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
  • #UNFILTERED Ep1 | Embracing Creativity, Music, Connection & Living Your Passion w/ Claudette Scirri

    #UNFILTERED Ep1 | Embracing Creativity, Music, Connection & Living Your Passion w/ Claudette Scirri
    Mar 10 2026
    🔥 Episode DescriptionIn this electric episode of the new interview series, #UNFILTERED, host Kristen Hess sits down with Claudette Scirri — multifaceted artist, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, Reiki healer, and jewelry designer — for a raw, soul-stirring conversation about living life on your own terms.Claudette opens up about her life as a creative entrepreneur: fronting her Las Vegas band Gypsy Souls (who opened for the Commodores!), launching her music-inspired beauty line C Beauty and jewelry brand Stack Attack, running a Reiki spiritual healing practice, and somehow threading it all together with authenticity and joy.This is the episode for every multi-passionate woman who's ever been told to 'pick a lane.' Spoiler: you don't have to.🎧 What You'll Hear in This Episode✦ Life as a creative snowbird: why Claudette splits her time between Florida and New Mexico, and what that lifestyle teaches about freedom and self-trust✦ The origin story of Gypsy Souls — her Las Vegas band — and the night they opened for the Commodores✦ How careers in criminal justice, case management, and remote work can actually fuel (not kill) your creative life✦ The birth of C Beauty, Stack Attack Jewelry: how music, energy, and intuition shaped her beauty line and a wearable art collection✦ Reiki, spirituality, and using your intuitive gifts to heal and guide others✦ Songwriting secrets: how dreams, poetry, and spontaneous inspiration become fully-formed songs✦ The social media truth nobody's saying: why authentic human connection beats algorithmic noise every time✦ Karaoke moments, musical icons, and a peek at Claudette's upcoming project inspired by The Grapes of Wrath✦ Her one piece of advice to every woman afraid to live her truth⏱ Episode Timestamps(00:00) Introduction — Meet Claudette Scirri(01:14) Snowbird life: Florida, New York & the freedom of travel(04:36) College memories that planted the seeds of a creative career(10:15) Serendipity, purpose & finding meaning in life's unexpected turns(12:35) Navigating multiple careers while fully embracing your creative passions(16:22) Gypsy Souls, live music & opening for The Commodores(22:44) Songwriting from dreams, poetry & spontaneous intuition(27:00) Social media, digital noise & why real human connection matters more(36:14) How music influences her C Relax Reiki business, jewelry line Stack Attack and her C beauty and fragrance collections(50:05) Living the freelance life, creativity and not giving up(52:01) Final wisdom: live your truth and pursue what you love(56:02) Musical collaborations, karaoke stories & what's next(58:00) Closing Thoughts(59:19) Outro/Stay Tuned for more #UNFILTERED episodes👩‍🎤 About Claudette ScirriClaudette Scirri is a Buffalo NY-based artist, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, Reiki practitioner, and jewelry designer who has built a life unapologetically devoted to creativity.📸 Instagram: @Claudette333📘 Facebook: Claudette Scirri📘 Facebook Page: C Beauty💍 Stack Attack Jewelry: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CRiQQ2L7X/?☮️ Relax C Reiki: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HSaRvDcrJ/?🎶 Gypsy Souls on ReverbNation🎵 Listen & SubscribeNew #UNFILTERED episodes will drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation.✦ Spotify ✦ Apple Podcasts ✦ Amazon Music✦ iHeartRadio✦ YouTube 🎙Thanks for listening to #UNFILTERED. If this episode moved you, please share it, leave a review, and tag us — it means the world. Keep embracing your creative spirit and living your passions fully. ✨#UNFILTERED #TheArtfulGourmet #KristenHess #ClaudetteScirri #GypsySouls #CBeauty #CreativeWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs #PodcastForWomen #LiveYourPassion #CreativeEntrepreneur #SingerSongwriter #ReikiHealing #SpiritualEntrepreneur #WomenInMusic #AuthenticLiving #PursueYourPassion #MusicAndSpirituality #IndependentArtist #JewelryDesigner #CreativeLifestyle #WomenWhoCreate #PodcastRecommendation #SpotifyPodcast #ApplePodcasts
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    1 hr
  • Ep20 I Into Focus: You Can Achieve the Unachievable - Mindset for Reinvention, Ambition, and Breakthrough Success

    Ep20 I Into Focus: You Can Achieve the Unachievable - Mindset for Reinvention, Ambition, and Breakthrough Success
    Mar 5 2026

    What if the biggest limits in your life aren’t real — but simply beliefs you’ve accepted?


