Welcome to Okayest Cook, where the love for food and the joy of sharing a meal brings us together. Join our community of like-minded individuals on a culinary adventure, exploring new dishes, preserving traditions, and embracing the hunter-gatherer mindset.
Discover the joy of commensality, connecting with others through shared meals, whether in person or across space and time. At Okayest Cook, we believe in the power of education, committing to learning and sharing knowledge about hunting, gardening, foraging, processing, and preserving.
Fuel your passion for nutrition and fitness with our podcast.
Site
RSS
Apple
Données mises à jour le 04/07/2026
Classements récents
Dernières positions dans les classements Apple Podcasts et Spotify.
Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts
Liens présents dans les descriptions d'épisodes et autres podcasts les utilisant également.
Food, Community, and Third Spaces with Michael Zarick (Third Space Indy)
Host Chris Whonsetler welcomes Michael Zarick of Third Space Indy to the Okayest Cook podcast to continue a conversation on community and “third spaces” as places outside home and work that foster consistent connection and conversation. Michael shares notable meals from a new food-focused project with Amanda Gibson featuring Indianapolis restaurants Macizo and Wisanggeni Pawon, emphasizing owner stories and kitchen access, while Chris highlights a Greenfield coffee shop, Hitherto, filled with board games and game nights. They discuss why third spaces matter amid isolation, COVID-era habits, and phone-driven convenience, and how car-centric infrastructure, zoning, and suburban design discourage spontaneous community compared with pub culture and transit-rich cities. Michael describes merchandise plans (locally made mugs) intended to get people into local businesses, recalls Pizzeria Ruby in northwest Arkansas as a personal third space, and cites Flanner House’s Flanner Farms and Cleo’s Bodega addressing food access. They also touch on roller rinks, walking, bus riding, and Michael’s ideal model: Abby Reckard’s forthcoming Lille Bønne community space in a rezoned Dutch church.
Find Michael: @Thirdspaceindy on Instagram
Web: https://thirdspaceindy.com/
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
00:00 Cold Open and Sizzle
00:35 Meet Third Space Indy
01:38 Notable Meals and Food Show
04:15 Coffee Shop Third Place
06:55 What Makes a Third Space
10:16 Isolation and Why It Matters
12:50 Mugs That Get You Out
15:39 Food as Culture and Story
18:19 Pizzeria Ruby Community
24:11 Beyond Food Third Spacesn
31:50 Food Deserts and Flanner Farms
36:26 Why Third Spaces Matter
37:19 Skateland as Third Space
39:15 Intergenerational Rink Culture
40:23 Online Community Limits
41:46 Cars Kill Spontaneity
46:07 Pub Culture and Transit
49:00 Zoning and Missing Middle
52:02 Transit Benefits Everyone
53:41 Bus Serendipity and Bus Camp
56:23 Walkable Cities and Green Space
59:17 How to Make Friends IRL
01:01:05 Dream Third Space Li Labon
01:04:18 Final Shoutouts and Where to Find Him
--
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Combating food insecurity with Sierra Nuckols
Saison 2 · Épisode 80
dimanche 1 mars 2026 • Durée 01:04:32
Community Food Box Project: Mutual Aid, Food Insecurity, and Food Apartheid
Host Chris Whonsetler continues a conversation about community and commensality, connecting his lack of personal experience with food insecurity to the need to keep community needs front-of-mind. Guest Sierra Nuckols, an Indianapolis native, explains how her upbringing and interest in gardening led her to food justice work, including partnerships with urban growers and community gardens. She describes food apartheid as the historically rooted, racialized and class-based system behind “food deserts,” noting how food desert maps mirror redlining patterns. Sierra outlines the Community Food Box Project (under Cultivate Indy), emphasizing 24/7 access, easy-open high-protein donations, and biweekly volunteer meetups, plus plans for a live box-status map and upcoming March 7 fundraiser. They discuss donating regularly, attending local policy meetings, and simple habits like buying an extra item each grocery trip.
