Advertise on podcast: Two Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Cooking itself is an act of mindfulness and one of the healthiest things that we can do. This is a great episode with Adam Kingl, author of Executive eats, speaker and business academic at University College London School of Management and Imperial College London Business School. While Lauren sat this one out to get into her studies, Janel and Adam chat about the overlap between food, health, performance, and creativity. Adam shares how his work as a business academic and his book, Executive Eats, led him to think about nutrition not just as fuel, but as a tool for better focus, energy, mood, and leadership.They also dig into the idea that cooking itself can be a mindfulness practice. The conversation moves from British cuisine and food culture to self-mastery, improvisation in the kitchen, and why learning to cook can improve confidence far beyond mealtime. Links: Executive Eats by Adam Kingl: https://bookshop.org/shop/ohletzgrow Adam Kingl Website: https://adamkingl.com/ Ditch the Mealtime Overwhelm FREE Masterclass Sign Up: https://renew.ohletzgrow.com/program Key topicsAdam Kingle introduces himself as a business academic at University College London School of Management and Imperial College London Business School. He explains that Executive Eats connects nutrition with personal and professional performance.Janel frames the podcast’s bigger mission around food and health, and helping people take more ownership of their well-being.Adam discusses the book’s concept: a cookbook for a better working life, with recipes designed to support focus, sustained energy, mood, concentration, and anxiety management.He explains the book’s structure: he and co-author Jakob, a molecular biologist, started with nutrients and ingredients that support performance, then built 100 recipes around them.Adam shares a formative cooking memory from college, when he made Christmas goose and flaming plum pudding from Julia Child recipes. The experience gave him confidence in the kitchen and respect for reliable recipe authors.Janel shares her own food journey from farm life to chef work, agriculture science, and soil science, and explains how her memoir weaves recipes into personal storytelling.The conversation turns to the food system and the gap between what people eat, how food is produced, and how food choices affect the environment and long-term health.Cooking is reframed as mindfulness: Adam says regular cooking can reduce stress and support lower blood pressure, less anxiety and depression, and better memory and motor function.Janel describes her Mindful Meals Mastery program, which helps people move past excuses like lack of time or skill and build a healthier relationship with cooking through simple recipes and reflection.They talk about self-mastery and growth mindset, including how learning to cook builds confidence and problem-solving skills that can carry into other parts of life.Both speakers highlight improvisation and creativity in the kitchen, from recipe accidents to signature desserts, arguing that mistakes can lead to breakthroughs.Adam closes with a practical message: cook more, know what you are putting in your body, and choose ingredients to support the outcomes you want—including better energy without relying only on caffeine.

Let be real, we don't always eat right. But what should we eat, and how does that help keep us healthy. This Real Food Conversation covers the topics of questioning official health advice, personal health experiences, the limitations of the healthcare system, and the importance of holistic health and nutrition. We also delve into the myths and truths about health, the impact of medication, and the significance of real food and proper nutrition. Our conversation covers a range of topics related to nutrition, health, and holistic wellness. He emphasizes the importance of real food, the impact of ultra-processed foods, the significance of potassium, sodium, and gut health, and the role of antibiotics and natural healing methods. We even discuss the impact of laughter, gratitude, and social connections on overall health and wellness. Book: How to be Happy Healthy and Whole Seed Oil Scout App Takeaways Holistic health and nutrition are essential for overall well-beingThe healthcare system has limitations in treating chronic conditions Real food is essential for healthThe impact of ultra-processed foods on health is significant Chapters 00:00 Questioning Official Health Advice02:19 Personal Health Experiences06:03 Limitations of the Healthcare System13:14 Myths and Truths About Health15:28 Importance of Real Food and Nutrition23:56 Real Food and Ultra-Processed Foods24:29 The Role of Potassium, Sodium, and Gut Health25:29 The Impact of Antibiotics and Natural Healing42:23 The Importance of Laughter, Gratitude, and Social Connections

