Best Christine Van Bloem Podcasts (2025)

1
Cooking, Culture, and Connection with Paula Mohammed 40:46

2M ago40:46

40:46

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Paula Mohammed from In My Kitchen with Paula. Paula and I share a love of good food, connection, and exploring different cultures. Paula told me all about how she started In My Kitchen back in 2018 to bring people together and celebrate traditional recipes. We also talked about her podcast…

1
The Empty Nest Reset: Finding Your Fall Kitchen Rhythm 15:57

3M ago15:57

15:57

As the seasons change, it's time to reset your kitchen and life for fall. This week you'll find practical tips for getting back into a cooking rhythm. From pantry refreshes and meal planning to setting routines and embracing small wins, this episode is packed with advice to help you enjoy cooking again. It also touches on mindset practices to make …

1
Small Bites: Summer on a Plate 11:46

3M ago11:46

11:46

Let's talk about the importance of eating seasonally and locally! From making simple no-cook sauces to grilling the perfect seasonal vegetables, you'll find insights to make your kitchen a place of joy and discovery. 00:00 Welcome to the Empty Nest Kitchen 00:25 Seasonal Cooking: A Journey Through Summer 01:17 The Importance of Eating Seasonally 01…

1
Small Bites: Garlic Girl Summer 11:35

4M ago11:35

11:35

Join me in the Empty Nest Kitchen as I share expert tips and techniques for cooking with garlic. From selecting the perfect garlic bulbs to using raw and roasted garlic in various dishes, we'll covers it all. Learn how to store garlic properly, the benefits of different garlic forms, and even get a sneak peek into my mini course 'Just Add Sauce'. D…

1
Small Bites: Gettin' Figgy With It 8:54

4M ago8:54

8:54

Let's dive into the excitement of fig season with a joyful celebration of fresh figs. From tips on selecting the perfect figs at the store to storing them properly, you'll learn how to make the most of these delicate fruits. Discover a variety of delicious ways to enjoy figs, including making fig jam, pairing them with cheese, creating a fig salad,…

1
Small Bites: Summer Sauces, Big Flavors, No Stove Required 12:36

4M ago12:36

12:36

Find fun and creative way to enhance summer meals with no-cook sauces in your Empty Nest Kitchen. Christine shares her tips and tricks on making flavorful sauces without turning on the stove, perfect for the hot summer months. You'll learn a simple framework using fats, acids, and flavor enhancers like fresh herbs. Christine also introduces her new…

1
Small Bites Simply Peachy: The Sweet and The Savory 13:11

5M ago13:11

13:11

In this episode of the Empty Nest Kitchen, cooking expert Christine Van Bloem shares her love for peaches and explores various ways to enjoy this summer fruit. From simple sliced peaches to gourmet salads and savory meat pairings, Christine provides detailed recipes and tips that highlight the natural sweetness and versatility of peaches. Learn abo…

1
Small Bites: Zucchini Magic 15:15

5M ago15:15

15:15

Let's explore fun and creative ways to cook with zucchini, a quintessential summer vegetable. From practical advice on picking the best zucchinis to three delightful (and easy!) recipes, your zucchini wishes are ready to become reality. Tune in to learn these simple yet delicious methods to make zucchini a hit in your kitchen. 00:00 Welcome to the …

1
Small Bites: It's Corn! Making the Most of Summer's Best 14:34

5M ago14:34

14:34

Let's dive into the world of corn. Get practical advice on choosing, storing, and cooking corn (keeping the husk on until right before consumption is important!). With tips for using corn in various dishes like salads and pancakes, and a unique microwave method for cooking, you'll find a delightful and informative guide to making the most out of fr…

1
Small Bites: Summer Tomatoes (How to Choose, Use, and Store) 13:24

5M ago13:24

13:24

Let's kick-off the summer cooking series 'Small Bites', focusing on short episodes under 15 minutes. Each week will highlight a different food or technique, starting with summer tomatoes, covering tips on choosing, using, and storing them for optimum flavor. 00:00 Introduction to Summer Cooking Series 00:57 Choosing the Perfect Summer Tomatoes 03:0…

1
Mediterranean Moments: Delicious Simplicity in Midlife Cooking 15:27

7M ago15:27

15:27

The Mediterranean diet is a great first step toward a healthier lifestyle, but what the heck is it? It's the ease of cooking lighter summer meals, using fresh seasonal produce, and incorporating healthy fats and lean proteins, plus so much more. We're making food an event by inviting friends and savoring meals, the benefits of including physical ac…

