EP 343: Exploring Taste and Identity: Connecting Children (and Parents) to What They Eat

Hold onto your forks, because Chef James Barry is back on the podcast this week, and he’s bringing all the flavor, wisdom, and passion for food you could ever want!

James, who is a celebrity chef, father, husband, and founder of PLUCL (yep, that’s the new food movement everyone’s talking about), is here to dig deep into the world of ancestral eating, how to connect with our food in meaningful ways, and how to help picky eaters (whether kids or adults) find their food groove.

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about eating—it’s about connecting with what’s on our plates and how it nourishes us body and soul.

In this episode, James takes us on a journey back to our roots. No, not your family tree—but the way our ancestors ate, sourced, and connected with their food.

We’re talking about meals that are as close to nature as possible, without all the processed stuff that’s made its way into our modern diets. James is a true believer that when we eat foods that are simple, natural, and whole, we’re not just feeding our bodies—we’re feeding our spirits and building better connections with the world around us.

As a chef, James knows the power of a good meal (obviously!). But he’s also passionate about helping others discover the joy of food that’s nourishing on a deeper level. In this episode, he shares some of his best tips for picky eaters (hello, toddlers and adults alike!) and how to make eating more of a joyful experience instead of a battle.

Whether it’s trying new flavors, reconnecting with the roots of our food, or just finding a way to make mealtime more fun, James has plenty of advice for getting everyone to the table with a little more excitement and a lot less resistance.

But it’s not just about picky eaters. James dives into the importance of connecting with ourselves through our daily eating habits. How we eat isn’t just about fuel—it’s about our relationship with food. Are we rushing through meals in front of the TV?

Are we mindful of how we feel when we eat certain foods? James helps us explore how to be more present with our meals and how to tap into our body’s signals about what it really needs.

James is also a big believer in food as medicine. In fact, he’s dedicated his career to helping people eat in ways that heal and nourish, and not just in terms of calories, but in terms of true wellness.

His approach to ancestral eating isn't just about a trendy diet—it’s about getting back to basics, using food as a tool to connect with our bodies and the world around us. If you’ve ever wanted to take a deeper dive into the nutritional power of whole foods, ancestral eating, and eating with intention, this episode is for you.

So if you're ready to rethink your relationship with food and have a little fun while you're at it, tune in to this episode with Chef James Barry. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for eating close to nature, some great tips for picky eaters, and a fresh perspective on connecting with yourself through your daily habits. Bon appétit! 🥑🍴🌿