Food Network Obsessed

Interior architect, designer and television host, Taniya Nayak joins us to share how she achieves the unimaginable on Restaurant: Impossible. She reveals how she and her husband began their successful professional partnership and gives fans a glimpse inside their dinner dates, which double as strategic meetings to inspire future concepts. Taniya shares the key experience every restaurant designer should have on their resume and why functionality is critical to the perfect interior. She compares the whirlwind process she and Robert Irvine follow on Restaurant: Impossible, to her experience working on projects off-air. Taniya dishes on the most common interior design mistakes people make and what fans would never guess about her co-host. Reflecting on her favorite transformations, she shares the heartfelt reason she loves her career and the best lesson she’s learned from it all. Finally, she shares her favorite meal her mother cooks, what to expect in Season 3 of Battle on the Beach, and 2023 kitchen trends to watch.Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Taniya Nayak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniyanayak/Follow Taniya Nayak on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaniyaNayakDesign/?fref=tFollow Taniya Nayak on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaniyaNayakFollow Taniya Nayak on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/taniyanayak   Follow Taniya Nayak on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/taniyanayak/  Check Out Taniya’s website: https://taniyanayak.com/Learn More About Restaurant: Impossible: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/restaurant-impossible

Henry Laporte, the viral TikTokker “Salt Hank,” shares how he went from doom scrolling during the pandemic to being featured on Crack an Egg With. Hank dishes on his decision to quit his marketing job and pursue a career as a culinary content creator when his first video went viral. Famously capturing attention with a satisfying crunch and holding it through his creations’ completion, he details how he found his formula for viral views. Hank reveals what makes sandwiches the perfect canvas for food experimentation and the secret to the perfect build. He highlights the freedom the American staple gives chefs to elevate, downplay or feature versatile flavors. Proving you don’t need formal culinary training to make it as a chef, Henry shares why he loves creating cooking tutorials for followers on the platform that inspired his craft. Finally, he reveals what he hopes to learn from his future trips abroad, the biggest surprises of competing on Food Network and which of his idols he recently got to cook with.Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Salt Hank on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salt_hank/?hl=enFollow Salt Hank on Twitter: https://twitter.com/salt_hankFollow Salt Hank on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@salt_hank  Follow Salt Hank on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@salt_hank?lang=enCheck Out Hank’s website: https://hanks.kitchen/Learn More About Crack an Egg With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/crack-an-egg-withFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/henry-laporte-salt-hank-reveals-salt-hacks-and-elevated-snacks

Award-winning chef, Food Network Hot Lister and half of the power team who launched Beto & Son, Julian Rodarte stars in this episode. He credits his abuelita’s resourceful culinary skills and his father’s food artistry for inspiring his success. Julian reveals what it took to get his mentor to support his dreams and when he began pursuing this passion. He compares what he learned about the technical side of the industry in culinary school to the business aspect his father taught him. Julian dishes on what it was like competing on Beat Bobby Flay alongside his dad, who’d been dreaming of that moment since he was a child. The first-generation American shares how his family’s farm-fresh Mexican dishes inspired his palette and what hosting dinner parties growing up taught him about running a restaurant. Julian explains what he strives for at each of his concepts and the influence aromas and music have on guests’ overall experience. Finally he spills the secret to his award-winning nitrogen margaritas and who was really the brains behind the viral champagne vending machine.Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Julian Rodarte on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chefjulianrodarte/Follow Julian Rodarte on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.rodarte.5Follow Julian Rodarte on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefJulianRFollow Julian Rodarte on YouTube: youtube.com/@chefjulianrodarte4266 Follow Julian Rodarte on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@chefjulianrodarteCheck Out Julian’s website: https://www.julianrodarte.com/Learn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-championsFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/julian-rodarte-reveals-restaurant-secrets-and-his-culinary-competition-experiences

