Food Network Obsessed

Cassie Yeung joins the pod to share her excitement on being named to the 2026 Food Network Hot List. She talks about the viral “hangover ramen” video that changed her life, growing up in a food-obsessed household, and why she believes cooking should always be guided by “no measurements, just vibes.” 

Later, Cassie dives into her New York Times bestselling cookbook Bad Bitch in the Kitch, explains why she fought to keep the title, and breaks down the philosophy behind making approachable, craveable Asian-inspired recipes for a social-first audience. Plus: emotional support pickles, dumpling hacks, and Cassie’s perfect food day around the world. 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Cassie on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Food Network’s Hot List: HERE 

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Chef, restaurateur, and Food Network fan-favorite Jet Tila returns to the pod for a catch-up on everything from family life to building a career that spans restaurants, television, cookbooks, and teaching. 

Jet dives into the new season of Ready Jet Cook, breaking down the philosophy behind fast, flavor-packed cooking and why teaching the “why” behind techniques is just as important as the recipes themselves. He shares what keeps him coming back to competition shows, and how he approaches pressure in the kitchen after years of competing. Plus, later on, Jet turns the tables on Jaymee to ask her about her perfect food day. 

Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 

Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 

Follow Jet on Instagram: HERE 

Learn More about Ready Jet Cook: HERE 

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Pitmaster and restaurateur Rashad Jones joins the pod to talk about his journey from backyard barbecue obsession to building Big Lee's Barbecue into a barbecue destination. Rashad shares the Thanksgiving meal that sparked it all, the legacy of Uncle Leon, and how hospitality became the foundation of everything he does. 

He also opens up about his “renegade barbecue” style, the Food Network recipes that mean the most to him, and his return to BBQ Brawl - this time as a judge. Plus, Rashad breaks down what makes great barbecue, the pressure of competition, and his ultimate barbecue side dish Mount Rushmore. 

Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 

Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 

Follow Rashad on Instagram: HERE 

Learn More about BBQ Brawl: HERE 

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Chef, restaurateur, and Food Network favorite Esther Choi returns to the pod to catch up on a massive new chapter of life: Motherhood. Esther opens up about her debut cookbook, and her new Food Network YouTube series, Cooking with Choi.  

Esther dives into her upcoming cookbook, Hand Taste: Cook Like a Korean Grandmother, why kimchi was non-negotiable for the book, and what readers can expect from the recipes. Plus, she talks about finally getting to live out a lifelong dream: teaching people how to cook on screen with her new series Cooking with Choi. 

And later, Esther breaks down the chaos of co-hosting 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, what it’s like surviving 36 straight hours on set, why chefs are lining up to compete in one of Food Network’s toughest competitions, and what really separates the last chef standing from everyone else 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Esther on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Cooking with Choi: HERE 
• Learn More about Food Network 24 in 24: HERE 

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Chef Kenny Gilbert joins the pod to talk about his impressive run on this season of Tournament of Champions, from the pressure of the randomizer to cooking in one of the most intense competition formats on TV. He shares how he prepares for the unpredictable nature of TOC, why blind judging raises the stakes, and how he approaches each round with a “swim your race” mentality. 

Kenny also takes us back to his early days in the kitchen, from cooking out of a Betty Crocker cookbook as a kid to preparing his first full Thanksgiving dinner at just 11 years old. 

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE 
• Follow Kenny on Instagram: HERE 
• Learn More about Tournament of Champions: HERE

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