This week, we’re welcoming our very first chef to the podcast — and we couldn’t have asked for a better one. Chef Stephen Barrett joins us for a rich, thoughtful conversation about food, place, and the communities that shape how we eat.

Stephen grew up in Goose Bay, Labrador, where culture, community, and resourcefulness played a huge role in his relationship with food. That early experience continues to inform how he cooks, eats, and thinks about food today — from the importance of process and tradition to the realities of food insecurity and access.

We talk about what first drew Stephen to cooking, how global travel and culinary school in Melbourne, Australia expanded his perspective, and why the restaurant industry isn’t always as romantic as it’s made out to be. Stephen also shares practical kitchen tips, staple ingredients worth keeping on hand, and what actually makes a great meal beyond the plate.

Along the way, we dive into some of his favourite foods, restaurants, road trip destinations, and atmospheres across Nova Scotia — all while Stephen generously highlights and celebrates others in the industry. His passion for cooking, storytelling, and community shines through in every part of the conversation.

Stephen is the founder of Seasoned Plate, which has been showcasing high-quality local food and drink since 2015 through honest, transparent, and expert recommendations and reviews. He’s a familiar face on CTV Morning Atlantic, a past Guest Chef at Taste of Georgetown, and was named Influencer of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia in 2019.

This episode is a love letter to food as culture, connection, and craft — and a reminder that what we eat is always shaped by where we come from.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen

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Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com

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Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Stephen’s site: https://seasonedplate.ca/

Stephen’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/seasonedplate/?hl=en