In this episode of The Perfect Bite Podcast, host Sarah Perkins sits down with pastry chef, food writer, and cookbook author Justin Burke, whose debut cookbook Potluck Desserts is redefining what comfort baking — and queer food — really mean.
Justin shares their remarkable journey from self-taught baker and restaurant pastry chef to becoming a nationally recognized voice in food storytelling, and how writing about food through a queer lens unlocked a mission of community, identity, and chosen family.
From pop-ups that unexpectedly went viral, to the emotional process of bringing a cookbook in the queer food space to life over 10 years, to building a platform rooted in authenticity rather than algorithm-chasing, Justin offers wisdom for creatives and entrepreneurs across every field.
In this episode you’ll hear:
• What queer food really is — and why it has nothing to do with ingredients
• The cultural history of queer potlucks and how they shaped Justin’s cookbook
• How to build a creative career without “staying in one lane”
• Why authors and creators should focus on community over competition
• Advice for anyone writing a book or building a brand from scratch
You can purchase “Potluck Desserts” at your favorite local book stores or any national bookstore chains.
You can follow Justin on Instagram @justintsburke and subscribe to his Substack “Taste This.”
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