Episode Details

What makes a family recipe unforgettable? Often, it’s not just the food—it’s the person who made it, the memories around the table, and the connection we felt while sharing it. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps talks with chef and author Josh C. Epstein about his book, The Company We Keep, a collection of meaningful recipes and personal stories that celebrates food, family, friendship, and human connection.

After losing his father, Josh wanted to honor the people who supported him through a difficult time. He invited 35 people in his life to contribute recipes that meant something to them, along with the stories behind those dishes. Josh then added his own memories of each person, creating a book that blends cookbook and memoir.

We talk about the chicken piccata recipe Josh’s son chose, the family kitchens that shaped his love of cooking, and why sharing a meal can bring us back to one another in a disconnected world. Josh also shares what it took to finish his first book while balancing a busy work schedule—and why he had to stop tweaking it and let it be done.

The takeaway: You don’t need an elaborate menu or a special occasion to reconnect. Invite someone over, make a meal together, or call the person you’ve been meaning to catch up with. As Josh puts it, “Food is the excuse. Connection is the point.”

📕 Josh’s book: The Company We Keep: Stories and Recipes from People I’ll Never Forget is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Company-We-Keep-Stories-Recipes/dp/B0HB72XJZH

🎁 One-copy book giveaway: Josh has offered to give away one complimentary copy of The Company We Keep. If you’re interested, reach out to Josh and ask about the book giveaway. https://www.facebook.com/joshcepsteinchef

Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with authors and people using their stories, expertise, and experiences to make an impact.

Chapters
00:00 Meet chef and author Josh
01:50 Why Josh wrote his book
03:02 Recipes with personal stories
03:57 The recipe his son chose
05:35 What’s inside the cookbook
07:05 Why food creates connection
08:20 Where his cooking began
09:30 Finishing a first book
12:45 Bring people back to the table
16:15 Start with one shared meal
20:05 A cookbook meets memoir
22:35 Reconnect with someone you love

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