We’re not breaking up, we’re oscillating! In this quick check-in, we share why Beats Working is taking a two-week holiday break to recharge, reenergize, and practice NOT working — a core skill in winning the game of events (and work). We’ll be back January 5 with new episodes, fresh energy, and exciting news for 2026.

Resources & Links:

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast

-Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast

-Facebook: @Beats Working

-YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast

Follow & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

Send Feedback:

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

Burnout is real! And this Fun Table conversation goes straight into the lived-in signs, the quiet red flags and the practical ways event pros can protect their energy heading into 2026. From food aversion to emotional clutter, the hosts unpack what happens when ambition collides with depletion and how boundaries, rituals and honesty can pull us back from the edge. 

Takeaways:

• Burnout often shows up in small ways.

• High performers tend to push past their warning signs, making capacity checks and boundaries essential.

• Powerful and effective recovery tools.

• Tech can support resilience, but it can also add noise.

Timestamps:

00:00 - When food aversion becomes a burnout red flag

03:00 - Dele on resilience scores and the “nap isn’t enough” warning

06:13 - Kristin on being “tired but wired” and micro-burnout

11:39 - Disconnection from joy as an early burnout signal

26:38 - Recovery rituals heading into 2026

Resources & Links:

-Brain Hacks & Productivity: Unlock the Brain

-Meet The Fun Table: Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley, Amy Liz Harrison

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

Follow & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

Send Feedback:

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

BEATS WORKING celebrates the 40th anniversary of Seattle’s iconic Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition with guest Pamela Hinckley, executive director of the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. From inflatable pig costumes to school choirs pouring through the streets of Pike Place Market, this episode reveals the joy, logistics, and community impact behind one of Seattle’s most heartfelt holiday traditions — and what the events industry can learn from its staying power.

Takeaways:

• Figgy's staying power? Staying rooted in community and joy.

• A mixed crowd — ironic hipsters, seasoned pros, and school groups — creates energy and inclusivity.

• Mission-driven events work best when the impact is clearly visible.

• Smart shifts in location or timing can boost engagement fast.

• Behind-the-scenes magic includes a fold-out “transformer” stage and joyful pre-event chaos.

Timestamps:

01:24 - It's the 40th anniversary of Figgy Pudding!

05:29 - Pamela shares how the event evolved after moving from Westlake to Pike Place Market.

06:52 - How fundraising works — and why the Philanthropy Award is the top prize.

11:00 - Creative staff strategies to keep Figgy fresh and exciting every year.

21:35 - Pamela describes the magical moment the fold-out stage arrives and transforms the street.

Resources & Links:

-Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition: Website & Volunteer

-Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank: Website, Facebook & Instagram

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

Follow & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

Send Feedback:

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

What happens when two event pros put Nick Gray’s "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party" to the test? Alysse and Libby break down the simple systems that make small gatherings shine: smart invites and day-of reminders, better name tags (that don’t ruin your outfit), how to handle the early birds with kindness, inclusive drink setups for sober and sober-curious guests, and the art of a clear end time (yes, even cueing “Closing Time” when it’s time to go). Fear no-shows? You’re not alone — and the hosts share practical moves to fill the room and keep the vibe high.

Takeaways

• Send multiple reminders — especially a same-day note with the key info up top.

• Name tags help strangers connect, but choose materials that won’t damage clothing.

• Greet early arrivers with warmth and a tiny job — instant belonging, zero awkwardness.

• Make drinks inclusive: offer thoughtful zero-proof options alongside the basics.

• Announce a clear end time; a ten-minute heads-up + a friendly close keeps it classy (or just play “Closing Time”).

Timestamps:

[01:06] Fear of hosting: the #1 worry — “what if no one shows?” and how to counter it.

[06:06] Invites & reminders: how many to send and what to put first.

[08:06] Name tags do’s & don’ts (and when to skip them).

[11:00] Early arrivers: make them feel seen — give a role, not a circle of strangers.

[13:01] Inclusive beverages: zero-proof setups that actually feel good.

[14:22] Ending on time: announcements, cues… and “Closing Time.”

Resources & Links:

-Nick Gray: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

-Book: The 2-Hour Cocktail Party

-Extras: Free Party Checklist

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

Follow & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

Send Feedback:

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

Whether it’s sweet potatoes gone rogue or a Buzz Lightyear scaling the stage, the Fun Table crew (Libby Sundgren, Alysse Bryson, Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley and Amy Liz Harrison) unwrap the messy magic of holiday gatherings. From stocking traditions and grief rituals to ditching gifts in favor of gratitude and connection, this episode celebrates the power of togetherness — sparkly elf glasses and all.

Takeaways:

• Every gathering tells a story — embrace the unplanned moments that become tradition.

• Gratitude bowls and “thankful cards” can transform any table into a connection circle.

• Experiences often outshine gifts; the best memories don’t come in boxes.

• Honoring multiple cultures and faiths makes celebrations richer and more inclusive.

• The true gift of the holidays? Showing up — messy, mismatched and present.

Timestamps:

01:25 — Welcome to The Fun Table: Holiday gatherings are both art and adventure.

04:01 — The Buzz Lightyear story that stole Christmas Eve.

07:20 — Dele’s legendary sweet potato Thanksgiving moment.

10:12 — Finding joy through grief and gratitude.

16:15 — The crew ditches gifts for experiences.

20:09 — Stocking stuffers, olives and depression-era traditions.

24:03 — Blending faiths and cultural celebrations with grace.

28:30 — “Come as you are” holiday hosting and open-house joy.

Resources & Links:

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

Follow & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

Send Feedback:

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.