x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA

The Retail Bakers of America Association

"The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA" is your all-access pass to the heart of the retail baking industry. Each episode brings you inside the kitchen with leading bakers, educators, and innovators who share their stories, tips, and insights. From the secrets of achieving the perfect loaf to navigating business growth, we explore what it takes to elevate your baking craft and career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring baker, or simply hungry for inspiration, tune in and discover how the

arts food

All Episodes

28:23

Buddy Valastro on Retail Bakeries, Leadership, and...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2026/01/09

Buddy Valastro is often introduced as Cake Boss—but long before television, books, and global recognition, he was (and still is) a retail baker. In this episode of The Perfect Rise: Conversations with the Retail Bakers of America, Buddy joins host Chef Kimberly Houston for a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to run a bakery in today’s market. From leadership inside a multi-generation family business to staffing, sales, pricing, and adapting to changing customer habits, ...

en-us

34:24

Where Creativity Meets Chemistry: Kelly DeFusco on...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/12/12

Most people think a career in baking means spending your life inside a kitchen—but today’s guest proves the industry is far bigger, more innovative, and more full of possibility than most bakers ever imagine. In this episode, Kimberly sits down with Kelly DeFusco, a Principal Bakery Scientist at Tastepoint by IFF with 34 years in the flavor industry. Kelly’s journey started with homemade 3D birthday cakes, a family restaurant, and a home economics degree, before one unexpected phone call laun...

en-us

37:23

E21: The Bagel Ambassador joins The Perfect Rise!

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/11/28

What happens when you spot a gap in the market that should exist… and decide to build it yourself? BagelFest was born from that exact moment — an idea that didn’t make sense not to exist. In today’s episode, Chef Kimberly sits down with the “Bagel Ambassador” himself, Sam Silverman, to explore how a first-time festival in Bushwick evolved into the beating heart of global bagel culture. This episode dives into: • The surprising origins of BagelFest • How proof of concept shaped every sta...

en-us

26:50

Icing Smiles: Turning Compassion Into Cake

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/11/14

What if one cake could change everything? In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Tracy Quisenberry, founder of Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that brings joy to critically ill children and their families through custom celebration cakes made by volunteer bakers. Tracy’s journey didn’t begin in the kitchen—it started with service. After years as a tax professional and volunteer for Make-A-Wish, she found her true calling through a single homemade...

en-us

32:46

E19: Why We’re Losing Chefs — and How CHOW’s Fixing It

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/10/31

What if the same passion that drives your success is quietly breaking you down? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Jasmin Vitolo Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer at CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness), to unpack the unspoken truth of life in hospitality — and what it really takes to build healthier kitchens. You’ll hear: • The emotional story behind CHOW’s founding after Anthony Bourdain’s passing • The “temperatur...

en-us

31:18

E18: Mastery, Mindset & Integrity: Lessons from...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/10/17

What does it really take to become a Certified Master Baker—and a true master of your craft? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Chef Cody Middleton, professor and department head of Baking & Pastry at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach (HGTC), to explore the intersection of skill, humility, and leadership in the pastry world. From studying at École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie under the Alain Ducasse education group to earning...

en-us

28:06

E:17 Chef Matthew Ratliff on Mastering Pastry &...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/10/03

What does it take to rise to the top of the pastry world? In this episode of The Perfect Rise: Conversations with the RBA, Executive Pastry Chef Matthew Ratliff shares his journey from the Culinary Institute of America to competing (and winning) on Food Network, earning elite certifications, and leading the pastry team at the prestigious Everglades Club. Chef Matt opens up about: • The lessons competitions teach that kitchen work cannot • Why sugar artistry remains one of the toug...

en-us

43:40

E16: From Fine Dining to Cookie Empire | The Perfect...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/09/19

What happens when a fine dining pastry chef faces a career-ending injury? For Tracy Mattson, it became the spark that launched Cookie Take a Bite—a boutique cookie brand built on elevated flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a deep commitment to local partnerships. In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Tracy to unpack her inspiring journey: • How six weeks on the couch turned into the foundation for a thriving bakery. • The leap from farmers markets to b...

en-us

37:32

E15: From Pastry Chef to Industry Leader: Scott...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/09/05

From Pastry Chef to Industry Leader: Scott Calvert’s Baking Journey In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Scott Calvert—President of Tootie Pie Co. and immediate past president of the Retail Bakers of America—shares his 35+ year journey in the baking industry. From his start at the New England Culinary Institute to building The Cake Plate, and now leading in wholesale production, Scott’s story is one of adaptation, leadership, and legacy. We talk about: • Transitioning from retail to who...

en-us

37:45

E14: From Weekend Help to Donut Empire: Gary...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/08/22

From Weekend Help to Donut Empire: Gary VanderStelt of Sprinkles Donuts | The Perfect Rise Podcast What happens when the kid who swore he’d never work in a bakery ends up running one of the busiest donut operations in Michigan? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Gary VanderStelt, owner of Sprinkles Donuts, to talk about how a family legacy turned into a full-blown donut empire—complete with 8+ locations, a 14,000-square-foot kitchen, and over 500,000 don...

