Dishin with Dana

Avocado Puppet Takes Over NJ Diners | Kristie Keleshian & Quasi-cado on JersEats, Media & Food Culture

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 [https://www.instagram.com/kristie.jpg/?hl=en] @⁠quasi.cado⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/quasi.cado/?hl=en] Dana Schaeffer: @⁠danamschaeffer⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/danamschaeffer/] @danasdesserts @LittleFallsDiner www.danaschaeffer.com Music By: John M Licari Music Recorded at Ignite Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

Dr. Marco on Posture, Back Pain and What Your Body's Telling You

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 [https://www.instagram.com/iamdrmarco/] @thechiropracticsource [https://www.instagram.com/thechiropracticsource/] Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer [https://www.instagram.com/danamschaeffer/] @danasdesserts @LittleFallsDiner www.danaschaeffer.com Music By: John M Licari Music Recorded at Ignite Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

The Man Behind the World's Largest Gingerbread Village: Jon Lovitch

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.

Creativity Meets Economics, Rahul Rai on Acting, Content, and Financial Literacy

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 [https://www.instagram.com/danamschaeffer/?hl=en] www.danaschaeffer.com [https://www.danaschaeffer.com] www.danasdesserts.com [https://www.danasdesserts.com] www.savenjdiners.com [https://www.savenjdiners.com] Music By: John M Licari Music

Kel Mitchell on the Characters You Love, the Purpose Behind His Journey, and How Burger Fest Began

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 [https://www.instagram.com/iamkelmitchell/?hl=en] & LinkTree [https://linktr.ee/iamkelmitchell?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnVdfuFzsF-_XuC0kGuqa58Ih8QD9tddOzqz3VmgXPRiFRR3MWDuShlxYOV5E_aem_uowcE8lfq_W4f5Tkvy_Z0g] Bucket Listers [https://bucketlisters.com/select-city] Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer [https://www.instagram.com/danamschaeffer/?hl=en] & www.danaschaeffer.com [https://www.danaschaeffer.com] Music By: John M Licari Music