Table For Four: A Family Conversation

Welcome back to a new year of Table For Four: A Family Conversation. Its been a while. With the holidays, Stef in school, Kids transferring to a new school. Its been a hectic year for us. On this episode we had to chance to catch up with Daniel, The Cardiartist. He has been busy creating new products for his brand which caters to the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community. He has a new line of toys, trading cards and most importantly he had an opportunity to create some gear for the cardiac unit at Columbus Presbyterian Hospital. Its something dear to him since that is one of the hospitals he had his heart surgery when he was a child. Check out our episode and we are back.

On this episode we talked to the kids about their new school. Stefanie & Andre compared the new style of education vs the style used in the 90's in New York City. NYC education was on a different level in that era. They will discuss how the eras have differed. Check it out out.

Season 5 is here and we are back at it again. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The rise of child obesity has sky rocketed in America. We are reaching peak numbers on the scale. On this episode we speak to Argavan Nilforoush, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from the San Francisco, Bay Area. Our goal for this episode is to speak about how we can implement healthier eating habits with our family and friends and have an open discussion about the different factors (environmental , cultural, financial) that contribute to our diet and our options. Check out her website for more health tips and to her podcast https://babystepsnutrition.com/

Join the family conversation as we try to define it, how it applies to our family, along with building character & self awareness. We will discuss how we each are resilient in our own way and give hope to those who may struggle as well.

Welcome back to another episode of Table For Four. On our last episode of Courage, Resiliency & survivor series, We spoke to Tiana. She had a stroke late in her 30's. She talks about the how she was angry and lost when she felt she wasn't understood. It took time for her realize that she's more than just her illness. She later founded Vent Zone 911 on Instagram, where other survivors can tell their story. another conversation you do not want to miss.

On this weeks episode we continue the series of resiliency, courage and survival. Stefanie Spoke to Andrina Veit Cleveland, MA, MSW., The award winning author of “It’s Not My Fault!”. This book talks about the struggles on substance abuse on children. The book dives deep into alcoholism where kids and family members are not aware of the struggles, emotional and physically on how it affects everyone mentally. Stefanie and Andrina had a great conversation. You don’t want to miss this episode. Andrina Veit Cleveland's Website: https://andrinaveit.com/ Buy your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578861763/

Welcome back to another episode of Table For Four A Family Conversation. For the next few weeks we will be releasing episodes that deal with resiliency, courage & survival. Our next guest is Daniel Larios AKA The Cardiartist. He was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease at the Age of 4. Having had 10 surgeries throughout his life which included having 6 different pacemakers. He is a survivor and a heart warrior. He is also a artist stemming back from his youth and graffiti days. Now he has created a brand called Cardiartist to bring awareness to the CHD community with his artistic talent. He has done charity events to help fund for warriors and bring awareness to the cause. You will not want to miss out on this heart felt story. If you want to check out his work or buy some of his art or merch to support the cause here is his site. https://www.cardiartist.com/ https://www.cardiartist.com/pages/1st-annual-chd-charity-artist-canvas https://thebrextonfoundation.org/

Welcome back to another episode. We asked the kids to watch and read the Academy Award-winning Book for Animated Short Film. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse By Charlie Mackesy. This book was written during the pandemic and has resonated with so many people around the world. It is a reflection of how we handle life post-pandemic. Trying to find kindness, compassion, and friendships with interaction with strangers. At the time of this recording, it won an Oscar. This book was suggested to us by one of the sales rep at Barnes & Noble. Purchase your copy here: https://www.charliemackesy.com/ Watch it on AppleTV+:https://tv.apple.com/

On this week's episode, our topic is: How as AI changed the way we work? We try to answer the questions: What are some of the consequences that go along with it; does the punishment fit the crime? How has the face of education change the way we learn? What are the pros and cons of using the AI? What will the education system look like in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? Does AI get a free pass for plagiarism? Come join the conversation Sources used: CHATGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ CNN - Anderson Cooper segment on A.I.

This week's episode was inspired by a Tedtalk on Talk Education with Kristen Nguyen on the 3 steps to help kids process traumatic events. We had our kids watch the TedTalk and we had a family conversation discussing the before, during & after the events of the pandemic. We discussed what is a collective experience and what we tell our kids on how to process traumatic events. Join the family conversation. Kristen Nguyen's TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/kristen_nguyen_3_steps_to_help_kids_process_traumatic_events/comments Sources: TEDTALK, Kristen Nguyen

We are back to another season of Table For Four: A Family Conversation. We hope everyone's doing well in this first quarter of 2023. Now let's get to it. We feel that there isn't many talks about kids and internet safety. Although there might be many articles and publications out there. We felt the need to talk about this with our kids. On this episode we talked about having a family contract on the do's and don'ts of Technology, the Roblox Robux scam and the potential banning of TikTok in the U.S. Come join the conversation. "There is nothing more important than family and we are here to remind you of that"

We are taking a trip down memory lane and taking a look back at season 3. With season 4 closely approaching. We wanted to share some highlights from our previous season. Enjoy and we will be back soon enough.

