Cookbook Love Podcast
In this weekly podcast, host Maggie Green celebrates cookbook readers, writers, collectors, and clubs, with interviews and conversations about cookbook writing and the role of cookbooks in our lives. Maggie's mission is to build and celebrate a community of people who would rather write, read, and buy a cookbook over any other genre of book.
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Episode 412: Dora Ramirez James Beard Award-Winning Cookbook Author of Comida Casera
07/30/2026
Episode 412: Dora Ramirez James Beard Award-Winning Cookbook Author of Comida Casera
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today, I'm joined by Dora Ramirez. Dora Ramirez didn’t set out to reinvent Mexican cuisine. She wanted to uncover the stories, ingredients, and traditions that were already there. Before we get started: If you’re a dietitian, chef, or culinary professional who wants to publish a cookbook with a traditional publishing house, I invite you to join my upcoming Grow Your Audience masterclass. You’ll learn how to build an audience publishers value — without relying on social media algorithms — by creating a community, sharing your message, and testing cookbook ideas with the people who will eventually become your readers. In today's episode, I talk with Dora about the journey behind Comida Casera: More Than 100 Vegan Recipes from Traditional to Modern Mexican Dishes, her James Beard Award-winning cookbook celebrating the indigenous roots and plant-based traditions of Mexican cuisine. Born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, Dora came to the United States to attend the Culinary Institute of America before building a career as a chef, recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator. Her cookbook grew from a desire to share a deeper story about Mexican food — one centered on history, culture, and the ingredients that have shaped the cuisine for generations. In this episode, we discuss: How Dora transformed her personal experience and culinary background into a unique cookbook concept Why Comida Casera focuses on uncovering indigenous Mexican plant-based foundations rather than simply adapting recipes How she documented recipes and stories from indigenous cooks across Mexico The thought process behind organizing a cookbook as a journey through Mexican culinary traditions What it was like to see her nearly three-year cookbook project recognized with a James Beard Award Dora also shares her new online cookbook club, where she explores historical Mexican cookbooks and brings their recipes and stories to a new audience. Dora’s story is also a reminder that a cookbook begins long before the manuscript is written. It starts with understanding your unique perspective, knowing the story you want to share, and building a community of readers who care about your work. If you’re a dietitian, chef, or culinary professional who wants to publish a cookbook with a traditional publishing house, I invite you to join my upcoming Grow Your Audience masterclass. You’ll learn how to build an audience publishers value — without relying on social media algorithms — by creating a community, sharing your message, and testing cookbook ideas with the people who will eventually become your readers. Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 411: Recipes, Hospitality, and Hope in a Time of War with Sarah Trad
07/23/2026
Episode 411: Recipes, Hospitality, and Hope in a Time of War with Sarah Trad
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today, I'm joined by Sarah Trad, author of A House in the Lebanese Mountains: Recipes and Stories from Beit Trad. Before we get started, I'd love your help. I'm creating a brand-new class for aspiring cookbook authors who want to build the audience publishers are looking for. If you've ever wondered how to grow your visibility, connect with future readers, or strengthen your cookbook proposal before pitching publishers, I'd love to hear what questions you want answered. I've put together a quick, two-question survey, and your feedback will help shape the class. If you'd like to be the first to know when enrollment opens, you can leave your name and email at the end of the survey. Now, let's meet Sarah. Sarah is the founder of Beit Trad, a beautifully restored guest house in the Lebanese mountains, and the author of A House in the Lebanese Mountains. In our conversation, we discuss: How restoring her family's ancestral home inspired a cookbook that preserves recipes, culture, and family history. Why hospitality, generosity, and gathering around the table become even more meaningful during times of conflict. The thoughtful process of creating a cookbook that is both visually stunning and approachable for home cooks. What cookbook authors can learn about creating a lasting legacy through food and storytelling. Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 410: About Comedy, Death, and Cookbook Writing with Gus Constantellis
07/16/2026
Episode 410: About Comedy, Death, and Cookbook Writing with Gus Constantellis
What do comedy and death have to do with cookbook writing? In this episode, Maggie talks with comedian and first-generation Greek American Gus Constantellis about his debut cookbook, My Mom's Greek Recipes. Their conversation explores far more than recipes. It touches on storytelling, vulnerability, family traditions, grief, and the unexpected journey from writing a cookbook without a publisher to signing a traditional book deal. Whether you're writing a cookbook, preserving family recipes, or wondering how personal stories can strengthen your work, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Gus wrote his cookbook before he had a publishing contract and how that decision led to a book deal. How humor and vulnerability can make cookbook stories more meaningful. What preserving family recipes can mean for future generations. Why authentic storytelling is often what readers remember most. Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 409: A Cookbook Korean Night Out with Irene Yoo
07/09/2026
Episode 409: A Cookbook Korean Night Out with Irene Yoo
What can traditional drinking rituals teach us about writing a cookbook that celebrates culture and community? Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I sit down with Irene Yoo, food writer, recipe developer, and co-owner of Orion Bar in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Irene shares how she translated the vibrant world of Korean hospitality into her James Beard Award-winning cookbook, Soju Party: How to Drink and Eat Like a Korean. Our conversation explores why the most impactful cookbooks do more than list ingredients. They act as visual cultural statements, honor culinary heritage, and bring people together across generations. In this episode, you'll learn: How Irene navigated the emotions of winning a James Beard Award. Why structuring a cookbook to mirror a real-life experience, like a progressive night out, creates a deeply engaging reader journey. What the essential pillars of Korean drinking culture, from table-side bomb shots to the non-negotiable rule of Anju, teach us about hospitality and sharing meals and drinks. How collaborating with family members on recipes, book design, and illustrations can turn a standard recipe book into a treasured work of art. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first cookbook or looking for creative ways to structure your culinary manuscript, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the plate. Every dish has a cultural heartbeat, and those rituals are often what readers treasure long after the final round is poured. Ready to turn your cookbook idea into a concept publishers will notice? and discover how to shape your expertise, recipes, and stories into a compelling cookbook concept.
