THE ARTFUL GOURMET PODCAST | With Kristen Hess cover art

THE ARTFUL GOURMET PODCAST | With Kristen Hess

THE ARTFUL GOURMET PODCAST | With Kristen Hess

Written by: Kristen Hess
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 Welcome to the intersection of culinary artistry, creative business, and retro soul. Hosted by Kristen Hess—professional Food Stylist for KitchenAid and Food Network, Commercial Photographer, and featured cast member of the 2026 "Women In Power" TV series—this is the podcast for those who believe life should be lived artfully, one bite at a time. From the high-stakes sets of NYC to the vibrant flavors of the modern kitchen, Kristen pulls back the lens on what it truly takes to build a creative life and a thriving brand. The Artful Gourmet Podcast features three signature series: ✨ INTO FOCUS Bring your vision and your business into high definition. This mindset and motivational series dives deep into the psychology of creativity, the "Art of the Pivot," and the resilience needed to succeed as a modern entrepreneur. 🎙️ UNFILTERED (New Series!) Raw, real, and inspiring conversations with the Creators, Tastemakers, and Movers & Shakers who are redefining their industries. Kristen sits down with world-class entrepreneurs to uncover the unfiltered stories behind their greatest successes and most pivotal lessons. 🕺 GROOVY EATS Step into the culinary time machine! This nostalgic series celebrates the iconic food, music, and culture of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Featuring guest artists and reimagined retro recipes, we’re bringing the "Groovy" back to the kitchen with style and soul. JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or a fan of the "Hero Shot," subscribe to stay inspired, stay focused, and stay groovy. 🔗 Follow Kristen: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmet 👉 Visit Kristen’s Food Blog: http://www.theartfulgourmet.com/ 📸 Food Styling/ Photography Portfolio: https://www.Kristen-Hess.com 🎥 Watch Kristen in "Women In Power" TV Teaser: https://www.womeninpowertv.com/kristen-hess 📱 Follow the Journey: @artfulgourmet Instagram/ Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest 🎞️ TikTok: @foodiegirl87 ✍️ Substack Newsletter: https://artfulgourmet.substack.com/ If you like this content and want to support Kristen: ☕️ Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/kristenhess 👛 Kristen’s Curated Finds Shop: https://shopmy.us/shop/kristenhessKristen Hess Art Cooking Food & Wine
Episodes
  • Ep22 | Going Analogue: Slowing Down, Unplugging & Finding Meaning Through Food, Music & Memory

