Food Fusion

After nearly a year away from the mic, Charles returns to Food Fusion with a deeply personal episode about productivity, life transitions, and rediscovering the kitchen during demanding seasons of life. Inspired by Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman and reflections on modern productivity culture, this episode explores the idea that growth, adjustment, and creativity often unfold on their own timeline.

Charles shares what it was like stepping into a new role as an educational supervisor, the exhaustion and repetition that came with learning a new system, and how cooking slowly became a grounding ritual again. He talks about shifting to a 4 AM routine, inspired by Ali Abdaal’s ideas on energy and focus, and how early morning cooking transformed his relationship with food, time, and self-care.

The episode also dives into practical kitchen inspiration, including:

•  tamarind sauces and Thai-inspired noodle dishes 
•  garlic sauces and curry shortcuts 
•  the importance of marinating proteins 
•  using sauces to explore global flavors with minimal effort 
•  rediscovering simple ingredients like grape tomatoes 

This is an episode about rebuilding routines, cooking through busy seasons, and accepting that sometimes “the time it takes is the time it takes.”


Links

My favorite Green Curry
https://amzn.to/4wMi0Bx

My Favorite Red Curry
https://amzn.to/4wMi0Bx

Coconut Milk as the Liquid for your Green Curry Sauce
https://amzn.to/4wMi0Bx

My Favorite Chinese Garlic Sauce
https://amzn.to/4wMi0Bx

In this Food Fusion episode, Charles Mathison continues his series on “Living Into Enough” by examining the relationship between digital overstimulation and unconscious eating habits. He explores how constant screen time mirrors mindless snacking—both driven by impulse rather than intention—and urges listeners to pause and reconnect with their bodies, their food, and their inner clarity.

Drawing inspiration from The Siren’s Call by Chris Matthews, Charles discusses the importance of protecting our attention and energy through small digital detoxes: turning off phones, muting notifications, and embracing quiet moments like walks or phone-free meals. These practices reset the nervous system and encourage presence.

Charles then shifts to food, advocating for mindful eating and identifying the difference between cravings and real nourishment. He shares personal strategies for upgrading snacks—replacing sugary and salty junk food with satisfying, nutrient-rich alternatives like mango and broth-cooked barley.

The episode wraps up with a look at 2025’s wellness-driven food trends, including nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms. These ingredients are increasingly used to support mental clarity and emotional balance, showing how food is becoming a form of everyday therapy.

The key takeaway? When we slow down—digitally and nutritionally—we give ourselves space to feel truly nourished, aligned, and at peace.

Links

 “The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource”  by Chris Matthews

https://amzn.to/44JYg5T 

In this episode of Food Fusion, host Charles Mathison explores the idea of “Living Into Enough,” a lifestyle philosophy that challenges the relentless pursuit of more—more money, more achievements, more stuff—and invites us to consider the power of sufficiency and intentionality instead. Drawing from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism and Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity, Charles unpacks how redefining success as value over volume can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

The episode ties this philosophy to food habits, encouraging mindful eating rather than overconsumption. Charles also shares a recent dining experience at “Beds Thai,” where he enjoyed a vibrant mango and shrimp salad, highlighting how food can be both indulgent and nourishing when approached with presence. 

He also reflects on the underestimated superpower of sleep, noting that better rest has boosted his productivity and creativity more than sacrificing hours ever could. 

Finally, the episode spotlights the growing trend of non-alcoholic bars, especially in NYC, where sober socializing is on the rise. Charles introduces listeners to places like Hekate Café and Getaway, where zero-proof cocktails offer flavor and flair without the booze—proving that enjoying life doesn’t have to mean overindulging. 

 Links

Thai Mango and Shrimp Salad https://www.hwcmagazine.com/recipe/spicy-shrimp-salad-with-cilantro-lime-dressing/#recipe 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
https://amzn.to/445NSVY  

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You
by Ali Abdaal
https://amzn.to/3GoI3cg  

Beds Thai
Address: 1185 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Phone: (347) 985-1199
Menu: orderbedsthai.com

The Best Bars for Non-Alcoholic Drinks in New York City
https://www.vogue.com/article/best-non-alcoholic-bars-new-york-city? 

