Food Fusion

In this Food Fusion episode, Charles Mathison continues his series on “Living Into Enough” by examining the relationship between digital overstimulation and unconscious eating habits. He explores how constant screen time mirrors mindless snacking—both driven by impulse rather than intention—and urges listeners to pause and reconnect with their bodies, their food, and their inner clarity.Drawing inspiration from The Siren’s Call by Chris Matthews, Charles discusses the importance of protecting our attention and energy through small digital detoxes: turning off phones, muting notifications, and embracing quiet moments like walks or phone-free meals. These practices reset the nervous system and encourage presence.Charles then shifts to food, advocating for mindful eating and identifying the difference between cravings and real nourishment. He shares personal strategies for upgrading snacks—replacing sugary and salty junk food with satisfying, nutrient-rich alternatives like mango and broth-cooked barley.The episode wraps up with a look at 2025’s wellness-driven food trends, including nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms. These ingredients are increasingly used to support mental clarity and emotional balance, showing how food is becoming a form of everyday therapy.The key takeaway? When we slow down—digitally and nutritionally—we give ourselves space to feel truly nourished, aligned, and at peace.Links “The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource”  by Chris Matthewshttps://amzn.to/44JYg5T 

 In this episode of Food Fusion, host Charles Mathison explores the idea of “Living Into Enough,” a lifestyle philosophy that challenges the relentless pursuit of more—more money, more achievements, more stuff—and invites us to consider the power of sufficiency and intentionality instead. Drawing from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism and Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity, Charles unpacks how redefining success as value over volume can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. The episode ties this philosophy to food habits, encouraging mindful eating rather than overconsumption. Charles also shares a recent dining experience at “Beds Thai,” where he enjoyed a vibrant mango and shrimp salad, highlighting how food can be both indulgent and nourishing when approached with presence. He also reflects on the underestimated superpower of sleep, noting that better rest has boosted his productivity and creativity more than sacrificing hours ever could. Finally, the episode spotlights the growing trend of non-alcoholic bars, especially in NYC, where sober socializing is on the rise. Charles introduces listeners to places like Hekate Café and Getaway, where zero-proof cocktails offer flavor and flair without the booze—proving that enjoying life doesn’t have to mean overindulging.  LinksThai Mango and Shrimp Salad https://www.hwcmagazine.com/recipe/spicy-shrimp-salad-with-cilantro-lime-dressing/#recipe Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Lesshttps://amzn.to/445NSVY  Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to Youby Ali Abdaalhttps://amzn.to/3GoI3cg  Beds ThaiAddress: 1185 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216Phone: (347) 985-1199Menu: orderbedsthai.comThe Best Bars for Non-Alcoholic Drinks in New York Cityhttps://www.vogue.com/article/best-non-alcoholic-bars-new-york-city?  

In this episode of Food Fusion, Charles explores what it means to live into enough—an honest reflection on stepping off the hamster wheel of "more" and redefining success on your own terms. Inspired by the books Essentialism by Greg McKeown and Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, this episode weaves together personal insights, food reflections, and lifestyle shifts that center well-being, sufficiency, and rest. From rethinking how we stock our fridges to savoring meals slowly, Charles challenges the hustle culture mindset and invites listeners to embrace the power of simplicity.Plus, he dives into a fast-growing trend: the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails in NYC’s bar scene. Did you know New York now has 23 sober bars? Tune in to hear about standout spots like Hekate Café and Getaway—and why alcohol-free drinking is not just healthy, but also smart business.Charles also shares his new approach to sleep as productivity’s secret weapon and why treating yourself—whether it’s a mango-shrimp salad at a local Thai restaurant or a night off from overachievement—is a radical act of self-care.

In this episode of Food Fusion, I’m diving into some of my latest snack creations—from bold wasabi pretzel bites to rich olive oil–soaked sandwiches and versatile rice cake combos that just might replace your bread. I also take you into the kitchen to talk about prepping carbs for the week—why pasta shape matters and how rice can be the foundation for quick, flavorful meals. Plus, in the lifestyle segment, I’m sharing how moving my planning system online using Sheets has been a total game changer. Stick around to the end for a travel hack that’ll make your next airport trip a breeze. Let’s get into it!Food1. El Yucateco Habanero Saucehttps://amzn.to/3RrYkzp2. Pretzel Chipshttps://amzn.to/42pVDES 3. Eataly NYChttps://www.eataly.com/us_en/new-york-city Lifestyle 1. Google Sheets - You decide how you want to organize for yourself. sheets.google.com2. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry - My video breaks this service down a bit furtherhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxwtciG2tyQ&t=98s

