What Would You Do If You Knew You Were Dying?
In this week’s Sendy Mom episode, I talk with Rachel Farnsworth, founder of The Stay at Home Chef, about her extraordinary journey through severe health challenges and her rise as one of the most beloved online food creators in the world.
Rachel has faced Addison’s Disease, an atypical form of Stiff Person Syndrome, and even a brain tumor. She shares what it’s like to prepare your family for decline—and how to find life again when miracles happen.
With over 12 million followers across social media, Rachel has built a community around good food and genuine connection. In this conversation, she opens up about:
- Overcoming self-doubt and learning to value her own contribution
- The lessons chronic illness has taught her about joy, grief, and resilience
- The courage it takes to share your voice and keep creating when life feels uncertain
This is one of those conversations that will leave you both inspired and grounded in gratitude. You might even need a tissue or two.
👉 Share this episode with someone who needs hope, encouragement, or a reason to start something new—even in the face of fear
Meet my Guest:
Rachel Farnsworth began exploring the art of cooking at age 12. In 2008, she started sharing her recipes online as Rach’s Kitchen, later rebranding to The Stay at Home Chef in 2012. Her approachable, restaurant-quality recipes have made her a trusted voice for millions of home cooks.
Beyond her viral videos and best-selling cookbooks, Rachel’s story is one of resilience, faith, and creativity. She’s a devoted mother of two and a Sendy Mom who continues to live courageously while facing serious health challenges.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rachel Farnsworth
04:29 Learning to Cook
07:04 Supportive Family Background
11:10 The Start of Something Truly Awful
16:58 Atypical Presentation of Stiff Person Syndrome
26:37 Preparing for Death
31:31 Donating Plasma Actually Saves Lives!
34:57 Grieving the Life that Could Have Been
39:36 Midway
41:47 Becoming a Successful Influencer
47:46 Behind the Scenes of a Successful Influencer
51:00 Valuing Your Contribution as a Woman
59:30 Learning to Self Promote
01:04:07 Rapid Fire Questions
Key Takeaways:
🍎 Rachel began her culinary journey simply trying to cover grocery costs—and built a global community instead.
🍎 Culinary school isn’t always the path; experience and curiosity can teach just as much.
🍎 Cooking is chemistry—don’t be afraid to experiment.
🍎 Lifelong learning keeps us creative and resilient.
🍎 Health challenges can reshape how we see life, family, and purpose.
🍎 Grief and joy are two sides of the same coin.
🍎 Women often undervalue their contributions, but sharing our voices matters.
🍎 Community and vulnerability can transform pain into purpose.
🍎 Immunoglobulin therapy saved Rachel’s life and gives hope to others with rare diseases.
🍎 Being “Sendy” means daring to live fully, even in uncertain seasons.
Mentioned in the Show:
The Stay at Home Chef
Why My Gray Hair Makes Me Happy***Be That Person***
Call the Midwife
The Craft Patch Blog
Feeding America
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