! I'm joined by James Varughese, a part of the Customer Experience team serving small businesses that use Intuit QuickBooks Payments products.Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, James and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Sierra & Celia who also care about leading with empathy and understanding their impact on a community.If you're looking to gain insight into self awareness as a leader and within community development, you're in the right place!Topics Include:Choosing a Major Based on Passions and Helping OthersWhat is Community Development?Effective Leadership within Community Development EffortsEmpathetic and Situational LeadershipApplying Classroom Knowledge to the Real WorldSustainability as it Relates to Food InsecurityThanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Mindful Ways to Make an Impact 303 with James Varughese.Don't be late to class!About James: James Varughese (he/him) has built a successful career in both advertising and financial technology industries since moving to California from New York in 2011.He is currently part of the Fintech Customer Experience team at Intuit. One of his most important responsibilities is to understand V-O-C, or Voice of Customer, across multiple products and channels such as self-help, in-product feedback, app store, and when customers speak or chat with Intuit support experts. Analyzing data, creating insights, and telling data backed stories is how James delivers on the promise that QuickBooks has to it's customers to be the source of truth for their business and exceed expectations where & when it matters most. Outside of work James loves to spend time with his wife and two young children.Connect with James on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as his website. Student Info:Celia Myerov (she/her) a recent Temple grad is currently working as a Program & Expansion Associate.Connect with Celia on Instagram and LinkedIn.***Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

This week, I'm joined by Sarah Zero, founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Sarah and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by fellow entrepreneurs, Suzie and her friend and business partner Samantha.If you're looking to gain insight into how much MG loves being a part of the Wellstruck community, you're in the right place!Topics Include:Recognizing your Personal LimitsThe Power of NoSelf-AwarenessLeadership Mentality on Adjusting to ChangeMaking Space for RestManaging Anxiety Before it Manages YouIt's Ok to Not Be Ok Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Entrepreneurship with Empathy 302.Don't be late to class!About Sarah: Sarah Zero (she/her) is the founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.At Wellstruck, Sarah facilitates intimate workshops, accountability groups, and masterminds that give small business owners a safe space to navigate the mental and emotional ups and downs of building a life that aligns with their own version of success.Sarah also recently launched The Wellstruck Podcast, where she interviews small business owners who talk candidly about the messy middle and uncovering zones of genius to create positive change in their communities.Sarah lives in Delaware with her partner and pup. Lately, she's been on a mission to get moving — an archery workshop, rock climbing with friends, and walks while listening to Brené Brown's “Dare to Lead” audiobook.To learn more about Wellstruck, visit the website. Applications for Wellstruck  mastermind + membership community are opening this Fall.  Subscribe at Wellstruck.com/subscribe to receive reminder emails.Connect with Sarah on Instagram and LinkedIn. Student Info: Suzie Oswald (she/her) is a recent Temple graduate and currently works as a Senior Mission Support Coordinator Supervisor.Connect with Suzie on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.***Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

Season 3 of Beyond the Venue Podcast kicks off with Liz Einhorn, Founder of Experience Threee, a hospitality growth consulting firm. Liz was a guest on Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast, and I was excited to have her back on the show, but this time with an all new format. Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Liz and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Caroline & Sara who also both work in hospitality.If you're looking to gain insight into how to work efficiently in a team as well as fun things to do in New Orleans, you're in the right place!Topics Include:Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe (Ted Talk)Service Industry Practices, especially with CovidLessons Learned Working in TeamsDo Schools Kill Creativity? (Ted Talk)Boundary Setting & Process ManagementMindfulness and Attempting to Avoid BurnoutThanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Leadership in Hospitality 301 with Liz Einhorn.About Liz:Liz Einhorn (she/her) A native of Philadelphia, Liz cut her teeth in the beverage industry at The Boston Beer Company, playing a pivotal role in launching innovative brands like Truly Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Cider throughout her 10-year career at BBC. In 2017, Liz founded Experience Threee, a growth consulting firm, to bring her expertise to a portfolio of emerging and established hospitality brands.   Liz developed the Brewtop Social Beer Garden concept slated to open in Seatac Airport this fall and has contributed and conceptualized beverage menus for concepts nationwide. She is also a Level One Cicerone and a certified Whisky Ambassador.  Connect with Liz on Instagram and Linked In. Follow Experience Threee on Instagram.Student Info:Caroline Nicholson (she/her) is a current student, majoring in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University. Connect with Caroline on Instagram and LinkedIn. Sara Lenney is a recent graduate of the Adult and Organizational Development program at Temple University. Connect with Sara on Instagram and LinkedIn. ***Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A ByVesta Production.