1
Empowering Nonprofits: The Marketing Magic of Laura Van Bloem 43:16

8M ago43:16

43:16

Remember back in the day when tv shows would declare a "very special episode"? Well this week, I'm declaring it too, as I convince my brilliant sister-in-law, Laura Van Bloem, to join me on the podcast to talk all things non-profit marketing. Laura shares her insights on the importance of storytelling and impact communication for successful nonprof…

1
Smart Shopping for The Empty Nest Kitchen 20:26

8M ago20:26

20:26

Practical money-saving tips for grocery shopping are a must-have in today's world, particularly for empty nesters. In this episode, you'll find helpful tips and tricks for shopping smart for your own Empty Nest Kitchen. You can save money while still enjoying good food and reducing waste. 00:00 Introduction and Current Market Overview 01:35 Smart S…

1
Spring Veggie Vibes in The Empty Nest Kitchen 19:42

9M ago19:42

19:42

Let's celebrate the arrival of spring by digging into a variety of spring veggies and herbs, including artichokes, asparagus, and fresh chives. You'll hear tips on how to prepare and cook these ingredients, with a bit of practical advice. And be sure to register for my free cooking class sponsored by AARP Maryland on April 5, where you'll learn to …

1
From Fixer Uppers to New Careers with Natalie Gipson 41:14

9M ago41:14

41:14

Looking for inspiration? Meet Natalie Gibson, Home renovator, empty nester, and independent educational consultant. We're discussing Natalie’s journey into buying and renovating a fixer-upper home in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and her professional pivot into educational consulting. Natalie shares her experiences with her family, the importance o…

1
Empty Nest Freezer Magic: Tips for Smart Meal Prepping 17:22

9M ago17:22

17:22

Learn essential tips and tricks for efficiently freezing meals tailored for empty nesters. You can simplify meal prep and avoid repetitive meals, and still have great food. We'll talk the science of freezing, selecting appropriate containers, proper cooling techniques, and foods to avoid freezing, as well as proper portioning and labeling for conve…

1
Championing Local Food and Public Health with Alysia Feuer 27:54

9M ago27:54

27:54

Meet Alysia Feuer, who runs a program called Farm to School. Alysia discusses the expanded mission of farm to school initiatives to include broader public health objectives, focusing on local food access and nutritional education. They describe various collaborative activities such as cooking classes, hands-on learning experiences, and a veggie van…

1
A Transformative Journey: Sober Coaching with Jennifer Peterson 40:38

10M ago40:38

40:38

In this episode, meet Jennifer Peterson from Metamorphosis Life Counseling. Jennifer recounts her transformation from a successful real estate professional to a licensed mental health counselor and sober coach. She shares her personal journey to sobriety, including the pivotal moment that led her to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. Jennifer discu…

1
The Magnificent Seven: Your Mediterranean Pantry Heroes 24:15

10M ago24:15

24:15

In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of creating a Mediterranean-inspired pantry designed for ease and convenience. Say hello to 'The Magnificent Seven', categories of pantry items that can help you easily prepare meals. You'll find tips on sourcing and storing these items properly, recommended brands and specific types, and delicious …

1
Cooking for Change: Healthier Eating Habits for Mid-Life 11:02

10M ago11:02

11:02

Mid-life is about taking back control and time, and finally taking care of you. The importance of dietary choices becomes even more relevant as we age. This week I'm talking about my love for chicken nuggets and mozzarella sticks, and sharing a few quick recipes for feel good food that tastes great too. You'll hear practical tips and recipes for bu…

1
It's Only Money...Right? 10:24

11M ago10:24

10:24

A broken furnace during the coldest day of the year? It's time to dig out the blankies and snuggle in for choosing a positive outlook, even when your toes are cold. So much changes when you make the shift from constant complaining to finding gratitude, and this mini episode guides you through walking the walk. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Review …

1
Simplifying Life with Daily Money Manager Emily Lutz 33:18

11M ago33:18

33:18

Have you ever heard of a Daily Money Manager? Meet Emily Lutz, owner of Liberty Paperwork Solutions! Emily shares her journey of becoming a daily money manager, a profession that involves handling clients' administrative chores like bill payments and financial tracking. Even though these services have always leaned toward being 'fancy', Emily expla…

1
Teaching Your Passion: Five Tips to Start a Successful Side Hustle with Recreational Classes 23:37

11M ago23:37

23:37

Have you ever considered teaching recreational classes? Whether is cooking, crafting, or even teaching Excel, you'll learn how to identify your zone of genius, research the competition, plan and structure your class, the importance of hospitality, and deciding between private and public classes. You'll also get a little bonus on the possibilities a…

1
The No Resolution, Resolution 7:08

12M ago7:08

7:08

Let's talk New Year's resolutions and why, just maybe, we're ready to say so long sweetheart! In this bite-sized episode, it's time to embrace who we are...the awesomeness that is us. We're leaning into self-love and authenticity, knowing that the best resolution is to accept and care for ourselves. Now let's get started! Follow Christine Van Bloem…

