Okayest Cook

Exploring the World of Oysters: Tips, Techniques, and Tasting at Strange Bird In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser take us on a culinary journey to Strange Bird, a renowned oyster bar. Joined by Neal Warner, an oyster expert, the discussion delves into the nuances of oyster sourcing, shucking techniques, and tasting notes. Warner offers insights into...

Empowering School Lunches with Chef Shannon Mitchell In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler visits the Patachou Foundation to interview Chef Shannon Mitchell, the culinary director, about her experience and work in transforming school lunches. Shannon shares details about her background in the culinary industry, including her education at the Florida Culinary Institute...

Exploring Heirloom Grains and Southern Heritage with Greg Johnsman of Marsh Hen Mill In this episode of the Okays Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with Greg Johnsman from Marsh Hen Mill. They delve into the world of heirloom grains, focusing on the cultivation and legacy of heritage Southern crops like corn, rice, and various grains. Greg shares his unique background and methodology,...

Exploring Culinary Adventures and Food Styling with Chef Nicky Morse In this exciting episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes Chef Nicky Morse, a seasoned traveler and culinary expert currently in Thailand. They discuss the nuances of food styling for commercial shoots and share tips for making food look more delectable at home. Chef Nicky elaborates on the importance o...

Exploring Food Photography with the Outdoor Creatives Co-op In this episode of the Okayest Cook' podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by special guests Matt Land and Adam Perry from the 'Outdoor Creatives Co-op.' The conversation explores techniques for improving food photography, with a particular emphasis on lighting, composition, and smartphone tips. Matt and Adam share insights from their...

Exploring the Art of Sausage Making: An In-Depth Discussion with Christopher Kyer In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler engages in a lively and in-depth conversation with his guest, Christopher Kyer, a seasoned sausage maker. The discussion kicks off with the duo sharing snacks and setting the scene in Kyer’s kitchen. They delve into various aspects of sausage making,...

The Kitchen Adventures of Heather Evans and Feral Kitchens In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with Heather Evans, the creator behind Feral Kitchens. Broadcasting from the Okayest Network, Chris delves into a conversation with Heather about her Instagram-famous food creations and her journey with sourdough. Heather shares her experiences starting Feral Kitc...

Celebrating One Year and 50 Episodes of The Okayest Cook Podcast In this milestone episode of The Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser celebrate their 50th episode and one-year anniversary. They reminisce about the past year's highlights, their favorite episodes, memorable guests, and the evolution of their cooking skills. They discuss recent meals, share personal growth in...

Exploring Foraging and Offal with Alan Bergo In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Andy Heiser welcome foraging expert and chef Alan Bergo. The conversation kicks off with discussions on a variety of unique culinary endeavors, from homemade truffle oil and innovative uses of venison to the intricacies of foraging wild plants like nettles and ramps. Alan pro...

Exploring the Culinary Diversity of Indianapolis with Youssef and Ariel In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler interviews chefs Youssef Boudarin and Ariel Hendrickson about their culinary experiences and involvement in the Indianapolis food scene. The discussion covers their work at Bluebeard, their collaboration on various food events such as the Epicurean Festival and...

Healthy Swaps and Home-Cooked Wisdom with Natalie Auer In this episode of The Okayest Cook, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by special guest Natalie Auer. They discuss home-cooked meals, share tips on making healthier swaps in your diet, and chat about the joys of cooking with wild game and home-raised ingredients. Natalie shares her experiences with switching to animal fats like bear and chicken,...

Nutrition, Fitness, and the Outdoors: An Insightful Chat with Whitney Tramel In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser are joined by special guest Whitney Tramel, who runs the Wild Strength Podcast. Whitney shares her background as a strength and conditioning coach, primarily working with military personnel, and discusses the physical demands of the outdoo...

