Season Two of Pretzel Day

Reflecting on Season Two of Pretzel Day
Dec 2024

We just wrapped up our second season of Pretzel Day, and wow—what a ride it’s been! Pretzel Day has truly become a highlight of the month here at Gravitate, and it’s clear that our community loves the opportunity to step away from our usual tasks and learn about something new. Whether you’re a regular or you’ve just tuned in this year, we hope you’ve enjoyed this fun tradition as much as we have.

For those who might be new to the concept, Pretzel Day is our spin on “show and tell” but with snacks. Each month, two Gravitate members share something they’re passionate about—anything from hobbies and interests to unexpected areas of expertise (just no work-related topics, please!). It’s a chance to break out of our Zoom boxes, connect in real life, and get to know each other beyond the daily grind.

Season Three will kick off in January, and we’re already excited to see what new topics will emerge. If you have something to share, reach out to your Community Manager to get on the schedule—this tradition is all about YOU!

A huge thank you to the amazing presenters who made this season so special:

Linaja & Vintage Postage Stamps
Linaja introduced us to the world of vintage postage stamps, showing us how these tiny pieces of paper can hold so much personal and historical significance.

James & West African Food
James shared the flavors of West Africa, giving us a taste of dishes from his company, Ayo Foods. We even got to try his creations!

Britt & LEGO
Britt’s love for LEGO was on full display as she talked about their history, products, and endless creative possibilities these iconic bricks offer.

Syd & WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
Syd shared her experience working on a vegetable farm in Denmark through WWOOF, reminding us how travel and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Julien & The French vs. American Democratic Process
Julien compared the French and American democratic systems, diving into the different challenges each faces in terms of voting, civic engagement, and more.

Chris & The History of Golf
Chris gave us a deep dive into the history of golf, from its Scottish origins to its modern-day influence, showing us how the game became a global institution.

Cory & His AI Fable
Cory mixed creativity with technology, sharing an original AI fable that explored the current and future state of artificial intelligence through a compelling, imaginative story that had us all fooled.

Stacey & 5 Cool Places in Iowa You Haven't Heard Of
Stacey showed off five hidden gems in Iowa that most of us didn’t know about, making us all want to explore more.

Kevin and Jason & Inclusive Architectural Design
Kevin and Jason took us through the world of inclusive architectural design, showing how spaces can be made more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Bryce & Making Friends Online
Bryce shared his experiences of making lasting friendships through online communities, proving that genuine connections can thrive in the digital world.

Geoff & Pickleball
Geoff gave us a fun crash course in pickleball, a sport that’s growing rapidly in popularity. We learned the rules, strategies, and even where his favorite court is!

Hope & Her Certified Canine Good Citizen, Mac
Hope introduced Mac, her Certified Canine Good Citizen, sharing the journey of training her dog to earn this prestigious title and what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

Brian & Bonnaroo
Brian took us behind the scenes of the Bonnaroo Music Festival, sharing unforgettable moments from one of the most iconic music festivals in the world.

Josh & His Experience at the Olympics
Josh gave us a firsthand look at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sharing his experience at the games and what it’s really like to be at the world’s biggest sporting event.

Alex & Coin Collecting
Alex took us through the fascinating world of coin collecting, showing how rare coins can tell stories of history, culture, and craftsmanship.

Austin & His Cello
Austin shared the joy of playing the cello, offering a beautiful performance and his personal history of his favorite hobby.

Cory (again) & Speed Skating
Cory returned to talk about his passion for speed skating, sharing the mental and physical demands of the sport and his own experiences on the pavement.

Oktoberfest Trivia with Cam
Cam brought Oktoberfest to life with a fun trivia session, teaching us everything from beer facts to Halloween traditions—and testing our knowledge along the way!

Jeff & Fungi
Jeff expanded our minds with a talk on fungi, exploring their vital role in ecosystems and their edible and non-edible properties. Mushrooms never seemed so fascinating!

Kelli & Nutrition
Kelli wrapped up the season with a practical talk on nutrition, giving us insights into how to fuel our bodies better and dispel common food myths.

Season Two of Pretzel Day was a huge success, and we’re so grateful for everyone who shared their passion and expertise. We can’t wait to see what Season Three has in store!

Stay tuned, and as always, bring your appetite for knowledge and pretzels. See you in 2025!