Explore every episode of the podcast This Old Baker Podcast

Want to know how to make a Starbucks brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso at home? Kim breaks down the exact technique, why the shake and the dissolve order actually matter, and how to get the same foam and layered look for under a dollar.

It's September, which means pumpkin spice is suddenly on everything from your coffee to your dog's treats. I dug into where this whole thing actually started (hint: the original Pumpkin Spice Latte didn't have any real pumpkin in it for twelve years) and why one spice blend turned into a half-billion dollar season. Plus, how I get the same flavor into my coffee, my cocoa, and my favorite fall dessert from one jar in my pantry.

I took a three hour nap the other day. Not planned — her body just made the decision for her. In this episode she talks about the lie social media tells you about how much it needs you, why pushing through is sometimes the worst thing you can do especially when you're dealing with immune or fatigue issues, and what it actually looks like to build a content system that runs while you're sleeping, getting adjusted, or just living your life. This one is for everyone who has felt guilty for stepping away from their phone for an afternoon.

thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

Kim threw away leftovers yesterday. Good ones. And she's the person who teaches people not to waste food. In this episode she makes the case that the problem isn't willpower or discipline — it's batch size. Most recipes still feed six to eight people, and most households aren't six to eight people anymore. She breaks down the real math of leftover waste, gives explicit permission to cut recipes down to whatever size actually fits your household, and walks through the five practical changes that make small batch cooking work — including why shopping smaller saves more money than buying in bulk when you throw half of it away. Plus an introduction to the small batch crockpot soup series on the blog.

Small batch crockpot soups and more at thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

Your grandmother had four cleaning products. You have 25. In this episode, Kim traces exactly how that happened — and why it matters for your health, your budget, and the air quality in your home. She breaks down the four ingredients that cover 90 percent of household cleaning needs, explains what vintage housekeepers understood about grease, minerals, and bacteria that got lost in 70 years of marketing, and introduces the new 10-post household cleaning series launching on the blog. Special focus on the homemade reusable disinfecting wipes — the post that's already getting significant traffic and the one to start with if you're ready to simplify.

Recipes and cleaning posts at thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

Homemade Reusable Disinfecting Wipes — thisoldbaker.com/reusable-disinfecting-wipes

Kitchen Degreaser Spray — thisoldbaker.com/kitchen-degreaser-spray

You don't need five gravy recipes... you need one roux and four decisions. Kim breaks down her whole gravy mix collection — chicken, brown, onion, and country — and shows you exactly what changes between them, so you can stop memorizing recipes and start building your own mix from whatever's in your pantry.

Your muffins keep coming out dense, and it's probably not your recipe — it's how you're mixing it. I'm breaking down the two silent culprits behind tough, tunnel-riddled baked goods: overmixing and flour that's been packed instead of measured. Fix these two things and your muffins, pancakes, and quick breads change completely.

Back to school means back to the snack drawer — and back to spending $5 on a box of 10 granola bars with 25 ingredients you can't pronounce. In this episode, Kim makes the case for making your own snacks from scratch: you'll know exactly what's in them and you'll spend a fraction of the store price. She walks through five snacks you can make in under an hour on Sunday — granola bars, trail mix, homemade crackers, oatmeal energy bites, and seasoned popcorn — with the actual cost comparison for each. Plus the one habit that makes from-scratch snacking realistic every week without extra stress.

Recipes at thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

You went in for one thing and came out $75 poorer. Sound familiar? In this episode, Kim breaks down why the quick grocery store trip is one of the most expensive habits most households have — and why the fix isn't more discipline, it's better infrastructure. A real pantry with good mixes means the quick trip never needs to happen in the first place. Kim walks through the real cost of convenience foods, how impulse spending works, and exactly how to start building a pantry that puts you back in control — one jar at a time.

Pantry mix collection: thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

It is hot. And the summer drink budget adds up faster than most people realize — $8 to $12 a case, a case a week, three months of summer. In this episode, Kim walks through her full homemade lemonade dry mix collection: six flavors (Classic, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach, Honey, and Arnold Palmer), all from one pantry base of lemon juice powder, sugar, and salt. Two tablespoons in a glass of cold water. About 10 to 15 cents per serving. And a jar that keeps for up to a year. The practical case for making your own drinks at home — not as a sacrifice, but as a straightforward win.

All six recipes: thisoldbaker.com/homemade-lemonade-dry-mix-collection/ | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

The skills our grandmothers had — scratch cooking, canning, pantry management, bread baking, stretching every ingredient — were dismissed for a generation as old-fashioned and unnecessary. They're coming back now, and not as a trend. In this episode, Kim talks about why these skills disappeared, what's driving their return, and what she wants the people who never stopped doing them to hear: what you know has always mattered, and the world is finally catching up.

