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“No one buys a story—editors buy a pitch.” That’s the frame for today’s conversation with D.C.–area journalist, photographer and writing coach Nevin Martell. You’ve seen his byline in places like The Washington Post, Washingtonian and The Boston Globe. He’s the author of eight books (including Looking for Calvin and Hobbes, The Founding Farmers Cookbook and the Red Truck Bakery Cookbook). This episode is a practical, candid look at how to build and sustain a writing life.

Nevin lays out his ladder—social → local → regional → national, and explains why editors buy pitches, not finished stories. We talk about sharpening ideas, writing tight queries and why relationships and reputation are the real currency.

There’s frank talk on “working for exposure,” managing rejection and uncertainty, and balancing service pieces that pay the bills with work that feeds your soul.

NEVIN MARTELL
Nevin's Instagram and Threads
Check out Nevin's website

"Decadent Desserts in the DC-Area to Get Your Veggie Intake"

"The Rise of Mission-Driven Restaurants"

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
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Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

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Today on Chefs Without Restaurants, I speak with Chef Tristen Epps, a Season 22 finalist on Top Chef and a James Beard–recognized chef. From his Trinidadian heritage to a globe-trotting childhood in Guam, Japan, and the Philippines, Tristen’s culinary path was built on a foundation of cultural diversity and bold flavor. He’s a Johnson & Wales graduate, completed the rigorous Greenbrier apprenticeship under Chef Richard Rosendale, and worked closely with Marcus Samuelsson, who became both a professional and personal mentor.

Our conversation explores culinary education and mentorship, and how institutional bias and discrimination continue to undervalue certain cuisines. We also examine how pricing can reflect, or deny, cultural respect in the food world.

Tristen shares what it was like competing on Top Chef, and why competitions fuel his creativity.

TRISTEN EPPS
Tristen's Instagram and Facebook
Check out Tristen's website

Podcast with Top Chef Season 22 contestant Lana Lagomarsini

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).
Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter
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Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

PERSONAL CHEF BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
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Reach out at chefstartup@gmail.com

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In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear is joined by spirits expert and acclaimed author Kara Newman. Known for her extensive work as a spirits journalist and for writing innovative cocktail books, Kara shares how she made the leap from writing about pork belly futures to becoming a leading voice in the world of spirits and cocktails.

They discuss everything from oddball cocktail creations, like a sour cream and onion martini and pot liquor ice cubes, to larger industry trends such as the resurgence of martinis, non-alcoholic beverages, and the use of upcycled ingredients like spent coffee grounds. Kara also talks about her latest venture, The Cocktail Cabinet, a collection of recipe card decks designed to inspire home bartenders.

Whether you're new to mixology or a seasoned drink maker, this episode delivers great insights and practical advice on how to elevate your cocktail game at home.

KARA NEWMAN
Kara's Instagram
Check out Kara's website
Get Kara's Books and The Cocktail Cabinet Cards

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).
Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter
Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

PERSONAL CHEF BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
Listen to the podcast here
Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
Reach out at chefstartup@gmail.com

Get in touch

Support the show