What better way to kick off Fall semester than with a brand new season of Beyond the Venue Podcast!  Wait, did she just say kick off the semester? I sure did. In the last few episodes of Season 2, I talk with my guests about what's to come for me for 2022. I would be returning to Temple University to teach a few classes as an adjunct professor in the College of Education. For those of you who are tuning in for the first time, I started a business in early 2019 called MG the Venue Specialist. Most of my clients are couples who are frustrated by their wedding planning process because they can't find the right venue. I'm their solution they never knew existed. Taking their stress, doing the work for them, making the wedding planning process fun and enjoyable. 2019 was off to a great start and then Covid...So in early 2021, I started this podcast, interviewing different guests each week, discussing how they have creatively navigated “Beyond the Venue”.With both seasons, my goal was to entertain and educate my listeners, encouraging them to laugh while continuing to gain empathy and understanding for our fellow humans. With my transition back into academia, I am focusing Season 3 of Beyond the Venue podcast on education, leadership and emotional intelligence. I'm switching up the format a bit and bringing in the perspectives of my students from this past semester. As a project for my Leadership in Organizations class, I had the students pair up and record a 20-30 minute podcast about what they've enjoyed and learned in class so far, incorporating the overall theme of emotional intelligence.  I received permission from 7 groups to use their recordings and we've broken each recording up into bite size clips. Each week you'll hear from a different group of students paired with a guest, some of whom you'll recognize from previous episodes! This season is about not only giving a platform to these “mostly” gen Z'ers but also discussing with my peers and colleagues about what they have to say.It has been a tough couple of years, but to make this pivot from hospitality into education has been a seamless transition because I've always been an educator in different capacities. These students have inspired me, and I am very excited to get to know my new students for the Fall semester. They give me hope for the future, which is something we all could use a lot of right now. So while I'll always be MG the Venue Specialist, I'm enjoying my role as Professor MG. I want to thank all of you listeners who have supported both me and this podcast over the last two years. And I want to thank my producer Daniela Galdi of ByVesta Agency, without whom this podcast would have never happened.Season 3 kicks off Friday, September 2nd, with new episodes airing every Friday. You can stream Beyond the Venue Podcast on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Follow us on Instagram @beyondthevenuepodcast. If you enjoy the show, leave us a kind review!Thanks so much for listening, and make sure you're not late to class!

Reflecting on the past year has been a complicated task for many of us, because it's incredibly difficult to differentiate 2021 from 2020. Even though 2021 brought us the vaccine and put an adult in charge of our country, this past year has continued to be a rollercoaster of joy, anger, happiness and frustration.Thank you to each and everyone who has been a part of Beyond the Venue Podcast, as a listener, as a guest or even as a producer! (Daniela is THE BEST!)We look forward to coming back at some point with Season 3, but in the meantime, enjoy ALL of the episodes of Beyond the Venue Podcast from Seasons 1 & 2 on your favorite podcast platform!About MG:MG Hodge (she/her) is Founder & CEO of MG the Venue Specialist, host of Beyond the Venue Podcast, and an adjunct professor at Temple University. MG started her business because she recognized the difficulty people had in finding the right venue for their event. She's able to use her strengths and talents to help people with orchestrating a major life event. She's funny, passionate & dedicated and a big believer that life should be enjoyed and celebrated!Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook.Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This is the last full episode of Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast! As we wrap up both the season and the year, I want to thank you for coming on this adventure with me.Speaking of adventures, our final guest of the season is my friend Olivia. Olivia made the decision to hike the Appalachian Trail this past year, and I was fortunate enough to have followed along with her journey via Slack. Through this app she was able to share with her friends and family the highs and lows, pictures from the trail, and even insights as to what she was going through both mentally and physically. It was as if she was writing in a journal that she gave all of us access to, and I thank her for her openness and vulnerability. Topics Include:

My guest this week is the Ginge on a Binge, Connor Michalchuk. We originally met at Temple University but our paths were destined to cross again.I've seen Connor perform several times over the years through his body positivity show, formerly Bearlesque, now called CaBEARet, taking place every First Friday of the Month at Tabu in the Gayborhood of Philadelphia.The second I ran into Connor in Center City a few months ago, I squealed “omg can I hug you” yes, ok second question “will you be on my podcast”?Topics Include:

