The Type B Baker: Creativity, Social Justice, and Mental Health with Gabbie Gonzalez

The Type B Baker: Creativity, Social Justice, and Mental Health with Gabbie Gonzalez

Heidi and Gennaro talk with Gabbie Gonzalez to learn about her journey from a hobbyist baker to a sweets and social justice content creator. Gabbie emphasizes the importance of creativity in baking and shares her unique approach as a 'Type B Baker' on Instagram and Substack.  She shares the creative process behind creating recipes and her upcoming cookbook Men & Sugar: Recipes for Disaster, which intertwines personal stories and sweet desserts with broader sociological issues surrounding gender and relationships.  Gabbie shares the therapeutic nature of baking and the political implications of food, encouraging listeners to embrace creativity and connection in their culinary endeavors.  In this episode: * How Gabbie turned a hobby into a social justice-forward baking brand * What it means to be a "Type B Baker” and embrace imperfection and creativity * Cookbooks as both creative work and reflections of personal narratives. * Why aren’t food bloggers talking more about their relationship with food?  * How sharing recipes on Instagram can serve as storytelling tools about societal issues such as gender, race, and capitalism * How creativity in baking allows for personal expression and experimentation. * The political dimensions of baking, including historical examples of resistance through food Timestamps: * 2:48 - From Hobby to Content Creator * 5:50 - Defining a Type B Baker * 8:20 - Is Baking a Creative Act? * 11:20 Cookbooks vs. Finding Recipes Online * 14:17 Finding Inspiration in Personal and Shared Experiences  * 17:28 The Cookbook Journey * 21:50 Depression Baking & Mental Health * 27:30 Navigating Vulnerability in Content Creation * 29:17 Baking as a Political Act * 32:00 Community and Connection through Baking Connect with Gabbie: * Type B Baking Substack [https://gabbiegonzales.substack.com/] * Panza Baby Website [https://www.panza-baby.com/]  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/panza_baby]  Other Resources & Links: * Kitchen Arts & Letters [https://kitchenartsandletters.com/] — A bookstore dedicated to cookbooks * Kimberle Crenshaw’s Intersectionality [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersectionality]  Tags: baking, social justice, content creation, cookbook, creativity, mental health, community, sociology, mutual aid

2025 Reflections and Manifestations for the New Year

In this episode, Heidi and Gennaro reflect on the past year, discussing their personal growth, creative goals, and the importance of showing up for others. They emphasize the significance of setting intentions for the new year and embracing an unapologetic approach to life and creativity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations, and they share their concrete goals for the upcoming year, including a focus on purposeful creativity in their podcast's second season. Takeaways * New Year's is a time for reflection and hope. * Setting intentions can help guide personal growth. * Quitting a corporate job can lead to creative freedom. * Showing up for others is essential in tough times. * Comparison can hinder personal joy and creativity. * Being unapologetic about one's identity is empowering. * Creative problem-solving is key to overcoming challenges. * Embracing multiple creative mediums can enhance skills. * It's important to create systems that support creative goals. * The podcast aims to explore creativity with purpose. Chapters * 00:00 Setting Intentions for the New Year * 00:22 Navigating Creativity and Corporate Life * 02:37 Channeling Energy and Personal Values * 04:53 The Importance of Showing Up for Others * 10:15 Exploring Creative Mediums * 14:14 The Year of Being Unapologetic * 16:44 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Bravery * 18:08 Creative Travel * 19:54 Navigating Creative Challenges and Comfort Zones * 22:53 Setting Concrete Creative Goals for 2026 * 24:48 Introducing Season Two: Creativity with Purpose * 25:13 A new chapter for Also That

Flow State: Science for Creatives

In this episode, Heidi and Gennaro explore the concept of flow and its significance in enhancing creativity. They discuss the definition of flow, the research by Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, and the importance of attention in achieving this state. The conversation delves into practical steps to cultivate flow, the challenge-skill balance, and the triggers that can help individuals enter flow. They also address barriers to flow, such as self-consciousness and distractions, and provide practical tips for achieving flow in creative endeavors. References: * Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari  * Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi * Beyond Boredom and Anxiety: Experiencing Flow in Work and Play by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi * Flow Research Collective  [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/] * The Siren’s Call by Chris Hayes  Takeaways: * Attention is crucial for achieving flow. * Curiosity drives creativity and helps trigger flow. * You need to resolve to commit to a task to enter flow. * The challenge of a task should be slightly above your skill level. * Immediate feedback is essential for maintaining flow. * Self-consciousness can block the flow state. * The optimal time for flow is between 90 to 110 minutes. * Practicing flow can significantly enhance creativity. Chapters * 00:00 - Introduction to Flow State * 01:16 - Understanding Flow: Definition and Characteristics * 03:51 - Historical Context and Key Figures in Flow Research * 07:22 - The Relationship Between Flow and Happiness * 09:43 - Steps to Achieve Flow State * 14:52 - Conditions Supporting Flow State * 20:04 - Exploring Flow Triggers and Creativity * 22:12 - Curiosity as a Flow Trigger * 23:49 - The Role of Passion in Creativity * 25:04 - Finding Purpose in Creative Endeavors * 28:05 - Understanding Flow and Creativity * 29:56 - Identifying Flow Blockers * 32:10 - Optimal Time for Flow State * 34:58 - Applying Flow to Creative Processes

Writing What You Feel: Songcraft and Creative Process with Benjamin North

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro sit down with Northern California-based songwriter and storyteller Benjamin North to talk about music, process, and the art of staying creatively alive. Benji has written more than 40 songs and countless horror short stories. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to keep writing honestly, consistently, and finding joy in the act of making art.  Join us for a conversation about: * Why letting go of perfectionism fuels authentic art * How the creative process evolves throughout time  * The balance between discipline and inspiration * Using failure and “doing stupid stuff” as creative practice * How to know when you’ve made “good” art Whether you’re a writer, musician, or creative spirit searching for your rhythm, this episode is a reminder that every song and every story—finished or not—teaches you something about who you are. Find Benjamin’s music and videos on Instagram and YouTube at @music.benjamin.north. Also That is a community-driven podcast exploring how adults cultivate creativity and connection. Join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @AlsoThatPod, or email us at AlsoThatPod@gmail.com

Cultivating spaces where people dwell: Social sculpture with Hannah Bull

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro talk with Houston-based muralist and painter Hannah Bull about how and why she connects her art to something bigger. By centering on ecology, place, and community, Hannah’s social sculptures and public art installations are meant to be experienced.   Join us for a conversation about: * Using imposter syndrome to your advantage * Finding your way to the art you were meant to create * Fostering connection through art, urban spaces, and shared experience  * Houston’s vibrant art scene and more!  Hannah is currently the artist-in-residence at Hobby Airport in Houston, TX. Learn more about Hannah and see her murals at https://hannahbull.com [https://hannahbull.com]. You can follow her on instagram at HannahBullNectar [https://www.instagram.com/hannahbullnectar/].  Also That is a community-driven podcast where we explore ways to cultivate a more creative life. Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Follow us @AlsoThatPod. Or send us an email at alsothatpod@gmail.com [alsothatpod@gmail.com]