Not From Concentrate

Epizódy

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  ADHD, Masking, and Letting Your Guard Down 21.07.2026 9min

  In this solo episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart shares a personal essay about ADHD masking, embarrassment, and the effort of trying to seem easygoing, capable, and “normal.” She reflects on how sensitivity, people-pleasing, and a strong social radar can be exhausting—but can also make us thoughtful friends, generous hosts, and deeply caring people. This is a personal reflection on understanding old patterns with more compassion and learning when it might be okay to let your guard down. Read the essay at catherinesmart.substack.com. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains about ADHD creativity, cooking, and finding more joy in and out of the kitchen.
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  Ham El-Waylly on Home Cooking, 90s Nostalgia, and Harnessing ADHD Powers in the Kitchen 14.07.2026 49min

  On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with chef and cookbook author Ham El-Waylly about the surprising journey that led him from fine dining back to the food that first shaped him. Raised between Egyptian, Bolivian, and Qatari cultures before building a career in New York restaurants, Ham shares how the sudden loss of his mother caused him to distance himself from the recipes he grew up with—and how reopening her handwritten recipe notebook during the pandemic helped him reconnect with his family, his creativity, and himself. They talk about: How home cooking became part of healing after grief 90s Nostalgia and how it shaped this book Making global flavors feel approachable for everyday cooks Balancing restaurant life, parenthood, and feeding a family ADHD, creativity, routines, and learning to work with a busy brain Why comfort food is about memory as much as ingredients Ham also shares recipes from Hello, Home Cooking, including his Cinnamon Pita Crunch, cheesy tapioca garlic buns, and toasted spaghetti with black beans.
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  Courtney E. Smith on Ravenous and the Future of Independent Food Media 07.07.2026 44min

  Courtney E. Smith joins Catherine Smart to talk about Ravenous, the new worker-owned food and culture publication founded by former Eater writers after a layoff. Courtney shares how the team built an independent media company from scratch, why they’re choosing subscriber support over VC money and branded content, and what it means to cover food, labor, restaurants, and culture with stronger ethics and sharper opinions. She and Catherine also talk about what’s missing from today’s food media landscape, the challenge of writing about local restaurants for a national audience, the business learning curve for creatives, and why shared values matter when you’re building something with other people. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation digs into the messy, energizing process of making something new with limited resources, strong opinions, and a lot of moving parts. And because Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains, Catherine and Courtney also explore how food media shapes the way we think about restaurants, cooking, labor, and culture. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Bow Market, Small Business, and Building Community with Zachary Baum 30.06.2026 41min