We are back and its season 4. We have a lot in store this season. Check out some of our previous episodes.

In this week's episode, our special guest is Paulette Erato from the @themakermuse.co We had the pleasure speaking with her about supporting child-free individuals. Her definitions give us a better understanding and our conversation was ever so insightful! Follow her and see her journey on social media. Check her website out: https://themakermuse.co/podcast/

In this week's episode, we talk with a fellow podcaster Gabrielle Crichlow from the "The Hot Topic Podcast". We had an opportunity to talk about Mental Health, Education, and the effects of the Pandemic on school-aged children. Gabrielle is the Owner, Director, and Tutor at A Step Ahead Tutoring Services where her mission is to tackle the academic challenges of all students and the emotional, mental, and behavioral changes that result from these challenges. Gabrielle also brings experience with her studies in Psychology at Temple University and obtained her Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. John's University. Below is her website for her services: www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com

On this special episode for Father's Day. Andre & Stef talks about his journey of looking for his dad and trying to get answers to fill that emptiness for not having a father around. He also recently had discovered that he passed away in November of 2021. We talked about it and had a great conversation about what makes a good father. check it out

Diane Linton from Canarsie Cupcakes will be our special guest of the week. We talk about balancing her baking business, marriage, being a homemaker, and homeschooling her 4 beautiful children. Diane is a wife, mom, homemaker, homeschooler, and entrepreneur. Small business owner of an at-home bakery, Canarsie Cupcakes. Aspiring to build a business and legacy for my family as well as to be able to serve my community. Follow Canarsie Cupcakes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canarsiecupcakes/ See the incredible treat boxes Diane made for my birthday and they were so delicious. She was just recently featured in a pop-up shop in Stumpy's Greenhook on June 4th to share her amazing treats. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CeY6ERJgwsv/... We have known each since our college days and it was an absolute pleasure speaking with Diane Linton about her business. There is something else we shared in common our children both suffer from epilepsy. It was exactly a year ago today that we discovered Stefan was diagnosed with epilepsy and what a journey it has been to find someone else who understands and gets what we have been through. We as moms try to juggle and balance kids, careers businesses, and marriage on top of everything else in life. It was such an honor learning about her journey and how with faith and a little planning we can do what we can do some amazing things.

This week we talked about what is puberty. This was something that wasn't discussed growing up for Andre. For Stefanie it was different. She did have the puberty talk. We wanted to ask the kids if they knew what it was since they already started taking Sex Education class in school. We wanted to highlight the facts and also talked about movies that talk about it such as Disney's Turning Red and Inside Out. Perfect examples of how kids deal with puberty but in a Disney way.

The Men's Panel is a safe space to talk about all topics with open minds and great conversation. This week our guests are all from the male species and the topic is Men's mental health and our own mental being. This is our close group of friends and their input is valued. This week guests are: Rolando Molina is the best brother, uncle, husband, and phenomenal photographer. Business owner and who I consider the voice of reason is the kindest person you ever get the pleasure of meeting. Andrew Allen is a husband, father, model, and amazing photographer who is always willing to give the best advice and an open ear. As a business owner, he is one of the hardest-working individuals in his field. Jesse Acevedo is a creative designer with the most unique perspective that is always willing to give a helping hand. Working with the top #networks and designs team, he is the most humble person you can ever work with. Sammy Aguilar is an amazing young man with ambition and the biggest heart. With such wisdom at a young age, he is bound to do incredible things in his life. Jayson Cordero is the life of the party. His personality is infectious and is always available to help. If you are lucky enough to know him then you already know the deal. Say less fam. Special shoutout to Andres Molina, co-host, father, brother, husband, and jack of all trades. This incredible circle of men open up and have a heartfelt conversation on the podcast.

This week's special guests are long-time friends Maya George and Marilyn Somoza on the Sit Downs with Stefanie segment on the podcast. We had a fantastic conversation about our education, mental health, and talking about some shows in between. Maya is an entrepreneur with over 15 years in Finance & International Business Management. As an advocate for diversity inclusion and equity Maya aims to transform spaces to create community. With her company https://www.ourblackpassports.net Maya has been able to travel the world and help others plan the trip of their dreams. She has even helped Marilyn my other special guest book a trip as well. She was also featured talking about wedding trends and future destinations https://www.travelagewest.com/.../Destination-Wedding... Also another great blog piece from Our Black Passports: https://www.ourblackpassports.net/.../imblackityblackblack Maya is currently studying for a doctorate of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development. She holds a B.S. in Business Management & Finance and an M.S. in Global Business both from Brooklyn College. My second guest on the podcast is my long-time Marilyn Somoza. As a child of immigrants from El Salvador. she has a passion for traveling, reading fictional novels, and music. Being the voice of reason and solution she is the go-to person to listen and give the most honest and real opinion one is willing and ready to receive. As a native New Yorker, born and bred in Brooklyn as well as a die-hard Yankees and Giants fan. For my college sports Wolverines all the way, Go Blue! Marilyn has also obtained her B.A. from the University of Michigan in Sociology and her Master's from Michigan State University. I am super proud to call them my friends.