Tonia's Kitchen Podcast

Better Than Grandma's - Justin Ellen shares recipes from his new book

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 In this episode I had a lot of fun talking with Justin Ellen about his new cookbook Better Than Grandma's.

Justin Ellen is a baker and the creator of Everything Just Baked, where his fun, chaotic, and personality-filled approach to baking has captured the attention of millions across social media. Known for his viral recipes, custom cakes, and signature belief that baking should be just as enjoyable as indulging in the results, Justin has built a platform centered on making people laugh, learn, and get inspired in the kitchen.

Justin's early success - he's only 23! - stems from being a tremendously hard worker (and his enthusiasm is infectious!). He could speak about his decision to self-publish and build his cookbook team from scratch, how his grandmothers have influenced him, and how he engages with his followers and crafts original content.



Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Celebration Boards - A fun way to entertain

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In this episode I got to talk with Maegan in detail about how she creates these beautiful boards. 

Bestselling author and entertaining expert Maegan Brown (@thebakermama) shows how a simple board can turn an ordinary Tuesday night into something memorable.

Moving far beyond traditional charcuterie, Maegan introduces 50 creative, easy-to-build boards for every occasion—from Pajama Party Breakfasts and Book Club gatherings to Build-Your-Own Ramen, Baked Potato Bars, Espresso Martini Boards, and decadent dessert spreads. These interactive, family-friendly creations make entertaining effortless, affordable, and fun.

With stunning photography, step-by-step guidance, and practical hosting tips, Celebration Boards embraces the growing trend of everyday “micro-celebrations,” proving that the best moments don’t require a special occasion—just good food, great company, and a board worth gathering around.

About the Author:
MAEGAN BROWN (a.k.a. The BakerMama) is the bestselling cookbook author of Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads, and Brilliant Bites.

Through her popular blog, TheBakerMama.com, she shares easy, family-friendly recipes, creative food boards, and festive ideas that make everyday moments feel worth celebrating.

Maegan is passionate about helping others create beautiful, delicious experiences with ease. Her love for gathering around good food began at a young age and continues today in her own home, where she creates meaningful, joy-filled moments with her family and friends while inspiring others to do the same.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Kick off the Fall season with strong fitness and nutrition habits

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In this episode registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports nutrition Dawn Jackson Blatner joined me to talk about: 

  • Why getting back into a routine doesn’t have to mean changing everything at once
  • Simple breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas that help keep you going all day
  • Easy ways to fit movement into a packed schedule

Eggland’s Best and Club Pilates are encouraging people to nourish themselves with better nutrition and the strength-building benefits of Pilates to help them feel their best this fall.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Java Factory Explodes with flavors

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In this episode I had a fun conversation with Justin Scerbo, Director of Brand Strategy with Java Factory about their latest promotional campaign. 


Java Factory Brings America's Favorite Ice Cream Truck Treats to the Coffee Cup Extending Summer Into Fall


Flavor 52's New "Ice Cream Truck Season" Turns Iconic Frozen Favorites into Limited-Edition Coffees Featuring Creamsicle®, Breyers®, Klondike®, Popsicle® and Good Humor®
The sounds of the neighborhood ice cream truck are getting a caffeinated makeover.  As part of its groundbreaking Flavor 52 campaign, Java Factory launches its most nostalgic collection yet: Ice Cream Truck Season—a limited-edition lineup of flavored coffees inspired by some of America's most recognizable frozen treats. Beginning in late August and continuing through October, coffee lovers can experience weekly flavor drops inspired by Creamsicle®, Breyers®, Klondike®, Popsicle® and Good Humor®, transforming childhood memories into an entirely new coffee experience.

The collection marks the second chapter of Java Factory's ambitious Flavor 52 initiative, which is introducing 52 brand-new coffee flavors over 52 consecutive weeks, with a new release every Monday. Rather than relying on predictable seasonal flavors, Java Factory is reinventing flavored coffee through licensed collaborations, unexpected flavor experiences, and weekly product launches that keep consumers anticipating what's next.

Java Factory is redefining the coffee experience through specialty-grade 100% Arabica Brazilian coffee and an imaginative portfolio of bold roasts and innovative flavored coffees. Known for its creative flavor combinations and uncompromising quality, Java Factory believes exceptional coffee should be as memorable as it is delicious. Through Flavor 52, the company continues to push the boundaries of flavor innovation while creating one of the industry's most engaging consumer experiences.

For more information about Flavor 52 or to subscribe, visit www.javafactory.com.




Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Love What's On Your Plate

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Stephanie Valentine joins me to share recipes and more from her new book, Love What's On Your Plate.
At a time when wellness advice often feels confusing, expensive, or impossible to maintain, Stephanie offers a refreshing alternative: simple, realistic strategies that help people nourish themselves and their families without guilt, perfectionism, or overwhelm. From weekday dinners to holiday feasts, brunch spreads to BBQs, Love What's On Your Plate offers recipes that are crafted with love and designed to make home cooking stress-free and rewarding.

Stephanie talked about:
• Why so many people feel exhausted by wellness culture and how to create healthy habits that actually stick
• The connection between food, mental well-being, and emotional resilience
• How to simplify meal planning without sacrificing nutrition
• Small, sustainable changes that can improve energy, mood, and overall health
• Why "perfect eating" is often the enemy of long-term wellness
• Practical ways parents can create healthier relationships with food at home
• The role of comfort foods, family traditions, and joy in a balanced lifestyle



Stephanie Valentine is a holistic nutritionist, clinical hypnotist, and certified mental health and wellness coach who helps people nourish their lives from the inside out. Through her integrated approach, she blends food, mindset, and emotional well-being to support lasting change. As a culinary nutritionist, she creates simple, flavorful recipes that make healthy eating feel both accessible and enjoyable, while her work in hypnosis and coaching empowers individuals to build self-awareness and transform habits. Through her platform SV Living, Stephanie shares practical tools, inspiration, and guidance to help people feel their best and live with greater balance and intention. Love What’s On Your Plate (2025) is her first cookbook.


Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Yumna Jawad joins me to talk about The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook

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My guest is Yumna Jawad. We had a great time talking about her new cookbook, The feel good foodie cookbook and Oathoats, her overnight oats brand. 

From her website:

My recipes are inspired by the Lebanese dishes of my childhood, paired with fresh, modern takes on family meals. I believe that cooking should feel good, not stressful, and that’s why I focus on making it approachable for everyone. You can expect the recipes to be:

  • Nutritious and wholesome
  • Family-friendly
  • Easy to follow (with step-by-step photos, videos, and tips)
  • Packed with Mediterranean flavor
  • Tested and perfected in my home kitchen



Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

Healthy delicious snacks - Michele Abo from Kayco Beyond shares the latest products

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Today I spoke with Michele Abo, General Manager at Kayco Brands about some healthy choices for snacking. All of these products are right at the top of my list and so delicious. 

Some of the fascinating food brands that are helping consumers eat healthier without sacrificing flavor are Craize, Wonder Juice & Dorot Gardens.

Craize has become one of the most talked-about snacks in specialty food recently receiving a major industry award.

Dorot Gardens has almost a cult following among home cooks. They take fresh herbs and garlic, flash-freeze them and portions them into convenient cubes. It's the flavor and aroma of freshly chopped herbs without the prep, waste or mess.

And Wonder Juice is made with 100% cold-pressed organic juice, with no added sugar or water.  A great selection with Wonder Beet, Wonder Lemon, Wonder Melon and the new Wonder Green line.

Explore and enjoy these wonderful products!!!

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

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Tonia's Kitchen Podcast