    In this inspiring episode of The Artful Gourmet – Into Focus, host Kristen Hess explores the powerful mindset shift that allows people to pursue ambitious goals, reinvent themselves, and achieve what once seemed impossible.


    Drawing from her own journey building a creative career in food styling, photography, and media, Kristen shares the lessons she learned after starting her business from scratch in New York City and reinventing her career multiple times through drive, curiosity, and persistence.


    Through personal stories, practical insights, and wisdom from leaders like Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, Les Brown, and Muhammad Ali, this episode reveals why aiming beyond your current abilities is often the first step toward extraordinary success.

    If you’ve ever felt the pull to pursue a bigger vision, step into a new chapter of your career, or stop limiting what you believe is possible — this episode will inspire you to think differently about your potential.

    Because sometimes the biggest transformation begins with one decision:

    To believe that the life you want is possible.


    Key Takeaways

    • ​Why the biggest limits in life are often self-imposed• How aiming beyond your current abilities accelerates growth• Why confidence is built through action, not preparation• The mindset shift that helps people stop playing small• How persistence, curiosity, and ambition fuel career reinvention• Why belief is the foundation of extraordinary success


    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction

    01:01 Aim Beyond What You’re Capable Of

    05:22 Develop a Complete Disregard for Where Your Abilities End

    10:10 Try to Do the Things You’re Incapable Of

    12:01 If You Think You Can’t Work for the Best Company — Aim There

    16:07 If You Think You Can’t Run a Company — Make That Your Aim

    18:52 If You Think You’ll Never Be on the Cover of Time — Make It Your Business to Be There

    23:25 Believe Wholeheartedly That Nothing Is Impossible

    26:47 Breaking Negative Beliefs

    28:23 Outro/Closing Thoughts


    If this episode resonated with you:

    🎧 Follow The Artful Gourmet Podcast – Into Focus on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

    ⭐ Leave a review or rating — it helps more listeners discover the show.

    📖 Explore the companion blog post and Substack essay and LinkedIn thought-leadership article connected to this episode.

    And ask yourself:

    What “impossible” goal might actually be waiting for you to pursue it?

    Until next time — stay inspired, stay focused, and keep turning passion into purpose.


    Follow Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet on social:

    LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmet

    Portfolio: https://www.kristen-hess.com

    Blog: https://www.theartfulgourmet.com

    For press or sponsorship inquiries, email us at kristen@kristen-hess.com

    #IntoFocusPodcast#TheArtfulGourmet#MindsetMatters#CareerReinvention#EntrepreneurMindset#WomenInBusiness#CreativeEntrepreneur#AchieveTheImpossible#PassionIntoPurpose#LeadershipMindset
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    31 mins
  • Groovy Eats Ep3 | March 1975 :: The Eagles, “Best of My Love” & the Birth of the SoCal Sound