Game Day Eats: Game Day Recipes and Tips On this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler, joined remotely by Andy Heiser and Corey Cole, discuss their plans and food ideas for the upcoming big game. The conversation covers an array of topics, from Corey's experience with a 72-hour water fast to favorite meals and snacks for game day. They share various recipes, including arepas,...

Kitchen Mishaps: From Burns to Broken Bottles In this episode of The Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and his wife Stephanie delve into their numerous kitchen accidents, ranging from burnt plastic spatulas to significant knife injuries. They share humorous and painful anecdotes, including stories of spilled oil on their dog, brushes with fire, and memorable near-misses with sharp knives...

Unlocking the Secrets of Homemade Stock with Chef Ian Groesbeck In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with Chef Ian Groesbeck to discuss the art of making homemade stock. They cover techniques for reducing food waste, the benefits of using homemade stock over store-bought, and practical tips for incorporating stock into various dishes. Chef Ian shares his exp...

Exploring Amelia's Bakery with Charlie McIntosh In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and Corey Cole visit Amelia's Bakery located in the Stutz building. Charlie McIntosh, the bakery owner, joins them for an engaging discussion about the bakery's origins, various offerings, and the collaborative environment for creating new pastries. The conversation includes tasting a...

Duck Hunting Adventures and Goose Leg Biscuits & Gravy In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser recount their recent duck and goose hunting adventure from the pond. They discuss the thrill of hunting, the technicalities of shooting, and processing waterfowl. The duo also prepares a unique goose leg biscuits and gravy dish, sharing their recipe and tips fo...

The Okayest Cook Podcast: Culinary Adventures with Tyler Mieden In this episode of the OKistCook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Corey Cole welcome Tyler Mieden, co-founder of Okayest Hunter and Upduck, to discuss their seasonal cooking adventures. They delve into favorite recipes, including Dutch baby pancakes, pheasant dishes, and the use of cast iron skillets. The conversation includ...

Exploring Off-Grid Cooking and Food Preservation with Half Ass Off Grid In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Corey Cole are joined by Chris from Half Ass Off Grid. The discussion delves into the essentials of living off-grid, focusing on cooking and food preservation without traditional power sources. They share experiences and tips on canning, dehydrating...

The Future of Food: From Homesteading to High-End Wild Game Cuisine In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser welcome special guest Gunner Emberg, a traveling wild game chef. They discuss a wide array of topics, including the lifestyle and benefits of homesteading, the impact of processed foods on health, and practical tips for a healthier diet. Gunner sha...

The Art of Cooking with Chef Alan Sternberg In this episode of The Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser sit down with Alan Sternberg, the executive chef at Bluebeard in Indianapolis. Chef Sternberg shares invaluable insights on aging meat, the use of acidity and salinity in seasoning, and maintaining consistency in cooking. He also offers practical tips for home cooks, such...

Thanksgiving Traditions and New Tastes: A Tale of Two Holiday Feasts Hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser discuss their personal Thanksgiving experiences and preparations on the latest episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast. The hosts share their unique holiday plans, recipes, and memories. Andy shares his excitement about spending Thanksgiving in Texas with a blend of traditional and Thai dishes,...

Exploring Exotic Wild Game Cuisine with Rikki Folger In this episode of the The Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes special guest Rikki Folger, who shares her experiences and insights as a lodge manager and chef at Budges Wilderness Lodge in Denver. They discuss Rikki’s role in reservations and client needs while also ensuring top-notch meals for guests. The conversation highlight...

Mastering Wild Game Cooking with Chris and Greg In this episode of Okayest Cook, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by Greg Tubbs for an engaging discussion about wild game cooking. They explore the nuances of preparing venison, ducks, geese, and share their personal experiences and tips. The conversation highlights the importance of honoring the game by cooking it well, different marinades, and uniq...

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Pizza: Techniques, Tips, and Toppings In this comprehensive episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser, along with their pizza-loving guests Scott and Karlee Latuszek, delve into the art of homemade pizza making. They share personal anecdotes and expert tips on getting the perfect pizza dough texture, the importance of using quality i...