Switch It On!

Amanda & Joshua, chef owners of Switch Bakery
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED DAILY

Switch It On! is a podcast from the owners of Switch Bakery, a gluten-free bakery in Monterey, California. We'll be dishing about food, ingredients, bakery life, eating with an autoimmune disease, and more! switchbakery.substack.com

  1. Switched On! in Ashland: A Conversation with Noble Coffee’s Jared Rennie

    MAR 18

    Switched On! in Ashland: A Conversation with Noble Coffee’s Jared Rennie

    Join hosts Joshua and Amanda from Switch Bakery Bistro in Santa Cruz as they sit down with Jared Rennie, founder of Noble Coffee Roasting in Ashland, Oregon — one of the most award-winning coffee roasters in the country. In this episode, they explore Noble's nearly 20-year journey from garage roasting to becoming a cornerstone of specialty organic coffee, and how Switch Bakery Bistro brings that same commitment to quality with their gluten-free pastries, breads, and seasonal lunch offerings. Topics covered: Why Noble Coffee is 100% organic — and how they've proven organic coffee can compete with (and beat) the best in the industry The Cup of Excellence program and what makes a truly exceptional cup of coffee How Switch Bakery Bistro pairs Noble's specialty coffee with rotating gluten-free baked goods made from local, seasonal ingredients The philosophy behind slowing down the café experience — ceramic mugs only, no disposable cups Building a values-driven small business: quality over rapid expansion, community over volume Barista training, and espresso science Emerging coffee origins: Thailand, Taiwan, China, and India Noble Tonic: a unique coffee fruit beverage Perfect for: coffee lovers, gluten-free foodies, small business owners, specialty café enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the craft behind crop-to-cup coffee and artisan gluten-free baking. Find Switch Bakery Bistro at 1016 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz — open five days a week serving Noble Coffee, gluten-free bread, lunch, and handcrafted pastries. Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  2. Imacculate Vibes Inside : V3.4

    JAN 19

    Imacculate Vibes Inside : V3.4

    The Switch Bistro DiariesNow open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 to 5ish.In this episode of Switch it On!, founders Amanda and Joshua provide an in-depth update on their newly opened bistro in Santa Cruz. They discuss their current operating hours, menu offerings, and customer experiences since their soft opening. The duo highlights their popular items like keto donuts, lemon curd treats, and various coffee drinks featuring Noble Coffee from Ashland, Oregon. They also elaborate on their journey of creating a welcoming space, their personal highlights, and upcoming collaborations with other local vendors. With engaging anecdotes and plans for the future, get up to speed on the latest happenings at Switch Bakery Bistro.00:00 - Introduction and Welcome00:59 - Secret Opening and Operating Hours02:33 - Parking Tips and Location03:53 - Pastry Offerings and Customer Favorites05:59 - Coffee Bar and Special Drinks09:21 - Savory Menu and Brunch Delights21:01 - Market Presence and Community Engagement22:34 - Team Expansion and Job Opportunities23:10 - Memorable Bistro Stories30:11 - Special Events and Menu Highlights34:04 - The Year of Magic and Personal Growth*40:36 - Podcast Anecdotes and Future Plans44:21 - Guest Appearances and Pop-Up Events Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    Getting the DL on The Bistro

    Getting the DL on The Bistro In this episode of the Switched On Podcast, hosts Amanda and Joshua introduce the new Switch Bakery and Bistro in downtown Santa Cruz, which is set to open on December 30th with a soft launch. They discuss their plans for the bistro, including a unique menu featuring gluten-free options, their ethos of reducing waste by encouraging reusable cups, and their strategy for a gradual, smooth growth. The episode also features a guest appearance by Joshua's dad, who shares fond memories of communal Sunday pancake breakfasts and stories about Alaskan sourdough traditions. The hosts answer listener questions, play a guessing game about their most popular Christmas sale items, and discuss the latest news in gluten-free. 00:00 Introduction to the Switched On Podcast 00:29 Exciting News About the New Bistro 02:34 Bistro Updates and Location 05:02 Soft Opening Plans 14:20 Holiday Party Highlights 16:55 Playing the Christmas Week Sales Game* 20:52 January Menu Highlights 25:17 Gluten-Free News 32:03 Introducing Joshua’s Dad 38:14 Sourdough Pancake Memories 43:40 Podcast Wrap-Up *The item that won the “guess what item we sold the most of” game during the holidays was Focaccia, with Popovers hot on their tail. Intro and outro music by Ian Frazier @frazier_ian. Produced, mixed, and edited by Joshua Bradley using Descript Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    45 min
  4. Thanksgiving 🚨Alert 🚨 with Switch Bakery : V3.2

    11/25/2025

    Thanksgiving 🚨Alert 🚨 with Switch Bakery : V3.2

    Amanda and Joshua, co-owners of Switch Bakery, host a special Thanksgiving edition of The Switched On Podcast. They discuss their bakery’s preparations for the holiday, including information on were gluten-free pies and bread can be purchased this week. They also share insights on managing a gluten-free and IBD/IBS Thanksgiving, share some personal holiday memories, offer Thanksgiving movie recommendations, and give an update on their bistro. 00:00 Introduction to The Switched On Podcast 02:44 Thanksgiving Market Details 05:54 Special Pie Market Availability and Cornucopia 11:01 Gluten-Free and IBS/IBD Thanksgiving Tips 19:55 Thanksgiving Menu Highlights 22:52 Turkey Talk and Memories 24:28 Thanksgiving Movies 27:34 Family Thanksgiving Stories 39:33 Thanksgiving Plans and Farewell Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    41 min

