Best Creative Loafing Podcasts (2025)

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Where Creativity Meets Chemistry: Kelly DeFusco on Bakery Science & the CMB Journey 34:24

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15d ago34:24

34:24

Most people think a career in baking means spending your life inside a kitchen—but today’s guest proves the industry is far bigger, more innovative, and more full of possibility than most bakers ever imagine. In this episode, Kimberly sits down with Kelly DeFusco, a Principal Bakery Scientist at Tastepoint by IFF with 34 years in the flavor industr…

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E21: The Bagel Ambassador joins The Perfect Rise! 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

What happens when you spot a gap in the market that should exist… and decide to build it yourself? BagelFest was born from that exact moment — an idea that didn’t make sense not to exist. In today’s episode, Chef Kimberly sits down with the “Bagel Ambassador” himself, Sam Silverman, to explore how a first-time festival in Bushwick evolved into the …

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E20: Icing Smiles: Turning Compassion Into Cake 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

What if one cake could change everything? In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Tracy Quisenberry, founder of Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that brings joy to critically ill children and their families through custom celebration cakes made by volunteer bakers. Tracy’s journey didn’t begin in the kit…

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E19: Why We’re Losing Chefs — and How CHOW’s Fixing It 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

What if the same passion that drives your success is quietly breaking you down? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Jasmin Vitolo Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer at CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness), to unpack the unspoken truth of life in hospitality — and what it really takes t…

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E18: Mastery, Mindset & Integrity: Lessons from Certified Master Baker Chef Cody Middleton 31:18

3M ago31:18

31:18

What does it really take to become a Certified Master Baker—and a true master of your craft? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Chef Cody Middleton, professor and department head of Baking & Pastry at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach (HGTC), to explore the intersection of skill, humility, a…

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E:17 Chef Matthew Ratliff on Mastering Pastry & Career Success 28:06

3M ago28:06

28:06

What does it take to rise to the top of the pastry world? In this episode of The Perfect Rise: Conversations with the RBA, Executive Pastry Chef Matthew Ratliff shares his journey from the Culinary Institute of America to competing (and winning) on Food Network, earning elite certifications, and leading the pastry team at the prestigious Everglades…

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E16: From Fine Dining to Cookie Empire | The Perfect Rise Podcast 43:40

3M ago43:40

43:40

What happens when a fine dining pastry chef faces a career-ending injury? For Tracy Mattson, it became the spark that launched Cookie Take a Bite—a boutique cookie brand built on elevated flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a deep commitment to local partnerships. In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Tracy to …

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E15: From Pastry Chef to Industry Leader: Scott Calvert’s Baking Journey 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

From Pastry Chef to Industry Leader: Scott Calvert’s Baking Journey In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Scott Calvert—President of Tootie Pie Co. and immediate past president of the Retail Bakers of America—shares his 35+ year journey in the baking industry. From his start at the New England Culinary Institute to building The Cake Plate, and now l…

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E14: From Weekend Help to Donut Empire: Gary VanderStelt of Sprinkles Donuts 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

From Weekend Help to Donut Empire: Gary VanderStelt of Sprinkles Donuts | The Perfect Rise Podcast What happens when the kid who swore he’d never work in a bakery ends up running one of the busiest donut operations in Michigan? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Gary VanderStelt, owner of Sprinkles Donuts, to …

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E13: The Truth About Becoming a Certified Master Baker 19:18

4M ago19:18

19:18

What does it really take to become a Certified Master Baker? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef LeeAnn Adams shares her journey—from late nights in the kitchen to passing one of the most intense baking exams in the industry. We talk about the written and practical tests, the pressure, the power of mentorship, and the lifelong impact of becom…

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E12: Baking Isn’t Hard: Taylor Craft on Curiosity & Cake 29:33

5M ago29:33

29:33

What does it take to go from actor to baker—and find your flavor voice along the way? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Taylor Craft, a Kendall College grad and career changer who left a 13-year front-of-house career to chase creativity and precision in pastry. Taylor opens up about her culinary school experi…

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Why Government Cuts Are Killing Us: The Truth About Disaster Response 11:35

6M ago11:35

11:35

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://ablackexec.com/ Episode Video Link: In this urgent episode of Need to Know with Dr. Nsenga Burton, Dr. Burton addresses the devastating floods in Central Texas and reveals the underlying causes behind the rising death toll. She pulls no punches in highlighting how government cuts to critical agencies, such…

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E11: Inside the Certified Master Baker Exam with Austin Scoles 29:41

