Description

February 1972 was a moment when romance slowed down, music softened, and dinner at home became something meaningful.

In this episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess travels back to the early '70s to 1972 —when soul music set the mood, Valentine's Day meant staying in, and cooking was an act of care. Anchored by the #1 song in America that week, “Let's Stay Together” by Al Green, this episode explores how food, music, and culture came together in a uniquely intimate way.

Kristen shares the cultural backdrop of February 1972, reflects on early childhood memories, and walks through a classic 1972 Valentine's Day menu featuring Steak Diane, Green Goddess salad, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

This episode isn't just about what people cooked—it's about how it felt to live then.

Key Takeaways

• Why February 1972 marked a cultural shift toward intimacy and slow living

• How soul and R&B music shaped romance and home life in the early '70s

• The story behind “Let's Stay Together” and why it resonated so deeply

• Why staying in was often considered more romantic than going out

• How classic dishes like Steak Diane and Green Goddess salad symbolized elegance

• Why food and music imprint memory long before we realize it

00:00 – Welcome to Groovy Eats: Setting the tone for February 1972

01:39 – The Cultural Mood of Early 1972: Why the world was turning inward

2:23 – The Artist: Al Green: Soul music, intimacy, and emotional connection

03:10 – The Song: “Let's Stay Together”: Why it became the soundtrack of staying in

03:52 – Valentine's Day in 1972: Romance before reservations

04:37 – A 1972 Valentine's Day Menu: Steak Diane, Green Goddess salad & chocolate-dipped strawberries

12:48 – Personal Reflection & Memory: Why this era still resonates

14:46 – Why It Still Matters Today: Slow living, intention, and staying present

15:17 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Go Next

Listener Question

What song instantly brings you back to a moment when life felt simpler?

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Groovy Eats on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps more listeners discover the show.

Until next time…

stay together, and keep it groovy. ️

Cook Along with Groovy Eats

Want to experience this episode visually?

Watch the Groovy Eats Valentine's Day cooking show episode – now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/EBikpKaSQC4

Get the complete recipes and photos at https://theartfulgourmet.com/groovy-eats-ep2-february-1972-soul-romance-and-steak-diane/

Read the companion editorial essay on Substack at https://open.substack.com/pub/artfulgourmet/p/february-1972-when-love-didnt-rush?r=6fy3xt&

Follow Kristen on Facebook, IG, Pinterest + X @artfulgourmet

See Kristen's food styling + photography portfolio

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn

See more behind the scenes content + shorts on TikTok @foodiegirl87

Watch the Al Green YouTube video "Let's Stay Together"

Description

In this premiere episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess of The Artful Gourmet revisits January 1978, when soft rock and yacht rock dominated the charts and comfort casseroles defined family dinners.

Featuring the #1 song Baby Come Back by Player and the classic Chicken Divan casserole, this episode explores music history, food history, and personal memories—including a five-week childhood road trip from New York to California.

A nostalgic, feel-good podcast for fans of 1970s music, comfort food, and meaningful storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• January 1978 marked a golden era of soft rock and yacht rock
• 'Baby Come Back' by Player captured universal themes of regret, longing, and hope
• Player emerged from the West Coast studio scene with a harmony-driven sound
• Chicken Divan evolved from a French restaurant dish into a late-'70s casserole icon
• Food and music act as emotional time machines
• Nostalgia is about connection, not just the past

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Groovy Eats Welcome to the show where retro food and music become memories. Kristen Hess introduces the theme of the episode, focusing on 1978.

01:06 - Setting the Scene: 1978 A nostalgic look back at the cultural landscape of 1978, highlighting the era of soft rock and its impact.

02:33 - Featured Band: Player An introduction to the band Player, their formation, and their hit song "Baby Come Back."

04:33 - The Story Behind "Baby Come Back" Insights into the emotional resonance of Player's hit song and its significance in 1978.

05:16 - The Essence of Late '70s Soft Rock Discussion on the emotional and melodic qualities of soft rock music from the late '70s.

06:02 - Personal Memories and Road Trip Kristen shares personal stories from a family road trip across the US in 1978, creating lasting memories.

08:38 - Chicken Divan: A Retro Comfort Food The origins and evolution of Chicken Divan, a staple dish from the late '70s.

10:54 - Cooking Chicken Divan Today A step-by-step guide to making Chicken Divan, including tips for a homemade Mornay sauce.

11:30 - The Power of Food and Music Exploring how food and music serve as powerful anchors to our memories and emotions.

12:20 - Conclusion and Listener Engagement Kristen encourages listeners to share their own memories connected to food and songs.

Keywords

• Groovy Eats podcast
• January 1978 nostalgia
• Baby Come Back Player
• Yacht rock podcast
• 1970s music podcast
• Chicken Divan recipe

Watch the full episode ⁠on YouTube ⁠to groove, cook along and experience the story visually

️ Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify

️ Read the full recipe and story on ⁠The Artful Gourmet⁠ blog

✍️ Subscribe on Substack for weekly essays, behind-the-scenes stories, and Groovy Eats extras ⁠@artfulgourmet

Follow Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess and The Artful Gourmet on social media @artfulgourmet and on TikTok ⁠@foodiegirl87

️ View Kristen's Food Styling + Photography Portfolio + book your next food shoot at ⁠https://www.kristen-hess.com

⭐ If this episode brought back a memory, please like, share and leave a comment below or a review — it helps the show grow!

Watch the original music video of Player performing⁠ 'Baby Come Back' on YouTube⁠

Listen to the song 'Baby Come Back' on Spotify

Description

What if success in 2026 wasn't about doing more—but about living better? In this episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen Hess shares a nourishing, sustainable approach to success, health, and happiness rooted in everyday habits that support your body, mind, and creativity. From mindful nutrition and flexible meal planning to joyful movement, gratitude, and energy-protecting routines, this episode reframes wellbeing as the true foundation of success. You'll also be guided through a grounding reflection and introduced to a Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl with versatile Lemon Honey Herb Dressing variations—simple, beautiful food that meets you where you are. This episode is an invitation to slow down, nourish yourself, and build a life that feels good to live inside.

Key Takeaways

• A healthier, more sustainable definition of success for 2026
• How nourishment and daily habits impact energy, mindset, and joy
• Simple fitness and movement ideas that support real life
• Meal planning strategies that reduce stress and decision fatigue
• Why flexibility—in food and in life—is a form of self-care
• A guided reflection to help you reset, refocus, and realign

Sound Bites

"You need to take care of your body." "Consistency matters more than intensity." "Nourishment is a daily choice."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Artful Gourmet Podcast

02:46 Redefining Success and Happiness

05:04 The Importance of Well-Being

06:48 Nourishment as a Daily Practice

09:15 Meal Planning for Peace of Mind

37:29 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

#TheArtfulGourmetPodcast

#HealthyHabits

#MindfulLiving

#FoodAsSelfCare

#WellnessLifestyle

#MediterraneanDiet

#IntentionalLiving

#SuccessAndHappiness

#NourishmentOverHustle

Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify, Apple, Amazon + iHeartRadio

Download the printable recipe + dressing variations

Read the full blog post and reflection

Read the extended essay on Substack

Follow Kristen Hess & The Artful Gourmet online!

View Kristen's Food Styling and Photography Portfolio at www.kristen-Hess.com

Follow The Artful Gourmet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@theartfulgourmet

Follow on social media at @artfulgourmet

Follow on TikTok at @foodiegirl87