Food Network Obsessed

Pastry chef and content creator Allison Chen joins the pod to share her unconventional journey from studying neuroscience … to attending pastry school in France. Allison reflects on learning French pastry techniques, running a tasting-menu out of her college apartment, and how documenting the experience online unexpectedly launched her career as a creator. 

Later, Allison talks about bringing one of her favorite childhood desserts, tangyuan, to Food Network’s digital series Dig In With, why food stories resonate more than recipes alone, and how she approaches making baking feel approachable for millions of followers. 

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• Follow Allison on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Allsion’s episode of Dig In With: HERE 

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Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt join the pod to talk about their latest project, the all-new HGTV Smart Home 2026.  

The winningest duo on HGTV shares what it was like designing the $1.3 million Orlando dream home, the challenge of balancing luxury with smart technology, and the features they’re most excited for fans to see… including hidden rooms, a shoe carousel, a four-screen TV wall, and a backyard built for year-round vacation living. They also discuss why involving their daughter Jade in the design process made this Smart Home experience especially meaningful.  

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Follow Brian & Mika on Instagram: HERE 

Learn More about HGTV Dream Home: HERE 

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Maneet Chauhan joins the pod to talk about one of Food Network’s most ambitious competitions yet: Chopped Castaways. Maneet shares what it was like judging a group of chefs dropped onto a remote island. She reveals why the experience felt unlike anything she’s ever done on television and why some of the food served on the island ranks among the best she’s ever tasted on Chopped. 

Maneet also reflects on her latest season of BBQ Brawl, including welcoming Brooke Williamson into the captain’s chair, the emotional responsibility that comes with mentoring a team, and why helping chefs recognize their own potential is her favorite part of the job. Plus, she shares stories from her life in Nashville, her philosophy on following culinary instincts, her quest to saber 50 bottles of champagne before turning 50, and her ultimate Nashville food day. 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Maneet on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Chopped Castaways: HERE 

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Chef Gabe Bertaccini joins the pod to talk about his latest Food Network adventure, Chopped Castaways, a wild new spin on Chopped that drops elite chefs onto a remote island where strategy, survival, and cooking skills all collide. Gabe breaks down what made the experience so intense, what surprised him most about judging in that environment, and why the show pushes chefs in completely different ways than a traditional kitchen competition. 

Gabe also dives into his digital series Cook Like an Italian, sharing how the show became a way to make Italian cooking feel approachable, relaxed, and rooted in joy rather than perfection. He talks about teaching techniques in a more specific, practical way for home cooks, why simplicity matters so much in Italian food, and how creating digital content allows him to connect with audiences differently than competition television. 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Gabe on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Chopped Castaways: HERE 

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Cassie Yeung joins the pod to share her excitement on being named to the 2026 Food Network Hot List. She talks about the viral “hangover ramen” video that changed her life, growing up in a food-obsessed household, and why she believes cooking should always be guided by “no measurements, just vibes.” 

Later, Cassie dives into her New York Times bestselling cookbook Bad Bitch in the Kitch, explains why she fought to keep the title, and breaks down the philosophy behind making approachable, craveable Asian-inspired recipes for a social-first audience. Plus: emotional support pickles, dumpling hacks, and Cassie’s perfect food day around the world. 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Cassie on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Food Network’s Hot List: HERE 

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