  On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with Zachary Baum, co-owner of Bow Market in Somerville, about what it takes to build a place where small businesses can take root. They discuss how Bow Market transformed from an old carport into a vibrant courtyard of independent food, retail, art, and service businesses; why a true sense of place cannot simply be scaled or replicated; and how small restaurants and makers navigate the realities of rent, regulation, labor, and limited capacity. Catherine and Zachary also talk about the importance of proximity, flexibility, and human relationships in building sustainable businesses, plus why consumers have a role to play in supporting the local places they want to exist. Not From Concentrate is distributed by PRX and produced by Catherine Smart, with audio and video production by Kevin O’Connell and Asia Garcia. Our associate producer is Allie Miller. We'd love your feedback! Take the NFC community poll HERE Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Wedding Cakes and Finding Joy in the Kitchen with Freelance Baker Mackenzie Innis 23.06.2026 37min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with freelance baker Mackenzie Innis about the artistry, logistics, and emotional weight behind her beautiful seasonal cakes. Mackenzie shares how she moved from fine dining pastry kitchens to building Ceres, a freelance baking business rooted in local ingredients, florals, seasonality, and deeply personal celebrations. She talks about translating clients’ food memories into wedding cakes, sourcing from New England farms, growing flowers in Somerville, and finding inspiration in bakeries, gardens, mythology, and community. Catherine and Mackenzie also get into the less-glamorous but essential parts of creative solopreneurship: email, bookkeeping, client communication, systems, structure, and managing a busy brain while running a business. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation is about what it really takes to turn beauty, skill, and intuition into a sustainable creative practice. And because Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains, they also talk about ADHD cooking, calming kitchen chaos, slowing down, edible flowers, Boston-area bakeries, wedding cake etiquette, and why cake can still matter in complicated times. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  SingleThread, Food Waste, and the Future of Farm to Table 16.06.2026 51min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with Alex Fuentes, Head Chef of Special Projects at SingleThread Farm–Restaurant–Inn in Healdsburg, California. SingleThread is known for its three-Michelin-starred restaurant, five-room inn, and deeply integrated farm led by Kyle and Katina Connaughton. But this conversation goes beyond the fantasy of wine country fine dining. Catherine and Alex talk about what it means to cook at the highest level without recreating the toxic kitchen culture that has shaped so much of fine dining’s past. They also dig into the practical lessons home cooks can take from SingleThread’s philosophy: reducing food waste, preserving seasonal produce, cooking with what is local and abundant, and using Japanese ideas like kaizen — continual improvement — to build more confidence in the kitchen. For listeners interested in ADHD cooking, this episode offers a calmer, more flexible way to think about high-level technique: less perfection, more awareness, repetition, and creative problem-solving. Alex also shares what inspires his work, why collaboration matters, and how to calm kitchen chaos when your brain is moving faster than your hands. This food podcast conversation explores creativity, sustainability, seasonality, and the idea of a more compassionate kitchen — from Michelin-level restaurants to everyday home cooking. In this episode: What makes SingleThread’s farm, restaurant, and inn so unique How fine dining can move forward from toxic kitchen culture The idea of a “compassionate kitchen” Food waste, preservation, and creative constraints What home cooks can learn from Michelin-level kitchens Why seasonality and locality still matter Japanese influences at SingleThread, including kaizen and ichigo ichie ADHD creativity, collaboration, and calming chaos in the kitchen Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.  Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Jerrelle Guy on Burnout, Creativity, and Finding Magic in Everyday Meals 09.06.2026 43min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart sits down with cookbook author, photographer, and artist Jerrelle Guy to talk about her beautiful new cookbook, We Fancy. Jerrelle first burst onto the food scene with her acclaimed debut cookbook, Black Girl Baking, but success came with a cost. In this conversation, she shares how burnout, creative pressure, and the constant pursuit of “more” led her to rethink not just the way she cooked, but the way she lived. Catherine and Jerrelle talk about slowing down, making everyday meals feel special, and using food as a form of artistic expression. They also get into the reality of writing cookbooks, the philosophy behind We Fancy, motherhood, intuition, and the lesson that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation is a reminder that creativity does not always come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from paying attention, simplifying, and giving yourself room to notice what is already in front of you. They also dive into Jerrelle’s favorite recipes, including her famous Wednesday Sauce, tiramisu cheesecake, and the simple garnishes that helped inspire an entire cookbook. This food podcast episode is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, creatively drained, or disconnected from the joy of cooking. It offers a gentler way to think about ADHD cooking, creativity, abundance, and finding beauty in the small rituals of everyday meals. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Food Budgeting for Busy Brains with Meghan Splawn 02.06.2026 50min

  Food writer, recipe developer, and longtime meal-planning expert Meghan Splawn joins Catherine Smart to talk about the emotional, practical, and very real work of getting a food budget under control. After realizing her family had spent more than $32,000 in a year on groceries, dining out, coffee, Costco runs, and food in general, Meghan began publicly documenting her effort to cut that spending in half. In this conversation, she shares why tracking is the first step, how food spending can get tangled up with shame and identity, and why budgeting does not have to mean giving up good food. Catherine and Meghan talk about impulse grocery buys, ADHD-friendly systems, low- and no-spend weeks, freezer meals, and meal planning without perfectionism. They also get into the joy of using up what you already have, the “sludge of shame,” unidentified frozen objects, pantry roulette, and why a plate of frozen dumplings and edamame can sometimes save the whole week. For listeners interested in ADHD cooking, this episode offers a calmer, more realistic way to think about food spending, meal planning, and feeding yourself or your family without shame. It is also a conversation about ADHD creativity: how constraints, leftovers, freezer finds, and imperfect systems can become the starting point for better meals. This food podcast episode is for anyone who loves food, feels overwhelmed by food spending, or wants a more sustainable way to cook at home. In this episode: Why tracking your food spending comes before setting a budget How money and food shame show up in the kitchen Meghan’s food budget diary and weekly tracking system Low-spend and no-spend week strategies Meal planning for people who hate meal planning ADHD-friendly fridge, freezer, and pantry systems Budget-friendly emergency meals to keep on hand How to spend less without taking the joy out of food Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  You Can Cook Indian Food at Home with Heartland Masala 26.05.2026 45min

