The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA

The Retail Bakers of America Association
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

"The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA" is your all-access pass to the heart of the retail baking industry. Each episode brings you inside the kitchen with leading bakers, educators, and innovators who share their stories, tips, and insights. From the secrets of achieving the perfect loaf to navigating business growth, we explore what it takes to elevate your baking craft and career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring baker, or simply hungry for inspiration, tune in and discover how the Retail Bakers of America helps you rise to every challenge—and savor every success.

  1. 1d ago

    Chef Lee Ann Adams on what it takes to become a CMB

    What does it really take to earn the title of Certified Master Baker, and what can the credential unlock in a baker’s career?  In this encore episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston speaks with Chef LeAnn Adams, CMB, about one of the baking industry’s most respected professional certifications. Chef LeAnn shares her journey to becoming a Certified Master Baker, the intense preparation required for the practical exam, and why even highly experienced bakers must stretch beyond their specialties to succeed.  The conversation also explores the career opportunities, professional community, and credibility that can come with certification. Most importantly, Chef LeAnn explains why mentorship, openness to feedback, and a willingness to support the next generation are essential parts of mastering the craft.  Whether you are considering certification, mentoring another baker, or looking for your next opportunity to grow, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to pursue excellence in baking. Become a Member

    Chef Lee Ann Adams on what it takes to become a CMB

  2. Aug 7

    The Hidden Ingredient: Why Mental Health Matters in Every Bakery

    The baking industry has always celebrated resilience, grit, and the ability to push through. But what happens when the cost of that resilience becomes too high? In this re-released episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Jasmine Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer of CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness), for a conversation that is just as relevant today as when it first aired. Together, they explore the mental health challenges facing food and hospitality professionals, why burnout has become so common, and how bakery owners and leaders can begin creating workplaces where people thrive instead of simply survive.  Jasmine shares the powerful story behind CHOW's founding following the loss of Anthony Bourdain, explains how the organization now supports hospitality professionals through free peer meetings, workplace training, and practical wellness resources, and offers actionable steps any bakery can take to normalize conversations around mental health. Kimberly also opens up about her own journey through injury, identity loss, and recovery, making this one of the most personal episodes of the podcast.  Whether you're a bakery owner, pastry chef, educator, or team leader, this episode is a reminder that healthier businesses begin with healthier people. In this episode you'll learn:  Why burnout is one of the industry's biggest challenges  How to recognize the signs that someone may be struggling  Practical ways leaders can create psychologically safe workplaces  The role vulnerability plays in building stronger teams  Free mental health resources available through CHOW Because the future of our industry isn't just about sustaining great bakeries. It's about sustaining the people who make them possible. Become a Member

    The Hidden Ingredient: Why Mental Health Matters in Every Bakery

  3. Jul 24

    From Family Bakery to Global Brand: Kevin O'Reilly's Recipe for Lasting Success

    Building a successful business rarely starts with a perfect plan. More often, it begins with recognizing an opportunity that everyone else has overlooked.  In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Kevin O'Reilly, founder of Satin Fine Foods and the creator of Satin Ice, to explore the journey from a family bakery in Dublin, Ireland, to leading one of the world's most recognized cake decorating brands.  Kevin shares how growing up in his family's bakery shaped his work ethic, why he chose entrepreneurship over the family business, and how a simple observation about the American fondant market led to the creation of Satin Ice. Together, they discuss the importance of staying focused, developing a business plan, adapting through industry changes, navigating the challenges of COVID, and building a company culture rooted in quality, relationships, and continuous improvement.  Whether you're opening your first bakery, growing an established business, or simply looking for practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades in the baking industry, this conversation is filled with lessons on leadership, resilience, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond the products you sell. Become a Member

    From Family Bakery to Global Brand: Kevin O'Reilly's Recipe for Lasting Success

  4. Jul 10

    Justin Fry: Competition, Chocolate, and Building the National Pastry Conference

    What does it really take to become great in the pastry industry? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly I. Houston sits down with award-winning executive chocolatier Justin Fry, founder of JF Chocolat and President of the National Pastry Conference, for a conversation about the habits, mindset, and community that shape exceptional pastry professionals. Justin shares how years of competition taught him that mastery isn't about talent. It's about repetition, discipline, and continually improving your craft. He also discusses the transition from competitor to entrepreneur, building a sustainable chocolate business, and why he believes the future of the pastry industry depends on creating opportunities for professionals to connect, compete, and learn from one another. Whether you're a bakery owner, pastry chef, culinary student, educator, or simply passionate about baking, this episode offers practical insights into craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of community. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why competition builds better bakers, even if you never plan to compete  How repetition creates mastery in the kitchen  The mindset shifts required to transition from pastry chef to business owner  How JF Chocolat balances creativity with profitability  Why the National Pastry Conference was created and what makes it unique  The importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning  Justin's advice for the next generation of pastry professionals Subscribe to The Perfect Rise for conversations with the people shaping the future of the baking and pastry industry. Become a Member