    Groovy Eats Ep3 | March 1975 :: The Eagles, “Best of My Love” & the Birth of the SoCal Sound
    Feb 22 2026
    March 1975. The Eagles reach #1 with “Best of My Love” — a song often mistaken for romance, but rooted in heartbreak and transition.In this episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess explore how that quiet ballad marked a turning point in 1970s rock history and helped define the emerging SoCal Sound.From Laurel Canyon harmonies and late nights at Dan Tana’s to the rise of adult-oriented rock and the road toward Hotel California, this episode blends music history with food storytelling.On the table:🍗 Chicken Parmigiana (Dan Tana’s-style, sauce-under layering)🍝 Penne Arrabbiata (garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper, San Marzano tomatoes)You’ll hear:​The real meaning behind “Best of My Love”​Why March 1975 was a cultural pivot​The Troubadour and West Hollywood songwriter scene​How the Eagles transitioned from country rock to mainstream superstars​Why food and music are always connectedFood keeps us grounded. Music carries us forward. And that’s the groove.If you want the full story, music history, videos, photos and recipes follow The Artful Gourmet online and check out these articles The blog post and printable recipes: https://theartfulgourmet.com/groovy-eats-ep3-march-1975-the-eagles-best-of-my-love-beginnings-of-socal-sound-chicken-parmigiana-at-dan-tanas/The YouTube cooking video is live! https://youtu.be/zCmUaefhn6s?si=6cHHQl_zXBgl6pOQRead the more reflective Substack essayMusic and food have a way of taking us back in time.For me it’s the smell of garlic in tomato sauce and hearing the Eagles on the radio in the 70s.What song instantly takes you back to a memory around the dinner table?What’s your favorite Eagles song — early 70s harmonies or Hotel California era? Tell me below — I’d love to hear your stories. 👇Follow Kristen Hess online for more Groovy Eats, food + music stories ::LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmetPortfolio: www.kristen-hess.comBlog: www.theartfulgourmet.comPodcast: Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeartRadio + SoundCloud +Podserve FMYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theartfulgourmet⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfulgourmetFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/artfulgourmetPinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/@artfulgourmet⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiegirl87⁠Substack: https://artfulgourmet.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnycIACP Profile: https://www.iacp.com/member/kristen-hess/P.O.W.E.R https://members.powerwoe.com/member/profile/kristen-l-hessKristen Hess will appear in a new documentary on Women in Power TV - stay tuned! Coming soon to Inside Success Networks early 2026#GroovyEats#MusicAndFood#1970sMusic#ClassicRock#Eagles#BestOfMyLove#SoCalSound#FoodMemories#ChickenParmigiana#PenneArrabbiata#ItalianAmericanFood#CookingThroughTheDecades#MusicHistory#FoodStorytelling#TheArtfulGourmetPodcast
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    16 mins
  • Groovy Eats I Ep2 February 1972 :: Soul, Romance + A Valentine's Day Dinner

    Groovy Eats I Ep2 February 1972 :: Soul, Romance + A Valentine's Day Dinner
    Feb 9 2026
    DescriptionFebruary 1972 was a moment when romance slowed down, music softened, and dinner at home became something meaningful.In this episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess travels back to the early '70s to 1972 —when soul music set the mood, Valentine's Day meant staying in, and cooking was an act of care. Anchored by the #1 song in America that week, “Let's Stay Together” by Al Green, this episode explores how food, music, and culture came together in a uniquely intimate way.Kristen shares the cultural backdrop of February 1972, reflects on early childhood memories, and walks through a classic 1972 Valentine's Day menu featuring Steak Diane, Green Goddess salad, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.This episode isn't just about what people cooked—it's about how it felt to live then.Key Takeaways​Why February 1972 marked a cultural shift toward intimacy and slow living​How soul and R&B music shaped romance and home life in the early '70s​The story behind “Let's Stay Together” and why it resonated so deeply​Why staying in was often considered more romantic than going out​How classic dishes like Steak Diane and Green Goddess salad symbolized elegance​Why food and music imprint memory long before we realize itChapters/Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Groovy Eats: Setting the tone for February 197201:39 – The Cultural Mood of Early 1972: Why the world was turning inward2:23 – The Artist: Al Green: Soul music, intimacy, and emotional connection03:10 – The Song: “Let’s Stay Together”: Why it became the soundtrack of staying in03:52 – Valentine’s Day in 1972: Romance before reservations04:37 – A 1972 Valentine’s Day Menu: Steak Diane, Green Goddess salad & chocolate-dipped strawberries12:48 – Personal Reflection & Memory: Why this era still resonates14:46 – Why It Still Matters Today: Slow living, intention, and staying present15:17 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Go NextListener QuestionWhat song instantly brings you back to a moment when life felt simpler?If you enjoyed this episode, follow Groovy Eats on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps more listeners discover the show.Until next time…stay together, and keep it groovy. 🕯️🎶🍷🥩 Cook Along with Groovy Eats Want to experience this episode visually?🎥 Watch the Groovy Eats Valentine’s Day cooking show episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/EBikpKaSQC4🥂Get the complete recipes and photos athttps://theartfulgourmet.com/groovy-eats-ep2-february-1972-soul-romance-and-steak-diane/✍️ Read the companion editorial essay on Substack athttps://open.substack.com/pub/artfulgourmet/p/february-1972-when-love-didnt-rushFollow Kristen on Facebook, IG, Pinterest + X [@artfulgourmet]https://www.instagram.com/artfulgourmetSee Kristen's food styling + photography portfoliohttps://www.kristen-hess.com/Connect with Kristen on [LinkedIn]https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnycSee more behind the scenes content + shorts on TikTok @foodiegirl87 https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiegirl87Watch the Al Green YouTube video "Let's Stay Together"https://youtu.be/uSu6tcbMOu0?si=htYtFPX91JtMVRUz#GroovyEats #GroovyEatsPodcasts #FoodAndMusic #70sMusic #SoulMusic #AlGreen #LetsStayTogether #1972 #ValentinesDay #RetroCooking #70sRecipes #FoodHistory #MusicDocumentary #SoulMusicArtists #R&BMusic #KristenHess #TheArtfulGourmetPodcast #GreenGoddessSalad#ChocolateDippedStrawberries#RomanticDinner#1970sVibes#FoodAndMemory#TheArtfulGourmet
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    17 mins
  • Groovy Eats | Ep1 January 1978 :: Baby Come Back + Chicken Divan

