Dana Cowin is an award-winning editor, author and convener who propels change through food and joy. Founder of Progressive Hedonist, Cowin has launched a national event series to build resilience, support local food, reduce food waste and deepen commitments to healing the planet through joyful gatherings. Since 2024, she's hosted dozens of events in 15 states, as well as produced a podcast that was a finalist for a James Beard Foundation award. This movement builds on Cowin’s experience creating Speaking Broadly, which featured events, a zine and podcast spotlighting visionary women at the intersection of creativity, sustainability and food. Cowin was Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine for more than 20 years, leading all editorial aspects of the brand including print, digital and books. She has written extensively on food and culture, including a cookbook, "Mastering My Mistakes in the Kitchen: Learning to Cook with 65 Great Chefs and 100 Recipes." Cowin has been a judge on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay as well as a speaker at SXSW, the Welcome Conference, TEDx Manhattan, and many other events. She's on the Board of Food Education Fund and the Food Council of City Harvest. In this episode, Dana shares her journey from magazine editor to founder of Progressive Hedonist, emphasizing how small, intentional changes can foster joy, environmental stewardship, and deep human connections. We explore the evolving relationship with food, sustainability, and the three principles of the Progressive Hedonist Movement:1) Source sustainably2) Reduce Copiously3) Live Abundantly 🥰JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY 🥰 to support this work and keep these conversations going for the women who need them. ‼️ Main Topics Covered: The origin and evolution of the concept of progressive hedonism and its core principlesPractical ways to reduce food waste and source sustainably while balancing local and global considerationsThe importance of community, shared experiences, and crafts in building a resilient and joyful lifeHow incremental habits at home can impact climate change and promote mindful consumptionDana’s innovative ideas for community-driven food initiatives, like neighborhood pizza parties and collective cookingThe role of joy as resistance in environmental activism and personal well-being Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dana Cowin and the concept of progressive hedonism 02:15 - Dana’s background in publishing and her journey to environmental activism 08:17 - The intersection of food, joy, and climate change 14:31 - Principles of progressive hedonism: source responsibly, reduce copiously, live abundantly 16:52 - The staggering impact of food waste and strategies to mitigate it 23:24 - Rethinking household shopping and family cooking practices 41:37 - The story behind Dana’s Pi Day pizza event and community cooking projects 47:19 - The innovative use of banana peels and food scraps in no-waste cooking 50:02 - The meaning of living abundantly through relationships and community 55:00 - The importance of simple joys, trash TV, and hobbies for mental health 58:11 - How joy fuels activism and personal resilience Resources & Links: Progressive Hedonist - Dana Cowin’s platform and ethos Emma’s Torch - Culinary training for refugees and marginalized communitiesNature’s Path - Organic Farming - Example of sustainable sourcing Connect with Dana Cowin: Instagram: progressive_hedonistWebsite: danacowin.com Join the conversation about transforming everyday habits into impactful, joyful actions—because how we live truly makes a difference.