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Episode 408: Bobby Hicks and the Stories That Live Inside Vintage Cookbooks
07/02/2026
Episode 408: Bobby Hicks and the Stories That Live Inside Vintage Cookbooks
What can vintage cookbooks teach us about writing a cookbook readers will treasure? Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I sit down with Bobby Hicks, creator of Retro Recipes Kitchen and author of Retro Recipes: Vintage Dishes with a Modern Twist. Bobby shares how he combined his background as a videographer with his love of vintage recipes to build Retro Recipes Kitchen. This social media brand eventually led to a traditional cookbook deal. Our conversation explores why the most memorable cookbooks offer more than recipes. They preserve culture, spark nostalgia, and invite readers to gather around the table. In this episode, you'll learn: How Bobby transformed his videography skills into Retro Recipes Kitchen and, ultimately, a traditionally published cookbook. Why the stories behind recipes are often what readers remember most. What food history can teach cookbook authors about creating a lasting legacy. How nostalgia and hospitality can make your cookbook more meaningful to readers. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first cookbook or looking for ways to make your recipes more meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the ingredients. Every recipe has a story, and those stories are often what readers remember long after the meal is over. Ready to turn your cookbook idea into a concept publishers will notice? and discover how to shape your expertise, recipes, and stories into a compelling cookbook concept that publishers will love.
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Episode 407: From Cookbook Dream to Book Deal: What It Really Costs
06/25/2026
Episode 407: From Cookbook Dream to Book Deal: What It Really Costs
What does it really cost to go from dreaming about writing a cookbook to signing a book deal? Many aspiring cookbook authors assume they need a large budget, professional photography equipment, or significant upfront investments before they can pursue publication. In this episode, I break down the actual costs of writing and publishing a cookbook with a traditional publisher and explain why the most important investments are often not financial at all. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why many of the key steps in the traditional publishing process, from writing and pitching a proposal to signing a book deal, can cost little to nothing out of pocket. • Which expenses are optional, and how publishers often cover many of these costs. • The real investment behind every successful cookbook project. If you've been wondering whether writing a cookbook is financially out of reach, this episode offers a different perspective. While every publishing journey requires effort and dedication, the path from cookbook dream to book deal may be more accessible than you think. Ready to turn your cookbook idea into a concept publishers will notice? and discover how to shape your expertise, recipes, and stories into a compelling cookbook concept.
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Episode 406: What Award-Winning Cookbooks Can Teach Us
06/18/2026
Episode 406: What Award-Winning Cookbooks Can Teach Us
The James Beard Awards are often called the "Oscars of the Food World," recognizing excellence in culinary arts, food writing, and cookbook publishing. In this episode, we celebrate three remarkable Cookbook Love Podcast guests whose books were honored by the James Beard Foundation this year and explore why cookbook awards matter so much in the culinary world. In This Episode: • Discover what makes cookbook awards such as the James Beard Awards influential in the publishing and culinary industries. • Celebrate Sapna Punjabi, author of Dal Chawal, a James Beard Award nominee whose work highlights the nourishing power of vegetarian home-style Indian cooking and Ayurvedic wellness. • Learn how Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn transformed family recipes and Korean-American culinary traditions into Umma, the James Beard Award winner for U.S. Foodways. • Hear why Helen Goh's Baking and the Meaning of Life captured the James Beard Award for Baking and Desserts through its unique blend of baking, psychology, and human connection. Cookbooks do more than teach recipes. They preserve culture, share wisdom, build community, and tell stories that shape how we understand food and one another. Mentioned in This Episode: If you're ready to build the visibility and audience publishers are looking for, download the free and learn how to create an engaged community that supports your book before it's published.