Support the Community Food Box Project: https://bit.ly/4sdmiPb
Food Box Map: https://bit.ly/46xP3Ok
Social: https://www.instagram.com/communityfoodboxproject/
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
Chapters:
00:00 Cold Open Banter
00:33 Podcast Intro Community
01:54 Food Insecurity Blind Spots
03:49 Meet Sierra Nuckols
06:12 Gardening and Local Food
07:13 Community Garden Partnerships
08:20 Food Apartheid Explained
13:37 Rooftop Garden Tangent
14:52 Notable Meals Roundup
19:33 Spotting the Food Boxes
21:09 Origins of Food Box Project
23:31 What to Donate and Why
26:47 Root Causes and Awareness
28:32 Practical Ways to Help
31:18 One Item Challenge
31:49 Volunteer Meetups
33:55 Recurring Donations
34:24 Interactive Box Map
36:06 Food Apartheid Explained
40:31 Grassroots Solutions
45:57 If Mutual Aid Disappears
51:39 Magic Wand Future Focus
56:06 Community Dinners Plans
58:01 Start a Pantry Anywhere
01:00:38 Asking for Help Safely
01:02:49 Final Call to Action
Mentioned in Episode:
--
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Sunday Dinner with Strech
Saison 2 · Épisode 79
samedi 14 février 2026 • Durée 59:25
Commensality and Community: Dwayne Stretch on Sunday Dinner and Follow D Money
Chris Whonsetler talks with Indianapolis community builder Dwayne “Stretch” Thalley about “commensality” — how eating together builds community and makes tough conversations easier by encouraging people to listen. Stretch shares his journey from Los Angeles to Indianapolis, his work connecting diverse networks, and how events like Sunday Dinner at Tinker Street and his earlier Breaking Bread dinners intentionally bring strangers together over food. They recap standout meals at Tinker Street (including a Black History Month chef collaboration, a shiitake custard tasting, and Sunday Dinner’s chicken-and-waffles pairing), discuss the need for respectful disagreement and safe spaces, and discuss why food lowers defenses and improves listening.
Chapters:
00:00 Cold Open: “We’re Red” + Studio Banter
00:30 Welcome to Okayest Cook: Commensality & Why Food = Community
01:32 Meet Dwayne “Stretch” Thalley: Sunday Dinner as a Community Table
03:39 Stretch’s Two-Minute Bio: From LA to Indy, Defining Community as Family
05:37 Parenthood, COVID, and Relearning How to Be Social Again
07:59 Notable Meals: Black History Month Chef Collaboration at Tinker Street
11:04 Top-Five Bite: The Shiitake Custard Tasting Menu Rave
13:44 Inside Sunday Dinner #2: Seating Strangers, Chicken & Waffles, and Pairings
17:50 Sunday Dinner Origins: Breaking Bread Networking + How the Idea Came Together
23:37 Menu Memories & Stretch’s Mom’s “Secret Recipe” Layered Dessert
26:42 Why Dinner Works: Listening, Shared Joy, and Opening the Events to All
29:06 Building the Audience: Invites, Community Network, and Teasing Stretch’s Podcast
29:36 Can We Multiply Sunday Dinner? Building Community Through Conversation
30:27 Why ‘Follow D Money’ Exists: Telling Indiana Stories & Hosting Everyone
32:44 Diversity Makes a Stronger Community (and Better Perspectives)
33:51 Food as a Bridge: Collard Greens, Cultural Intentionality & Trust
36:58 How Food Disarms Conflict and Improves Hard Conversations
39:14 Food Insecurity in Indy: Awareness, Kids, and Community Responsibility
45:00 What’s Next: Sunday Dinner #3, Outdoor Picnic Vision & Breaking Bread Returns
50:40 Car Takeout Reviews vs. Shared Tables: The Food Influencer Debate
57:37 Closing: Where to Find Follow D Money + Keep Being a Safe Place
Find Stretch:
Web: https://followdmoney.com/
Personal: https://www.instagram.com/thalleyboy/?hl=en
Follow D$: https://www.instagram.com/followdmoneypod/?hl=en
Mentioned in Episode:
Tinker Street: https://tinkerstreetrestaurant.com/
Keith Lee: https://www.instagram.com/keith_lee125/?hl=en
--
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Building A Stronger Relationship With Your Food: Jason Erman
Saison 2 · Épisode 78
vendredi 6 février 2026 • Durée 01:11:04
Exploring the Fifth Quarter with Jason Erman
In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Andy Heiser chat with their guest, Jason Erman, an advocate for homesteading and nose-to-tail eating. Jason discusses his journey from culinary school to raising and butchering his own animals in Nevada County, California. The trio delve into utilizing lesser-known cuts of meat, commonly referred to as the fifth quarter, such as pig heads, hearts, and liver. Jason shares practical recipes and insights on optimal cooking techniques, the cultural shift in food consumption, and the importance of connecting with local farmers. The episode also touches on America’s national eating disorder and how returning to whole foods can enhance both diet and enjoyment.
