Pineapple Sessions with The Hospitality Doc

Keila Cushinberry, who lives in Kansas and takes classes 100% online through the Madison College Hospitality Management program, is a total super star. As a working mom and wife, Keila has found balance in taking 2 (no more than 3) classes per semester on her way to her goal of graduating with her associate's degree. She works at the beautiful and customer-service-focused Juli's Coffee and Bistro while also making sure she takes time for her family and herself. A fan of live music (and we share a love for John Lennon), Keila brings back the statement "All that and a bag of chips" (You know you remember that!), the wisdom that "accept yourself AND your limitations" and thoughts on how to find your people and that balance that is so needed in today's world. Enjoy this episode of Pineapple Sessions.

The first episode of 2021 starts off with a quote/motto on creativity, ingenuity and risk...and it's perfect...Throw it at the wall, see what sticks = 2021 motto - Sarah MurilloAnd it's perfect for the amazing Sales Manager at the SpringHill Suites Madison, Sarah, who is full of gratitudeversatilityresiliencyself-beliefconsistency andservant-heartedness.Though that wasn't always how Sarah saw herself. Her story of imposter-syndrome meets taking chances and ending up loving the industry, her hotel, her management company and her city shows that no matter what happens, women lifting each other on their way up is important and matters. Enjoy her authentic interview and reach out to her on LinkedIn if you have any questions!Cheers to 2021!

Nikki Johnson is a powerhouse...and one of humility, empathy, inclusivity and a true servant heart. I just adore her and while I'm so grateful for and proud of her for graduating with not just one but TWO degrees from Madison College (she crosses our stage on 12/17/2020), I am sure going to miss her in our classroom. Nikki earned an associate degree in Recreation Management and Hospitality Management and is on her way to be "of service to her guests" (her words...because she's beyond amazing!)Her story is so fun - what led her to Madison College and this hospitality industry was actually a perfect storm of the Disney College program, an anime club and Tommy Bartlett. In her journey she's been able to take classes in Hospitality Law, the History of Classic Rock and several art and acting classes (her dad was a DJ so that rock class was a source of great fun for them!)Currently serving our community at the Dane County Airport through her work as a Visitor Information Specialist with Destination Madison, Nikki enjoys pairing experiences in our community with each individual guest that asks here "While I'm here where should I eat? Visit? Explore?" She was recently able to stretch her experiences taking over social media for Madison Originals (for a week!) which allowed her to get to know some great nuggets (listen for the Chef Special deal at Short Stack Eatery) and still has many places she hopes to explore (here she comes Yola's Cafe!). Nikki also works on the weekends at a hotel and has spent time as a seasonal park ranger...all in an effort to expand her knowledge and experiences in this cool industry.Enjoy this special interview! And be sure to follow her adventures on Instagram through "The Tacky Tourist" (she talks about that here too!)

Tanvi is one of those people that walks into a room and truly lights it up - she brings grace, laughter, humility, grit, pride, servant leadership and the kindest eyes you have ever seen. I knew the moment I saw her she was going to be a force to be aligned with!Tanvi serves as Sales Manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown, a Raymond Management Group property. She started there two years ago (wait until you hear her story of leaving India to come to the US!) and was quickly promoted (twice in a year!). During these two years she's seen a lot of change but believes whole heartedly that "Change is the only constant" and in the words of her late father "There is something better coming for you."Tanvi's father was a doctor in India, helping COVID patients. She recently lost him after he contracted the virus and passed away from it. Tanvi's father's spirit shines though her - as she speaks you can hear that servant heart and desire to find joy and bring it to everyone she meets. Tanvi is truly a gem. You will so love this interview.

Jameson Humber is a hospitalitarian on the rise! In this episode, Madison College Hospitality Management student James tells us all why he and fiancé Kelli are re-watching Gilmore Girls to be inspired by their own hopes of being Inn-Owners in the future. Jameson, who has dabbled in landscaping, sales, paint estimates, bartending and serving, has found his 'calling' in hotels and cannot wait to continue his journey in industry. In this episode we talk about Ed, his tumbleweed-hair-shedding 97 pound dog, and of course How his work with places like Buckley's and the Iron Horse Inn in Milwaukee both shaped his experiences in how he enhances the guest experience,Why his fiancé is a superhero, especially now with her work in the COVID response, How an EMERGENCY subject line landed him in his happy place with the Graduate Madison hotel,Why he loves his new role in housekeeping supervision,How a small hotel feels like a big family and why that matters,How finding Madison College, as a returning adult student, gave him an entirely new family to call his own, and Why making people feel at home is the coolest thing ever.Don't miss it and please share on your social media sites! Keep an eye out for this rising star!