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Episode 405: Six Unspoken Benefits of an Author Platform
06/11/2026
Episode 405: Six Unspoken Benefits of an Author Platform
In Episode 393, I discussed how an author platform is not just about visibility or follower count but something far more foundational. Since then, I keep thinking about this idea that a platform is not only something you build for publishing, but it is something that is actively forming you as an author while you build it. Today, I want to explore something that is still deeply misunderstood by many aspiring cookbook authors: what a platform actually does beyond getting you noticed. Because while publishers do care about platform, the real question is not whether your platform is big enough, it’s what your platform is shaping you into over time. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why a platform is less about visibility and more about forming real relationships with readers that shape your cookbook concept and voice How consistent engagement with readers sharpens your message through real-world feedback, not guesswork The unexpected way a platform builds confidence by replacing self-doubt with real evidence that your work matters Why your platform begins creating opportunities for you - speaking, teaching, collaborations - before you ever “pitch” anything If this episode helped you rethink your platform, I created a simple, practical tool to help you see what you already have, what’s working, and what’s missing.
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Episode 404: The Secret to Writing a Cookbook With a Busy Life
06/04/2026
Episode 404: The Secret to Writing a Cookbook With a Busy Life
Most aspiring cookbook authors believe they need more time before they can start writing. But what if the real challenge isn't time at all? Today, in this episode, I share a powerful mindset shift that has helped hundreds of cookbook writers move from "someday" to steady progress. You learn why waiting for a quieter season rarely works and how creating simple, repeatable containers for your writing can help you gain momentum even in the middle of a busy life. In This Episode You Discover: How to stop waiting for more time and start using the time you already have Why cookbook projects stall when they live in the margins of your schedule The three essential elements of a productive writing container How small, repeatable writing sessions can help you build momentum and finish your cookbook project Whether you're balancing work, family, caregiving, retirement, or a growing business, this episode will help you see new possibilities for moving your cookbook forward. Ready to Get Clear on Your Cookbook? If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and create a realistic plan for writing your cookbook, schedule a complimentary Cookbook Clarity Conversation. We'll discuss your cookbook idea, where you are in the process, what's been holding you back, and the next best step to help you move forward. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who has been saying, "I want to write a cookbook someday." Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 403: The Real Reason Some Cookbook Authors Get Book Deals
05/28/2026
Episode 403: The Real Reason Some Cookbook Authors Get Book Deals
Welcome to another episode of Cookbook Love Podcast, If you want to understand what publishers are really looking for before they say yes to a cookbook this is the show for you. In this episode, I share why recipes and beautiful photography are not always the deciding factor in getting a book deal and introduce a special live workshop on cookbook design and photography taught by a senior art director from a major cookbook publisher. If you’ve ever wondered who handles the visuals, what publishers expect from authors, and how to communicate your creative vision professionally, this episode is for you. During the show, I breaks down the real reasons some cookbook authors land publishing deals while others struggle to get traction. She shares the five things publishers care most about when evaluating cookbook proposals and explains the difference between what publishers want and what readers want in a cookbook. In this episode: The five things publishers look for before investing in a cookbook Why recipes alone rarely sell a cookbook proposal The truth about photography, design, and publisher expectations How to position yourself as a cookbook author that publishers want to work with
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Episode 402: Hawaiian Family Cooking That Feels Like Home with Chef Sheldon Simeon
05/21/2026
Episode 402: Hawaiian Family Cooking That Feels Like Home with Chef Sheldon Simeon
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today on the show I present an interview with Sheldon Simeon about his new cookbook, Ohana Style. Born and raised in Maui, Sheldon is a chef, restaurateur, husband, father, and former Top Chef competitor. Alongside his wife Tiffany, he owns Tiffany's and Tin Roof Maui. In this conversation, Sheldon shares the deeper meaning of “ohana” and how the spirit of hospitality, family, and community shaped both his life and his cooking. Listeners will hear: The difference between indigenous Hawaiian cuisine and plantation-era immigrant influences Why Sheldon wanted the cookbook to feel approachable and welcoming Stories about his father, Papa Ray, and the community cookbook influence behind many recipes Creative techniques for building smoky flavor and layered texture at home Plant-based alternatives inspired by traditional Hawaiian dishes The inspiration behind recipes like Papa Ray’s Tuna Patties, Furikake Animal Crackers, Pork Belly Tocino, and Mandarin Microwave Mochi Sheldon also talks about growing up in a house where people constantly gathered around food and how those experiences shaped his understanding of generosity and connection. This episode is a reminder that cookbooks are about more than recipes. They preserve stories, culture, memory, and belonging. Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 401: The Stories Behind Italian Cookies with Domenica Marchetti
