Reigniting Your Spark in the Kitchen

Feeling uninspired in the kitchen? You’re not alone.In this episode, I talk with Maggie Hoffman—host of The Dinner Plan podcast and newsletter—about cooking burnout and how to rekindle joy in the kitchen. We explore simple structures that support creativity, ways to tune into what you actually want to eat, and how to plan meals that feel nourishing rather than stressful. Maggie shares practical tips and mindset shifts to help you bring more ease, flexibility, and pleasure back to your cooking routine. I loved this conversation and hope you will too!LINKS:* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Maggie’s Newsletter & Podcast: https://thedinnerplan.substack.com/* Find Maggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiejhoffman/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s intention feels both simple and wildly challenging: I will nourish myself first.We’re taught that putting ourselves first is selfish, even wrong. But as I’ve been reminded again and again, when I fill my own cup—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—what flows out into the world is more authentic, more generous, and far less effortful. Nourishment from the inside radiates outward.In this episode, I share how I’m practicing this in small but powerful ways. These moments may seem small, but they ripple out in big ways.So this week I invite you to ask yourself: What does it look like to nourish yourself first? Remember, we’re the only ones that can give ourselves what we truly need. It starts with us.LINKS:* Pre-Order Nicki’s new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/weekly-intention-3* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Podcast episode with Meggan Watterson: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/meggan-watterson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s podcast might be the most powerful one yet. ✨ I sit down with feminist theologian + bestselling author Meggan Watterson to talk about embodiment, rage, and the radical nourishment of the early Christ movement.What struck me most is how Meggan reframes personal power—not as dominance, but as the courage to embody our truth. We also talk about rage, not as something to suppress, but as critical information guiding us toward love.And then there’s nourishment. The early Christ followers gathered in small supper clubs—not to proselytize dogma, but to break bread, feed one another, and create spaces of safety and belonging. Their focus was on sustenance, both physical and spiritual.This kind of communion, Meggan reminds us, creates an alchemy that fuels imagination and creativity, helping us step into the world as our truest selves—and as agents of change. This episode is truly soul food—fuel for imagination, creativity, and stepping into your own power. Related conversations:* The History of the Patriarchy with Elise Loehnen: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/the-sin-of-gluttony-with-elise-loehnen*Finding Grounding within Our Bodies with Abigail Rose Clarke: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/abigail-rose-clarke-2Episode Links* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Meggan’s Newsletter: https://megganwatterson.substack.com/* Meggan’s website: https://www.megganwatterson.com/* Find Meggan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megganwatterson/* Order Meggan’s new book: https://amzn.to/4mwpGRZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

I’m back with another Weekly Intention audio transmission—short little episodes where I share what’s on my heart in real time, and how we can bring gentle focus into our days, both in the kitchen and beyond. This week, the message that came through (loud and clear!) was I will slow down.Slowing down doesn’t always mean moving like a turtle. Sometimes it’s simply a shift in presence. That’s what I explore in this week’s episode—how slowing down can actually help us connect more deeply, whether we’re cooking, walking, or simply moving through our day. This week, I invite you to try it for yourself. Post a note on the fridge as a reminder: I will slow down. See what happens when you bring the intention into your cooking—or into your life.LINKS:* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

If you’ve been struggling with figuring out what to cook for yourself, weeknight family dinners, or even just packing school lunches, this episode is for you. I’m joined by cookbook author and journalist Georgia Freedman, whose writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Afar, Martha Stewart Living, and more. Her latest book, Snacking Dinners (Hardie Grant, 2025), came out earlier this year.In our conversation, Georgia and I cover a lot of ground—from the practical (getting dinner on the table in under 20 minutes) to the soulful (how to bring more intention into the way we feed ourselves). She shares her favorite pantry staples, her go-to tricks for cooking just for yourself (spoiler: you don’t even need pots or pans to make it feel special), and her wisdom on feeding kids, with all the little victories and struggles along the way.We even venture into school lunch territory, trading ideas and inspiration that might just make the daily packing routine feel lighter.✨ Don’t miss the extras: Georgia shares her delicious (and easy) Tuna Hand Roll Recipe below in this week's newsletter - linked below!LINKS* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Georgia's Tuna Hand Roll Recipe: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/georgia-freedman* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Georgia’s Book, Snacking Dinners: https://bookshop.org/a/114665/9781958417706* Georgia’s newsletter: https://www.snackingdinners.com/* Find Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiafreedman/* Nicki’s book, Build-a-Bowl: https://bookshop.org/a/114665/9781612129907* Spicy Salmon Rolls/Wraps: https://fromscratchfast.com/spicy-salmon-sushi-burritos/* Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls: https://fromscratchfast.com/spicy-salmon-rice-bowls-with-tamari-sesame-sauce/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

