EP 54 | The Hidden Table: Cooking, Travel, and Connection with Chef Shannon Smith
Written by Tracy Spears on April 8, 2025
In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Chef Shannon Smith shares the bold shifts that transformed her life—from growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma to becoming a celebrated chef and culinary educator. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her from a successful sewing career to discovering her true passion for cooking, inspired by a home economics teacher who sparked her love for food.
Shannon’s travels to over 50 countries have shaped her culinary style, deepened her commitment to teaching, and fueled her desire to uplift underserved communities. She reflects on the unexpected turns that led to her cookbook, The Hidden Table, and how creating immersive dining experiences allows her to foster connection and joy.
Through microfinance and skill-building in sewing and cooking, Shannon is empowering women around the world—proving that when we embrace change, we can create an impact far beyond ourselves. Tune in to hear how embracing life’s shifts has led her to a life of adventure, purpose, and passion.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chef Shannon Smith
02:08 Growing Up in Oklahoma
05:37 The Shift from Ranch to Education
12:44 The Journey into Home Economics
16:51 Transitioning from Sewing to Cooking
21:59 Exploring Culinary Cultures
25:07 First Cooking Class Experience
27:49 The Unexpected Journey to Writing a Cookbook
28:16 The Shift to Culinary Arts
29:26 Creating Memorable Dining Experiences
32:33 The Power of Connection at the Table
35:22 Teamwork in Culinary Events
37:20 Traveling and Cooking: A Unique Passion
39:24 Future Travel Aspirations
41:12 Reflections on Turning 60
42:59 The Impact of a Cookbook
47:13 The Wrap-Up
Guest Bio
Shannon is an earnest traveler with the heart of a chef, exploring the world for flavors and stories she can bring home to share with others. A native of Oklahoma, she has traveled to over 50 countries where she often cooks in the kitchens of local chefs and home cooks, learning about the ingredients, recipes, and stories that shape their lives. For over 20 years, Shannon has taught cooking classes and hosted dinner events in her Tulsa home with themed menus based on different locales from her travels.
Shannon is also passionate about doing good and uses her travels to teach impoverished women to cook while helping to finance their businesses using micro-loan programs. Her charity work has taken her to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Rwanda where she helped locals striving to improve their businesses and provide for their families.
Her first cookbook, titled “The Hidden Table” was released May of 2024, which is a collection of stories and recipes from her adventures around the world.
Connect with Shannon
Website: https://chefshannon.com/
TikTok: @chefshannonsmith
Instagram: @chefshannonsmith
Visit Tracy’s blog for more great insights!