Award-winning chef, restaurateur and creator of several food lines, Stephanie Izard takes us on a culinary exploration of entrepreneurship. On a mission to create pleasant and inviting experiences for her diners, she’s opened seven unique restaurants in Chicago and LA that bring international flavors to upscale, casual dining tables. She shares the inspiration behind her goat-themed endeavors and the influence her travels to Peru, China and Taiwan had on her Cabra and Duck Duck Goat dishes. The Iron Chef and Top Chef winner reflects on her experience going head-to-head with friends on cooking competition shows, comparing the unpredictable and exciting atmosphere to her carefully contrived restaurants. Stephanie reveals where her passion for food came from, the secret to packing punch into each plate and how she’s curated her fearlessly fun persona that network fans and restaurant regulars love.  Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Stephanie Izard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieizardFollow Stephanie Izard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephizardFollow Stephanie Izard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephanieizardFollow Stephanie Izard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanieizardCheck Out Stephanie’s website: https://stephanieizard.com/Learn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-championsFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/stephanie-izard-the-goat-of-the-chicago-food-chain-on-competing-against-friends

Seattle-based chef Shota Nakajima talks about how he processes achievements, like making the Food Network Hotlist, and how he tends to take things one day at a time. Shota describes how the Pacific Northwest shaped his culinary perspective and how he enjoys being in nature to forage for ingredients and clear his mind. He shares how he fell in love with the hospitality industry by holding down two jobs at just fifteen years old and how that led to working in a Michelin star restaurant in Japan all before the age of twenty. Shota shares his thoughts on restaurant hierarchy and how he pivoted his operations to foster a more collaborative model with his employees. He describes his experiences on various food competition shows and how Tournament of Champions is a different beast. He reveals the touching way Guy Fieri supports the competitors and why he loves the blind judging before nerding out over his love of anime. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Shota Nakajima on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefshota/Learn More About Tournament of Champions:https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-championsFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/shota-nakajima-on-sushi-rice-secrets-toc-cold-sweats

Chef JJ Johnson shares how his family nurtured his passion for food and why he decided to pursue culinary school. JJ talks about his time studying in Ghana and falling in love with West African cuisine. He shares his affection for rice and why you can explore most every culture through their rice dishes. JJ explains why he wants to become the Michael Jordan of the culinary world and what it means to have tenacity and dedication to a craft. JJ talks about hosting The Cookout at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival and why it’s important to hold space for black culture and cuisine at these events. He discusses his James Beard nominated Food Network video explaining the versatility of collard greens and why they don’t get the hype they deserve before revealing his favorite food spot in Harlem.Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow JJ Johnson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjj/Watch Everything You Need to Know About Collard Greens: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=375355280330206Find episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/jj-johnson-on-rice-as-the-throughline-of-our-lives

Chef Rocco DiSpirito reminisces on his time as an executive chef in the early nineties and how reviews and critics could make or break an establishment. Rocco talks about how social media has leveled the restaurant review playing field and how the New York City food landscape has evolved over the past few decades. He talks about his early food memories and the honest, hardworking upbringing with his family that led to his first job selling Italian ice. Rocco shares how the role of a chef has evolved and why he hired a coach to guide him through interactions with customers in his restaurants. He talks about starting therapy in elementary school and why everyone needs a trained therapist in their life. Rocco reveals why he loves creating cookbooks so much after authoring fourteen and why, even with the internet and social media, cookbooks remain special. He talks about his friendship with Guy Fieri, how they met, and why he loves filming together on Guy’s shows. Rocco talks about how intense the blind judging is on Tournament of Champions and how he has to wait to find out who cooked the dishes he loved. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Rocco DiSpirito on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccodispirito/Learn More About Guy’s Ranch Kitchen: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/guys-ranch-kitchenLearn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-championsFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/rocco-dispirito-on-shy-chef-secrets-why-cookbooks-are-still-special