Store-bought seasoning isn't worse because nobody cared. It's worse because it was built to survive a truck, a warehouse, and six months on a shelf, not to taste good on your table tonight. In this episode, Kim breaks down the real reason homemade wins, what companies are actually optimizing for when they build a shelf-stable mix, and the one shift that lets you keep the convenience of a jar in your pantry without the flavor compromise. No purist guilt trip, just the mechanism behind why your kitchen can out-cook the aisle.

Today's episode isn't about recipes. It's about what building something real actually looks like from the inside — the work that doesn't show up in follower counts, the frustration of watching shortcuts win in the short term, and why the audience you earn is worth more than the audience you buy. If you're a creator who's grinding honestly and wondering if it matters, this one's for you.

Find Kim at thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

The coffee shop is costing you $1,400 a year and you might not even realize it. In this episode, Kim breaks down the math on daily coffee shop spending versus making your favorite drinks at home — and walks through exactly how to do it. Cold brew concentrate, seven homemade simple syrups, a home coffee bar setup that actually feels like a treat, and step-by-step versions of the most popular coffee shop drinks including vanilla sweet cream cold brew, hazelnut lattes, mochas, and yes — the Dirty Dr Pepper. All the recipes are on the blog and linked below.

Recipes mentioned in this episode:

• Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate — thisoldbaker.com/cold-brew-coffee-concentrate-easy-overnight-recipe/

• Vanilla Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/vanilla-simple-syrup/

• Chocolate Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/chocolate-simple-syrup/

• Hazelnut Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/hazelnut-simple-syrup/

• Toffee Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/toffee-simple-syrup/

• Caramel Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/caramel-simple-syrup/

• Raspberry Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/raspberry-simple-syrup/

• Peach Simple Syrup — thisoldbaker.com/peach-simple-syrup/

• Homemade Simple Syrups Roundup — thisoldbaker.com/homemade-simple-syrups/

• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam — thisoldbaker.com/how-to-make-vanilla-sweet-cream-cold-foam-at-home/

• 50 Kitchen Tips for Scratch Cooks — thisoldbaker.com/50-kitchen-tips-for-scratch-cooks-and-pantry-builders/

Find Kim at thisoldbaker.com | Facebook & Instagram @thisoldbaker

When a sweet craving hits, you don't need to bake a whole cake or run to the drive-thru. In this episode, Kim walks through three single-serving desserts you can make from pantry staples in under five minutes: single serving microwave fudge, the classic 3-2-1 mug cake, and a scratch vanilla mug cake that requires no box mix at all. Plus a quick pantry checklist for keeping your sweet craving supplies stocked and ready.

Recipes mentioned in this episode:

• Single Serving Microwave Fudge — https://thisoldbaker.com/small-batch-chocolate-fudge-microwave/

• Microwave Salted Caramel Sauce — https://thisoldbaker.com/microwave-salted-caramel-sauce/

• 50 Kitchen Tips for Scratch Cooks — https://thisoldbaker.com/50-kitchen-tips-for-scratch-cooks-and-pantry-builders/

Episode 51: Dropping the Drive Thru

That drive thru drink order is costing you more than you think, and it's easier to replace than you'd expect. Kim walks through building your own crave worthy drinks at home, from cold brew concentrate and coffee syrups to dry lemonade mixes and homemade snow cone syrup. One base in your fridge or pantry, and you're one pour away from whatever you're craving. Full recipes at thisoldbaker.com.

Saturday's the Fourth, and I've got your grilling lineup ready to go — four seasoning blends straight off the blog, what to put each one on, and a make-ahead dessert so the oven isn't fighting you for time on the actual day. If you're still figuring out what's going on the grill, this one's for you.

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Cooking for one or two? Most recipes still assume you're feeding a crowd.

In this episode, Kim talks about the shift nobody prepares you for — when the kids move out, life changes, and suddenly that nine-by-thirteen casserole doesn't make sense anymore. She breaks down why small batch cooking isn't about settling for less, how it actually saves money over big-batch leftovers, and why dinner can feel exciting again when you're not eating the same pan of food for five days straight.

If you've ever stood in your kitchen wondering what to make for one or two people without wanting an entire chocolate cake on the counter all week, this one's for you.

