My guest tonight is a problem solver. And he uses an artistic mindset to do so through his sculptures, jujitsu and fighting crime.

It may seem like Jacob Bonnell started some of his endeavors at a fairly later age than typical, to become a master in his chosen crafts -- whether it be his art, sports, or joining the Police Force. He is a successful Sculptor, a Blackbelt & Jujitsu Instructor, and now a Police Officer.

But before you start counting those kind of numbers, maybe all you need to know is when to jump off that ledge to start anything at any age.

Solve the problem of ensuring proper landing first, of course. 😉

Madame After Midnight Ep 33

Jake Bonnell

I couldn't come up with a great title except that I think the gist of this episode is how important family is to contentment and sustainable happiness.   

Nylos is the only "Chef's Tasting Menu Only" restaurant on Maui.  Spell it backwards and it's their family last name.  

And yes, it is a family affair for the Solyns.  Jeremy runs the back of the house and Paulina manages the front as well as raising their children and cats and dogs.   I know first hand how difficult it is to run a business with your significant other, and the Solyns are no stranger to that.  Yet, somehow they seem to have managed  to figure it out, though at times rocky.  It's a continuing process of learning and relearning how to balance it all -- the drive to succeed and keep your loved ones close to you.   

I am so grateful to hear their story and our conversation was real, fun, passionate and poignant in many ways.  
❤️❤️❤️  

Madame After Midnight Ep 32
Jeremy and Paulina Solyn

Top Chef and CIA Alums - Chef Spike Mendelsohn and Chef Marcel Vigneron have had some real bromance going on for well over a decade.  

They first met at a Bar outside of culinary school and reconnected and bonded as fellow competitors on Bravo TV's famous cooking competition show, Top Chef. 

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to catch up with them while they're on Maui.  Because seriously, it was a hoot!   

Watch or listen in to our conversation, highlighting some of their funniest moments in the show as well as their supportive and mutually beneficial professional relationship and deep-rooted friendship.  

Madame After Midnight Ep 31
Spike Mendelsohn and Marcel Vigneron

Mamma mia!  This woman makes me so hungry!    

Rosa Mariotti was born and raised in the green heart of Italy - Umbria, and has been a Maui based Chef for the past 7 years.   She got her formal Culinary and Hospitality training in Oregon. For the past 20 years she has worked as a Kitchen Manager, Recipe Developer (recently for Mochi Foods), and her recipe for the Musubirthday cake made all the way to the Rachel Ray magazine!  

As a professional baker, she assisted the internationally acclaimed Nick Malgieri during his book tours.  Her approach to Italian Cuisine involves lesser known traditional Italian classic recipes, all made from scratch,  with a deep analysis on origins of the Dishes and their geography, food history and sustainability. She specializes in Pasta, which she has been making for over 50 years with her grandmother as her first mentor.   

Rosa has ongoing classes in Kona and Maui where she also teaches at UHMC.  Check out her fun and delicious blog on IG at @molto.ono and you will most probably get hungry, too… 😋😋😋  

Madame After Midnight Ep 30
Rosa Mariotti

Meet the man behind Swagyu Chop Shop - Chef Steve Brown.  He lives, breathes Wagyu - the sexiest beef around!  And Swagyu Hawaii's Managing Partner, Nic Gadouas who found the brand compelling enough to pursue and bring to the Valley Isle.  

I have to admit, I felt a little dirty when I found myself so excited about this sexy meat.  Isn't indulging in this ultra luxurious beef too elitist?  However, after talking story, it was surprisingly enlightening how reasonably sustainable it could be!    

Get in on our conversation and discover the passion and integrity behind Swagyu Chop Shop.  And when can, visit their new Food Truck/Chop Shop that is now open on the west side of Maui.   

Just be ready to get your minds blown!  

Madame After Midnight Ep 29
Steve Brown and Nic Gadouas

I have to admit, I'm not a tech person so I took the opportunity to talk story with my guest, Adelle Brianne, to enlighten me more about the world of website building and marketing.  Because I just want to make donuts and get some play time in.  This website and marketing thing in order to do business?  I'd prefer someone who knows and loves geek world to take care of it so I can sustain my happiness and focus on what I do best!  

You need help with your own website? Visit www.amazingandhelpful.com/donuts to get a FREE Audit by Adelle to give you guidance on how to improve your website immediately!  Hurry before offer runs out!  

Madame After Midnight Ep 28
Adelle Brianne

Tasha Ina Church has had practically a lifelong practice in several modalities in Martial Arts.  However, while her flying axe kicks are beautiful to behold in a Jackie Chan movie, it wasn't what saved her when she was drugged and taken by a man she knew.  

She has since been a passionate educator and a coach in (female) empowerment.  She developed programs for schools for young girls to uplift, build confidence and self worth.  She also specializes in helping women (as well as other vulnerable communities) to find their voices and teaches violence prevention strategies.   

This was a conversation that brought up triggers, even for myself, that I have apparently blocked out for years.  Violence against women happens more than you think.  

Madame After Midnight Ep 27
Tasha Ina Church

This week's guest is Ben Kopf, co-Owner and Mastermind Brewer behind Mahalo Aleworks.  

Mahalo Aleworks serves up some of the freshest and unique Sours, Ales and Beers in Hawaii.  Artisanal, small batch and made with fresh local fruits sourced right here on Maui.  They are even starting to grow an orchard so that soon, the Beers come from Farm to Pint!  

It was a quick chat, but because it's so much fun, my little Donut Shop, Donut Dynamite! is collaborating with Mahalo Aleworks this coming Sunday, September 18 for another Donut and Beer Event!  If you are on Maui, come join us!    

Madame After Midnight Ep 26
Ben Kopf