en-us

19:47

E113: The Truth About Becoming a Certified Master Baker

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/08/08

What does it really take to become a Certified Master Baker? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef LeeAnn Adams shares her journey—from late nights in the kitchen to passing one of the most intense baking exams in the industry. We talk about the written and practical tests, the pressure, the power of mentorship, and the lifelong impact of becoming a CMB. If you’re a baker chasing excellence or curious about what’s possible in your career, this episode will leave you inspired. • Inside the...

en-us

29:33

E112: Baking Isn’t Hard: Taylor Craft on Curiosity &...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/07/25

What does it take to go from actor to baker—and find your flavor voice along the way? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Taylor Craft, a Kendall College grad and career changer who left a 13-year front-of-house career to chase creativity and precision in pastry. Taylor opens up about her culinary school experience post-2020, how flavor theory changed her baking game, and why staying curious is the real secret to success in the industry. 👩‍🍳 Inside this

en-us

29:41

E111: Inside the Certified Master Baker Exam with...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/07/11

What does it take to join the elite ranks of Certified Master Bakers (CMB)? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, we go behind the scenes with Chef Austin Scoles—pastry chef, educator, and one of the newest CMBs certified by the Retail Bakers of America. From 10+ weekends of intense practice to a two-day exam that tests everything from precision to endurance, Chef Scoles breaks down the real journey to CMB status—and what most people never hear about the process. 🎓 You’ll learn:

en-us

30:51

E10: Pastry with Jen Heide at Palm Beach’s Elite...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/06/27

From Fine Pastry to Mentorship: Chef Jennifer Hyde on Lifelong Learning in the Kitchen What does it take to build a career in pastry that spans bread, chocolate, and mentorship? In this episode of The Perfect Rise: Conversations with the RBA, we sit down with Jennifer Hyde, Assistant Pastry Chef at the prestigious Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Florida. With over 15 years of experience in Palm Beach pastry kitchens and certifications in baking, executive pastry, and bread making, Chef Jen bri...

en-us

41:28

E9: How Heather Ugorowski Baked Through Grief and...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/06/13

From decorating cakes at age 12 to launching a bakery in memory of her son, Heather Ugorowski’s baking journey is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise, the RBA podcast, Heather shares the incredible highs and lows of her career—from a 10,000-mile bakery road trip to rebuilding after floods, accidents, and personal loss.Discover how she built the Bleu Moose Bakery café, why she believes in “one pastry at a time,” and how the baking community helped

en-us

36:57

E8: Edible Art, Education & Saying Yes: Derek...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/05/30

What do you get when you combine a lifelong artist, a pastry chef, and an award-winning educator? You get Derek Corsino. In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Derek to explore his journey from eight-year-old cake decorator to Food Network competitor, high school culinary instructor, and published author. Known for pushing creative boundaries in cake design and pushing students to greatness in SkillsUSA competitions, Derek shares the real talk behind building a career...

en-us

33:27

E7: From Corporate to Crumb: How Amie Smith Built a...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/05/16

What happens when a high-powered marketing consultant trades her corporate corner office for a 30-quart mixer and a dream? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Amie Smith, pastry chef and owner of a thriving scratch bakery on Cape Cod, to talk about building a second-act career from the ground up—literally. Amie shares her unexpected journey from Manhattan tech to pastry school, the reality of launching a bakery in her 50s, and the rollercoaster of gro...

en-us

26:41

E6: From Passion to Partnership — Amy Emberling of...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/05/02

In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Amy Emberling, Managing Partner at the legendary Zingerman’s Bakehouse, to explore what it really takes to build a bakery business that lasts—not just in years, but in values, vision, and community impact.Amy shares how she went from baking as a child in Nova Scotia to helping build one of the most respected bakeries in the country. You’ll hear her journey through the food industry, her surprising detour into

en-us

44:02

Ep5: Selling Your Bakery: What Comes Next? | Shellie...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/04/18

What happens when it’s time to step away from the bakery that’s shaped your life? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Shellie Slove—baker’s daughter, third-generation entrepreneur, and Head of Bakery Success at Bakesmart—to explore what comes after bakery ownership. Shellie shares her powerful journey through grief, succession planning, and ultimately selling her family’s bakery. This raw and insightful conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone thinking about their ne...

en-us

25:07

E4: Wisdom, Work, and the Long Game in Baking — A...

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA ·

2025/04/04

What does it take to not just survive—but thrive—for 50 years in the baking industry? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Kirk Rossberg, owner of the award-winning Torrance Bakery and a founding member of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), to unpack the wisdom he's gained over five decades in the business. Kirk shares his journey from candy apprentice at 13 to leading one of California’s most recognized bakeries. This episode is packed with game-changing insi...

en-us

24 results

Similar Podcasts

Start The Breakthrough Full Audiobook Now, Thriller Fans!

thebookvoice.com

Get Hooked On The Life-Enhancing Full Audiobook Experience!

thebookvoice.com

西四五条

主播郑捕头

Podcast Patapoe

0d0a

On Mic Podcast

Jordan Rich