05/14/2026
Episode 401: The Stories Behind Italian Cookies with Domenica Marchetti
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Before we get started, the doors are now open for Cookbook Writing Foundations for a very limited time, my new program for aspiring cookbook authors who want to move from cookbook idea to clear direction. Inside the program, I’ll help you stop sitting on your cookbook idea and finally begin building it with confidence. Whether you want to preserve family recipes, share your expertise, grow your business, or create something meaningful to pass on, this program will help you make the decisions and take the steps that move cookbook projects forward. Visit to learn more and enroll before the doors close. Today on the show, I have an interview with Domenica Marchetti, author of nine cookbooks, including her newest release, Italian Cookies. In this conversation, Domenica shares the story behind researching and writing a cookbook dedicated to the cookie traditions of all 20 regions of Italy. We talk about the bakery visits, travel experiences, regional specialties, and cultural traditions that shaped the book, as well as the creative process of developing and testing recipes inspired by generations of Italian bakers. In this episode, we discuss: How Domenica researched cookie traditions across all regions of Italy What bakery visits and travel taught her about recipe development and storytelling Her journey from newspaper journalism to becoming a nine-time cookbook author Why consistency, observation, and decision-making matter in cookbook writing The connection between food traditions, culture, and community Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 400: What 400 Podcast Episodes Reveals About Writing and Publishing Cookbooks
05/07/2026
Episode 400: What 400 Podcast Episodes Reveals About Writing and Publishing Cookbooks
Welcome to Episode 400 of the Cookbook Love Podcast! If you’ve been thinking about writing a cookbook, collecting recipes, organizing ideas, or waiting for the right time to begin, I invite you to join my free masterclass happening now: Stop Dreaming About Writing a Cookbook, Start with a Clear Plan. Inside the class, I’ll walk you through the decisions that actually move cookbook projects forward so you can stop circling the idea and start building your book with clarity and direction. If writing a cookbook has been on your heart for a while, this is a chance to take a real next step. Learn more and register at: In this special episode, I’m reflecting on one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after 400 episodes talking with cookbook writers, authors, and aspiring creators. I’m sharing what I’ve seen over and over again about what actually gets a cookbook written and published and why the difference is often not talent, timing, or opportunity, but willingness. If you’ve been thinking about writing a cookbook but keep waiting for more time, more clarity, or the “right” moment, this episode is for you. I talk about the difference between feeling ready and deciding to begin, the quiet ways we stay in preparation mode, and how repetition and consistency are what truly move projects forward. In this episode, I share: Why willingness matters more than readiness What 400 episodes taught me about consistency and follow-through The subtle ways we delay the projects we care about most The story of finally submitting my first cookbook proposal Why creating space and structure matters if you want your cookbook to happen If you’ve been thinking about writing a cookbook, collecting recipes, organizing ideas, or waiting for the right time to begin, I invite you to join my free masterclass happening now: Stop Dreaming About Writing a Cookbook, Start with a Clear Plan. Inside the class, I’ll walk you through the decisions that actually move cookbook projects forward so you can stop circling the idea and start building your book with clarity and direction. If writing a cookbook has been on your heart for a while, this is a chance to take a real next step. Learn more and register at:
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Episode 399: Katherine Anderson and The London Plane: Preserving a Restaurant’s Spirit Through a Cookbook
04/30/2026
Episode 399: Katherine Anderson and The London Plane: Preserving a Restaurant’s Spirit Through a Cookbook
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I’m talking with Katherine Anderson, owner of The London Plane, a restaurant, flower shop, and bakery that became a meaningful community gathering space. When The London Plane closed in 2023, Katherine chose not to let the story end there. In this conversation, we talk about the vision behind her book, The London Plane Flower and Cook Book, created to capture the spirit of the space and preserve what it meant to so many people. Inside this episode: How the restaurant, flower shop, and bakery came together to create a one-of-a-kind collaborative experience The decision to document and carry forward the space after its closure in 2023 What it looked like to include seasonal recipes, including dishes inspired by flowers, alongside the restaurant’s chef’s contributed recipes Katherine’s self-publishing journey and her perspective for aspiring cookbook authors This episode is a reminder that a cookbook can become a lasting expression of a place while holding its spirit, its creativity, and the community it gathered.
