Episodes

  • Episode 21 | Finding Your Tribe: The Food Writer’s Retreat Weekend That Changed Everything

    Episode 21 | Finding Your Tribe: The Food Writer’s Retreat Weekend That Changed Everything
    Mar 29 2026
    What happens when 25 food writers, chefs, photographers, and storytellers come together for one unforgettable weekend?In this deeply personal episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen Hess shares her transformative experience at a food writer’s retreat—where strangers became a close-knit community in just three days through food, storytelling, and shared creative passion.This episode dives into what it truly means to find your tribe—and how surrounding yourself with aligned, like-minded people can reignite your creativity, confidence, and purpose.After years away from New York City and feeling disconnected from her creative roots, this experience sparked a powerful realization: the importance of community, collaboration, and returning to a life aligned with passion and values.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:What “finding your tribe” really meansHow to connect with like-minded creativesWhy alignment creates momentum in life and businessThe power of collaboration over competitionHow one weekend can shift your entire perspective🍲 Plus: a behind-the-scenes story of the Indian feast she co-created—including her Mini Curried Spinach & Queso Pot Pies.🎧 Listen now and get inspired to find your people—and your path.Key TopicsFusion cuisine and street food themeBuilding bonds through shared cooking experiencesRecipe development: mini curried spinach and queso pot piesSound Bites"We skipped straight to the good part.""Built bonds for life, friends, new friends.""The unexpected hug of queso cheese."Key TakeawaysShared culinary experiences can create lifelong bonds.Fusion dishes can be both elegant and comforting.Engaging in cooking with others enhances connection and fun.Closing 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 SharpKeywordsfinding your tribe, creative community, food writers retreat, food blogging, food photography, women in food, creative entrepreneurship, personal growth podcast, storytelling podcast, how to find your tribe, collaboration over competition, creative lifestyle
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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
  • Ep19 | Into Focus: Setting Yourself Up for Success, Health & Happiness in 2026

    Ep19 | Into Focus: Setting Yourself Up for Success, Health & Happiness in 2026
    Jan 22 2026

    Description

    What if success in 2026 wasn’t about hustle—but about health, nourishment, and balance? In this episode of Into Focus on The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen Hess shares a practical, uplifting approach to success and happiness rooted in mindful eating, joyful movement, and simple daily habits. You’ll explore meal planning for real life, flexible fitness ideas, and a grounding reflection—plus a Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl with Lemon Honey Herb Dressing variations. This episode is your invitation to slow down, nourish yourself, and build a life that feels good to live inside.


    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to the Artful Gourmet Podcast

    02:46 Redefining Success and Happiness

    05:04 The Importance of Well-Being

    06:48 Nourishment as a Daily Practice

    09:15 Meal Planning for Peace of Mind

    37:29 lifestyle-outro-low.wav


    Key Takeaways

    • ​A healthier, more sustainable definition of success for 2026
    • ​How nourishment and daily habits impact energy, mindset, and joy
    • ​Simple fitness and movement ideas that support real life
    • ​Meal planning strategies that reduce stress and decision fatigue
    • ​Why flexibility—in food and in life—is a form of self-care
    • ​A guided reflection to help you reset, refocus, and realign


    Keywords

    • ​success and happiness
    • ​health and wellness podcast
    • ​mindful eating
    • ​Mediterranean diet
    • ​meal planning made simple
    • ​healthy habits for women
    • ​fitness and wellbeing
    • ​food as self care
    • ​intentional living
    • ​The Artful Gourmet Podcast


    👉 [Read the full blog post and reflection]

    https://theartfulgourmet.com/set-yourself-up-for-success-health-happiness-in-2026-mediterranean-chickpea-power-bowl/


    👉 [Read the extended essay on Substack]

    https://substack.com/home/post/p-185468570


    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmet


    Portfolio: www.kristen-Hess.com


    YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theartfulgourmet


    #TheArtfulGourmetPodcast

    #HealthyHabits

    #MindfulLiving

    #FoodAsSelfCare

    #WellnessLifestyle

    #MediterraneanDiet

    #IntentionalLiving

    #SuccessAndHappiness

    #NourishmentOverHustle
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    38 mins
  • Ep18 I Into Focus: The Recipe for New Beginnings & Happy New Year 2026

    Ep18 I Into Focus: The Recipe for New Beginnings & Happy New Year 2026
    Jan 1 2026

    Description

    In this uplifting episode of Into Focus on The Artful Gourmet podcast, Kristen Hess discusses the importance of reflecting on past experiences to embrace change and transformation. She emphasizes the need to recognize both the good and bad moments, learn from them, and trust the process of personal growth. The discussion also highlights the significance of new beginnings and the lessons that come with them, encouraging listeners to create positive choices moving forward.


    Key Takeaways

    • ​Reflect on the past to understand your journey.
    • ​Embrace the transformation process, even the in-between phases.
    • ​Recognize the lessons in every experience.
    • ​New beginnings offer opportunities for growth.
    • ​Trust your choices and let them guide you.
    • ​Tomorrow is a chance for a fresh start.
    • ​Neglecting your needs can hinder your progress.
    • ​Joy can be found in the reflection of experiences.
    • ​Every year brings new lessons and opportunities.
    • ​The best is yet to come if you choose to create it.


    Sound bites

    "take a moment to reflect."

    "learn to trust the transformation."

    "the best is yet to come."


    Chapters


    00:00 Nourishing the Soul Through Culinary Art

    02:36 The Recipe for New Beginnings

    23:14 lifestyle-outro-low.wav


    Follow Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet online for more inspiring and delicious content:

    LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmet

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    22 mins