Mah Jongg Mondays podcast

A podcast where we talk about all things mah jongg. Informative discussions and exciting guests help me create a fun and engaging podcast. Whether you are a new player or have been playing mah jongg for decades, this podcast has something for everyone. Bam! Crak! Dot! Let's talk about mah jongg!

Couples Who Play Together Stay Together 05/12/2025

Couples Who Play Together Stay Together 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, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/36531245

2025 Card Perspectives with Lorraine 04/29/2025

2025 Card Perspectives with Lorraine 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, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be found and purchased at There's an upcoming Mah Jongg Cruise in October! For information, contact Judy Mastronique at (631)-338-1380 /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/36350895

The 2025 New Card Analysis with Karen Gooen 04/07/2025

The 2025 New Card Analysis with Karen Gooen 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, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Karen's mah jongg blog can be found at , and her books and can both be purchased on Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. Also, Liam failed to mention it in his intro (I don't know how I missed it!), but her memoir Ellen, Discovered can be purchased as an audiobook on or as a physical copy on as well. Lastly, you can contact Karen about her books at Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be found and purchased at There's an upcoming Mah Jongg Cruise in October! For information, contact Judy Mastronique at (631)-338-1380 /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/36031795

The Kindness We Find Through Mah Jongg 02/15/2025

The Kindness We Find Through Mah Jongg 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!! You can purchase both of Fern's books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. (Fern menions it in the outro, but Liam recommends listening to Fern's other podcast, ! You can find it on Apple Podcasts or via your podcatcher of choice. It has a lot of fun explorations of the Edies and the history surrounding the titular estate and the varying documentaries and movies made about them.) /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/35294345

Playing With Blank Tiles 12/07/2024

Playing With Blank Tiles 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 game! Enjoy the episode, and Fern (and Liam) are wishing everyone a happy and healthy winter holiday season! The next episode will be post-surgery sometime in February. Happy playing everyone! Friend of the show Karen Gooen's memoir Ellen, Discovered is now available as an audiobook on ! Mah's Helping Hand mah jongg highlighters can be purcahsed at You can purchase both of Fern's books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction work), at Amazon.com or at your local independent bookseller. (Also while we're here, Liam recommends listening to Fern's other podcast, ! You can find it on Apple Podcasts or via your podcatcher of choice. It has a lot of fun explorations of the Edies and the history surrounding the titular estate and the varying documentaries and movies made about them.) /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/34324515

East Coast Meets West Coast! 06/10/2024

East Coast Meets West Coast! 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 episode to drop as I’m dealing with chemo treatment. Mwah! You guys are the best! Fern's two books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction story), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/31673972

Let’s Talk About the 2024 Card! 04/08/2024

Let’s Talk About the 2024 Card! 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 or purchase her book Searching For Bubbe Fischer: The Path To Mah Jongg Wisdom or at your local bookseller. You can find Renee's Reading Club . Fern's two books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction story), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/30724958

Marvelous Mrs. Mahj 02/12/2024

Marvelous Mrs. Mahj 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 Lorraine Urist can be contacted for the upcoming mahj event on 4/7/2024 at or at (818) 419-9167 Fern's two books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction book), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/29899343

Mahj-X 12/11/2023

Mahj-X 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! Fern's two books, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction book), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/28998318

Lorraine’s Mah Jongg Tourn-event 11/13/2023

Lorraine’s Mah Jongg Tourn-event 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, (her memoir) and (a historical fiction book), can both be purchased on Amazon.com or from your local independent bookseller. /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/28609778

Episode 121 10/23/2023

Episode 121 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 or in . Flip book: The American MahJong Practice app can be found on . Friend of the show Daron Barness is also an instructor, and her website can be found . /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/28389017

Long Island Love for Mah Jongg 09/04/2023

Long Island Love for Mah Jongg 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 Fern's interview on Expert Connect can be found You can follow Fern on Instagram at , on Facebook as , or you can get in touch via email at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/27935334