Yes, we're getting personal in this episode. Reality, dreams, and what brought us to working in the food world. The podcast episode features an introduction to 'Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen' and delves into the hosts' personal culinary journey, emphasizing the impact of food on health and well-being. The conversation explores the intersection of food and health, highlighting the hosts' experiences and insights. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing work and personal life, particularly in the food service industry. It also explores the impact of the industry on mental health and the vision for the future, focusing on holistic health and well-being. Takeaways Food and health as a central themePersonal backstory and culinary journeyThe impact of food on health and well-being Balancing work and personal lifeImpact of food service industry on mental health Chapters 00:00 The Journey Between Farm and Fork34:38 Navigating the Wilderness47:30 The Paradox of Being a Chef53:36 Vision for the Future Mindful Meals Mastery program

Looks maxing promises better beauty, but at what cost? Janel and Lauren unpack the internet’s obsession with cosmetic perfection, and make the case that true longevity has a lot more to do with health, confidence, and self-acceptance than chasing the latest trend.The conversation gets real fast as they break down what “looks maxing” actually means, from soft maxing basics like skincare and grooming to hard maxing extremes like plastic surgery, limb lengthening, and even the alarming bone-smashing trend. They also unpack the rise of “mogging,” the pressure young people feel from social media, and why so many people end up looking less like themselves and more like everyone else.Janel and Lauren share a deeper critique of beauty culture rooted in lived experience. They talk about the danger of optimizing for external validation, how social media distorts what is normal, and why fitting in at any cost can leave you more insecure, not less. Lauren introduces the idea of “longevity maxing” as a healthier alternative, while Janel brings the conversation back to body acceptance, strength, and what it actually means to age well. You’ll also hear them trace cosmetic enhancement from ancient Egypt and India to modern plastic surgery, separating genuinely restorative procedures from purely elective changes driven by pressure and comparison. They explore who benefits from these choices, where the line is between self-expression and self-erasure, and why community, mindset, and self-worth matter more than a filtered face. Then they pivot to the healthy food side of longevity with one of their favorite foods: avocados. From simple avocado toast to cucumber-avocado soup and easy no-cook ideas, they close with practical, nourishing ways to support your body without overcomplicating self-care.Perfect for anyone tired of beauty trends, curious about the psychology behind cosmetic culture, or looking for a healthier, more grounded way to think about aging, confidence, and taking care of yourself.

Food Trends Through the Decades: From Canning to Dubai ChocolateLauren and Janel trace a century of food trends, from the rise of commercial canning and convenience foods to the modern push toward fermentation, high-protein eating, and real-food cooking. Along the way, they connect food history to changing family structures, industrialization, health messaging, and why some trends stick while others fade.This episode is a mix of food history, personal memory, and a broader conversation about how ultra-processed foods shaped American eating habits. Lauren and Janel also dig into why cooking skills matter, how food trends reflect culture, and what a healthier food future might look like. Timestamps 04:02 - Introducing the episode: food trends and America’s relationship with ultra-processed food 06:17 - Early convenience foods and the beginnings of mass production 08:24 - Commercial canning, mechanized meat packing, and the rise of food industry scale 10:34 - Oreo cookies, shortening, and how ingredient lists changed over time 13:22 - Prohibition cocktails and the legacy of Bee’s Knees, Sidecar, and Gin Rickey 15:01 - Depression-era cooking, rationing, Victory Gardens, and creative survival food 18:18 - TV dinners, casseroles, suburban convenience, and postwar food culture 20:19 - Tang, microwaves, astronaut food, and the rise of packaged novelty 24:21 - Farm-to-table roots, local food interest, and the push back against industrial food 25:21 - Jello salads, ambrosia, fondue, aspic, and the spectacle of 1960s food 30:47 - Fast food chains, car culture, and how mobility changed American eating 32:12 - Julia Child’s influence and the return of real cooking 34:40 - Fat-free diets, the Pritikin era, and the bad science around eggs and cholesterol 40:47 - Nouvelle cuisine, California cuisine, and the shift toward lighter, fresher plating 42:56 - Convenience foods for everyone: Hot Pockets, Lunchables, pizza bagels, and colorful cereals 45:25 - Food status reversals: lobster, monkfish, wings, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic trends 49:36 - The 2000s and 2010s: health food revival, gourmet fast casual, and molecular gastronomy 54:26 - Why ultra-processed foods feel unlike food to the body 57:26 - Endocrine disruption, pregnancy, synthetic additives, and how toxins get stored 61:05 - Crohn’s, health ownership, and the gap between symptom management and true prevention 63:40 - Food as medicine and the need for more nutrition education in medical training 67:55 - Prescription food programs and the importance of taking responsibility for health 70:21 - Slow food, food deserts, addiction to processed food, and rebuilding healthier habits 72:03 - Sourdough, fermentation, kimchi, kombucha, and gut health 73:19 - High-protein trends, gluten-free culture, and why some people react differently to bread 75:02 - Dubai chocolate, why it went viral, and the skepticism around trendy sweets 78:24 - Non-alcoholic drinks, THC beverages, and conspicuous leisure on social media 80:01 - Why cooking should not be gendered and why kids belong in the kitchen 83:08 - Teaching children knife safety, responsibility, and confidence through cooking 87:12 - Cooking as a life skill that improves outcomes, not just a hobby

