Food Network Obsessed

Chef, restaurateur, and Top Chef Masters champ Rick Bayless joins Jaymee to talk about the mission that’s guided his kitchens for decades: celebrating regional Mexican cuisine through technique, nuance, and joy. He shares the “why” behind signature sauces and masa, and how insisting on real control over sourcing and recipes helped turn Tortas Frontera into an airport game-changer. Then Rick previews his turn in the judge’s chair on Bobby’s Triple Threat and what he looks for first. He talks about how risk pays off only when rooted in skill, and the advice he’d give any chef walking into that kitchen. Rick also reflects on his day-one Iron Chef America duel with Bobby Flay, what he learned from that battle, and wraps with rapid-fire favorites from go-to chiles to perfect street bites.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Rick Bayless on Instagram: HERE Learn More about Bobby’s Triple Threat : HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef, author, and fashion icon Marcus Samuelsson joins Jaymee to talk about identity, style, and the journey that took him from Ethiopia to Sweden to New York. Marcus shares how his grandmother’s handmade clothes and early sneaker love shaped his look, why Harlem feels like home, and the global experiences (France, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore) that taught him to mix discipline with street-food soul.   Then it’s competition time as Marcus previews his rare turn from judge to gladiator on Alex vs. America: Alex vs. Chopped Judges, facing Alex Guarnaschelli alongside Maneet Chauhan and Scott Conant. He breaks down how judging thousands of dishes informed his strategy under the clock, what people underestimate about Alex, and the camaraderie among long-time Chopped colleagues. Marcus also reflects on Bobby’s Triple Threat, why competing keeps him sharp, and shares rapid-fire favorites… from bucket hats to a cocktail that blends sake, aquavit, champagne, and honey.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Marcus Samuelsson on Instagram: HERE Learn More about Bobby’s Triple Threat : HERE Learn More About Alex vs. America: HERE   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food Network star Zac Young returns to the pod to catch up with Jaymee to talk about the 10-year anniversary of his viral PieCaken creation, from humble beginnings to holiday tradition, and why it still surprises him every year. He dishes on Sprinkletown, his shop that balances playful creativity with customer favorites, and how his love of pastry unexpectedly translates into home renovation projects. Then it’s all things Halloween as Zac previews Season 11 of Halloween Baking Championship. He teases the haunted mansion set, outrageous costumes, and the new twist that forces bakers to “bake for their lives.” Zac also shares behind-the-scenes stories with fellow judges Carla Hall, Stephanie Boswell, and host John Henson. Rapid fire covers everything from his biggest fear to Broadway dream roles, guilty-pleasure snacks, and which childhood treat he wishes would return.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Zac Young on Instagram: HERE Learn More about Halloween Baking Championship : HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HGTV star Jasmine Roth joins Jaymee to talk about family, food, and the new season of Help! I Wrecked My House. Jasmine shares how her move from California to Utah has reshaped both her design style and her family’s kitchen routines, from baby-led weaning to her husband Brett’s famous smoked chimichurri salmon. She dishes on her foodie favorites (eggplant parm, college entertaining, and coffee bars) plus her dream kitchen design for Bobby Flay. Jasmine also teases Season 5’s biggest wrecks, creative budget hacks, and why this season feels more personal than ever. Rapid fire covers everything from lumber vs. bread to dinosaur bones, and Jasmine wraps with her perfect food day.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Jasmine Roth on Instagram: HERELearn More Help! I Wrecked My House: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja makes her Food Network Obsessed debut to talk about her Italian and Indonesian roots and building her NYC restaurants Shuka and Shukette into vibrant, herb-forward destinations. She shares why she calls her food a “Middle Eastern party,” what it means to celebrate community through flavor, and how recognition like her James Beard nomination shaped her journey. Ayesha opens up about her unconventional path from law firm assistant to culinary school student, with pit stops dreaming of DJing and even dealing diamonds. And of course, Ayesha dishes on stepping into her biggest role yet… becoming the newest Titan on Bobby’s Triple Threat. From Bobby Flay’s surprise phone call at the gym, to training sessions at Food Network Kitchen, to the surreal moment of seeing her face on the giant posters in New York City, Ayesha shares the nerves, joy, and validation of taking her seat on the Titan couch.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Ayesha Nurdjaja on Instagram: HERE Learn More Bobby Flay’s Triple Threat: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laila Ali discusses her early love of cooking, sparked by her grandmother’s guidance. She shares how, at just 11 years old, she began mastering dishes like chicken and gravy, all while secretly training to become a boxer, despite her father Muhammad Ali’s disapproval. Laila dishes on how she won his respect by going undefeated and proving that women belong in the sport. She shares how her disciplined approach to nutrition during boxing evolved into a love for flavorful, balanced meals and eventually led to her cookbook and spice line. Laila discusses family meals like taco nights and growing fresh produce in her home garden. She dishes on hosting Chef Grudge Match, where she thrives on the fiery chef rivalries and helps competitors settle real culinary scores. Laila reflects on how her experience as a Chopped champion gives her a unique perspective and deep respect for those cooking under pressure.