Ep. 185 - Chef Matt Cooper - How this James Beard Nominee Gets Inspiration from His Ozark Roots
Description
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What if a restaurant wasn’t just about food, but about roots and connection? In this episode, we sit down with Chef Matt Cooper, founder of Conifer and RŶN, two of the most celebrated restaurants in Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks. Matt opens up about his deep Arkansas roots, how he turned personal health challenges into culinary vision, and why human connection should be the soul of every kitchen.
Our Trusted partners for this episode:
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Matt's roots
16:00 Human connection as the goal, not just food
29:30 – Celiac disease
36:00 – From Garden to Table
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett - and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
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