1
Butter Makes Everything Better 17:33

12M ago17:33

17:33

Let's dive into butter—the best ingredient to elevate your baking game. We'll explore why different types of butter vary in price and quality, talk about making your own butter, including cultured butter, and discuss practical tips for using butter in holiday baking. Perfect for anyone prepping for a festive baking spree, tune in to understand how …

1
Thriving as a Hyperlocal Blogger with Pam Stultz 29:25

1y ago29:25

29:25

In this episode, I'm talking with Pam Stultz from Housewives of Frederick County. Pam shares her journey from starting a fun blog with her twin sister to becoming a content creator focusing on local events, restaurants, and lifestyle topics in Frederick, Maryland. As a recent Empty Nester, Pam discusses how her blog has been a lifesaver during this…

1
Thanksgiving at the Cottage 16:16

1y ago16:16

16:16

Growing up, our Thanksgiving was truly unique, and in this episode, I'm sharing memorable Thanksgiving traditions at "the cottage". Whether cooking for 40-60 people (or really just washing the dishes), and eating in shifts, we'll talk about Kluski noodles, baked corn, and Aunt Margie's cheesecake, and how these traditions shaped my perspective on f…

1
Thanksgiving Traditions: Balancing Classics and Creativity 21:26

1y ago21:26

21:26

Join me as I share expert tips for hosting a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It can be done! With over 25 years of culinary experience, I've got your back when it comes to sticking to traditional dishes while finding ways to keep the cooking experience fresh and exciting. You'll find practical advice on planning, delegating tasks, and accom…

1
Finding Financial Confidence with Jane Helm of Money Mentor Group 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

I'm joined by Jane Helm, founder of Money Mentor Group. We're talking about the taboo surrounding money conversations in many households and Jane's journey from financial struggle to financial confidence. Jane details her nine years of experience helping clients achieve financial calm and confidence, the psychological and emotional aspects of money…

1
Adventures in a Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life on the Road with Meredith McAdam 29:40

1y ago29:40

29:40

Join us this week as we delve into the extraordinary life of Meredith McAdam, a psychotherapist who has traded a conventional home for a life on the road. Meredith and her husband live and work from a 43-foot fifth wheel trailer, traveling across the United States. Meredith shares their journey of transitioning to this unique lifestyle, including t…

1
How to Start a Supper Club 18:10

1y ago18:10

18:10

Want to start a supper club? You'll want to know the tips and tricks to make your club a success! In this episode we'll talk about starting and thriving in a supper club, detailing how you can enhance their social lives through these well-organized gatherings. From selecting the right mix of attendees, managing group dynamics, deciding event themes…

1
Vintage Vibes with Mindy Cawley of Vintage MC 47:04

1y ago47:04

47:04

This week, Christine sits down with Mindy Cawley, the owner of Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. They discuss Mindy's journey from farm life to running a successful vintage shop specializing in mid-century modern furniture and retro items. They explore the vibrant local support for small businesses in Frederick, thanks to initiatives like the Down…

1
Holistic Wellness Strategies with Dawn McGee 30:14

1y ago30:14

30:14

I'm talking with Dawn McGee, a wellness strategist and nutrition expert, covering a broad spectrum of health and wellness topics. Dawn shares her approach to nutrition, the significance of lifestyle transitions, and the holistic management of health through nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, and stress. We'll also discuss culinary medicine and …

1
Jennifer Gerlock Pursues It All 48:54

1y ago48:54

48:54

In this episode, Christine hosts her friend Jen Gerlock from Pursuit of it All, discussing Jen's recent life transitions. Jen shares her story of leaving a high-pressure job to prioritize her health and personal happiness, and how she now dives deep into new challenges and adventures. We talk about the courage it takes to break free from societal e…

1
The Secrets of EVOO with Sharon Streb of Olive & Basket 41:39

1y ago41:39

41:39

I'm talking to Sharon Streb of Olive Basket to explore the intricacies of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, including their production processes and health benefits. Sharon also touches on her adventure in Italy and her decision to open a store focused on high-quality, small-batch products, many from women-owned companies. We get into the senso…

1
Culinary Medicine and the Magical Mediterranean Diet: A Journey Towards Menopause Wellness 25:21

1y ago25:21

25:21

In this episode, I'm talking about a culinary medicine class I recently completed, offered by George Washington University and my local community college. The class, designed specifically for food service professionals, emphasized the importance of health and diet, particularly through the lens of the Mediterranean diet. As a heart attack survivor,…

