In Ep. 13 of Sol Connections, hosts Emily, Aryn & Dani interview Vanessa Rose, a chef, writer, historian, and the owner of Mother's, an LGBTQ+ third space, restaurant, bar, and event venue opening June 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The conversation explores Vanessa's journey in the culinary world and her passion for community building. Vanessa discusses the role food serves in bridging divides, the significance and history of LGBTQ+ third spaces, and her transformative vision for Mother’s as a space that centers equity and inclusion in the service industry.

Connect with Vanessa & support Mother’s:

Follow Vanessa and Mother’s on Instagram at @Mothers.MKE and @HOB.MKE and check out her website https://www.hobmke.com/ 

Connect with Sol Connections and share your reflections, submit a Universal Shoutout, or pitch us to be a guest on the pod. 

Bre Legan designed Sol Connections’ logo and artwork. Connect with Bre on Instagram and check out their website. 

Sol Connections’ theme song was written by Queen Bonobo, Liv LaFluv, and Danielle Renee, produced and engineered by Sofia Mock, and performed by Sofia Mock, Queen Bonobo, Liv LaFluv, and Danielle Renee. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:12 What Lights Vanessa Up?

04:12 Bridging Divides & Changing Peoples' Minds 

08:12 Food & Building Longer Tables

10:42 Nourishing the Body & Mind: Vanessa's Journey as a Chef & Historian

31:58 LGBTQ+ Third Spaces and the Commons

40:44 How Mothers is Transforming the Service Industry

57:52 Weaving Together Vanessa's Experiences with Her Natal Chart

01:20:01 How to Connect with Vanessa & Support Mothers

01:22:27 Outro