Not everything needs to be made from scratch — and I think that's worth saying out loud. In this episode, I'm talking about the difference between cooking smarter and making life harder. Because my goal has never been to have you spend every waking hour in the kitchen. It's always been about saving money, reducing waste, and making home cooking work for real life. We're talking about what's actually worth the effort, what isn't, and how to stop feeling guilty about it either way.

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There's a reason a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day tastes better than anything you could make in February. In this episode, Kim digs into why summer food hits differently — the science, the nostalgia, and the simplicity that makes it work. She also shares what's been happening in the This Old Baker kitchen, including a brand new homemade lemonade dry mix with five flavor variations, a peach cobbler for two that bakes in a muffin pan in 25 minutes, and the copycat seasoning series that makes grilling season easier. All recipes at thisoldbaker.com.

In Episode 46 of the This Old Baker Podcast, we're talking about how to choose appliances without regret. From air fryers and dehydrators to refrigerators, coffee makers, and everything in between, I'll share the four things I consider before making a purchase: price, quality, customer service, and features.

We'll discuss why buying for your real life is more important than buying for your fantasy self, how to look past marketing hype, and why the best appliance isn't always the one your favorite influencer recommends. If you're considering a major purchase for your kitchen or home, this episode will help you make a decision you'll be happy with for years to come.

Episode 45: You Don't Have To Be Superwoman

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that being strong means doing everything ourselves. We juggle work, family, homes, responsibilities, and expectations while convincing ourselves that asking for help is somehow a weakness.

In this episode, I'm talking about the pressure to be "Superwoman" and why it's okay to put down the cape. We'll chat about burnout, unrealistic expectations, giving ourselves grace, and learning that our worth isn't measured by how much we can carry.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like you're responsible for holding everything together, this conversation is for you. Grab a cup of coffee and join me as we explore what happens when we stop trying to do it all and start giving ourselves permission to simply be human.

In Episode 44 of the This Old Baker Podcast, we're talking about something that can make cooking easier, faster, and a lot less frustrating—setting up your kitchen to work for the way you cook. Learn simple tips for organizing cabinets, creating kitchen zones, improving pantry storage, and making everyday cooking more efficient without spending a fortune on containers or renovations. Whether you have a large farmhouse kitchen or a small apartment space, this episode will help you create a kitchen that truly works for your family and your routine.

Remember those big jars of tea sitting in the summer sun? In this episode, we're talking about refrigerator tea—the simple, old-fashioned alternative that's easy to make, budget-friendly, and refreshingly delicious. We'll cover the benefits of cold-steeping tea in the refrigerator, why many people have moved away from traditional sun tea, and how this vintage kitchen habit can save money while keeping a pitcher of homemade refreshment ready all summer long. Grab a glass and join me for a conversation about one of the simplest homemade traditions worth bringing back.

After moving into a new home, I thought the hard part was over. Turns out the real challenge is finding anything in my new kitchen! In Episode 42, I'm sharing the funny, frustrating, and surprisingly relatable journey of adjusting to a new cooking space, relearning where everything belongs, and trying to create a new normal one cabinet at a time. If you've ever moved, reorganized, or spent ten minutes searching for the measuring cups you know you own, this episode is for you. Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a conversation about change, patience, and the great kitchen scavenger hunt.

Have you ever felt like everyone else is getting ahead faster than you? In this episode, Kim talks about the dangers of comparing your journey to someone else's highlight reel, why shortcuts rarely lead to lasting success, and how real growth is built one step at a time. Pull up a chair and join the conversation about staying focused on your own recipe card and building something that truly lasts.

Get ready for a summer of easy backyard meals, simple grilling tips, pantry shortcuts, freezer prep ideas, and stress-free cookouts. In this episode of This Old Baker, we’re talking about how to make grilling season easier, more affordable, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

In Episode 39, we’re having an honest conversation about why taking a break matters — especially when life, stress, chronic pain, and exhaustion start piling up all at once. Between moving, overdoing it physically, arthritis, knee surgeries, back pain, and psoriatic fatigue, I’m sharing the reality of learning that rest is not weakness. Sometimes slowing down is exactly what our bodies and minds need in order to keep going. If you’ve been feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or guilty for needing a pause, this episode is for you.

n this episode, Kim from This Old Baker talks about the real difference between being prepared and hoarding. From stocked pantries and backup supplies to fear-based buying and clutter, this conversation breaks down what healthy preparedness actually looks like in everyday life. Warm, honest, and practical, this episode is for anyone trying to care for their family, stretch a budget, and find peace in being ready for life’s unexpected moments.

