Not From Concentrate

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 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 become 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, meal planning without perfectionism, and the joy of using up what you already have. They also get into the “sludge of shame,” unidentified frozen objects, pantry roulette, and why a plate of frozen dumplings and edamame can sometimes save the whole week. This episode is for anyone who loves food, feels overwhelmed by food spending, or wants a calmer, more realistic 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

Introducing Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel 02.06.2026 1min

In this mini episode, Catherine presents the Wayfinder podcast. It’s a podcast about travel journeys that transform us, told through immersive stories of places, people, and moments that stay with you even once you are back home. Give it a listen, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

You Can Cook Indian Food at Home with Heartland Masala 26.05.2026 45min

When Indian food is on the menu at Catherine’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, 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: Why Indian home cooking doesn’t have to feel overwhelming Building 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 this rich culinary tradition more accessible Whether you’ve always wanted to dust off your spice grinder or you’re simply curious to learn more about the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine, this episode is a delicious place to start. Subscribe to the newsletter at catherinesmart.com for companion essays, recipes, and more from Not From Concentrate.

Veg Forward Local Hawai'i Food with Alana Kysar 19.05.2026 41min

This week, Catherine chats 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. They 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’s 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. Plus: Why Hawaii cuisine is far cozier (and more comforting) than people expect The surprising challenge of “vegifying” traditional dishes 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 If you love food, Hawaii, cookbooks, creativity, or thoughtful conversations about cooking and culture, this episode is for you. Follow Not From Concentrate wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter at catherinesmart.substack.com for links to ADHD resources, recipes, and more from this episode.

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.

Following the Silk Roads: Anna Ansari on Identity, Trade, and the Flavors That Connect Us 28.04.2026 49min

This week, Catherine chats 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 wasn’t exactly 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 ultimately cookbook authorship. In this conversation, she shares how her background in law, her Iranian-American identity, and her global perspective all shaped the book. Together, 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 get into: 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 The 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, crowd-pleasing Uzbek plov) Plus, Anna shares her go-to strategies for sparking creativity in the kitchen—and calming the chaos when life (or dinner) feels overwhelming. Whether you’re a cookbook collector, a curious home cook, or someone who’s 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

Building a Creative Career with Food Photographer Nina Gallant 21.04.2026 40min

In this episode, Nina Gallant pulls back the curtain on the world of food photography: what actually goes into building a shot, how creative careers evolve, and what it takes to turn artistic work into a sustainable business. balancing creativity with the demands of running a business, building community, and making work that people actually want to pay you for. We also talk about: 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 trends (Instagram, 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 Plus, Nina shares how she sparks creativity (in and out of the kitchen) and the small rituals that help her calm the chaos. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the images in cookbooks and magazines—or how to build a creative life that actually works—this one’s for you. 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 Nina Gallant: Nina Gallant’s website Nina’s Instagram Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

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

Baking Bread + Breaking into the Food World with Great American Baking Show Winner Martin Sorge 07.04.2026 38min

Growing up in the Midwest, baker and cookbook author Martin Sorge learned how to find the best sweet corn at farm stands from his mom: by peeling back the husk and taking a bite from the ear. Despite Martin’s food-rich upbringing, it didn’t lead him straight to a culinary career — it led him to an English degree, and then to studies of public policy and economic development. But even while working community-based jobs, Martin always found himself indulging in his passion by baking in the background. With time, he auditioned for the “Great American Baking Show.” Martin didn’t expect for one of his favorite TV shows to take interest in him. But then, he won. In this week’s episode, Catherine Smarts sits down to chat with cookbook author, bread connoisseur, and winner of the “Great American Baking Show,” Martin Sorge. 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

Learn to Be a Better Home Cook + Writer with Sheryl Julian 28.03.2026 50min

Who comes to mind when you think of the start of your career? For Catherine Smart, that’s her longtime mentor Sheryl Julian. Sheryl was Catherine’s professor during her time in Boston University’s Gastronomy Program, as well as her editor at the Boston Globe. And like any good editor, Sheryl isn’t shy with a red pen. She discusses what it takes to give valuable feedback, as well as the poetic journey to becoming a remarkable writer (which, to no one’s surprise, requires tons of writing). Like everyone else who cooks at home, Sheryl knows cooking is a grind that can leave you feeling uninspired. So, she shares some of her own tips to help fellow busy brains get their creative juices flowing in the kitchen. 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 Sheryl Julian: Sheryl’s Instagram Sheryl’s latest at the Boston Globe Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