This week we're jumping back into the hospitality industry with my friend Will, yet another former bar manager I sold beer to back in the day but kept a friendship with over the years.Will left bartending in mid-February 2020 with the intentions of traveling over the following months. While that clearly didn't happen, Will shares in this episode how he's kept afloat over these last two years, and opens up about how he personally deals with anxiety.Topics Include:

This week I'm talking with another fellow Drexel Dragon, my friend James Varughese. Even though he doesn't work in the hospitality industry, he is passionate about people and their experiences. He works with small business owners to understand their experiences both with his company's products and services as well as learning about what we as small business owners go through.While he's had different roles across analyst, client services, product, and sales, his current focus on Customer Experience utilizes many of the technical skills that he's acquired over the last 20 years in professional environments. What's different about this current role is how critical empathy is in his day to day work. Listening & connecting with small business owners, utilizing Intuit's own Design for Delight method for innovation, and working with teams that James has been in at one time or another in his own career has solidified his desire to create a future as a CX leader.Topics Include:

In this episode you'll hear two perspectives - one from Grace, a student in Drexel's Food and Hospitality Management Department and a freshman in the Spring of 2020 when the lockdown began, and one from Paul, one of Grace's professors in the dept. and a long time friend and colleague of mine.  They both share their experiences of taking the classroom virtual in a hospitality program. How does a professor virtually teach Fine Dining or a Wine Tasting class? Like everyone else, they found a way to make it work!With the announcement of the new variant, I asked Paul about the current plans for the Philly Chef's Conference, scheduled for late February 2022.  He said “As of now the conference sits on the island of misfit plans hoping for the best case scenario. We are still on and will be making an announcement soon, but nothing formal at this time.” Sounds like the proper summary of how to approach 2022. Additional Topics Include:

The dynamic duo behind this “pandemic partnership” are my guests this week, Kerri & Lauren. They've been friends and colleagues for years, and it just made sense over these past two years to join forces. Their skill sets complement one another, and they are able to provide the best possible services for their clients by leaning into their strengths and relying on the other's expertise depending on the task at hand.We learn in this episode that Lauren was working for DiBrunos in their catering department back in 2015, and Kerri and I both happened to use them as our wedding caterers that year.  Kerri and Lauren had already met at that point, but I wouldn't have the pleasure of meeting Kerri until 2019. I reconnected with Lauren when I started MG the Venue Specialist, because I knew I needed to connect with wedding planners as a venue sourcing specialist.Additional Topics Include:

CW - LanguageWhile I was getting my Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Temple University, I had a graduate externship with Student Activities. These roles were offered as 20 hour a week paid positions for full time graduate students throughout the university. My role was to oversee all of the Student Organizations on campus. You'll hear more about this later on this season when I interview a former student leader.  My second year of grad school I would share my office with the new Greek Life graduate extern, this week's guest, Dr. Ben Torsney. This 24 year old kid showed up from Pittsburgh to get his Masters in Education.We joke, but in all seriousness, we probably wouldn't have been friends had we not been paired together, but our friendship was meant to be. Even though I'm older than Ben, we both had a LOT of growing up to do that year, and I know we really helped each other achieve that goal. Ben and I have remained friends over the years, and as you learned in his partner Lauryn's episode, he, Lauryn and I spent almost every Saturday “virtually” together on the same quizzo team from March 2020 until the Spring of 2021.You'll hear in this episode how Ben had reached out to me last summer about my graduate thesis. He thought I asked an interesting question about people's motivation to attend beer festivals. He himself also studies motivation, so with a little work, Ben and his colleague co-authored my now published paper “Ticket to Intoxication: Exploring Attendees' Motivations for Attending Craft Beer Events” in the Journal of Leisure Studies.Additional Topics Include:

This week I'm chatting with my friend and fellow podcast host, Hillary Rea. We've only known each other for a few years, so most of our relationship has transpired during the pandemic. We're neighbors who share similar values, and we even get our veggies from the same CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Taproot Farm.In this episode, Hillary talks about her monthly virtual meet up called the Speak Up Session. It's a free gathering for entrepreneurs, leaders & change makers craving a communication style that aligns who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. Check out her website or sign up for her newsletter to get the latest information regarding dates and time. Her November meet up was this past week, so make sure to join in December!Hillary wrapped up Season 3 of her podcast Roshomon over the summer. While Roshomon has come to its conclusion, Hillary is too passionate about podcasts to walk away from them. While we both agree podcasts are a lot of work, Hillary loves both the audio work as well as helping others find their podcast voice. Which is what she did for me, when I didn't even know I would be hosting a podcast when we worked together.Topics Include:

