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.

www.hostwithconfidencepodcast.com