Stay ConnectedA lot of food, a little bit all over the place. A food podcast for busy brains from cook/writer/ADHDer Catherine Smart.
Tune in for conversations with chefs, authors, creators, and neurodivergent food lovers. We talk personal and professional journeys, sparking creativity, and calming chaos to find joy in (and out) of the kitchen.
Copyright: © 2026 Not From Concentrate
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 poetic journey to becoming a remarkable writer (which, to no one’s surprise, requires tons of writing). Like everyone else who cooks at home, Sheryl knows cooking is a grind that can leave you feeling uninspired. So, she shares some of her own tips to help fellow busy brains get their creative juices flowing in the kitchen.
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Connect with Sheryl Julian:
Sheryl’s latest at the Boston Globe
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Visit The Dinner Plan here: thedinnerplan.substack.com
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.
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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
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Tenaya Darlington:
Buy Tenaya’s most recent book “Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese”
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Visit The Dinner Plan here: thedinnerplan.substack.com
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.
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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 Rebecca Eisenberg:
Preorder Rebecca’s upcoming cookbook “Small-Batch Breads”
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Visit The Dinner Plan here: thedinnerplan.substack.com
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.
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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 Sally Ekus:
Sally’s Substack, where you can find Not So Secret Agent
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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 Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Follow 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-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 Zoë Komarin:
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 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.
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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 Aaron Cohen:
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 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.
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Follow 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-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 :
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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The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
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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The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
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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
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.
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The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Vivian Howard:
vivianhoward.com/deep-run-roots
vivianhoward.com/thiswillmakeittastegood
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 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
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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 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Ammaar Khan and Esteban Perez Mendoza:
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Rebecca Firkser:
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 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Ariel:
124 food gifts for food people
31 ideas to reduce plastic, single-use items, and food waste in your kitchen
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Connect with Colu and Alexis:
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Hillary’s Substack: “What Are We Having?”
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie 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.
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Connect with Catherine:
The Not From Concentrate Podcast Instagram
The Not from Concentrate Tiktok
Not From Concentrate team:
Catherine Smart, Host/Executive Producer
Kevin O’Connell, Audio and Video Production
Allie Miller, Associate Producer
Visit The Dinner Plan here: thedinnerplan.substack.com
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