On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Grasie Mercedes @grasiemercedes and we dished about way more than food. A podcast host herself  on @notblankenoughpod Grasie also acts, writes, and directs her own projects. She pulled back the curtain on what goes down in a writers room (she was on staff for Perfect Harmony), how being the oldest in her family shaped her, and the importance of having faith in yourself even if you don't feel "ready yet or qualified enough". Grasie also discussed...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Tiana Okoye @tee_ohhh and we dished about way more than food. Of course we covered her time on Broadway and being an actor in a new production, as was her case in The Cher Show. She talked about how COVID has illuminated a lot of cracks in the systems we have in place and the measures she and her community are taking to make lasting change- one of them being Broadway via @broadwayforracialjustice. The push for more diversity and inclusivity is...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Emily Fedner of @foodloversdiary and we dished about way more than food. Of course we covered her Babushka's famous vareniki and her early days where her love of food was formed, but as usual we dove much deeper. Emily opened up about her struggle to find a career in food that was not only meaningful, but fulfilling, how her her days as a line cook forever changed her, and how it's not been as easy of a road as instagram may show. She's an open...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Ellen Marie Bennet, founder of Hedley and Bennett, an incredible work wear brand outfitting chefs in restaurants and kitchens around the world. But what Ellen created is much more than functional and quality aprons- it's a global community of like-minded makers, who are in fact making a difference. Ellen for example, completely pivoted her apron operations mid-March and their warehouses started to produce face masks. Their buy-one, give-one...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with photographer, Sophie Kuller, @sophkuller and we chatted about everything from how she transitioned artistic careers (from ballet to photography), to how the two of us met (Instagram, a puppy, a dock and Scotland were involved), to how she's staying creative during COVID. She shares memorable meals and how the best way to care for someone during a time of loss is to just do. She is an incredibly special person and has filled me with so much...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with podcast host, and as I dub her- the culinary mayor of LA- Kate Green @funwithkate We talk in depth about how the restaurant industry she used to call home (she stumbled into working at the Mozza Restaurant Group and never left!) has been hit hard during this pandemic, and the pivots people are taking to make ends meet. She shared multiple LA organizations that are giving back to those who have been hit hardest- and how the service industry and...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with journalist, cookbook author and culinary guide, Katie Parla, @katieparla . A resident of Rome since 2003, Katie and I chatted all things cookbook writing, being a consultant on Master of None, why you shouldn't buy Barilla pasta and how she got to work with the legendary Stanley Tucci. From ways to help the Italian economy during these time, to how she started her own podcast, Gola- we really ran the gambit of topics. Pro tip: enjoy this episode...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, writer, dessert enthusiast and oatmeal influencer, Sarah Schenkkan of @actress_eats We talk about everything from visceral food memories, to solo trips, to establishing herself in NYC after getting a BFA at UMiami. She's a period piece queen and you can catch her on Z, Turn, and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to name a few. Currently quarantined in Brooklyn, she is at the helm of Kitchen Rodeo, offering virtual cooking classes with donations...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress & singer Kelly Lamor Wilson. We talk about her Georgia roots, her first bookings, how she trusted her gut and decided that college wasn’t her path, and being an advocate for mental health. We open the body image can of worms and give that the space it deserves- and why these issues need to be talked about and how she turned that into a cabaret show at 54 Below called ‘I Am Woman’. 👵🏻NANA’S RICE PILAF🍚 1 cup white rice 1 stick...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, writer, director and creative spirit, Nika Burnett @nikaburnett We talked about how she went from being an athlete, to an undeclared major, to falling in love with philosophy which ultimately landed her into filmmaking. She is a firm believer of 'learning by doing', and it shows as in her recently released bi-lingual film, Brindisi which is currently making its way through the festival circuit. She is a bright light, a champion of...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with cookbook author, recipe developer, and food blogger, Kylie Mazon-Chambers aka @cookingwithcocktailrings We talked about how she went from being a picky eater to a kitchen boss (there may have been some sibling rivalry involved😏), how her family encouraged her to follow her passion of cooking, what inspired her handle “cooking with cocktail rings”, her cookbook writing process AND the importance of taco cash 🌮💵 PRE-ORDER HER BOOK CLICK for her...

TODAY'S GUEST: @madrymccormick  On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, Maddie McCormick. We talked about how she navigated Hollywood during her time at UCLA, growing up (with me!) and spilling some high school shenanigans. And Maddie talks about the importance of having a full life and self-love as the keys to her success as an actress...Plus a fun story involving Drake and Skittles. AUNT KAY'S SHEET CAKE 2 c sugar 2 c sifted flour 1 cup butter 1/4 c cocoa 1 c water 1/2 c...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, Madeleine Byrne and we chatted all things growing up in the 90's, food and body image, and funny service industry stories. We swapped our favorites (mine involved Amy Poehler, hers involved the crowd at GOAL Sports Bar in LA *cough* Leonardo DiCaprio *cough*) and how the crews we worked with turned into our best friends and family. WASH YOUR HANDS and support your local restaurants!  FOLLOW Madeleine: @madeleinebyrnee // watch her on...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with, Allison McNamara, the founder of Mara- a clean + cruelty free indie beauty brand. We talked about her conception of Mara, her other roles as the Editorial Director for Mane Addicts and digital influencer, how she transitioned from hosting (she was previously at E! and Pop TV!), and what it takes to keep innovating as a company.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with singer/songwriter, Elizabeth Lyons, and we talked about building a music career from the ground up, how she handles negativity in the music industry, her songwriting process, working through roadblocks and of course her family recipe and favorite restaurants.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with my immediate family: Sue, Dale & Quinn post Thanksgiving to talk family traditions, nostalgic foods, Dale's Chili, throwing killer house parties, and my parent's favorite topic: logistics. We dove into how the chili became so famous, the differences of how my parents grew up vs. Quinn & I, and Midwest living. As families do -well my family at least- there's lots of poking fun at one another, talking over each other and plenty of laughs.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Nick LaKind of @TrailofGold and we chatted all things food. More specifically his LA roots, why he started his ode to the late Jonathan Gold, an epic tale of how he got to eat at the world's top restaurant, Osteria Francescana, what kind of tomatoes make the best bruschetta, and of course his favorite LA restaurants.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Corey Marshall of @MissFoodieProblems I met Corey about 4 years ago when I reached out to her via instagram to grab some food. We met in Echo Park and discovered we had more in common than our love of food-like Corey said, food is the glue between relationships, and I'm so happy it's our glue too. Listen to hear how she transitioned into the food world from fashion, what her favorite thing is to order from Pie n' Burger in Pasadena...

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Adam Cherney, Chef de Cuisine at A.O.C. Wine Bar in Los Angeles. I met Adam a little over 3 years ago when I started working as a server at said restaurant and we became fast friends. Two years ago, when I had a video wine series, Adam was the first guest on the show and we made a summer grill series- linked in the show notes. This time, we talked how he got in the restaurant biz (surprise it wasn't until later in life), why you...

In this bonus episode of Family Meal, I deviate from the normal interview format and get down and dirty with my recent European Solo Travels. This episode covers my time spent in Modena...yes that Modena from Master of None Season Two and known its world famous cuisine!

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Jess Schmidt, GM of Little Dom's in LA and former GM of Dominick's. I met Jess 6 years ago when she gave me my first job as a hostess at Dominick's in West Hollywood. She is the reason I really know what "Family Meal" means in the restaurant sense. We chatted our midwest roots, why being nice always wins, where to get the BEST PANCAKES IN LA, and shared lots and lots of Dominick's stories and memories!

In this bonus episode of Family Meal, I deviate from the normal interview format and get down and dirty with my recent European Solo Travels. This episode covers my time spent in Florence, Italy aka Firenze

In this bonus episode of Family Meal, I deviate from the normal interview format and get down and dirty with my recent European Solo Travels. This episode is an overview of the trip and I discuss why I made the journey, some logistics of solo-traveling and why I decided to rent a car (cue some mishaps!!). Future episodes will be city specific and filled with juicy details, funny stories, and lots of foooood.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Dominick Lofaso, founder and owner of Mad City Boxing in LA. So how do boxing and food relate? Well I met Dom a few years back when he was managing A.O.C. Wine Bar in Los Angeles, and he interviewed (and hired!) me. Now the tables are turned, the mic's on him- he's left the restaurant world to pursue his passion of opening (an amazing!!) boxing gym and he talks growing up in a big Italian-Jewish family, how to open a business, and...