  5. 11/16/2025

    The Atmospheric River of Good Vibes : V3.1

    Switch Bakery Update: New Bistro Progress and Holiday SpecialsChef-owners Joshua and Amanda host this latest episode from their soon-to-open bistro at 1016 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz, California. The pair share updates on their progress at the bistro. They discuss the challenges of balancing bakery duties while setting up the new cafe. They also offer a detailed look at their upcoming holiday menu, pre-ordering options, and new ideas like the Thanksgiving stuffing hand pie. Wrapping up, they touch on their partnerships with local vendors, market stories, and future plans for the bistro. Excitement builds as they prepare for the grand opening and interact with their dedicated customer base.00:00 - Welcome to the Switch Home Podcast00:47 - Updates on the Bistro and Bakery02:30 - Furniture and Decor Details05:20 - Holiday Season Preparations09:24 - Holiday Menu and Pre-Ordering16:44 - Thanksgiving Specials and New Ideas22:20 - Holiday Week Pickup Plans23:21 - Market Locations and Success24:41 - Partnering with Local Businesses27:12 - Shipping and Special Orders29:48 - Scavenger Hunt for Equipment42:54 - Exciting Bistro Developments46:52 - Podcast Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    48 min
  6. Farmstands and Bistro-shaped Possibilities : V3.0

    10/06/2025

    Farmstands and Bistro-shaped Possibilities : V3.0

    In this episode, Joshua and Amanda, the co-owners of Switch Bakery, announce the exciting news of transitioning their Santa Cruz-based bakery to a full-fledged bistro. Broadcasting from their new, yet-to-be-renovated location on Cedar Street, they share their plans of transforming the space, fond memories tied to the business, and how they envision the space evolving over time. They discuss what patrons can expect from the new bistro, such as unique menu offerings, while ensuring long-time customers that their popular market stalls will continue. The episode also delves into their fall menu, market stories, and emotional moments shared with customers. This episode is being presented raw and unedited to align with the spirit of being inside of the location and capturing the moment. 00:00 Welcome to Switch Bakery and Bistro with new intro music by Ian Frazier! 00:57 First Impressions of the New Cafe 02:29 Reflecting on the Previous Business 03:57 Excitement and Plans for the New Space 15:08 Fall Menu and Seasonal Offerings 22:38 Vegan Pumpkin Hand Pies 23:39 Pumpkin Varieties and Their Uses 24:24 Fall Desserts and Scones 25:26 Marshmallow Cake Renaissance 29:17 Savory Hand Pies and Market Stories 33:29 Opening a New Cafe 44:59 Thanksgiving Preparations 47:30 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
  7. We're back! And, It's Fall? V2.9

    09/15/2025

    We're back! And, It's Fall? V2.9

    In this episode of The Switched On Podcast, hosts Amanda and Joshua bring listeners up to speed with the latest happenings at Switch Bakery. They discuss the development and challenges of opening their new café, including navigating permits and certifications. The duo highlights their commitment to sustainability, planning for the use of reusable packaging in collaboration with the city. They share updates on seasonal menu items like plum cakes, fig chocolate mochas, and new honey acquisitions, as well as fun baking projects such as a nostalgic black and white cookie and an intricate princess cake. The episode also covers market adventures and an update on retail partnerships for their gluten-free goodies. Finally, they tease upcoming plans and encourage listeners to custom order or find them at local markets. * 00:00 Introduction to The Switched On Podcast * 01:08 Updates on the New Cafe * 04:38 Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement * 14:43 Seasonal Menu Changes and Upcoming Events * 19:37 Exploring Unique Ingredients and Recipes * 26:01 Birthday Cakes and Special Orders * 36:25 Weekly Market Plans * 46:58 Sales Locations and Partnership Updates Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    53 min
  8. Big Switch'n News : V2.8

    08/19/2025

    Big Switch'n News : V2.8

    In this exciting episode of the Switched On! Podcast, hosts Joshua and Amanda, the owners of Switch Bakery, share big news about their bakery's expansion. They reveal plans to open a new café bistro in downtown Santa Cruz, thanks to a recently approved lease with the city council. The duo discusses their vision for the café, menu ideas, and the unique features it will offer. They also talk about current market offerings, upcoming events, and new partnerships, such as their collaboration with Cornucopia in Carmel to carry bread and (exclusive) tea cake loaves Additionally, they share personal stories, including experiences from recent markets and the joy of reconnecting with regular customers and old friends. Sign up for their café journey email newsletter to stay updated and participate in exclusive tastings and events as they embark on the next evolution of Switch Bakery. 01:28 Big News: Switch Bakery's New Café04:44 Details About the New Bistro 11:12 Upcoming Events and Collaborations 17:07 Partnership with Cornucopia 21:18 Logistics talk26:12 Samosas make their debut29:39 New Sandos for this week 31:50 Rhubarb just for us37:18 Josh’s favorite treat EVER42:01 Market Stories Get full access to Switch Bakery at switchbakery.substack.com/subscribe

    46 min
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Switch It On! is a podcast from the owners of Switch Bakery, a gluten-free bakery in Monterey, California. We'll be dishing about food, ingredients, bakery life, eating with an autoimmune disease, and more! switchbakery.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda & Joshua, chef owners of Switch Bakery
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Switch Bakery
  • Show Website
    Switch It On!