Erica Leahy was working in an office job when she realized she had missed her calling. So she gave up her stock options and health plan, left the office and set off for the life of a pastry chef. After unpaid internships, several stints baking for fine restaurants, finding her feet in a commissary kitchen and starting a family, she opened Three Dau…

Gillian Lundgren was lured to the Bay Area by her favourite aunt and has never left. Through a long and varied career as a baker in San Francisco, from bakeries to pop ups, she founded Black Jet Baking Co. right down the block from where she got her start. She's putting down deep roots and making sure the people in her neighbourhood are well fed. I…

Carly Rossmeissl wants to experience everything baking has to offer. Since graduating from baking school she's travelled from New York to Austin to Wisconsin, working with bread, cakes, desserts and even stuffed pretzels. But her work keeps coming back to two things: solving problems and building strong, happy teams. In this episode we talk about C…

There's something special about small town bakeries. And when your bakery is on the main street of a small town in the heart of Sonoma, California and you're baking stellar bread from a massive brick oven, well, now you really have something special. Jessie Frost has all that and more. A native of the Sonoma area, she baked around the Bay Area befo…

When Mark Hart decided to go out on his own, he built a commercial baking space, but not for his own production baking. Instead, he and his partner Luis Cabral started Rise Baking Lab, a teaching and event space where they can share their love of baking with professional and amatuer bakers alike. In this episode, Mark and Luis share their vision fo…

Jonathan Stevens new book, The Hungry Ghost Bread Book, is a throwback to the first wave of books on artisan baking in the 1990's. And for good reason, because Jonathan has been part of the North American bread scene from the very beginning. In this episode, Mark and Jonathan take a trip back to the early days in Northern California, figuring it ou…

Holly Showalter was a pastry chef in Virginia when the big skies of Montana came calling to her. After several years working different jobs and settling into the local community, Holly opened Wild Oats Baking. Now she's feeding the people and the people are fully embracing her and her food. In this episode, Mark and Holly talk a little about tiny h…

Today Mark is joined by Karen Bornarth of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and Martin Barnett of the Baking Association of Canada to talk about the state of the baking industry in North America. They reflect on the success of two recent national meetings, discuss the range of benefits that nationwide education and advocacy can provide, ponder the …

Once Lyndsey Bell realized that the corporate life was not for her, she and her partner Jay Valeri dove into the world of donuts and coffee. Since they found their sweet spot and opened Bigfoot Donuts seven years ago they have gone from strength to strength. In this episode, Mark, Lyndsey and Jay talk all things donuts and coffee, being able to tak…

When we get tired and frustrated as bakery owners, we often fall into the trap of thinking of our employees as expenses and not assets and partners. Luckily, there are resources like the Good Jobs Strategy to help us reset our thinking and put our employees at the forefront of our business success. In this episode, Mark talks with Sandhya Mahadevan…

Ian Herrington turned the turmoil of Covid into the catalyst to make the leap into bakery ownership. Now Leavened, his elegant bakery / cafe in Cleveland is making a name for itself within the neighbourhood and for miles around. In this episode, Mark and Ian talk about the quiet rhythms of a bake team working around the bench, the joy of working wi…

Tom Moore loves starting new projects. And the best thing is, they work. His new bakery cafe, Tombo Eats on Yates Street in Victoria launched to huge buzz this year and is already one of the must visit spots downtown. In this episode, Mark and Tom discuss the wild and crazy food journey Tom's been on since dropping out of school to apprentice as a …

Carlos Ruiz was a litigation lawyer and quickly found that the daily grind of destroying the opposition was killing him inside. Baking and especially feeding his community was the antidote. In this episode, Mark and Carlos talk about making the switch from law to the bakery life, making connections with teachers and mentors, the stresses of support…

Jessica Rivers is co-owner and connection engine of the amazing bakery Working Culture Bread in Victoria BC. In the three years since Mark talked to her husband Adam in Episode #128, the bakery has grown and their family has too. Through it all, Jess and the Working Culture team have built even stronger ties within the community, through fundraisin…

In this episode, I welcome to the show Christian author and speaker Kelly Needham to talk about the privilege of spending time alone with God. We chat about what solitude means, Kelly’s journey in embracing time alone with God, and the main obstacles that keep us from engaging with God on our own. Kelly also shares some great tips for moms for deve…

In this month's episode, I chat to wife, mama, and author, Emily Darnell, about the concept of Abiding in Christ. We cover the following questions: What does Abiding in Christ actually mean? What is the role of the Scripture and the Holy Spirit in helping us abide in Christ? How can we abide in Christ as busy mamas? How can we teach our children ho…

Sarah Black sadly passed away on February 15, 2024. To commemorate this kind and thoughtful baker and teacher, we are re-publishing Mark's chat with Sarah from Episode 153. Recorded in October, 2021 Sarah's family announced her passing via Sarah's Instagram page. Helpful Links Support the Podcast Here Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4B…