  When Indian food is on the menu at Catherine Smart’s house, it usually means ordering dosa, saag paneer, and cauliflower Manchurian from a favorite local spot. But why do so many of us love eating Indian food while feeling intimidated to cook it at home? This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine is joined by Auyon and Jyoti Mukharji, the son-mother duo behind Heartland Masala, for a warm, funny, and practical conversation about bringing Indian cooking into your own kitchen. They talk about building confidence with spices, techniques, and pantry staples; the role of family recipes, tradition, and adaptation across generations; and what American home cooks often misunderstand about Indian food. Auyon and Jyoti also share how Heartland Masala is making this rich culinary tradition feel more accessible, especially for people who want to cook with more flavor but do not know where to start. For listeners interested in ADHD cooking, this episode offers a generous reminder that unfamiliar cuisines do not have to feel overwhelming. With a few foundational ingredients, a little guidance, and permission to begin imperfectly, cooking can become more intuitive, creative, and joyful. This food podcast conversation is also about ADHD creativity: learning through doing, finding your own way into a tradition, and letting curiosity lead you toward deeper flavor. In this episode: *Why Indian home cooking does not have to feel overwhelming *How to build confidence with spices, techniques, and pantry staples *Family recipes, tradition, and adaptation across generations *What American home cooks often misunderstand about Indian food *How Heartland Masala makes Indian cooking more accessible *ADHD cooking, creativity, and finding more ease in the kitchen Whether you have always wanted to dust off your spice grinder or you are simply curious to learn more about the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine, this episode is a delicious place to start. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Veg Forward Local Hawai'i Food with Alana Kysar 19.05.2026 41min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with cookbook author, photographer, and recipe developer Alana Kysar about the rich, comforting world of local Hawaii food — and how she transformed some of Hawaii’s most beloved flavors into vegetable-forward recipes in her new cookbook, Aloha Veggies. Catherine and Alana dive into the cultural influences that shape Hawaii’s culinary identity, and why dishes like katsu, laulau, poke, and plate lunches are about so much more than vacation food. Alana also shares what it is like to photograph her own cookbooks, navigate the modern food media landscape, and build a creative career that spans blogging, writing, recipe development, and photography. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation explores how personal history, place, memory, and experimentation can shape a creative life in food. Alana talks about the freedom of writing a second cookbook, the challenge of “vegifying” traditional dishes, and how California changed the way she thinks about vegetables. This food podcast episode also gets into ADHD cooking, including pantry staples, building confidence with unfamiliar flavors, and why cleaning can sometimes be a strategy for calming a busy brain. In this episode: Why Hawaii cuisine is far cozier and more comforting than people expect The surprising challenge of making traditional dishes more vegetable-forward What Alana always keeps in her pantry The creative freedom of writing a second cookbook How California changed the way she thinks about vegetables Cleaning as a strategy for calming a busy brain ADHD cooking, creativity, cookbooks, and thoughtful conversations about food and culture If you love food, Hawaii, cookbooks, creativity, or thoughtful conversations about cooking and culture, this episode is for you. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Chef Spencer Horovitz on ADHD, Finding Calm in the Kitchen & California-Jewish Cuisine 12.05.2026 1h

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine sits down with chef Spencer Horovitz , a 2025 James Beard semifinalist and the founder of Hadeem, a beloved California-Jewish Cuisine concept that's been popping up in San Francisco.  But this episode goes far beyond food. Spencer speaks candidly about living and working with ADHD in the high-pressure world of professional kitchens: the burnout, shame, impulsivity, time blindness, and sensory overload — but also the creativity, resilience, and self-awareness that ultimately helped him build a career that actually works with his brain instead of against it. Catherine and Spencer talk about:  Why fine dining kitchens can be especially difficult for ADHD brains   The accommodations and systems that genuinely help in restaurant life   Hyper-focus, multitasking, and “boy dinner”   Why labels, handwriting, and putting things away can feel impossible   ADHD-friendly cooking strategies that actually work   The emotional side of feeding yourself when your brain is overwhelmed   Culinary school, restaurant culture, and redefining success   Spencer’s California-Jewish cuisine philosophy and the story behind Hadeem  This is one of the most vulnerable and practical “busy brain” conversations the show has had yet — packed with insight for anyone navigating ADHD, creativity, burnout, or simply trying to make dinner without spiraling. Find Spencer and Hadeem:  Instagram: @wearehadeem  Website: wearehadeemsf.com  Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Food, Bravery, and Hope in Ukraine, with Felicity Spector 05.05.2026 42min