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Laila Ali on Instagram: HERE  Learn More About Chef Grudge Match: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabe Bertaccini shares how a spontaneous weekend in New York City made him fall in love with its vibrant energy and ultimately led to his new bi-coastal lifestyle. He reminisces about the contrasting pace and personality of Los Angeles, where he still treasures his connection to nature. The chef dishes on his nerve-wracking competition debut on Wildcard Kitchen and the intense challenges of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, where lack of sleep, spicy street food, and imposter syndrome tested his limits. Gabe reflects on how competing has deepened his empathy and reshaped his approach to judging. The chef honors Anne Burrell with stories of their meaningful connection on Worst Cooks in America, including a touching moment when she crocheted him a heart and made him a hot toddy while he was under the weather. Gabe shares his mentoring style, emphasizing patience, specificity, and the joy of watching even the most hopeless recruits find confidence in the kitchen.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Gabe Bertaccini on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Worst Cooks in America: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dook Chase describes his childhood growing up inside the iconic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, where the back of house was his playground and the kitchen was always buzzing with energy. He discusses how his early work bussing tables and washing pots led him to fall in love with cooking under the watchful eye of his grandmother, Leah Chase. The chef shares how Hurricane Katrina reignited his passion for the family business, inspiring him to leave his finance career and help rebuild the restaurant as a symbol of hope for the New Orleans community. Dook explains how culinary school in Paris gave him the technical foundation and confidence to complement his family’s traditions, helping him both preserve and innovate Creole dishes. He reflects on the meaning behind opening Chapter IV, a restaurant honoring the fourth generation of his family, where he experiments with modern twists on Southern classics. Dook celebrates the deep influence of the strong women in his life, including his wife Gretchen, and shares his excitement for Family Recipe Showdown, a new show that celebrates culinary heritage and cultural connection. He highlights the storytelling at the heart of the series, where families bond over beloved dishes and cook under pressure for host Octavia Spencer and her lineup of celebrity guests.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Dook Chase on Instagram: HERE Follow Dook Chase on TikTok: HERE Learn More About Family Recipe Showdown: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danni Rose discusses the inspiration behind the seafood potato salad from her Dig In With episode, tracing its roots to her mom’s throw-it-all-in-the-bowl cooking style. The chef breaks down some of the key ingredients like Duke’s mayo, salad cubes, and a pinch of sugar that can elevate a potato salad to "diva" status. She dishes on growing up in Birmingham, painting a rich picture of her father’s juke joint, Haywood’s Place, filled with fried food, blues music, and community. She reflects on how the dual influences of her father’s juke joint and her mother’s church potlucks inspired her first cookbook and her mission to preserve and share Black Southern culinary traditions. The chef recounts her rise to internet stardom, fueled by a viral stuffed salmon video filmed with her last $20, and driven by a desire to make comforting, accessible food for people on a budget. Danni teases the launch of her new brands, showcasing her continued evolution as a culinary entrepreneur.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Danni Rose on Instagram: HERE Subscribe to Danni Rose on YouTube: HERE Watch Danni Rose’s Dig In With Episode: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duff Goldman shares what it’s like parenting a creative four-year-old who recently requested a brain cake—complete with eyeballs—for her birthday. The baker discusses his daughter’s intense focus and how it mirrors his own tunnel-vision approach to baking and woodworking. He dishes on the inspiration he draws from the baking competitions he hosts and how they help him stay on top of evolving pastry trends. Duff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his new show Super Mega Cakes, where he takes on six elaborate cake builds at once with a limited team. The baker discusses the intense physical and creative challenges of making cakes with moving parts, holograms, and surprising interactive features. He dishes on how his woodworking skills—honed through cake construction—led to his new Etsy shop and passion for toy-making. Duff shares plans for hand-crafted rolling pins and reflects on his lifelong evolution from graffiti artist to cake decorator to woodworker.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Duff Goldman on Instagram: HERE Subscribe to Duff Goldman on YouTube: HERE Learn More About Super Mega Cakes: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