The conversation delves into the importance of water, the safety of tap water, contaminants in tap water, water filtration systems, and hydration and water consumption. It explores the significance of clean drinking water, the safety of tap water, the presence of contaminants, the effectiveness of filtration systems, and the recommended water consumption. The conversation covers various aspects of hydration, including the importance of water, electrolytes, remineralizing water, Kangen water, and the impact of microplastics in water bottles. It also delves into the health implications of hydration and the role of pH in water. Takeaways Water is essential for life and human healthTap water safety depends on location and qualityContaminants in tap water can be filtered outDifferent filtration systems have varying effectivenessRecommended water consumption is at least 8 glasses per day Proper hydration is essential for overall healthElectrolytes play a crucial role in hydration and mineral balance Show Links: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=FL4430259 https://waterfilterguru.com/best-under-sink-water-filter-reviews/ Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Water05:05 Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?10:58 Contaminants in Tap Water19:56 Water Filtration Systems24:00 Hydration and Water Consumption24:58 Hydration and Health25:41 Electrolytes and Hydration30:25 Remineralizing Water33:46 Kangen Water and pH37:25 Microplastics and Water Bottles

The conversation explores the concept of food as medicine and the role of anti-inflammatory foods in promoting health. It delves into the impact of dietary choices on inflammation and discusses the use of anti-inflammatory ingredients in cooking. The conversation emphasizes the significant impact of food on overall health and well-being. The conversation covers topics related to mindful eating, inflammatory foods, and meal preparation. It delves into the impact of breakfast on inflammation, the relationship between stress and food, the benefits of oatmeal and turmeric, and various lunch options for an anti-inflammatory diet. Takeaways Food as medicineAnti-inflammatory foods Mindful eatingInflammatory foodsMeal preparation Chapters 00:00 The Power of Food as Medicine01:15 Inflammation and Dietary Choices02:38 Cooking with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients03:26 The Impact of Food on Health05:46 Mindful Eating and Inflammation06:28 Breakfast and Inflammation07:10 Stress and Food09:06 Oatmeal and Turmeric12:05 Lunch Options

Lauren and Janel discuss dopamine. Why this feel good chemical can trap us into habits that make us feel worse in the long run. We offer a candid discussion about why we doom scroll and ways to stop the habit in its tracks. We also have a repeat kitchen battle this week. We are replaying the cabbage recipes as we are on summer holiday and were not able to get new recipes done in time. I hope you enjoy this episode.