The students at Madison College are just absolutely phenomenal. They are kind, empathetic, hard working, persistent, and grateful. Elise Rossing, Hospitality Management program student, is a shining example of the type of students at Madison College. In this episode, Elise talks about her journey from high school to a gap year to Culinary School to Hospitality Management. Along the way she gifts incredible thoughts aroundHer must-have Thanksgiving table side dishWhy her work as a personal chef gives her an opportunity to connect and build relationshipsHow her time at Buck 'N Honeys made her feel wanted to be there and showed her the kind of culture our industry is capable ofWhy resiliency matters Why being willing to ask for help and know your own limitations is imperative to balanceHow we can support small businesses during this pandemicWhy being at student at Madison College has given her an opportunity to grow and learn and exemplify the Gretzky quote "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"Why being less hard on yourself and giving a space for mistakes mattersEnjoy this episode!

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Deborah Burke who is currently furloughed from our industry (she is in sales). Her perspective is so wonderful to hear because as someone who loves this industry so much that she's choosing to go back to school at Madison College in the Fall of 2020 to get her Hospitality Management degree, she also is living first-hand the impact of this Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic....and yet choosing to live by the words of Maya Angelou, "Still, I rise."She gives amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Jonathan Bogatay and Jen Yakimicki Guimond from North Central Group Hotels. They talk about hope and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. They give amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features the one and only dual credit Exploring Hospitality and Family Consumer Sciences teacher for New Glarus School District, Julie Martin. Julie's interview is truly worth a listen and her approach to meeting students where they're at and truly believing in our spirit of one community is delightful.Julie talks about how she as a K-12 educator (and active FCCLA member, coach and more!) inspires and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. She gives amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Skip Harless (General Manager) and Rachel Nelezen (Human Resource Coordinator) from The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. They talk about hope and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. They give amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Stephanie LaBella, Director of Operations, Madison Concourse and Governor’s Club and Michael Luehrs, General Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown. They talk about hope and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. They give amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

This interview with Danielle Boese is such a treat! A returning adult student who's working full time in hospitality as a Dual Assistant General Manager is making waves and will no doubt achieve all of her dreams. Danielle does a lovely job talking about how she came to the decision to come back to school after her 4 year degree, managing being a younger leader with a team of younger employees, and continuing to be the best version of herself while honoring her own journey. You will appreciate the life lessons that Danielle weaves into her story and the passion in which she talks about how to meet people where they're at and help them see their own possibilities. Enjoy!

Jodie Moss is a returning adult student who is completing her "Master's Program" at Madison College (she's doing a dual degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management). As a mom of 7 who has big dreams, this episode paints a beautiful picture of what can happen when you chase your dreams, bring those around you along for the ride, push others to possibilities they don't quite see yet, and simply "get out of bed and keep going." Enjoy!

Amanda Richter, Madison College Hospitality Management Student and employee of the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace, is such a GEM people! She has a lovely way of talking about her own journey, this amazing industry that she 'fell' into and now loves, and how we celebrate the differences and uniqueness of each other through our work in servant leadership and hospitality. Enjoy this episode, recorded on site at Amanda's work, and feel free to share with others to continue exposing the good work of our industry members!

