Ready or Not! Episode 19: The Return of the Nom Nom Paleo Podcast

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce our much-anticipated return to the airwaves! After a brief hiatus, the Nom Nom Paleo podcast is officially back, bringing you an exciting, hour-long episode packed with inspiration, practical tips, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from our vibrant world. Episode 19, aptly titled “Ready or Not!”, dives deep into Michelle Tam’s latest culinary adventures and creative endeavors. We’ll cover everything from captivating cooking demonstrations for a renowned national magazine to the intricate creation of our groundbreaking new cookbook, and even share a heartwarming family volunteering experience. This episode also sheds light on a common wellness query, exploring the energizing benefits of Matcha as a smart coffee alternative.

So, whether you’re embarking on a long road trip, conquering a challenging mountain trail, or simply navigating your daily commute, hit play and let us be your companion. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering a deeper connection to the Nom Nom Paleo philosophy and a wealth of information designed to inspire your journey towards healthier living. Get ready for juicy details that will make you hungry for both delicious food and positive action!

What We Ate: A Taste of Summer and Embracing New Challenges

Life has a wonderful way of presenting unexpected opportunities, and a few months back, a truly exciting one landed right in our lap. Out of the blue, the prestigious Sunset Magazine reached out, extending an invitation for Michelle to contribute a signature recipe and a personal narrative to their highly anticipated June issue. But the excitement didn’t stop there; they also asked her to be a featured chef at their much-celebrated Sunset Celebration Weekend. For anyone who grew up in the Western United States, Sunset Magazine holds a special place, often a cherished fixture in many homes, including Michelle’s. The thought of a live cooking demonstration, especially for such an iconic publication, naturally brought a surge of nerves. Yet, without hesitation, the answer was an immediate “yes” to both incredible opportunities.

This decision wasn’t just about sharing recipes; it was a profound testament to a personal philosophy of growth, resilience, and embracing life’s challenges. In the past, Michelle candidly admits that an irrational fear of failure occasionally held her back from stepping into unfamiliar or daunting situations. However, as she openly shares in this podcast episode, there’s been a significant and empowering shift in her mindset. Now, when “Heck ya!” opportunities arise—those moments that truly excite despite a touch of apprehension—the strategy is to dive in headfirst. This spirit of courageously embracing new experiences is something she actively encourages in her children, too: “Do cool things, even if they scare you—’cause what’s the worst that can happen, right?” This ethos not only fuels personal growth and creative endeavors but also enriches the entire culinary journey shared with the expansive Nom Nom Paleo community, inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones.

If you pick up a copy of the June issue of Sunset Magazine, you’ll be treated to a truly rare sight: a picture of Michelle in a swimsuit! Beyond that delightful and unexpected surprise, you’ll also discover her mouth-watering recipe for Tasty Paleo Fish Tacos with Pineapple Cilantro Salsa. This dish perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, fresh, and zesty flavors of summer, crafted to be both incredibly delicious and fully compliant with a healthy Paleo lifestyle. It’s a testament to how flavorful and exciting wholesome eating can be, proving that healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. The combination of succulent fish and bright, tropical salsa makes it an instant crowd-pleaser for any warm-weather gathering.

Another culinary highlight from the Sunset Celebration Weekend was Michelle’s demonstration of the ever-popular Cracklin’ Chicken recipe. This dish has become an undisputed fan favorite within the Nom Nom Paleo community, celebrated for its irresistibly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal that epitomizes delicious Paleo cooking. However, as her astute nine-year-old son, Ollie, is always quick to point out (and remind everyone!), this beloved recipe has received a special, family-inspired renaming in the pages of our brand-new cookbook, Ready or Not!. So, from now on, prepare to get with the program and start affectionately calling it Ollie’s Cracklin’ Chicken. It’s a fun, personal twist that makes this already fantastic recipe even more endearing and serves as a delightful nod to the family’s integral role in the Nom Nom Paleo journey.

The Main Course: Unveiling the “Ready or Not!” Cookbook Journey

Beyond the exciting culinary demonstrations, this episode also offers an exclusive, deep dive into the making of our highly anticipated new cookbook, Ready or Not!. We pull back the curtain to reveal the truly unique—some might even say unorthodox, perhaps a tad naive, or wonderfully foolhardy—approach we take to cookbook creation. Our distinctive journey began with 2013’s critically acclaimed Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans, a book that pioneered combining delicious Paleo recipes with engaging, comic-strip style illustrations, making healthy eating fun and accessible. With Ready or Not!, we’ve pushed those creative boundaries even further, crafting a book that is undeniably one-of-a-kind. No one else approaches cookbook development quite like we do, and this time, we truly went over-the-top to deliver an exceptional, immersive experience to our beloved readers.

