More than a Game: How Two Women Turned Game Night Into a Brand

More than a Game: How Two Women Turned Game Night Into a Brand

This week, we sit down with best friends Laura Galvan and Marnie Wekselblatt, who turned their love of Rummikub into a thriving, community-driven brand that's bringing people together in a fresh, elevated way. As someone who grew up playing Rummikub with my Nana, this conversation felt especially meaningful. From the moment I discovered what they were building, I knew we had to have them on the podcast. What started as a conversation about a game quickly became a conversation about friendship, entrepreneurship, taking chances, and finding purpose through the things that bring people joy. While it may seem like a departure from baseball, we quickly realized it's actually the same story we tell every week: sports and games have a unique way of creating connection. Whether it's gathering around a card table, a Rummikub board, or a baseball diamond, the real magic happens when people come together. From entrepreneurship and brand-building to partnerships and community, we explore how Laura and Marnie transformed their love of Rummikub into a must-attend event series with a growing waitlist and a loyal following. Their story is proof that when you create spaces for people to connect, something much bigger than the game can happen. Make sure to give them a follow, grab your own Rummikub set, and stay tuned for future events!

EP 108: Shohei's Dominance, Women in Sports & A Full Circle Week

This week on Talk Dodgers to Me, we're talking about another incredible stretch of Dodger baseball as Shohei Ohtani continues to do things we've never seen before. From his dominance pitching and hitting to the impact he has on the game, we're running out of words to describe what we're witnessing. We're also diving into the story behind Andy Pages and the journey that brought him to the big leagues, proving once again that every player has a story worth telling. Beyond the game itself, we reflect on an inspiring week at Dodger Stadium surrounded by incredible women in sports. From the Blue Heaven & Bourbon event hosted by the Dodgers Foundation, to the Women in Sports Conference, we connected with trailblazers across the entertainment and sports industry. Again, we're reminded how many different paths exist within the sports world and why representation matters. Most importantly, we're sharing what it meant to meet so many of our listeners throughout the week. The love, support, and stories you've shared with us continue to remind us that Talk Dodgers to Me has become something much bigger than we ever imagined. As we reflect on the growth of the podcast, we're feeling incredibly grateful for this community we've built. Because as always, it's more than baseball. 💙

EP 107: Putting the SHO in Sho-Time

Shohei Ohtani made history AGAIN... and we're officially out of words! This week, the Dodgers completed a sweep of the Rockies, but not without some challenges. Kiké Hernández returned for just two days before landing back on the IL, Teoscar Hernández left a game with a hamstring injury, and the Dodgers once again had to call up players they had just sent down.But through all of it, one player continues to leave us speechless. Shohei Ohtani put together another historic performance, and for the third time in his career started a game on the mound and hit a leadoff home run, oh and pitching 6 hitless innings. At this point, we're running out of ways to describe what we're watching.We talk about Shohei's latest masterpiece, the resilience of this Dodgers team, the revolving door of injuries, and why this group continues to find ways to win despite every obstacle thrown their way. Plus, as always, a few laughs, some funny stories of dates gone wrong at Dodger Stadium, and why we love the way our Dodgers organization instills confidence in our players. 💙 Subscribe for new episodes every week. ⚾ Follow us: @TalkDodgersToMe 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts

EP 106: The Story Behind SHEERGEAR Handbags + Our Collab Reveal!

New episode + TDTM x SHEERGEAR Collab drop! Melissa sits down with Lesley Grosvenor, founder of SHEERGEAR Handbags, for a real founder-to-founder conversation about entrepreneurship, bringing an idea to life, and the highs and lows that come with building something from the ground up. This episode isn’t just about introducing the new Talk Dodgers to Me x SHEERGEAR collaboration, it’s about introducing you to Leslie, the founder behind the brand, and sharing the story, passion, and vision that built SHEERGEAR Handbags. Melissa and Lesley talk about trusting your vision, supporting other female founders, life as Dodgers fans, and how community and baseball continue to bring people together. Find our new bag drop exclusively on talkdodgerstome.com & find more of SHEERGEAR 's products on: sheergear.com / @sheergearhandbags

EP 105: Talk Shohei to Me

The Dodgers are turning things around and we are SO here for it. This week, we’re talking about our team finding their rhythm again, what’s clicking, and why this stretch feels like the Dodgers we know and trust!And of course, we had to spend a lot of time talking Shohei Ohtani because HOW do you not? After working through one of the toughest offensive stretches of his career, Shohei has come roaring back — getting hits, driving guys in, and once again making history by matching his own unbelievable feat: hitting a first-pitch home run and then going on to throw five shutout innings.We also share a really special life moment as our moms met for the first time and instantly bonded, just like we did when we first met. It’s been so special watching our friendship grow into family and seeing the people who raised us become part of that story too.We talk trust, slumps, resilience, baseball, life, and the moments that remind us why it’s always more than baseball. Because if baseball teaches us anything, it’s that slumps don’t last forever.