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At My Kitchen Table

At My Kitchen Table

Written by: Karen Shaak
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About this listen

Welcome to At My Kitchen Table, a conversational, interview-y podcast where I have a good yap with a guest!


When I was growing up, the kitchen table was the conversation center in a lot of homes. At my grandparents' house, friends and family alike were welcomed with connection as much as with drinks and food. In my parents' house, that tradition continued as my siblings and I would post up and chat with my mom as she cooked or baked or tried to read a book (with much exasperation as we refused to shut up). I found cozy similarity at my friends' homes with their parents, too.


Keeping with tradition, I create a space for everyone who visits my table, where we get to share a little bit of our journeys together - roses, thorns, and stems.



© 2026 At My Kitchen Table
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Guest: There Are Those Who Call Him...Tim?
    Jan 21 2026

    At my kitchen table this week is my former co-worker, current friend, and fellow GenXer, Tim. Tim joins me to discuss his journey to an OCD diagnosis.

    I took AMKT on the road and recorded with Tim in Connecticut during the holidays for our annual "therapy session" with other former co-workers. We chat about our shared love of music, the imminence of annihilation we experienced as kids in the 80s, the importance of having buddies, and how some of his obsessions seriously fucked with his ability to listen to Slayer. He also covers why we aren’t using his last name or tagging him in social posts (it's because middle schoolers are still the douchiest age level in all of grade school).

    Caveat: no matter how put together Tim sounds, I can assure you that he’s held together with duct tape like a proper 80s kid.

    Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

    All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Guest: Ali Collier
    Jan 14 2026

    Welcome to my third episode that features Glen Rock, PA! At my kitchen table this week is Ali Collier, owner of Brabble Hill Farms and owner / proprietor of Main Street Market in Glen Rock.

    My chat with Ali marks the first time that I sought a guest because of a topic – she and her husband own a micro farm, and I’ve become very interested in learning more about small, sustainable farming. Ali has worn many hats in her life, which is something she's done with intention. Her curiosity and ability to solve problems has led her to constantly try new endeavors, which is how she ended up leaving corporate America for literally greener pastures. Ali talks about how she became a mechanical engineer, the wilderness that is small farming, food as a community connector, her desire to live her life like her grandfather did, and wtf a brabble is.

    Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

    All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Guest: Rollin Apgar
    Jan 7 2026

    Welcome to 2026, teabags! I’m back at my kitchen table this week with Rollin Apgar! This is the second episode in what is becoming a short series of episodes that feature Glen Rock, Pennsylvania either as its center or as its backdrop.

    Local, small-town politics is fascinating to me because it feels like it's often ignored, but is the most impactful politics to our day-to-day lives. Rollin and I chat about being drawn to service, the story of how he became involved with borough council, why it’s important to give people the space to be heard, and how Glen Rock is like vultures. Pull up a chair!

    Intro riff by Dale Lytle (concert husband).

    All content edited (I use that term very loosely) by Karen Shaak.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
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