Changing the Rules

Guest: Julia Adams, Clear Ice & Bitters - What if the most memorable part of a party wasn't the food or the music—but the feeling that someone created just for you? In this episode of Changing the Rules, Ray Loewe and co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer talk with Julia Adams, founder of Clear Ice & Bitters, who is redefining hospitality one guest at a time. Drawing on her background as a classical musician, conductor, and educator, Julia approaches cocktail creation as an art form designed to make every person feel seen, valued, and unforgettable. Rather than asking, "What would you like to drink?" Julia begins by asking questions about your favorite memories, colors, aromas, and flavors. The result isn't simply a custom cocktail—it's a personalized experience that reflects who you are. From crystal-clear ice and handcrafted garnishes to thoughtful conversation and presentation, every detail is orchestrated to create connection. This episode isn't really about cocktails. It's about changing the rules of hospitality, discovering the power of intentional experiences, and learning how small, thoughtful touches can transform an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary memory.

Host: Ray Loewe - A few weeks ago, I had coffee with some friends. We started talking about the incredibly stupid things we did as kids and how we ever survived childhood. Maybe we were just the "Luckiest Kids in the World. "Hopefully, this podcast will take you back a few years to your youth. Enjoy!

LaKiesha Tomlin, Engineer, MBA, Company Owner, just returned from a four-week immersion trip to southern France to learn French. LaKiesha credits intentionality and the ability to seize opportunities. If it's important, just do it! Host: Ray Loewe, Co-Host: Mary Ann Steinhauer

In this episode of Changing the Rules, hosts Ray Loewe and Mary Ann Steinhauer welcome Rebecca Hoffman, founder of Good Egg Concepts and keynote speaker for the March 2026 Friends Connection Forum. Building on her inspiring presentation from the Forum, Rebecca takes listeners deeper into the art — and power — of storytelling. But this isn’t just about becoming a better speaker or writer. It’s about learning how stories unlock creativity, reveal identity, build connection, and help us make sense of our experiences. Through practical insights and engaging discussion, Rebecca explores how anyone can tap into their “creative genius” by paying attention to memories, emotions, curiosity, and the stories we often overlook. Because great storytelling isn’t reserved for authors, performers, or marketers. It belongs to all of us. And sometimes the story you need to tell most… is your own.

“I lost a friend this week.” That’s how this episode begins—with a simple sentence that opens the door to something much deeper. After reading an impressive obituary filled with accomplishments and milestones, host Ray Loewe is left with an unexpected realization: the most important parts of his friend’s life weren’t there. Not the lunches. Not the conversations. Not the laughter. Not the way Bill could take an idea apart—only to leave you more confident it would succeed. Joined by co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer and guests Don Helin and Jim Rose, this conversation explores what really defines a life well lived. Through stories of wit, friendship, and one final unfinished collaboration—the “Legacy Project”—they reflect on the moments that truly endure. Because in the end, it’s not the résumé that people remember. It’s the stories. The ones that get retold. The ones that make us laugh. The ones that quietly shape who we become. This episode is a tribute to a friend, to the power of storytelling, and to the idea that our real legacy lives on in the lives we touch.

It started with a letter. Or rather an envelope. About an inch thick. Forwarded from my previous address. The address was handwritten, and I didn't recognize the sender. I opened it. It was a manuscript. I started reading and didn't put it down until I finished. It was about a friend of mine from junior high school (recently deceased) and about me, too. AND IT STARTED ME ON A JOURNEY.

Word has been getting around about our Storytelling Dinners. People keep asking the same questions: How do I get to one? What kind of story should I tell? Where do the best stories in my life even come from? And how do I make a good story better—and tell it well? So we decided to answer those questions the best way we know how: by telling stories. In this episode of Changing the Rules, four storytellers from our dinner table came to the microphones—Don Helin, Julie Stauffer, Phil Fretz, and Ray Loewe. They each retell one of their stories and pull back the curtain on how they found it, shaped it, and brought it to life. Along the way, you’ll hear how ordinary moments become memorable stories, how a little polishing goes a long way, and why storytelling is a skill anyone can learn—and enjoy. The result? Insight, laughter, and more than a few “I could tell a story like that” moments. What a hoot.

Don & Ray talk about how to pull your stories out of you and then tell stories. Stories in this episode: 1. Don talks about his first job. 2. Ray talks about rediscovering the Aurora Borealis. Don talks about "Do we really want to do this? And more...