Creating a cookbook, for us, is an immersive and passionate endeavor that goes far beyond simply compiling recipes. It’s about meticulously telling a story, providing comprehensive, accessible guidance, and inspiring a healthier, happier lifestyle that lasts. From the initial concept and rigorous recipe development to the intricate photography and our signature, distinctive comic art, every single page of Ready or Not! reflects our unwavering dedication to innovation and our profound commitment to the Nom Nom Paleo community. We firmly believe that a cookbook should be more than just a functional collection of instructions; it should be a perpetual source of joy, an invaluable educational tool, and a beautiful object to cherish in your kitchen. This unconventional, hands-on process allows us to infuse each book with a highly personal touch and an engaging format that distinguishes it from anything else on the market, making healthy, delicious eating both fun and achievable for everyone.

Curious about the nitty-gritty details of this epic creation story and what truly makes our cookbooks stand out? You absolutely have to listen to the podcast for the full scoop! But that’s not all; we’ve got even more exciting ways for you to engage with Ready or Not! and immerse yourself in the vibrant Nom Nom Paleo universe:

**Discover More About Ready or Not!:** Dive even deeper into the essence of our new cookbook through this comprehensive blog post. It’s packed with vibrant, high-quality photos of sample pages, giving you an exclusive sneak peek into the book’s unique layout, stunning visuals, and playful illustrations. You’ll also find a direct link to the book’s full, searchable recipe index, making it incredibly easy to see the incredible variety of delicious and healthy dishes awaiting you.
**Grab Your Companion Wall Calendar:** Enhance your kitchen and stay beautifully organized throughout the year with our delightful companion 2018 wall calendar for Ready or Not!. This isn’t just any calendar; it comes complete with a sheet of ridiculously cute Nom Nom Paleo stickers that are sure to bring a smile to your face every single day. Sneak a peek and pre-order your calendar here to add a touch of Paleo charm, whimsy, and deliciousness to your daily life!
**Exclusive Preorder Bonuses:** To all the incredible Nomsters who eagerly preordered Ready or Not!—a heartfelt and resounding THANK YOU! Your early support means the world to us and has been instrumental in making this book a reality. We want to show our profound appreciation with some fantastic free stuff as a special reward. You truly are the awesomest members of our community! Click here immediately to claim your exclusive preorder bonuses. But please don’t delay—the download link for these special, limited-time bonus gifts will vanish once the book officially hits stores in August!
**Meet Michelle on Her Book Tour:** We’re hitting the road, and Michelle is eagerly looking forward to meeting YOU in person! Check out our detailed schedule of where and when she’ll be signing books and hosting events in your area. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect face-to-face, share your Paleo journey, ask questions, and maybe even snag some exclusive Nom Nom Paleo swag. Be sure to RSVP here (if applicable) so we can get an accurate headcount and know exactly how much awesome merchandise and treats to bring!

Crush of the Week: Giving Back with The Oregon Food Bank

In this episode, we shine a heartfelt spotlight on a truly inspiring “Crush of the Week,” brought to us by none other than our rapidly growing twelve-year-old, Owen. His chosen crush? The invaluable and profoundly rewarding experience of volunteering at The Oregon Food Bank. This segment serves as a powerful and timely reminder of the immense positive impact we can collectively make when we dedicate our time, energy, and compassion to helping others in our communities.

The reality of food insecurity in America is stark and deeply concerning, affecting millions of individuals and families across the nation. For far too many, a single unforeseen job loss, an unexpected medical crisis, or other difficult circumstances can swiftly lead to dire financial straits and the inability to afford basic necessities, including nourishing food. Alarmingly, some of the most vulnerable populations, including young children and elderly seniors, face an even greater, disproportionate risk of hunger. The essential work performed by food banks and similar charitable organizations across the nation is absolutely critical, providing a vital lifeline of nourishment, hope, and support to those who need it most. Owen’s genuine enthusiasm for volunteering underscores the profound importance of instilling a strong sense of community responsibility, empathy, and service in our youth from a young age.

We sincerely hope that Owen’s touching story and dedication inspire you to consider volunteering at a local food bank in your own community. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to directly contribute to the well-being and stability of your neighbors, fostering a stronger, more compassionate society. To make it easy to get involved, you can visit Feeding America’s comprehensive website here to quickly locate a food bank or hunger-relief organization near you. This summer, make a meaningful difference and give back to your community. And who knows, if you choose to volunteer in the Portland area, you might just find us working a fulfilling shift right alongside you, united in the crucial effort to combat hunger and strengthen our community bond!