At the time of this recording, I had only known Nick for a few weeks. Nick was visiting his friend here in Philly for the first time, and his friend happens to also be friends with Brandon Thrash, my friend and guest from Season 1.Brandon brought Nick to my husband's birthday celebrations, and I loved Nick's friendly nature and positive attitude. In this episode, we hear NIck's story about his growing passion for crafting cocktails, and how his eagerness and desire to learn got him where he needed to go.Topics Include:

Liz and I first met at a mutual friend's party when we were both working in the beer industry. We had heard each other's names for years but finally got the chance to meet and our friendship took off immediately.We've enjoyed various events, lunches and happy hours together over the years, and we start off this episode with how she began to mentor me as a small business owner. We have a mutual love of people and we know how imperative it is for both of our businesses to maintain relationships. We also both prioritize not only our own mental health, but we also strive to normalize conversations surrounding mental health. Mental health IS health!Running her own company, Experience Threee, keeps Liz super busy and I'm really grateful for not only her friendship and guidance, but that she was able to join me for this recording. She shares a lot of helpful advice for our listeners and our conversation was quite entertaining. Topics Include:

This week I'm talking with my friend and one of my favorite bartenders, Sol Thomas. Although I've known Sol for quite some time and have enjoyed many of his cocktail creations, this interview was the first time I got to hear how he ended up in Philly as well as where he gets inspiration for his libations.In this episode, I learned about how methodical and intentional Sol is with both his cocktail ingredients as well as his relationships throughout the hospitality and beverage community.Topics Include:

I first met Lauryn 11 years ago when she moved back to Philly with her partner Ben. Ben and I were co-workers and office mates in grad school, but you'll hear more from Ben later on this season, as he is also a guest for Season 2. I wanted to bring Lauryn on the show because she is an elementary school teacher, mother, performer, bartender and just all around badass. Every single aspect of her livelihood was impacted by the pandemic, and I really appreciated getting to learn more about her experiences. Even though I saw Lauryn quite regularly during lockdown, well virtually that is, since she and Ben were on our weekly virtual quizzo team, this interview was the first time I learned of her distinguished award and the work that helped her earn it. She created a brave space for her students and gave them a creative outlet to express their thoughts and emotions. She goes into detail about the positive impact of this “classroom community”. I wish that this form of group therapy was set up in classrooms and workplaces everywhere!Topics Include:

My Guest this week is Leah Coonan (she/her). Leah is a Philly local jewelry designer and the owner of Leah Creation Jewelry. Leah strives to make more space for other queer female/femme creators and she is passionate about repurposing objects helping to “shrink Trash Island”, contributing to making our planet sustainable and beautiful for the future.Leah and I met over 10 years ago when we were both in very different stages of our lives. We had the opportunity to work together when I commissioned her to design my engagement ring and wedding band. I distinctly remember her asking me “what inspires you” when we first sat down to talk about the creation of my engagement ring, and I loved being able to hear more about her creative process during this interview. When Leah is creating a custom piece, she wants to know the story behind the who and the why. “There's a story behind every piece of jewelry.”Additional Topics Include:

Welcome back for Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast! I wanted to kick off this newest season with a woman who has been a constant resource and inspiration for me since the moment she and I were introduced. Elisabeth “Beth" Kramer is a wedding planner in Portland, Oregon, who's fighting the Wedding Industrial Complex. She's the co-founder of Altared, an event for wedding vendors who want to change the wedding industry, and she is also the host of her own podcast The Teardown, a podcast for wedding vendors who've had enough. In this episode, we learn about how Beth combined her background in journalism with her current role as a wedding planner to consistently report on the legality of weddings in Oregon since May 2020. We even had to reschedule our original recording date, as the day before our recording she would learn that the Governor of Oregon would be announcing new mandates at the exact same time when we were scheduled to record. She has compiled countless resources for couples planning weddings during this pandemic, including a Covid Safety Worksheet. “It is not sexy to talk about covid and your wedding, but it's so important.”As an entrepreneur, you don't have traditional co-workers and so it's up to you to create your own community. Beth realized that if she really wanted to affect change within the wedding industry, she would need to connect with vendors who felt the same way. Beth refers to the “nasty-isms” that are all very present within the wedding industry (Racism, ageism, homophobia). Both the Teardown and Altared bring together wedding vendors who love their jobs but recognize the deep problematic issues within the industry. It combines finding community with continuing to learn how to make others feel safe.Additional Topics Include:Our Mutual Love and Respect for Jordan Maney and the Work that She doesThe Why of WeddingsThe Importance of Holding Space for Joy Prioritizing Safety and Joy, not only for her clients, but also for other wedding vendors and more importantly for herselfVaccine BoundariesPodcasts are a LOT of work!About Elisabeth:Elisabeth "Beth" Kramer (she/her) is a wedding planner in Portland, Oregon, who's fighting the Wedding Industrial Complex. She's also the co-founder of Altared, an event for wedding vendors who want to change the wedding industry. Learn more about her work at elisabethkramer.com.Connect with Elisabeth on Instagram and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.CW:  Language