Find Guest:
Social: https://www.instagram.com/nosetotailnevadacounty
Mentioned in Episode:
Jason Notable Meal of the Week: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTl3bYwj_W3/
No Way Jose 5th Quarter Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTwMhdSjtPX/?img_index=1
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Coffee Concerns
00:30 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast
01:06 Discussing the Four Pillars
02:11 Introducing Jason Erman
02:54 Jason's Homesteading Journey
05:58 Notable Meals and Bourbon
08:12 Cooking with Venison
11:11 Exploring Lamb and Sunchokes
21:10 The Importance of Resting Meat
28:10 Utilizing the Whole Animal
35:03 The Value of Butchering Your Own Meat
37:03 Exploring Uncommon Cuts at the Butcher Shop
37:51 Cooking Techniques for Heart and Other Organs
41:50 Overcoming Mental Hurdles with Organ Meats
46:32 The National Eating Disorder
50:04 The Importance of Knowing Your Food's Origin
57:57 Practical Tips for Eating Healthier
01:05:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
01:06:07 Scrapple: A Delicious Way to Use Odd Bits
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Andy Heiser
Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com
Web: RakeDevelopment.com
Instagram: @andheiser
Boosting Baseline Energy: A Conversation with AJ Kazmierczak
Saison 2 · Épisode 77
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Durée 01:33:57
Boosting Baseline Energy: Insights from The Coffee Viking
In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with AJ Kazmierczak, also known as the Coffee Viking. They discuss a range of topics from their personal backgrounds and funny family traditions, to practical insights on boosting daily energy levels. AJ shares his journey as an entrepreneur and outdoorsman and provides valuable advice on maintaining energy through passion, activity, whole foods, and proper supplementation. They touch on the importance of cutting screen time, the potential benefits and pitfalls of caffeine and nicotine, and the recipe for a delicious venison breakfast casserole. This episode is packed with tips for enhancing daily vitality and overall well-being.
Find AJ:
https://www.instagram.com/the_coffeeviking
https://1stphorm.com/coffeeviking
Jenningsjava.com
Lonewolfcustomgear.com
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
Chapters:
00:00 Podcast Kickoff and Introductions
00:45 Family Heritage and Backgrounds
01:29 Marriage and Name Changes
02:35 AJ Kazak: The Coffee Viking
04:16 The ATA Show and Business Insights
07:15 Notable Meals and Food Adventures
17:09 Energy and Wellness Tips
47:16 The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals
47:24 Learning from Elite Athletes
48:02 Adapting to Life's Phases
48:32 The Necessity of Flexibility
50:15 Balancing Family and Personal Goals
51:56 Maximizing Sleep and Recovery
58:01 The Impact of Screen Time
01:10:19 Exploring Nicotine and Cognitive Function
01:18:07 The Benefits of Physical Activity
01:23:41 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Unlocking the Full Potential of Wild Game with John Wallace
Saison 2 · Épisode 76
samedi 24 janvier 2026 • Durée 01:16:25
Unlocking the Full Potential of Wild Game: Cooking Tips with John Wallace
In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes John Wallace, known as the Wild Game Cook on social media, to discuss the intricacies of preparing and cooking wild game, particularly duck and goose. The discussion delves into John's career shift from conservation to wild game cooking, his popular recipes like Dove Sushi and Duck Leg Wontons, and actionable tips on field preparation, aging birds, and utilizing often-discarded parts like legs and inner organs. The episode emphasizes maximizing the yield from each hunt and transforming game meat into delectable, approachable dishes, offering listeners practical advice and innovative recipe ideas.
Find John:
Web: https://wildgamecook.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wildgamecook/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildgamecook
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast
00:32 Meet John Wallace: The Wild Game Cook
01:18 John's Journey: From Conservation to Cooking
01:44 Dove Sushi and Wild Game Recipes
02:31 Self-Taught Cooking: Embracing the Home Cook Identity
04:04 Notable Meals: Perfecting the Omelet
05:51 Duck Leg Wontons: A New Recipe
12:22 Maximizing Your Waterfowl Harvest
20:45 The Fifth Quarter: Utilizing Hearts and Livers
30:30 Avoiding Steel Shot: Tips and Tools
36:37 Plucking and Cooking Whole Birds
37:40 Dealing with Pin Feathers and Plucking Techniques
40:56 Aging Birds and Preparing for Cooking
44:15 Cooking Techniques and Recipes for Waterfowl
46:41 Utilizing All Parts of the Bird
54:16 Addressing Food Waste and Ethical Hunting
01:03:11 Final Thoughts and Tips
Mentioned in Episode:
Dumpling Recipe:
Steps:
- Brine the legs in @himtnseasonings Gamebird and Poultry brine (OPTIONAL)
- Debone the meat
- Place chunks in food processor or grinder
- Then add your ingredients to a bowl
I like to use (approx):
Meat (around 1/2lb)
White Miso Paste (2-3tbsp)
Minced garlic (1/2tbsp)
Grated ginger (1/4tbsp)
Fish sauce (1/4tbsp)
Sesame oil (1/4tbsp)
Green onions thinly chopped (2tbsp)
Salt and pepper (pinch of each)
Red chili flakes (to taste)
Many of these can be left out, just play with it. Feel free to saute the green onions if you wish.
Mix to incorporate. Place small amount of mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet 2 edges of your wonton wrapper. And then fold onto itself. Looks and presentation isn't all that important and you can watch videos online to see how to make them look nice.
Place a little oil (~2tbsp) in a skillet. Add in your dumplings and sear the bottom side slightly. Then add 1/4c of water and add a lid to steam them for a couple mins. It doesnt take long to cook through. Shuffle them around to get all the edges cooked a little.
Serve with @trybachans original! Feel free to add sesame seeds and or green onions to the dipping sauce.
--
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
BHA Rendezvous Wild Game Cookoff with Jordan Linger
Saison 2 · Épisode 75
mercredi 14 janvier 2026 • Durée 58:24
Cooking Adventures at the BHA Rendezvous: Interview with Jordan Linger
In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler chats with guest Jordan Linger about their experiences at the BHA Rendezvous, an annual event for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Jordan shares insights on the Wild Game Cookoff, discussing his North Carolina-inspired dishes and the cooking techniques he used with jet boil stoves. The conversation covers a variety of topics including hunting stories, the challenges of cooking for competitions, and future outdoor adventures. Listeners also get tips on participating in the Wild Game Cookoff, as well as Jordan’s favorite recipes like dove biscuits and gravy.
Find Jordan:
Social: https://www.instagram.com/tie_dyeandcamo
BHA: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/Get-Involved/Chapters/north-carolina
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
00:00 Introduction and Host's Update
01:07 Meet the Guest: Jordan Linger
01:32 Recent Culinary Adventures
05:06 Cooking Gear and Techniques
06:24 Jordan's Background and BHA Involvement
08:47 The Wild Game Cookoff Experience
10:47 Preparing for the Cookoff
14:03 Cooking Process and Challenges
31:31 Exploring Cooking Equipment Options
32:07 Camping Trip Cooking Experience
33:13 Cookoff Rules and Challenges
34:10 Judges' Feedback and Impressions
39:08 Unique Ingredients and Dishes
42:59 Future Hunting and Cooking Plans
47:46 Favorite Recipes and Cooking Tips
54:59 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in Episode:
Jet Boil Genesis Basecamp System: https://jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/stoves-systems/genesis-basecamp-system
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Escaping the Kitchen Rut with Nick Otto
Saison 2 · Épisode 73
mercredi 7 janvier 2026 • Durée 01:04:52
Breaking Culinary Ruts: From Midwest Kitchens to Global Flavors
In this episode, Chris Whonsetler is joined by culinary enthusiast and fellow food podcaster, Nick Otto, to discuss and share insights on handling getting out of kitchen ruts, from simple technique changes to over the top showstoppers. They explore ideas like making kebabs, pastrami, and regional favorites such as pasties and bulgogi. They highlight more adventurous culinary endeavors like tartar and carpaccio, emphasizing a balance between simple tweaks and elaborate preparations for venison and other meats. The episode promises to shift how you think about wild game cooking and inspire fresh ideas for your kitchen adventures. Packed full of tips, humor, and shared personal experiences, the episode ends with a promise of more to come in part two.