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Episode 398: Why Your Cookbook Project Feels Like It’s Not Going Anywhere
04/23/2026
Episode 398: Why Your Cookbook Project Feels Like It’s Not Going Anywhere
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I talk about why your cookbook can feel like it’s not going anywhere, even when you’re actively working on it—and how a lack of direction underneath the work creates hidden costs that most people don’t see at first. In this episode, I talk about: • Why recipe writing, organizing, and planning can still feel like you’re not making progress • The hidden costs of working without a clear direction for your cookbook • How lack of direction affects time, money, momentum, and decision-making • Why everything feels important when there’s no clear publishing path guiding your choices If your cookbook feels like it’s stuck in motion but not actually taking shape, this episode will help you see what’s really happening underneath the surface. You’re not stuck because you’re not working enough—you’re stuck because your work doesn’t yet have a clear direction to move in. If you want help turning your ideas into a cookbook—and getting paid to do it—
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Episode 397: The Rhythms That Help Me Think, Write, and Cook
04/16/2026
Episode 397: The Rhythms That Help Me Think, Write, and Cook
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. In this episode, I’m sharing something personal. There’s a lot of conversation right now about AI. How to use it, how to move faster, how to generate more. And while I do use it in certain ways, I’ve found myself coming back to something very different that is not faster or more. In this episode, I walk you through the rhythm I’ve developed to support how I think, write, and cook. These are simple practices I return to every day and every week, not as a system, but as a way of staying connected to my work. Over time, this rhythm has helped me think more clearly, make decisions more easily, and stay present in the process of writing. If you’ve been feeling scattered, stuck, or disconnected from your cookbook project, this episode will give you a grounded place to return to. In this episode, I talk about: The daily practices that help me think clearly What supports creative thinking and decision-making The role of daily and weekly rhythms in staying creatively fueled What it looks like to build a rhythm that supports your work In the end, writing a cookbook and running a business isn’t just about the book or the business. It’s about your life while you create while working on and in them. If you want help turning your ideas into a cookbook—and getting paid to do it— .
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Episode 396: Southern Roots and the Life That Shaped It with Spring Council
04/09/2026
Episode 396: Southern Roots and the Life That Shaped It with Spring Council
In this episode, I’m joined by chef, author, and vintage curator Spring Council to talk about her beautiful new book Southern Roots. Spring spent over 50 years working in her family’s restaurant, Mama Dip’s Kitchen, where she learned firsthand how food creates connection, community, and lasting memories. In our conversation, we talk about how that experience shaped her cookbook — from the stories she tells to the recipes she creates — and what it really looks like to bring a book like this to life. In this episode, we talk about: What “Mama Dip’s University” taught her about food, people, and hospitality How Southern Roots blends storytelling with recipes Her path through writing, rejection, and finding her voice How she develops recipes that honor tradition while making them her own The role of community in both her restaurant life and her cookbook If you love cookbooks that feel personal, meaningful, and grounded in real experience, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. If you want help turning your ideas into a cookbook—and getting paid to do it—
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Episode 395: How Hannah Dasher Turned Visibility into the Stand By Your Pan Cookbook
04/02/2026
Episode 395: How Hannah Dasher Turned Visibility into the Stand By Your Pan Cookbook
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I'm excited to have an interview with Hannah Dasher. Hannah is a country music artist, creator, and author of Stand By Your Pan. Hannah built a loyal audience during quarantine by sharing nostalgic, personality-filled cooking videos—and has now turned that visibility into a cookbook rooted in Southern food, storytelling, and style. In this conversation, we talk about how her online presence shaped her book, the recipes and traditions behind it, and the practical techniques that bring her cooking to life. In this episode, we discuss: How Hannah’s TikTok content grew into a cookbook Building a cooking brand through personality and nostalgia Recipes inspired by family, viral moments, and Southern traditions Stock your kitchen (bones, fats, and fresh ingredients) Practical cooking tips—from tomato pie to fried chicken livers to ham stock Why preserving recipes and food traditions still matters If you’ve ever wondered how audience, voice, and recipes come together in a cookbook, this episode gives you a real example. If you want help turning your ideas into a cookbook—and getting paid to do it—
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Episode 394: The Cookbook Idea You Think You Shouldn’t Write (But Maybe Should)
03/26/2026
Episode 394: The Cookbook Idea You Think You Shouldn’t Write (But Maybe Should)
What if your cookbook idea doesn’t match your profession? In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most common and costly questions I hear from aspiring cookbook authors, especially experts like dietitians, chefs, and health professionals. Many people assume their cookbook needs to match their credentials. That it should sound serious, clinical, or highly technical to be taken seriously. But publishing doesn’t work that way. Publishers are not buying credentials alone. They’re looking for ideas readers care about and that often comes from something much more personal. In this episode, I share my own experience navigating this tension as a trained dietitian who wanted to write about seasonal home cooking in Kentucky. I also walk you through how cookbook deals actually work, and why the most compelling books combine both authority and humanity. If you’ve been holding back on a cookbook idea because it doesn’t feel “professional enough,” this episode will give you a new way to think about it. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why do so many experts feel pressure to write the “right” kind of book What publishers are actually looking for when they acquire cookbooks The three common paths cookbook deals follow Why passion creates reader connection in a way that credentials alone can’t How to combine your expertise with a story readers care about Your credentials matter. But they’re not the whole story. The book you’re meant to write might be the one you’ve been telling yourself you shouldn’t. If you want to prepare your deal-ready pitch package and get paid to write a cookbook,