Who started her own business in the wedding and events industry a year before the pandemic would shut it all down?   That would be me, MG the Venue Specialist and your host of Beyond the Venue Podcast. I started my business because I love helping people. I saw a need for those who were frustrated by the event and wedding planning process because they couldn't get over the first hurdle - finding the perfect venue. Now I'm far from the only one who had to get creative and navigate Beyond the Venue over these last 18 months. We recorded Season 1 in the Spring of 2021 to elevate stories from my friends in the hospitality and entertainment world whose careers and businesses were impacted by the pandemic. Listening to Season 1 is like stepping back in time, remembering what it was like before we were fully vaccinated, having zero clue what the rest of 2021 would look like.It is now the Fall of 2021, and this collective trauma is still ongoing. We need to take time to laugh and be entertained, as well as continue to gain empathy and understanding for our fellow humans. I've asked my guests for Season 2 to share their stories and experiences, and they absolutely blew me away with what they have been able to accomplish.Season 2 features several of my colleagues from the hospitality and event industry, as well as teachers and professors from a variety of disciplines. I interview other podcast hosts, storytellers, bartenders, parents and everything in between! Just like Season 1, my guests and I dive into some serious topics, but we have no shortage of humor and entertainment in store for our listeners. I want you to feel like you're having a beverage with us - sharing stories and learning from one another.Since we're all still stuck in this never ending group project that none of us ever wanted to participate in, let's have some laughs and learn a few things about what others are dealing with, shall we?Season 2 launches Friday, October 1st with new episodes available every Friday.   Follow @beyondthevenuepodcast on Instagram for the latest updates, and thank you so much for listening! 

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest and BTV Producer, Daniela Galdi, Founder of byVesta Agency.  In this Season 1 Wrap Up episode, MG and Daniela cover all you need to know about how Beyond The Venue Podcast started, including how they met, their mutual love of venues and each other, the INCREDIBLE guests and highlights from Season 1, and where BTV is headed for Season 2!Our paths have crossed so many times and the universe has been trying to get us to work together since we met 2 years ago.  Now, it was time we saved each other's seats and shared how it all comes back to community support and fostering relationships to help one another grow. Daniela Galdi's purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals and live their passions. A self-starter and an entrepreneur since 21 years old, Daniela shares her entrepreneurial prowess and expertise for other self-starters to aspire and build on their missions, visions, brands, and talents through her agency, ​byVesta Agency​, an arts, media, design management, development and consultation company that creates staying power through dynamic content.Connect with Daniela on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.CW:  Language

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Kylie Lee Flett, Director of PR + Strategy at PUNCH Media. This former bartender is a huge animal lover, the co-founder of RestingGiftFace.com, and is Philly’s FAVORITE (and hilarious) Aussie!  Kylie is also a board member for Morris Animal Refuge and sits on the committee for their Annual Fur Ball Event.In this episode, MG and Kylie have a good laugh over the phenomenal and creative packages that Resting Gift Face curates. They switch gears to highlight how the pandemic has affected animal shelters who rely on events, fundraisers and donations from the hospitality industry, a community that has also been trying to stay afloat over the past year and a half. Kylie opens up about the Australian WildFires in early 2020 and the fundraiser she organized here in Philly to help her native home.  With a hopeful outlook on the future, hear what they both have to share on the resilience and grit of the Philadelphia hospitality community and their excitement for the return of live music and shows. Kylie Lee Flett rejoined the PUNCH Media team 5 years ago -- which is where she first launched her career and cultivated her love for PR. She is highly respected amongst Philadelphia’s press and business communities, particularly from a food and beverage perspective. Flett is a tenacious and seasoned pro — who like James, shares a must-win attitude for PUNCH Media’s clients. She has extensive experience in developing brand strategies for regional and national clients such as Coopers' Craft Bourbon, Sojourn Philly restaurants, The Bourse Food Hall, Tamworth Distilling, and Art in the Age. Flett holds a masters degree in Professional and Business Communications from La Salle University and hails from Adelaide, South Australia. Connect with Kylie on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.CW:  Language

