In the studio with Renee is Marcus Gupton, a long-time volunteer and staff member of Farm Cafe in Boone, North Carolina. Marcus shares his journey through homelessness, describing it as “the collapse of your entire outer reality,” and explains how Farm Cafe became both a refuge and a community for him.

Together, Renee and Marcus explore the transformative power of human connection in a pay-what-you-can café, where people from all walks of life—students, locals, and those experiencing homelessness—come together over shared meals. Marcus reflects on the value of bartering service for food, the importance of being seen and valued, and how Farm Cafe’s inclusive model breaks down social barriers.

The conversation also touches on the impact of Hurricane Helene, with Marcus offering moving insights on loss, resilience, and the lessons of empathy that emerge from starting over. Through personal stories and honest reflection, this episode shines a light on the strength found in community and the hope that grows when everyone has a seat at the table.

Marcus Gupton

Marcus Gupton was born in Louisburg, NC, in the summer of 1970. Growing up; he lived in Brussels Belgium, Durham, NC, and Sydney, Australia. He has called Boone home since 1992, working as a student, a clerk, and as a volunteer and staff member at F.A.R.M. Cafe.

In this episode, host Renee Boughman welcomes Libby Birky, co-founder of SAME Cafe in Denver, for a deep dive into the philosophy and practicalities behind community cafes. Libby shares her journey from running one of the nation’s first nonprofit, pay-what-you-can cafe to mentoring new cafes across the country, emphasizing the importance of dignity, authentic relationships, and community participation over transactional models. The conversation explores the differences between suggested donation systems and open-ended giving, the challenges of maintaining equity and respect for all guests, and the creative problem-solving required to make these unique restaurants work.

Together, Renee and Libby discuss lessons learned from years of experience, including the need for trauma-informed care, the value of offering real choice to guests, and the ongoing work of balancing financial sustainability with the mission to serve everyone. This episode offers an honest look at what makes community cafes successful, the pitfalls to avoid, and why building a space where everyone is welcome is both messy and deeply rewarding.

Libby Birky co-founded SAME Café in Denver, CO with her husband Brad back in 2006—because what’s marriage without starting a non-profit restaurant together, right? In 2018, she “pre-tired” from the daily grind (think retiring, but trendier and earlier) and hit the road in a camper van with Brad, visiting community cafés along the way. Since their tour de cafe road trip, Libby’s been the fairy godmother of community cafés —helping out with HR headaches, kitchen conundrums, and delivering top-tier moral support with a side of encouragement (no extra charge).

Armed with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (aka: professional teaching smarts), Libby spent twelve years wrangling elementary schoolers before swapping the classroom for the kitchen—same chaos, better snacks. She’s now based in Georgia with her husband and two vintage dogs, Leo & Gemini, who enjoy long naps and judging squirrels. A fan of all things triathlon—biking, swimming, and running—Libby no longer attempts them simultaneously (less flailing, more fun). In her free time, she sews, bakes, and devours books like they’re hot gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.

In this episode Renee welcomes Maggie Kane, founder of "A Place at the Table" in Raleigh, NC, for a candid conversation about the joys and challenges of running a community cafe. Maggie shares her journey from nonprofit work to managing a pay-what-you-can restaurant, reflecting on the unexpected complexities of combining food service with a mission to serve everyone with dignity. Together, they discuss the daily moments that make the work worthwhile, from hugs and laughter to seeing families enjoy a meal they might not otherwise have.

The episode also explores deeper issues facing community cafes, including the struggle for fair nonprofit compensation, the importance of equity and including diverse voices in leadership, and the tension between staying true to their mission and navigating political realities. Maggie and Renee offer honest insights into self-care and resilience, highlighting why this movement matters now more than ever.

Maggie Kane

Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January of 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people.

She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains, and all things sunflowers. You’ll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving, or breaking away for a quick 2-day weekend trip.