Post Reports – “Meet the man who invites 1,000 people to his house every month”

Date: September 27, 2025
Host: Maggie Penman
Guest: David Weiner

Episode Overview

In this episode of Post Reports, reporter Maggie Penman takes listeners inside the remarkable monthly parties hosted by David Weiner at his Washington, D.C., row house. For 15 years, David has opened his home to friends, neighbors, and strangers—welcoming up to 100 people each month from an ever-growing email list that now exceeds 1,000. Through music, food, and community spirit, David’s open-door “21st of 21” party offers lessons in creating and sustaining connection. Maggie explores how David manages the logistics, what motivates him, and what others can learn from his example.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Origins and Logistics of the Party

• Monthly Tradition:

  • The party is held on the 21st of every month, known as the “21st of 21.” (00:39)
  • Initially skipped November and December, but David realized those months were favorites for guests, especially out-of-towners. (03:01-03:12)

• Open Invitation:

  • Entry is a suggested $21 donation plus a bottle of wine or food to share. (01:06)
  • Attendees are a mix of longtime friends and complete strangers, many connecting by word of mouth. (00:44, 05:06)

• Unique Musical Component:

  • A jazz jam session forms the heart of the gathering, with professionals and amateur musicians playing together. (01:06)
  • “We did play the French horn, which doesn’t work very well at one of these events.” (Maggie Penman, 01:13)

Sustaining the Community

• Consistency Over Time:

  • “This party has happened basically every month for 15 years. It draws anywhere from 40 to 100 people.” (Maggie Penman, 01:16)

• David’s Motivation:

  • The appreciation from attendees keeps him going, despite the physical and emotional labor involved. (04:24)
  • “People’s appreciation for it is motivating. I feel kind of an obligation to keep it going.” (David Weiner, 04:24)

• Managing Burnout & Boundaries:

  • David, now 75, admits the event is exhausting and sometimes considers stopping, but isn’t planning on quitting soon. (03:58-04:05)
  • Washing dishes gives him a “break from socializing.” (03:52)

The Power of Space and Hospitality

• David’s House:

  • Two combined row houses, open layout with no doors except on bathrooms—art-filled, plants everywhere. (08:19)

• Care for Guests:

  • The design of the space makes everyone feel welcome and encourages mingling.
  • “Part of the pleasure…is just wandering around looking at all of David’s cool stuff.” (Maggie Penman, 08:19)

• Party Dynamics:

  • Music continues late into the night, attracting musicians who join after their gigs. (09:15)
  • Guests naturally know when to leave; no major thefts in 15 years, just some missing forks. (09:15-10:00)

Community Stories

• Parvati Ramchandani:

  • First-time guest: “David, honestly, I am blown away. I've never been to anything like this.” (04:38)
  • Expresses gratitude and sense of privilege to attend. (04:51)

• Nan Rafael:

  • Longtime attendee and retired Army Field Band piccolo player: “I've been doing this for a really long time, practically since it started. And it's just such a great way to see neighbors that I haven't seen in a while or that I only see once a month.” (05:32)
  • Used to participate in jam sessions, now enjoys catching up and listening. (05:54)

The “Secret” to Success & Takeaways

• Courage Overcoming Worry:

  • David admits to worrying about everything (crowds, mess, art, etc.) but doesn’t let it stop him. (10:00)
  • “I do feel like this is the lesson that I took away from talking to David. It kind of feels like the definition of courage, the fact that he does worry, right, he is scared, but he doesn't let it stop him.” (Maggie Penman, 10:17)

• Main Lesson:

  • Building community can be sustained with trust, vulnerability, and effort—even if the scale is smaller for most of us. (10:38)
  • “We can all do our small version of this…I don't have an amazing house or the stamina to host a party until 1am, but maybe I can try again with the book club.” (Maggie Penman, 10:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Keeping the Party Going:

  • “Only in the sense that I'm not thinking about not doing it. Thinking of myself being 85 and doing it seems a little prepared, but at the same time, why not?”
    —David Weiner (04:05)

• On Building Community:

  • “People find out about it through word of mouth...Anyone who comes can add their name to an email list where David sends monthly reminders which are forwarded and passed along. That email list now has more than a thousand recipients.”
    —Maggie Penman (05:06)

• Recipe for Success:

  • “I worry about everything, but I don’t let it stop me.”
    —David Weiner (10:00)

• Reflections on Courage:

  • “It kind of feels like the definition of courage, the fact that he does worry, right, he is scared, but he doesn't let it stop him. I think a lot of us let the worry part get in the way.”
    —Maggie Penman (10:17)

Key Timestamps

• 00:39 – Introduction to David Weiner and the 21st of 21 party
• 01:06 – How the party works (music, donations, open invitation)
• 03:01 – Why certain months are now included
• 03:52 – David on finding respite in doing the dishes
• 04:05–04:24 – David’s motivation and sense of obligation
• 04:38–05:06 – Guest testimonials on the party’s impact
• 05:32–06:02 – Nan Rafael’s perspective as a regular
• 08:19 – Description of David’s house and the atmosphere
• 09:15–10:00 – Party’s late-night dynamics, trust, and little worries
• 10:17–10:53 – Main takeaway: courage in community-building

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a warm, conversational, and optimistic tone, focusing on the joy and genuine community spirit present at David’s gatherings. Maggie Penman’s reporting style is friendly and relatable, with personal reflections on her own efforts to build community.

Final Takeaway

David Weiner’s monthly parties remind us that meaningful community is built through generosity, consistency, and the courage to open one’s home—and heart—despite fears or inconveniences. Even for those who might not host a hundred people, his story holds valuable lessons for anyone seeking to create more connection in their own lives.