At the Table with Southwest Florida Mahjong

We're back from our summer adventures and catching up on all things mahjong, travel, and life. We chat about sister fights (because are you even sisters if you don't occasionally fight?), share what's new in the mahjong world, and, after binge-watching Nobody Wants This , Lauren has an unexpected realization... Catherine is a shiksa, which, according to Lauren's understanding, is a...

What happens when a group of Mahjong players with completely different opinions sits down at the same table? This podcast is proof that you don't have to agree on everything to enjoy each other's company. We're from all corners of the spectrum; different political views, different food preferences, different wellness philosophies, different backgrounds, and definitely different opinion...

This week on At the Table with SWFL Mahjong , we’re saying what everyone is thinking: some fashion trends need to stay in the group chat. We’re talking the styles we just can’t get behind, the mahjong tiles we are absolutely DYING to get our hands on, and the emotional rollercoaster of being stuck in a mahjong winning drought. From questionable outfits to joker dreams and table superstitions, this...

This week we chat new mahjong tile drop drama, mystery illnesses, questionable dairy choices, and a deep dive into Susan’s horse girl past. Spring is still attacking Susan (or maybe it’s a sinus infection — the jury is out). Thankfully Dr. Catherine steps in with her completely official medical opinion on what’s going on and why cottage cheese absolutely should not be trusted. Plus, Susan shares h...

This week on the podcast we’re sharing highlights from our girls weekend in beautiful Cashiers, North Carolina with the girls from Mahj in the City, the same crew behind the Bambird Scramble League! Mahj in the City brought players together for a fun mahjong filled weekend centered around open play, connection, and community, and High Hampton was the perfect mountain setting for it all. Between th...

In this episode Lauren calls mahj… and it was not mahj. Catherine is absolutely thrilled, and we’re breaking down how the wrong dragons made it happen and why checking your hand matters more than you think. Plus a little Mahj Lore 101 as we cover the Unger family and somehow end up discussing Khloé and Lamar drama too. Strategy, etiquette, and classic table talk all in one episode.

This week we’re covering the Masters, how we met and clearing up one very important Mahjong misconception: they’re not blanks… they’re replacement tiles. If you’ve ever wondered how replacement tiles work in American Mahjong or felt confused as a beginner learning Mahjong tiles, we explain it in a simple, friendly way. Somewhere along the way we also discuss what happens if aliens take Catherine a...

In this episode, we’re talking about a question that’s been coming up a lot lately in the mahjong world and beyond:  are we too quick to tear down women who are doing well?   We share our thoughts following the recent conversation around Oh My Mahjong and explore what it really means to support other women—especially in growing communities like mahjong. Then we get into another classic debate:  ar...

New card season is officially here and we’re already spiraling. Do you memorize it immediately like it’s your full-time job, or take the slow-and-steady approach and let it come to you over the year? We’re debating both strategies and exposing which camp we fall into. Then we pivot into main character energy - when it’s empowering, when it’s delusional, and why maybe your kids shouldn’t always be...

Mahjong players all have their superstitions… and we are no exception. In this episode we dive into the little rituals, beliefs, and downright paranoia that show up at the mahjong table. Are the tiles sentient? Do they punish you if you complain about your hand? We also discuss the one thing every mahjong player is currently obsessing over: the upcoming 2026 NMJL card . Are we calmly waiting? Abso...

This week we say goodbye to sweet Fern Berstein of the Mahjong Mondays podcast, honoring the light she brought to the mahjong community and the friendships built around the table. We break down the Bridgerton finale, and yes, we are still convinced Benedict’s perfect match was the tall, dark, handsome man from episode one. Sorry, Sofie. We talk about why apologizing to your friends matters, becaus...

This episode is a little bit literature, a little bit mahj, and very much superstition coded. We’re talking Wuthering Heights , adjusting your Mahjong expectations as a beginner, and most importantly the Year of the Fire Horse. We break down what this powerful and slightly dramatic year means and what not to do and not do for luck, beginning on the Chinese New Year, February 17th. Fair warning, ou...

This week we’re talking the “Bunny Bowl” -aka the Super Bowl-because Bad Bunny is taking over the halftime show. 🐰🎤 We also unpack why Susan might suddenly be a hockey fan (is it just a very entertaining boy aquarium ?), and we wrap it up with the latest mahjong tiles you need to see right now. Fun, unserious, and very on brand. 🀄️😜

This week, we’re covering it all. From our Grammys hot takes (fashion, snubs, and moments we’re still thinking about) to a candid conversation on why not every headline needs to turn political. We try to live life with Cher's energy namely her legendary quote, “Mom, I am a rich man" . We take a quick detour into our current obsession with Bridgerton, because escapism matters, and then get...

SWFL Mahj Is Back at the Table The SWFL Mahj crew is officially all back together after the holidays and the energy is unmatched. In this episode, we chat all things Taylor Swift , sip on crisp Sancerre, and share exciting updates on upcoming SWFL Mahj events you won’t want to miss. We also get a highly anticipated update on IguanaGate because yes, it’s cold in Florida and yes, the iguanas are lit...

Welcome back to the show! Today we are at the table with the one and only Jenna Baum , who, along with her husband Matt, is the visionary behind Backyard Social in Fort Myers! Jenna is here to spill some exciting inside secrets about what’s coming next for Backyard Social’s restaurants and future projects. We also dive into Susan’s childhood obsession with both Jenna and volleyball , and talk abou...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Levene, our favorite Botox wizard, for a conversation that blends skincare, lasers, and mahjong. Sara shares her expert perspective on why facial symmetry isn’t actually the goal when it comes to looking refreshed, how she approaches injectables with balance and intention, and what people often get wrong about skincare and treatments. We also talk mahjong, inc...

We’re back with our annual holiday mahj and champagne tasting tradition 🍾🀄️ cards clacking, tiles flying, and bubbles flowing. This year we welcomed Arielle to the table, who definitely did not buy her way in with a fancy bottle of Egly-Ouriet Brut Champagne… just kidding. We love her. And we loved the champagne. Alongside Arielle’s Egly-Ouriet, we popped Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Billecart-Salm...

This episode goes completely off the rails in the best way. We somehow cover everything from what we want to Christmas, merkins to the early-2000s trends making an unexpected comeback, while Susan shares her unwavering obsession with the Hurricanes football team. Catherine updates us on her ongoing war with the local iguanas (no spoilers, but the iguanas are still winning). Arielle joins the chaos...

Our Friendsgiving episode features the inspiring Laura Jane McGee, the entrepreneur who hired us for our very first SWFL Mahjong event at her store, Ives, a few years ago. Laura shares how she caught the “entrepreneur bug” from growing up in a family of creative business owners, and how those early influences shaped her own path. We also dive into gratitude, community, and what we’re all most than...

We dive into the growing ‘card-troversy’ shaking the mahjong world. With two new playing cards entering the scene and challenging the long-standing National Mahjong League card, we unpack what’s changing, why players are divided, and how these new options could redefine how we play. Whether you’re team OG or team New Wave, this episode breaks down everything you need to know.