Not From Concentrate

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.

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 PowerIf this episode moved you, share it with a friend. It’s one small way to help these stories travel further.

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.comTune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 websiteNina’s InstagramNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 listenConnect with Ashley MooreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleypwmoore/ America’s Test Kitchen: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/Not From Concentrate teamCatherine Smart — Host / Executive Producer Kevin O’Connell — Audio & Video Production Allie Miller — Associate Producer

Want to learn how to bake bread—and build a creative career that actually works?Catherine sits down with Martin Sorge, winner of The Great American Baking Show, author of the Great Bakes Substack, and upcoming cookbook author, to talk about baking, business, and making a smart career pivot.Martin shares how he went from working in public policy and economic development to becoming a nationally recognized baker, and why baking became his creative outlet (and sanity saver) along the way.In this episode: How to start baking bread (even if you’re a total beginner)  The easiest bread recipe to try first (no-knead, minimal equipment)  Why a kitchen scale is the only tool you really need  How to overcome fear of baking (yes, including yeast)  What “Midwestern baking” actually means  The real financials of food writing, Substack, and cookbooks  How to treat a creative pursuit like a business This is a practical, honest conversation about building something meaningful—whether that’s a loaf of bread or a second career.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

Everyone should have a Sheryl.In this episode, Catherine sits down with Sheryl Julian, former food editor at The Boston Globe, legendary teacher, and the mentor who helped shape her career in food writing.Sheryl shares what it was like to transform food media over her 30-year career—and why writing, home cooking, and mentorship still matter more than ever.In this episode: How to become a better writer (and why most people don’t practice enough)  What great editing actually looks like  How to mentor (and give feedback) without shutting people down  The evolution of food media—and what’s been lost  Why fewer people are cooking at home  How to cook smarter: batch cooking, leftovers, and real-life dinners  Sheryl’s philosophy on recipes: simple, practical, and repeatable You’ll also hear: Writing exercises to help you find your voice  Practical kitchen organization tips  Hosting advice (including why you should repeat the same dishes)  Stories about working alongside Julia ChildThis is a conversation about getting better—at writing, at cooking, and at paying attention to the world around 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.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

Intimidated by the cheese counter? You’re not alone.Catherine sits down with Tenaya Darlington—aka Madame Fromage, cheese expert, author, and educator—to break down how to shop for, serve, and actually enjoy great cheese (without overthinking it).From building a better cheese board to pairing cheese with everything from martinis to tea, this episode is your crash course in becoming a confident, curious cheese eater.In this episode: How to build a simple, impressive cheese board (without rules overwhelm)  What to ask a cheesemonger (and how to shop with confidence)  The 3-cheese formula: comfort, conversation, and something local  A beginner’s guide to different milks (cow, sheep, goat)  Why some people think they “don’t like” goat or blue cheese  How to find your personal “cheese style” You’ll also learn: Unexpected cheese pairings (dirty martinis, tea, prosecco)  How to explore cheese through travel and local farms  Why cheese is one of the easiest ways to spark creativity in the kitchen  And yes, why cheese can absolutely be dinner Whether you’re a full-on curd nerd or just trying to level up your next dinner party, this episode will leave you inspired (and probably craving cheese).Follow Tenaya Darlington: Instagram: @mmefromage  Website: madamefromage.net  Book: Adventures in CheeseSubscribe for recipes, essays, and more: catherinesmart.comIf you loved this episode, share it with a cheese-loving, busy-brained friend.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

Terrified of baking? Overwhelmed in the kitchen? Same.Catherine sits down with Rebecca Eisenberg, creator of The Practical Kitchen and author of the forthcoming  forthcoming “Small-Batch Breads” cookbook to talk about baking, ADHD, and building systems that actually work for your brain. Rebecca shares how she went from digital media to running a full-time food platform, and how learning the foundations of baking (not just recipes) completely changed her confidence in the kitchen.In this episode: How to start baking bread (even if you’re intimidated)  The 3 core baking methods that unlock most recipes  Why baking feels chaotic—and how to make it predictable  ADHD-friendly kitchen organization tips that actually work  How to prioritize when everything feels important  The “one thing at a time” mindset that reduces overwhelm You’ll also learn: How Rebecca built The Practical Kitchen into a full-time business  Her system for consistent social media without burnout  Why small-batch baking is a game-changer for real life  What it’s actually like to write a cookbook This is a conversation about confidence, systems, and making the kitchen work for you—not against you.Follow Rebecca Eisenberg: Instagram: @the.practical.kitchen  Website: thepracticalkitchen.com  Cookbook: Small-Batch Breads (out August 2026) Subscribe for recipes, essays, and more: catherinesmart.comIf you loved this episode, share it with a fellow busy-brained cook.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

