The Bread Winner Podcast

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive at a farmers' market—not just as a vendor, but as an organizer? In this episode, I sit down with Ashley , the mastermind behind the market where I sell every two weeks, to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a successful market and how vendors can set themselves up for long-term success. Ashley shares her journey from planning a wedding venue to running...

Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast ! In this episode, I’m reflecting on January—what went well, what didn’t, and the lessons I’m carrying forward into February for my in-home sourdough microbakery. This month brought some big changes to my baking schedule, unexpected learning moments, and valuable insights into optimizing my business for growth. I dive into: My new market and porch pickup sc...

Ever feel like you're shouting into the void when promoting your microbakery? In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast , I chat with Maria Baradell, a thriving microbakery owner in Dallas, Texas, who has mastered the art of messaging that sells. Maria shares her journey from baking for her family of seven to building a profitable bakery—without investing in a bread oven. She popularized the two...

In this episode, I’m sharing everything I've learned about art of bulk baking. This episode is packed with tips to streamline your process, avoid common pitfalls, and embrace the learning curve. I share my personal starter routine, how I scale recipes efficiently, tips for proofing dough in bulk, and why investing in the right tools—like bins, dedicated fridges, and mixers—can be game-changing. Yo...

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Alexandria Fisk of Linens and Loaves, a microbaker with a deep passion for heritage grains and sustainable baking. Alex shares her inspiring journey from gluten-free living to discovering the magic of heritage wheat—how it transformed her family’s health and ultimately led to the thriving microbakery she runs from home. We dive into the nuances of baking with...

In this episode, I had the joy to sit down with my dear friend and community leader, Christine Brinkman, founder of Babes Support Babes. Christine shares her passion for connection and her experience creating spaces where women entrepreneurs thrive holistically—not just in business, but in life. We dive into the concept of "community over competition" and discuss why building authentic, supportive...

Check out the episode webpage to read all of the questions from today's episode: carolinebower.com/episode52 Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! I’m so excited to share part three of our 2025 Kick-Off series. In this episode, we’re diving into setting clear, actionable goals for your sourdough microbakery. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you translate y...

Today, we're diving into the exciting process of vision casting for your bakery in 2025 and beyond. This episode is all about creating a clear, inspiring picture of the future you want to build, tailored to what truly serves you and your family. I’ll guide you through a series of reflection questions designed to help you articulate your goals, whether they’re financial milestones or personal fulfi...

Find all of the reflection questions from this episode at carolinebower.com/episode50 Wow, I can’t believe we’ve hit 50 episodes! This milestone feels like such a testament to the incredible community we’ve built here. In this episode, we’re diving into the first of a three-part series designed to help you reflect on where your bakery business has been, where it’s heading, and how to approach 2025...

After taking some much-needed time to rest and recharge over the holidays, I’m back with a heartfelt reflection on December. In this episode, I’m sharing the highs and lows of a busy holiday baking season, what worked (and what didn’t), and the lessons I’m taking into 2025. Whether you’re navigating seasonal surges or dreaming of a smoother workflow, this episode is packed with honest insights and...

This episode is extra special because Melissa, my amazing baking assistant, takes over as the interviewer! She flips the script and asks me all about my journey from baking bread to building a thriving micro bakery business, launching this podcast, and expanding into coaching. We reflect on the milestones, the lessons learned, and the big dreams for the future. I share candid moments about jugglin...

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast , we're diving into one of the most impactful ways to connect with your customers and stand out in your community—crafting your brand story. Your story is more than just an "About Me" section; it's the heart and soul of your business. It’s what turns one-time customers into loyal fans who feel a personal connection to your microbakery. I’ll walk you thro...

On today’s episode of The Bread Winner Podcast , I’m joined by the inspiring Hannah Guzman, a microbakery owner who’s balancing a full-time job, motherhood, and a thriving sourdough business. Hannah shares her journey of turning her postpartum hobby into a flourishing microbakery in just eight months, all while navigating the challenges of working a 9-to-5 and maintaining a healthy work-life balan...

Planning your bake days doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most important aspects of running a microbakery: determining your capacity. Whether you’re gearing up for a big market or setting limits for pre-orders, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you simplify your schedule, work within your constraints, and avoid burnout. You’ll come away with action...

I am thrilled to share this incredible conversation with Stijn Vanorbeek, the innovative mind behind Simply Bread Company and the Simply Bread Oven. We dive into Stijn’s fascinating journey from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a passionate baker and inventor of a revolutionary bread oven that has transformed the world of micro bakeries. Stijn shares how his love for community and his frustration with...

Hey friends! In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I share some of the lessons I've learned from the best and worst investments I’ve made while building my bakery business. From the tools that have become indispensable to the ones that were total flops, this candid conversation is packed with practical tips to help you skip some of the missteps I made. I share how starting with the cheapest...

Hi friends, welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast ! In this episode, I’m reflecting on November—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m taking forward into December. If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing too much and honoring your energy, this one’s for you. I’m sharing how I paced myself for a manageable Thanksgiving rush, why clear boundaries are key to sustainable baking, and a few ga...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Bread Winner Podcast , I take a moment to reflect on the incredible community of bakers and mentors that make this journey so special. This episode is dedicated to expressing gratitude—not just for the lessons and inspiration we’ve gained from one another, but for you, my amazing listeners. Without your unwavering support and enthusiasm, this podcast wou...

Sometimes, we just need a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the heart of our work. In this episode, I’m speaking directly to you, the weary baker, who might be questioning if all the effort is worth it. Together, we’ll reflect on the deeper purpose of what we do—the connection, comfort, and hope we bring to others through something as simple and extraordinary as bread. This is your remi...

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m chatting about a game-changing tool that’s helped me work smarter, not harder—AI. Specifically, I’m sharing three practical ways to use ChatGPT in your sourdough microbakery to save time, reduce overwhelm, and get things done more efficiently. Whether it’s creating polished social media captions, handling tricky customer service messages, or plannin...

I’m thrilled to bring you another coaching session on today’s episode of The Bread Winner Podcast! I had the pleasure of chatting with Danica, the owner of Deere Creek Bakery in North Georgia, as we dove into the heart of her microbakery business. From navigating her first farmers market to managing the intricacies of freshly milled wheat and sourdough baking, Danica shares her inspiring journey o...

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast , I’m chatting about a question so many of us face: how to juggle baking with little ones around. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to keep dough rising while your kids are underfoot, you’re not alone! I’ll share some tricks I’ve learned to keep things flowing smoothly—whether that’s adjusting your schedule or setting up fun, hands-on activities to ke...

This episode is part two of the Q&A series answering listener questions. Today, I dive into how you can optimize your baking process and save time, all while keeping costs manageable. I’ll share my own journey of upgrading ovens, tips for baking more loaves at once, and some creative methods other bakers use to boost efficiency. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your operati...

Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I'm diving into your questions with a focus on boosting profits and maximizing efficiency in your sourdough microbakery, especially during the holiday season. We’ll explore practical tips for creating profitable products that are less time-consuming to make, including some smart ways to utilize freezer space and prepare holiday gift basket...

Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I’m excited to share an inside look at my business during the month of October. I'll be discussing the highlights and challenges I've faced, including my decision to scale back my menu for November to better manage my energy and capacity. As I reflect on my journey, I aim to provide inspiration and insight that may help you find your own p...