Two Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Janel Ohletz
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Nutrition

Welcome to Two Many Cooks in the Kitchen, the podcast where a mother-daughter duo stirs up real food, real talk, and the occasional over-seasoned opinion. We’ll dish out healthy recipes, debunk food & health myths, trade kitchen hacks, and sprinkle in plenty of banter—because it’s not just the veggies that get roasted around here. If you love good food, good laughs, and the comfort of family conversation, you’ll feel right at home. Two voices, one mission: better food, better health.

  1. 22h ago

    A Personal Backstory of Two Chefs

    Yes, we're getting personal in this episode. Reality, dreams, and what brought us to working in the food world. The podcast episode features an introduction to 'Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen' and delves into the hosts' personal culinary journey, emphasizing the impact of food on health and well-being. The conversation explores the intersection of food and health, highlighting the hosts' experiences and insights. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing work and personal life, particularly in the food service industry. It also explores the impact of the industry on mental health and the vision for the future, focusing on holistic health and well-being. Takeaways Food and health as a central themePersonal backstory and culinary journeyThe impact of food on health and well-being Balancing work and personal lifeImpact of food service industry on mental health Chapters 00:00 The Journey Between Farm and Fork34:38 Navigating the Wilderness47:30 The Paradox of Being a Chef53:36 Vision for the Future Mindful Meals Mastery program

  2. Aug 26

    Looksmaxxing vs. Longevity: The Paradox of plastic surgery culture

    Looks maxing promises better beauty, but at what cost? Janel and Lauren unpack the internet’s obsession with cosmetic perfection, and make the case that true longevity has a lot more to do with health, confidence, and self-acceptance than chasing the latest trend.The conversation gets real fast as they break down what “looks maxing” actually means, from soft maxing basics like skincare and grooming to hard maxing extremes like plastic surgery, limb lengthening, and even the alarming bone-smashing trend. They also unpack the rise of “mogging,” the pressure young people feel from social media, and why so many people end up looking less like themselves and more like everyone else.Janel and Lauren share a deeper critique of beauty culture rooted in lived experience. They talk about the danger of optimizing for external validation, how social media distorts what is normal, and why fitting in at any cost can leave you more insecure, not less. Lauren introduces the idea of “longevity maxing” as a healthier alternative, while Janel brings the conversation back to body acceptance, strength, and what it actually means to age well. You’ll also hear them trace cosmetic enhancement from ancient Egypt and India to modern plastic surgery, separating genuinely restorative procedures from purely elective changes driven by pressure and comparison. They explore who benefits from these choices, where the line is between self-expression and self-erasure, and why community, mindset, and self-worth matter more than a filtered face. Then they pivot to the healthy food side of longevity with one of their favorite foods: avocados. From simple avocado toast to cucumber-avocado soup and easy no-cook ideas, they close with practical, nourishing ways to support your body without overcomplicating self-care.Perfect for anyone tired of beauty trends, curious about the psychology behind cosmetic culture, or looking for a healthier, more grounded way to think about aging, confidence, and taking care of yourself.

  3. Aug 12

    Food Fads: What Were We Thinking?

    Food Trends Through the Decades: From Canning to Dubai ChocolateLauren and Janel trace a century of food trends, from the rise of commercial canning and convenience foods to the modern push toward fermentation, high-protein eating, and real-food cooking. Along the way, they connect food history to changing family structures, industrialization, health messaging, and why some trends stick while others fade.This episode is a mix of food history, personal memory, and a broader conversation about how ultra-processed foods shaped American eating habits. Lauren and Janel also dig into why cooking skills matter, how food trends reflect culture, and what a healthier food future might look like. Timestamps 04:02 - Introducing the episode: food trends and America’s relationship with ultra-processed food 06:17 - Early convenience foods and the beginnings of mass production 08:24 - Commercial canning, mechanized meat packing, and the rise of food industry scale 10:34 - Oreo cookies, shortening, and how ingredient lists changed over time 13:22 - Prohibition cocktails and the legacy of Bee’s Knees, Sidecar, and Gin Rickey 15:01 - Depression-era cooking, rationing, Victory Gardens, and creative survival food 18:18 - TV dinners, casseroles, suburban convenience, and postwar food culture 20:19 - Tang, microwaves, astronaut food, and the rise of packaged novelty 24:21 - Farm-to-table roots, local food interest, and the push back against industrial food 25:21 - Jello salads, ambrosia, fondue, aspic, and the spectacle of 1960s food 30:47 - Fast food chains, car culture, and how mobility changed American eating 32:12 - Julia Child’s influence and the return of real cooking 34:40 - Fat-free diets, the Pritikin era, and the bad science around eggs and cholesterol 40:47 - Nouvelle cuisine, California cuisine, and the shift toward lighter, fresher plating 42:56 - Convenience foods for everyone: Hot Pockets, Lunchables, pizza bagels, and colorful cereals 45:25 - Food status reversals: lobster, monkfish, wings, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic trends 49:36 - The 2000s and 2010s: health food revival, gourmet fast casual, and molecular gastronomy 54:26 - Why ultra-processed foods feel unlike food to the body 57:26 - Endocrine disruption, pregnancy, synthetic additives, and how toxins get stored 61:05 - Crohn’s, health ownership, and the gap between symptom management and true prevention 63:40 - Food as medicine and the need for more nutrition education in medical training 67:55 - Prescription food programs and the importance of taking responsibility for health 70:21 - Slow food, food deserts, addiction to processed food, and rebuilding healthier habits 72:03 - Sourdough, fermentation, kimchi, kombucha, and gut health 73:19 - High-protein trends, gluten-free culture, and why some people react differently to bread 75:02 - Dubai chocolate, why it went viral, and the skepticism around trendy sweets 78:24 - Non-alcoholic drinks, THC beverages, and conspicuous leisure on social media 80:01 - Why cooking should not be gendered and why kids belong in the kitchen 83:08 - Teaching children knife safety, responsibility, and confidence through cooking 87:12 - Cooking as a life skill that improves outcomes, not just a hobby