Welcome to  Food Fusion, the podcast where cooking meets culture, inspiration, and conversation. In this episode, we explore how to set the tone for long cooking sessions—perfect for meal prepping or simply losing yourself in the kitchen. Discover how YouTube channels like Great Art Explained, audiobooks from icons like Ina Garten and Barack Obama, and even MasterClass can make cooking more enriching. We’ll also dive into the politics of food, discussing how mass deportations could impact our food supply and quality of life. Eataly200 5th AvenueNew York NY https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-flatironLevain Bakery2 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011https://levainbakery.com/pages/bakeries?srsltid=AfmBOorzfeVy0MRYwNrxAKpD1sPPJgGv-kbjmop-NlzYlqVD81ifiSRjLa Cabra Coffee Roasters1329 Willoughby AveUnit #161Brooklyn, NY 11237https://us.lacabra.com/pages/bushwick?showBanner=false&lastClicked=1737596645865Great Art Explained by James Payne  - AWESOME CHANNEL! https://www.youtube.com/@GreatArtExplainedAudiobooks"Be Ready When Luck Happens: A Memoir" by Ina Garten https://amzn.to/3CfNQzj"A Promised Land" by Barack Obama https://amzn.to/4hpI50RMasterclass"Scripting Your Own Success" by Mindy Kalinghttps://www.masterclass.com/classes/scripting-your-own-successSend me an email at [email protected]. Let me know what you think! 

In this episode of Food Fusion, I’m taking you on a journey through some of my favorite rediscoveries and adventures. I’ll share how I hosted a mobile cocktail party during the holidays, featuring drinks like Moscow Mules, Salty Dogs, and the classic Cosmopolitan—it was a fun and creative way to connect with friends and try new flavors.I also dive into my recent weekday wine habit—why a light Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc has become my go-to for decompressing after a long day. Plus, I’m back in my latte phase, frothing up espresso drinks that make my days feel a little more luxurious.And for food, I talk about my current obsession with ground chicken—from Greek Chicken Stew to Thai-style lettuce cups—and how Aloha bread makes sliders and sandwiches next-level delicious.Finally, I share the scoop on the Passport to Bushwick, a little book that gets you free drinks at over 30 iconic spots in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It’s only $28 right now (but not for long!), and it’s the perfect way to explore the neighborhood with a friend.This episode is all about savoring the little things, whether it’s a drink, a meal, or a moment. So, tune in!Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother, 8 Ounce, Blackhttps://amzn.to/4gNaPATPassport to Bushwick - https://www.passporttobushwick.com/products/passport-to-bushwick-2025-edition?_ga=2.85130265.1455996795.1736729835-1617738635.1736729835 Lemony Greek Chicken, Spinach and Potato Stewhttps://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024015-lemony-greek-chicken-spinach-and-potato-stew?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp_id=4558653123452452&req_id=5017505108091805&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0_relevance_rerankingKentucky Mulehttps://foolproofliving.com/kentucky-mule/Cosmopolitanhttps://www.liquor.com/recipes/cosmopolitan/Salty Doghttps://www.liquor.com/recipes/salty-dog/

In this fiery episode of Food Fusion, you will explore the vibrant flavors of Zhoug, a spicy and herbaceous Yemeni condiment that’s sure to elevate any dish. Discover dynamic favorite pairings for this zesty delight and learn how to bring a spicy flair to your breakfast using everyday ingredients and a dash of Mexican hot sauce.But we’re not stopping there! Dive into the versatility of ginger beer, celebrating its unique spiciness and effervescence, and learn creative ways to incorporate it into your meals and drinks.Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to add a little kick to your culinary repertoire, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for flavor-packed inspiration! Fevertree Ginger Alehttps://amzn.to/3DA2X77El Yucateco Salsa Picante Verde de Chile Habanero, 8 Ounce (2 Pack)https://amzn.to/3ZVtwesQuaker Large Rice Cakeshttps://amzn.to/41Ugtw8Nigerian Pepper Souphttps://cheflolaskitchen.com/african-pepper-soup/The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroffhttps://amzn.to/3BOPJ5LContact Food Fusion at [email protected]#FoodFusion #Zhoug #SpicyFlavors #GingerBeer #FoodInspiration

Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide to mastering meal planning. In this episode, I break down how tapping into culinary resources like YouTube, cookbooks, and magazines can take the stress out of the everyday question, "What's for dinner, breakfast, or lunch?" I share my best tips for daily planning, like prepping ingredients ahead of time and choosing the right containers for packing the perfect work lunch.And just in time for the holiday season, I reveal my exciting cooking plans—experimenting with Indian spices, trying out new techniques, and even incorporating miso into festive dishes. It's a fusion of flavors want to learn about. Tune in and transform the way you approach your meals!Lunch bag I usehttps://amzn.to/3YBtFEi Containers for Dressing and Sauceshttps://amzn.to/4eW43rBSimple Authentic Indian Cuisine: Cookbook with 80 Easy-to-Follow and Delicious Comfort Food Recipes and Regional Specialties https://amzn.to/3A4WmjDContact me at [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/

Welcome to today's episode of Cooking on the Fly, where we explore the art of making the most out of what’s in your kitchen. I decided to focus this episode on cooking with leftovers because, like many of you, I really dislike wasting food. I believe that even with limited ingredients, home cooks can get creative by pairing seasonings selectively and matching them based on the type of food—whether it's a carb, meat, or vegetable.I’ll also share a story from a recent family gathering in Maryland, where I cooked for my sisters using a riff on a roasted chicken recipe they hadn’t tried before. Normally, I make it with sage, rosemary, and soy sauce, but this time I decided to mix things up by using rosemary, garlic, and soy sauce instead. The result? It turned out extraordinary, and my family loved it!In today’s episode, I want to encourage you to step outside the recipe box, trust your instincts, and get a little adventurous in the kitchen. You never know—you might end up with something extraordinary too.

Get ready for a delicious journey in this podcast, where I share the excitement of bringing homemade lunches back into my routine! I'll take you through last week's mouthwatering creations and give you a sneak peek into the upcoming week's irresistible menu. Plus, we’ll dive into the vibrant world of vegetarian Indian cooking with *Simple Authentic Indian Cuisine* and savor the timeless, flavorful dishes from Ina Garten’s *Go To Dinners*. It's going to be a feast for your taste buds!Below are the some the links for this week's menu1. Cabbage Stir Fry (Patta Gobhi Ki Sabzi) with Jerk Legs with Roasted Asparagus Recipe https://ministryofcurry.com/patta-gobhi-ki-sabzi/ Roasted Jerk Chicken Recipehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2jpihP_hB82. Aloo Gobi - Cauliflower and Potatoes and Basmati Rice- Book ISBN: 9783910634251 Simple Authentic Indian Cuisine page 33 3. Beef Lentil Soup - Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/165843/beef-and-lentil-soup4. Classic Caesar Salad from Bon Appétit with ShrimpRecipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/classic-caesar-salad  5. Grilled Chicken Breast with Black Bean Garlic Sauce and String Beans Thursday night Black Bean Garlic Sauce https://amzn.to/47MYIQj 

In this episode I discuss my 3 week staycation (August 2024) in my hometown of Brooklyn, New York in which I rediscovered three neighborhoods directly connected to my district, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. I explore  the vibes, bars and restaurants in Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights.  Links to spots mentioned in the podcast Chez Oskar https://chezoskar.com/L'Antagoniste https://lantagoniste.com/Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe https://www.millefeuille-nyc.comKissa Kissa https://www.kissakissa.us/The Crown Inn https://www.instagram.com/crowninnbk/?hl=enProspect Park https://www.prospectpark.org/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@CharlesMathisonInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesmathison32

In  this podcast, I reflect on the changes that have taken place in Berlin since I first visited in 1998. I share recommendation on finding  good art and design, food and dining experiences. 1. Art and Design Places to Visita. Hackesche Höfehttps://www.visitberlin.de/de/hackesche-hoefeb. Augustrasse in Berlin Mittehttps://www.visitberlin.de/en/going-out-auguststrasse-torstrassec. Lumas Galariehttps://www.lumas.de/galerien/berlin-mitte/ 2. Berlin MuseumsBerlinische Galariea. https://berlinischegalerie.de/en/exhibitions/Bauhaus Museumb. https://www.bauhaus.de/en/3. Dininga. Fensehturm Restauranthttps://tv-turm.de/en/sphere-restaurant/Shiso Burgerb. https://www.shisoburger.com/location/berlin--alte-schonhauser-strasseInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/Contact: [email protected]

In this podcast I talk about how to use Yemeni zhoug sauce and Thai Green Curry with small plates that are vegetable based. I also highlight how Tequila is taking over as the most used liquor in the United States. 1:04  Yemeni zhoug sauce in small plates4:36  Thai green curry in small vegetable plates7:22  Lettuce Wraps10:22 Restaurant Recommendation: Le Botaniste (https://lebotaniste.us/) - Chain vegetarian and organic cafe and wine bar13:16 Tequila is soon to overtake whiskey as the #1 liquor in the United StatesInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesm...

