^podcast Meet Me in the Kitchen.

Trying to give your kids as many opportunities as possible is a juggling act, but Sasha Foster is an accomplished juggler. The self-labeled “Momager” is equal parts parent, principal and agent for her talented, energetic children, Brooklynne and Trenard. Just like home schooling, Little Kitchen Academy has been a great fit for this family, and they explain why in this fun episode.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with an outpouring of love from the heart of Lana Cianfrini. Lana is the Fund Development and Community Liaison Coordinator at Meta Centre in Greater Toronto, where she pours her passion into creating opportunities for people with exceptionalities. She’s also the mother of a student who attends cooking classes at Little Kitchen Academy, a place that has had such an impact on her and her family that she wants everyone to experience what changing lives from scratch is all about. 

A new year means new innovations at Little Kitchen Academy, which is launching cooking classes for seniors! Advisory Board Member, Ernie Hee, offers insight into why LKA is such a great fit for seniors and provides perspective on what senior living is really about in 2024. Ernie details his own journey from a successful legal career to working with seniors, and why baseball continues to be such an important part of his life.

The final episode of the year features a number of the impactful conversations had on Meet Me in the Kitchen in 2023. Themed around the concept of service, these interviews all speak to the ways in which Little Kitchen Academy both demonstrates service and attracts those who are committed to service. Hear from founders Felicity and Brian Curin, Supermensch Shep Gordon, LegoMaster Stacey Roy, actor and producer David Moscow, nurse Karalyn Brokop and recreational specialist Mark Comfort in this uplifting compilation of impactful guests.

It’s another opportunity to share the story of one of Little Kitchen Academy’s remarkable instructors, Karalyn Brokop, who is most certainly that and a whole lot more. In addition to her role at LKA Point Grey in Vancouver, BC, Canada Karalyn works as a pediatric nurse at BC Children’s Hospital. Hear why Karalyn is so passionate about both of her careers, how she first learned about LKA’s cooking classes, and why she’s convinced that success at Little Kitchen Academy will translate to helping the health care system.

Andre Eng is the President of House of Knives and a part of the Little Kitchen Academy family thanks to an innovative collaboration on a first-of-its-kind Progressive Knife Set for children. But it might never have come to fruition had he not taken a major leap of faith. Discover why Andre pivoted from his career path, how LKA’s cooking classes came onto his radar, and why getting great knives into his mother’s kitchen has been a challenge.

Shep Gordon is a legend in the entertainment industry. He’s managed major rockstars, produced an award-winning film and created the Celebrity Chef phenomenon. But his real passions in life are cooking and service, and when he saw how Little Kitchen Academy is empowering students in both regards, he instantly became a fan. Hear the Supermensch reveal which accomplishments he’s most proud of, what surprised him about cooking for the Dalai Lama, and how a bad meal changed his outlook on life.

Little Kitchen Academy continues to grow its presence opening and franchising more cooking schools across North America, and Will Woods plays an important role in that expansion. A partner at Baker McKenzie in Dallas, Will is one of the top lawyers on the planet when it comes to franchise and distribution law, and serves as outside counsel to LKA. Find out what every franchisor needs to understand, how we should view franchises in our communities, and why food has played such an important part in Will’s life.

It’s a collab in our lab as LEGO Masters champion Stacey Roy brings her world to Little Kitchen Academy. Fresh off joining LKA classes in Vancouver and Los Angeles, Stacey shares her thoughts on how creativity, confidence and cooking have all come together in her own life. Find out how a bad night at work turned into her first big break and how revisiting her childhood hobby landed her on network television.

What does it truly mean to be optimistic? Dr Deepika Chopra, the Optimism Doctor, answers that question and many more in this compelling conversation. Dr Chopra reveals her own challenges regarding optimism, explains the impact motherhood has had on her both personally and professionally, and details why she’s become such a strong advocate of Little Kitchen Academy.

As students, teachers and families get back into their educational routines, we’ve created a Back to School episode to help ease you back into the swing of things. This compilation features a diverse view on education through the words of eight previous guests of the podcast. You’ll hear from various teachers, students, parents and collaborators associated with Little Kitchen Academy, as they provide thoughtful perspectives on learning, teaching and applying lessons learned.

He’s worked with some of the world’s greatest athletes, and Dr Oliver Finlay sees similar genius in Little Kitchen Academy. An active advocate for health and nutrition, Dr Finlay was immediately attracted to LKA’s mission to educate and empower youth around the planet. Learn which athletes he holds in the highest regard, why he walks everywhere he can, and what mistake he thinks a lot of businesses make when attempting to create a good culture

Peter Nguyen’s journey through the food industry has been filled with memorable roles, but none as rewarding and impactful as his current one. Now the Director of Little Kitchen Academy, Point Grey, Peter has become a favourite of both students and parents alike for his fun and welcoming style. Hear Peter explain how food helped him make friends, why he sings during classes, and why he’s so connected to LKA’s mission.

