Dishin with Dana

What happens when a food-loving avocado puppet steals the spotlight? You'll find out here!  In this episode of Dishin' with Dana, Dana sits down with journalist, storyteller and BFF (!!!) Kristie Keleshian, the creator behind JersEats, alongside her unforgettable avocado puppet, Quasi-cado. From highlighting New Jersey diners to building a creative media brand, this conversation blends humor, storytelling, and real insight into chasing creative ideas, while still doing your "9 to 5 gig". Quasi-cado kicks things off with his witty personality, opinions, and a love for diners. Then Kristie joins to share how a simple idea in 2020 turned into a food series that shines a light on family-owned diners and the people behind them. STAY CONNECTED! Kristie: @⁠⁠kristie.jpg⁠⁠ @⁠quasi.cado⁠   Dana Schaeffer: @⁠danamschaeffer⁠ @danasdesserts @LittleFallsDiner www.danaschaeffer.com   Music By: John M Licari Music Recorded at Ignite Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

Dishin' with Dana is BACK (pun intended). On this episode, Dana sits down with Dr. Marco Ferrucci of The Chiropractic Source in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. A William Paterson graduate who later studied chiropractic at Life University in Georgia, Dr. Marco helps you learn more about your body, how it responds to stress and lifestyle, and how small patterns can build up over time. He breaks down what he saw in my own spine and posture, and gets into how those patterns connect to things like migraines, dizziness, poor circulation, tension, and overall body function. It also covers Dr. Marco's postural corrective approach at his practice and what chiropractic biophysics means. DISCLAIMER: Dana is NOT a doctor, and this episode is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical professional regarding your own health.   Dr. Marco: @iamdrmarco @thechiropracticsource   Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer @danasdesserts @LittleFallsDiner www.danaschaeffer.com   Music By: John M Licari Music Recorded at Ignite Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.  

Jon Lovitch has built one of the most iconic holiday creations in the country. As the creator of Gingerbread Lane, Jon has earned multiple Guinness World Records for the world's largest gingerbread village, all made entirely from edible materials. What started as a side project during his career as an executive chef grew into a full-time passion seen in museums, landmarks, and major media outlets across the country. On this episode of Dishin with Dana, we talk about how Gingerbread Lane began, what it takes to break and defend a Guinness World Record, and the intense rules behind edible-only gingerbread builds. Jon shares the emotional story of a gingerbread house preserved since 1976, his transition from high-level kitchens to holiday installations, and the behind-the-scenes work most people never see.   Connect with us! Jon Lovitch: @lanegingerbread www.gingerbread-lane.org   Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer @danasdesserts @LittleFallsDiner www.danaschaeffer.com   Music By: John M Licari Music Recorded at Ignite Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

Dishin with Dana is in Los Angeles! On this episode, Dana sits down with Rahul Rai, an actor and digital creator known for character-driven, conversation-style videos. The conversation covers the behind-the-scenes truth of creator life: building momentum, burning out, setting boundaries, and staying consistent when platforms shift.  Rahul also leans into his economics background to break down financial literacy in plain language, plus the books he recommends if you want to learn without getting overwhelmed.    Connect with us! Rahul Rai: YouTube: @therealrahulrai Instagram: @therealrahulrai TikTok: @therealrahulrai   Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer www.danaschaeffer.com www.danasdesserts.com www.savenjdiners.com   Music By: John M Licari Music