6M ago29:41

29:41

What does it take to join the elite ranks of Certified Master Bakers (CMB)? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, we go behind the scenes with Chef Austin Scoles—pastry chef, educator, and one of the newest CMBs certified by the Retail Bakers of America. From 10+ weekends of intense practice to a two-day exam that tests everything from prec…

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E10: Pastry with Jen Heide at Palm Beach’s Elite Everglades Club 30:51

6M ago30:51

30:51

From Fine Pastry to Mentorship: Chef Jennifer Hyde on Lifelong Learning in the Kitchen What does it take to build a career in pastry that spans bread, chocolate, and mentorship? In this episode of The Perfect Rise: Conversations with the RBA, we sit down with Jennifer Hyde, Assistant Pastry Chef at the prestigious Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Flo…

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E9: How Heather Ugorowski Baked Through Grief and Built a Community—One Pastry at a Time 41:28

7M ago41:28

41:28

From decorating cakes at age 12 to launching a bakery in memory of her son, Heather Ugorowski’s baking journey is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise, the RBA podcast, Heather shares the incredible highs and lows of her career—from a 10,000-mile bakery road trip to rebuilding after floods, accide…

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E8: How CMB Derek Corsino Built a Career from Cakes, Classrooms, and Bold Yeses 36:46

7M ago36:46

36:46

What do you get when you combine a lifelong artist, a pastry chef, and an award-winning educator? You get Certified Master Baker Derek Corsino. In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Derek to explore his journey from eight-year-old cake decorator to Food Network competitor, high school culinary instructor, and published aut…

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E7: From Corporate to Crumb: How Amie Smith Built a Beloved Scratch Bakery After 50 34:17

8M ago34:17

34:17

What happens when a high-powered marketing consultant trades her corporate corner office for a 30-quart mixer and a dream? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Amie Smith, pastry chef and owner of a thriving scratch bakery on Cape Cod, to talk about building a second-act career from the ground up—literally. …

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E6: Zingerman’s Secrets: How Amy Emberling Turned Passion into a Lasting Baking Legacy 26:06

8M ago26:06

26:06

In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Amy Emberling, Managing Partner at the legendary Zingerman’s Bakehouse, to explore what it really takes to build a bakery business that lasts—not just in years, but in values, vision, and community impact. Amy shares how she went from baking as a child in Nova Scoti…

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Ep5: Selling Your Bakery: What Comes Next? | Shellie Slove on Life After Ownership 43:26

9M ago43:26

43:26

What happens when it’s time to step away from the bakery that’s shaped your life? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Shellie Slove—baker’s daughter, third-generation entrepreneur, and Head of Bakery Success at Bakesmart—to explore what comes after bakery ownership. Shellie shares her powerful journey through grief, succession pla…

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E4: Building a Bakery That Lasts: Kirk Rossberg on 40 Years of Growth at Torrance Bakery 24:04

9M ago24:04

24:04

What does it take to not just survive—but thrive—for 50 years in the baking industry? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Kirk Rossberg, owner of the award-winning Torrance Bakery and a founding member of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), to unpack the wisdom he's gained over five decades in the business. Kirk sha…

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E3: Want to Be a Pastry Chef? CIA Instructor Jesse Jackson III Shares the Truth 47:21

10M ago47:21

47:21

In this episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, Chef Jesse Jackson III, CMB, shares his incredible journey from pastry chef to educator at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Certified Master Baker. Jesse takes us through the challenges and triumphs of his career, offering invaluable advice for aspiring culinary professionals and educators. Ke…

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E2: Legacy Baking: How Marc Anderson Grew Linda’s Bakery into a Local Institution 9:20

10M ago9:20

9:20

In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston chats with Marc Anderson, President of Linda's Bakery, to uncover the secrets behind his decades-long journey in the baking industry. Marc shares how his small-town roots, family bakery beginnings, and passion for nighttime baking sparked a lifelong career in the culinary world. Together, K…

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E1: Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Real Talk for Bakers, By Bakers 14:42

10M ago14:42

14:42

In this inaugural episode, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Marissa Velie to dive deep into the heart of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA)—a community dedicated to supporting bakers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're a seasoned bakery owner, a student just starting out, or an independent baker looking for guidance, the RBA is here…

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Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA, 1:06

12M ago1:06

1:06

Discover how to elevate your baking skills, grow your business, and stay ahead of industry trends. On "The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA," you’ll get a sneak peek of the expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories our guests will share. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ll show you exactly how to raise your cr…

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Hidden Grounds | Ep 11 42:59

2y ago42:59

42:59

In this video, we'll take a look at the captivating realm of Hidden Grounds, exploring not only the founders' story but also the secrets behind successful escape room businesses. This video will cover: ✅ Insights into the inception of Hidden Grounds ✅ The fascinating backstory of the founders ✅ An in-depth look into the dynamics of escape room busi…

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Maven Coffee | Ep 10 45:51

2y ago45:51

45:51

In this episode, join Ann and me on a caffeinated adventure in Wilmington, North Carolina, as we explore the fascinating world of Maven Coffee. This video will cover: ✅ How long has Maven Coffee been brewing excellence? ✅ Decoding the essence of "specialty" coffee and what sets it apart. ✅ Why Maven Coffee focus on Colombian coffee? ... and so much…

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Savorez | EP 9 25:51

2y ago25:51

25:51

In today's episode, join us on a flavorful journey with Savorez, exploring the roots of this culinary haven, its unique partnership with Bespoke, crowd-favorite dishes, and much more! We will cover: ✅ The intriguing story of how Savorez started ✅ Discovering Savorez's presence and impact in the vibrant city of Wilmington. ✅ Insights into the succes…

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Little Loaf | EP 8 29:32

2y ago29:32

29:32

In this episode, we sit down with Julia, Little Loaf's founder, discussing her journey from market baker to owning a unique bakery space. She delves into the artistry of her bread-making, highlights family involvement, and shares insights into her passion for teaching sourdough while navigating the lifestyle challenges of early morning baking. Welc…

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Cafe Frutta Fesca | EP 7 29:59

2y ago29:59

29:59

In today's episode, the owner of Cafe Frutta Fresca, Lisa, discusses her journey of starting a gelato business in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. She shares insights into the cafe's mission, the importance of love and quality ingredients in their gelato, and their dedication to combatting human trafficking. Lisa highlights the unique atmosphere of th…

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Dram Yard | EP 6 38:15

2+ y ago38:15

38:15

In this episode, we sit down with Vince from Dram Yard in Wilmington, to dive into the restaurant's unique blend of Southern charm and West Coast vibes. Vince shares insights into the restaurant's menu, including standout dishes like Lion's Mane Induja, and their legendary brunch options. Discover why Dram Yard has become a go-to spot for locals an…

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Mess Hall | EP 5 36:28

2+ y ago36:28

36:28

In this episode, we sit down with Sam, the mastermind behind Mess Hall, a popular burger joint in Wilmington. Sam takes us on a journey through the restaurant's evolution and explains why simplicity is key to their success. Dive into their menu, featuring standout items like the Sam burger and the innovative McWatt. Discover how Mess Hall strives t…

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Floriana | EP 4 19:22

2+ y ago19:22

19:22

Today, we sit down with Dean, the Director of Operations at Floriana, a beloved Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Join us as we dive into the rich history of Floriana, its origins, and its journey to becoming a cherished establishment in the community! Welcome to the sunny shores of Cape Fear North Carolina, where coastal livi…

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Kitchen Sink | EP 3 19:53

2+ y ago19:53

19:53

In this episode, we sit down with Alicia and Jason Mitchell, the passionate owners behind Kitchen Sink in the heart of Wilmington's Brooklyn Arts District. Discover the unique journey of how a chemist and a minister found their calling in the culinary world. From scratch-made soups to secret menu delights, explore the diverse and creative menu offe…

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Boombalattis | EP 2 37:17

2+ y ago37:17

37:17

On today’s episode, we dive into the “scoop” with Wes and Kristen Bechtel, the dynamic duo behind Boombalatis. We learn how they’ve sweetly “coned” their way into Wilmington’s heart. If you’re hungry for a glimpse of ice cream craftsmanship, this episode serves the perfect blend of insights and indulgence within the world of Boombalattis and all th…

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Blueberry's Grill | EP 1 21:30

2+ y ago21:30

21:30

Today we interview Chelsea and Michaela from Blueberry's Grill at Lumina Station to talk about the restaurant's history and how it became a staple in the community. Situated minutes from Wrightsville Beach, it is the perfect place for a sweet or savory breakfast and lunch. With a huge dining room and massive patio, it also is a perfect place to tak…

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Cape Fear Calling Trailer 1:24

