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    Ep 260: Rachel Stevens

    enAugust 28, 2024
    What health initiatives is Rachel Stevens currently promoting?
    What are Rachel's favorite food memories discussed on the podcast?
    How does Rachel feel about maintaining a long-term career in entertainment?
    What is the significance of sharing food with others, according to the podcast?
    What are the podcast's future plans regarding guest menus?

    Podcast Summary

    • S Club Era and Food MemoriesRachel Stevens shares her favorite food memories and current health initiatives on the Off Menu podcast, while following the rule of no unacceptable secret ingredients to avoid being 'kicked out' of the dream restaurant.

      Rachel Stevens, a beloved figure from the S Club era, joined James Eggers on the Off Menu podcast to discuss her favorite food memories and current health initiatives. Rachel is currently promoting good gut health and may share recipes or tips during the episode. However, if she reveals an unacceptable secret ingredient, she could be "kicked out" of the dream restaurant according to podcast rules. The conversation ranged from reminiscing about their shared past, including Rachel's experiences on Saturday morning TV shows, to discussing the challenges and joys of maintaining a long-term career in entertainment. Rachel also shared her excitement about staying connected with fans, many of whom have grown up and brought their own children to her shows. The podcast aims to keep reinventing itself and may experiment with having guests decide their own menus in future episodes.

    • Serendipitous connections, OpportunitiesUnexpected encounters and connections can lead to opportunities and success, as demonstrated by Rachel's experience joining S Club and the shared connection between her and Britney Spears' songs.

      The power of connection and serendipity can lead to unexpected opportunities and success. Rachel's chance encounter at a lunchroom led her to audition for S Club, ultimately becoming a member of the popular band. Another intriguing connection was discovered when it was revealed that Rachel and Britney Spears shared the same songwriter for their respective hits, "Sweet Dreams (My LAEx)" and "Toxic." The importance of seizing opportunities and the impact of chance encounters were themes that emerged throughout the conversation. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the persistence and determination required to pursue one's dreams, as Rachel admitted to taking risks and learning on the job. The conversation also showcased the enduring appeal of nostalgia and the impact of music on our lives.

    • Coffee and Bread LovePersonal preferences and enjoyment of simple everyday experiences, like coffee and bread, are important for happiness and excitement in life.

      The speaker's love for coffee has evolved over time, leading to an appreciation for the nuances and differences in various types and preparations. They have acquired a taste for it and now enjoy it extra hot, showing respect for those who do the same. The search for good coffee brings them joy and a sense of excitement, even if it's not always perfect. Similarly, the speaker's love for bread is unapologetic, and they believe in enjoying food in moderation, finding joy in both the healthier and less healthy options. The conversation highlights the importance of personal preferences and the pleasure derived from simple everyday experiences.

    • Food PreferencesThe speaker expresses a love for various foods, particularly Quaker Oats with chocolate and Trader Joe's version, granola and yogurt, barata, fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze with bread, cold curries, and pizza the next day. They emphasize the joy of discovering new foods and sharing them with others.

      The speaker expresses a love for various foods, particularly Quaker Oats with chocolate and Trader Joe's version of it, as well as granola and yogurt. However, they forget how much they enjoy these foods and discover new favorites, like barata, which they describe as the king of starters. The speaker also mentions their preference for fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze with bread. They also express a fondness for cold curries and pizza the next day. The conversation also touches upon the importance of experiencing the joy of discovering new foods and sharing them with others. The speaker also shares that their management company's name, S&S, is derived from Simon Fuller and the 19th letter in the alphabet. The speaker finds it overwhelming to quickly decide on a dream meal and suggests that it can be "whatever you want it to be."

    • Food and LoveThe group fondly recalled their past experiences involving food and love, with Rachel and John sharing memorable stories, and discussed their preferred dishes and kitchen appliances.

      The group reminisced about their past experiences, including their shared love for food and their personal quests for romance. Rachel and John were particularly noted for their stories, with Rachel sharing her signature performance and John's longing for love. The group also discussed their culinary preferences, with lobster chips and charred broccoli being their dream main courses. The conversation also touched upon the use of kitchen appliances, specifically the air fryer, and the group's fondness for it. Overall, the conversation was filled with nostalgia, humor, and a shared appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

    • Emotional attachment, power dynamicsEmotional attachment can blur lines of appropriate behavior, especially in power dynamics, and it's crucial to recognize and respect relationships.

      Involvement and attachment can blur the lines of appropriate behavior, even in seemingly harmless situations. The discussion revolved around the Octopus Teacher documentary and the moral dilemma of a student's emotional attachment to his teacher. The speaker also shared his thoughts on food preferences and drink pairings, but the underlying theme remained the same. When we become too emotionally involved, we may cross boundaries and make questionable decisions. It's essential to recognize the power dynamics and respect the relationships we have, especially with those in positions of authority.

    • Wine and Food PreferencesThe speaker enjoys white wine, particularly when it's well-chilled, and prefers organic and biodynamic wines to reduce hangovers. They value fairness and order, ensuring equal shares for everyone, but also indulge in treats while considering others.

      The speaker has a strong preference for white wine, particularly when it's well-chilled, and has noticed that organic and biodynamic wines result in fewer hangovers. Additionally, the speaker is a fan of sharing food and establishing clear boundaries when it comes to communal dishes. The speaker also enjoys trying new experiences, such as going out of their comfort zone on a rollercoaster or experimenting with different types of wine. The speaker values order and fairness, ensuring that everyone gets an equal share when it comes to food and experiences. Despite their disciplined nature, they still allow themselves indulgences, such as having two desserts at once, but ensure that they have enough for everyone. Overall, the speaker values enjoyment, fairness, and clear communication in their experiences with food, wine, and life in general.

    • Food and social connectionsSharing meals with others enhances enjoyment and creates deeper social connections. Even mundane activities like eating can be more significant when alone, emphasizing the importance of human connection.

      Food and social connections are deeply intertwined, and the experience of eating a meal, especially dinner, is often more enjoyable when shared with others. The conversation also touched upon the idea that it can be sad to be alone during the night, and that even seemingly mundane activities like eating a meal can take on greater significance when we are by ourselves. The discussion also highlighted the importance of having rules and structure, as the speakers found themselves repeatedly emphasizing the need for "rules" when engaging in various activities. Additionally, the conversation showcased the creativity and imagination that can emerge when people brainstorm ideas together, as evidenced by their suggestions for dessert menus and potential S Club songs for CPR. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of connection, creativity, and structure in our daily lives.

    • Personal connections, admiration for artistsMentioning a specific person before recording can impact interviews, personal stories reveal admiration for artists, and connections can be passed down through generations.

      During a conversation on the Off Menu Podcast, the hosts discussed the importance of not mentioning a specific person, Patrick Keelty, before recording, as they had planned to bring him up during the interview with Cat Deeley. The hosts, James and Ed, shared a personal story about meeting Patrick Keelty with James' father and how it revealed his admiration for the artist. They expressed the challenge of rhyming Keelty and looked forward to potentially speaking with him again. They also expressed gratitude to their guest, Rachel, for joining them on the podcast. Overall, the conversation showcased the significance of personal connections and the admiration for artists that can be passed down through generations.

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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

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    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.