This is the first episode of 2024 and also the beginning of the Walking with Jesus podcast series. In this episode, I talk to my friend, Vanessa Luu, about how God wants us to choose faith in Him over fear. Vanessa shares some personal testimonies of how God has helped her grow in this area. She also shares some ways we can grow in our faith as mom…

The podcast hits a major milestone by going back to the beginning. In this special 200th episode, Mark is joined by Daisy Chow of Breadboard Bakery in Arlington, Mass. and Nate Houge of Brake Bread in St. Paul, Minnesota for a wide ranging conversation about everything that's changed since they first met back at Wheatstalk in Rhode Island in 2018, …

Claudia Fimbres and her husband Brad named their store and restaurant Mamacita after Claudia's mother, but these days, it's Claudia who is mother and aunty to an entire community of Latin food lovers in her new home of Pearl Harbour, Newfoundland. In this episode, Mark catches up with his old friend and learns of her life in cooking, from growing u…

In this week's episode, I'm sharing a conversation between myself and my husband Luís on how we celebrate the Sabbath as a family. We talk about why we believe celebrating the Sabbath is for us today as Christians, God's life-giving invitation to rest, and what we've learnt in the process of keeping the Sabbath. Listen in and let us know what you t…

In this episode, I talk about resting in freedom as we understand God's design for rest. I also explore why we can rest, and how we can rest as busy mamas. For the episode show notes, check out the corresponding article Join the Unique Mums community and get your Free Guide Finding Rest In The Midst Of Chaos…

This podcast episode is part of the Rule of Life series and today we're looking at working for Jesus. In today's episode, I talk to Jen Kosuda about what work looks like in Kingdom Culture - where work is less about striving, and more about surrender to Christ. Meet Jen! Jennifer Kosuda, founder of The Art of a Messy House, is a wife, mom, teacher,…

Working with a coach or consultant can be a leap too far for many small business owners, especially owner-operator independent bakeries. Lisa Arnold set out to bridge the gap in her town of Springfield, Tennessee, with Small Town Startup, a marketing agency, startup incubator, coaching practice and meeting space. Lisa is bringing the skills and bes…

In this episode, I share my heart on what it means to work in surrender. Sometimes we’re restless and burdened because we haven’t surrendered our work to the Lord. At least not completely. We’re working from a place of striving, people-pleasing and cultural conformity, instead of letting God lead us. Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His burden is light. In…

After working as a baker on both coasts, Amy Corliss returned to her home state twelve years ago to open her own place in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado. She recently moved down the road to a new space and is focused on building community, growing her team and feeding the people in a converted 1905 heritage house. In this episode, Mark and Amy tal…

In today's episode, I chat with my friend and fellow writer, Leslie Moore, about waiting on God in seasons of transition and finding joy and rest in the present. Meet Leslie! Leslie might live in a sleepy southern town, but her stories are thrilling. Leslie writes historical romances spanning from the foundations of early England to the 1970s, brin…

In this episode, I talk about 10 ideas to make our homemaking simpler, which will help us slow down and embrace Jesus's life-giving rhythms. For details on cleaning routines, check out - the TOMM cleaning routine - the Flylady routine - Old Fashioned homemaking routines For further homemaking resources, check out the blog Join the Unique Mums commu…

Ed and Natasha Tatton have been building an outstanding, 100% plant based bakery in Whistler, BC for several years, and have just launched a stellar cookbook from the bakery. The book is both approachable and very detailed, explaining the intricacies and advantages of vegan baking while bringing Ed's incredible flavour combinations to each recipe. …

In this episode, I talk about following the way of Jesus in choosing a simple life with fewer things and less hustle. I also talk about some practial areas in which we can choose slow and simple instead of rushed and complex. For the podcast notes, check out https://uniquemums.co.uk/ Don't want to miss out on podcast episodes and blog posts? Join t…

In this episode, I talk about the importance of meeting with God in the secret place. This is not about a legalistic rule, but about relationship with the Father. It's in the secret place that we come to God as we are and He enables us to surrender all to Him. Doubts, questions, or comments? Contact me! https://uniquemums.co.uk/contact/ Check out m…

Today on the podcast we're going to be looking at the freedom of having a rule of life. In church circles, much is said against legalism. And rightly so. Legalism is about obeying laws to earn righteousness, rather than receiving righteousness as a gift from God. Nevertheless, in our zeal to steer away from legalism, we often discard the importance…

In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing some ways we can go about sharing the Gospel with others - as a family. Sharing the Gospel as a family is not simply a nice thing to do, but it's actually a step of obedience in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:16-20) Yes, we can share the Gospel individually, but think how much more blessing we'l…

