Speaking Broadly

Apron entrepreneur Ellen Bennett knows how to make things happen. Ever since she figured out how to pay for culinary school in Mexico (sell canola oil, become a radio announcer, model) she has pursued her dreams with an ebullient intensity. Bennett's first customer was ready to buy aprons before she even had a prototype. She just knew that she could improve both the utility and beauty of kitchen workwear. Ellen's energy is electric. After listening to this episode, listeners will be ready to tackle any project.

This week, Kat Kinsman, Senior Food and Drink Editor at Extra Crispy, former Editor at Tasting Table, and founding editor of CNN’s Eatocracy, discusses her book, Hi, Anxiety, which attempts to eliminate the stigma around mental health issues among members of the food industry. Kat explains how from a young age she offered to feed people in order to combat her loneliness. She discusses her own anxiety as well as her commitment to providing helpful resources and facilitating conversations about mental health within the food community. Kat has been a professional food writer for ten years, and recently, because of her job at Extra Crispy, has become one of the foremost experts on breakfast foods. In this episode she discusses her love for the perfect egg and piece of toast. She also mentions some of her favorite breakfast spots around the country, which range from restaurants to drive-throughs to 24-hour diners. Kat’s advice to budding food writers is to focus on a specific niche within the industry, as well as

Emily Hyland and her husband Matt met in college and bonded over a series of pizza dinners. Their combined love of pie foreshadowed their first restaurant together, Emily in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn as well as their second Emmy Squared in Williamsburg, both of which have become beloved neighborhood insititutions and instagram darlings . While Matt is the hit-making chef, Emily is the COO. She brings an unusual set of experiences to this position: She was a public school teacher and a yoga instructor. On this episode of Speaking Broadly, Emily reveals the lessons of mindful management.

Naz Riahi is equal parts marketer and provocateur. After a decade in advertising and marketing for a variety of clients from fashion to entertainment, she set her sights on the food world and created Bitten, a conference that highlights the vibrant diversity of the culinary landscape. The conference is now held in NY, LA and Boston. Through highlighting a cross-section of visionary leaders in technology, design, products, Riahi hopes to reveal--and even shape-- the future. Listen to this episode to hear one woman's view of how she got here, and where we're going.

Allison Robicelli is best known for the insanely decadent desserts that she developed with her husband Matt for their Brooklyn bakery, Robicelli's. Their cupcakes like the Nutella Lasagna became viral hits and their book, Robicelli's: A Love Story with Cupcakes was on a zillion best-seller lists. In the last year, though, the couple closed their shop, moved to Baltimore, and hit the pause button. Allison shares stories of near super-human resilience: thriving after the financial crisis squelched her business, tending to Matt through repeated hospital stays, finding an outlet for anguish and joy through writing.

Amy Virginia Buchanan's faith in herself and the energy of New York changed her life. She jumped from a job at HousingWorks to pursue acting, singing and perhaps most surprisingly a creative partnership called Spring Street Social Society. As artistic director, she helps plot one-of-kind events with musical entertainment in unconventional settings for the group's members. On today's podcast, Buchanan reveals a vulnerable brilliance and uncompromising approach that are essential to her success.

Angel investor and co-founder of TechTable, Camilla Marcus has had an intriguingly varied career in the restaurant industry including being the head of business development for the Union Square Hospitality Group. Marcus shares why she thinks it's important to go with your gut, to take risks, and to learn the love language of your friends and colleagues.

Julia Sherman is a feminist Tony Bourdain who explores the world through art, writing and cooking. An obsessively creative person, Sherman has charted a unique path from an MFA at Columbia University to a super popular blog Salad For President. Her first book, Salad For President: A Cookbook Inspired by Artists, will be published this spring. Tune in to hear about maintaining artistic integrity while growing a passionate following.

This episode of Speaking Broadly features the founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, a passionate advocate for the local food movement, an flavor innovator extraordinaire, and a leader who conquered challenges from the FDA and reinvented her business in the process. Hers is a moving story of the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship.

Host Dana Cowin's first guest on Speaking Broadly is Christina Grdovic, a brilliant strategist and marketer who has brokered TV deals (calling all Top Chef fans), restaurant deals, and a partnership deal including the launch of FWx. An extraordinary innovator & leader, Grdovic shares her lessons from her rock-star career.