Blackstone or gas grill... which one actually fits the way you cook? In this episode, we’re breaking down the real differences between flat top griddles and traditional grills, from flavor and cleanup to cost, maintenance, and what works best for real family meals. Perfect for anyone debating their next backyard cooking upgrade.

made life easier, why does feeding a family still feel so overwhelming?

In this episode, Kim from This Old Baker gets honest about why cooking feels harder than it should—and why it’s not your fault. This isn’t about recipes. It’s about the missing piece: a kitchen system that takes the pressure off daily decisions.

We talk pantry cooking vs. starting from scratch every night, the real reason burnout happens in the kitchen, and how to simplify meals without sacrificing homemade.

If you’re tired of asking “what’s for dinner?” every single day… this one’s for you.

Beeswax cloth is back—and there’s a reason for it. This episode covers why this simple method is resurfacing, what it actually does, and how to use it without overcomplicating your kitchen.

If your home feels overwhelming, it’s not just the mess—it’s the mental load behind it. In this episode, Kim breaks down why decluttering regularly (not just once a year) changes everything, and how a few small resets can give you more time, less stress, and a home that finally feels good again.

If your dinners depend on a box, a packet, or a last-minute store run, it’s time for a better system. In this episode of This Old Baker Podcast, Kim shares how simple pantry mixes can replace boxed shortcuts, save money, and take the stress out of weeknight cooking.

Learn how one base mix can turn into multiple meals, how to build your pantry one jar at a time, and how to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor.

Start with one mix… and change the way you cook.

It’s easy to feel like you should already know everything in the kitchen—but that’s not how anyone actually learns. In this episode, we’re talking about why asking questions matters, how most of us learned the hard way, and why there are no “simple” questions when you’re building real skills. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this one’s for you.

Why are sourdough starters still everywhere? In this episode, we’re breaking down why sourdough never really went out of style—from saving money and baking with simple ingredients to slowing down and building a rhythm in your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or your starter’s been sitting in the fridge, this is a no-pressure look at why sourdough still works for real life.

Feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, and stretched too thin? In this episode, we talk about why it’s okay to say no, how to set healthy boundaries without guilt, and simple ways to protect your time and energy. If you’re tired of doing everything for everyone, this is your reminder that taking care of yourself matters too.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a full-day event.
In this episode, we’re doing a simple 10-minute kitchen reset that actually makes your space feel lighter, cleaner, and easier to use—without overwhelm.

Some nights you don’t need a recipe—you need relief.

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking “I don’t feel like cooking,” this episode is your reset. You’re not lazy—you’re overloaded. Let’s lower the bar, lean on pantry mixes and freezer meals, and build a kitchen that works with you, not against you.

👉 Press play… and give yourself permission to keep it simple tonight.

When your kitchen feels like too much and you don’t even know where to start… this is your reset.

In just 10 minutes, we’ll quiet the overwhelm, clear one space, and get you back to feeling in control—no deep cleaning, no pressure, no perfection required.

Hit play, take a breath, and let’s bring your kitchen (and your mind) back to calm.

More tips at https://thisoldbaker.com

If your fridge feels full but somehow doesn’t work… this one’s for you.

In this episode of the This Old Baker Podcast, we’re skipping the full clean-out and focusing on one simple reset—your fridge door or a single shelf. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step so you can clear the clutter, find what you actually use, and make your fridge easier to live with in 10 minutes or less.

No overwhelm. No perfection. Just one small win that actually sticks.

See how we organize our fridge and the products used at https://www.amazon.com/shop/thisoldbaker

There’s a drawer in every kitchen that quietly collects life—and over time, it turns into a frustrating little mess of things you can’t find when you need them.

In this episode of the This Old Baker Podcast, we take that overwhelm and shrink it down to something simple. No full kitchen overhaul. No fancy containers. Just one drawer, ten minutes, and a straightforward reset that actually works in real life.

You’ll be guided step-by-step to clear out the clutter, group what matters, and set up a space that’s easy to use and even easier to maintain.

Because sometimes the quickest way to feel more in control of your kitchen…

is to start with the one drawer you’ve been avoiding.

If your pantry ever feels a little crowded or overwhelming, there’s a simple trick that can help.

You don’t need to organize the whole pantry.

Just start with one shelf.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim shares the One Shelf Rule — a quick and practical way to reset your pantry in just a few minutes.

Inside this episode:

• Why small pantry resets work better than big reorganizing projects
• The simple steps for clearing and resetting one shelf
• How the jar system helps you see your ingredients
• Why visibility makes cooking easier

If you'd like to see the pantry organization ideas and printable kitchen guides Kim uses in her own kitchen, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/organizing-your-kitchen-cabinets-a-step-by-step-guide/

These tools help make everyday cooking calmer and more organized.