In this episode I reflect on the food and  lifestyle I experienced while in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico during my mid-winter getaway.00:38 Cuba Libre cocktail02:17 Drinking in Puerto Rico03:32 Eating in Puerto Rico05:57 Beach-bumming and relaxing in Old San Juan07:19 Recent food inspirationInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/

In this episode03:05 Anisette liquer - Anise flavored liquer I recently discovered. Sweet and complex, kind of like a luxurious JagermeisterRecipe for D'Amour https://www.absolutdrinks.com/en/drinks/damour-cocktail/ 08:08 Arugula and Pasta recipe https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/linguine-with-arugula-garlic-parmesan/#tasty-recipes-6399408:55 Carrying Dumplings to Get Togethershttps://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/chicken-cilantro-mini-wontons-099085 10:53 Fancy Ice is "IT" NowRecommended Products (I use)1. https://amzn.to/49opqz3Webake Silicone Ice Cube Trays Butter Mold Set of 2, Easy Release Long Ice Cube Sticks For Cocktail and Whisky, Baking Mold For Instant Pot2. https://amzn.to/498yqImglacio Ice Cube Mold Combo - Large Silicone Ice Maker for Whiskey and Cocktails - Perfect for Craft Ice, Whiskey Ice Balls, and Cocktail Ice CubesApple Podcasts Linkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/

In this episode:00:23 The amazing edamame in salads03:36 Tonic water with bitters 06:20 Tobacco Infused Christmas Trees11:10   5 in 1 Mandolins15:27 New Year's 2025 Steak Night with my Dad19:19 Doritos Flavored Liquor20:28 Woman Finds Part of a Human Finger in her SaladRecommended Productshttps://amzn.to/3vkSfx0NACOLUS 5 in 1 Mandoline Multi Blade Potato Veggie Cutter Julienne Shredder Green Vegetable Slicerhttps://amzn.to/41Ho4wdNinja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Greyhttps://amzn.to/4aCXyYV4-in-1 Kitchen Knife Accessories: 3-Stage Knife Sharpener Helps Repair, Restore, Polish Blades and Cut-Resistant Glove (Black)Woman Sues Chopt After Allegedly Finding Part of a Finger in Her Saladhttps://www.foodandwine.com/woman-finds-severed-finger-in-chopt-salad-8408108Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/

In this episode I rate some recent culinary observations. I also talk about my current food cycle which includes Asian inspired dishesWant to do something fun? Join me for "After Hours, Cooking with Charles Mathison", Live on Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@CharlesMathison/streams

In this podcast, I review the highlights of "After Hours" my live cooking event on Youtube in which I cooked Chicken Chow Mein.I also discuss the the current crisis of drink inflation at bars, Era Drinks (the drinks that matured us back in the day), and how the McDonald's sausage biscuit made it's way into my food cycle."After Hours" Cooking event on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@CharlesMathison/streams 

In this episode I discuss how to winterize your diet for the cold season by using hearty vegetables and enjoying hot drinks! I also discuss how to beat the recent scourge of drink inflation at bars!Food cycle = What I've been eating the last 6 weeksFun at HomeAfter Hours, Cooking with Charles Mathison, Live on Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@CharlesMathison/streamsTools to Beat Drink Inflation at Bars:8Pcs Hip Flask for Liquor for Men, 12 Oz & 8 Oz Black Flask Hip Flask Stainless Steel Flask with Leakproof and Funnel Never-Lose Metal Cahttps://amzn.to/3N9hnNg

In this episode I share my current food cycle item: Arugula. I also share about a "me" day I did on the Jersey Shore.  Food cycle = what I've been eating the last 6 weeksCharles Mathison YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4tcxvH4ogkrr-Hh_3MsyLw(MOPAC) Meet Other People and Cook Culinary Events on Youtube, Saturdays at 5pmhttps://www.youtube.com/@mopaconline/streams MOPAC Websitehttps://[email protected]