Samin Nosrat on finding joy, embracing imperfection, and the heart of good cooking

Join host Samuel Goldsmith for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Samin Nosrat, acclaimed author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and the new cookbook Good Things. In this episode, Samin opens up about her journey from the kitchens of Chez Panisse to becoming a beloved teacher and bestselling author. She shares the lessons she’s learned about trusting your senses, embracing imperfection, and finding joy in the everyday act of cooking. Samin reflects on the pressures of success, the personal challenges she’s faced, and how her Iranian heritage and family traditions have shaped her approach to food. From the importance of care and connection at the table to the value of letting go of perfectionism, Samin’s wisdom and warmth shine through every story. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this episode is a celebration of food, resilience, and the “good things” that bring us together. Tune in for laughter, honest insights, and a reminder that sometimes, being “good enough” is exactly what we need. Samin Nosrat is a cook, teacher and author of Sunday Times Book of the Year and New York Times bestseller Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. She is co-host of the Home Cooking podcast, a former Eat columnist at The New York Times Magazine and host of the hugely popular Netflix original documentary series based on her book. She lives in Oakland, California. Subscribers to the Good Food app via the App Store get the show ad-free, plus regular bonus content. Download the Good Food app to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices