Shows
Cake TherapyHaley Larson's journey through creative entrepreneurship, burnout, and rediscovery.What happens when your viral cake creation becomes your identity, but your soul is calling you in a different direction? Minnesota cake artist Haley Larson, known online as the "infamous turkey cake lady," shares her refreshingly honest journey through creative entrepreneurship, burnout, and rediscovery.Haley's path winds from art school with a ceramics degree to high school teaching, before finding a new creative outlet in cake decorating alongside her mother. Her realistic turkey cake creation catapulted her small business into unexpected viral fame, leading to television appearances and overwhelming demand. But as orders piled up and migraines...2025-05-0945 min
Cake TherapyThe Cookie that Changed Everything: Carolyn Haeler's 'Mightylicious' Story"That's the best gluten-free cookie I've ever tasted." These powerful words from a Whole Foods team leader changed everything for Carolyn Haeler, launching her from disappointed celiac patient to revolutionary force in the gluten-free baking world.Carolyn's story begins with a devastating health diagnosis that transformed her relationship with food. After months of declining health—gray skin, falling hair, and a failing immune system—she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Suddenly, food wasn't just nourishment or enjoyment; it became a potential poison. The world of convenience, celebration, and simple pleasures closed its doors.The defining mome...2025-05-0240 min
Cake TherapyTessa's Cakes: Kemi Sanni Shares Her Journey of Navigating Grief and Finding PurposeGrief takes many forms, but for Kemi Sanni, it manifested as beautiful, fondant-wrapped works of art. After losing her mother suddenly, Kemi reconnected with her childhood passion for cake decorating—a skill she learned at her mother's side in Nigeria. What began as therapy evolved into Tessa's Cakes, a business named after her mother Teresa, honoring her legacy with every creation.In this deeply moving conversation, Kemi reveals the delicate balance she maintains between her full-time career as a court mediator and her thriving cake business. She poses a question many creative entrepreneurs face: "Is your day jo...2025-04-2544 min
Cake TherapyMind The Crown: The Healing Power of Self-Care with Adrianna WillisDr. Altreisha Foster welcomes Adrianna Willis, founder and CEO of Mind the Crown, for a soul-stirring conversation about reclaiming your peace through intentional self-care. After nearly three decades in corporate America, Adrianna made the brave decision to walk away from her high-paying career to focus on her mental health and purpose-driven business—a choice that came after a defining moment when her inner voice simply said, "I quit," despite not being financially prepared for the transition.Born from the isolation and racial tensions of 2020 following George Floyd's murder in Minnesota, Mind the Crown has evolved into a sa...2025-04-1852 min
Cake TherapyStay Curious: How Chiantae Campbell Built Her Cake Empire - Chic Little CakesWhen passion meets purpose, magic happens. Jamaican pastry chef Chiantae Campbell exemplifies this through her remarkable journey from teenage baker to Food Network competitor and founder of Chic Little Cakes. Her story isn't just about beautiful confections—it's about cultural heritage, entrepreneurial wisdom, and finding joy through creating edible dreams.Growing up in Jamaica profoundly shaped Chiantae's creative approach. "There's just this flair that we have," she explains, describing how her Caribbean roots influence her bold flavor combinations and striking designs. This cultural foundation gave her the confidence to experiment beyond traditional offerings, building a menu that st...2025-04-1159 min
Cake TherapyNatasha Givens of NattyKakes shares her journey with infused cakesNatasha Givens transforms cannabis and cake into art with purpose. As the creative force behind Cream Cakery (also known as Natty Kakes), she's turned her twin passions into a platform for healing, advocacy, and destigmatization.Our conversation traces Natasha's remarkable journey from her Caribbean roots to corporate America, where she thrived as an art director before workplace challenges pushed her toward a different path. What began as a creative outlet—making a three-tiered cake for a friend's baby shower—eventually blossomed into something unexpected when she rediscovered baking during her pregnancy in 2019. "It felt like revisiting an old...2025-04-0439 min
Cake TherapyEboni Sims: Baking Through Adversity, "If I got through that, anybody can!"Resilience takes many forms, but for Eboni of Ebi Cakes, it came wrapped in fondant and buttercream. In this deeply personal conversation with Dr. Altreisha Foster, Eboni courageously shares how she transformed from corporate banker to celebrated cake artist through one of life's most challenging detours.When most cake decorators share their origin stories, they often reminisce about childhood baking with grandmothers. Eboni's path couldn't have been more different. After making a serious mistake at her banking job that resulted in termination and eventual felony charges, she found herself a single mother with few employment options. What...2025-03-2846 min
Cake TherapyThe Farm as Pharmacy: Chef Leah DiBernardo's Food RevolutionChef Leah DiBernardo's remarkable culinary journey defies conventional paths, weaving together the threads of family tradition, environmental stewardship, and passionate storytelling. From her idyllic childhood on an Oregon farm where her American-Italian family embraced a "food hippie" lifestyle—growing their produce and butchering their own animals—emerged a profound understanding of food's connection to land and health.The transformative moment came when her grandmother Conchetta taught young, shy Leah to make gnocchi while singing "Jingle Bells" at the top of her lungs. This joyful culinary awakening sparked a lifelong relationship with cooking, though her path first detoured thro...2025-03-2151 min
Cake TherapyWhen Black Girls Flourish: Neda Kellogg's Mission to Create Safe Spaces with Project Diva Intl.What does it mean to create a truly sacred space for black girls in a world that seldom allows them to simply exist without explanation? Neda Kellogg, founder of Project Diva International, joins us to share how her personal journey through childhood trauma and homelessness sparked a mission that has transformed the lives of over 1,500 young Black women over the past 17 years.Neda reveals the alarming 182% increase in suicide rates among black girls since 2001, highlighting why dedicated spaces for their emotional and mental wellbeing aren't just beneficial—they're life-saving. Through her innovative "I Am Method" (I Align Me...2025-03-1449 min
Cake TherapyCakes, Comfort, and Community: The Story of Mr. BakeDive into the comforting world of baking therapy with our season three opener, Kareem, better known as Mr. Bake. His journey from the bustling streets of Harlem to recognized baker and community advocate encapsulates the dynamic relationship between food and emotional wellness. With a rich tapestry of family recipes and modern desserts, Kareem reveals how baking transcends mere cooking—it's a powerful medium for healing, community, and self-affirmation. Kareem recounts childhood memories that shaped his baking identity, highlighting the profound connections made through food. As he navigates his culinary path, he emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusivity and...2025-03-0752 min
Cake TherapyUnderstanding Generational Trauma and Healing Paths with Sam SimmonsDiscover the transformative power of healing and resilience in our latest episode with Mr. Samuel Simmons, a leading authority on trauma within the African-American community. We embark on a profound exploration of how historical trauma impacts productivity and relationships, emphasizing the critical need to acknowledge male trauma. Our conversation with Mr. Simmons uncovers the intersection of historical trauma and community resilience, shedding light on the importance of understanding these dynamics to foster healthier communities.Join us as we unpack the complexities of masculinity and healing trauma within family dynamics. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, we share...2025-01-021h 06
Cake TherapyFields and Flour Therapy: Exploring Healing Through Baking Therapy and Social WorkDiscover the remarkable blend of social work and culinary art therapy with our guest, Courtney Fields, a registered social worker and passionate baker from Canada. Courtney shares her transformative journey of healing through baking, revealing how it became her refuge during a period of grief. She explains how this personal therapy evolved into Fields and Flour, her unique business where she combines her expertise in social work with the joys of baking. The episode sheds light on how activities like baking can enhance mental well-being and inspire personal growth, offering a fresh perspective on therapeutic practices.Explore...2024-12-2048 min
Cake TherapyDiscover the Art of Mindful Baking with Cake TherapyUnlock the secret to transforming your kitchen into a sanctuary of mindfulness and tranquility. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to turn the simple act of baking into a journey of self-care and personal growth. Together, we explore the Cake Therapy app and its unique approach to engaging all five senses, setting the stage for a grounding experience before you even preheat the oven. Imagine your breath syncing with the rhythm of the stirring, each ingredient a testament to care and gratitude. As the cake bakes, you will find peace...2024-12-1208 min
Cake TherapyExploring the Sweet Journey from Architecture to Cake Artistry with Enrique RojasEnrique Rojas, an acclaimed wedding cake artist from Venezuela, joins us to share his extraordinary journey from architecture to cake artistry in the UK. Balancing the beauty of his vibrant cultural heritage with the muted tones of his new home, Enrique's artistic process is as captivating as the cakes he creates. His story unfolds like his intricate designs, revealing the influences of his Venezuelan roots and the personal stories that have shaped his career, including a heartwarming nod to his beloved 14-and-a-half-year-old dog.We explore the courage it takes to pursue creative careers against societal norms, especially...2024-12-0651 min