While Little Kitchen Academy has countless advocates singing its praises, Jane Garapick might top the list. This mother of two teenagers has witnessed the positive impact Little Kitchen Academy has had on both of her children, and she’s eager to share their story with others. Find out why Jane and her husband chose to home school their kids, what attending LKA has done for her son specifically, and why she connected so quickly with Felicity.

It’s the one-year anniversary of the podcast, making it the perfect time to welcome Felicity and Brian Curin back to Meet Me in the Kitchen. The founders of Little Kitchen Academy reflect back on the past year, share their favorite moments, how they have evolved, update what has changed since they appeared on the first episode twelve months ago, and look forward as to what’s on the horizon for LKA in the not-too-distant future.

Jamie Hennessey is going places and, usually, very quickly. But she’s also equipped with the stamina and determination for the long haul. Find out why this accomplished varsity runner stopped by Little Kitchen Academy, what insight she gained about empowerment, and how she was able to impact LKA in the process.

Since the day Little Kitchen Academy opened its doors, its doors have been open for everyone. Every child is welcome to discover their independent self at LKA, and Mark Comfort has witnessed it firsthand. Hear what this Recreation Specialist at Canucks Autism Network discovered when he brought a group of students to Little Kitchen Academy, and why he’s such a proponent of LKA’s approach.

“Let the child be the guide” is a foundational principle of the Montessori-based approach at Little Kitchen Academy, and Maya’s story proves how much good can happen when you do. Maya’s experience at Little Kitchen Academy was positive, but she and her mom, Lucia, knew how it could be better moving forward. Hear how this mother and daughter helped LKA become an even more inclusive and more equitable environment.

Once on track for a career in marketing and advertising, Aline Vieira followed her heart in another direction, eventually leading her north from Brazil to British Columbia, where she found an opportunity that compelled her to stay. Hear how creating a game in university was the catalyst for Aline becoming the Director of Little Kitchen Academy at Point Grey in Vancouver.

Ian MacDonald is living proof that the road of life can take you wonderful places if you simply pay attention to the signs along the way. Ian’s incredible career has seen him introduce multiple innovations within the ski industry, outfit the Olympics many times over, and create an award-winning winery. Learn how a mesmerizing pair of shoes lead to Ian becoming both an investor and an Advisory Board Member at Little Kitchen Academy.

Nik and Jaime Green are the talented couple behind the beautiful videos produced for Little Kitchen Academy. While their work has taken them to exotic locations and the homes of celebrities, capturing the genuine, organic development of children at LKA is every bit as fulfilling as their high profile projects. Find out how a dare was the gateway into their vocation and which NBA star Nik put on the shot clock.

To mark our 20th episode, we invited a special student and his mother to share their story of how Little Kitchen Academy has impacted their lives. Andrea found LKA when Lucca was grappling with the effects of food trauma, and her emotional conversation with Felicity led to enrolling her son in classes. Hear how Little Kitchen Academy has made a world of difference for both Lucca and his family.

Caroline Irving wears multiple hats at Little Kitchen Academy; she’s a global investor, the area representative for Ontario, and the owner of the Little Kitchen Academy in Vaughn. Caroline and her husband, Mike Downie, joined Scott for arguably the most wide-ranging conversation to date, one that includes their shared pursuit of lifelong learning, how LKA aligns with their values, and the profound effect that Truth and Reconciliation has had on their family.

In a world of impersonal transactions, Stephanie Devlin is all about memorable experiences. She’s honed her customer service skills in the restaurant industry and brings her enthusiasm for people to Little Kitchen Academy. Steph owns a restaurant, oversees support and compliance for LKA franchises, and has a passion for helping children and youth regardless of circumstance.

Praveen Varshney prides himself on supporting people with purpose, which is why he’s been invested in Little Kitchen Academy since the beginning. A big believer in family, community, health, and wellness, Praveen saw a concept that aligned with his values and jumped at the opportunity to be involved. Hear about his unique interview process, which acronyms he’s trademarked, and how having children directly influenced his business decisions.

It’s a holiday edition of Meet Me in the Kitchen as we’ve brought a variety of voices together to celebrate. A dozen different guests appear on this special compilation, which is focused on the theme of family. From our family to yours, happy holidays!

Walk into any Little Kitchen Academy and you can’t help but notice the living food wall. Powered by Aerogarden, this beautiful, fragrant source of organic herbs and produce provides students with fresh ingredients for their recipes and an education in sustainability. Tina Edwards explains how easy and rewarding it is to become a green thumb, and why Little Kitchen Academy has grown on her so quickly.

Empowering children to change their lives and those of others in a positive manner is Little Kitchen Academy’s North Star. Though Yuri Fulmer didn’t have the privilege of attending LKA, his story also began with an infusion of self-belief via the food industry. His rags to riches story is extremely compelling, but it’s Yuri’s commitment to providing better opportunities for others that fills his cup and explains his alignment with Little Kitchen Academy.

Rarely does a father follow in his son’s footsteps, but that’s exactly what Steve Anthony is doing after his son Charlie starred in the preceding episode of the podcast. Steve is the Head of School at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver and has multiple connections to Little Kitchen Academy. From teaching his own kids to rocking out in his kitchen, Steve openly shares his stories, opinions and parental advice in addition to his admiration for how Little Kitchen Academy is enhancing education.