I’m so excited to share something new with you today: my Weekly Intention series. On the weeks in between guest conversations, I’ll be offering short, heart-led audio episodes—little transmissions, really—meant to give you a gentle focus for the days ahead.This week’s intention is one I return to often: I will invite ease.Not “make it easy,” but rather, bring a sense of ease into whatever you’re doing—whether you’re whisking soup, baking a layered cake, or simply moving through your day. It’s about perspective, not shortcuts. When we invite ease, our breath deepens, our nervous system softens, and even the simplest kitchen movements—pinching salt, stirring a pot—can carry a sense of grace.LINKS:* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Jenn Tilton, The Channeled Baker—an intuitive chef and medium who blends nearly twenty years of culinary experience with spirit connection. We talk about the energy of food, how intention and grounding can transform the way we cook, and a simple practice you can use to sense which foods feel energizing (and which may feel heavy).Jenn also does a channeled reading for me using my blueberry almond galette recipe—and the messages she shared were spot-on. This conversation opened me in profound ways, and I have no doubt it will open something for you, too.Links:* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/* Get the Blueberry Almond Galette Recipe: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/jenn-tilton* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Jenn’s website: https://www.channeledbaker.com/* Jenn’s newsletter: https://thechanneledkitchen.substack.com/* Find Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechanneledbaker/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I chat with cookbook author and recipe developer Alexis deBoschnek, whose work has appeared in Bon Appétit, The Kitchn, and more. Her new book, Nights and Weekends: Recipes That Make the Most of Your Time, is out this August!We talk about effortless summer entertaining, from menu planning to prep tips and serving ideas. Alexis shares how to throw fun gatherings—whether it’s a barbecue, dinner with in-laws, or a 4th of July party—with less stress and more joy. Her practical tips will inspire you to make your summer hosting more relaxed and enjoyable.LINKS* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Alexis’s website: https://www.alexisdeboschnek.com/* Alexis’s newsletter: https://alexisdeboschnek.substack.com/* Pre-Order Alexis’s new book, Nights and Weekends: https://amzn.to/43YRasb* Find Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisdeboschnek/* Podcast mentioned with Kiano Moju: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/kiano-moju This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

If you’re looking for summer cooking inspiration, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m joined by Kiano Moju, a Kenyan-Nigerian American chef and author of AfriCali—named one of the best cookbooks of 2024 by The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and The Los Angeles Times. I’ve already tagged so many recipes from her book, including her Cauliflower Bhajias, and she’s shared the recipe in the newsletter - linked below!Kiano talks about her approach to cooking—rooted in simplicity and bold flavors. She weaves together the Kenyan, Nigerian, and American flavors she grew up with in a way that’s deeply personal yet totally accessible. We get into summer cooking, and she shares two game-changing tips that will bring more ease and flavor to your meals (with hardly any effort). These are going to transform your summer table.We also dive into the idea of thriving—a theme I’ve been exploring throughout the season. Kiano shares a simple shift she made that brought more joy and ease into her work life. It’s a beautiful reminder that thriving isn’t always about big changes; often, it’s the smallest adjustments that make the biggest difference.Episode Links:* Cauliflower Bhajias (from Kiano’s book): https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/kiano-moju* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Kiano’s website: https://www.kianomoju.com/* Kiano’s book, AfriCali: https://amzn.to/45BGXED* Find Kiano on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianomoju/* Podcast episode mentioned with Zaynab Issa: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/zaynab-issa* Podcast episode mentioned about the science of thriving: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/renee-moorefield* My personal reflections on thriving: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/what-cooking-taught-me-about-purpose This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m switching seats and sharing an interview about me — hosted by Renee Moorefield, CEO of Wisdom Works and a brilliant leader in the science of thriving.We talk about my journey as a food writer, what it means to truly thrive, and how cooking can foster deep inner connection. I also open up about purpose, reciprocity, and how my definition of success has completely shifted over the years. It’s personal, heartfelt, and a little tearful at the end. I hope it resonates with you.LINKS:* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* My interview with Renee about the science of thriving: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/renee-moorefield* My intentional cooking/eating practice (BESTT): https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/grilled-wedge-steak-salad* Renee’s newsletter: https://www.wisdom-works.com/nourishing-leadership-from-the-inside-out/?mc_cid=b3975ff80f&mc_eid=2345c22827* Renee’s website: https://www.wisdom-works.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/subscribe