Everything Cookbooks

169: Kathy Gunst on What It Takes to Host a Food Writing Retreat

May 20, 2026·48 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Kristin and Molly speak with Kathy Gunst, a prolific cookbook author, teacher and now leader of food writing retreats, about her varied career and new project. Kathy shares how she got started in the food world by attending London's Le Cordon Bleu, what it is like being the resident chef for NPR's Here & Now and how she deals with creative burnout. She explains the ins and outs of running a writers retreat; the logistics, planning, travel and teaching that goes on behind the scenes and how much she's taken to this new venture. She gives us insights about how the retreat is set up, the way students respond, learn and grow their confidence and the types of writing she likes to foster. She leaves us with advice and a call for writers to invest in themselves, their talent and their future. Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen Editor: Abby Cerquitella   Mentions Kathy Gunst Website Instagram Tours NPR's Here & Now Hewnoaks Artist Residency   Food Friends Podcast Newsletter   Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show Rage Baking by Katherine Alford and Kathy Gunst

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