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 f...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 132
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 hist...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 131
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 historic...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 130
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....
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 129
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.co...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 128
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 g...
Dec 07, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 127
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 episo...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 126
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...
Apr 08, 2024•57 min•Ep. 125
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) 41...
Feb 12, 2024•56 min•Ep. 124
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 ...
Dec 11, 2023•57 min•Ep. 123
Fern welcomes the funniest lady of mah jongg back to the podcast. Lorraine shares her experience creating and running a mah jongg one day of fun play. No episide with Lorraine is without side splitting laughter, so buckle up and listen in to the latest episode of Mah Jongg Mondays! 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....
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 122
In today’s episode Fern welcomes Iris Pressman and Heather Samet to the podcast. This mother-daughter duo both play and teach mah jongg and will share their love, skill, tips and strategies with us. They will also mention some helpful tools for new players. Fern is excited to share the launch of her second book titled: Staunch. The Edies of Grey Gardens. Let’s listen in and get our mahj—on! You can purchase Staunch on Amazon.com as an ebook or in paperback . Flip book: [email protected] The A...
Oct 23, 2023•55 min•Ep. 121
In today’s episide Fern welcomes fellow Long Island mahj enthusiast Lorie Seigel. Listen in with a chilled glass of iced coffee or iced tea as Lorie, who teaches in the area, shares tips and strategies as well as stories and her personal perspectives about the game. Lorie's website can be found at www.majwithlor.com Fern's interview on Expert Connect can be found here. You can follow Fern on Instagram at @Fernlovesmahjongg , on Facebook as Fern Levitch-Bernstein , or you can get in touch via ema...
Sep 04, 2023•56 min•Ep. 119
In today’s episode Fern welcomes the funny lady of mah jongg, Lorraine Urist, back to the podcast. Lorraine shares some funny stories as well as news about her upcoming event. She also will share tips for players ready to step outside the safety of their regular games and strategies for us all! Grab your card and listen in to a fun-filled episode! You can contact Lorraine by email at [email protected] or by phone at (818)419-9167 Donna Eschen can be reached by email at [email protected] infinitepetl...
Aug 09, 2023•58 min•Ep. 118
It’s been awhile since I’ve recorded a podcast episode but I’m back and excited to interview today’s guest Dana Lange! Dana has been teaching mah jongg for twenty-five years and has taught over twenty thousand players in the North Carolina area. In addition Dana travels to other states and has even taught in the Bahamas! You are sure to pick up some ideas to help strengthen your game whether you are a new, intermediate or advanced player. Listen in and let get our mahj-on! Dana's blog Crak Your ...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 117
In today’s episode Daron Barness shares her overview of the new card In addition she will talk in depth about rhythms and patterns. Daron’s new card worksheets are a great tool to learn the 2023 card. Go grab your card, a pen and paper to take notes! Enter the book Giveaway at MJTI! 5 lucky winners will be chosen on 5/8/2023 to win a signed book titled: Poppy and Mary Ellen Deliver the Goods . mahjonggmania.net You can visit Daron's website at www.majbydaron.com , where you can also pick up a co...
May 01, 2023•44 min•Ep. 116
Go grab your new card and let’s dive into conversation with Karen Gooen, mahj player, teacher, speaker and author of three mahj themed books. There’s lots to learn and talk about in todays episode! Karen's blog can be found at bubbemj.blogspot.com To order any of Karen’s books, you can email her at [email protected] You can contact Fern at [email protected] Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found on Amazon.com or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider bec...
Apr 17, 2023•55 min•Ep. 115
This is the first of three episodes dedicated to the new 2023 card! Today let’s dive into the new card with Lorraine Urist. We’ll unpack the differences between last years card and the new card and Lorraine will help clarify three hands that have players asking questions. There’s lots to talk about and take notes on, so go grab a pen and paper. Along with Lorraine’s analysis and tips, she shares a funny story and a beautiful poem with us. In the upcoming episode, Karen Gooen will be joining us w...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 114
Do you remember when you learned how to play mah jongg? I sure do! In today’s episode I welcome Jill Zoccoli, who has been playing mahj for seven months and Peggy Morrissey who learned three months ago. We’ll talk about the challenges of learning and being a new player. We’ve all been there! We have some tips to share and we hope we can inspire more people to learn the marvelous game of mah jongg! Mah's Helping Hand Maj By Daron Dix Hills Mahjong Facebook Group You can contact Fern at Fernhbern@...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 113
In today’s episode Fern welcomes two fellow mah jongg Long Islanders to the podcast. Lori Rubin and Michele Drotman love both social play and tournament play and have created mini tournaments here on Long Island. Later this month they are kicking off their first event! Listen in for tips and strategies for both social play and tournament play as we all get our mahj—on! You can visit the site for Mah Jongg Mania at mahjonggmania.net You can contact Fern at [email protected] Fern's book, Mah Jon...