Madison College, to me, truly has been life changing. Coming here has changed my life. It has given me the tools to build something.- Carolyn KosabuckiCarolyn Kosabucki is a returning adult Madison College Hospitality Management student who is completely amazing – a 4.0 student, she volunteers at the College, has received the Destination Madison Rising Student award, been nominated for the college’s Student Excellence awards, is working part time for Frank Production Company and CSC, completed her internship with Hotel Indigo and is taking part in the Sponsor a Student program with Food Fight Restaurant Group’s Lisa Loup.As a survivor of domestic abuse, she calls her then life "devastating like a hurricane" which she left with $54 in her pocket, starting over in Madison and at Madison College. She knows “I’m not alone. My story may be different, but my story is not unique. When it comes down to it, you have to want it for yourself.”She’s also inspiring grateful and humble and an amazing human being who believes wholeheartedly in the power of education. And her role in it. In this episode, Carolyn talks about her journey to this point in her life, how her bucket list has changed, how grateful she is for her mom and her team of people rooting for her now, and how she feels safe in her space. Carolyn is keeping options open for the journey and is an inspiration for anyone who’s wondering what the next step could look like. She offers amazing advice to others who are considering taking a leap and being a self-advocate through education.I’m a huge fan of CK. Enjoy!

Gahhhhhh I love chatting with Madison College students about their pathways and what got them here...Pineapple Sessions Podcast Season 2 Episode 2 features a dude with a special place in my heart, Ethan Gillespie, who's just soaking all of this up like a sponge, is interested in cooking his heart out (including Tongue Tacos and this week's menu at Osteria Papavero working with Awful Foods -check it out!) and can't wait to keep getting better, learning more, and gaining an opportunity to teach what he's learned from the chefs at the school, Justin Carlisle and Francesco Mangano. I think you'll really appreciate the humble ways in which Ethan talks about food his grandmother and mom make that he cannot duplicate, about what he would tell Young Ethan who didn't quite know where he fit in, about how FOH & BOH working as one is amazing, and about how sticking to what Chef Paul Short told him at Culinary Arts orientation as his "two things' has guided his journey.Enjoy!

Try NOT to get emotional when Kevin talks about his amazing mother...or the gratitude and humility he has for this world in part due to his experiences...or how he talks about the beauty of food and how we can all do little things to not be wasteful!I didn’t think I could be more fond of Kevin Apolinario until I sat with him and he told me his story. You are going to love this opening podcast for Season 2 of Pineapple Sessions.From a kid who wouldn’t talk to people other than his team in gaming (Kevin was making money playing World of Warcraft at home in Louisiana) to taking a leap of faith and moving to Madison where he stumbled upon welding, to getting a part time job exposing him to food which led him to Madison College’s Culinary Arts program and working with Madison Chefs likes Dave Heide and Dan Fox, Kevin has such an incredible story of learning, growing and being humble along the way.You don’t want to miss this student story. Enjoy!

Rebecca Ramsey is an incredible hospitalitarian with a non-traditional path and not-often-talked about career in sales and destination marketing. She is also a huge advocate for our college, it’s programs, the students and connecting learners to lessons by coming into the classroom to share her story and answer real and tough questions about industry, working, and being authentic to you. She gifted me some time for this podcast from her home office located in the Greater Madison area and she and I had a lot of fun and some giggles as we dealt with some technology issues, land line phones ringing and the pitter patter of doggy feet wanting their morning feeding.Rebecca currently serves as the Regional Director of Sales for Visit Baltimore. Ramsey is a seasoned tourism and hospitality industry professional, previously working with both Visit Charlotte and the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau in assistant and director of sales roles. She most recently served as the vice president of association channel sales at Production Resource Group, LLC where she was responsible for selling audiovisual (AV) equipment, services and event technology to the association market.In this episode Rebecca gives light to:Her neighborhood favorite on Monona Drive (aka Crema Café)The pros and cons of working from homeThat she may be the only person I know who still has a land lineHow a summer temp job jump started her love of this industry even though it impacted her Friday nights as a youth JYou can’t escape stressful situations so grace under pressure and being gracious are keyWhy dog trainers completely rockWatching your team succeed is personally very empowering and specialThe power of mentoring and being mentoredThe economic impact of tourism and hospitalityThe long way we’ve come from Function DiariesPlease enjoy and help us spread the word of good work being done in industry by sharing this story on your social media sites.