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Meredith Rebar, Certified Cicerone, owner of Home Brewed Events, and new employee of Deer Creek Malthouse!  Meredith loves talking about beer and the power of fermentation. She and MG both adore food, beverage, and events and most importantly celebrating all of these with other people! In this episode, you’ll learn about beer & spirits education, what it means to be Certified Cicerone, and the pleasure and not-so-pleasurable experience of tastings with off flavors and sensitive palates.  Meredith opens up about how music has been an instrumental outlet for her and how she has reconnected with her roots in the music industry. Despite the pandemic, she took her tastings and brewing courses to a virtual platform, and she is excited to continue her involvement in major festivals and events in Philadelphia like the 2nd Street Festival and Philly Beer Week! Proprietor and Event Director, Meredith Megan Rebar (Certified Cicerone©), began her career managing and producing special events and concerts at the Abbey Bar as part of Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg, PA. She was part of the Tasting Room event team that opened the new Troegs Brewing Company location in Hershey, PA. After moving to Philadelphia to be a part of the burgeoning beer scene, she joined Origlio Beverage as a Corporate Communications Specialist, writing articles for the seasonal publications, Draught Lines and Heady Times, developed background knowledge of beer wholesaler operations and craft beer sales and how to incorporate social media to develop business growth. In addition to running HBE she brewed professionally at St. Benjamin Brewing Company, chairs the Philly Loves Beer Education Committee and is a founding member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pink Boots Society.   www.homebrewedevents.comConnect with Meredith on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Alyssa Martin, Yoga Teacher and Manager of a Philadelphia neighborhood studio in Fairmount called Lumos Yoga and Barre.  Their lives intertwined in so many ways after MG & Alyssa first met in early 2020. They became friends through the Wednesday yoga class they both needed.  Hear about the twists and turns of teaching virtually, studio closings, business redemptions, and both of their yoga journeys supporting them through the unknown.“It was so wonderful having you as a friend and teacher this past year -- the most rollercoaster of all rollercoasters of a year” --MG In this episode, you’ll learn in depth about wellness studio management, Vinyasa yoga practice, and a breakdown of how teachers structure their classes.  After studios closed and jobs were lost, they chatted about hope and new opportunities through continuing their practices together.  Although things may not have gone as planned, they can still laugh about it and persist forward! Alyssa Martin has been practicing yoga for almost a decade and has been teaching for more than a year now. Yoga has been such a staple through all her transformations. This form of self-discovery continues to unveil things about her personality, helping her learn and grow as a person.  Her passion is to spread the practice of self-awareness. She hopes to continue to be a part of other people's journey as a teacher. Show people how to connect with their emotions. Teach people how to use the breath to discover their own boundaries and resilience, as well as learning to be okay with feeling everything there is to feel in each present moment. Connect with Alyssa on Instagram or Facebook.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Kristine Plourde Golden, CMP, HMCC, PCA. She’s an award-winning event and meeting manager, and marketing specialist with over 15-years of progressive experience. Having known each other for the past two decades, MG and Kristine have connected through their time at Drexel as undergrads, reconnecting through grad school at Temple, and most recently as Events and Hospitality Industry Professionals.  In this episode, you’ll learn about how they got started & their passion for events, including how MG ended up in the craft beer industry through Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Philadelphia Area Chapter. Plus, listen in on how they reconnected when MG hired Kristine for her own wedding, and worked together again on the Venue Specialist Branding through Kristine’s company, Personal Marketing Solutions. Krstine also highlights her new certification as a “Pandemic Compliance Advisor” and how she is able to  provide a safe environment moving forward with live events.  Kristine Plourde Golden, CMP, HMCC, PCA, is an award-winning event and meeting manager, and marketing specialist with over 15-years of progressive experience. She's planned and managed a variety of events from weddings, to backyard socials, to corporate events, to multi-day medical meetings. In her spare time, she is the Programming Co-Chair for Temple Women's Network, and is the incoming Vice President of Finance for the MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter. Kristine holds a Master of Tourism & Hospitality Management from Temple University, a BS in Communications from Drexel University. She lives in Delaware County, PA, with her husband, two small children, and rescue cat who is always hungry.  She also really loves volunteering her professional skills and has been a member of MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter since 2005.Connect with Kristine on Instagram, LinkedIn or at PM Solutions.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guests, Michelle Freeman and Jaison Smulski, the dynamic duo of Witty Gritty. They, along with their incredible team, energize communities and connect people with both resources and one another through experiences and engagement.  In this episode, MG, Michelle, and Jaison reminisce about their memories as longtime friends, including memorable moments inside the Witty Gritty Office, Jaison and Michelle’s wedding, Event Planning approaches, their love for bringing people together, and of course music and karaoke.  You’ll hear about life and career highlights, priorities, lessons learned, and the importance those lessons are to their work culture.  Michelle Freeman, CEO of Witty Gritty, is a lifelong resident who is strongly committed to Philadelphia. She dedicates much of her work on creating programs and events that highlight civic-minded people and projects through her company, Witty Gritty.  She is passionate about girls/women having space in male-dominated industries (ie. music, skateboarding), supporting immigrant communities, and civic engagement in Philadelphia.  In her free time, Michelle DJs (vinyl only!) and plays bass and sings in grrrl punk band, Thee Glitterbombs. Jaison Smulski, Creative Director of Witty Gritty, is a friendly and focused graphic designer and event production specialist, with more than a decade of experience in design, marketing, and logistics. He has worked with both established organizations and start-ups, helping to build brands from initial concept to actualization. While he is not working on creative or event projects, Jaison is an active musician. He is the bassist in Philly twangcore group, Betty Iron Thumbs; and guitar in power-pop trio, Sick Panda. He is an avid collector of records, and is currently running out of space to store them. A lover of cats, food, and off kilter artwork.  Both reside in South Philly with Sprocket the Cat. CW: LanguageConnect with Michelle and Jaison via Witty Gritty on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Karen Seymour, Founder & Social Media Strategist at Karen J Seymour - Digital Marketing, LLC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MG and Karen talk about the rollercoaster they’ve been riding throughout the pandemic, both personally and professionally.In this episode, MG and Karen discuss the importance of an online presence for any business, their prioritization of self care, and how integral human connections and building relationships are as a support system for entrepreneurs.Karen J Seymour - Digital Marketing, LLC was created in 2017, after a 10-year career as a consultant and project manager.  She combined her extensive experience in business and her love for entrepreneurship to create a service that helped business owners navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing. Karen specializes in growth on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, partnering with her clients to make success on social media both easy and attainable for business owners. She grows audiences and creates communities of loyal, raving fans and customers.CW:  LanguageConnect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Candice Johnson, a talent coordinator and event curator who works with up and coming local talent in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. MG and Candice originally connected over instagram through their mutual love of people and events. They both value collaboration and being able to work with and learn from one another.  In this episode, MG and Candice highlight the importance of community and building one another up to reach our potential. They speak about Candice's passion for advocating for the underdog, which helped her create her persona as “The Wallflower Observer” and her CommUNITY Garden.   “I see people and help them blossom.” -Candice Johnson, a Philly Native, born and raised, and budding Black Female Entrepreneur. Candice speaks about how both the Black Lives Matter movement and Madam Vice President Harris’s inauguration pushed her to be who she wanted to be -- recognizing her own strength and owning who she is as a leader for other black females. Candice Johnson is a talent coordinator and event curator that specifically works with up and coming local talent in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. She has 10 years of experience working in the music industry and pre pandemic was employed by Live Nation at The Fillmore Philadelphia. She works with talent of all forms. Her main goal is to help plant the seeds for those who are ready to bloom and create a community of people who can grow together. Connect with Candice on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guest, Cecily Alexandria, a Philly local comedian and producer. Having only spoken through Instagram and email, you’ll listen in on their first ever “face-to-face” conversation! They discuss Cecily’s events that have gone virtual, and their current binge-worthy TV show suggestions.  In this episode, MG and Cecily highlight the importance of comedy and entertainment over this past year. Being able to reach a broader audience through virtual events actually helped build a larger platform for Cecily’s shows, “I Promise This is Funny” her comedy show, and “Truth Tellers,” a show Cecily created to amplify the voices of people of color. Cecily Alexandria is a Black woman of many talents. Producer, actor, writer, friend, auntie, wedding officiant, human person, and even more. Among the top comma descriptions is comedian. She has appeared in many comedy festivals, podcasts, and has even written a book (Vagina Strong). If you’re looking for a smart, informed, and funny human you’ve found her right here.Connect with Cecily on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.