    Ep22 | Going Analogue: Slowing Down, Unplugging & Finding Meaning Through Food, Music & Memory
    Apr 25 2026
    There’s a quiet shift happening—and you can feel it.People are stepping away from the noise, putting their phones down, and choosing something slower, more intentional, and more real. Film cameras. Vinyl records. Long dinners. Road trips. Conversations that don’t get interrupted.In this episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess explores the rise of “going analogue” and why so many of us are craving a return to presence, connection, and meaningful, real-life experiences.Through personal stories, nostalgic memories, and the inspiration behind her Groovy Eats series, Kristen shares how food and music became her way of holding onto what matters most—family, friendship, and the simple moments that stay with us long after they pass.This episode also weaves in stories and callbacks from:• 1972 – A soulful Valentine’s dinner inspired by Al Green• 1975 – The laid-back California sound of Eagles• 1978 – A nostalgic look back at childhood, road trips, and “Baby Come Back” by PlayerIf you’ve been feeling the pull to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with what truly matters—this episode is your invitation to do exactly that.✨ Put on a favorite song🍝 Cook something simple🥂 Gather with people you loveAnd remember what it feels like to be fully present.Key TakeawaysThe power of nostalgia resets our relationship with time: Nostalgia isn't about escaping the present; it's a mental compass that reconnects us with what truly matters—simple, sensory experiences rooted in past moments. Believing this shifts your focus: you start prioritizing meaningful experiences over chasing the next digital update. It’s a call to action—use past memories to ground your present priorities. Nostalgia isn't about escaping the present; it's a mental compass that reconnects us with what truly matters—simple, sensory experiences rooted in past moments.Believing this shifts your focus: you start prioritizing meaningful experiences over chasing the next digital update. It’s a call to action—use past memories to ground your present priorities.Imagine intentionally recreating a childhood dinner or playlist, not just for emotion, but to rewire your sense of time and presence. Approach nostalgia as a tool to realign your values and deepen your engagement with life.The idea: Nostalgia isn't about escaping the present; it's a mental compass that reconnects us with what truly matters—simple, sensory experiences rooted in past moments.Why it matters: Believing this shifts your focus: you start prioritizing meaningful experiences over chasing the next digital update. It’s a call to action—use past memories to ground your present priorities.In practice: Imagine intentionally recreating a childhood dinner or playlist, not just for emotion, but to rewire your sense of time and presence. Approach nostalgia as a tool to realign your values and deepen your engagement with life.Sound Bites"Moving back to New York soon""Create memories over metrics""Disco Night Bites coming soon"Timestamps00:00 The Shift Towards Analog Living01:54 Nostalgia as a Compass03:21 Groovy Eats: A Culinary Time Machine06:07 The Power of Food and Music08:24 Storytelling Through Cooking11:07 Unplugging from the Digital World13:28 The Future of Groovy Eats16:02 Balancing Digital and Real Life18:24 Reclaiming Presence and Memory20:39 Closing Thoughts on ConnectionTell me in the comments below ---> What’s one small way you’ve been slowing down or unplugging lately?🔗 Links + Callouts 🎥 Watch Groovy Eats on YouTube🎧 Listen to past episodes of the podcast 📝 Read past Groovy Eats stories + get the recipes 📖 Subscribe to Groovy Eats on Substack✨ Coming next: Donna Summer – “Last Dance” | Disco Nights & Late Night Bites - drops in May stay tuned!#SlowLiving #GoingAnalog #Nostalgia #FoodAndMusic#GroovyEats #ArtfulGourmet #RetroLifestyle #Unplug#MindfulLiving #FoodPodcast #StorytellingPodcast#VintageVibes #70sMusic #FoodMemories #IntentionalLiving
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    24 mins
  • #UNFILTERED Ep2 | Maria Costanzo Palmer on Truth, Healing & Writing “On the Rocks”

    #UNFILTERED Ep2 | Maria Costanzo Palmer on Truth, Healing & Writing “On the Rocks”
    Apr 17 2026
    What does it really mean to tell the truth—especially when it’s your own story?In this episode of #UNFILTERED, I sit down with Maria Costanzo Palmer—author, journalist, and speaker whose work lives at the intersection of vulnerability, identity, and transformation.We dive into her memoir "On the Rocks", unpacking the emotional layers behind major unexpected life changes, family dynamics, and personal healing. Maria shares what it took to write something so deeply personal, how storytelling can become a powerful tool for growth, and why owning your voice matters more than ever.We also explore her work in media, her local cooking class events, and what’s next—including a new book and documentary currently in the works.This conversation is honest, raw, and deeply human—just the way we like it.Key Takeaways​Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for healing​The journey from journalist to author to filmmaker​The emotional reality behind writing a memoir​How addiction and family dynamics shape identity​The courage it takes to share your truth publicly​The connection between food, memory, and personal history​What it really means to live “unfiltered”​How Maria is expanding her story into a second book, a new TV documentary + next steps in her careerSound Bites"Gratitude for everything that happened to me""Our roots and family stories shape who we are""Storytelling is a powerful form of healing"Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Kristen Hess and Maria Palmer01:21 Maria Palmer's Background and Journey into Writing03:36 Family Roots and the Restaurant in McKees Rocks04:56 Life-Changing Moments and Moving to Los Angeles06:39 Documenting Family History and Confronting the Past09:10 Healing Through Storytelling and Family Connections11:37 Reuniting Family Through Food and Shared Memories13:48 The Book Project: Writing in Multiple Voices18:46 The Documentary Series: Production and Future Plans26:00 Writing Challenges and Lessons Learned32:40 Balancing Control and Collaboration in Creative Projects45:16 Final Thoughts and Unfiltered Life LessonsTune In🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, Substack & iHeartRadio 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Q+AWhat’s one truth you’ve learned the hard way?We'd love to hear your comments about this episode below!Guest Links (Maria C. Palmer)WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramMaria Palmer’s Book ‘On the Rocks’Venture Road PicturesFollow Kristen Hess | Artful GourmetLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmetPortfolio: www.kristen-hess.comBlog: www.theartfulgourmet.comSubstack: https://artfulgourmet.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnycTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiegirl87---Maria Costanzo Palmer, On the Rocks book, addiction recovery stories, memoir interview podcast, storytelling healing, author interviews 2026, food culture storytelling, UNFILTERED podcast, Kristen Hess podcast, personal growth stories, women authors podcast, documentary storytelling, creative entrepreneurs podcast
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    51 mins
  • Episode 21 | Finding Your Tribe: How Food, Creativity & Connection Bring Us Back to Ourselves