Find Nick:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntavore
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-huntavore/id1403496684
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:34 Welcome to Michigan: Meet Nick Otto
01:15 The Joy of Face-to-Face Conversations
02:27 Processing Deer and Making Sausage
03:06 Notable Meals: Sicilian Short Ribs and Tinned Salmon
06:52 Tinned Fish Tasting: Salmon and Tuna
16:04 Breaking Down Deer: From Quarters to Meals
17:02 Overcoming Kitchen Ruts: Tips and Tricks
28:50 Exploring Deli Meats: Pastrami and Roast Beef
33:11 Exploring Pastrami and Cured Meats
33:50 The Art of Meat Aging with Umai Dry
35:11 Challenges of Using Residential Refrigerators for Meat Drying
36:22 Sharing Salami and Sujuk Experiences
41:05 Making Pepperoni and Other Cured Meats
41:49 Steak Adjacent: Kebabs and Hand Pies
48:52 Innovative Meat Dishes: Euros and Bulgogi
56:55 Tartar and Carpaccio: A Culinary Adventure
01:03:14 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward to Part Two
Mentioned in Episode:
Sena Sea Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72muABGeQEwouHG9Uws6Kd?si=b5f7e0c6ccad453f
Link to Canned Salmon: https://www.senasea.com/products/smoked-salmon-tin-copper-river-combo
Link to Amelias Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6e7YHABbqsSzHIdXMNjzDg?si=ef82e7fb6de84e05
Link to Amelias: https://ameliasbread.com/
FishWife Link: https://eatfishwife.com/
UmiDry: https://www.umaidry.com/pages/huntavore
Outdoor Edge Wild Game Wednesday Pockets: https://www.outdooredge.com/blogs/wild-game-wednesday/venison-shank-pockets
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Culinary Storytelling with Holly Hearn
jeudi 1 janvier 2026 • Durée 55:17
Wild Game Gourmet: In the Kitchen with Chef Holly Hearn
In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by professional chef Holly Hearn, owner of Game Girl Gourmet. Holly discusses her journey into becoming a wild game chef, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through food and honoring culinary traditions. The conversation spans her experience on the TV show Chopped, the India Project with Blood Origins, and her unique approach to creating dishes inspired by the native habitats of wild game. Holly also shares insights on making dishes accessible and adaptable, and the challenges of cooking for different audiences including children. The episode provides valuable tips for both novice and experienced home cooks interested in incorporating wild game into their meals.
Find Holly:
Web: https://www.gamegirlgourmet.com/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/gamegirlgourmet
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!
https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/
Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~
00:00 Introduction and Host's Update
01:04 Guest Introduction: Holly Hearn
02:08 Holly's Culinary Adventures
03:56 Chris's Memorable Meal
05:40 Holly's Experience on Chopped
06:18 Wild Game Cooking Insights
09:08 Cultural and Historical Culinary Inspirations
15:38 Blood Origins India Project
28:39 Exploring the Diet of Animals
29:52 Tex-Mex with an Indian Twist
41:06 Cooking for the Camera vs. Cooking for People
46:47 Cooking for Kids and Picky Eaters
52:11 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More
More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew:
Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Hands on Venison Butchering
samedi 6 décembre 2025 • Durée 01:19:25
Mastering Deer Butchery:
A Hands-On GuideIn this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by Andy Heiser for an in-depth, hands-on breakdown of butchering a deer. The duo discusses the various cuts from the rear hindquarter and front shoulder, offers tips and tricks for meat preparation, and emphasizes the importance of understanding where your food comes from. Chris and Andy also share notable meal experiences and discuss different recipes and cooking techniques for venison. They cover essential equipment, safety tips, and the importance of properly trimming and cleaning meat for optimal flavor and quality. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for hunters and home cooks looking to maximize their yield and culinary experience from hunting.
Mentioned in Episode:
- Meat Eater Cookbook: https://store.themeateater.com/products/the-meateater-fish-and-game-cookbook?variant=42137336283234
- Yeti Bowl Affiliate Link: https://yetius.pxf.io/o42nme- Anova Vac Sealer Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/3njQBc7
- MEAT! Grinder Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/eZJRl43
- Outdoor Edge 20% off Code: OKC20- Blade Roast Highlight Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRrsb3ogALU/?igsh=ZTJuMXB3YWE1cWVo
- Jeremiah Doughty: https://www.instagram.com/fromfieldtoplate
- Browning Meat Wrong: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51vndcELPel7myHCioU2WQ?si=55e663eb1cd4448e
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup
00:42 Hunting Season Updates
01:10 Breaking Down the Deer
02:37 Notable Meals and Drinks
06:41 Butchering Techniques and Tips
15:49 Tools and Equipment for Butchering
34:22 Packaging and Storing Meat
41:29 Tying the Shank and Cooking Tips
41:50 Pulled Meat Recipe with Shanks
43:09 Using Bones for Dogs and Stock
44:27 Processing the Front Shoulder
47:34 Cleaning and Preparing Meat for Grinding
50:07 Maximizing Meat Yield and Storage Tips
01:07:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~
Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR
MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r
Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2
Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq
Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr
~More at https://OkayestCook.com
Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe
Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook
And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook
Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook
Crew: Chris Whonsetler
Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com
Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com
Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto
Andy Heiser
Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com
Web: RakeDevelopment.com
Instagram: @andheiser
Podcasts Similaires Basées sur le Contenu
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Okayest Cook. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