What makes a pie...a pie? The episode delves into the definition of pie, the controversy of cheesecake as a pie, the origin and symbolism of apple pie, and the debate over cheddar cheese on apple pie. It also explores the variety of pie types and their cultural significance. The conversation covers a range of topics related to pies, including cheesecake preferences, pie history, varieties of pies, and a pie-off challenge. Stick around until the end to hear the outcome of the food challenge, sweet or savory, which ever way you slice it, both are delicious. Takeaways The debate over whether cheesecake is a pie or a cakeThe marketing and symbolism of apple pie as an American staple Basque cheesecake is less finicky than New York cheesecakeThe word 'pie' may originate from the magpie birdThe Pie and Pastry Bible is a recommended cookbook for pie enthusiastsStrudel making requires patience and a large surface areaThe pie-off challenge introduces unique pie recipes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pie Discussion07:15 Shepherd's Pie and Other Varieties13:07 Marketing and Symbolism of Apple Pie19:23 Basque Cheesecake and New York Cheesecake24:23 History of Pie30:17 Varieties of Pie36:03 The Pie and Pastry Bible

The conversation explores the complexities of picky eating, childhood food memories, and the influence of family dynamics on food choices. It delves into the challenges of expanding food choices and addresses the impact of social factors on dietary habits. The conversation covers the topics of picky eating, food preferences, gut health, natural light, environment, and empowering children with food choices. Lena Livinsky shares insights on the impact of gut health on food preferences and the importance of natural light and environment on gut health. The conversation also explores the significance of empowering children with food choices and concludes with information on how to connect with Lena Livinsky. Takeaways Picky eating is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as sensory aversions, oral motor skills, and family dynamics.Understanding the root causes of picky eating and addressing them holistically is crucial for expanding food choices and promoting healthier eating habits. Gut health influences food preferencesNatural light and environment impact gut healthEmpowering children with food choices is important Links to Lena Livinsky: https://lenalivinsky.com/meet Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mealtimes Struggle04:58 Challenges with Vegetables and Family Dynamics09:56 Impact of Household Food Choices15:00 Efforts to Expand Food Choices19:45 Influence of Social Factors on Food Choices24:53 Dietary Habits and Family Dynamics33:39 The Impact of Natural Light and Environment on Gut Health48:05 Empowering Children with Food Choices

A mother and daughter duo discuss the organic debate, inflammation, and health in their podcast, 'Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen'. They emphasize the importance of food, health, and lifestyle, and provide insights into the organic food debate and its impact on health and wellness. The conversation covers the impact of ignoring health issues, the effects of glyphosate on plants, chronic inflammation and medical intervention, herbicide resistance and agricultural impact, organic farming and ecological balance, self-management of inflammation and medical consultation, symptoms of inflammation and health management, purchasing clean and healthy food, dietary changes and lifestyle for inflammation, food choices and inflammation reduction, the role of food in inflammation management, organic certification and farming practices, foods that reduce inflammation, understanding food safety and organic labeling, turmeric and anti-inflammatory properties, organic fertilizers and food safety regulations, and water quality and agricultural practices. The conversation covers topics such as the Inflammation Spectrum by Dr. Will Cole, integrated pest management, organic vs. non-organic nutrition, inflammation and the healing journey, local vs. organic for nutrient density, the inflammation quiz and elimination diet, frozen vs. fresh produce, organic label consideration, eating local and seasonal, Swiss chard recipe challenge, regenerative and sustainable practices, choosing fresh and local produce, simplifying the organic approach, book review of Animal Vegetable Miracle, and supporting a local bookstore. The hosts also engage in a kitchen showdown featuring peas. Links: https://naturesfoodpatch.com/dirtydozenandcleanfifteen/ Takeaways Importance of organic food debateUnderstanding inflammation and its impact on health Chronic inflammation can lead to severe health complicationsUnderstanding food choices and their impact on inflammation is crucial Understanding the impact of inflammation on healthThe importance of choosing fresh, local, and seasonal produceExploring the benefits of regenerative and sustainable farming practices Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage12:49 The Impact of Ignoring Health Issues18:12 Purchasing Clean and Healthy Food24:44 Understanding Food Safety and Organic Labeling29:44 Integrated Pest Management35:01 Swiss Chard Recipe Challenge42:21 Kitchen Showdown: Peas