Feb 06, 2023•59 min•Ep. 112
Fern welcomes Lorraine Urist back to the podcast. These two mahj friends catch up about life, Fern’s recent surgery and Lorraine shares some mahj strategies to help kick off 2023 which we can take with us as we delve into the new 2023 card in April. Mercury may be in retrograde but nothing gets in the way of our mah jongg games! More info on upcoming Crak Your Bags events can be found at www.crakyourbags.com/events Daron Barness' website can be found at www.majbydaron.com Fern's book, Mah Jonng ...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 111
In the first episode of 2023, Fern welcomes two special ladies of mahj, Jan Egri and Linda Rosenson to the podcast. Jan who is the administrator on the largest and most interactive Facebook group MJTI!, discusses the “new NMJL rule” with Fern as well as some other mahj related topics. Later, Linda Rosenson joins in the conversation sharing her love of gaming and discussing how she adds weekly Wheel of Fortune and Wordle puzzles on MJTI! At the end of the episode Linda has an exciting mahj relate...
Jan 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 110
Get ready to meet Molly Hardy, a charasmatic, fun-spirited mah jongg player and teacher! Listen in to this upbeat episode where Molly shares how she was lured to the tiles, started teaching (over 1,000 players to date!), creates entertining reels on Instagram and Facebook and connected with the Mahjong Line, a Texas based mah jongg company who design colorful eclectic sets and fun mahj products. Follow and connect with Molly on her socials: Instagram: @Mahjongmolly Facebook: Mahjongmolly You can...
Dec 29, 2022•58 min•Ep. 109
In todays episode Fern welcomes Debbie Levin and Ilene Matz to the podcast. Through a decades long friendship, their love for mah jongg and the right timing, this dynamic duo recently acquired the online mahj business Mah Jongg Maven. It’s holiday time and the perfect time to check out the mah jongg items/gifts available on their website. Happy holidays one and all! You can find their website at www.mahjonggmaven.com and they can be emailed at [email protected] Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mo...
Dec 12, 2022•44 min•Ep. 108
So many of us have been blessed by the connections we have made through mah jongg. In today’s episode I welcome Barbara Ripps to the podcast where we will discuss some of those connections and how our lives were personally touched by learning how to play this old beloved Chinese tile game. Listen in and connect with us as we talk about our favorite game and discuss some tips and strategies to help us all get our Mahj—on! The Mah Jong, That's It! Facebook page can be found here . You can contact ...
Dec 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 107
In todays episode Sara Linden joins me to discuss her love for playing, teaching and sharing her love of mah jongg. November is a month that focuses on gratitude and both Sara and I share how we are grateful for having mah jongg in our lives. Listen in and let’s all get our mahj—on! Sara can be contacted at [email protected] Check out The Mahj club at their website: www.mahjclub.com Learn more about the Mah Jongg Highlighters at www.mahshelpinghand.com m.facebook.com/groups/MahJonggThatsIt A Beg...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 106
In today’s episode Fern takes us on her mahj adventure to Boca Raton, Florida where she attended MahjCon. It’s a fun-filled episode choc full of interesting interviews with both old friends and new. Hear about the fun, friendship, learning and games we all enjoyed and a sensational set by Crisloid some of us were lucky enough to play with. Listen in and let’s get our mahj—on! Here are the relevant links in order they are discussed in the episode: https://www.dragonsonthegreen.org/ https://www.ma...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 105
In today’s episode I welcome Stacy Budkofsky to the podcast. Stacy who teaches mah jongg both in person and on line will share strategies and tips as well as her love for the game of mah jongg with us. We’ll be meeting up at MahjCon in October and hope you will join us there! Stacy's websites can be found at stacymahjongg.com and www.healthcompassllc.com More information on Mahjcon can be found at mahjcon.com Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found on Amazon.com or at your local bookseller....
Sep 06, 2022•58 min•Ep. 104
Fern welcomes Lynn Kaplan to the podcast. Lynn teaches mah jongg and created a YouTube channel where she reviews the NMJL card when it first comes out in April. Today Lynn shares her love of the game with us as well as tips and strategies and a fun mahj-themed musical playlist. Listen in and let’s get our mahj—on! You can contact Lynn at [email protected] You can watch Lynn's review of the 2022 card on YouTube (and be sure to subscribe to her channel while you're there!) You can listen to L...
Aug 15, 2022•49 min•Ep. 103
In today’s episode I interview NYU student Joy Wu, who chose the theme of mah jongg for a class documentary project. She filmed Linda Feinstein, mah jongg teacher and founder of Mah Jongg Mondays in New York City. Linda joins me back at the podcast to share her experience being the central character in the documentary. As Linda recently decided to close the weekly games at Sarabeth’s after eighteen years, being in this documentary will forever record Linda’s love, enthusiasm and mark on the worl...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 102
