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
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44:23
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44:23
Summer Cooking Made Simple
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
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39:31
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39:31
What Cooking Taught Me About Purpose
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
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41:24
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41:24
Cooking with Beauty, Purpose and Intention
In today's episode I speak with cookbook author, recipe developer and content creator Zaynab Issa, all about the power of PURPOSE in the kitchen. Zaynab worked as a food editor at Bon Appétit magazine, is a current contributor to New York Times Cooking, and is the author of the new book, Third Culture Cooking: Classic Recipes for a New Generation.We explore how cooking can become a powerful place to find ourselves and to discover our unique preferences and aesthetic. Zaynab also shares her philosophy around beauty in life and in the kitchen, and how it can enrich the experience of eating, even if (or maybe especially if) we’re just cooking for ourselves. She shares her tips for creating beauty on the plate, from food styling tips, to how she chooses vessels, to tips for arranging the table. Be sure to hop over to the newsletter to get Zaynab's recipe for Tandoori Tacos (link below)!LINKS* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/*Get Zaynab's recipe for Tandoori Tacos: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/zaynab-issa* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* Zaynab’s website: https://www.zaynabissa.com/* Find Zaynab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaynab_issa/* Zaynab’s book: https://amzn.to/43eeuTI 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
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39:05
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39:05
Take Your Sh*t Seriously: Supporting Microbiome Health
Hello my friends, and welcome back to the show! In today’s episode we’re diving into the microbiome with Taylor Soderborg, MD, PhD. She’s a licensed physician and has a PhD in Integrative Physiology, and she works as an independent microbiome specialist and consultant. I’ve been wanting to have someone on the show for quite some time to talk about the microbiome, and when I came across a note Taylor posted on Substack about perfectionism and health (which I talk about in the show), I knew I found my gal (plus, I love her tagline, “I take s**t seriously” 😂).We dive into what the microbiome is and where the science is at (it’s a new field but it’s growing fast). Taylor describes the role of the microbiome in our health and immune functions, how the microbiome influences our longevity (or, as she says, our health span), as well as the link between the microbiome and food allergies.It’s probably not a surprise to hear that food is the number one driver of microbiome health in adults, and Taylor offers simple ways we can support our microbiome through the foods we eat. We also get into supplements, probiotics and prebiotics.Finally, we talk about the myth of perfectionism around health. Taylor offers a great tip for navigating our way through all of the information we’re bombarded with, focusing instead on just one thing that works for our unique lifestyles.This is such a fun conversation (yes, gut bacteria can be fun!), with some great takeaways—I hope you love it.Episode Links* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore* One-on-one sessions with Nicki: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/coaching-and-cooking-sessionsTaylor’s Website: https://www.doctortay.com/Book a discovery call with Taylor: https://www.doctortay.com/book-onlineTaylor’s newsletter: https://doctortaymdphd.substack.com/Find Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctortaycomedy/ 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
Interviews, recipes and inspiration to feed your body, mind and spirit, as well as to find more presence, joy and freedom in the kitchen. mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com
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