1
Creating a Life Sabbatical with Elizabeth Cromwell 33:55

1y ago33:55

33:55

Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and becoming an empty nester. Creating her own life sabbatical gave her the structure to travel across Italy, the US, and Martha's Vineyard, among other pl…

1
Get Into Reformer Pilates with Dawn Conine 38:30

1+ y ago38:30

38:30

Exploring Pilates with Dawn Conine This week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with Reformer Pilates, touching upon its history, the equipment used, and its benefits for strength, flexibility, and balance. Dawn also shares her persona…

1
Let's Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Mentorship with Sandy Dubay of PPR Strategies 45:13

1+ y ago45:13

45:13

Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused on economic development, workforce development, and tourism. Sandy shares her journey of building her company, the joys and challenges of managing a team, a…

1
Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Summer (Season Finale) 29:45

1+ y ago29:45

29:45

Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest day, drop the temperature of the ac to just above polar, make yourself the very tastiest summer snack, and watch really great food movies & tv. Enjoy this gu…

1
Travel Beyond the Guidebook with Beth Schillaci 41:37

1+ y ago41:37

41:37

Find Christine at: FB: @emptynestkitchen IG: @TheEmptyNestKitchen Web: EmptyNestKitchen.com Linked In: @christinevanbloem Follow Christine Van Bloem on Instagram @theemptynestkitchen and on Facebook @emptynestkitchen Learn more about Menopause Meal Plans Sign up for my FREE 10 Essential Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen…

1
Getting Out of Your Own Way with LauraAura 48:45

1+ y ago48:45

48:45

After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today's conversation, where Laura shares the emotional journey of letting go of her team and rediscovering what truly fulfills her. Together, we unpack the…

1
Finding the Flavor in Low-Sodium Cooking with Chef Danielle Turner of SaltSanity.com 51:02

1+ y ago51:02

51:02

Say hello to Chef Danielle Turner, the mastermind behind Salt Sanity. After her husband's heart issues struck, Danielle took her classic training to a new level by retraining herself to find the flavor in food without all the salt. Now Danielle is here to teach you through her The Food Lover's Guide to Low Sodium Living (with a 15% special discount…

1
Resilience in Mid-Life with Kelly Beins 34:25

1+ y ago34:25

34:25

We all go through stuff, especially once mid-life hits. Finding resilience and making the choice between recovering or not can be difficult, but not impossible. This week I'm talking with Kelly Beins, an occupational therapist who built a business, closed a business, and now is thriving in her career. You'll hear about the mental ups and downs in e…

1
Finding the Funny with Laura Stark of That's What She Said 53:45

1+ y ago53:45

53:45

What happens when you combine a chatterbox cook with an Improv pro? This week, we're talking about finding the funny with Laura Stark of the improv troupe That's What She Said! The conversations bobs and weaves through pronouns, yoga, bread baking, and why improv for the empty nest ladies is a great (and fun!) idea! You can find tickets to the That…

1
My Heart Attack Story: The Importance of Heart Health Awareness for the Mid-Life Woman 29:57

1+ y ago29:57

29:57

Christine Van Bloem's journey from surviving a heart attack to thriving today shows resilience and the power of awareness. Through her story, she not only raises awareness about the often overlooked symptoms of heart attacks in women but also underscores the importance of listening to one's body and advocating for proper medical attention. Despite …

1
Your New Favorite Summer Wine & Cocktail (with a Naughty Name) 10:53

1+ y ago10:53

10:53

Looking to up your wine IQ by trying something new this summer? This crisp, white wine is a relative of Sauvignon Blanc and though it can be a little spendy, it's a tasty option for warmer weather. And while we're talking wine, let's bring what is sure to be the cocktail of the summer into the mix too! Fruity with a hint of vanilla and a racy name,…

1
Kitchen Must-Haves with Marien Hornyak of The Kitchenette 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen, host Christine Van Bloem delves into the world of tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen with special guest Marien Hornyak, owner of The Kitchenette in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. Get ready to discover the latest must-have gadgets and hear insights from Marien, who is also known as the @TheBlindKitchenLady on …

1
Managing Menopause Holistically with Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways 29:08

1+ y ago29:08

29:08

Christine Van Bloem and Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways have a lively discussion about navigating menopause and holistic health practices, with a focus on empowerment and self-advocacy. The conversation delves into Kristin's journey transitioning from nursing to holistic nursing, menopause experiences, and empowering women to become their own …

1
Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is Calling 40:10

1+ y ago40:10

40:10

Podcast Show Notes: Episode 7 - Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is Calling Welcome back to another episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen! Today, we're delving into the world of found treasures with my guest, Amy Benton, the founder of Paris is Calling. Amy is here to share her passion for discovering hidden gems and bringing the charm and vi…

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Christine Van Bloem Podcasts

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