One Day, Fun Day, Mah Jongg Get-Away! 08/09/2023

One Day, Fun Day, Mah Jongg Get-Away! 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 or by phone at (818)419-9167 Donna Eschen can be reached by email at You can follow Fern on Instagram at , on Facebook as , or you can get in touch via email at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/27699480

Dana’s Tips and Strategies 06/29/2023

Dana’s Tips and Strategies 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! You can follow Fern on Instagram at , on Facebook as , or you can get in touch via email at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/27319152

Let’s Dive into the New Card with Daron Barness 05/01/2023

Let’s Dive into the New Card with Daron Barness 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: . You can visit Daron's website at , where you can also pick up a copy of her . /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/26701410

2023 Card Analysis with Karen Gooen 04/17/2023

2023 Card Analysis with Karen Gooen 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 To order any of Karen’s books, you can email her at You can contact Fern at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/26560980

Let’s Crak Open Our New 2023 Cards! 04/07/2023

Let’s Crak Open Our New 2023 Cards! 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 with her helpful hints and analysis of the card and in the third episode Daron Barness will join me to help us decipher rhythms and patterns on the new card. I want to wish everyone happy and healthy games ahead with the new card! You can contact Fern at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/26473059

Mah Jongg Beginnings 03/21/2023

Mah Jongg Beginnings 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! You can contact Fern at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/26288949

Mah Jongg Mania 02/06/2023

Mah Jongg Mania 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 You can contact Fern at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25843368

Wisdom From The West Coast 01/23/2023

Wisdom From The West Coast 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 Daron Barness' website can be found at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25696785

Mah Jongg 2023 01/09/2023

Mah Jongg 2023 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 related announcement involving both her and Jan! Listen in to find out what’s in the works! Pick up your 2023 NMJL card at You can find the Moms Play Mah Jongg Facebook group . You can find the Mah Jongg, That's It! Facebook group can be found . To learn more about Siamese mah jongg, you can visit Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25540818

Mahjong with Molly! 12/29/2022

Mahjong with Molly! 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: Facebook: You can find Molly's instructional videos at More information on The MahJong Line can be found at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25453695

Mah Jongg Maven 12/12/2022

Mah Jongg Maven 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 and they can be emailed at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25295574

Mahj Connections 12/01/2022

Mahj Connections 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 . You can contact Fern by way of: Email Instagram: Facebook: Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/25183632

The Mahj Club 11/14/2022

The Mahj Club 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 Check out The Mahj club at their website: Learn more about the Mah Jongg Highlighters at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/24998562

Boca or Bust! 10/31/2022

Boca or Bust! 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: Discount ending on 12/31/2022: EARLYBIRD15 Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/24854880

Stacy’s Strategies 09/06/2022

Stacy’s Strategies 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 and More information on Mahjcon can be found at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/24287739

A Musical Mah Jongg Playlist 08/15/2022

A Musical Mah Jongg Playlist 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 You can watch Lynn's review of the 2022 card (and be sure to subscribe to her channel while you're there!) You can listen to Lynn's Mah Jonng Playlist /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/24047952

A Mah Jongg Documentary 07/26/2022

A Mah Jongg Documentary 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 world of Manhattan’s mah jongg players. You can contact Linda Feinstein at Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/23859408

MahjCon 2022 07/04/2022

MahjCon 2022 In today’s episode Fern welcomes two guests to the podcast. The first is Debbie Barnett, co-founder of MahjCon along with her partner Michele Frizzelle. We’ll discuss details about the upcoming event happening in October in Boca Raton, Fl. Fern’s second guest is Theresa Bounassi who attended MahjCon last year. Theresa also shares her love of teaching and playing mahj and she shares how she recently connected with new friends in her new home in Alaska through the game of mah jongg. I’m wishing everyone a happy July 4th! Discount Code: Fern10 Dix Hills Mahjong: Fern's book, Mah Jonng Mondays, can be found or at your local bookseller. Want to support the show? Please consider becoming a Patron at /episode/index/show/mahjonggmondays/id/23621912

Mah Jongg Mondays podcast

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