What does it really mean to tell the truth—especially when it’s your own story?
In this episode of #UNFILTERED, I sit down with Maria Costanzo Palmer—author, journalist, and speaker whose work lives at the intersection of vulnerability, identity, and transformation.
We dive into her memoir “On the Rocks”, unpacking the emotional layers behind major unexpected life changes, family dynamics, and personal healing.
Maria shares what it took to write something so deeply personal, how storytelling can become a powerful tool for growth, and why owning your voice matters more than ever.
We also explore her work in media, her local cooking classevents, and what’s next—including a new book and documentary currently in the works.
This conversation is honest, raw, and deeply human—just the way we like it on #UNFILTERED.
This episode matters because shifting your narrative can restore your sense of self and spark powerful transformation. Maria shows us that our most imperfect moments, when truthfully told, become the foundation of our greatest rebirths.
Watch a clip from the episode
Key Takeaways
Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for healing
The journey from journalist to author to filmmaker
The emotional reality behind writing a memoir
How addiction and family dynamics shape identity
The courage it takes to share your truth publicly
The connection between food, memory, and personal history
What it really means to live “unfiltered”
How Maria is expanding her story into a second book, a new TV documentary + next steps in her career
Sound Bites
“Gratitude for everything that happened to me”
“Our roots and family stories shape who we are”
“Storytelling is a powerful form of healing”
Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Kristen Hess and Maria Palmer
01:21 Maria Palmer’s Background and Journey into Writing
03:36 Family Roots and the Restaurant in McKees Rocks
04:56 Life-Changing Moments and Moving to Los Angeles
06:39 Documenting Family History and Confronting the Past
09:10 Healing Through Storytelling and Family Connections
11:37 Reuniting Family Through Food and Shared Memories
13:48 The Book Project: Writing in Multiple Voices
18:46 The Documentary Series: Production and Future Plans
26:00 Writing Challenges and Lessons Learned
32:40 Balancing Control and Collaboration in Creative Projects
45:16 Final Thoughts and Unfiltered Life Lessons
This episode dares you to confront your past, embrace your true voice, and find healing through the raw power of storytelling—because what we hide can ultimately make us whole.
There’s something about Easter that always feels like a gentle exhale.
A shift.
A soft return to light.
A reminder that something new is always just around the corner.
This year, I found myself leaning into that feeling more than ever—creating a menu that’s bright, fresh, and full of life… while quietly stepping into a brand new chapter of my own.
At the heart of this Easter table is a Grilled Peach and Avocado Salad that feels almost too pretty to eat—almost. Juicy, ripe peaches layered with crisp greens, a kiss of citrus, and just enough richness to balance it all out. It’s simple, but elevated. Effortless, but intentional.
The kind of dish that doesn’t try too hard… and still steals the show.
✨ “This is the kind of recipe that feels like golden hour on a plate—fresh, glowing, and just a little bit magical.”
It’s everything I love about spring cooking: seasonal ingredients, vibrant color, and letting the natural beauty of food do the talking.
It’s made with juicy grilled peaches, avocado, arugula, baby kale and spinach mix, red onions and topped with a lovely Shallot Vinaigrette and crumbled feta and honey toasted pecans.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some Summer sunshine in my life!
Enjoy ☀️
theartfulgourmet
Grilled Peach + Avocado Salad
A beautiful sunny Spring salad made with juicy grilled peaches, avocado, arugula, baby kale and spinach mix, red onions and tossed with a lovely Shallot Vinaigrette and garnished with crumbled feta and honey toasted pecans.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cut peaches into wedges while grill is preheating.
Spray hot grill liberally with non-stick spray. Grill peaches for 4 to 6 minutes or until peaches are nicely marked on all cut sides. You can also grill the peaches in a grill pan for the same effect.
Make vinaigrette by combining shallots, lemon juice, mustard and olive oil, salt and pepper to taste - whisk until just combined.
Assemble salad, in a large bowl. Add mixed greens, peaches, avocado slices and red onions.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
Top with crumbled feta (if using) and toasted pecans for garnish on top of the salad. Add more avocado slices on top if desired.
Notes
If you are vegan and want to make this recipe dairy-free, simply remove the feta cheese crumbles and substitute with a soy-based vegan cheese or more nuts, fruit, or veggies. Nutrition 870 cal | 45g carbs | 73g fat | 15g proteinRecipe adapted from H-E-B
📸 SOME NEW NEWS
I’ve recently opened a new ShopMy online shop where I’m curating some of my favorite things – food, wine, books, cookbooks, cooking and baking supplies, clothes, shoes, cosmetics and homegoods and so much more.
One of my ShopMy Partner merchants, @campsnapcamera, just gave me a NEW custom discount code for my followers – and it gives you 7% off all Camp Snap cameras! Code: KRISTEN-HESS7 Discount: 7% off
Check in often as I’ll be partnering with more cool brands to offer special discounts to my followers!