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Episode 393: Why Followers Alone Don't Get Cookbook Deals
03/19/2026
Episode 393: Why Followers Alone Don't Get Cookbook Deals
Many aspiring cookbook authors believe they need a huge social media following before a publisher will take them seriously. But in traditional publishing, follower count alone is not what gets a cookbook deal. In this episode, I talk about what publishers are really looking for when they ask about your platform. They want to know whether you have real relationships with people who know you, trust you, engage with your work, and are likely to buy your book. I also share why writing, conversation, and proof of engagement matter so much more than chasing random followers. In this episode, I cover: Why follower count alone is not enough What publishers really want to know about your audience How to identify the people already in your world who would buy your book Why writing and relationship-building are essential for becoming a paid cookbook author If you’ve been feeling behind because your audience is not huge, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters. If you want to get paid to write a cookbook,
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Episode 392: 25 Unexpected Benefits of Writing a Cookbook
03/12/2026
Episode 392: 25 Unexpected Benefits of Writing a Cookbook
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Most people think the outcome of writing a cookbook is the finished book, but I’ve seen something much bigger happen along the way. In this episode, I explore what really happens when we choose a meaningful creative challenge like writing a cookbook. Many cookbook writers I work with are already successful professionals: chefs, dietitians, coaches, and entrepreneurs who decide to write a book not because they have to, but because the work matters to them. I share the unexpected benefits I’ve seen from writing a cookbook, including identity shifts, creative discipline, professional credibility, community, and new opportunities. In this episode, I talk about: • Why writing a cookbook is a chosen challenge • How creative projects activate your agency and identity • Why hard work doesn’t have to feel miserable • The deeper benefits that come from finishing a creative project Whether you’re writing a cookbook, building a food business, or starting another creative project, this episode will help you see the deeper transformation that can happen when you commit to creating something meaningful. If you want to get paid to write a cookbook,
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Episode 391: Baking and the Meaning of Life: A Conversation with Helen Goh
03/05/2026
Episode 391: Baking and the Meaning of Life: A Conversation with Helen Goh
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I’m excited to share a conversation with Helen Goh, the author of the beautiful new cookbook Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes. Helen is widely known for her work as a recipe developer with Yotam Ottolenghi, co-authoring the New York Times bestselling books Sweet and Comfort. In this episode, we talk about her debut solo cookbook and the deeper meaning behind baking. Helen brings a unique perspective to the kitchen. In addition to her acclaimed baking work, she also maintains a psychotherapy practice. In her new book, she blends these two worlds—sharing not only wonderful recipes, but also reflections on why baking matters and how it can bring joy and meaning to everyday life. Drawing on her upbringing in Malaysia and Australia, as well as years of developing recipes with Ottolenghi, Helen shares both sweet and savory bakes that celebrate creativity, connection, and nourishment. In this episode, we talk about: • Helen’s journey from recipe developer to writing her first solo cookbook • Her collaboration with Yotam Ottolenghi and what she learned along the way • The inspiration behind Baking and the Meaning of Life • How baking adds meaning to everyday moments • Why baking is about more than survival. It’s about joy and connection • Highlights from the table of contents and some of the recipes in the book • Tips, techniques, and baking insights from Helen’s years in professional kitchens Want to Get Paid to Write Your Cookbook? If you’re dreaming about writing a cookbook, you might assume you need to finish the entire manuscript before approaching publishers. But in traditional publishing, cookbook authors are often paid an advance before they write the book. In my Get Paid to Write a Cookbook Masterclass, I teach the step-by-step process for positioning your cookbook idea so publishers can invest in it. You’ll learn: • How traditional cookbook deals actually work • What publishers are looking for in cookbook ideas • The path to pitching a cookbook proposal with confidence
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Episode 390: From Guesswork to Clarity: The Path to a Traditional Cookbook Deal
02/26/2026
Episode 390: From Guesswork to Clarity: The Path to a Traditional Cookbook Deal
Many aspiring cookbook authors believe they need to finish writing their book before pitching it to publishers. It sounds logical — but it often leads to years of uncertainty, backtracking, and stalled momentum. In this episode, Maggie explains why traditional cookbook publishing is a process, not a guessing game, and how clarity — not a finished manuscript — is what leads to a book deal and an advance. You’ll learn: • why publishers buy concepts, positioning, and authors — not finished manuscripts • how lack of clarity creates hesitation for agents and editors • the hidden trap of writing first and pitching later • what it means to become a deal-ready cookbook author • the three essentials needed to pursue a traditional cookbook deal If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll finish the book and figure out publishing later,” this episode will help you see a clearer path forward. 👉 Register for the free masterclass: and learn the step-by-step path to position your cookbook for a traditional deal and get paid before you write.
