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The Mahj Salon

Mahjong Meets Moxie

The Mahj Salon is where Mahjong players come for the stories and stay for the opinions. It is a show for people who care how other players shuffle, stack, and score. Hosted by Mahjong Meets Moxie’s Jennifer Hohman and Cathy Herrington, it sounds like the table talk you wish you had recorded. Fast, funny, and frank, each episode digs into pet peeves, tile choices, money at the table, and the growing business of Mahjong. Some topics feel small. Some feel huge. All of them feel like conversations you have after a long night of play.

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17 episodes
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Avg 26 min
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S1 · E16
Yesterday · 38 min
Meet the Nine-Year-Old Mahj Star
Jillian and her nine-year-old son Ben join Jenn and Cathy for Mahjong strategy, kid-friendly teaching, tournament talk, and plenty of table commentary. Ben shares how he learned, why he loves the Charleston, and how he keeps grown-ups accountable for their language. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/793859083054812/ Tiles we talked about: https://www.twosparrowsmahjong.com/ Connect with Jillian: https://www.mahjeltovwithjillian.com/product-page/play-smarter-screw-your-opponents-a-strategy-workbook-for-the-nmjl-2026-card Key Takeaways 1. Kids can learn Mahjong quickly when they start with tile names, hand-building practice, and regular play with a patient adult. 2. Mahjong builds pattern recognition, strategy, math skills, decision-making, and confidence across generations. 3. Jillian’s strategy workbook uses exposures, discards, Charleston choices, betting exercises, and Mahjong mysteries to help players practice reading the table. 4. Ben’s beginner videos make Mahjong feel accessible for younger players and give adult beginners a friendly starting point before open play. 5. Clear rules matter at every age. Learn the standard rules first, then be upfront whenever a group uses house rules or a variation like Siamese Mahjong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E15
September 8 · 37 min
Meet the Mahjong Tablescape Power Couple
Tracy and Trent Painter join Jenn and Cathy to talk tablescapes, leather mats, themed parties, 3D-printed accessories, and turning a Mahjong hobby into a family business. They also share tournament rules, big-hand bragging rights, and what happens when creativity takes over the house. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Connect with Circle P Leather: https://www.circlepleather.com/ Join Tracy’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F43na86ET/ Key Takeaways 1. Tracy and Trent turned their love of Mahjong, leatherwork, themed parties, and creative accessories into a growing business built around the game. 2. Great tablescapes can be affordable, personal, practical, and fun, with tile readability and a mat that slides staying high on the priority list. 3. Tournament rules still matter, especially during the Charleston. A player cannot be called dead before East officially begins the game. 4. Mahjong has become a major part of Trent’s leather business, with most of his custom work now connected to mats, tile bags, card pouches, and player accessories. 5. Working, playing, and building a Mahjong business together takes humor, shared effort, and a willingness to let one more tile set, mat, or party idea into the house. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E14
September 1 · 35 min
Original or Knockoff? Let’s Talk Mahjong Tiles
We put original tiles beside look-alikes and ask the messy question: when does inspiration become copying? From quality differences and price points to copyrights, trademarks, small-business realities, and consumer ethics, we unpack mahjong dupes—without legal advice, but with plenty of opinions. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Today's episode was recorded live from The Birdie Houston: https://thebirdiehouston.com/ Where to get Jenn's jewelry: https://mahjonggjewelry.com/ REAL tiles we talked about: https://ohmymahjong.com/products/lagoon-tile-set Key Takeaways 1. We compare original tiles with look-alikes and spot differences in finish, detail, color, and artwork. 2. Not every similar design is a counterfeit, but direct copies can create a serious problem for creators. 3. Tile designers invest time, money, artistic vision, and business resources into original products. 4. Affordable mahjong sets exist without buying a copy of another brand’s design. 5. Before you buy a dramatically cheaper look-alike, ask yourself: Is it just legally questionable, or does it feel morally wrong too? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E13