Why Mason Jars Beat Boxes (The Jar System)

Have you ever opened a bag of flour or rice and ended up with a little mess on the pantry shelf?

There’s a simple solution that home cooks have been using for generations.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim explains why mason jars work so well for pantry storage and how the jar system can make your ingredients easier to see, easier to store, and easier to cook with.

Inside this episode we talk about:

• Why jars help pantry ingredients stay fresher longer
• How visibility makes pantry cooking easier
• Why jars are perfect for dry mixes and pantry staples
• How a few simple jars can transform a pantry shelf

If you'd like to see the jar mixes Kim keeps in her pantry, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/category/recipes/mason-jar-mixes/

These homemade mixes are designed for mason jars and make weeknight cooking simple.

Pantry Expiration Myths: Toss It or Keep It?

Have you ever picked up a can from your pantry, checked the date, and wondered if it was still safe to use?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim explains the difference between expiration dates and best-by dates and shares a few simple ways to tell if pantry foods are still good.

Understanding how long pantry staples actually last can help you reduce food waste and feel more confident cooking from your shelves.

Inside this episode we talk about:

• The real meaning of most pantry date labels
• How to tell if canned foods are still safe
• Why dry pantry staples often last longer than people think
• A simple rotation trick that keeps pantry ingredients fresh

If you'd like to see the pantry staples Kim keeps on hand in her own kitchen, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/My-Pantry-Staples.pdf

This guide will help you build a pantry that makes everyday cooking easier.

The Most Overlooked Kitchen Ingredients: Spices

Those tiny jars in your spice cabinet might be the most powerful ingredients in your entire kitchen.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim talks about why spices are often overlooked and how just a pinch of the right seasoning can completely transform everyday meals.

You’ll also learn how to tell if your spices are still fresh and a simple trick that helps spices release more flavor while cooking.

Inside this episode:

• Why spices lose strength over time
• The easiest way to check if a spice is still good
• The simple trick that makes spices taste stronger in cooking
• Why a small group of spices can season dozens of meals

If you'd like to see the seasoning blends and pantry spice mixes Kim makes in her own kitchen, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/category/seasonings-and-sauces/

These simple blends are designed to help turn pantry ingredients into flavorful meals.

Why Pantry Cooking Is the Secret to Easier Meals

Have you ever opened the refrigerator, stared for a moment… and still had no idea what to make for dinner?

The answer might not be in the fridge at all.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim shares why pantry cooking has quietly become one of the easiest ways to simplify everyday meals. When your pantry is stocked with a few dependable staples, dinner becomes less stressful, more flexible, and a lot more satisfying.

Inside this episode we talk about:

• Why pantry cooking makes weeknight meals easier
• The simple ingredients that form the backbone of a well-stocked pantry
• How spices and staples turn basic foods into full meals
• Why cooking from the pantry saves time, money, and frustration

Pantry cooking isn’t about complicated recipes or fancy ingredients. It’s about using what you already have in simple, practical ways that make the kitchen feel calmer.

If you'd like to see the pantry mixes and simple recipes Kim mentioned in this episode, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/category/recipes/pantry/

From homemade soup blends to baking mixes and seasoning jars, these pantry recipes are designed to help you cook more easily with ingredients you already keep on hand.

From my kitchen to yours…
Kim from This Old Baker

In this episode of This Old Baker, Kim Artlip answers a common kitchen question: when you can safely substitute soy milk for regular milk in recipes. She breaks down where soy milk and soy milk powder work best, when a simple tweak helps, and when dairy still matters—giving you practical, pantry-friendly guidance for everyday cooking and baking.

In this episode of the This Old Baker Podcast, host Kim Artlip shares why a well-stocked pantry—especially one built around smart pantry mixes—matters more now than ever. With rising food costs, unpredictable weather, and uncertain times, pantry mixes offer comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind. Kim talks about how simple, homemade mixes help stretch budgets, reduce stress, and turn everyday ingredients into warm, familiar meals. This episode is a reminder that a thoughtful pantry isn’t about fear or stockpiling—it’s about confidence, comfort, and being able to feed your people no matter what life throws your way.

In this episode of This Old Baker Podcast, host Kim Artlip opens up about the emotional toll of online negativity on creators. From harsh insults to outright threats, she explores how hurtful words impact those who share their work with the world. Kim discusses the vulnerability of being a creator, the mental and emotional strain of constant criticism, and the importance of kindness and support in online spaces. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the power of words and how we can all contribute to a more positive and uplifting creative community.