This episode features the amazing, graceful and humble Deb Archer, CDME, who serves as the President/CEO of Destination Madison. Through this works she gets to set the vision for the organizations’ work to manage the destination and grow the area’s economy by attracting leisure, sports, convention, and business travelers. Deb says that her work connects our guests with all of the great places to experience during their stay. In fact, she loves to boast about that and says that our hospitalitarians are first in class when it comes to giving our visitors experiences like no other. Deb advises guests to talk to people when the come to the area saying: Madisonians are friendly and eager to share their favorite spots to recreate, dine, shop, or contemplate their future. One of my favorites about Deb though is the humility with which she leads. Deb is the face and voice of tourism in our area, a constant advocate for our hospitality industry and everyone who serves in it. In this incredible interview, Deb shares her wisdom around many things including: Which one of the Bucky’s on Parade was her absolute favoriteWhy we should pause, check out and give ourselves permission to be in the marginsWhere her happy places are in the Greater Madison county Her experience in an HVAC class in collegeHow employee culture matters. And people need to know they matter.How her advice to ‘never use your sexuality to advance yourself’ advice hit home for a studentDeb was a student at Madison College a few years ago – can you guess what programHer creative ideas for how to spend her retirement (don’t worry, it’s no time soon and it’s still in industry but in a super fun way)The nuggets she learned from Jane FondaHow physics shows up in decision makingWhat employers need to do to ensure they retain top level talent. How students like Madison College’s Destination Madison award winner Carolyn Kosabucki are changing the way we teach, attract and retain hospitalitariansDon’t close your eyes to any paths. Enjoy and please help us spread the story of our industry by sharing this on your social media sites!

Chef David Rodriguez is a culinary and business entrepreneur – he is passionate about food and cooking and operates a growing food business that includes a successful food cart and catering business. You may have heard of his Melted Craft Grilled CheeseFood Truck, or The International Catering Co (Chef's Table and Catering) or even the newest venture, Taco Local up in the Wisconsin Dells. And you may have seen him on the show "Car to Table" which brought local chefs into strangers kitchens, including Madison College's Hospitality Management program alumni, China Moon and Food Fight Restaurant Group's Chef Giovanni Novella.A Food for Thought, his new web series highlighting sustainable food systems throughout Wisconsin, and connects Madison chefs and the public to the producers who thoughtfully raise and grow our sustenance.

Monique Branch currently serves as Associate Market Manager at Expedia Group. Based in Madison Wisconsin, Monique’s territory includes Madison and the Wisconsin Dells. Prior to her current role, Monique held various positions in branded and independent hotels and even interned with the Secret Service. Most recently, Monique spent her first year in Wisconsin working for Destination Madison and the Madison Area Sports Commission. During her time there she had the opportunity to work closely with city wide conventions and events, such as the CrossFit Games, World Dairy Expo, Ironman, and EPIC. She is passionate about the industry, partnering with her hotels to help them make strategic business decisions to maximize their revenue, and experiences!In this awesome interview, Monique will delight you with her insights on our industry including:How the industry brought her and her hubby from AZ to TN to WISome of the pros and cons of working from home How it helps if you can be with a partner who just “gets it” and can “close the office door and turn it off” How she can spot a fake $100 anywhereWhy it's important to network and put yourself out there That until you know exactly what you’re doing don’t even think about the next step aka “Grow where you’re planted”Why engaging with your new hires is uber importantHow courageous leadership includes watching for the red flags and not being afraid to ask for help. Why we should always take a step back and ask the right questionsEnjoy and help spread the great work being done in our industry by sharing these interviews on your social media sites!

Anna Marie Hart serves as the Sales Manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites Madison, Downtown, where she’s worked her way through several advancing leadership positions – Anna started in September of 2014 as a Guest Service Representative and has since that day been working diligently to provide incredible guest experiences and maintaining positive work relationships. Not only does Anna help lead an award winning team – this hotel is a Connie Award Winner through Hilton – but she works part time at the Food Fight Restaurant Group restaurant within the hotel, Bassett Street Brunch Club AND she leads young athletes in her role as Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Verona Area School District. A proud Alumni of UW Madison, Anna hails from Blaine, MN and has incredible love for her friends and family, a smile that will light up a room, and no problem letting you know that she’s gonna hustle and work hard to go after each and every one of her dreams.In this episode, Anna shares a few nuggets such as:How coaching Lacrosse not only brings her joy but it also helps strengthen her traits at the hotelWhy heart and soul helps build connections, respect and trustThat even though she hails from MN, she's still rooting for the PackRobert from Bassett Street.Why she may be the only person you've ever heard say "I love conflict!"Just listen = step 1.How being present has helped her give away her time intentionallyEnjoy and share on your social media platforms!

