Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Brown
Hi Zack, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been cooking and creating dishes for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I loved crafting elaborate dinner menus for my family, competing in “Chopped” challenges with my parents as judges, and always seeking out the most extravagant items at new restaurants. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I spent even more time cooking and baking. That’s when I launched an Instagram account to document my creations—Cooking Convos was born.
I graduated from Iowa State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and mass communication, minoring in culinary science. My dream was to become a food journalist, but I ultimately pivoted to law school. Now, I’m halfway through my J.D. at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.
In college, I served as editor-in-chief of Cardinal Eats, a student-run food publication. I also worked as a copy edit apprentice for Dotdash Meredith, the largest mass media publisher in the country. There, I edited food content for brands like Better Homes & Gardens, Magnolia, and Traditional Home. I was often invited to taste-test recipes in the test kitchen, where my culinary knowledge and enthusiasm for food gave me valuable insight into the recipe development process.
Now, I’m balancing my law school career with Cooking Convos, which has evolved into a hub for recipes, meal inspiration, community events, and thoughtful food writing. Cooking and baking will always be my greatest passions, and I’m incredibly grateful for the interest and support I’ve received. I’m excited to keep growing Cooking Convos and connecting with others who share my love for food.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing school with growing Cooking Convos has been my biggest challenge. In undergrad, it was easier—I was a student food journalist, so my academic and creative pursuits naturally aligned. Law school, however, is a relentless and demanding program, leaving little free time to expand my brand. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to dedicate meaningful time to Cooking Convos without falling behind in school.
People are often surprised to learn that I’m in law school since they associate me so strongly with food. I sometimes question my decision—wondering where I’d be if I had taken a different path. Maybe I could have gone to culinary school in France. Maybe I’d be working my way up in the Dotdash Meredith test kitchen. Maybe I’d be traveling the world, reviewing restaurants. Those thoughts cross my mind, but I remind myself that cooking will always be there. It has always been my constant comfort, calming, and grounding me through some of my hardest days.
Law school wasn’t a decision I made lightly; I knew it would change my life. Given the state of the world, I felt the time was right to pursue this path—to gain the tools to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Cooking Convos reflects who I am and what I love, and I know it will continue to evolve alongside my legal career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My dream for Cooking Convos is to bring people together through food—whether through recipes I develop, meal inspiration I share, thoughtful food writing, or community-driven experiences like dinner parties, cooking classes, and private events. Food is a universal language, and I want to inspire people to engage with it in a meaningful way.
I love creating recipes that are elevated yet approachable. I believe that everyone can cook and enjoy great food, and I’m committed to developing easy, inclusive recipes that fit different dietary needs and busy schedules. More than half of the recipes on my site are gluten or dairy-free (or can be easily modified), and I focus on practical, stress-free cooking—many of my meals take 30 minutes or less and use just one pan or sheet tray.
What sets me apart from other bloggers and creatives is my deep passion and intentionality. I never push out content just for the sake of it—everything I create is thoughtful, purposeful, and backed by countless hours of work. I’ve tested hundreds of recipes that have never made it to my site because I hold myself to the highest standard and only share my best work. The same goes for my dinner parties and private events. I carefully develop and test every recipe multiple times to ensure it’s worth the investment. I understand the value of people’s hard-earned money, and I want every bite to be an experience that feels truly special.
How do you define success?
To me, success is about pursuing what you’re passionate about with authenticity and without fear of judgment. It’s not about external validation or meeting conventional expectations—it’s about having the courage to take that first, often intimidating step toward something you truly love. The worst outcome isn’t failure; it’s never trying at all.
Success isn’t always linear or immediate. It’s found in the process—the small victories, the lessons learned, and the personal growth that comes with putting yourself out there. Every step forward, even the missteps, brings you closer to turning dreams into reality. And that journey, no matter how uncertain or challenging, is always worth it.
Pricing:
- Apartment Cafés and Cooking Classes ($10-20)
- Dinner Parties or Private Events (email me for more info)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookingconvos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooking_convos/
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@cooking_convos?xmt=AQGz892WQS0HxJznknvbDF-V0TEkUeNV5KL-XdW9S9iEZa8
Image Credits
McKenzie Palin Photography