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Episode 389: From Yacht Chef to Global Kitchen — Abby Cheshire’s Passport to Flavor
02/19/2026
Episode 389: From Yacht Chef to Global Kitchen — Abby Cheshire’s Passport to Flavor
Today I’m excited to have an interview with Abby Cheshire. Abby is a private chef, culinary educator, and content creator best known for her social media presence as @abbyinthegalley. With experience cooking on luxury yachts and for private clients, Abby shares what it’s really like to work as a chef from high-pressure yacht kitchens to immersive dinner events while teaching accessible global recipes and telling stories through food. Before we get started, I want to share a quick invitation. If you are a food, nutrition, or culinary expert — a chef, dietitian, food blogger, culinary educator, caterer, or passionate home cook with a message to share — and you want to understand what traditional publishers are looking for in 2026, I’d love to invite you to my upcoming masterclass: Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. In this class, you’ll learn how to craft a viable cookbook concept that attracts agents and publishers, understand what publishers are looking for right now, and build three deal-ready essentials so you feel confident and prepared to pitch. If you’re ready to stop guessing and gain a clear path to traditional publishing, you can register at . The link is also below in the show notes, and I would love to see you there. In my conversation with Abby, we talked about her experience cooking on luxury yachts, what it’s like working as a private chef in high-pressure environments, and how she built a loyal audience by sharing the real behind-the-scenes life of a chef. We also discuss her new book, Passport to Flavor: 100 Global Dishes You Can Make Anywhere, and how she helps beginning cooks and adventurous eaters gain confidence cooking cuisines from around the world — right in their own kitchens. So without further delay, let’s dive into this conversation with Abby Cheshire. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 388: Being a Cookbook Writer: Italy in a Glass with Susan Gravely
02/12/2026
Episode 388: Being a Cookbook Writer: Italy in a Glass with Susan Gravely
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Before we dive into our interview today, I want to let you know I have a very special masterclass coming up called How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. In this clas,s I will help you: Discover what traditional publishers want in 2026 Position yourself for a publishing deal without years of trial & error Craft a viable cookbook concept that attracts agents & publishers Build three deal-ready essentials to help you feel prepared To register, head over to Today on the podcast, I’m excited to have an interview with Susan Gravely. is the Founder and CEO Emerita of , a lifestyle brand offering handcrafted Italian tabletop and home-and-garden accessories. She started VIETRI alongside her sister and mother after they took a magical trip to Italy in 1983. They fell in love with the hand-painted dinnerware we found on the Amalfi Coast and decided to start a wholesale business. Since that trip forty years ago, VIETRI has become the largest American importer of Italian ceramics. Susan is the author of 2 books Italy on a Plate, which we discussed in Episode 234, and today her newest book Italy in a Glass, where Susan explores the Italian ritual of aperitivo, where cocktails, mocktails, and small bites set the stage for festive gatherings. Inspired by her own experiences in Italy, Gravely shares the art of entertaining Italian-style, blending personal stories with time-tested recipes and tips from her Italian friends. Today on the show we talk about: Building VIETRI: From a Family Discovery to a Global Brand Italy, Craftsmanship, and Living Beautifully Cookbook Writing & Storytelling Through Food Leadership, Legacy, and Susan’s Next Chapter as CEO Emerita Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 387: From Restaurant Legacy to Published Cookbook: Nina Greipel and Gasthaus Cookbook
02/05/2026
Episode 387: From Restaurant Legacy to Published Cookbook: Nina Greipel and Gasthaus Cookbook
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, Maggie sits down with former student and now published cookbook author Nina Greipel, creator of Gasthaus: Cookbook & Memories. Before we dive in, I want to invite you to register for my upcoming masterclass — Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. If you’re a food, nutrition, or culinary expert who dreams of writing a cookbook and attracting a traditional publishing deal, this masterclass will walk you through what publishers are looking for in 2026, how to craft a cookbook concept that stands out, and how advances really work. You can register for the class using the link in the show notes. For over 30 years, Nina’s family ran The Gasthaus restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky — a beloved hidden gem known for authentic German flavors and warm hospitality. In this episode, Nina shares how she preserved her family’s restaurant legacy in a beautifully photographed, full-color cookbook. You’ll hear about: The story behind The Gasthaus restaurant and its impact on the community How Nina decided to turn her family’s recipes into a cookbook The process of testing, developing, and photographing over 80 recipes What it was like working through the cookbook publishing journey step-by-step How being part of a supportive group helped her finish and publish her book Tips and lessons Nina learned along the way If you love cookbooks with heart, history, and meaningful stories — or if you dream of publishing your own — this episode will inspire you. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 386: From Diagnosis to Cookbook: Emily Maxon’s Journey to Real Food, Every Day