Question of the Week: Matcha Lattes for Better Sleep

Each week, we love to tackle your burning questions, and this episode features a particularly insightful and relatable query from Laura, a friendly Nomster hailing from Atlanta. She reached out with a common dilemma that many listeners can relate to:

“Hi Michelle! I know that coffee is okay for Paleo eaters, and one of my favorite summer drinks in the morning is a glass of cold brewed coffee. Unfortunately, I’m finding that even one cup in the morning keeps me from being able to sleep at night. I see that you have been posting on your Instagram Stories about your morning matcha lattes, so I’m curious what that’s all about and whether it’s affecting your sleep. Thanks!”

Laura’s question hits home for many who enjoy their morning caffeine boost but struggle with its lingering effects, particularly on sleep quality. Indeed, Michelle herself has made a significant and beneficial shift in her morning routine. She’s transitioned from her customary glass of invigorating cold brew coffee to savoring a delicious and energizing Cold Matcha Latte. This change wasn’t arbitrary; it was thoughtfully driven by a desire for sustained energy throughout the day without the unwanted jitters, anxiety, or detrimental impact on sleep quality that some individuals experience with traditional coffee.

Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, offers a truly unique and distinct caffeine experience. Unlike coffee, Matcha naturally contains L-Theanine, an amino acid renowned for its ability to promote a state of relaxed alertness and focused concentration. This powerful combination of caffeine and L-Theanine effectively mitigates the typical caffeine crash often associated with coffee, contributing to a calmer, more sustained, and productive energy boost. This makes it an excellent, wholesome alternative for those sensitive to the strong effects of coffee or anyone seeking a different kind of morning pick-me-up. Michelle’s carefully crafted recipe not only makes for a delightfully refreshing drink but also provides a thoughtful, detailed rationale for why she chose to make this important switch, profoundly impacting her overall well-being, energy levels, and crucial sleep patterns positively. For all the fascinating details about this new morning favorite and why it’s become a cherished staple, be sure to tune into the podcast episode!

Do you have a head-scratcher or two that you’d like us to ponder for a future episode? We absolutely love hearing from you and value your curiosity! Feel free to leave your insightful questions in the comments section below this post, or if you prefer a more direct approach, shoot them to Michelle directly via email. If your question is thoughtfully selected and answered on the air during one of our upcoming podcasts, you’ll be treated to some exclusive, highly coveted Nom Nom Paleo swag as a special token of our appreciation!

But our podcasts aren’t the only fantastic avenue for posing your queries and engaging directly with Michelle. She’s been on an incredible tear with her wildly popular weekly live and interactive cooking demonstrations, hosted directly on her vibrant Facebook page. These lively sessions are a bustling hub of culinary activity where she not only whips up delicious and healthy Paleo dishes in real-time but also dedicates ample time to answering viewers’ questions as they come in. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for real-time interaction! So, mark your calendars and make sure to tune in every Wednesday night at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn new, exciting recipes, get your most pressing culinary questions answered live, and connect with the broader, supportive Nom Nom Paleo community while Michelle cooks up a storm!

Did you enjoy what you heard on this episode? Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and makes a huge difference in helping us reach more listeners and grow our amazing community. Please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving us an honest review by clicking here! And a special, heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Thrive Market. They offer an incredible, curated selection of healthy, organic, and sustainable products at wholesale prices, all conveniently delivered right to your door. If you’re a new user eager to kickstart your journey to healthier living, you can take advantage of a fantastic exclusive offer: get 25% off your entire first purchase and enjoy free shipping on your very first order! It’s an opportunity not to be missed for stocking your pantry with wholesome goodness and making healthy choices effortlessly.

Always searching for fresh, inspiring, and delicious recipe ideas to fuel your Paleo journey and keep your meals exciting? You’ve come to the perfect place! Head on over to our comprehensive and meticulously curated Recipe Index, an ever-growing collection of mouth-watering, healthy dishes designed to simplify your meal planning and ignite your culinary creativity. Beyond our extensive blog, you’ll also unlock a world of exclusive recipes and handy cooking tools on our highly-rated iPhone and iPad app, providing unparalleled convenience and culinary inspiration right at your fingertips, wherever you go. And of course, for an even deeper dive into our unique culinary philosophy, engaging stories, and a wealth of proven, flavorful recipes, explore our acclaimed cookbooks: Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), our pioneering first cookbook, and our latest masterpiece, Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)! Each resource is crafted with immense love, dedication, and a commitment to helping you thrive on your Paleo path with joy and deliciousness.