Dishin with Dana

Dana Schaeffer
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Dishin' with Dana is a storytelling podcast that celebrates dreamers, doers, and creatives who turn passion into purpose. Hosted by multimedia producer and radio personality Dana Schaeffer, the show explores inspiring journeys, personal growth, and the "recipes for success" that shape real people behind remarkable stories. In every episode, Dana sits down with people who dared to bet on themselves, from artists and chefs to athletes and changemakers, to uncover what fuels their drive and what keeps them grounded. Between lessons learned and favorite dishes shared, Dishin' with Dana explores how the ingredients of life, work, and creativity all blend together. Dishin' with Dana connects audiences who crave real stories, personal growth, and a reminder that anything is possible when you bet on yourself. Follow Dana on socials: @danamschaeffer

Episodes

  1. 12/25/2025

    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.

    1h 5m

  2. 12/16/2025

    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 www.danaschaeffer.com www.danasdesserts.com www.savenjdiners.com   Music By: John M Licari Music

    54 min

  3. 11/13/2025

    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  & LinkTree  Bucket Listers Dana Schaeffer: @danamschaeffer  &  www.danaschaeffer.com Music By: John M Licari Music

    47 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    From Rock Bottom to World Cup Dad: What If It's Not Too Late?

    What happens when you pick up soccer for the first time as an adult and decide to go all-in for the World Cup? Zach Duke, also known as "World Cup Dad," shares how a moment of personal rock bottom in 2022 sparked a complete life reset. We talk about how a podcast and a prayer pushed him to start training from scratch, how he balances fatherhood with elite-level goals, and why he's not chasing fame, he's building character and legacy. On this episode of "Dishin with Dana," we dig into his training schedule, the way he tracks daily habits, and how he's handling both praise and criticism online. Zach shares what keeps him focused, how his family supports him, and why he believes delusional dreams are sometimes the ones worth chasing. It's not about being perfect or fitting a mold. It's about starting where you are, refusing to quit, and remembering why you started.  Subscribe for more real conversations with people doing big things their own way!   Connect with us!  Zack Duke: YouTube: @WorldCupDad Instagram: @worldcupdad TikTok: @worldcupdad Dana Schaeffer -- ⁠danaschaeffer.com⁠ | @danamschaeffer Music By: John M Licari Music

    49 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Two Artists, One Sound: Inside the Creative Chemistry of Kelli Baker & Noé Socha

    On this episode of Dishin' with Dana, I sit down with Kelli Baker, a blues-rock singer blending dark Americana with soul, and Noé Socha, a blind Italian guitarist and harmonica player based in New York. We talk about their journey, their chemistry on stage, and the story behind their new single Granite: The Badlands, a song born from loss and growth. It's a real look at two artists figuring it out, having fun, and making music that matters.   Connect with us!  Kelli Baker — kellibaker.com | @kellibakermusic Noé Socha — noemusic.net | @simpleblueboy Dana Schaeffer -- danaschaeffer.com | @danamschaeffer Music By: John M Licari Music

    51 min

  6. 10/08/2025

    Saving the Sea: Jules Léon's Journey from Shark Tagging to Marine Mammal Rescue

    On this episode of Dishin with Dana, dive into the world of marine biology with Julian "Jules" Léon, a scientist with over 15 years of hands-on experience in research, fieldwork, and education. From shark tagging in Hawaii to salmon surveys in Alaska, and now rescuing sick and injured marine mammals along the Los Angeles coast, Jules shares his journey and passion for ocean conservation. Through his platform Jules of the Sea, he brings marine science to life with humor, storytelling, and inspiration for future marine biologists.   ⁠https://marinemammalcare.org⁠ ⁠@julesofthesea2021⁠ ⁠@danamschaeffer⁠   Music By: John M Licari Music

    32 min

  7. 09/03/2025

    The Sound of Resilience: Jason David's Journey Through Music and Story of Strength

    In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Jason David, a two-time cancer survivor whose music and message have touched hearts around the world, and his wife Alyson, who's really a New Yorker at heart… you'll see what I mean.  We dive into Jason's powerful journey through the highs and lows of battling cancer, how he stayed grounded through unimaginable challenges, and how he spreads messages of hope, faith, and healing through music. Alyson brings her own strength and humor to the conversation, and together, their story is one of resilience, partnership, and purpose. If you've ever needed a reminder to keep going -- this one's for you.  @danamschaeffer @jasondavidmusic www.jasondavidmusic.com Music By: John M Licari Music

    1h 6m

  8. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Order up: Welcome to Dishin' with Dana!

    In this trailer, Dana shares her story: 15 years in radio, a love for baking, and the inspiration behind Dishin' with Dana. Get a glimpse of why she's starting this podcast, what fuels her passion for storytelling, and how food, adventure, and conversation all come together at her table. @danamschaeffer www.danaschaeffer.com www.danasdesserts.com www.savenjdiners.com

    5 min

Trailer

About

Dishin' with Dana is a storytelling podcast that celebrates dreamers, doers, and creatives who turn passion into purpose. Hosted by multimedia producer and radio personality Dana Schaeffer, the show explores inspiring journeys, personal growth, and the "recipes for success" that shape real people behind remarkable stories. In every episode, Dana sits down with people who dared to bet on themselves, from artists and chefs to athletes and changemakers, to uncover what fuels their drive and what keeps them grounded. Between lessons learned and favorite dishes shared, Dishin' with Dana explores how the ingredients of life, work, and creativity all blend together. Dishin' with Dana connects audiences who crave real stories, personal growth, and a reminder that anything is possible when you bet on yourself. Follow Dana on socials: @danamschaeffer

Information

  • Creator
    Dana Schaeffer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Schaeffer Creative © 2025
  • Show Website
    Dishin with Dana