  In this episode, Catherine sits down with journalist and author of Bread and War Felicity Spector to talk about the role of food in one of the most difficult places on earth right now: war-torn Ukraine. Since 2022, Felicity has been traveling to Ukraine to support grassroots food initiatives—from mobile bakeries feeding frontline communities to chefs creating restaurant-quality meals for soldiers. Her work captures something often missing from headlines: the resilience, ingenuity, and humanity that keep people going. They talk about:  How mobile bakeries are feeding communities without electricity   The surprising logistics behind getting bread to the front lines   Why small food businesses are the backbone of society   Ukrainian food culture—and why bread is so deeply symbolic   The emotional reality of telling these stories in an overwhelming news cycle   Simple ways you can help  This conversation is honest, emotional, and unexpectedly hopeful. Links & Resources  Buy Bread and War by Felicity Spector   Donate to https://bakeforukraine.org/  Substack: Flour Power If this episode moved you, share it with a friend. It’s one small way to help these stories travel further. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Following the Silk Roads: Anna Ansari on Identity, Trade, and the Flavors That Connect Us 28.04.2026 49min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with cookbook author and food writer Anna Ansari, whose new book, Silk Roads, explores the rich, interconnected cuisines stretching from East Asia to the Middle East. Anna’s path to food writing was anything but linear. She started as an international trade and customs attorney in New York before moving to the UK and finding her way into recipe testing, food writing, and cookbook authorship. In this conversation, she shares how her background in law, her Iranian-American identity, and her global perspective all shaped the book. Catherine and Anna unpack the idea of the “Silk Roads” — not as one single route, but as a vast network of trade, migration, and cultural exchange that still influences how we cook and eat today. They also talk about growing up between cultures, why curiosity matters more than getting it “right” when exploring new cuisines, and the unexpected entry points into Central Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Anna shares how markets can unlock a deeper understanding of food and culture, plus the recipes to start with, including a simple, crowd-pleasing Uzbek plov. For listeners interested in ADHD cooking, this episode is a reminder that unfamiliar ingredients and cuisines do not have to feel intimidating. Curiosity, repetition, and a willingness to begin imperfectly can make the kitchen feel more open, creative, and fun. This food podcast conversation also explores ADHD creativity: how a nonlinear career, cultural identity, research, travel, and everyday cooking can all become part of one creative practice. In this episode: What the Silk Roads actually are, and why the plural matters Growing up between cultures, and how that shows up in the kitchen Why curiosity matters more than getting it “right” when exploring new cuisines Unexpected entry points into Central Asian and Middle Eastern cooking How markets can unlock a deeper understanding of food and culture The recipes to start with, including a simple Uzbek plov ADHD cooking, ADHD creativity, and calming chaos in the kitchen Whether you’re a cookbook collector, a curious home cook, or someone who has ever felt intimidated by unfamiliar ingredients, this episode is an invitation to dig in with curiosity, playfulness, and zero pressure to be perfect. Catherinesmart.com Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Building a Creative Career with Food Photographer Nina Gallant 21.04.2026 40min

  In this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with food photographer Nina Gallant about what actually goes into building a beautiful food image — from lighting and composition to creative direction, storytelling, and the invisible work behind every shot. Nina pulls back the curtain on the world of food photography: what a food photographer really does beyond taking beautiful pictures, how creative careers evolve, and what it takes to turn artistic work into a sustainable business. Catherine and Nina talk about balancing creativity with the practical demands of running a business, building community, finding clients, and making work people actually want to pay for. They also get into how lighting shapes emotion, why “photography is light,” and how photographers build an entire visual world around food. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation explores how creative work gets made in real life: through experimentation, repetition, intuition, deadlines, and the small rituals that help calm the chaos. And because this is a food podcast for busy brains, Catherine and Nina also talk about sparking creativity in and out of the kitchen, including how visual inspiration can shape the way we cook, gather, and pay attention. In this episode: What a food photographer actually does beyond taking beautiful pictures How lighting shapes emotion, and why “photography is light” The art of building a visual world around food How Instagram and digital media have changed food photography The reality of creative careers, and how Nina made hers financially sustainable Practical advice for creatives trying to make the leap ADHD creativity, rituals, and calming chaos How food photography can inspire more joyful ADHD cooking If you have ever wondered what goes into the images in cookbooks and magazines — or how to build a creative life that actually works — this one is for you. Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Ashley Moore on ADHD, Food Styling & Thriving at America’s Test Kitchen 14.04.2026 47min

