Freakonomics Radio · July 22, 2026 · 00:42:47

Why Cooking is Caregiving, with Chef Hillary Sterling | Better in Person

Hillary Sterling, executive chef at Ci Siamo in New York City, discusses how she transformed from a Brooklyn kid eating cream cheese sandwiches into one of the city's most accomplished chefs. The episode explores the relationship between cooking and caregiving, examining how food preparation serves as a form of emotional labor and connection. Sterling reflects on her culinary journey, the influence of her background, and what it means to cook for others as an act of service.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

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Cooking as Caregiving and Emotional Labor

Cooking for others is fundamentally an act of caregiving — a form of emotional labor that transcends nutrition and becomes an expression of care, attention, and love.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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Humble Origins Shape Culinary Understanding

A childhood of modest, uncomplicated food doesn't prevent culinary excellence — instead, it can ground a chef's understanding of what food means to people.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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In-Person Connection as Essential Format

The 'Better in Person' series format choice reflects that certain conversations about craft, caregiving, and human work require physical presence to fully communicate.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

Misc

✧Raised on cream cheese sandwiches and canned potatoes — stark contrast to her professional culinary work

✧Executive chef at Ci Siamo, a notable NYC restaurant

✧Second episode of 'Better in Person' series emphasizes in-person conversation

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