In this riveting conversation with novelist, screenwriter, and father Jonathan Lee, we discuss the dynamics of family dinners and how “branding” matters to kids, storytelling, and the surprising lessons from Taco Night. From the “perils of precedent” (why kids love Tuesday Tacos, not Monday) to writing about real-life tragedy in High Dive and The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Jonathan shares insights on parenting, trauma, and the role of food in stories. Plus, a hilarious dinner table game you’ll want to try at home.

Episode Highlights:

• Why “branding” dinner matters for kids
• Jonathan Lee’s journey to becoming a full-time writer
• The realities of writing about trauma and self-care
• How food shapes storytelling in moments of crisis and connection
• Talking to children about difficult topics
• Behind the scenes of The Bombing of Pan Am 103
• A playful dinner table storytelling game

🎁 Giveaway + Listener Discount:

Jonathan is giving away a signed hardcover copy of his best-selling novels, The Great Mistake and High Dive. Eligible entrants must be over 18 and based in the U.S. To enter to win, click here.

Episode Links:

• Jonathan’s website and books: www.jonathanleewriter.com
• We mention Episode 09 with his wife, Amy Lee
• Television Show: The Bombing of Pan Am 103

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Credits

• Produced: Wombmate Productions, Inc., REP Studio, and Stuart Hetzler
• Editing: REP Studio and Stuart Hetzler
• Music by: ⁣Emerson ‘Longstory’ Bartlett (feat. Drew Martin on Saxophone)

In this episode of Dinner Last Night, we sit down with Jana Blankenship—mother, entrepreneur, herbalist, educator, and founder of the pioneering green beauty brand Captain Blankenship.

Jana’s work is rooted in the powerful connection between plants, scent, memory, and family traditions. We start where every episode does, with dinner last night, and hear about the first meal Jana’s family shared around the table after a long stretch of home renovation.

From there, we explore the Serbian food traditions passed down by her beloved grandmother, Baka Milka, how childhood perfume “potions” led Jana to develop a sensitivity to synthetic fragrances, and how that journey ultimately inspired her path into natural perfume, herbalism, and clean beauty.

We also talk about foraging, DIY herbal care, and honoring the plants and places where we live, along with practical ways to cook for a busy family schedule.

Jana is the author of Wild Beauty and the co-author (with Emma) of Seasonal Family Almanac. This conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration for anyone who loves food, nature, and learning by doing.

Episode Highlights:

• The influence of Jana’s grandmother and aunt in passing down Serbian traditions around food and herbalism
• Jana’s personal experience developing a childhood sensitivity to synthetic fragrances and how this inspired her journey with natural scents
• The power of scent (the first sense to develop in the womb) to anchor us in memories
• How Jana founded and developed Captain Blankenship, an early clean beauty brand
• DIY herbal beauty and why making things yourself is such a powerful experience
• Raising tweens with a healthy relationship to beauty and self-care
• Practical meal strategies for busy families juggling sports, school, and chaotic evenings
• How working with your hands and connecting to plants can reduce stress
• Foraging and harvesting plants responsibly, and how to work with evergreens

Giveaway + Listener Discount:

One lucky listener will win an incredible giveaway, including a copy of Jana’s books Seasonal

Send us a message!

Support the show

Subscribe

Never miss an episode: Follow Dinner Last Night and subscribe to our newsletter. If you loved this episode, please leave us a review, tap “like”, and share it with a friend! It helps more people discover the show. 💛

Giveaways

CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway for any episode!

Follow Us

• Substack: subscribe to our newsletter
• YouTube: @DinnerLastNightPod
• Instagram: @dinnerlastnightpod
• Website: dinnerlastnightpod.com

Credits

• Produced: Wombmate Productions, Inc., REP Studio, and Stuart Hetzler
• Editing: REP Studio and Stuart Hetzler
• Music by: ⁣Emerson ‘Longstory’ Bartlett (feat. Drew Martin on Saxophone)

In this episode of Dinner Last Night, we talk to Ayurvedic wellness coach Nandini Austin, whose fresh perspective on ancient practices helps modern families feel healthier, more energized, and more connected at the table. Raised in London with Mauritian roots and a lifelong exposure to Ayurveda, Nandini explains why digestion is the foundation of well-being, how to understand your unique dosha, and simple daily rituals that support balance for both parents and children. Best of all, she makes Ayurvedic living feel accessible and joyful.

We also explore her path from global hospitality to launching The Cocktail Architect and leading retreats that blend Ayurvedic cooking, traditional Indian dance, and community.

Episode Highlights

• Growing up in a Mauritian household in London and learning about food as medicine
• Wisdom from Nandini’s grandmother, who practiced Ayurveda for 96 years
• “You are what you digest” — why digestion is central to health
• Understanding basic concepts of Ayurveda, including doshas and personal daily rituals (dinacharya)
• Demystifying curry and the value of spices
• Raising adventurous eaters and shaping lifelong food habits in children
• Food as a pathway to connection, energy, and emotional balance
• Blending Ayurvedic cooking and traditional Indian dance in Nandini’s Temple Goddess retreats
• Spice-infused syrups and soda alternatives from The Cocktail Architect, founded by Nandini Austin and her husband

Giveaway

One lucky DLN listener will win a 30-minute introductory, one-on-one session with Nandini, designed for those new to Ayurveda! You’ll discover your unique mind–body (dosha) blueprint and walk away with rituals to support it.

Learn More About Nandini:

• For Ayurveda offerings: NandiniAustin.com
• For delicious, handcrafted syrups: The Cocktail Architect
• Follow Nandini on Instagram, Facebook, an

Send us a message!

Support the show

Subscribe

Never miss an episode: Follow Dinner Last Night and subscribe to our newsletter. If you loved this episode, please leave us a review, tap “like”, and share it with a friend! It helps more people discover the show. 💛

Giveaways

CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway for any episode!

Follow Us

• Substack: subscribe to our newsletter
• YouTube: @DinnerLastNightPod
• Instagram: @dinnerlastnightpod
• Website: dinnerlastnightpod.com

Credits

• Produced: Wombmate Productions, Inc., REP Studio, and Stuart Hetzler
• Editing: REP Studio and Stuart Hetzler
• Music by: ⁣Emerson ‘Longstory’ Bartlett (feat. Drew Martin on Saxophone)