In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Has Shah, the owner of Cleaners and Coffee in London. Has shares how his background in fashion retail and passion for coffee led him to take over his father's dry cleaning business and transform it into a unique community space that offers both high-quality garment care and exceptional coffee. He discusses the influence of his upbringing, his global work experiences, and the values instilled in him by his family. They also delve into the importance of community, the meticulous work involved in dry cleaning, and his team’s dedication. Plus, Has talks about his inspirations, the challenges of running the business, and the joy he finds in engaging with his customers.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Has Shah: Owner of Cleaners and Coffee

01:22 The Unique Concept of Cleaners and Coffee

04:36 Has Shah's Background and Journey

06:11 Connecting with Roots and Family Legacy

09:17 Building and Growing the Business

15:58 The Coffee Passion and Business Expansion

19:41 Team Dynamics and Community Focus

22:18 Challenges and Rewards in Dry Cleaning

26:34 Fun Five Questions

30:42 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love my neighborhood in London. I walk by some shops and wave hello to people I know in them. I have my local pub. And as a coffee drinker, I have a few places, both chain and independent that I frequent. The most unique of these is Cleaners and Coffee. I asked Has to do the podcast a year or two ago but finally followed up this year and we made it happen. Grab a coffee (or tea, or neither) and enjoy this episode. I enjoyed making it!

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Find Has

Website: https://www.cleanersandcoffee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanersandcoffee/

Mentioned in this episode

Penelope Coffee - https://www.penelope.coffee/

Reline Uniforms - https://www.relinelondon.com/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

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In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah sits down with Amanda Castello, Associate Director of Employee Engagement at UCSD's Rady School of Business, Ayurvedic coach, and yoga teacher. They discuss Amanda's journey from Michigan to San Diego, her career evolution, the importance of communication skills in job seeking, and her work in career coaching. Amanda also delves into her holistic wellness practices, including Ayurveda and yoga, and how they complement her professional life. They touch on the importance of giving your time to the community and finding inspiration from your surroundings.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast

00:34 Meet Amanda Castello: Career Coach and Yoga Teacher

02:54 Amanda's Journey to Career Coaching

04:11 Challenges and Insights in Career Coaching

06:52 The Importance of Communication Skills

13:49 Amanda's Personal Journey with Yoga and Ayurveda

21:06 Balancing Multiple Passions and Taking Breaks

22:36 Balancing Passion and Career

23:37 Artistic Expression and Personal Growth

24:56 Ayurveda and Career Integration

26:52 Athena STEM Women and Community Involvement

30:27 Women in Tech and Career Reflections

34:56 Fun Five Questions

40:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love interviewing people I haven’t met because it is an opportunity to get to know someone brand new. But it is even more exciting to get to chat with someone I do know a little better and explore subjects that we never have in real life. Amanda was one of the most supportive non-comics on the comedy scene when I was starting out in San Diego. Our paths crossed briefly before I headed to the UK but her now husband was one of my comedy buddies and she was often a face in the crowd and on the sidelines I was always happy to see. I have followed her career over time and we were finally able to connect. She is impressive, she is compassionate and she is someone I know I will keep learning from. Listen up and learn about Ayurveda, career growth and more!

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Find Amanda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandascastello/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.ayurvedichealth

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Sue Kurta on Cheesemaking, Changing Careers, and Embracing Life's Passions

Rabiah welcomes Sue Kurta, owner and cheesemaker at Boss Mouse Cheese, to this episode of 'More Than Work'. Sue shares her intriguing journey from working in the music industry, transitioning to a successful administrative career, and eventually finding her passion for cheesemaking. The episode delves into Sue's life on her beautiful, old farm in Kingsley, Michigan, her various pets, and her thoughts on finding joy outside of traditional career paths. Sue discusses the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a livelihood, shares the inspiration behind her unique business name, and expresses her admiration for historical cheesemakers. With humor and optimism, Sue offers insightful advice on following one's passions, the importance of self-awareness, and appreciating life's gifts.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Sue Kurta: Owner and Cheesemaker

01:10 Life on the Farm

03:51 From Music Industry to Cheesemaking

08:16 The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Cheesemaker

11:12 The Joy and Challenges of Cheesemaking

20:15 The Story Behind Boss Mouse Cheese

24:32 Cheese Making Inspirations

24:52 Challenges in the Cheese Industry

25:27 Pursuing Cheese Education

26:02 Gender Dynamics in Cheese Making

27:15 Perseverance and Passion

28:29 The Fun of Cheese Contests

32:45 Local and Online Cheese Sales

34:54 The Fun Five Questions

42:12 Inspirations and Final Thoughts

46:08 Closing Remarks and Credits

Note from Host:

This episode is painfully overdue, by several months. I won’t get into it but there has been a lot going on. And, as I mention in the episode, sometimes we hear a message at the right time. When I resumed editing and heard Sue talk, I was eagerly listening again and absorbing again.

Two things to note:

1. At the end of 2024, Sue closed Boss Mouse Cheese but as she posts on Instagram still teaches cheesemaking classes on her farm and she can still be reached via Instagram.
2. This episode was recorded before the 2024 election and we both had hope in our voices. I know my voice has changed but I still have a little bit of hope. It is important to know when it was recorded though because, well, you’ll hear. I don’t know about Sue but my answer to who I admire would include what she said that day.

I met Sue in London and a comedy and writing event. She isn’t a comedian. She makes cheese. I’m cheesy. We got along and it was a joy to get to speak with her. Enjoy the joy and the podcast will be back with another chat soon.

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Find Sue

Website: https://bossmousecheese.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossmousecheese/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!