
In today’s episode Fern welcomes Rosemarie, who is Fern’s friend, neighbor and new mahj player for mahj musings, where we share a spiritual spark quote and dive into some specific questions that are sure to pique your interest! Fern then welcomes Daron Barness back to the podcast to go over the 2025 card. We’ll discuss patterns, hot tiles, go over some of Daron’s worksheets and learn a few new things in today’s episode. See the links below! Daron has her own Mahj assistance workseets available for purchase at her website, majbydaron.com. Of particular note are her 2025 Mah Jongg Playing Card Worksheet Packet and her Charleston Assist Worksheet. See also ilovemahj.com for an online American mah jongg system! Add Daron’s name for an extra free week of play! And lastly, as always, you can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller.
Jun 20
1 hr 25 min

In today’s episode Fern first welcomes long time mahj friend and player Eileen DerAris to join her to discuss the hot topic of politics around the mahj table and hot tiles to consider for game play with the 2025 card. Then guests Linda and Sonny Brownlee join Fern to discuss playing mahj as a couple and the benefits it can have. Listen in for another interesting and informative episode of Mah Jongg Mondays! You can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. mahjonggmaven.com
May 12
1 hr 4 min

In today’s episode funny lady Lorraine Urist joins me for another episode here on the podcast. We’ll talk about the new card, her recent mahj event, life and love and friendship. Ever heard of messy mah jongg? My friend Tina joins me from Florida to chat about this mahj term, what it means and you can decide if it’s a way for you to play or simply say I’m sticking with the traditional style of the game. You can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be found and purchased at mahshelpinghand.com There's an upcoming Mah Jongg Cruise in October! For information, contact Judy Mastronique at (631)-338-1380
Apr 29
1 hr 25 min

It’s here!! The 2025 card is arriving in our mailboxes. In today’s episode Karen Gooen returns to the podcast to review portions of the new card with us. Karen’s analytical mindset and creativity always make these episodes fun. Go grab your new card and let’s dive in together! You can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Karen's mah jongg blog can be found at bubbemj.blogspot.com, and her books Searching for Bubbe Fischer and Small World can both be purchased on Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Also, Liam failed to mention it in his intro (I don't know how I missed it!), but her memoir Ellen, Discovered can be purchased as an audiobook on Audible.com or as a physical copy on Amazon as well. Lastly, you can contact Karen about her books at [email protected] Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be found and purchased at mahshelpinghand.com There's an upcoming Mah Jongg Cruise in October! For information, contact Judy Mastronique at (631)-338-1380
Apr 7
1 hr 15 min

It’s so good to be back recording after my big surgery. In today’s episode I welcome Laurie Kapp to the podcast. We discuss so much in this episode! Our love of mahj, the devestating Cali fires that ravaged communities and left so many people homeless, mahj sets, favorite sections and hands on the card and how we both strive to share kindness in our games and in our lives. Cozy up with a warm cup of tea or coffee and listen in as we talk about our favorite game— mah jongg!! www.bespokemahjong.com You can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. (Fern menions it in the outro, but Liam recommends listening to Fern's other podcast, Grey Gardens! You can find it on Apple Podcasts or via your podcatcher of choice. It has a lot of fun explorations of the Edies and the history surrounding the titular estate and the varying documentaries and movies made about them.)
Feb 15
1 hr 6 min

After a five month break due to medical issues, Fern is back at the mic first with returning guest and funny friend Lorraine Urist. Listen in as they talk about life, mah jongg and friendship. In the second part of the podcast Fern welcomes Ashley Gomez and Linda Casey from The Dallas Mahj Club. The ladies explain how to play with “blanks.” It’s a popular house rule that’s a Texas favorite among players there. Who knew the extra blank tiles in your set could add a fun and exciting twist to the game! Enjoy the episode, and Fern (and Liam) are wishing everyone a happy and healthy winter holiday season! The next episode will be post-surgery sometime in February. Happy playing everyone! Friend of the show Karen Gooen's memoir Ellen, Discovered is now available as an audiobook on Audible.com! Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be purcahsed at mahshelpinghand.com You can purchase both of Fern's books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. (Also while we're here, Liam recommends listening to Fern's other podcast, Grey Gardens! You can find it on Apple Podcasts or via your podcatcher of choice. It has a lot of fun explorations of the Edies and the history surrounding the titular estate and the varying documentaries and movies made about them.)
Dec 7, 2024
1 hr 19 min

In todays episode my special and always funny west coast mahj sista, Lorraine Urist, joins me to discuss our exciting in person meet up on Long Island. Mah jongg brought us together like it has for so many other players across the country. We talk about the new card, seeing eachother in person and playing on my electric table, Lorraine’s recent mahj event in California and of course there’s a funny story Lorraine will share with us! Thank you for listening in and waiting patiently for this episode to drop as I’m dealing with chemo treatment. Mwah! You guys are the best! Fern's two books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction story), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. Mah's Helping Hand Highlighters
Jun 10, 2024
1 hr 6 min

In today’s episode Karen Gooen joins me to discuss the new 2024 card. We’ll talk about new hands, patterns and rhythms, fall back hands and more. Go grab your card and let’s dive in! You can contact Karen at [email protected] or purchase her book Searching For Bubbe Fischer: The Path To Mah Jongg Wisdom on Amazon.com or at your local bookseller. You can find Renee's Reading Club on Facebook. Fern's two books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction story), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller.
Apr 8, 2024
57 min

In todays episode I welcome Ronni Rice, aka Marvelous Mrs. Mahj to the podcast. Ronni is a mahj teacher who brings her love of the game to players in the Los Angeles area. Get ready to listen in to another episode of Mah Jongg Mondays with conversation and topics that’s all about our favorite game! Ronnies's website can be found at www.marvelousmrsmahj.com Fern's interview on Sylvia & Me Lorraine Urist can be contacted for the upcoming mahj event on 4/7/2024 at [email protected] or at (818) 419-9167 Fern's two books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction book), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller.
Feb 12, 2024
55 min

In todays episode Fern welcomes back Julie Alexander and Debbie Barnett to the podcast. They will discuss their new venture called Mahj-X along with who they are collaborating with and what Mahj-X is all about. Liam and I are wishing everyone a happy, healthy and joyous holiday season! www.mahjx.com Mahj-X on Instagram Mahj-X Facebook Group Fern's two books, Mah Jongg Mondays (her memoir) and Staunch (a historical fiction book), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller.
Dec 11, 2023
56 min
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