In this episode of Food Fusion, Charles explores what it means to live into enough—an honest reflection on stepping off the hamster wheel of "more" and redefining success on your own terms. Inspired by the books Essentialism by Greg McKeown and Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, this episode weaves together personal insights, food reflections, and lifestyle shifts that center well-being, sufficiency, and rest.

 From rethinking how we stock our fridges to savoring meals slowly, Charles challenges the hustle culture mindset and invites listeners to embrace the power of simplicity.

Plus, he dives into a fast-growing trend: the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails in NYC’s bar scene. Did you know New York now has 23 sober bars? Tune in to hear about standout spots like Hekate Café and Getaway—and why alcohol-free drinking is not just healthy, but also smart business.

Charles also shares his new approach to sleep as productivity’s secret weapon and why treating yourself—whether it’s a mango-shrimp salad at a local Thai restaurant or a night off from overachievement—is a radical act of self-care.

In this episode of Food Fusion, I’m diving into some of my latest snack creations—from bold wasabi pretzel bites to rich olive oil–soaked sandwiches and versatile rice cake combos that just might replace your bread. I also take you into the kitchen to talk about prepping carbs for the week—why pasta shape matters and how rice can be the foundation for quick, flavorful meals. Plus, in the lifestyle segment, I’m sharing how moving my planning system online using Sheets has been a total game changer. Stick around to the end for a travel hack that’ll make your next airport trip a breeze. Let’s get into it!



Food

1. El Yucateco Habanero Sauce
https://amzn.to/3RrYkzp

2. Pretzel Chips
https://amzn.to/42pVDES


3. Eataly NYC
https://www.eataly.com/us_en/new-york-city


Lifestyle

1. Google Sheets - You decide how you want to organize for yourself. 
sheets.google.com


2. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry - My video breaks this service down a bit further
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxwtciG2tyQ&t=98s

Welcome to  Food Fusion, the podcast where cooking meets culture, inspiration, and conversation. In this episode, we explore how to set the tone for long cooking sessions—perfect for meal prepping or simply losing yourself in the kitchen. Discover how YouTube channels like Great Art Explained, audiobooks from icons like Ina Garten and Barack Obama, and even MasterClass can make cooking more enriching. We’ll also dive into the politics of food, discussing how mass deportations could impact our food supply and quality of life. 

Eataly
200 5th Avenue
New York NY 
https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-flatiron


Levain Bakery
2 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
https://levainbakery.com/pages/bakeries?srsltid=AfmBOorzfeVy0MRYwNrxAKpD1sPPJgGv-kbjmop-NlzYlqVD81ifiSRj

La Cabra Coffee Roasters
1329 Willoughby Ave
Unit #161
Brooklyn, NY 11237
https://us.lacabra.com/pages/bushwick?showBanner=false&lastClicked=1737596645865


Great Art Explained 
by James Payne  - AWESOME CHANNEL! 
https://www.youtube.com/@GreatArtExplained


Audiobooks

"Be Ready When Luck Happens: A Memoir" by Ina Garten https://amzn.to/3CfNQzj

"A Promised Land" by Barack Obama 
https://amzn.to/4hpI50R


Masterclass

"Scripting Your Own Success" by Mindy Kaling
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/scripting-your-own-success

Send me an email at [email protected]. Let me know what you think! 

In this episode of Food Fusion, I’m taking you on a journey through some of my favorite rediscoveries and adventures. I’ll share how I hosted a mobile cocktail party during the holidays, featuring drinks like Moscow Mules, Salty Dogs, and the classic Cosmopolitan—it was a fun and creative way to connect with friends and try new flavors.

I also dive into my recent weekday wine habit—why a light Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc has become my go-to for decompressing after a long day. Plus, I’m back in my latte phase, frothing up espresso drinks that make my days feel a little more luxurious.