August 26 · 31 min
The Future of Mahjong Travel Starts Here
Destination Mahjong founder Fern Oliphant joins us for an exclusive announcement: Nicole Rabik is her new business partner. We talk tournaments, travel, international cruises, waitlists, rookie players, tournament etiquette, and why “competition with kindness” is the energy mahjong needs as the game keeps growing. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Learn more about Destination Mahjong: https://destinationmahjongg.com/ Key Takeaways 1. Fern Oliphant announces Nicole Rabik as Destination Mahjong’s new business partner. 2. Destination Mahjong is expanding to new destinations, including Dallas and Tampa, alongside international sailings. 3. Fern’s mission is to help newer and more experienced players connect through tournament education. 4. Tournaments offer structured play, skill-building, and a fast track to making mahjong friends. 5. Great tournament culture starts with kindness, preparedness, and respect for organizers and fellow players. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E12
August 25 · 31 min
Mahjong Without the Drama
Jennifer and Cathy tackle competition, collaboration, and community drama in the Mahjong world. From fake profiles to supporting fellow organizers, they share why strong boundaries, mutual respect, and a little class make the whole game better. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Today's tiles: https://mahjusa.com/products/mah-jongg-set-green-sparkle-160-larger-tiles-mahjong-majong-easy-to-read-new Today's table scape: https://woodlandsmahjongsociety.com/products/woodlands-woodstock-four-winds-social Here's the Ritz Carlton cruise we talked about: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/luxury-caribbean-cruises/sanjuan-to-miamiflorida-12270129 Key Takeaways 1. Healthy competition can improve the Mahjong community when people focus on creating great experiences rather than trying to damage someone else’s reputation. 2. Collaboration has room to thrive among tournament organizers, instructors, podcasts, vendors, and local groups through cross-promotion, shared advice, and mutual support. 3. Anonymous posts, impersonation accounts, public attacks, and attempts to force players or vendors to “choose sides” create unnecessary harm and undermine community trust. 4. Supporting another Mahjong business does not require endorsing every decision it makes; clear boundaries and respectful professionalism can coexist. 5. Players will gravitate toward communities that offer a welcoming culture, strong events, and a good experience—without anyone needing to claim ownership over them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E11
August 18 · 29 min
Why Social Play is the Heart of Mahjong
Social play is the heart of mahjong. We talk Amazon tiles and bespoke mats, “heard around the table” moments, travel sets we couldn’t resist, and why friendships, laughter, snacks, and slow games with kind people keep us coming back long after we’ve forgotten who actually won. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Tiles mentioned on the show: https://a.co/d/02el3291 Key Takeaways 1. Social play is where friendships, birthday traditions, and shared stories are made. 2. You can build a fun tablescape with affordable Amazon tiles and a bespoke mat. 3. Players happily justify extra tile sets for travel and “just one more game.” 4. Many fans “come for the game, stay for the people,” regardless of win rate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E10
August 11 · 33 min
The Business of Mahjong: Collectors, Waitlists, and Whimsy
We’re in Cathy’s Mahjong Room showing off the elusive Chris Lloyd Mother Nature set, with dragons, butterflies, teacup jokers, animal seasons, and all the whimsical details. We talk how this collectible found its way to our table, why it’s so meaningful, and what makes a tablescape truly special. Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262701418521503/ Key Takeaways 1. Jenn walks through the rare Chris Lloyd Mother Nature set tile by tile. 2. Dragons, butterflies, teacups, pagodas, and animal seasons layer in personal meaning and nostalgia. 3. The set’s scarcity, waitlists, and auctions show how collectible mahjong has become. 4. Thoughtful mats, racks, dice, and winds turn a game into a full tablescape experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E9
August 4 · 29 min
Mahj with the Sharks: Tournament Tales, Tiles, and Table Talk
