The Road To Discovery Health

My road to being a chef has been the road less traveled.

Growing up the youngest of three boys was great at times, when they would take me to parties with them, and not so great when they would do what older brothers do best: beat me up.  But either way it's no secret that the youngest gets the most attention, bruised or not.

My grandparents lived a mere four houses down the street so that I could easily escape my brothers' wrath to the safety of my grandmother's kitchen or garden, where my grandfather would be gardening for her. So my relationship with fresh food developed during these early years. Even growing up in Arlington, Virginia made the Blue Ridge Mountains, picking fresh peaches and apples, and ultimately my great-grandmother's farm, fairly accessible. Gathering fresh eggs from under the chickens and helping to dig up thistles (sharp spiny plants) so that the cows wouldn't eat them was a treat. One less chicken somehow translated into an amazing grilled chicken dinner. Both sets of grandparents also had modest cabins near water, so my family would go fishing and crabbing at least once a year. Fresh seafood has never been more delicious than when you catch it yourself.

At a young age I had a natural attraction to the arts, drawing inspiration from my Mom, in the fields of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and cooking. I also developed quite the work ethic, which I learned from my Dad. I inherited my paper route from my oldest brother, Craig, whom I used to assist free of charge. Years later I began waitering, then I was a dishwasher, landscaper, worked at a nursing home, and even spun records during college. I enjoyed acting too, which began while playing The Lion in our third grade production of The Wizard of Oz. Seemed like an appropriate role don't you think?

My degree is in Health Science, which involved anatomy (cadavers), physiology, chemistry, and biology. So when I moved out to Los Angeles it made since to complete a course in which to become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). So I find the human body an amazing thing with which to respect and care for, inside and out. I even had the wonderful opportunity to join others and help raise money for AIDS research by bicycling from Fairbanks, Alaska to Anchorage. A life changing event, indeed.

Now at the age of 36 I work with farmers at local farmer's markets, and have finally attained my dream, that being to share and teach. What better medium than television? What better a network than Discovery Health? Who knew that the majority of my jobs, activities, and education were all somehow applicable to what I am doing now. Total fruition. Totally happy.

Comments

[Margaret]

Love your show! Were can I get your cookbook? I checked the discover store and didn't find it there.

[Jennifer Howard]

I and my family have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten from wheat, rye, barley and oats damages the lining of the intestines. I wonder if you could work in some gluten free recipes? It is estimated that up to 30% of the U.S. population has some sort of gluten intolerance, so the effort would not be wasted.

Wow, I was really suprised to read your story. It very much seems to resemble the path I am on right now. I am a junior in college now and I am working on a Health Science degree, although I have no idea where I am going with it. The program I am in is more designed toward public health prevention vs the biological aspect of health. I too have always had a passion for art; photography, crafting, baking as well. I just thought I would share my story since I feel I can relate to the path you have taken, and I respect that you have found your passion now. I just feel that I'm not too sure what I am going to do in this field, but now that I see where you are now, everything in your past has influenced the paths you have taken. Especially your health science education; that inspires me to think beyond the field of health and figure out how I can relate my education to something that I really have a passion for. Great write up :)

[Christy]

You were my favorite contestant on Next Food Network Star. I was thrilled to discover tonight that you had a show on Discovery Health. I'll be tuning in tomorrow for sure! Congratulations on the show.

[Dana Lee]

I love watching your show, you keep it fresh and lively. The food is healthy with real flavor and texture. You inspire me to get back to trying new dishes!
I make sure to DVR your show every week. its a must watch.
great success to you,
Dana
San Diego CA

[Julie]

I loved your write up. You seem like a great guy. I have really enjoyed your show too. I heard on the radio that Discovery Network was going to start a new cooking show so I set my DVR. I had no idea it was going to be your show. Yes, I too saw you on the food network channel. So now I tape your series. I love to cook and have recently gotten back into experimenting with new dishes. Yours always look so yummy and fresh. I would like to ask though, could you please put the nutritional information on your recipes on this web site? That would be great.