Michelin-trained chef turned TikTok sensation, Poppy O’Toole opens up about her rise to viral fame and how her decision to move back in with her parents during the pandemic inspired her to pivot career paths. The “Potato Queen” details her decade-long culinary ascension from making tea in a retirement home to working in a pub, that eventually led her to become a junior sous chef at a Michelin star restaurant before the UK went into lockdown. Her newfound TikTok stardom came with inevitable internet trolls and hateful comments on her posts and she shares how she copes with sexists and negative people online and in the restaurant industry. Poppy reveals what impact she hopes to have on the culinary world, what motivates her to keep creating and sharing her recipes and why she chose potatoes as her staple ingredient. In this episode, she shares the secret to making her favorite recipes, which she’s introduced to the world through her 25 Days of Potatoes video series on TikTok and new cookbook Poppy Cooks: The Food You Need, with flavors ranging from crispy chips to potato-based desserts baked into every page.Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Poppy O’Toole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppy_cooks/Follow Poppy O’Toole on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poppycooksFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/poppy-otoole-on-tiktok-tots-and-dealing-with-trolls

NFL retiree Vince Wilfork talks about why he loves retirement and how he spends most of his time lately. He reveals what it was like to work with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and the surreal moment he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. As a Floridian, Vince sets the record straight of whether Florida should be considered “southern” and the meals he loves to cook for his family. Vince affectionately talks about his many pairs of overalls and how they have become his signature look. He dives into what it was like to film a food competition show and the behind-the-scenes moments with his co-host Sunny Anderson on NFL Tailgate Takedown. Vince shares his favorite NFL stadiums and what city’s tailgate dish he loves the most before revealing his feelings about that famous ESPN Body Issue cover. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Vince Wilfork on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincewilfork/Learn More About NFL Tailgate Takedown: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/nfl-tailgate-takedownFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/vince-wilfork-on-tackles-tom-brady-hosting-nfl-tailgate-takedown

Two-time Chopped champion, chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur Kathy Fang reveals all of her thoughts behind her new reality show, Chef Dynasty: House of Fang. The quiet competitor unpacks why growing up in her family’s booming San Francisco restaurant left her hungry for a different lifestyle, driving her brief pursuit of 9 to 5 office jobs. She explains how her love for connecting with people through food, passion for experimenting with new ideas and traditional personality inspire her own restaurant’s menu and atmosphere. Kathy reveals what really goes into the “Fang Flavor,” how her culinary perspective influences her professional and personal relationship with her parents, and her aspirations for her one-of-a-kind restaurant, House of Fang. She shares what recipe this chef mastered first, her favorite memories from Chopped and the Hong Kong dish she misses most. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Kathy Fang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkathyfang/Follow House of Fang of Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fangrestaurantsf/Follow House of Nanking on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofnankingsf/Learn More About Chef Dynasty House of Fang here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chef-dynasty-house-of-fangFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/kathy-fang-on-collaboration-experimentation-and-maintaining-a-taste-of-tradition

It's chocolate day at the lodge and Ree has challenged herself to shake up three great knock-it-out-of-the-park, impressive chocolate recipes for the blog. The kids can't wait to turn taste testers; it's a cook's kid's best perk.Below are the recipes used in today’s episode:Chocolate Cookies with Dipping Bar:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chocolate-cookies-with-dipping-bar-recipe-2131682Pots de Creme a L'Orange:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pots-de-creme-a-lorange-recipe-2107334Corn and Cheese Chowder:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/corn-and-cheese-chowder-recipe-2042574Mint Chocolate Truffles:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mint-chocolate-truffles-recipe-2102386On The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond shares her comforting home cooking from her kitchen on the ranch. With direct audio from her hit Food Network TV show, you can now enjoy Ree’s company as she cooks up meals for every occasion, from last-minute family suppers to elegant celebrations. For even more recipes head to discovery+ and stream full episodes of The Pioneer Woman on discovery+. Head to discoveryplus.com/pioneerwoman to start your 7-day free trial today. Terms apply.Find episode transcript here: https://the-pioneer-woman.simplecast.com/episodes/chocolate-day