This week MG is saving a seat for her guests, Tom Heinly and Qamara Edwards. MG met Tom in the early 2000s when he was the karaoke DJ at her college bar and one of MG’s go to song’s was “Alone” by Heart, and Tom and Qamara have been friends for years through quizzo. The three friends talk about how they have had to change their business models and approach this past year, and how they are shaping the future of events. In this episode, MG, Tom & Qamara discuss how they have found community in unexpected places, the importance of relationships, their love of hospitality and entertaining, hospitality as an all encompassing industry & how they are supporting it and a few silver linings they discovered over the past year.ABOUT TOMTom has been a Dj and Quizzo Host for 17 years. He opened Press Play Djs in 2013 and expanded his business to book Djs and Quizzo hosts at multiple venues in the Philadelphia area.ABOUT QAMARAWhile studying at Northwestern University, Qamara fell in love with the hospitality industry.Restaurants and hospitality combine all of her passions into one: making new friends, hosting friends to her “home” with amazing food and drinks, event planning, and the challenges of running a business – tapping into her strong entrepreneurial spirit. A chance meeting between proud Northwestern alumni (Jill is also an alumnus), she welcomed the opportunity to join Jill Weber’s team in 2014, to help open the group’s third restaurant, Café Ynez.Qamara took on more responsibilities and projects in her current position, Director of Business and Events.  In this new role, she introduces the group’s restaurant and catering portfolio to guests through on-site private events and off-site community events. In 2019, Qamara became President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, which allows her the chance to bring the entire hospitality industry together in becoming one stronger voice across the state.Away from the restaurants, you will find Qamara hosting game nights at her home or Jet Wine Bar, and she enjoys playing softball and fancies herself a Boggle Master.Connect with Tom on Instagram.Connect with Qamara on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.A byVesta Production.CW:  Language