And for food, I talk about my current obsession with ground chicken—from Greek Chicken Stew to Thai-style lettuce cups—and how Aloha bread makes sliders and sandwiches next-level delicious.

Finally, I share the scoop on the Passport to Bushwick, a little book that gets you free drinks at over 30 iconic spots in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It’s only $28 right now (but not for long!), and it’s the perfect way to explore the neighborhood with a friend.

This episode is all about savoring the little things, whether it’s a drink, a meal, or a moment. So, tune in!


Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother, 8 Ounce, Black
https://amzn.to/4gNaPAT

Passport to Bushwick - https://www.passporttobushwick.com/products/passport-to-bushwick-2025-edition?_ga=2.85130265.1455996795.1736729835-1617738635.1736729835 


Lemony Greek Chicken, Spinach and Potato Stew
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024015-lemony-greek-chicken-spinach-and-potato-stew?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp_id=4558653123452452&req_id=5017505108091805&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0_relevance_reranking

Kentucky Mule
https://foolproofliving.com/kentucky-mule/

Cosmopolitan
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/cosmopolitan/

Salty Dog
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/salty-dog/

In this fiery episode of Food Fusion, you will explore the vibrant flavors of Zhoug, a spicy and herbaceous Yemeni condiment that’s sure to elevate any dish. Discover dynamic favorite pairings for this zesty delight and learn how to bring a spicy flair to your breakfast using everyday ingredients and a dash of Mexican hot sauce.

But we’re not stopping there! Dive into the versatility of ginger beer, celebrating its unique spiciness and effervescence, and learn creative ways to incorporate it into your meals and drinks.

Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to add a little kick to your culinary repertoire, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for flavor-packed inspiration! 

Fevertree Ginger Ale
https://amzn.to/3DA2X77

El Yucateco Salsa Picante Verde de Chile Habanero, 8 Ounce (2 Pack)
https://amzn.to/3ZVtwes


Quaker Large Rice Cakes
https://amzn.to/41Ugtw8

Nigerian Pepper Soup
https://cheflolaskitchen.com/african-pepper-soup/

The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff
https://amzn.to/3BOPJ5L

Contact Food Fusion at [email protected]

#FoodFusion #Zhoug #SpicyFlavors #GingerBeer #FoodInspiration

Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide to mastering meal planning. In this episode, I break down how tapping into culinary resources like YouTube, cookbooks, and magazines can take the stress out of the everyday question, "What's for dinner, breakfast, or lunch?" I share my best tips for daily planning, like prepping ingredients ahead of time and choosing the right containers for packing the perfect work lunch.

And just in time for the holiday season, I reveal my exciting cooking plans—experimenting with Indian spices, trying out new techniques, and even incorporating miso into festive dishes. It's a fusion of flavors want to learn about. Tune in and transform the way you approach your meals!

Lunch bag I use
https://amzn.to/3YBtFEi 

Containers for Dressing and Sauces
https://amzn.to/4eW43rB

Simple Authentic Indian Cuisine: Cookbook with 80 Easy-to-Follow and Delicious Comfort Food Recipes and Regional Specialties 
https://amzn.to/3A4WmjD

Contact me at [email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/jr.charlesmathison/

Welcome to today's episode of Cooking on the Fly, where we explore the art of making the most out of what’s in your kitchen. I decided to focus this episode on cooking with leftovers because, like many of you, I really dislike wasting food. I believe that even with limited ingredients, home cooks can get creative by pairing seasonings selectively and matching them based on the type of food—whether it's a carb, meat, or vegetable.

I’ll also share a story from a recent family gathering in Maryland, where I cooked for my sisters using a riff on a roasted chicken recipe they hadn’t tried before. Normally, I make it with sage, rosemary, and soy sauce, but this time I decided to mix things up by using rosemary, garlic, and soy sauce instead. The result? It turned out extraordinary, and my family loved it!

In today’s episode, I want to encourage you to step outside the recipe box, trust your instincts, and get a little adventurous in the kitchen. You never know—you might end up with something extraordinary too.