Janet Irizarry, founder of My Mindful Kitchen, joins host Sid Bensalah to explore how food goes beyond the plate. It shapes values, builds legacy, and teaches leadership. Her turning point? A line in her son’s college essay: “There was never food in the house.”
In this conversation, Janet shares how the kitchen became her classroom for gratitude, responsibility, and empathy. Together, they discuss food insecurity, climate impact, and why mindful cooking matters more than ever.
This episode covers:
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The hidden power of family meals
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How cooking builds emotional intelligence
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Tips to reduce food waste at home
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Using food as a leadership tool
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Personal stories that blend memory, meaning, and identity
Chapters
00:00 – Episode Start & Theme
01:52 – The Impact of Family Dinners
05:40 – Reducing Food Waste
08:10 – Teaching Leadership Through Food
15:12 – Climate Change & Emotional Intelligence
18:28 – Social Media Pressure & Cooking
41:22 – Seasonal & Local Eating
44:01 – Enlightened Hospitality
47:23 – Food, Love & Family Memories
53:43 – What Is The Mindful Kitchen Method?
55:43 – When Food Waste Meets Poverty
57:23 – Real-Life Tips for Mindful Family Meals
01:04:49 – Lightning Round
01:11:45 – Final Thoughts on Food, Empathy, and Gratitude
Thoughts
🎧 Listen now and walk away with insight, not just opinion. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who values leadership, purpose, or creative risk.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, TuneIn, Podchaser, & more.
📲 Watch the full interview on YouTube + Spotify