Curious Conversations: What a Year of Maine, Real Estate, and Listening Taught Me

Living Well with Alpha-gal Syndrome with Laura Finney Part 2: What People in Maine Should Know

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/fan_mail/new] What happens after the diagnosis? New Listeners Start Here: New to this conversation? I recommend listening to Part I first, where Laura shares how a single Lone Star tick bite led to her Alpha-gal Syndrome diagnosis, the challenges of getting answers, and why awareness of this growing tick-borne condition matters. In Part Two of my conversation with my lifelong friend, Laura Finney, we move beyond the medical diagnosis of Alpha-gal Syndrome and explore what it really looks like to rebuild a joyful, active life after a Lone Star tick bite changes everything. Laura shares how she transformed her kitchen, reimagined entertaining, adjusted her travel habits, and learned to navigate a world where something as simple as sharing a meal requires thoughtful planning. Rather than allowing Alpha-gal to define her life, Laura has chosen resilience, humor, and community. Her experience also inspired her to launch No Ma'am, a blog and growing online resource dedicated to helping others living with Alpha-gal Syndrome find trustworthy information, practical tips, and a reminder that they are not alone. Whether you live in Maine, spend time outdoors, or simply enjoy hiking, gardening, walking, hunting, fishing, or exploring nature, this episode offers practical awareness about the growing prevalence of tick-borne illnesses while celebrating the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.  In this episode we discuss: *  How Alpha-gal Syndrome changed Laura's daily life beyond food  *  Why she replaced nearly everything in her kitchen  *  Navigating restaurants, travel, and social gatherings with a serious food allergy  *  Building community instead of isolation  *  Practical tick prevention strategies for outdoor enthusiasts  *  Why awareness—not fear—is the best defense against tick-borne illnesses  *  Finding humor during life's unexpected detours  *  The inspiration behind Laura's No Ma'am blog and business  *  Creating resources for the growing Alpha-gal community  *  Why it's possible to live a full, active, joyful life after an Alpha-gal diagnosis  Resources No Ma'am (Laura Finney's website): https://nomam.net If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alpha-gal Syndrome—or you're looking for practical information about living with a mammal allergy—Laura's blog is an outstanding resource filled with practical advice, encouragement, and humor. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com [https://elisekiely.com/] 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: * Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate [https://www.instagram.com/elisekielyrealestate] * Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate  [https://www.facebook.com/elise.kiely/] * LinkedIn: Elise Kiely  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-kiely-b026ba7/] Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  * Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

Alpha-gal Syndrome: How One Tick Bite Changed Everything with Laura Finney Part 1 - How a single Lone Star tick bite led to Alpha-gal Syndrome, a life-changing allergy affecting red meat, dairy, medications, and everyday products—and what people in Maine

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/fan_mail/new] What if one tiny tick bite changed your life forever? Most of us know about Lyme disease. But have you heard of Alpha-gal Syndrome, the life-changing allergy that can develop after a single bite from a Lone Star tick? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with my oldest and dearest friend, Laura Finney, to share her remarkable story of developing Alpha-gal Syndrome after a tick bite on Martha's Vineyard. What began as mysterious symptoms and frustrating doctor visits ultimately led to a diagnosis that transformed nearly every aspect of her life. Laura explains why Alpha-gal is far more than a "red meat allergy," how it can affect dairy, medications, and everyday products, why it is often difficult to diagnose, and why growing awareness is so important as Lone Star ticks continue expanding throughout the Northeast. Most of all, this is a conversation about resilience, humor, and finding hope in the face of an unexpected challenge. In this episode, we discuss: *  What Alpha-gal Syndrome is and how it develops  *  How a single Lone Star tick bite changed Laura's life  *  Why Alpha-gal is much more than a red meat allergy  *  Why diagnosis can be delayed or missed altogether  *  The growing number of Alpha-gal cases across the United States  *  Why awareness—not anxiety—is the goal for those of us who enjoy the outdoors in Maine and New England  Resources *  Laura Finney's No Mam website: NoMam.net [https://nomam.net/no-explanation-necessary] Coming Up in Part 2 We'll explore how Laura rebuilt her life after her diagnosis—from replacing everything in her kitchen to navigating travel, restaurants, family traditions, and social gatherings—and how she turned an unexpected diagnosis into a mission of education, advocacy, and humor through No Mam. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com [https://elisekiely.com/] 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: * Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate [https://www.instagram.com/elisekielyrealestate] * Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate  [https://www.facebook.com/elise.kiely/] * LinkedIn: Elise Kiely  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-kiely-b026ba7/] Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  * Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