Dreaming about writing a cookbook—or building a creative career that actually works?Catherine sits down with literary agent Sally Ekus of the Ekus Group to talk about what it really takes to land a book deal, navigate food media, and advocate for yourself in creative work. Sally grew up in the world of culinary publishing (her mom founded the Ekus Group), and today she represents nonfiction authors across food and beyond. But more than that, she’s a connector, a mentor, and one of the most generous knowledge-sharers in the industry.In this episode: How to find a literary agent (and what agents are actually looking for)  What makes a strong book proposal—and why it matters  The biggest mistakes first-time authors make  How to approach negotiation (even if you hate it)  Why “write not rushed” is the key to a better book deal  How to think about your creative career long-term You’ll also hear: How improv (“yes, and”) can change how you work and make decisions  Sally’s approach to mentorship, networking, and sharing knowledge  The realities of today’s food media landscape (and how to stand out)  How to prioritize when you feel pulled in a million directions This is a conversation about writing, cooking, and building a career with intention—whether or not a cookbook is in your future.Resources & Links: Sally’s Substack: Not So Secret AgentEverything Cookbooks podcast Subscribe for recipes, essays, and more: catherinesmart.substack.comIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone dreaming about their next creative step.Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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

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 newsletterSign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcastFollow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXfFollow 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-MXListen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0Connect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Zoë Komarin:Zoë’s Substack MouthBrainZoë’s InstagramZoëFoodPartyNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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://www.catherinesmart.com/podcastFollow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXfFollow 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-MXListen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0Connect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Aaron Cohen:Instagram @icecreamgraciesGracie’s Ice CreamNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 newsletterSign up for the NFC newsletter here: https://catherinesmart.substack.com/Check out Catherine's website: https://www.catherinesmart.com/podcastFollow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXfFollow 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-MXListen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0Connect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with :Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Georgia Freedman:Snacking Dinners Substack“Snacking Dinners” cookbookGeorgia’s websiteGeorgia’s InstagramNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Justin Burke:Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with PrideTaste This SubstackThat Ate PodcastJustin’s InstagramNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 that shaped his culinary passion. Kamaal also reflects on the resilience required in business and the lessons learned along the way. Additionally, Kamaal shares insights on balancing family life with entrepreneurship and some tips on what to order at a Caribbean restaurant.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://www.catherinesmart.com/podcastFollow NFC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notfromconcentratepod/Follow NFC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfromconcentratepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91UDdutZOXfFollow 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-MXListen to the NFC podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZkwq43lAyBt5MFBY5TLy?si=8704410057314570&nd=1&dlsi=506cacaea3e94be0Connect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Kamaal Jarrett:Hillside Harvest Sauce@hillsideharvestsauce on InstagramHillside Harvest Sauce on AmazonNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 shares her experiences with ADHD, her love for sauerkraut, and always writing up to the deadline. Vivian also offers valuable advice for aspiring food media creatives and shares her strategies for calming chaos in the kitchen.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Vivian Howard:vivianhoward.com kitchencurioustv.comvivsfridge.comvivianhoward.com/deep-run-rootsvivianhoward.com/thiswillmakeittastegoodpbs.org/show/chefs-life/Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 the importance of sustainable eating habits and the role of fiber and protein in managing health. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on dietary choices and the significance of personalized nutrition advice.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Skylar Griggs:newburystreetnutrition.comNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 planning and task initiation strategies. The discussion also highlights the need for creativity and joy in cooking, as well as practical solutions to make meal preparation less overwhelming. They explore the creative process behind their content, the importance of speaking with ADHDers about their experiences, and how they incorporate personal experiences into their advice. Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Ammaar Khan and Esteban Perez Mendoza:The ADHD WeaselNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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, the challenges she faced growing up, and how she has learned to embrace her unique mind. She emphasizes the importance of creating a community for those with ADHD and making cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their neurodivergence.catherinesmart.com

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 how to be successful when baking with them. They explore metrics vs. volume in baking, and what it takes to make budget-balanced recipes and meals.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Rebecca Firkser:www.rebeccafirkser.comNickel & Dine“Galette!”Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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, tips for budget-friendly gifting, and recommendations for kitchen gear that can be swapped to practice sustainability in the kitchen. Ariel also shares insight into her research process for crafting gift guides, which includes supporting small businesses and creators.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Ariel:Rel’s Recs124 food gifts for food people31 ideas to reduce plastic, single-use items, and food waste in your kitchenNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 your guests joy when it comes to food. Colu and Alexis also discuss their newest collaboration together called “Double Take” on Substack, where they both curate their own unique recipe using the same ingredients.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokConnect with Colu and Alexis:Double TakeColu CooksSide DishNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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” Hillary shares her insights on the intersection of restaurant cooking and home cooking and how she overcomes perfectionism in her home cooking journey. Additionally, she highlights how condiments can spark creativity in the kitchen and shares tips on how parents and work Adult Dinner into their own hectic dinner time routines.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokHillary’s Substack: “What Are We Having?”Not From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer

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 the challenges of recipe development. Rose emphasizes the importance of simplicity in cooking, the joy of family traditions, and the value of life experience in the culinary world. They also touch on the significance of creativity in the kitchen and how to calm the chaos of daily life.Click Here to sign up for the Not From Concentrate newsletterConnect with Catherine:Podcast websiteWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Catherine on InstagramThe Not From Concentrate Podcast InstagramCatherine's TiktokThe Not from Concentrate TiktokNot From Concentrate team:Catherine Smart, Host/Executive ProducerKevin O’Connell, Audio and Video ProductionAllie Miller, Associate Producer