The conversation covers the impact of toxic kitchen culture, the inspiration for the topic, disappointment and impact of Noma news, the impact of toxic culture on chefs, Noma and Renee Redseppi incidents, impact of toxic culture on young employees, long hours and unpaid labor in kitchens, and personal experience in a professional kitchen. The conversation covers topics related to toxic kitchen culture, sustainability in the culinary industry, labor practices, and the organic debate. It delves into the experiences of working in a busy restaurant, the impact of toxic kitchen culture, and the need for sustainable practices in the culinary industry. Takeaways Toxic kitchen cultureImpact of toxic kitchen culture on chefs and staff Toxic kitchen cultureSustainability in the culinary industry Chapters 00:00 Personal Experience in a Professional Kitchen37:40 Stressful Incidents in the Kitchen46:52 Sustainability in the Culinary Industry58:12 Labor Practices and Awards

Join us as we debate the age-old question: Is a hot dog a sandwich? This lively conversation explores definitions, food categories, and cultural perceptions, with humorous banter and insights from culinary experts. Republished with fixed audio keywords: hot dog, sandwich, food debate, culinary discussion, food categories, cultural food norms key topics Definition of a sandwichHistorical origins of the sandwichFood categorization and cultural perceptions Hosts: Lauren Berube and Janel Ohletz The conversation delves into the age-old debate of whether a hot dog is a sandwich, exploring the origin of the sandwich and its relation to other foods. It then discusses the definition of a sandwich, the inspiration behind tacos, and the similarities between different food items. Finally, it concludes with a debate on categorizing the hot dog and reaching a final decision on its classification. Takeaways The hot dog's classification as a sandwich sparks a lively debateThe origin and definition of a sandwich are explored, shedding light on its relation to other foods Links: Book reviewed: https://bookshop.org/lists/two-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen-booklist

The hosts introduce the show and discuss the format and topics. They delve into specific recipes, comparing and reviewing them, and engage in banter about ingredients and cooking techniques. The conversation also includes discussions on recipe writing challenges and the presentation of dishes. The conversation delves into cooking adventures, recipe feedback, cake recipes, seasoning, and tasting. It explores the disappointment with mushroom soup, pomegranate recipes, adapting recipes for limited kitchen space, and the art of tasting and recipe creation. The discussion also covers cookbook recommendations, the influence of cookbooks on culinary skills, and the great sandwich debate and food controversies. Takeaways Engaging banter and discussion of recipe detailsChallenges of recipe writing and ingredient availability The importance of adapting recipes for limited kitchen spaceThe influence of cookbooks on culinary skills and recipe inspiration Chapters 00:00 Introducing Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen07:17 Asparagus Soup and Blood Orange Cups13:03 Cooking Adventures and Recipe Feedback18:08 Adapting Recipes for Limited Kitchen Space23:11 Cookbook Selection and Recipe Inspiration28:15 The Influence of Cookbooks on Culinary Skills33:37 The Great Sandwich Debate and Food Controversies Links: Book Recommendations

In this episode, Janel and Lauren discuss the benefits of fermented foods for gut health, the process of fermentation, examples of fermented foods, making fermented foods at home, and considerations for consuming fermented foods. They also touch on the potential risks and benefits of fermented foods for certain individuals. The conversation delves into the topic of fermented foods and their impact on gut health. It explores the different types of fermentation, the benefits and risks of consuming fermented foods, and the importance of gut health in overall well-being. The hosts also discuss the process of making fermented foods at home and the significance of traditional food practices. Links for book and suggested sites in episode: Kombucha Sourdough Kits Book Recommendation Takeaways Fermented foods offer a range of benefits for gut health and overall well-being.Making fermented foods at home is a simple and rewarding process that can provide unique health benefits. Fermented foods can have a positive impact on gut healthThe quality and source of fermented foods are crucial for reaping their benefits Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage08:56 Making Fermented Foods at Home and Store-Bought Options14:07 Fermented Foods vs. Probiotics and Considerations for Consumption22:18 Who Should Avoid Fermented Foods and Conclusion30:30 The Impact of Fermented Foods on Gut Health36:08 The Significance of Gut Health in Overall Well-being45:21 Making Fermented Foods at Home