    Episode 21 | Finding Your Tribe: How Food, Creativity & Connection Bring Us Back to Ourselves
    Mar 29 2026
    What happens when a group of strangers—connected only through writing, food, and creativity—come together in one place?In this deeply personal episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen shares the story of a magical weekend retreat in the Pocono Mountains, where food writers, chefs, photographers, and storytellers gathered… and left as something much more than strangers.Through shared meals, late-night conversations, and collaborative cooking, this experience became a powerful reminder of what it truly means to find your tribe—and how connection fuels creativity in ways nothing else can.From an unforgettable Indian street food feast to spontaneous moments of laughter, music, and creative breakthroughs, this episode explores how food creates space for deeper connection—and why building a creative life you love starts with the people you surround yourself with.If you’ve ever felt disconnected, creatively stuck, or like something was missing… this one will hit home.Key TopicsFusion cuisine and street food themeBuilding bonds through shared cooking experiencesRecipe development: mini curried spinach and queso pot piesKey TakeawaysWhy food is one of the fastest ways to build connection and trustHow shared creative spaces dissolve isolation and spark inspirationThe difference between networking vs. true creative communityWhy finding your “tribe” is essential for building a creative lifeTimestamps00:00 – A moment that changes everything: the magic of connection00:00:39 – Today’s theme: finding your tribe00:01:00 – The Pocono Mountains retreat experience begins 00:01:28 – How food turns strangers into friends00:02:41 – The kitchen becomes the heart of the house00:03:08 – The magic of unplanned kitchen moments00:03:39 – Why shared meals are about more than food00:03:48 – Cooking in teams: the retreat structure00:04:22 – What cooking reveals about people00:05:05 – Communal dining + sharing dishes00:05:28 – The Indian street food feast (highlight moment)00:06:18 – Kristen’s mini curried spinach & queso pot pies00:07:03 – Forming real friendships + creative bonds00:07:16 – The inspiration behind the featured recipe00:08:21 – Reflection: why this experience worked00:09:01 – Why food creates deeper conversations00:09:23 – The unexpected professional impact00:10:03 – Creative validation and shared purpose00:10:14 – Why you can’t build a creative life alone00:10:39 – Moments that shifted Kristen’s perspective00:11:10 – Rediscovering a lost part of herself00:12:00 – The pull back to New York + creative energy00:12:20 – The core message: find your people00:13:07 – Shoutouts + gratitude to the group00:13:35 – Where to find the blog, recipe & Substack00:14:21 – Final thoughts + listener reflection question00:14:47 – OutroClosing Q+AI'd love to know in the comments below: Have you found your tribe yet? What does it look like for you?Want the full story and photos and recipe from this episode?👉 Read the companion Substack essay👉 Download the Mini Curried Spinach & Queso Pot Pies recipeIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, give us a rating, and subscribe - that just helps the show grow!And A Shoutout to my new 'Tribe' and amazing Host of this event - Jenn Sharp, make sure to follow them on Substack and get inspired by this talented group of food writer, chefs, photographers and storytellers!Debbie Dale Blackwell, Mindy Crosato, Anne-Marie Pietersma, Betty Williams, Kerry Faber, CulinUrsa — Elizabeth Baer, Annada D. Rathi (& her husband Dinesh), Lori Olson White, Janet Mary Cobb, Elizabeth Pizzinato, Rebecca Blackwell, Kristen Hess, Marjory Pilley, Sarah Pilley, Emily Pilley, Anne Blackwell, Alex_Sharp, Dianne Jacob, Colton SharpKeywords#FindingYourTribe #CreativeCommunity #FoodStorytelling #ArtfulGourmet #CreativeLife #FoodPodcast #WomenInBusiness #ContentCreatorLife #SubstackWriters #FoodPhotography #CreativeEntrepreneur #PodcastLife #FoodCulture #ConnectionMatters
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    15 mins
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