American Mahjong in Maine Part 2: Building Community One Tile at a Time

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/fan_mail/new] Can a centuries-old game help keep your mind sharp while also bringing people together? In Part 2 of my conversation with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, we explore why American Mahjong is about much more than mastering the tiles. We discuss the growing body of research surrounding Mahjong and cognitive health, the importance of lifelong learning, and why gathering around a table with friends may be one of the healthiest habits we can cultivate. Melanie also shares what keeps drawing her back to Maine each summer, why Peaks Island holds such a special place in her heart, and how Mainely Mahjong has become a vehicle for building friendships and strengthening communities throughout the state. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is reflecting on the Elegant Maine Living Mahjong Nights I've hosted for my clients, podcast guests, and friends. Watching people who have never met leave with new friendships and plans for their next Mahjong game reminds me that some of life's best communities begin with simply pulling up a chair. In this episode, we discuss: * The research linking American Mahjong to cognitive engagement and healthy aging * Why lifelong learning is important at every stage of life * How Mahjong combines strategy, focus, patience, and social connection * The power of gathering around a table instead of a screen * What Melanie loves most about Maine and Peaks Island * Why community is one of Maine's greatest strengths If you've been thinking about learning American Mahjong, or you're simply looking for a new way to connect with others, I hope this conversation inspires you to give it a try. * Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong [https://www.instagram.com/mainelymahjong] Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com [https://elisekiely.com/] 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: * Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate [https://www.instagram.com/elisekielyrealestate] * Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate  [https://www.facebook.com/elise.kiely/] * LinkedIn: Elise Kiely  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-kiely-b026ba7/] Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  * Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

American Mahjong in Maine: Building Community One Tile at a Time Part 1

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/fan_mail/new] Why is American Mahjong suddenly everywhere in Maine? In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, to explore why American Mahjong has become one of the fastest-growing social activities in Maine. What begins as a conversation about colorful tiles quickly becomes a discussion about something much bigger: building community, making new friends, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful opportunities to connect in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Melanie shares how she transformed her passion for American Mahjong into a thriving Maine small business, teaching hundreds of new players and partnering with local restaurants, wineries, clubs, and businesses throughout Greater Portland to introduce people to the game. We also talk about why I began hosting Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights for my real estate clients, podcast guests, and friends of the podcast. One of the most rewarding parts of these gatherings has been watching complete strangers become friends, exchange phone numbers, and continue playing together long after the event ends. That's exactly what Elegant Maine Living is all about—creating connections that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. Whether you're curious about learning American Mahjong, looking to expand your social circle, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of Maine entrepreneurs who are making a difference, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. In this episode you'll learn: * Why American Mahjong is experiencing a remarkable resurgence across Maine * How Mainely Mahjong grew from one idea into a thriving Maine small business * The differences between American Mahjong and Chinese Mahjong * Why so many people are searching for American Mahjong lessons in Maine * How learning a new game can lead to lasting friendships and stronger communities * Why supporting local entrepreneurs helps strengthen Maine's economy * The inspiration behind my Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights * Why putting away our phones and gathering around a table matters more than ever If this episode inspires you to learn American Mahjong or join one of my future Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through the Elegant Maine Living website, and I'll be happy to keep you informed about upcoming lessons and events. Links: * Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong [https://www.instagram.com/mainelymahjong] Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com [https://elisekiely.com/] 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: * Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate [https://www.instagram.com/elisekielyrealestate] * Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate  [https://www.facebook.com/elise.kiely/] * LinkedIn: Elise Kiely  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-kiely-b026ba7/] Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  * Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

Curious Conversations: What a Year of Maine, Real Estate, and Listening Taught Me

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/fan_mail/new] When I started the Elegant Maine Living podcast just over a year ago, I thought I was creating a platform to share conversations about Maine, real estate, entrepreneurship, and community. What I didn't anticipate was how much these conversations would teach me. In this special anniversary episode, I reflect on what I've learned from a year of sitting down with entrepreneurs, physicians, artists, investors, nonprofit leaders, designers, business owners, and community builders from across Maine. I share why I started the podcast, what surprised me most, and why hearing people's stories has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional and personal life. Over the past year, I've been struck by the generosity of my guests, their willingness to share not only their successes but also their challenges, uncertainties, and moments of reinvention. Those conversations have reinforced my belief that vulnerability is a form of strength and that some of life's most valuable lessons come from listening. I also reflect on the stories that have stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off—from family business legacies and entrepreneurship to navigating aging parents, building creative businesses, and exploring how the Great Wealth Transfer may impact future generations and women. Along the way, I discuss why I love recording Maine real estate market updates, how podcasting has expanded my appreciation for Maine, and what it means to live in a place defined by quiet sophistication, natural beauty, creativity, and community. Most of all, this episode is a thank you—to my guests for sharing their stories and to you, the listener, for joining me on this journey. In This Episode * Why I started the Elegant Maine Living podcast * What surprised me most during my first year of podcasting * The generosity and vulnerability of my guests * Lessons and life hacks I've adopted from conversations with guests * Why some stories continue to stay with me long after the interview * The unexpected challenges of creating a podcast * My thoughts on curiosity, listening, and lifelong learning * Why Maine continues to inspire and surprise me * What I hope to explore in future episodes A Few Reflections from This Year "I thought I was starting a podcast about Maine and real estate, but really I was beginning a year-long education in listening." "Vulnerability is a form of strength." "If what you focus on expands, then spending a year focusing on Maine's beauty, creativity, resilience, and community has deepened my appreciation for this extraordinary place." Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com [https://elisekiely.com/] 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: * Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate [https://www.instagram.com/elisekielyrealestate] * Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate  [https://www.facebook.com/elise.kiely/] * LinkedIn: Elise Kiely  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-kiely-b026ba7/] Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  * Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.