And if you’re not in the mood for shopping but are liking my content, you can support me with any amount donation at Buy Me A Coffee
New Community Pages + Upcoming Online Courses
I also have a new Artful Gourmet Community Page where I’ll soon be offering online Food Styling & Photography Courses, free downloadable PDF resources, cookbooks, e-books, 1:1 coaching sessions, and live demos and teaching sessions (also starting these soon on my Substack!) so stay tuned for more so you can sign up for these.
📸 Work With Me – Online Booking Site
Behind the scenes, there’s been just as much blooming happening as there is on the plate.
This season marks a new evolution of The Artful Gourmet—one that feels more expansive, more connected, and more aligned than ever.
I’ve been building out new ways to experience the brand, including:
Curatedonline shopping pagesfeaturing my favorite kitchen, styling, and entertaining finds
Streamlined online booking to make working together easier than ever
I do custom estimates for larger shoots including food styling, photography, food and branded videos, social media content creation, and multi-platform brand collaborations and sponsored campaigns.
Reach out and send me a message on the contact form on my portfolio site or send an email to studioinfo (at) theartfulgourmet.com with your project details and contact info and I’ll be in touch to discuss and provide a quote.
If you’re interested in my preset food photography packages – you can book me online here.
The Artful Gourmet Podcast + YouTube
If you haven’t tuned into The Artful Gourmet Podcast yet we have three podcast mini-series you can check out – each with a different theme but all related to food, creativity, mindset and living an Artful Life.
INTO FOCUS Series
A series on mindset, resilience, and the business side of being a creative entrepreneur. In these inspiring motivational episodes, I delve into the stories and insights that will shape the series, offering a sneak peek into the compelling narratives and thought-provoking discussions of what it takes to become a successful creative business owner, photographer and creator.
Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to The Artful Gourmet community, this series promises to captivate and inspire. Stay tuned to discover what lies ahead in “Into Focus.”
A new interview series where I sit down with creators, tastemakers, movers and shakers to talk about the journeys behind the work. The inspiration. The challenges. And the lessons learned along the way.
So pull up a chair…pour a glass of wine or grab a coffee…
Groovy Eats is pure nostalgia! This is the place where we highlight and bring back to life all of our favorite retro music, recipes, history and “vibe” of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You’ll find heartfelt storytelling with personal memories, great food, and a lot of groove.
I also produce companion essays, stories, playlists, videos, photos from every Groovy Eats episode on the blog and Substack to give you a full picture of that time and place with multimedia storytelling.
Stay tuned for episode 4 launching in April. We’ve got disco, 70s cocktails,late night party bites and plenty of sequins and disco lights to bring the house down.
Don’t miss this one!
Season 2: The 1980’s and Season 3: The 1990’s will be coming out later this year and next year, so stay tuned for more retro food, music and fun 🤩 ☮️ 💃
And you can also tune into all of the Groovy Eats companion podcasts on YouTube and Substack, or wherever you get your podcasts.
MORE NEW NEWS!
🎥 Women In Power TV Episode
My TV documentary episode on Women In Power is airing in mid-2026 on Inside Success Networks on major streaming platforms!
The new show highlights women entrepreneurs and small business owners and leaders in their industries and each episode tells a story of the women’s experience starting their business, their biggest achievements and how they found success- even in the midst of obstacles and struggles by simply believing in themselves and working hard to follow their dreams.
My episode was shot in South Beach last November and the whole experience was so. much. FUN!
I had a blast meeting Rudy Mawer, Producer and Owner of Inside Success TV and we had a great conference and parties, meetups etc. where I got to hang out with all of the cast and crew from the show.
It feels like a full-circle moment—returning to my roots, my creative foundation, my people. The city where so much of this journey began.
There’s something about New York that sharpens your edge, expands your vision, and reminds you what you’re capable of.
✨ “Some places don’t just inspire you—they remind you who you are.”
I’m beyond excited to step back into that energy, reconnect with friends and family, and open the door to what’s next.
As always, wishing you all a fabulous Easter, and week ahead – remember to stay inspired, stay happy and stay hungry.
Kristen 😃
Kristen Hess | The Artful Gourmet
Food. Style. Travel. Creative Living.
Hi, I’m Kristen—food stylist, photographer, and creator behind The Artful Gourmet. This is where I share a curated mix of elevated recipes, food styling and photography tips, travel-inspired dishes, and creative lifestyle inspiration designed to make everyday moments feel a little more artful.
