Interviews with Locals & Other Businesses
Learning about food?
I love to learn about other businesses and how I can help support them.
A special series is where I sit down to interview "Girlfriends in Business" or other small businesses / nonprofits in the area. Scroll down to see some of the highlights and how you can help too!
If you would like to be featured on an interview or our Podcast, contact us by clicking below.
Check out some of the interviews I have done, scroll down:
- Star Soprano, Maria Natale, from Opera Tosca
- Coach Beth, a Health and Life Coach
- Tura Lura, owner Erika Christiansen talks about her candle business
- Tim Hankewich, Maestro of Orchestra Iowa
- The Brick Kitchen, owners Nate & Shelly Whited
- The Marion Library, Kylee Pusteoska talks about cooking classes and programming
- The Marion Library, the Maker Spaces
- Feed Iowa First, Executive Director Emmaly
- Chef Joe Gatto, from Boston
Visit our YouTube channel for the full video interviews, as well as delicious cooking videos.
"Girlfriends in Business" Interviews
Have you ever met a LIFE COACH? Join me for an interview in my “Girlfriends in Business” series.
Meet Coach Beth, a Health & Life Coach, a wife & mother, and a dear friend who is a total bad ass female entrepreneur. She works with professional women experiencing perimenopause to go from feeling uncomfortable in their bodies to empowered and in control without focusing on weight loss. You want to hear more, right!?!
In this episode, Coach Beth and I have an amazing conversation about coaching, her upcoming retreats, owning a business, and even meditation.
• What exactly is a Health & Life Coach?
• A quick mindful exercise you can do at home or work to help yourself in a situation of stress
• Coach Beth’s journey from an oncology nurse to life coach
Learn more at www.coachbethic.com or find her on social media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coachbethic
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachbethic/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-beth/
Special Event with Star Soprano, Maria Natale
We cooked with star Soprano Maria Natale & General Director Tad Ennen from Cedar Rapids Opera’s production of the Italian masterpiece - Tosca!
It was an exciting hour of everything Italian, from Gia’s Italian Kitchen:
- CHAT with Maria about her Italian heritage & long-standing family traditions from the heart of Italy
- COOK together and create one of Maria’s traditional family dishes
- LEARN all about the Opera, Tosca
Cedar Rapids Opera (www.cropera.org/)
Orchestra Iowa (www.orchestraiowa.org)
Erika, owner of Tura Lura Co.
As part of my Girlfriends in Business series, I recently sat down with Erika, owner of Tura Lura Co., concrete and candle maker in Iowa City.
To watch the full interview, visit our YouTube site:
https://youtu.be/2w8lqTw0-FE
"I’m the person behind Tura Lura Co. I’m an educator, artist, mama, community member, and accidental entrepreneur. I started by making concrete and candles for fun, was awarded an artist grant and began my company, then taught others to make candles during #candlepourbar events.
I love being in community with others, sharing tips and tricks to creating a life you love. Join me online as I continue to make handcrafted products and host shared experiences, expand into more DIY home projects, and have some good conversations about navigating life intentionally with my best friend and partner Dr. Matt."
Find out more about Erika and Tura Lura Co. here:
https://www.turaluraco.com/candle-pour-bar
Partner Interviews
The Brick Kitchen
We are doing cooking classes at The Brick Kitchen, every month (register on their site below)! It is an amazing kitchen store in Independence, Iowa! Locally owned, they have bakeware, cookware, cutlery, and Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar tasting! YUM! They have every kitchen gadget you could imagine, it’s like Christmas again! “Quality products to inspire everyday chefs!” This week is the perfect time for a visit! Independence Iowa is about 30 minutes north of Cedar Rapids. There are also local shops, restaurants, and a brewery to complete your visit!
https://www.thebrickkitchenstore.com/
Watch the full video in our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1rMtDmBRrrg
The Marion Library - Cooking Classes
Have you been to the new Marion Public Library? We are doing cooking classes there every month (register on their site below)!
It's the beautiful new library with so many new surprising nuggets! Check out our interview with their program director Kylee Pusteoska.
Oh, BTW, there is an awesome new cooking kitchen!
https://marionpubliclibrary.libnet.info/events
See the full video here, and sample classes, on our YouTube channel:
Cooking with Maestro Tim
We are back in the kitchen with Tim Hankewich, Maestro of Orchestra Iowa! Join us to create Beef (or Chicken) Saltimbocca Romana in a Sage Butter Sauce, with a crisp Fennel Salad on the side.
Founded in 1923, Orchestra Iowa is widely recognized as the state’s premier symphony orchestra. The Orchestra’s mission is to foster enjoyment of, and support for, fine symphonic music through quality performances, education and community involvement. Under the direction of Timothy Hankewich, having just completed his 16th season as Music Director, its 68 professional musicians perform more than 180 public performances throughout the year, many of which can be heard on Iowa Public Radio and seen on Iowa Public Television. Orchestra Iowa showcases its artistic excellence each season through an accomplished array of classical, ballet, opera, popular and chamber performances, in addition to extensive community education and involvement.
Feed Iowa First
Have you heard of “Grow Don’t Mow”? Have you been to your local farmers market lately? You should consider it!
I recently visited with Emmaly, Executive Director of Feed Iowa First. We talked about how buying local, like at your farmers markets, helps support their cause!
Join our over 20 urban growing partners and turn the open land around your business, faith-based organization or school into productive farmland..
In 2017, Feed Iowa First donated over 38,000 lbs of fresh produce to pantries across Linn County. Feed Iowa First also helps support beginning farmers through training and investments that ensure the next generation of farmers and food production.
Do you know Chef Joe Gatto?
I had the honor of talking with Chef Joe about his love for cooking, his passion for doing things “from scratch” his way, and his new podcast, Baking Bad.
You can also listen to the interview on our podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1876610/13504976
Meet my new colleague! Boston-based Chef Joe Gatto is a private chef, culinary instructor, author and host of the TV show, “From Scratch”. Bringing his passion for scratch cooking, big personality and knowledge of film, he has helped create one of the most unique cooking shows out there. From making his own charcoal, hand forging his own knife, to milking cows to make butter and cheese, Joe goes all out to make an engaging, informative and fun show. Check out Chef Joe on his new podcast, Baking Bad, and on his WBUR radio show.
https://linktr.ee/chefjoegatto
@bakingbadpodcast
The Marion Library - Maker Spaces
Looking for fun things for you or the kids?
The new Marion Library has amazing specialty areas for all to enjoy. Check the full video here:
• MakerSpace | A creative and collaborative space with 3D printers, laser printers, sewing machines, and other supplies.
• Recording Studio | A space for patrons to channel their inner podcast host, YouTuber, audiobook author, or singer-songwriter.
• Green Screen Room | A studio to learn more about the production process with access to video, sound, and lighting equipment.
Gia's Italian Kitchen
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You know how families don’t eat together like they used to?
Do you want to fix that for your family? I bring friends and family together through Italian cooking experiences, where I come to you for a private dinner (in-person or virtually).
You select a custom menu, and we cook together, involving you and the kids or grandkids!