In this episode, I talk about the importance of us choosing to walk by the Spirit and live like Jesus lived - intentionally loving God and others. This is completely counter-cultural in our world of hustle and hurry, but when we live in surrender to God's spirit, we can truly be salt and light. Questions or comments? Contact me! https://uniquemums.…

In this episode, I share 5 practical tips to help mums in seeking the secret place with God. For the podcast notes, check out https://uniquemums.co.uk/ Check out my free devotional book Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest Join the Unique Mums community and get your Free Guide Finding Rest In The Midst Of Chaos ⁠https://uniquemums.co.uk/freeguide/⁠…

Martha Barber began her baking career by taking cookies into the office at Christmas time. Now she's shipping her delicious shortbread all over Vancouver Island and onto the mainland too. In this episode, Mark and Martha discuss the steady growth of her bakery, how strategic partnerships have helped the business grow, finding predictable, repeatabl…

Okotoks, Alberta is a small community south of Calgary that boasts an old-fashioned main street, beautiful views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and, for the past few years, a top notch bakery and cafe. In this episode, Mark talks to Brad Labrenz and Marie-Luce Denis, owners of French50 Bakery, who are attracting hungry folk from well beyond the to…

With the cost of living continuing to rise, bakers and other food service workers are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. The Living Wage for Families Campaign is focused on identifying the real costs of living in Canadian cities and works with businesses to move toward paying employees a real living wage. In this episode, Mark talks wi…

In this episode, I share some practical tips for praying together as a family in terms of how to pray, when to pray and what to pray. PRAY strategy P for praise – start with praising God as a family. R for repent – repent together of specific sins that have arisen between you as a family. Also ask the Lord to show you if there’s anything else you n…

This is episode four in the Missional Motherhood podcast series. Today we're looking at the number one thing Jesus Mamas need to share the Gospel with their kids. What is it? A close relationship with God! So, mama, if you’ve been feeling spiritually distant from God, I want to challenge you to turn to God right now, wherever you are (pause this ep…

In this episode, I have a lovely conversation about missional motherhood with fellow author, mama, and Jesus follower, Jessie Mattis. Jessie and I talk about the importance of authenticity, intentionality, and openness in our Gospel-centred conversations with our kids. We also talk about the importance of not just talking about God, but living for …

In this episode, I talk about five ways we can talk to our children about Jesus, i.e, certain disciplines and routines that will help open opportunities to talk about Jesus in a natural ways. In the audio, I mention certain resources you can use in teaching our kids the Gospel: - the Big Picture Story Bible (ages 2-6) - the Jesus Storybook Bible (a…

This episode is the first in the Missional Motherhood series. In this episode I talk about what missional motherhood means for Christian mamas, why it's important, and my experience as a Christian mama. In this episode I mention the concept of being a disciple, or apprentice, of Jesus and how that translates into motherhood. For the episode notes, …

In today's episode, I go into detail about my recent experience in breaking up with social media and the five main reasons that led me to this decision. I also talk about three more positive reasons for letting go, and why I kept Pinterest and YouTube. Listen in to hear my heart. The complete notes are in the corresponding blog post https://uniquem…

Tabitha Langel wanted to serve her community in Winnipeg first and foremost. After much prayer and deliberation, she decided that baking was the way to do it. Now, over 35 years later, Tall Grass Prairie Bakery is at the heart of two core neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In this episode, Tabitha and Ryan Stoesz talk about the origins of Tall G…

In today's episode, I chat to my friend, Ericka Clay, about her experience with Social Media, how God uses Social Media redemptively, and how she puts up Social Media guardrails as a mother. We also talk about some of the reasons behind social media compulsion, and how we need guidance from the Holy Spirit so we can discern if and how much we use S…

Black Market Bakers is taking off like a rocket ship in Annapolis, Maryland. Steve O'Leary, his dad and his brother have grown the business from a home kitchen (with Steve's mom selling the loaves door to door) to a food truck, to a full bakery/cafe to recently launching a second location. But through it all, the business has had a singular focus o…

In this episode, I explore the concept of digital minimalism and what it means for us as Christian mamas. I also go into some detail about why our smartphones in particular cause us to hurry and some very practial ways we can reduce our digital devices (from minute 15). Here's the episode outline: - Why smartphones cause us to hurry (with research …

Stefan Spicknell knows who his bakery is for. All he has to do is look out his door on Great Western Road in Glasgow and look at the flats, the schools and the people walking by. And his deep focus those people, and his craft, is what keeps Cottonrake Bakery grounded in his community. In this episode, Mark and Stefan talk about Stefan's journey to …

In this episode, I chat about steps we can follow to help us create margin in our lives as Jesus mamas. Creating breathing room and a slower life is not a luxury for those who don't work. It's the way of Jesus. Jesus worked hard. Yet, He also rested. When Jesus worked, He did so intentionally. Jesus gave people His time. Let's then learn to live sl…