  In this week’s episode, Catherine chats with Ashley Moore, food stylist and senior editor at America’s Test Kitchen, about building a creative career with ADHD—and why the way your brain works might actually be your biggest advantage. Ashley takes us behind the scenes of life at ATK, from fast-paced photo shoots to the precision and organization required to make every recipe (and image) just right. She shares how she found her way into food media, including early experiences working alongside chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay, and what it really takes to stay in the industry long-term. They also get into the realities of home cooking—what dinner actually looks like with kids, why weeknight meals can feel so hard (even for professionals), and the small, practical tricks that make it easier. Plus, Ashley opens up about living and working with ADHD: the challenges, the unexpected strengths, and the moments when it becomes a true superpower. In this episode, we cover:  What it’s really like working at America’s Test Kitchen  Food styling tips you can use at home   Career paths in food media (and how to find your lane)   ADHD in creative work and the kitchen   The reality of feeding a family during the week 👉 Sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter: HERE 👉 Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen Connect with Ashley Moore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleypwmoore/  America’s Test Kitchen: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/ Not From Concentrate team Catherine Smart — Host / Executive Producer  Kevin O’Connell — Audio & Video Production  Allie Miller — Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Baking Bread + Breaking into the Food World with Great American Baking Show Winner Martin Sorge 07.04.2026 38min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with baker, cookbook author, bread connoisseur, and Great American Baking Show winner Martin Sorge. Growing up in the Midwest, Martin learned how to find the best sweet corn at farm stands from his mom: by peeling back the husk and taking a bite right from the ear. Even with a food-rich upbringing, his path did not lead straight to a culinary career. He studied English, then public policy and economic development, and spent years in community-based work while baking in the background. Eventually, Martin auditioned for one of his favorite TV shows, The Great American Baking Show. He did not expect the show to take an interest in him — and then he won. Catherine and Martin talk about baking, bread, creativity, career pivots, and what happens when a private passion becomes a public identity. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation is about the winding paths creative lives can take, and how the things we do “on the side” are often telling us something important. This food podcast episode also touches on ADHD cooking, baking as a grounding practice, and the joy of following curiosity even when the path does not look linear. Sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter. Follow the Not From Concentrate podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Martin Sorge: Martin’s Instagram Great Bakes on Substack Martin Bakes Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Learn to Be a Better Home Cook + Writer with Sheryl Julian 28.03.2026 50min

  This week on Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart sits down with her longtime mentor Sheryl Julian — her former professor in Boston University’s Gastronomy Program and her editor at The Boston Globe. Like any great editor, Sheryl is not shy with a red pen. She and Catherine talk about what it takes to give useful feedback, how writers actually get better, and why becoming a remarkable writer mostly requires doing the work again and again. They also talk about cooking at home — the daily grind of it, the stretches when it can feel uninspiring, and the small ways busy brains can get their creative energy back in the kitchen. Sheryl shares practical tips for home cooks who want to feel more confident, less stuck, and more open to inspiration. For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation is about mentorship, discipline, feedback, and the unglamorous repetition behind creative work. And because Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains, Catherine and Sheryl also explore ADHD cooking, writing, editing, and finding your way back to joy when the work starts to feel like a grind. Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Cheese 101 with Madame Fromage 24.03.2026 49min

  On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Tenaya Darlington (aka Madame Fromage) shares her cheese journey — from working at a community newspaper in Wisconsin, teaching university English in Philadelphia, to becoming a cheese educator, blogger, and cookbook author. From Belgium to France to Switzerland, Tenaya discusses her cheese-centered travel and how they’ve formed her love and passion for cheese. As an expert, she imparts advice for the cheese curious to curd nerds for approaching cheese counters, expertly curating cheese boards, and how to chat it up with cheese mongers. They cover cheese and wine pairings, how different milks make different cheese, the art of cheese aging, and how cheese can bring people together.  Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  Small-Batch Bread for Busy Brains: Rebecca Eisenberg on Baking + ADHD-Proofing the Kitchen 17.03.2026 46min

   Today we talk with Rebecca Eisenberg, content creator author of the Practical Kitchen blog, and the forthcoming “Small-Batch Breads” cookbook. In addition being a baker,  Rebecca  is an ADHDer and she shares strategies for thriving in the kitchen and managing her busy brain. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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  How to Get a Cookbook Deal: Literary Agent Sally Ekus on Pitching, Publishing & Food Media 10.03.2026 49min

  On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Sally Ekus shares her journey from growing up in a culinary publicity household to becoming a successful literary agent herself, despite studying social work during college. Sally talks about how getting into improv comedy has helped to shape her professional life as a publisher, particularly in redefining her relationship with fear and failure. As a true pro, she offers helpful insights into finding an agent for those wanting to pitch a cookbook. Their honest discussion emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and staying true to one's creative vision amidst the chaos ensuing around us, and in our own kitchens and brains. Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer