We've noticed that 'burnout' is seeming more and more prevalent these days so Kate, Kristin, Molly and Andrea are using the final episode of Season 6 to speak all about it. They discuss how to identify it, how it manifests for each of them and share some ideas on what to do about it. They speak about how the blending of life and career as freelancers can exacerbate feelings of constantly being 'on', perfectionism and excessive people pleasing along with the pressure to constantly be creating content. They talk about some of the ways they notice burnout looming and the 'rebellious' activities, tips and resources they use to combat it. See you in the Spring for Season 7!Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsI was a bestselling recipe writer - then burnout killed my appetite for food, and life. This is how I found my way back by Meera SodhaOn Politics of Attention in 2025 by Alicia Kennedy Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Â
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120: The Realities of Photographing Cookbooks with Clay Williams
Kristin and Molly speak with photographer Clay Williams about the financial realities and logistics around cookbook photography. Clay shares what he wishes authors knew before embarking on the photography portion of their book and what spurred his viral Thread about the finances behind photoshoots. He speaks about assuming the role of project manager, unexpected expenses, his typical workflow and the essential roles on a set. He shares why he continues to be interested in cookbook photography, his artistic approach to projects and what has and hasn't changed about the industry since he started.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsClay WilliamsWebsiteInstagramThe Thread that started it all Crystal WahpahpehBlack Food FolksEpisode 41: Writing a Bestselling Cookbook in Your 80s with Emily Meggett and Kayla Stewart Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showMy America by Kwame OnwuachiRoots, Heart, Soul, by Todd RichardsGullah Geechee Home Cooking by Miss Emily MeggettVegan Soulicious: Plant-Based Island Cooking by Charlise Rockwood
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119: Jenny Rosenstrach on Cookbooks That Chronicle Family Life
Molly and Kristen speak with Jenny Rosenstrach about her family focused approach to food writing. She talks about her long running dinner diary, how her first book was a real time project and what went behind the decision to continue working around that theme. She explains why she includes a 'hook' in her recipes and how she landed on her unique recipe structure as well as the idea of a 'text test' for writing instructions. She shares her approach to recipe development, how she's built an audience with her relatable, inviting voice and the reasoning behind her relaxed approach to photography. Finally she tells us the book she will never write and leaves us with a bit of advice for aspiring food writers.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsJenny RosenstrachWebsiteInstagramSubstackCup of Jo column Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showDinner a Love Story by Jenny RosenstrachWeekday Vegetarians by Jenny RosenstrachWeekday Vegetarians get Simple by Jenny RosenstrachThe New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes by Sam SiftonThat Sounds So Good by Carla Lalli Music
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118: Nicola Lamb on Writing the Book You Want to Read
Kate and Kristin speak with Nicola Lamb her debut cookbook, Sift, and writing the book you want to read. Nicola talks about her passion for baking, learning and teaching before diving into the book creation process. She shares the lengthy proposal writing process, working from her Substack and a post-it wall, the importance of trusting your team and the resources she used while writing. She also speaks on the differences in releasing a book in the US versus the UK, some insights into the Americanization of the project and some astute advice for enjoying the everyday process.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsNicola LambWebsiteInstagramKitchen Projects NewsletterBibliography Episode 74: Crafting a Drinks Book with Danny ChildsEpisode 102: Lara Hamilton of Book LarderEpisode 31: Catch an Agent's Attention with Sally EkusEpisode 94: Insights from Literary Agent Lori Galvin Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showSift by Nicola LambAdvanced Bread and Pastry by Michel SuasSalt Fat Acid Heat by Samin NosratOn Food and Cooking by Harold McGeeHow Baking Works by Paula Figoni
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