No guest today. Just me and a conversation I think a lot of us need to have.

Stress is something we all carry but the Black community in particular has a long history of pushing through without ever really addressing it. In this solo episode I get honest about what causes me stress, what I actually do to manage it, and why I think understanding your stress is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.

And then there is the food side of things. I have always been able to cook under pressure but baking is different. The patience it requires, the measuring, the process of slowing down and trusting it, that is what actually resets my mind. Cooking does not do that for me the same way. Baking does.

This one is personal and I hope it finds whoever needs it.

New episodes every week!

Control is something we all wrestle with, and in this episode I sit back down with my longtime friend Spencer Jason to really dig into it.

Spencer is a Bosun for Uncruise Adventures out of Alaska and this is his first time joining me since the podcast went visual on YouTube. We talk about the difference between giving up control and recognizing when you actually have it, and why understanding that difference changes everything.

On the culinary side I share four foods that were invented because someone completely lost control in the kitchen. Pure accidents and happy mishaps that ended up changing the way the world eats. You will not guess all four.

This one goes deep, and it is a good time doing it.

Follow Spencer on Instagram: @theschmerz New episodes every week at chculinarycreations.com

This episode is sponsored by ButcherBox. I'm an affiliate, so I may earn from purchases using my link. 🔗 Get high-quality meat delivered: https://butcherbox.pxf.io/chefhollywood #Ad #ButcherBoxAffiliate

Your tastes are supposed to change, and that includes more than just food.

In this episode, Chef Hollywood explores how our preferences evolve over time: the careers we outgrow, the hobbies that no longer fit, the people we find ourselves drawn to now versus years ago. Change is not a crisis, it is a signal. And on the culinary side? There is actual science behind it. Your taste buds physically change over time, which means the foods you think you hate might deserve a second chance.

This one is honest, relatable, and worth sitting with.

New episodes every week on all streaming platforms and YouTube https://youtube.com/@cookingyourwaythroughlife?si=zlRl7XO_QLoFWfHf

Some conversations need to be had in the kitchen — and this is one of them.

Chef Hollywood sits down with Chef Patrick (@dahangrychef) to tackle one of the most nuanced topics in the culinary world: the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, and everything that lives in between. As two chefs of color, they bring a perspective that is rarely heard at the table — honest, personal, and rooted in lived experience.

They also explore what it truly means to travel and experience other cultures through food, versus the filtered, surface-level version social media often presents.

This one hits home. Don't miss it.

Follow Chef Patrick: @dahangrychef Learn more about Chef Hollywood at chculinarycreations.com

Check Out The Visuals Over At YouTube - Cooking Your Way Through Life

What does it mean to be THE host — and who takes care of you while you're taking care of everyone else?

In this episode, Chef Hollywood sits down with longtime friend Warren Mullins to dig into the real world of hosting: the pressure, the joy, the grind, and the moments nobody talks about. Whether you're hosting a party, a show, or just holding it together for the room — this conversation is going to hit home.

Chef Hollywood also breaks down his go-to culinary tips for hosting events and parties, plus shares some of his favorite crowd-pleasing recipes so you can show up and show OUT for your friends and family.

And yes — because it's Warren — the cruise ship stories make a full appearance. 😄

This episode is fun, real, and leaves you thinking. Don't say we didn't warn you.

🥩 Brought to you by ButcherBox — premium, humanely raised meat delivered right to your door. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or prepping your meals for the week, ButcherBox makes it easy to bring quality to the table every time. 👉 https://butcherbox.pxf.io/chefhollywood #Ad #ButcherBoxAffiliate

Show Warren some love: @ininkwetrust on Instagram & TikTok Learn more about Chef Hollywood: https://chculinarycreations.com

In this episode of Cooking Your Way Through Life: 'Traveling,' I'm diving into something I'm genuinely passionate about—the joy of travel. But here's the thing: I also want to talk about something we don't discuss enough.

The Pressure to Travel: For way too long, we've condemned people for not traveling. We've made it seem like if you're not constantly exploring the world, you're missing out on life. But what if you don't truly like traveling? What if it stresses you out? What if it's just not for you?

Here's my take: if you don't genuinely enjoy traveling, then don't do it. Period. Stop forcing yourself to fit into someone else's idea of what a fulfilling life looks like. Life is too short to spend it doing things that don't bring you joy.

But If You Do Love to Travel: For those of us who do love it, I'm sharing some culinary tips I've learned along the way—things you should always do when traveling to enhance your food experiences and make the most of local cuisines.

I'm also talking about the advantages of utilizing all of your resources when you travel—your job, your credit cards, loyalty programs, and more. Travel doesn't have to be expensive or complicated if you're strategic about it. This episode is for anyone who loves to travel, anyone who's curious about travel, and anyone who's felt pressured to travel but just doesn't want to. You're not alone, and your choice is valid.

This episode is sponsored by ButcherBox. I'm an affiliate, so I may earn from purchases using my link. Get high-quality meat delivered: https://butcherbox.pxf.io/chefhollywood

Let me know in the comments or on social media—do you love traveling? What's your favorite travel experience? Or if you're not a traveler, what brings you joy instead? I'd love to hear your story.

Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Cooking Your Way Through Life. 🌍

Have you ever felt the weight of expectations—from your family, your community, or yourself? In this episode of Cooking Your Way Through Life: 'Pressure,' I'm sitting down with my Uncle, Command Sergeant Major Donald Robertson, to have a real, honest conversation about one of life's most challenging experiences.

We're talking about what it means to be successful while carrying the silent expectations of those around you. We're exploring the loneliness that can come with leadership—when people respect your position but don't always see the human behind it. And we're diving into how to stay strong for others while still taking care of yourself.

But this isn't just about military leadership or high-level positions. We're connecting these powerful lessons to the everyday pressures we all face—the pressure of cooking for the camera, hosting parties, being a culinary instructor, and showing up as our best selves when people are watching.

Uncle Donald brings decades of real-world experience and wisdom, and together we're unpacking the emotional weight that comes with success, the importance of being seen as human, and how to navigate pressure with grace and strength.

This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt the weight of expectations or wondered how to balance being strong for others while taking care of themselves.

A Special Thank You: Uncle Donald, thank you for your time, your openness, and for sharing your story with us.

Check out his new book: 'Breaking, Building, Becoming' - https://a.co/d/07UbtSUB 🎙️