    Justin Fry: Competition, Chocolate, and Building the National Pastry Conference

  5. Jun 26

    From Sugar Flowers to Sweet Success with Julia Fedorova

    What does it take to build an internationally recognized cake artistry career from the ground up? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly I Houston sits down with award-winning sugar artist, educator, author, and Sweet Art Master founder Julia Fedorova. After immigrating to the United States in 2015 without speaking English or having a background in the cake industry, Julia taught herself sugar artistry, competed her way to mastery, and became one of the industry's leading voices in botanical sugar flowers. Together, they discuss: • Julia's journey from newcomer to internationally recognized artist • The discipline behind botanically correct sugar flowers • Why competitions can accelerate growth and confidence • Common mistakes decorators make when competing • What judges are really looking for • The inspiration behind her book, Sweet Botany • The importance of community, mentorship, and continuing education Whether you're a cake decorator, pastry professional, educator, or competitor, this conversation offers valuable insights into craftsmanship, creativity, and lifelong learning. Learn more about Julia Fedorova and Sweet Art Master: https://sweetartmaster.com Learn more about the Retail Bakers of America: https://www.retailbakersofamerica.org Follow RBA for education, certification opportunities, and industry resources. #ThePerfectRise #RetailBakersOfAmerica #JuliaFedorova #CakeArtist #SugarFlowers #CakeDecorating #PastryArts #BakingIndustry #SweetArtMaster Become a Member

    From Sugar Flowers to Sweet Success with Julia Fedorova

  6. Jun 12

    Building the Next Generation of Bakers with Cyndi Benavides

    What happens when a retail baking supply store becomes a workforce development pipeline for the future of the baking industry?  In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Cyndi Benavides, owner of Cake Craft Shoppe and founder of the Youth Baking Academy in Houston, Texas.  Together, they discuss how Cyndi transformed a teaching kitchen into a multi-year program focused on baking, cake decorating, professionalism, confidence, and career readiness for students ages 10–17.  The conversation explores workforce development, youth mentorship, industry certifications, entrepreneurship, and why investing in young bakers may be one of the most important decisions the industry can make today.  From hands-on training to real-world career pathways, this episode highlights how education can shape the future of baking. Become a Member

    Building the Next Generation of Bakers with Cyndi Benavides

  7. May 29

    What Happens When Restaurants Stop Hiring Pastry Chefs? | Chef Kristen Egan, CMB

    In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston speaks with Kristen Egan about the changing realities of pastry, hospitality, and culinary education. From working in luxury hotels and some of the country’s most respected fine dining kitchens to building a successful pastry business and eventually teaching at the CIA, Chef Egan has experienced nearly every side of the industry. This conversation explores: • Why pastry craftsmanship still matters • The decline of dedicated pastry programs in restaurants • What today’s culinary students are struggling with most • How COVID impacted the next generation of kitchen professionals • The realities of burnout and entrepreneurship • Why young chefs should stop rushing into leadership roles • What it really takes to earn the Certified Master Baker title Chef Egan also shares thoughtful insight into mentorship, technical standards, and the future of pastry in modern hospitality. For bakery owners, pastry chefs, educators, students, and hospitality professionals alike, this episode is both a reflection on where the industry has been—and a conversation about where it’s headed next. Become a Member

    What Happens When Restaurants Stop Hiring Pastry Chefs? | Chef Kristen Egan, CMB

  8. May 15

    Steam, Systems & the Future of Bagels with Craig Hutchinson

    What happens when a fine dining chef challenges one of the most traditional processes in baking?  In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Craig Hutchinson, COO and co-owner of Olmo Bagels, to talk about how innovation, hospitality, and operational thinking helped transform a pandemic pivot into one of the most talked-about bagel brands in the country.  Craig shares how Olmo Bagels pioneered a New Haven-style bagel by using fresh-milled grains, steam technology instead of traditional boiling, and a production system designed for consistency at scale. The conversation dives deep into bakery operations, workplace culture, training, leadership, product quality, and why “numbers don’t lie” has become a guiding philosophy inside the business.  This episode is packed with insight for bakery owners, pastry professionals, and anyone navigating growth in the food industry without sacrificing craftsmanship or hospitality.  Connect with Olmo Bagels. Follow on Instagram Learn more about Rational Products. Become a Member

    Steam, Systems & the Future of Bagels with Craig Hutchinson
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA" is your all-access pass to the heart of the retail baking industry. Each episode brings you inside the kitchen with leading bakers, educators, and innovators who share their stories, tips, and insights. From the secrets of achieving the perfect loaf to navigating business growth, we explore what it takes to elevate your baking craft and career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring baker, or simply hungry for inspiration, tune in and discover how the Retail Bakers of America helps you rise to every challenge—and savor every success.

Information

  • Creator
    The Retail Bakers of America Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA
  • Show Website
    The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA

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