While Food Network Obsessed is off for the holidays, we're leaving you with an episode of The Pioneer Woman with Ree Drummond.  This episode called Christmas is Coming. Follow The Pioneer Woman wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone's invited to the ranch as the Drummonds count down to Christmas. Ree Drummond's whipping up Rigatoni and Meatballs to eat while they trim the tree, then making her mom's Holiday Bacon Appetizers.Below are the recipes used in today’s episode:Mint Brownie Bites:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mint-brownie-bites-2102565Rigatoni and Meatballs:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/rigatoni-and-meatballs-2040734Rigatoni and Meatballs:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/rigatoni-and-meatballs-recipe-2125151Holiday Bacon Appetizers:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/holiday-bacon-appetizers-1-2109907On The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond shares her comforting home cooking from her kitchen on the ranch. With direct audio from her hit Food Network TV show, you can now enjoy Ree’s company as she cooks up meals for every occasion, from last-minute family suppers to elegant celebrations. For even more recipes head to discovery+ and stream full episodes of The Pioneer Woman on discovery+. Head to discoveryplus.com/pioneerwoman to start your 7-day free trial today. Terms apply.

Actor Tiya Sircar shares stories from her recent travels in Peru, what she checked off of her bucket list and the most incredible food she experienced. Tiya talks about her family’s uplifting Diwali celebrations and how her Indian heritage shaped her perspective as a kid growing up in Texas. She describes her journey to becoming a performer and how Indian representation in the entertainment industry has evolved over the course of her career. Tiya reveals what it was like on set filming the discovery+ holiday movie, A Gingerbread Christmas, and what elements of her character required a little extra research. She talks about working with pastry icon Duff Goldman and what makes this project special to her. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Tiya Sircar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiyabird/Learn More About A Gingerbread Christmas: https://www.discoveryplus.com/show/a-gingerbread-christmas-usFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/tiya-sircar-on-beloved-bengali-meals-main-character-moments

Chef Leah Cohen shares the heartwarming story of how Bobby Flay helped jumpstart her cookbook. She talks about how her parent’s diverse backgrounds influenced her initial food passions and her deep dive into Italian cuisine. Leah talks about what it means to find your authentic path in the culinary world and why she decided to move to Southeast Asia and falling in love with Thai culture and food. She describes the cornerstones of Filipino cuisine, in honor of her mother’s roots, and why she’s hesitant to share Filipino recipes on her social media. Leah explains why she decided to go with a casual concept for her restaurant in the Lower East Side and the music she loves to play there. She talks about working with her husband and business partner and why it works for them. Leah reveals what it was like to be on  the finale of Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown and what makes the show so much fun to film. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Leah Cohen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahscohen/Learn More About Beat Bobby Flay Holiday Throwdown: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay-holiday-throwdownFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/leah-cohen-on-finding-your-culinary-voice-holiday-throwdown-fun

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo shares how her family reacted to her skyrocketing to international fame and her advice for how to respond to naysayers in your life. She reveals the famous fellow gym member who helped jumpstart her family reality show and what element of her family life is the scariest to share. Olivia talks about being the middle child and how the one bumper sticker on her mom’s car reflects their family values. She excitedly shares the Food Network show she was obsessed with as a child and the precious kitchen item her family fights over. Olivia shares a few of her family traditions and how they honor the feast of the seven fishes. She talks about her foray into co-founding two restaurants and why, at her core, she loves feeding people. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Olivia Culpo in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaculpo/Learn More About The Culpo Sisters: https://www.tlc.com/shows/the-culpo-sistersFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/olivia-culpo-on-her-no-filter-family-the-prized-pizza-pan

Former professional athlete and television host Jesse Palmer reminisces with Jaymee about their days together on ESPN and what his work schedule looks like nowadays. He talks about why The Bachelor is still a pop culture phenomenon and what is most surprising about the process of filming the reality show. Jesse talks about his obsession with football from an early age and what it felt like to hear his name called in the NFL draft. Jesse talks about the culture shock moving from a small town in Ontario to the raucous college town of Gainesville and what skills he developed as an athlete that have supported him during his media career. He shares the diverse cultural foods he was exposed to during his childhood and what makes the perfect poutine. Jesse enthusiastically talks about why he loves hosting food shows and the many hats he wears on set before revealing what he finally gets to do this season. He shares stories about the judges and the incredible creativity and camaraderie on set that makes filming so enjoyable. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Jesse Palmer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessepalmer/Learn More About Holiday Baking Championship: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/holiday-baking-championshipFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/jesse-palmer-on-sneaking-bites-on-holiday-baking-championship

HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier share their thoughts on how food makes a place feel like home and some of their favorite household meals. They talk about the most important thing to keep in mind when they are renovating kitchens on their show Home Town and some clever kitchen updates they absolutely love. Ben and Erin dive into the reason they bought a farmhouse outside of the city of Laurel and why renovating their own home was much more complicated than their typical client work. Erin talks about why she loves when her children’s bath water is dirty and some non-negotiable things they wanted in their new home. They dive into their family plans for the holidays and what it was like to have to memorize lines and act naturally in their holiday feature film debut - A Christmas Open House. Ben and Erin share their own love story and reveal who they would want to play them in a movie about their lives before giving their two cents about their favorite Christmas music.Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Erin Napier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinapier/Follow Ben Napier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotsman.co/Learn More About a Christmas Open House: https://press.discoveryplus.com/shows/a-christmas-open-house/Find episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/ben-erin-napier-on-how-food-makes-a-home

Host of Man v. Food, Casey Webb, shares what it was like to live and work on the Jersey Shore and how that slice of the country tends to get misrepresented. Casey talks about the quintessential Jersey foods he loves, how he found himself in a position to audition for the iconic Man v. Food show and how he actually secured the gig. He reveals what the shooting schedule on the show is like and how he plans for the outrageous meals he consumes. Casey puts to rest any rumors that the show is fake and assures Jaymee that no one eats or clears the food for him. He talks about what he does during his downtime when he’s on location filming and some of his favorite food cities he has discovered over the course of Man v. Food. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Casey Webb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhusky4life/Learn More About Man v. Food: ​​https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/shows/man-v-foodFind episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/casey-webb-on-his-wildest-man-v-food-meals

Television veteran and host of Halloween Baking Championship, John Henson, talks about how being the youngest of a family of boys shaped his path to comedy and the origin story of his nickname, “Skunk Boy.” He shares some moments that have defined his career over the past three decades and his perspective on his responsibilities as a host. John talks about the immersive environment of the Halloween Baking Championship set and what it feels like for this year’s theme to be “Hotel Henson.” He gives his two cents on classically trained versus self-taught contestants and the number one mishap he observes on the show. John reveals just how long the judges - Carla Hall, Stephanie Boswell and Zac Young - are in hair and makeup and how he manages to keep a straight face when they attempt to give serious critique in costume. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow John Henson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeoldskunkboy/Learn More About Halloween Baking Championship: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/halloween-baking-championship Find episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/john-henson-on-hosting-duties-how-he-keeps-a-straight-face

Chef Michael Voltaggio reveals what foods he flew in for his most recent birthday celebration and what his forties have looked like so far. He talks about what he learned having to support himself in high school while working at a Holiday Inn and why he always perceives challenges as opportunities. After three decades, Michael reveals why he fell in love with the industry and how he continues to stay inspired and fulfilled day to day. He talks about how social media and the sharing economy has influenced the industry and how his personal approach to hospitality is reflected in his restaurants. Michael shares the characteristics he looks for when hiring talent and why enthusiasm overrides experience before explaining the concept behind his latest restaurant venture. He talks about how his time on television has sharpened his skills as a chef and his experiences as a titan on the first season of Bobby’s Triple Threat. Michael gives a peek behind the curtain of Triple Threat and contemplates why the straightforward challenge ingredients allow each chef to showcase their unique culinary approach. Start Your Free Trial of discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/foodobsessedFollow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Michael Voltaggio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvoltaggio/Learn More About Bobby’s Triple Threat: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/bobbys-triple-threatFind episode transcripts here:  https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/michael-voltaggio-on-creativity-chaos-whats-in-his-notes-app