  4. Jul 29

    Water: Drink to Your Health

    The conversation delves into the importance of water, the safety of tap water, contaminants in tap water, water filtration systems, and hydration and water consumption. It explores the significance of clean drinking water, the safety of tap water, the presence of contaminants, the effectiveness of filtration systems, and the recommended water consumption. The conversation covers various aspects of hydration, including the importance of water, electrolytes, remineralizing water, Kangen water, and the impact of microplastics in water bottles. It also delves into the health implications of hydration and the role of pH in water. Takeaways Water is essential for life and human healthTap water safety depends on location and qualityContaminants in tap water can be filtered outDifferent filtration systems have varying effectivenessRecommended water consumption is at least 8 glasses per day Proper hydration is essential for overall healthElectrolytes play a crucial role in hydration and mineral balance Show Links: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=FL4430259 https://waterfilterguru.com/best-under-sink-water-filter-reviews/ Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Water05:05 Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?10:58 Contaminants in Tap Water19:56 Water Filtration Systems24:00 Hydration and Water Consumption24:58 Hydration and Health25:41 Electrolytes and Hydration30:25 Remineralizing Water33:46 Kangen Water and pH37:25 Microplastics and Water Bottles

  5. Jul 15

    Fight Inflammation with Food

    The conversation explores the concept of food as medicine and the role of anti-inflammatory foods in promoting health. It delves into the impact of dietary choices on inflammation and discusses the use of anti-inflammatory ingredients in cooking. The conversation emphasizes the significant impact of food on overall health and well-being. The conversation covers topics related to mindful eating, inflammatory foods, and meal preparation. It delves into the impact of breakfast on inflammation, the relationship between stress and food, the benefits of oatmeal and turmeric, and various lunch options for an anti-inflammatory diet. Takeaways Food as medicineAnti-inflammatory foods Mindful eatingInflammatory foodsMeal preparation Chapters 00:00 The Power of Food as Medicine01:15 Inflammation and Dietary Choices02:38 Cooking with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients03:26 The Impact of Food on Health05:46 Mindful Eating and Inflammation06:28 Breakfast and Inflammation07:10 Stress and Food09:06 Oatmeal and Turmeric12:05 Lunch Options

  6. Jul 1

    Dopamine: The feel good trap

    Lauren and Janel discuss dopamine. Why this feel good chemical can trap us into habits that make us feel worse in the long run. We offer a candid discussion about why we doom scroll and ways to stop the habit in its tracks. We also have a repeat kitchen battle this week. We are replaying the cabbage recipes as we are on summer holiday and were not able to get new recipes done in time. I hope you enjoy this episode.

  7. Jun 17

    The Pie Debate

    What makes a pie...a pie? The episode delves into the definition of pie, the controversy of cheesecake as a pie, the origin and symbolism of apple pie, and the debate over cheddar cheese on apple pie. It also explores the variety of pie types and their cultural significance. The conversation covers a range of topics related to pies, including cheesecake preferences, pie history, varieties of pies, and a pie-off challenge. Stick around until the end to hear the outcome of the food challenge, sweet or savory, which ever way you slice it, both are delicious. Takeaways The debate over whether cheesecake is a pie or a cakeThe marketing and symbolism of apple pie as an American staple Basque cheesecake is less finicky than New York cheesecakeThe word 'pie' may originate from the magpie birdThe Pie and Pastry Bible is a recommended cookbook for pie enthusiastsStrudel making requires patience and a large surface areaThe pie-off challenge introduces unique pie recipes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pie Discussion07:15 Shepherd's Pie and Other Varieties13:07 Marketing and Symbolism of Apple Pie19:23 Basque Cheesecake and New York Cheesecake24:23 History of Pie30:17 Varieties of Pie36:03 The Pie and Pastry Bible

  8. Jun 4

    Picky Eaters or Gut Imbalance

    The conversation explores the complexities of picky eating, childhood food memories, and the influence of family dynamics on food choices. It delves into the challenges of expanding food choices and addresses the impact of social factors on dietary habits. The conversation covers the topics of picky eating, food preferences, gut health, natural light, environment, and empowering children with food choices. Lena Livinsky shares insights on the impact of gut health on food preferences and the importance of natural light and environment on gut health. The conversation also explores the significance of empowering children with food choices and concludes with information on how to connect with Lena Livinsky. Takeaways Picky eating is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as sensory aversions, oral motor skills, and family dynamics.Understanding the root causes of picky eating and addressing them holistically is crucial for expanding food choices and promoting healthier eating habits. Gut health influences food preferencesNatural light and environment impact gut healthEmpowering children with food choices is important Links to Lena Livinsky: https://lenalivinsky.com/meet Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mealtimes Struggle04:58 Challenges with Vegetables and Family Dynamics09:56 Impact of Household Food Choices15:00 Efforts to Expand Food Choices19:45 Influence of Social Factors on Food Choices24:53 Dietary Habits and Family Dynamics33:39 The Impact of Natural Light and Environment on Gut Health48:05 Empowering Children with Food Choices

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Two Many Cooks in the Kitchen, the podcast where a mother-daughter duo stirs up real food, real talk, and the occasional over-seasoned opinion. We’ll dish out healthy recipes, debunk food & health myths, trade kitchen hacks, and sprinkle in plenty of banter—because it’s not just the veggies that get roasted around here. If you love good food, good laughs, and the comfort of family conversation, you’ll feel right at home. Two voices, one mission: better food, better health.

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