INTROThis week MG is saving a seat for her guest Christine Fisher! Friends from when they were in the beer industry (and now both can no longer drink beer) they discuss navigating through the world with their food allergies & intolerances and the anxiety that comes along for the ride, and most importantly their journey to prioritizing their mental health and self-care.ABOUT EPISODEIn this episode, MG and Christine talk candidly about their mental and physical health and their journey on finding answers, even when the results were difficult to process.Topics include:

Hello! I’m MG the Venue Specialist! I want to take you on a journey through the numerous facets of the hospitality and entertainment industry, introducing you to my friends and colleagues here in Philadelphia. We’ll dive into some serious topics, but we want you to feel like you’re having a beverage with us - sharing stories and learning from one another. Although I’m relatively new to the wedding industry, I've spent the last decade working in hospitality, specifically in craft beer sales and education. I loved the relationship aspect of the beer industry, and it seamlessly translated to the connections I have formed with venues and event industry professionals. I started MG the Venue Specialist only a year prior to the pandemic. I saw a need for those who were frustrated by the event and wedding planning process because they couldn’t get over the first hurdle - finding the perfect venue. SO THEN the world shifts and events move “Beyond the Venue”. So here we are! Season 1 starts Friday, March 19th and new episodes will be released every Friday!

This week, MG is saving a seat for guest Brandon Thrash, Philadelphia Beverage Professional and PA Food Workers Advocate.  ABOUT EPISODEMG chats with Brandon about how they met, how he ended up in Philly, his advocacy work, and more.  Topics include:How to approach relationships both inside and outside of the hospitality industryThe "True Cost" of food and beverageAdvocacy for laborers, non-ownership workers in the restaurant, and the beverage industryPersonal and professional growthDedication to making conscious and methodical decisions that affect producers and consumersABOUT BRANDONBrandon is passionate about helping to restructure our industry to pay living wages, more equitable wages between front and back of house employees, improve mental health in our industry, create a long term and viable future for restaurants and bars, develop a culture that pays the fair price of food, and raise awareness that spirits are an agricultural product.  Follow @pafoodworkers on Instagram as we grow awareness of action points and disseminate information to keep you informed about issues facing our industry.Brandon grew up in Arkansas, and although he’s lived all over the world, still considers Northwest Arkansas home. He's worked behind the bar all over the country, including in San Francisco, Chicago, South Florida, and Philadelphia. In 2018 and 2019 he split time between being head bartender at Bad Hunter in Chicago (Tales of the Cocktail Top 10 f Restaurant Bar) and making wine in Oregon with Ross and Bee Maloof of Maloof Wines. In Oregon, he was able to learn more about his true passion, fruit fermentation and distillation. After returning to Philadelphia and spending a few months as a beverage director, Brandon is currently advocating for labor rights in PA and organizing education classes for Philadelphia bartenders.Connect with Brandon on Instagram and Facebook.Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.CW: Language