From behind-the-scenes looks at my shoots to seasonal cooking ideas, mindset insights, and the tools I actually use in my work, you’ll find a blend of beauty, flavor, and storytelling woven into everything I create. If you love thoughtfully styled food, fresh ingredients, and living well with intention, you’re in the right place—pull up a chair and stay awhile. 🍷✨
Back in 2010, I started my business in New York City with almost no experience in food styling, photography, food writing — and built it anyway.
Not because I was fully prepared.
But because I refused to let my current abilities define my future career.
Over the course of my career — from graphic design and advertising, to food styling and photography to content creation and social media — I’ve reinvented myself several times and achieved a successful career doing what I love.
It wasn’t easy, but every time, I aimed beyond what felt realistic. What felt comfortable. What seemed out of reach.
I pitched new clients before I felt qualified.
I stepped into rooms that intimidated me.
I took on big projects that I wasn’t sure I could do yet.
I built platforms I had never built before.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
Most limitations are self-imposed.
Muhammad Ali said,
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”
You don’t wait to feel ready.
You build readiness through action.
If you’re in a season of growth, reinvention, or expansion — the question isn’t whether you’re capable today.
The question is whether you’re willing to become capable.
And take the leap.
1. Aim Beyond What You’re Capable Of
Most people set goals based on their current skill level.
That’s the mistake.
If your goal matches your present abilities, it won’t transform you. It will simply confirm what you already know how to do. Real growth begins when the vision demands a version of you that doesn’t exist yet.
Les Brown once said:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
When you aim higher than you feel ready for, you force expansion. You learn faster. You stretch further. You develop resilience. Even if you don’t hit the exact target, you won’t land where you started.
✨ Action Step:
– Write down one goal that feels safe.
– Now write down one that feels almost impossible.
– Circle the impossible one — and commit to exploring it for 30 days.
2. Disregard Where Your Abilities End
We over-respect our current limitations.
We say things like:
“I’m not technical.”
“I’m not a leader.”
“I’m not experienced enough.”
“I’m too old.
“It’s too late.”
But your abilities are not fixed — they’re expandable.
Sara Blakely said:
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength.”
The truth? Every expert was once inexperienced. Every leader was once unsure. The only difference is they didn’t let inexperience define their identity.
✨ Action Step:
– List three things you think you “can’t” do.
– Next to each, write: “Can be learned.”
– Choose one and take a 20-minute action today toward learning it.
Growth compounds.
3. Try the Things You Feel Incapable Of
Confidence is not a prerequisite for action.
It’s a result of it.
Michael Jordan said:
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Failure is data.
Attempt is expansion.
Inaction is stagnation.
The longer you wait to “feel ready,” the longer you delay growth.
✨ Action Step:
Ask yourself:
– “What would I attempt this week if failure wasn’t an option?”
– Now take one small, concrete step in that direction.
Movement breaks fear.
4. Aim for Elite Rooms
If you think you’re not qualified to work with the best company, brand, or leader in your field — pause.
Who told you that?
Steve Jobs said:
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Elite spaces are not mythical. They’re filled with people who decided to apply, reach, and refine themselves.
✨ Action Step:
– Identify the top company or opportunity in your industry.
– Audit your positioning.
– Upgrade one thing this week — your portfolio, your pitch, your online presence.
Act in alignment with where you’re going, not where you are.
5. If You Think You Can’t Run a Company — Make That Your Aim
“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life.”
Running a company — or leading anything — begins with self-leadership. Decision-making.
Ownership.
Vision.
If you think you’re “not cut out” for it, ask yourself: Is that fact — or fear?
✨ Action Step:
– Write: “If I were the CEO of my life, I would…”
– List five changes.
– Implement one immediately.
Leadership begins with daily choices.
6. Make “Impossible” Your Target
Muhammad Ali said:
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”
When you quietly dismiss your biggest ambitions — recognition, influence, impact — you shrink your potential.
Big visibility comes from big contribution.
✨ Action Step:
– Define your boldest recognition goal.
– Ask: “What habits would someone at that level practice daily?”
– Start one this week.
Identity precedes achievement.
7. Make the Vision Real
Dreaming is easy.
Execution is discipline.
Walt Disney has a famous quote that I love:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
But you must translate vision into systems.
Goals into milestones.
Intention into calendar commitments.
✨ Action Step:
– Break your bold goal into a 90-day sprint.
– Choose three milestones.
– Schedule time daily and weekly to work on them.
If it’s not scheduled, it’s not prioritized.
8. Rewrite Your Beliefs
Henry Ford said:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”
Your beliefs shape your behavior — and your behavior shapes your results.
Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable.
They fail because they never fully believed.
✨ 7-Day Practice:
– Every time you think “I can’t,” replace it with: “How can I?”
Watch your brain start solving instead of shrinking.
🎧 If this resonates, I go deeper into this mindset shift in the latest episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast– Into Focus series, “You Can Achieve the Unachievable”
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