Kel Mitchell has spent more than three decades entertaining audiences with memorable characters, steady motivation, and a genuine spirit people connect with. From All That, Kenan and Kel to Good Burger, Clifford, film roles, writing, music, and his work as a youth pastor – (what a resume!!!) -- Kel continues to inspire through every chapter of his life. On this episode of Dishin with Dana, we talk about his creative journey, his faith, the moments that shaped him, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward. Kel also shares the full story behind Kel's Burger Fest, the event he built with Bucket Listers. The festival features top burger spots in each city, throwback DJ sets, trivia, arcade games, vintage vendors, skating, carnival fun, and an orange soda chugging contest. I went to the Brooklyn stop with my dad and we loved every minute of it, from the food to the nostalgia (and my little Jimmy Neutron earrings I got there!!!). This conversation covers food, storytelling, motivation, and real connection. We talk about the lessons that guide him, the characters fans still quote, what it's like being slimed (!!!), the fun behind Burger Fest, and the way he uses creativity and consistency to stay centered in a fast-moving world. And a little orange soda ASMR… you'll see what I mean.   Connect with us!  Kel Mitchell: @iamkelmitchell  & LinkTree  Bucket Listers Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer  &  www.danaschaeffer.com Music By: John M Licari Music

What happens when you pick up soccer for the first time as an adult and decide to go all-in for the World Cup? Zach Duke, also known as "World Cup Dad," shares how a moment of personal rock bottom in 2022 sparked a complete life reset. We talk about how a podcast and a prayer pushed him to start training from scratch, how he balances fatherhood with elite-level goals, and why he's not chasing fame, he's building character and legacy. On this episode of "Dishin with Dana," we dig into his training schedule, the way he tracks daily habits, and how he's handling both praise and criticism online. Zach shares what keeps him focused, how his family supports him, and why he believes delusional dreams are sometimes the ones worth chasing. It's not about being perfect or fitting a mold. It's about starting where you are, refusing to quit, and remembering why you started.  Subscribe for more real conversations with people doing big things their own way!   Connect with us!  Zack Duke: YouTube: @WorldCupDad Instagram: @worldcupdad TikTok: @worldcupdad Dana Schaeffer -- ⁠danaschaeffer.com⁠ | @danamschaeffer Music By: John M Licari Music

On this episode of Dishin' with Dana, I sit down with Kelli Baker, a blues-rock singer blending dark Americana with soul, and Noé Socha, a blind Italian guitarist and harmonica player based in New York. We talk about their journey, their chemistry on stage, and the story behind their new single Granite: The Badlands, a song born from loss and growth. It's a real look at two artists figuring it out, having fun, and making music that matters.   Connect with us!  Kelli Baker — kellibaker.com | @kellibakermusic Noé Socha — noemusic.net | @simpleblueboy Dana Schaeffer -- danaschaeffer.com | @danamschaeffer Music By: John M Licari Music

On this episode of Dishin with Dana, dive into the world of marine biology with Julian "Jules" Léon, a scientist with over 15 years of hands-on experience in research, fieldwork, and education. From shark tagging in Hawaii to salmon surveys in Alaska, and now rescuing sick and injured marine mammals along the Los Angeles coast, Jules shares his journey and passion for ocean conservation. Through his platform Jules of the Sea, he brings marine science to life with humor, storytelling, and inspiration for future marine biologists.   ⁠https://marinemammalcare.org⁠ ⁠@julesofthesea2021⁠ ⁠@danamschaeffer⁠   Music By: John M Licari Music

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Jason David, a two-time cancer survivor whose music and message have touched hearts around the world, and his wife Alyson, who's really a New Yorker at heart… you'll see what I mean.  We dive into Jason's powerful journey through the highs and lows of battling cancer, how he stayed grounded through unimaginable challenges, and how he spreads messages of hope, faith, and healing through music. Alyson brings her own strength and humor to the conversation, and together, their story is one of resilience, partnership, and purpose. If you've ever needed a reminder to keep going -- this one's for you.  @danamschaeffer @jasondavidmusic www.jasondavidmusic.com Music By: John M Licari Music

In this trailer, Dana shares her story: 15 years in radio, a love for baking, and the inspiration behind Dishin' with Dana. Get a glimpse of why she's starting this podcast, what fuels her passion for storytelling, and how food, adventure, and conversation all come together at her table. @danamschaeffer www.danaschaeffer.com www.danasdesserts.com www.savenjdiners.com