2+ y ago1:24

1:24

Welcome to the sunny shores of Cape Fear North Carolina, where coastal living meets entrepreneurial spirit in 'Cape Fear Calling'! Join your hosts, Rich and Ann, every Thursday as they dive into the vibrant tapestry of local businesses that make the this region truly exceptional.This video podcast takes you along sandy beaches, chats with passionat…

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The Future of Human Enhancement: An Interview with Dave Asprey, Founder of Upgrade Labs 15:27

3y ago15:27

15:27

Join us for a thrilling episode as we sit down with Dave Aspry, the founder of Upgrade Labs. Aspry has dedicated his life to exploring and experimenting with the latest technologies and techniques to enhance and transform human performance, and he's here to share his insights with us. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of biohacki…

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Leslie Gray Shell Charlotte Division President of Tri Pointe Homes 16:39

3y ago16:39

16:39

Today I interviewed Leslie Gray Shell, Charlotte’s Division President of Tri Pointe Homes – one of the nation's top building companies. Tri Pointe Homes is a publicly traded company with a market cap of $1.6Billion+. View our article on www.clclt.com NYSE: TPH --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calexwomack/support…

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CEO of Eco Panels Charles Leahy 29:02

4y ago29:02

29:02

I interviewed the CEO of Eco Panels a sustainable Building Manufacturer based in North Carolina. Eco-Panels is a technology building manufacture and has been recognized by Building scientists working for the US Department of Energy as having the most advanced structural & insulated panel system in the world. They have worked with governments & priv…

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Culture Clash: Stephanie Stuckey 26:04

4y ago26:04

26:04

Host Jill Melancon talks to Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's, about their comeback plan as well as the proper way to pronounce "pecan."By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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First Draft: Atlantucky Brewing 22:52

4y ago22:52

22:52

Host Jill Melancon speaks with Fish Scales and Skinny Deville of Nappy Roots about opening their own brewery in Castleberry Hill and the importance of people of color seeing themselves in the brew business.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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First Draft: Kettlerock Brewing 21:55

4y ago21:55

21:55

Host Jill Melancon speaks with Dianna and Devon Peet of Kettlerock Brewing in Peachtree Corners about how the family that brews together, stays together.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Peter Espig, CEO Sweet Earth CBD 32:41

4+ y ago32:41

32:41

Sweet Earth Corp www.sweetearthcbdcorp.com (CSE: SE) (FSE: 1KZ1) (OTCQB: SEHCF) is setting itself apart by leveraging the science behind developing its product range to provide better permeability than most competitive products on the market. Sweet Earth typically uses 70 NEU (nanoparticle-size) vs 150 NEU in its products. What this means is more t…

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First Draft: Wild Leap Brew Company 23:16

4+ y ago23:16

23:16

Host Jill Melancon speaks with Rob Goldstein, one of the co-founders of Wild Leap Brew Company in LaGrange about making it through a pandemic and opening a huge new location in downtown Atlanta.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Calum Hughes, Founder & CEO of Allied Health Corp 30:33

4+ y ago30:33

30:33

Calum Hughes is the Founder & CEO of Allied Health a global pharmaceutical company that delivers a variety of psilocybin and cannabis formulations for health and wellness applications. Depression, Anxiety and PTSD are Allied’s priority. With extensive expertise in medical discovery and research, cannabis & psilocybin cultivation and processing, pro…

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First Draft: Social Fox Brewing 12:39

4+ y ago12:39

12:39

Host Jill Melancon speaks with Scott Norwood, co-owner of Social Fox Brewing in Norcross, about how a mural inspired their name and what it's been like opening during a pandemic.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Culture Clash: Michael Jones 23:37

4+ y ago23:37

23:37

Host Jill Melancon speaks with artist Michael Jones (also known as Letter 75) about what inspires his work and his very cool upcoming project at the airport MARTA station.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Culture Clash: Matthew Kaminski 29:12

4+ y ago29:12

29:12

Host Jill Melancon talks to Atlanta Braves organist Matthew Kaminski about how he got such a cool job and how he chooses those great walk-up songs for the opposing teams.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Culture Clash: Lacey Longino 21:09

4+ y ago21:09

21:09

Host Jill Melancon speaks with artist Lacey Longino about the importance of community to her art and how friends helped her get through the pandemic.By Creative Loafing Atlanta

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Culture Clash: Historic Oakland Cemetery 22:11

4+ y ago22:11

22:11

Host Jill Melancon speaks with Mary Fernandez of the Historic Oakland Cemetery about their upcoming arts programs and how they work hard to preserve the history of this magical place.By Creative Loafing Atlanta