and reflects on why women have excelled in the competition. The chef shares her intense experience joining BBQ Brawl as a first-time captain, calling it the toughest challenge she’s faced, with high stakes, unpredictable elements, and deep emotional investment. She dishes on the camaraderie and competitive spirit among fellow captains Bobby Flay and Antonia Lofaso, and how she mentored her team by encouraging them to play to their strengths. Maneet talks about her new series, Maneet’s Eats, created to simplify Indian cooking with easy, approachable recipes and everyday ingredients. She shares her excitement about bringing Indian flavors to Disney Springs with her restaurant, eet, where dishes like chicken tikka naan pizza help introduce traditional cuisine in a familiar way. Maneet reflects on the evolution of Nashville’s food scene and how her restaurants blend her Indian heritage with Southern influences.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Maneet Chauhan on Instagram: HERE Learn More About BBQ Brawl: HERE Learn More About Maneet’s Eats: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antonia Lofaso reflects on her Tournament of Champions win and how her competitive mindset evolved, fueling her return with determination and the drive to outperform previous seasons. The chef shares her confidence going into the competition, drawing strength from her experience and comfort in the high-pressure arena. She recounts the intense final battle with Sara Bradley, breaking down the challenges of the randomizer and her strategy for making sausage under extreme time constraints. Antonia dishes on the emotional moment of victory, finally overcoming a string of near-wins to claim her first major culinary title. The chef details her experience as a new captain on BBQ Brawl, describing the learning curve of balancing coaching and cooking while managing a diverse team. She talks about her camaraderie with fellow captains, her admiration for the show’s production, and the challenges posed by both weather and primal-style cooking tasks.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE  Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE  Follow Antonia Lofaso on Instagram: HERE  Learn More About BBQ Brawl: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryan Voltaggio shares his earliest food memory of helping make creamed corn with neighbors in Frederick, Maryland—an experience that sparked his love for food and community. The chef discusses how his early interests in marine biology and the outdoors gave way to a culinary career after landing a busboy job that led him into the kitchen. He reveals how quickly he rose through the ranks and later manifested his dream of opening a restaurant in his hometown. Bryan reflects on teaming up with his brother Michael to create Wye Oak Tavern, a modern tavern in a historic, converted chapel, and how they added their own spin to historical local dishes, including an apple dumpling dessert inspired by a former girls’ school tradition. He talks about balancing family life, from lacrosse games to Sunday dinners, and how his aviation hobby brings a structured mindset to his kitchen leadership. He dives into the grueling yet rewarding experience of competing on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, crediting his endurance, organization, and drive for getting him to the finale—still chasing that elusive win.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Bryan Voltaggio on Instagram: HERE Learn More About 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelsey Murphy describes growing up in an Italian-Polish family, where her love of food was shaped by comforting homemade meals and early kitchen memories with her grandmother. The chef discusses her unexpected pivot from a decade-long career in physical therapy to pursuing her culinary passion after becoming a mother. She explains how her food concept, Inspo, inside Lucas Oil Stadium blends fast-service efficiency with her commitment to handmade, elevated game-day fare. Kelsey talks about the mental and physical challenges of competing on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing and why the real-time, high-pressure format drew her in. She reflects on the joy she finds in food television and the meaningful relationships she’s built with fellow chefs through the competition. The chef reveals her ultimate dream of bringing a James Beard Award to Indianapolis and continuing to grow as both a chef and media personality.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Kelsey Murphy on Instagram: HERE Learn More About 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Malarkey discusses opening Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in his Oregon hometown, a cowboy-inspired restaurant he built with his brother that has quickly become a lively community hub. The chef reflects on how the project brought him back to his roots and sparked a “ranch to plate” philosophy, complete with CBD-fed cattle, a custom butcher shop, and a deep commitment to local sourcing. Brian opens up about his new role as host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, a reboot he describes as equal parts entertainment and education. He talks about designing sabotage challenges that are grounded in real-world cooking scenarios, all set within a high-energy kitchen arena where both chaos and creativity thrive. The chef touches on his personal transformation, including his journey to sobriety and the launch of a new podcast with his partner, centered on growth, connection, and living life with intention.