So happy to have released Episode 12 which features the amazing Heather Stetzer, Director of Sales for HotelRED and board member for HSMAI - Wisconsin Chapter and Women in Lodging. Heather is a woman who radiates class, personal grit, character and beauty from the inside out. In this episode, Heather opens up about what it's like being a working leader, mom and wife including nuggets around

Stressed? Not enough time? Feeling anxious, lacking motivation or just looking for more tools to be mindful, intentional, and inspired? Jodi Goldbeck from Madison College discusses her new curriculum (available Fall 2019) called GrOW: Studies in Gratitude, Optimism and Well-Being.In this 30 minute podcast, Jodi shares:

What happens to a newer Podcaster who spends 90 minutes interviewing the amazingly humble and talented, General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown, Michael Luehrs, only to find out the episode recorded with a skip every second and voices like Darth Vader....#EpicFailAcceptanceAdaptability and flexibility are key! In this episode, Lynea recaps a few of the lessons she learned from her amazing May 23, 2019 interview with Michael and pays the lessons he imparted forward to the listeners.A few key takeaways: Lead from the floor, not behind your deskIn a world full of put downs and shut downs, be the person who reaches back a handMore flexibility, less constraintsDevelop your people by meeting them where they're at and then (...well, you have to listen to find out)

Session 9 is such a treat for servant leaders and hospitalitarians in tourism, hotels and restaurants. In this episode, Elizabeth Garcia Hall (EGH) from Food Fight Restaurant Group allows you in to her heart, sharing nuggets, wisdom and stories ofbalancing being a working mom and wife in the service industrywhat it takes to keep relationships healthy and stronghow to express gratitude in meaningful wayswhy saying authentic I'm Sorry's matterwhy the tomato is so important to her organizationwhy her mouth was once wired shutand how her kids, husband,this industry, and the future bring her joy and inspirationYou might need a tissue.

Welcome to Pineapple Sessions, Episode 8. In this episode, I have the honor of interviewing an incredible colleague, hospitalitarian, working mom and friend, Stephanie LaBella. Stephanie serves as the Director of Operations for the Madison Concourse and Governor’s Club. She also serves as an advisory board member for Madison College’s hospitality management program and is a continuous advocate for the hospitality industry. In particular, she continues to work with people who are just starting out in this journey and even at times trying to figure out their path and where they belong. Stephanie has served as a mentor for many people and she continues to make time for others, no matter how busy her schedule. That’s just one off the million things I admire about her.

In Episode 7 of Pineapple Sessions, I speak directly with Madison College Culinary Arts program chair, Chef Paul Short, about the farm and how it’s being used to help students and the community. The great thing is, this episode is on locale as on Monday May 6th, the day of this interview, Chef Paul and I went out to the farm with members of our advisory boards to get a hands on experience ourselves. What follows is a bit about the farm, how Chef Paul hopes it’s used, and all of the possibilities that come with something this cool.

Episode 6 of Season 1 of Pineapple Sessions features an Interview with Hospitality Leader Jonathan Bogatay CEO of North Central Group Hotels. We discuss epic failures, leader-like moments, mentoring, the state of our industry and why culture matters. Listen to a 20 plus year hospitality leader authentically share his story and lessons learned from a start as a bellman. Hear about his love of restoring classic cars, what he would say to his 19 year old self, and why kindness really does matter.

This episode talks about some awesome news coming to Pineapple Sessions, upcoming interviews of Hospitality Leaders, and a bit about technology and how to eliminate the cell phone blues while being present in your life in other connected ways. Enjoy!

Expressing gratitude from an authentic place in your heart is one of the best ways to dial up your volume as an effective leader. This episode talks about why this matters and gives some tips and tricks for you to start employing today.

This session focuses on mindfulness and mindset.

Episode 2 features some very special guests - enjoy our discussion on leadership and character traits and why this matters

The first episode of Pineapple Sessions - we start the conversation around what you plan to do this week to dial up your own leadership, servant heart and hospitalitarian effectiveness