The purpose of Little Kitchen Academy is to empower its students and those they come in contact with; Charlie Anthony is living proof of that mission. Charlie’s gone from being a student attending teen night classes to an instructor as he pursues a career in teaching. Hear how he’s influenced his university housemates with his cooking, how students have influenced him at Little Kitchen Academy, and how he hopes to influence generations to come in much the same way his parents have.

Children rave about the dishes they create at Little Kitchen Academy, and while every creation is unique, each one is based on a thoughtfully prepared recipe. Natalia Ordoñez oversees those recipes as the Recipe and Curriculum Manager, but her imprint on the fabric of Little Kitchen Academy stretches far beyond that title. Her infectious spirit brightens whatever room she’s in, while her global upbringing and sense of adventure add a welcome zest to foods the students prepare.

Every member of the Rintoul family has played a role in Little Kitchen Academy’s evolution. Abigail and Emily are students themselves and are featured in many of Little Kitchen’s promotional materials. Fiona is LKA’s Global Director of Partner Support and Training. Scott hosts and produces this podcast series. So what happens when dad brings his family to work? Find out if parenting and podcasting can coexist, what children take from their experiences at Little Kitchen Academy, and why Fiona is so emotionally invested in her job.

Many a great idea has been hatched over dinner, but very few have turned into something to eat a dinner on. Felix Böck is the man behind the beautiful community table found in every Little Kitchen Academy, a table that symbolizes many of the values that both he and LKA stand for. From his unconventional method of learning English to his unwavering affection for bamboo, Felix explains how a boy from a tiny German village has turned chopsticks into Chop Value for the rest of the world’s benefit.

It’s not that far from his family’s grocery store in Richmond to the campus at the University of British Columbia, but Rickey Yada has come a long way in becoming the Academic Dean of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC. His journey has given him extensive knowledge of the multitude of advancements in the food industry, yet as Rickey explains, getting back to our roots may provide the best path forward. You’ll hear why Little Kitchen Academy makes the Dean’s List, and why Rickey doesn’t have to worry about sharing his ice cream.

A Montessori guide walks into an oyster bar and… well, that’s not exactly true, but it makes for a great opening line! When Hayley Sexton and Eamon Clark discovered the Little Kitchen Academy website, they knew they had found their calling. The couple has a wealth of experience from the two worlds that Little Kitchen Academy fuses together, and is proud to be operating LKA The Beach in their own community. You’ll hear tales from the oyster shucking world and why family is the one ingredient that is always in their kitchen.

Michelle Marin is a recent graduate of the UBC Dietetics program and has a passion for health and wellness. Michelle entered Little Kitchen Academy via her practicum placement while completing her degree and shares her perspective on how Little Kitchen Academy’s approach is informing the next generation about food. Michelle was courageous and vulnerable enough to divulge the negative relationship she had with food earlier in her life, and reveals why she believes the enjoyment of what we eat can play a role in cultivating personal happiness.

Compassion is the one ingredient that is always in Michelle’s kitchen!

Growing up vegetarian wasn’t always easy. Nor was fitting into a restaurant industry that seemed to lack acceptance and compassion. It was enough to cause Avery Fletcher to rethink choosing a culinary career. But thanks to a stint in spinning, a cross-country move, and an application for a part-time job, the Director of Little Kitchen Academy at Westfield Century City believes he has found his place. And he’s determined to make sure everyone knows they too have a place at Little Kitchen Academy.

Joy is the one ingredient that is always in Avery’s kitchen!

There’s not much Cat Cora has left to do in the culinary world. The first female to achieve Iron Chef status has worked in kitchens all around the globe, authored a book, and been inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame, all while smashing glass ceilings along the way. So why was someone in such high demand so eager to be a part of Little Kitchen Academy?? Cat reveals that answer, explains how her family has influenced her career, and details what she wants to see when she walks into a kitchen full of children.

Before Little Kitchen Academy was even a concept, it was inadvertently being created in the Curin kitchen with their three young girls. Bronwyn, Gabriella, and Gwendolyn helped Felicity discover the key ingredients to creating independent children, and they’ve grown into remarkable young women. The Curin girls dish on the journey from students to teachers, getting “Little Kitchened” at home, and how they’ve come to appreciate the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Every step that Little Kitchen Academy takes is supported by the world’s most iconic footwear brand, BIRKENSTOCK, thanks to David Kahan. The CEO of BIRKENSTOCK Americas talks shoes, Springsteen, and synergy, explaining why Little Kitchen Academy is such a great fit for him on a number of levels. Find out which ingredient is always in his kitchen and which tv show he recommends to everyone.

It’s the inaugural episode of Meet Me in the Kitchen, and who better to talk to than the founders of Little Kitchen Academy, Felicity and Brian Curin. The couple shares a few laughs with their brother in-law, Scott Rintoul, before diving into the story behind the creation of Little Kitchen Academy. Felicity and Brian share personal anecdotes about their family, talk about navigating the challenges of franchising their vision, and explore how this endeavour has provided each of them a greater purpose.