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Brian Malarkey on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Symon discusses his latest cookbook, Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out, which brings the heart and soul of his laid-back backyard cooking show to the page with approachable recipes. Michael shares how he and his wife Liz created the show during the pandemic, emphasizing authentic, unscripted cooking that teaches technique over perfection. He dishes on grilling unexpected items like chocolate bundt cake and pasta, and highlights sides like charred chicory and his beloved Ohio sweet corn. The chef talks about selling the home where the show was filmed and starting a new garden from scratch, offering advice on companion planting, soil learning, and beginner-friendly crops. He shares his philosophy on outdoor entertaining, from setting up a DIY outdoor kitchen to crafting the perfect hosting experience. Michael gives a behind-the-scenes look at season two of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, revealing how the competition has leveled up with more acclaimed chefs, surprise twists, and a deeper, more raw look at what it truly means to be a chef under pressure.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Michael Symon on Instagram: HERE Learn More About 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The winning duo of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Zoe Burmester and Jordan Pilarski, reflect on the surreal moment of winning the magical baking competition. Zoe shares how her background in film and TV set design influences her cake artistry. Jordan explains how his early interest in architecture evolved into a passion for pastry, viewing his creations as edible structures that blend precision with artistry. The bakers reflect on their first meeting for Wizards of Baking, revealing how quickly they had to build trust and collaboration in a high-pressure environment. Zoe and Jordan describe their most difficult moment in the competition, the chandelier challenge, as a test of patience, adaptability, and sheer willpower. The two express pride in their victory and the emotional payoff of creating a six-foot showpiece that brought their final vision to life. They celebrate the release of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: The Official Companion Guide, which brings their magical recipes from the show into the hands of home bakers everywhere. Zoe and Jordan excitedly preview their next project which will showcase their dual perspectives on beloved desserts.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Zoe Burmester on Instagram: HERE Follow Jordan Pilarski on Instagram: HERELearn More About Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Bradley shares how her upbringing in a Jewish-Southern Appalachian household shaped her love of cooking, from matzo ball soup to savory French toast inspired by childhood breakfasts. She discusses her decision to return home to Paducah, Kentucky to open Freight House, drawn by a desire to contribute meaningfully to her community and be closer to family. The chef reflects on the emotional moment she learned Freight House had been named a James Beard Award semi-finalist and what the recognition means for a rural restaurant. Sara dives into Kentucky bourbon culture, explaining her approach to pairing and cooking with bourbon while celebrating the nuanced flavors. She shares her experience competing on Tournament of Champions for the first time, revealing how her calm, methodical style and strategic preparation helped her hold her own against seasoned veterans. She highlights her mission to create a more sustainable, family-friendly restaurant industry by supporting working parents and offering benefits like paid leave and scheduled time off.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Sara Bradley on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Sasto returns with big personal news, as he talks about his recent engagement and the story behind the surprise proposal in Mexico City. He discusses his debut cookbook Breaking the Rules, a multi-year passion project that reimagines Italian cuisine and encourages readers to defy culinary tradition. The chef dives into the inspiration and challenges behind launching his frozen pasta line, Ripi, bringing restaurant-quality pasta to the freezer aisle. He reflects on returning to Tournament of Champions, the nerves of competition, and his joy at being recognized as a veteran among fellow chefs. Joe reveals how studying past seasons, embracing the chaos of the randomizer, and evolving his strategy have helped him thrive in the high-stakes arena. He shares how sitting in the judge’s seat on Guy’s Grocery Games sharpened his skills as a competitor and gave him a new perspective on critique and flavor balance.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Joe Sasto on Instagram: HERE Follow Joe Sasto on TikTok: HERE Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judy Joo shares how her multicultural background as a French-trained Korean American Londoner shapes her culinary perspective. She reflects on childhood food memories, her father's resilience as an immigrant, and the work ethic instilled by her mother’s scratch cooking. She reveals how she studied engineering at Columbia University and built a finance career at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley before ultimately chasing her passion for food at the French Culinary Institute. She compares the intensity of fine dining to finance and explains how both shaped her approach to running restaurants. She discusses the global success of Seoul Bird, her Korean fried chicken concept, and the authenticity of House of Knives, where chefs showcase their true skills. The chef dishes on K Quick, her upcoming cookbook, featuring 30-minute Korean recipes and practical shortcuts for home cooks.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Judy Joo on Instagram: HERE Learn More About House of Knives: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.