    Groovy Eats | Ep1 January 1978 :: Baby Come Back + Chicken Divan
    Feb 1 2026
    January 1978 lives in the sweet spot of nostalgia — when soft rock ruled the radio, casseroles ruled the oven, and dinner brought everyone to the table.In the premiere episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess of The Artful Gourmet travels back to a defining moment in time, pairing the #1 song Baby Come Back by Player with a beloved late-’70s classic: Chicken Divan.This episode dives deep into:The rise of yacht rock and soft rock in the late 1970sThe story behind Player and how 'Baby Come Back' became #1 for six weeks in January 1978Why music from this era still resonates so deeplyThe fascinating origins of Chicken Divan — from a New York City French restaurant to family dinner tablesPersonal childhood memories and a five-week family road trip from New York to California and backBlending food history, music history, and heartfelt storytelling, this episode proves that food and music don’t just remind us of memories — they hold them.Perfect for fans of 1970s nostalgia, yacht rock, comfort food, and meaningful storytelling.Key TakeawaysJanuary 1978 marked a golden era of soft rock and yacht rock'Baby Come Back' by Player captured universal themes of regret, longing, and hopePlayer emerged from the West Coast studio scene with a harmony-driven soundChicken Divan evolved from a French restaurant dish into a late-’70s casserole iconFood and music act as emotional time machinesNostalgia is about connection, not just the pastChapters00:00 - Introduction to Groovy EatsWelcome to the show where retro food and music become memories. Kristen Hess introduces the theme of the episode, focusing on 1978.01:06 - Setting the Scene: 1978A nostalgic look back at the cultural landscape of 1978, highlighting the era of soft rock and its impact.02:33 - Featured Band: PlayerAn introduction to the band Player, their formation, and their hit song "Baby Come Back."04:33 - The Story Behind "Baby Come Back"Insights into the emotional resonance of Player's hit song and its significance in 1978.05:16 - The Essence of Late '70s Soft RockDiscussion on the emotional and melodic qualities of soft rock music from the late '70s.06:02 - Personal Memories and Road TripKristen shares personal stories from a family road trip across the US in 1978, creating lasting memories.08:38 - Chicken Divan: A Retro Comfort FoodThe origins and evolution of Chicken Divan, a staple dish from the late '70s.10:54 - Cooking Chicken Divan TodayA step-by-step guide to making Chicken Divan, including tips for a homemade Mornay sauce.11:30 - The Power of Food and MusicExploring how food and music serve as powerful anchors to our memories and emotions.12:20 - Conclusion and Listener EngagementKristen encourages listeners to share their own memories connected to food and songs.#GroovyEatspodcast#January1978nostalgia#BabyComeBackPlayer#YachtRockpodcast#1970smusicpodcast#ChickenDivanrecipe🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube to groove, cook along and experience the story visually🍽️ Read the full recipe and story on The Artful Gourmet blog✍️ Subscribe on Substack for weekly essays, behind-the-scenes stories, and Groovy Eats extras @artfulgourmet🎶 Follow Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess and The Artful Gourmet on social media @artfulgourmet and on TikTok @foodiegirl87🍽️ View Kristen's Food Styling + Photography Portfolio + book your next food shoot at https://www.kristen-hess.com⭐ If this episode brought back a memory, please like, share and leave a comment below or a review — it helps the show grow!🎤 Watch the original music video of Player performing 'Baby Come Back' on YouTube🎶 Listen to the song 'Baby Come Back' on Spotify
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    14 mins