Not From Concentrate
A food podcast for busy brains from cook/writer/mom/ADHD-er Catherine Smart. Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and neurodivergent food lovers. We talk personal and professional journeys, sparking creativity, calming chaos, and putting our attention where it matters most. Together, we find joy in (and out of) the kitchen.
Episodes
Jerrelle Guy on Burnout, Creativity, and Finding Magic in Everyday Meals
This week, Catherine 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 ju
Introducing Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel
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.
Food Budgeting for Busy Brains with Meghan Splawn
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
You Can Cook Indian Food at Home with Heartland Masala
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 conver
Veg Forward Local Hawai'i Food with Alana Kysar
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, laula
Chef Spencer Horovitz on ADHD, Finding Calm in the Kitchen & California-Jewish Cuisine
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,
Food, Bravery, and Hope in Ukraine, with Felicity Spector
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 s
Following the Silk Roads: Anna Ansari on Identity, Trade, and the Flavors That Connect Us
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,
Building a Creative Career with Food Photographer Nina Gallant
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
Ashley Moore on ADHD, Food Styling & Thriving at America’s Test Kitchen
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) ju
Baking Bread + Breaking into the Food World with Great American Baking Show Winner Martin Sorge
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 whil
Learn to Be a Better Home Cook + Writer with Sheryl Julian
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 po
Cheese 101 with Madame Fromage
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 passio
Small-Batch Bread for Busy Brains: Rebecca Eisenberg on Baking + ADHD-Proofing the Kitchen
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 newsletterSign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherine
How to Get a Cookbook Deal: Literary Agent Sally Ekus on Pitching, Publishing & Food Media
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
Bake Better Cookies with Mallory Oniki of The Palatable Life/Cookie Club Cookbook
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 ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer
Zoë Komarin Wants You to Get Loose in the Kitchen
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 per
Aaron Cohen of Gracie's Ice Cream: Community, Creativity & Small Business Marketing
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 newsletterSign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/Check out Catherine's website: https
How a Private Chef and Culinary Creator Preps, Hosts, and Stays Organized in the Kitchen
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 i
Snacking Dinners with Georgia Freedman
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 cook
Serving Up Queer Joy with Cookbook Author Justin Burke
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
Quitting Corporate Life to Build a Caribbean Food Brand: Kamaal Jarrett of Hillside Harvest
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Kamaal Jarrett, founder of Hillside Harvest island-inspired sauces, who shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship in the food industry. He discusses the challenges and joys of launching a Caribbean-inspired sauce brand, the importance of representing diverse Caribbean flavors, and the personal experiences
Vivian Howard on Food Media, Building Kitchen Curious, and Working with ADHD
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Vivian Howard, who discusses her journey in the food media industry, as well as how her new show “Kitchen Curious” came to be. She shares her struggles with relaxation, the innovative concept of one of her newest projects Viv’s Fridge, and her vision for the future of food media. In this engaging conversation, Vivian shar
Science-Backed Nutrition for Food Lovers: Blood Sugar, Fiber, and Protein Explained
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Registered Dietician Skylar Griggs, to discuss nutrition, diet, and health. They explore the challenges of maintaining a balanced diet amidst food noise and social media trends, focusing on practical tips for those with ADHD and busy lifestyles. Skylar shares tips on how those with ADHD can navigate nutrition, emphasizing
Turning ADHD Overwhelm into Daily Wins with Ammaar Khan and Esteban Perez Mendoza
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Ammaar Khan and Esteban Perez Mendoza, the co-founders of The ADHD Weasel, who discuss their journey creating a platform that addresses food overwhelm for individuals with ADHD. They share insights on the challenges faced by the ADHD community in meal planning and cooking, emphasizing the importance of flexible meal plann
Food for Busy Brains: A Community for Food Lovers with ADHD
This episode introduces Not From Concentrate: a community for food lovers with ADHD. Creator Catherine Smart shares her journey as a chef, writer, and entrepreneur living with ADHD. She discusses her new project, Not From Concentrate, which includes a podcast, Substack newsletter, and a cookbook aimed at helping food lovers with busy brains. Catherine reflects on her experiences with ADHD
Gorgeous Galettes and Chic Budget Meals with Rebecca Firkser
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Rebecca Firkser, editor, writer, recipe tester, author of the Substack newsletter “Nickel & Dine,” and of the cookbook “Galette!” Rebecca takes listeners on her “food media origin story,” explaining how she entered food media and became a galette expert. She goes on a deep dive into the world of galettes and tips on h
Holiday Gifts for Food Lovers with Ariel Kanter
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews gift guide creator and food lover Ariel Kanter. Ariel shares how her Substack “Rel’s Recs” got started, and how it evolved into a platform for sharing thoughtful gift recommendations and gift guides, particularly in the realm of food. The discussion also goes into the challenges of navigating overwhelming gift guides, tip
Hosting the Perfect Party with Colu Henry and Alexis deBoschnek
On the third episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews cookbook authors Colu Henry and Alexis deBoschnek, where they discuss the art of the dinner party, and what it takes to host an enjoyable and delicious gathering. Their conversation delves into how to overcome the fear of hosting, the benefits of delegating cooking tasks, and the significance of knowing what brings y
Parents Deserve to Enjoy Dinner Too, with Hillary Dixler Canavan
On the second episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Hillary Dixler Canavan, who shares her journey from working in some of NYC’s biggest restaurants to becoming a national editor Eater to launching her own Substack newsletter called “What Are We Having?”. They discuss the challenges of balancing family meals and the importance of a ritual she call calls “Adult Dinner
Milk Street's Rose Hattabaugh Is The Mom Friend You Need This Thanksgiving
On the first episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart interviews Rose Hattabaugh, a recipe developer and tester at Christopher Kimball's Milk Street. They discuss Rose's journey from being a stay-at-home mom to a culinary professional, sharing insights on balancing motherhood with a career in food media. The conversation delves into Thanksgiving preparations, tips for cooking, and
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