Ep 167: Adam Schluter, Building Community, One Monday at a Time

Adam Schluter, photojournalist and founder of Hello from a Stranger, moved to Coeur d'Alene a few years ago, knowing no one. Feeling isolated, he longed for real connection. Inspired by his mother’s tradition of Monday night family dinners, he opened his backyard to the community with one simple rule: bring a side dish—no business, no politics, no phones. Just genuine connection.

This May marked his 90th Monday Night Dinner, a milestone that reflects the growing impact of these inclusive gatherings.

Now, Adam is launching a new series: OFF Monday Nights—evenings of art, culture, and connection on the Mondays without a regular dinner. Kicking off June 2nd with improv from Levity Theatre (CDA/Spokane), future nights will feature storytelling, stand-up, poetry, and more.

The format: Dinner from 6:00–7:30 p.m., followed by a show. Guests bring a side dish and a $10 suggested donation (which goes directly to the performers).

While the first half of the night encourages conversation and connection, the second half invites the community to settle in and enjoy the show.

It’s all part of Adam’s mission: bringing people together, one shared meal—and now, one performance—at a time.

For more information, visit the Monday Night Dinners Facebook page. And the Off Monday Night Dinners page as well.