『The Awkward Handshake』のカバーアート

The Awkward Handshake

The Awkward Handshake

著者： Mary Williams & Megan Eckman
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The Awkward Handshake is a podcast about networking, business, and what really happens in the room.


Hosted by two friends in business who’ve doubled down on the local scene, this show pulls back the curtain on the good, the bad, and the deeply awkward realities of networking. From event logistics and social dynamics to follow-ups, coffee chats, and conversions, we’re talking about how relationships turn into revenue in the real world — not the internet fantasy version.


We record from Sasquatch Media Grounds in Vancouver, Washington, and most episodes draw directly from our experiences attending multiple networking events a week across the Portland–Vancouver metro. Sometimes we’re joined by guests who host or design their own events. Sometimes it’s just us, downloading what worked, what didn’t, and what we wish someone had told us sooner.


Your hosts are Megan Eckman, co-founder of Fat Cap Design and author of PDX Spellbound, and Mary Williams, founder of Sasquatch Media Grounds and Sensible Woo.


This show is for people who take their business seriously, care about doing work that sustains them, and want to stop guessing where clients come from. Expect candid stories, sharp insights, and practical perspective on building a business through real human connection.

Business is people. Don’t be passive.

© 2026 The Awkward Handshake マネジメント・リーダーシップ マーケティング マーケティング・セールス リーダーシップ 出世 就職活動 経済学
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  • What Actually Works in Networking (After 20 Episodes)

    What Actually Works in Networking (After 20 Episodes)
    2026/05/22

    After 20 episodes, dozens of conversations, and more networking events than we can count… what actually works?

    In this Season 1 finale of The Awkward Handshake, it’s just Mary and Megan—taking a step back to reflect on everything we’ve learned about networking, community, and how people really connect.

    This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a reality check.

    We talk about what surprised us, what held up across different environments, and what consistently didn’t work—no matter the city, the event, or the industry.

    If you’ve been listening all season, this is where it all comes together.
    And if you’re new here… this is the fastest way to understand what actually matters.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • What patterns showed up across all 20 episodes
    • The difference between good rooms and bad ones
    • Why networking isn’t about volume—it’s about intentionality
    • What actually leads to real relationships and opportunities
    • The role of consistency, curiosity, and follow-through
    • What we got right—and what we’ve changed our minds about
    • Why most networking advice falls flat in real life

    Keep in touch!

    Follow Megan Eckman

    • Fat Cap Design
    • PDX Spellbound

    Follow Mary Williams

    • Sasquatch Media Grounds
    • Sensible Woo
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    39 分
  • Come for the Romance, Stay for the Community with Grand Gesture Books

    Come for the Romance, Stay for the Community with Grand Gesture Books
    2026/05/15

    What if one of the best “networking spaces” in your city… is a romance bookstore?

    In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Katherine D. Morgan, the owner of Grand Gesture Books, a romance-focused indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon that has quietly built one of the most engaged communities in the city.

    This conversation isn’t about traditional networking. It’s about what happens when people gather around shared interests, feel safe being themselves, and keep coming back—not because they have to, but because they want to.

    Katherine shares how she built Grand Gesture Books into more than just a retail space, how her events bring people together in a way that feels natural and fun, and why romance readers might be some of the best community builders out there.

    If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to meet people…”
    This episode might expand your definition of where connection actually happens.

    • How Grand Gesture Books became a community hub, not just a bookstore
    • Why romance readers show up differently (and why it works)
    • The power of interest-based communities
    • What makes events feel welcoming, fun, and low-pressure
    • How Katherine curates experiences that keep people coming back
    • Why not all “networking” has to feel like networking
    • The role of storytelling and shared identity in building connection

    Meet the Guest

    Katherine D. Morgan

    Writer and owner of Grand Gesture Books, a romance bookstore in Portland, Oregon.

    Katherine is the author of the chapbook No Self-Respecting Woman, with work featured in outlets including Huffington Post, Bitch Media, LitHub, The Rumpus, and HelloGiggles. Her work has been nominated for Best of the Net, and she’s built a thriving in-person community through her bookstore and events.

    Connect with Katherine:

    • Website: https://katherinedmorgan.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blcktinabelcher/?hl=en

    About Grand Gesture Books

    Grand Gesture Books is a romance-focused indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon that hosts events, readings, and gatherings for readers who want connection as much as they want a good book.

    Learn more + check out upcoming events ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/grandgesturebooks/

    Keep in touch!

    Follow Megan Eckman

    • Fat Cap Design
    • PDX Spellbound

    Follow Mary Williams

    • Sasquatch Media Grounds
    • Sensible Woo
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    56 分
  • How Kaitlin Carpenter Built Creative Mornings Portland

    How Kaitlin Carpenter Built Creative Mornings Portland
    2026/05/08

    What does it take to build a creative community that people actually want to keep coming back to?

    In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Kaitlin Carpenter, the organizer behind Creative Mornings Portland, to talk about what it really looks like to sustain a creative community over time.

    Kaitlin isn’t just hosting events—she’s curating an experience. From speakers to structure to the feeling in the room, Creative Mornings has become one of Portland’s most consistent and well-loved creative gatherings.

    We talk about how she brought the chapter back to life, what it takes to keep momentum going, and why the best communities aren’t built on hype—they’re built on care.

    If you’ve ever wondered how some events feel effortless while others fall flat… this episode pulls back the curtain.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • How Kaitlin relaunched Creative Mornings Portland
    • What makes a creative community feel consistent and trustworthy
    • The role of curation in building strong events
    • How to choose speakers that resonate with a wide audience
    • Why structure matters more than people think
    • The balance between creativity and sustainability
    • What keeps people coming back month after month

    Meet the Guest

    Kaitlin Carpenter

    Writer and creative strategist, founder of BattleCat Strategy, and organizer of Creative Mornings Portland.

    Kaitlin has worked with organizations like NASA Earth Science, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Trust for the National Mall to help them connect with the right people through storytelling and strategic communication. In 2019, she relaunched the Portland chapter of Creative Mornings and has been bringing creative speakers (and donuts) to the stage ever since.

    Connect with Kaitlin:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    🎨 Want to attend a future Creative Mornings chapter? Find Portland's events and other events worldwide here: https://creativemornings.com/

    Keep in touch!

    Follow Megan Eckman

    • Fat Cap Design
    • PDX Spellbound

    Follow Mary Williams

    • Sasquatch Media Grounds
    • Sensible Woo
    続きを読む 一部表示
    53 分
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