Stay ConnectedNot From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen.
Copyright: © 2026 Not From Concentrate
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.
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
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.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Bake the cookies that make people ask for the recipe.
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart sits down with creator Mallory Oniki of The Palatable Life and author of The Cookie Club Cookbook to talk about the cookies that shaped our childhoods, the science behind better baking, and why homemade cookies have a way of bringing people together.
From nostalgic grocery store sugar cookies to the perfect chocolate chip cookie, Mallory shares practical baking tips, favorite techniques, and the inspiration behind her wildly popular Cookie Club. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an excuse to soften a stick of butter, this conversation will leave you ready to preheat the oven.
This episode is also a sweet entry point into ADHD cooking: simple systems, sensory joy, creative momentum, and the satisfaction of making something people love. Catherine and Mallory talk about baking as both craft and comfort — and how ADHD creativity can show up in the kitchen one cookie at a time.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack.
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
What if cooking felt less like a performance and more like play? In this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart sits down with chef, pop-up creator, and food writer Zoë Komarin to talk about finding more joy, curiosity, and ease in the kitchen.
Zoë shares how letting go of perfection can make cooking more creative, why mistakes often lead to the best meals, and the mindset shifts that help transform everyday cooking from a chore into a source of connection and delight. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone who feels stressed the moment you start chopping an onion, this conversation is an invitation to loosen up and have more fun.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack.
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Building a community starts with being willing to make the ask.
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart sits down with Aaron Cohen, owner of Gracie’s Ice Cream, musician, event organizer, and longtime community builder, to talk about creativity, entrepreneurship, and why the strongest communities are built by people who show up.
Aaron shares lessons from launching businesses, organizing events, and creating opportunities for others, along with practical advice for anyone who struggles with self-promotion, networking, or asking for help. They also talk about small business marketing, building authentic relationships, and, of course, making really great ice cream.
For listeners interested in ADHD creativity, this conversation is a reminder that creative work often grows through connection, momentum, experimentation, and asking before you feel fully ready. And because this is a food podcast for busy brains, Catherine and Aaron also dig into how food businesses become places where people gather, return, and feel part of something.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
On this episode of Not From Concentrate, Catherine Smart talks with Clare Langan about her wide-ranging career in food — from working as a private chef to producing culinary content behind the scenes.
Clare shares what it really takes to create beautiful, functional food experiences, whether she’s cooking for clients, producing a shoot, hosting a dinner party, or collaborating on a cookbook. She and Catherine talk about the balance between aesthetics and practicality in the kitchen, the value of good tools, and the small systems that make cooking and entertaining feel less chaotic — especially for anyone interested in ADHD cooking, organization, and making time in the kitchen feel more approachable.
They also get into ADHD creativity, finding your voice in food media, and how to stay inspired without getting overwhelmed. Clare offers practical advice for home cooks who want to feel more confident, prepared, and creative in the kitchen.
Not From Concentrate is a food podcast for busy brains from host Catherine Smart — a cook, writer, mom, and creative entrepreneur with ADHD.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and food lovers about sparking creativity, calming chaos, and finding joy in (and out) of the kitchen + subscribe to the Not From Concentrate newsletter on Substack
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Georgia Freedman:
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Justin Burke:
Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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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:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Kamaal Jarrett:
@hillsideharvestsauce on Instagram
Hillside Harvest Sauce on Amazon
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
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