After a year of conversations with chefs, writers, community builders, lifelong hosts, and hesitant hosts alike, clear themes began to emerge about what truly makes gatherings meaningful.

In this solo episode of Host with Confidence, Becky reflects on what 2025 revealed about gathering—eight lessons shaped by real conversations and real experiences. Rather than focusing on perfection or doing more, these insights point toward a calmer, more intentional way of bringing people together.

This episode is about easing the pressure around hosting and creating space for comfort, inclusion, and connection—one invitation at a time.

Whether you host often or are just beginning to invite people in, this conversation offers encouragement to keep showing up.

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Meggen Wilson, creator of Pine & Palm Kitchen and founder of Wild Montana Foods, joins us to help new and seasoned hosts tackle Thanksgiving with ease. From planning your menu and delegating dishes to creating a realistic timeline (and remembering to sharpen your knives!), Meggen walks us through her tried-and-true steps for a relaxed, joy-filled holiday.

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Linda Schiller joins Becky to talk about what it's really like to work through hosting anxiety and take that leap to invite people in. After years of enjoying other people's parties, Linda decided to host one herself—a backyard celebration for 55 guests. She shares what she learned about planning, outsourcing, and finding joy in bringing people together. This candid conversation reminds us that gathering doesn't have to feel effortless to be deeply rewarding—and that connection is always worth the effort.

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Becky connects with Cynthia Nims, acclaimed Seattle food writer and cookbook author, about her project Long Live the Recipe Box and the joy of a Beloved Recipes Potluck. Guests bring dishes tied to family memories or personal stories, sparking conversation and connection in unexpected ways. Cynthia also shares how recipe collections—whether in a box, folder, or notebook—hold meaning across generations, along with practical advice for hesitant hosts and fresh ways to bring old favorites back to the table.

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How to cook, plan, and host with ease—even in the tiniest of spaces. Carol Buchan, renowned sailor and author of Northwest Cooking Afloat, shares practical tips for stress-free entertaining, from prosciutto-wrapped scallops to berry crisps. With simple planning and make-ahead menus, she shows how gatherings—on the water or anywhere—can be joyful, memorable, and easy.

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Charu Bogdan joins Becky to share her approach to hosting overnight guests and planning group meals that are relaxed and collaborative. From divvying up cooking duties to organizing meals in advance, Charu's tips make it easy to keep everyone involved, well-fed, and comfortable over a multi-day stay—without burning out the host.

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Karen Guzak—mother, artist, yogi, former mayor of Snohomish, and my inspiring mother-in-law—joins me for a heartfelt conversation about the power of building community. At 86, Karen continues to lead and connect through giving circles, book and movie clubs, activism, and a thriving yoga practice. We talk about how to start small, why purpose makes a gathering meaningful, and how beauty and generosity play a role in her every endeavor—from sewing bags to leading solstice walks. Whether you're a hesitant host or a lifelong connector, Karen's wisdom will inspire you to reach out, invite in, and keep showing up.

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What if hosting didn't require cooking at all? Inspired by a recent L.A. Times article, this episode shares a fresh take on gathering that's simple, intentional, and full of flavor —without a single dish made at home.

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