The HopToi Mahjong Table is where our community gathers to play and to connect. Join hosts Lauren Casey, Susan Frantz, and Catherine Lubner as they welcome friends, local leaders, and experts to talk about Mahjong, lifestyle, and life in Southwest Florida.
Expect laughter, lessons, and the occasional debate about something mahj-related.
Mahjong Royalty: Gladys Grad, the Original Disruptor
This week on At the Table with HopToi Mahjong, we're sitting down with Gladys Grad, the OG disruptor of American Mahjong!
Long before Mahjong became everyone's favorite obsession, Gladys was shaking things up. From organizing massive tournaments and cruises to creating Siamese Mahjong, she's spent decades finding new ways to play the game we love.
We talk about her fascinating history in the Mahjong world, her experiences running huge tournaments for the National Mah Jongg League, how Siamese Mahjong came to be, and, of course, her latest creation: Black Dragons!
Why do we need another dragon? What's the deal with the stickers? And are we really supposed to put them on our very expensive tiles?
Whether you're a longtime player, curious about Siamese Mahjong, or just love a little Mahjong history, Gladys has stories you won't want to miss.
Want to learn more about Siamese Mahjong or find Gladys?
Visit mahjongg.org for Siamese Mahjong rules, cards, resources, and more.
Follow At the Table with HopToi Mahjong for more conversations, Mahjong opinions, and a little table talk.
24 Sept 2026
What’s less chic: Black Dragons or a man who kisses and tells?
This week at the table, we’re getting into the Black Dragon controversy. To be clear, we’re not saying Gladys’ Black Dragon idea isn’t chic. We’re just not sure we can bring ourselves to put stickers on our very expensive Mahjong tiles. We’re also asking where the heck all the tiles we ordered are and wondering if everyone is getting filler or if something else is going on.
Then Aaron Rodgers enters the chat. We get into the kiss-and-tell chatter and why we think a man who kisses and tells is decidedly un-chic. Susan couldn’t chat with us this week, so unfortunately no one at the table could explain exactly what he’s famous for in the sports world.
Black Dragons, missing tiles, filler, kiss-and-telling, and entirely too many opinions. Just another day at the table.
10 Sept 2026
Welcome to Joker Jail
The Mahjong table has entered its accessory era. 😂
This week, we’re talking dice dishes, Joker Jail, and why Mahjong mats are suddenly the thing everyone needs on their table. Cathy also shares the story behind her incredible antique Mahjong set she found in California, and of course, we get into the things that make Mahjong tables just a little more fun, fabulous, and personal.
Because apparently, playing Mahjong isn’t enough. We also need the perfect accessories.
Pull up a chair and join us at the table!
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