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. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Tenaya Darlington: Madam Fromage’s website Madame Fromage’s Instagram Book a Cheese Journey Buy Tenaya’s most recent book “Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese” Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

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. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Rebecca Eisenberg: Preorder Rebecca’s upcoming cookbook “Small-Batch Breads” The Practical Kitchen blog Rebecca’s Instagram Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

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. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Sally Ekus: Sally’s Substack, where you can find Not So Secret Agent Sally’s publisher profile Sally’s Instagram Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

Bake Better Cookies with Mallory Oniki of The Palatable Life/Cookie Club Cookbook 03.03.2026 37min

Mallory Oniki of @thepalatablelife joins us to talk cookies, recipe testing, the ups and downs of creator life, and her first cook book, Cookie Club! Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

Zoë Komarin Wants You to Get Loose in the Kitchen 24.02.2026 45min

On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Zoë Komarin, who shares her culinary journey from the fashion industry to the world of food. She discusses her passion project “MouthBrain” '— the connection between food memories and experiences— and emphasizes the importance of personal connections in cooking. Zoë explains her approach as a food curator, focusing on personalization and simplification in the kitchen to inspire creativity. She discusses her unique approach to teaching cooking through her MouthBrain sessions, where participants are encouraged to be creative and adventurous in the kitchen. Zoë also offers thoughtful insights on how to start cooking with your kids, and the joy and messiness that comes with it. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Zoë Komarin: Zoë’s Substack MouthBrain Zoë’s Instagram ZoëFoodParty Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

Aaron Cohen of Gracie's Ice Cream: Community, Creativity & Small Business Marketing 17.02.2026 40min

On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Aaron Cohen, who shares his multifaceted journey in the culinary world, highlighting his role as a community builder and the owner of Gracie's Ice Cream. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Aaron Cohen: Instagram @icecreamgracies Gracie’s Ice Cream Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

How a Private Chef and Culinary Creator Preps, Hosts, and Stays Organized in the Kitchen 10.02.2026 51min

On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Clare Langan. Clare shares her journey through the culinary world, highlighting her experiences as a private chef/and culinary producer and what it looks like behind the scenes. Clare offers valuable insights into hosting dinner parties at home, including tips on prep & organization. Clare and Catherine discuss the intersection of aesthetics and functionality in cooking, the importance of investing in quality kitchen tools, and the essentials every home cook should have. Clare shares her experiences in collaborating on a cookbook, the challenges and joys of finding her voice in food media, and practical tips for sparking creativity and maintaining organization in the kitchen. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Sign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/ Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcast Follow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/ Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXf Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinesmart_ Listen to the NFC podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-from-concentrate/id1849667703?l=es-MX Listen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0 Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with : Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

Snacking Dinners with Georgia Freedman 03.02.2026 43min

On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Georgia Freedman about her new cookbook, 'Snacking Dinners.' They discuss the evolution of cooking styles, the importance of pantry essentials, and the creative process behind developing recipes that cater to both personal and family needs. n this conversation, Georgia shares her insights on the evolving landscape of cooking and recipe creation, emphasizing the importance of personal connection to food. She discusses her approach to writing cookbooks that empower readers to make recipes their own, the challenges of maintaining a generalist career in a niche-focused industry, and the influence of California's diverse culinary landscape on her cooking. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Georgia Freedman: Snacking Dinners Substack “Snacking Dinners” cookbook Georgia’s website Georgia’s Instagram Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer

Serving Up Queer Joy with Cookbook Author Justin Burke 27.01.2026 49min

On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews queer and nonbinary pastry chef Justin Burke, who discusses his book “Potluck Desserts,” which aims to celebrate the queer and trans community through the lens of food. The discussion explores the significance of potlucks in queer history, personal stories of community building, and the intersection of food, identity, and classism. Justin shares his journey of reclaiming nostalgic recipes and the importance of creating safe spaces for all individuals, regardless of their background. In this engaging conversation, Justin discusses his philosophy on premade versus homemade ingredients, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in recipes and the role of food media in empowering home cooks. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletter Connect with Catherine: Podcast website Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Catherine on Instagram The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram Catherine's Tiktok The Not from Concentrate Tiktok Connect with Justin Burke: Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride Taste This Substack That Ate Podcast Justin’s Instagram Not From Concentrate team: Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production Allie Miller, Associate Producer