The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Tournament legends Fredell, Susan, and Linda—the Sharks of Houston—join Jennifer and Cathy at Mahjong Meets Moxie to dish on tiles, superstitions, table talk, and “maj misdemeanors,” while cheering on newbies and spilling what decades of national tournament play have really taught them. Key Takeaways 1. The “Sharks of Houston” have collectively played and placed in scores of tournaments over decades, often traveling nationwide with a “have card, will travel” mindset. 2. Mahjong Meets Moxie tournaments in Houston intentionally blend newbies and longtime players, creating a single, supportive community instead of separate groups. 3. Table talk ranges from cheeky lines about jokers to the belief that your Mahjong group can be your go-to source for life advice, referrals, and emotional support. 4. Players see tournament success as a mix of luck and skill, where card mastery, strategy, and mindset meet the unpredictable fall of the tiles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E8
July 28 · 23 min
Mahj, Marriage, and the Salon Takeover
What happens when the Mahj-obsessed wives hand the mics to their men? Kip and Hal step into the Husband Hot Seat to confess how many tile sets live at home, what they really thought Mahjong was, and how their formal living rooms became full‑blown salons. From “nurse or purse” to spa‑jong gifts and AI agents negotiating play time, this one’s equal parts love letter and roast. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Key Takeaways 1. The husbands admit they play a little (or under duress) but genuinely love that Mahjong gives their wives passion, friendship, and a thriving community. 2. Mahjong has literally taken over the house, with living rooms turned into salons and weekends packed with lessons, tournaments, and multiple tables in play. 3. “Nurse or purse” becomes a running joke about aging, partnership, and why Kip and Hal better stick around so their wives never have to date again. 4. Gifts have gone from last‑minute jewelry to $750 vintage bone‑and‑bamboo sets, spa‑jong weekends, and dreams of pricey Chrysloid tiles and automatic tables. 5. The guys learn real Mahj etiquette—no touching discards, rack it then think, and stop committing Maj misdemeanors like reorganizing tiles in the middle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E7
July 21 · 23 min
All the Places You’ll Play Mahjong (It’s a Lifestyle Now)
Because Mahjong is no longer just a living‑room hobby, it’s a full‑blown lifestyle—Jenn and Cathy take you from Bean & Bottle in Houston to cruise ships, country clubs, and all the places you’ll play. Recorded live with original Moxie members, this episode hits AI‑Dr. Seuss Mahj poetry, “I’m not playing to win” weirdness, dream celebrity tables, and the delightfully tacky merch that proves we’re all a little obsessed. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Five Key Takeaways 1. Mahjong has gone lifestyle: coffee‑and‑wine bars, cruises, lodges, ballrooms, leagues, and big‑ticket destination tournaments are now standard ways to get your weekly Mahj fix. 2. Dream tables say a lot—RBG and Scalia, Ann Richards, Ali Wong, Wanda Sykes, Sally Field, and the Maj Bros vs. the “Salon Sisters” show how politics, comedy, and pop culture collide over tiles. 3. Around‑the‑table lines like “I’m not playing to win today” and “the ass that asks” reveal how differently people approach competition, socializing, and speaking up about what’s really going on. 4. Mahjong merch gets gloriously ridiculous: bird bam sweaters, bedazzled “Mahjong” tops, lucky socks, cat card bags, and 3D‑printed tile cases are part of the fun—and sometimes a Mahj misdemeanor. 5. Community is everything: original Moxie members, open play seven days a week, and invitations to meet up in places like Times Square prove Mahjong is as much about who you play with as where you play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E6
July 14 · 30 min
The Business of Mahjong: Tiles, Mats, Racks, and Ridiculous Merch
Jenn and Cathy go full tile-nerd in this episode, tracing Mahjong’s glow-up from classic sets to bougie designs, pricey mats, sculpted racks, and wild themed cards. From cultural-appropriation backlash to Texas leather mats, dragon dresses, and Taylor Swift mini-Maj decks, they ask what’s worth the splurge, what’s useless-but-fabulous, and how this “little game” turned into a serious shopping problem. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Key Takeaways 1. Modern Mahjong is big business, with creative tile makers, salons, and retailers reinventing how (and where) you play. 2. Tiles, mats, and racks are the investment pieces, from vintage bone-and-bamboo sets to leather and neoprene mats and long, buttery wood racks. 3. The hosts tackle the Mahjong Line controversy, arguing you can honor the game’s roots and still love pretty, modern, “bougie” tiles. 4. Merch has no chill: dragon dresses, Mahj pajamas, custom hats, giant one-bams, card covers, shufflers, and themed cards (hello, Taylor Swift). 5. Behind the glam is real gameplay: good teachers, solid strategy, and understanding the difference between social play, lessons, and true tournament conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E5
July 7 · 24 min
There is No Crying in Mahjong
Mahjong personalities are real. If you don’t recognize them at your table, it might be you. From league drama and “your hand is dead, sweetie” to Texas‑proud tablescapes, moaners, sandbaggers, and no‑show offenders, Jenn and Cathy break down the characters and conflicts that prove there is absolutely no crying in Mahjong. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! During the episode we mentioned The 12 Steps of Mahjong (Anonymous): Step one: We admitted were powerless over pairs, and that all the new Mahjong cards have become unmanageable. Step two: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves—perhaps Jokers—could restore us to sanity. Step three: We made a decision to turn our hands and our picks over to the Gods of luck as we understood them. Step four: We made a searching and fearless inventory of every missed exposure and joker exchange. Step five: We admitted to our fellow players, our table, and ourselves the exact nature of our bad Charleston passes. Step six: We were entirely ready to have all these weak hand choices removed. Step seven: We humbly asked for the strength and timing to call for a needed tile. Step eight: We made a list of all the players we had harmed and became willing to make amends for groans of being “just one away” when our friends called Mahjong. Step nine: We made direct amends to anyone whose tile we took that led to their missed mahjong. Step ten: We continued to take inventory of our friend’s tells and favorite hands, and when we misnamed a tile, promptly admitted it. Step eleven: We sought through practice and patience to improve our hand-reading skills and the power to carry it out in a tournament. Step twelve: Having had a mahjong awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to practice these principles in all of our in person and online games, continuing to play with kindness at every opportunity. Five Key Takeaways 1. League play changes the stakes: honest mistakes still mean dead hands, and guilt‑tripping the table to stay in is a major etiquette foul when prizes and rankings are on the line. 2. Every table has “types”—from moaners who complain their way to top scores, to sandbaggers, silent assassins, and guests who leave early or no‑show and wreck the game flow. 3. Tablescapes are a whole personality: Texas‑themed tiles, leather mats that slide just right, and even badass‑women code names for league ranking keep things fun while protecting egos. 4. House rules and expectations (like four‑player preference, bob setups, and how you label fouls) are key to avoiding tears, resentment, and passive‑aggressive “honest mistake” debates. 5. Mahjong gossip is alive and well in leagues and online; the healthiest response is to own your fouls, learn the rules, and keep the space generous, not manipulative. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E4
July 2 · 35 min
Inside Mahj 48: The Women Who Made Mahjong History
Four women played 48 straight hours of Mahjong to smash a Guinness World Record—and Jenn and Cathy were there to see it happen. From Russian record‑setters and “gentling” difficult players to jazz‑singing table designers, dragon‑loving moderators, and husbands hauling in custom chairs, this live‑from‑Summerville episode celebrates the dream team behind Mahj 48 and the global Mahjong community it represents. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Key Takeaways 1. Mahj 48 was led by a “dream team” of Mahjong players—Nancy DeZutter, Jan Egri, Jennifer Clayton, and Kim Yerkie—who combined teaching, tournament experience, table design, and community building to push the game into Guinness history. 2. The record they broke was 33 hours set by four Russian players in 2012; aiming for 48 hours creates a huge buffer against future challengers and underscores just how intense continuous Mahjong can be. 3. The attempt relied on a full ecosystem: timekeepers, witnesses, correspondents, a dedicated videographer, nutrition‑planned meals from The Pickle Bar, and husbands serving as neck‑rubbers, runners, and chair‑delivery support crew. 4. Pace and play stayed shockingly strong—about five games an hour, strategic “to drink or not to drink” decisions, shared bio‑breaks, stand‑up tables, and stat tracking on Mahjong That’s It (including the fun fact that no quints had been won mid‑attempt). 5. Beyond the record, the event highlighted Mahjong’s culture: regional quirks like Pennsylvania’s “dot, bam, crack” calls, the idea of “gentling” tricky players, stuffed‑dragon mascots, and a celebration when the women hit 33 hours and then 48. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E3
June 30 · 23 min
Mahjong Money Talk: When Play Turns Into Pay
Mahjong is either costing you money, making you money, or awkwardly sitting somewhere in between—and Jenn and Cathy are here to name names (without naming names). From coin purses and “say it or lay it,” to high‑stakes Houston games, charity play, and the business drama behind the tiles, they dig into when you play, when you pay, and when you actually get paid. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Five Key Takeaways 1. Mahjong has always been a money game at its core—dots, bams, and cracks literally trace back to coins, strings of cash, and monetary values. Playing “just for quarters” is still on theme. 2. Weekly play adds up: open play, social “pay to play,” charity events, private high‑stakes games, and tournaments all sit on a spectrum from free habit to pricey hobby. 3. House rules matter: kitties, caps (the “pie”), and long‑time “masters” in Houston show how different groups handle stakes, high hands, and etiquette around paying promptly. 4. Not everyone wants to—or can—play for money, so alternatives like ducks, trinkets, or magnet “Mahj trackers” give players a way to keep score without cash while still feeling competitive. 5. The Mahjong business space is booming and a little spicy; with so much demand, Jenn calls for abundance over drama—build your own brand, fix your fouls, and keep the Mahj world generous, not malicious. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E2
June 23 · 24 min
Bougie Tiles, Bad Manners, and Mahj Misdemeanors
Your tile set says more about you than your handbag. And yes, people are judging. Jenn and Cathy spill on bougie vs vintage tiles, tile obsessions, and the “Mahj misdemeanors” that should be felonies, from renaming dots to touching $500 tiles with chicken‑wing fingers. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! Five Key Takeaways 1. Your tiles broadcast your personality and status just as much as your handbag or outfit, whether you’re rocking bougie, vintage, or one beloved set. 2. Many players start with trendy “bougie” tiles, then slowly fall in love with vintage sets that carry history, stories, and emotional meaning. 3. Function vs. form is real: some players need traditional, easy‑to‑read tiles for tournaments, while others crave colorful, artsy sets for open play. 4. Sensory details—tile weight, sound, and feel—matter more than people admit and can completely change how satisfying your game feels. 5. Table etiquette is non‑negotiable: misnaming tiles and touching expensive sets with greasy fingers are “Mahj misdemeanors” that might just be felonies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E1
June 23 · 1 min
American Mahjong Meets Moxie: Meet Your Hosts, Jenn and Cathy
Meet Jenn and Cathy, the Texas duo behind The Mahj Salon, where tiles are hot and conversations are hotter. Hear their backstories, why Mahjong Meets Moxie was born, and why listener discretion is advised: this salon serves faith, politics, f‑bombs, and big laughs in equal measure. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/)! Join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14hVXtxPYwo/)! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 17 · 32 sec
The Mahj Salon Trailer
The Mahj Salon is where serious Mahjong play collides with sharp opinions and very real table stories. Hosts Jennifer Hohman and Cathy Herrington dig into pet peeves, tile choices, money etiquette, and the unspoken rules that shape every game, so listeners feel like they are sitting in on the best post-match recap. Season One covers everything from Guinness-level stunts and tile upgrades to where people are playing now and how Mahjong has become a full-on industry, giving players a place to laugh, nod, and recognize themselves in the chaos. The Mahj Salon is presented by Mahjong Meets Moxie (https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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