What Happens When You Just Say “Let’s Do It” and Start Anyway

There is something so exciting about a beginning.

Messy? Sure. A little chaotic? Absolutely. But exciting all the same.

This episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast felt exactly like that — a beginning full of laughter, a few technical hiccups, and a really good reminder that sometimes the best things start with simply saying, “Let’s just do it.”

I sat down with my friend Michelle Kian, who is launching her own podcast, Made in MHT, and from the very first few minutes, it felt less like an interview and more like a conversation you don’t want to end. We laughed through overheated cameras, called my son Tyler for tech help, and just rolled with it.

And honestly? That felt pretty perfect.

Because if this episode showed anything, it’s that you don’t need everything figured out to begin — you just need to start.

One of the reasons I wanted Michelle to join me on Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast is because she’s stepping into something new too.

She’s launching a podcast called Made in MHT with her daughter, Pamela Preventure — and I just love the idea behind it.

If you know Manchester, you know MHT is our airport code. It’s a little nod to the city, and what they’re building is all about shining a light on what makes this place special.

The people.
The businesses.
The hidden gems.
The spaces you might drive past every day without realizing what’s inside.

And let me tell you — there is so much more happening in Manchester than people realize.

That was really the heartbeat of this conversation.

This city is growing. It’s evolving. It’s becoming more vibrant all the time.

From the Millyard to Elm Street to all the little corners that don’t always get the attention they deserve, there is energy here.

And Michelle and Pamela want to tell those stories.

This is where everything connects for me.

On Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, I get to focus on what I love most — the food. But food is never just food.

It tells you who a city is.

It tells you what cultures are thriving, what families built businesses, and where people gather when they want to celebrate, connect, or just enjoy a really great meal.

My husband Daryl and I are huge food people. We love trying new places, revisiting old favorites, and talking about menus the way some people talk about sports.

And Manchester?

It has become such a food city.

You can find just about anything you’re craving right here. Thai, Mexican, noodles, cafés, comfort food, elevated pub fare — and each place brings its own personality to the table.

That’s what I’m excited to explore.

Not just what’s new, but what makes each place special.

We also talked about Pamela’s business, Granite State Escape, and what she has built is really something special.

She created the first escape room north of Boston.

Think about that.

Ten years of building experiences that are creative, challenging, and honestly just a lot of fun.

If you’ve never done an escape room, it’s one of those things you have to try at least once.

It’s teamwork.
It’s problem-solving.
It’s a little bit of chaos depending on who you’re with.

And we laughed about how quickly you learn who people really are in those rooms.

Some people take charge.
Some people organize.
Some panic.
Some just stand back and watch it all unfold.

It’s hilarious — and it’s real.

And again, it comes back to the same thing:

Manchester is full of people doing incredible things.

You knew this part was coming.

For this episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, we picked up food from The Works Café at 1000 Elm Street — what a lot of people still call “where the lollipops are.”

And I have to say, it’s a great spot.

The space feels clean and welcoming. The outdoor seating is inviting. And the service? Excellent.

Friendly. Efficient. Accommodating.

That matters to me.

We ordered online, picked everything up right on time, and everything was exactly as it should be. Those details might seem small, but they make a big difference.

We tried the mac and cheese with Cajun-rubbed bacon, roasted onion, tomato, and scallion — which was absolutely delicious.

And then there were the field fritters.

I had to try them.

They’re organic pea fritters, and honestly, they surprised both of us. Not what I expected, but really flavorful, with a great texture and just enough spice.

And yes — the glass bottle sodas?

Such a fun touch.

What I loved most about this conversation is that it felt like a preview of what’s coming.

Yes, I’ll be talking about restaurants, menus, and dishes.

But I’ll also be talking about the people behind them.

The neighborhoods.
The stories.
The risks.
The creativity.
The heart.

Because that’s what food connects us to.

And if this episode showed anything, it’s that there is no shortage of stories to tell.

Michelle and Pamela are going to share one side of Manchester through Made in MHT.

And I’ll be right here sharing another side of it on Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast.

And together, I think we’re going to show just how much is happening in this city.

This one felt like a beginning in the best way.

A little messy.
A little unpredictable.
But full of energy and possibility.

And honestly?

That’s exactly how it should feel.

Because sometimes the best thing you can do is just start.

Say yes.

Figure it out as you go.

And trust that something good is going to come from it.

Watch and listen to my full conversation with Michelle Kian and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this journey is just getting started.

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ABOUT CAROL ERICKSON

Carol Erickson has owned Red Arrow Diner since 1987 -- four locations across New Hampshire, open 24/7. She started Beyond the Plate to tell the real stories behind the people who make New England's food and hospitality scene what it is. Not just what's on the menu. What's behind it.

Red Arrow Diner: redarrowdiner.com  |  @redarrow24diner