01/29/2026
Episode 386: From Diagnosis to Cookbook: Emily Maxon’s Journey to Real Food, Every Day
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, Maggie sits down with chef and cookbook author Emily Maxon, whose newest book Real Food, Every Day was born out of a life-changing health journey. Emily is a trained chef and lifelong food lover who, at age 28, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. That diagnosis led her to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet — a rigorous way of eating designed to support gut health and healing. Drawing on her years of experience as a chef and caterer, Emily made it her mission to create recipes that not only met the diet’s strict guidelines but also tasted wonderful and helped people feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. How Emily’s personal health challenges became the catalyst for creating her cookbook Real Food, Every Day • What it was like navigating the journey from cookbook idea to published book • Lessons Emily learned along the way about writing and publishing a cookbook rooted in real-life experience • Practical tips for aspiring cookbook authors on turning personal stories into strong cookbook concepts • How to stay motivated through the long (and rewarding) process of writing and publishing a cookbook If you’ve ever wondered how a personal challenge can become the foundation for a meaningful cookbook, or how chefs and food experts can turn their expertise into a published book, this episode is full of inspiration and insight. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 385: Being a Cookbook Writer: Uplifting Indigenous Culture & Traditions with Pyet DeSpain
01/22/2026
Episode 385: Being a Cookbook Writer: Uplifting Indigenous Culture & Traditions with Pyet DeSpain
Today on the Cookbook Love Podcast, I am honored to welcome Pyet Despain, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, award-winning global private chef, and the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s groundbreaking competition series Next Level Chef. Pyets’s life and work are rooted in Indigenous fusion cuisine, where she weaves together the food traditions of her Native American and Mexican heritage. Through her cooking, storytelling, and travel, Pyet is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous culture and honoring the traditions passed down through generations. Originally from the Osage Indian Reservation in Kansas City, Kansas, Pyet now resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to share her culinary voice with the world. Her beautiful new book, Rooted in Fire, reflects her journey, her heritage, and her deep respect for food as a cultural and spiritual expression. In today’s conversation Pyet shares: The story behind Rooted in Fire, who the book is for, and what inspired her to bring this project to life. Her journey from idea to finished book, the message she hopes cooks and bakers will take away, and how her work connects food, identity, and tradition. The book's structure, including its table of contents, key themes in the chapters, and several recipes you can try at home, allows you to experience the flavors and stories of Indigenous cuisine in your own kitchen. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 384: Being a Cookbook Writer: Abstaining with the Saints with Michael Foley
01/15/2026
Episode 384: Being a Cookbook Writer: Abstaining with the Saints with Michael Foley
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Michael P. Foley, Catholic theologian, professor, and author of Abstaining with the Saints. Michael is best known for his beloved Drinking with the Saints series, and in this new book, he turns his attention to alcohol-free celebrations that are just as meaningful, festive, and rooted in the liturgical year. Abstaining with the Saints offers nearly 200 thoughtfully crafted mocktail recipes, along with alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirit suggestions that align with Catholic feast days and seasons. Each recipe is paired with stories and facts about the saints, creating a joyful way to honor the Church calendar without alcohol. In our conversation, we explore: Why Michael felt called to create a non-alcoholic companion to Drinking with the Saints How mocktails can support sober, “soberish,” and alcohol-free lifestyles The role of saints and celebration in Catholic life How food and drink can deepen our connection to family, faith, tradition, and community Who this book is for, and how it can serve families, parishes, and individuals alike Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 383: Being a Cookbook Writer: Ins and Outs for 2026
01/08/2026
Episode 383: Being a Cookbook Writer: Ins and Outs for 2026
Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today, I have a fun episode called the Ins and Outs for 2026. This episode was inspired by the Ins and Outs list I did last year and focuses on things I did in 2025 that I want to do again, and new stuff I want to try. The outs are things I don’t want to bring forward into the new year that no longer serve me, or don’t help me live the life I want to live, or that use my precious time and life thinking, feeling, or doing. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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