The Gourmet Goober

The Gourmet Goober is a bi-weekly journey through foodie and pop culture hosted by JJ Outlaw and her hubby, Big Daddy. It's the show that is a little bit gourmet and a lot ratchet. © Plum Goode Media

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Our first curated collection is now out! Check out our Cherry Bomb collection now at the Produce Pals Studio store. And watch for some fun opportunities to "spill some good tea" while supporting some Plum Goode Giving!

Check it out now at producepalsstudio.com.

[plumgoode]

Our first curated collection is now out! Check out our Cherry Bomb collection now at the Produce Pals Studio store. And watch for some fun opportunities to "spill some good tea" while supporting some Plum Goode Giving!

Check it out now at producepalsstudio.com.

[plumgoode]

Introducing Produce Pals Studio

When most people hear the words "media company," they think of podcasts, videos, articles, and social media content.

And yes, that's a big part of what we do at Plum Goode Media.

But from the beginning, our mission has always been bigger than creating content. We've wanted to create experiences that make people smile, spark conversations, and bring a little more joy into everyday life.

Stories can take many forms.

Sometimes they're told through a podcast episode. Sometimes they're shared over a cup of tea. Sometimes they're found in a community gathering, a creative project, or an unexpected moment of nostalgia.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce Produce Pals Studios.

Produce Pals Studio is our newest creative venture: a collection of playful fruit and vegetable characters designed to celebrate personality, imagination, and the simple pleasures that make life a little sweeter.

At Plum Goode Media, we've always had a soft spot for nostalgia—especially the kind that resonates with Gen X. We grew up in a world of Saturday morning cartoons, sticker collections, character lunchboxes, colorful stationery, and quirky mascots that somehow became lifelong friends. There was something magical about those little moments of joy, and they're increasingly rare in a world that often feels rushed and disconnected.

Produce Pals is our love letter to that era.

Our first collection, Cherry Bomb, includes a retro-inspired mug and spiral journal featuring our cheerful cherry friends. But these products aren't just merchandise. They're tiny pieces of a larger creative world we're building—one that blends nostalgia, storytelling, creativity, and a healthy dose of whimsy.

In many ways, Produce Pals represents the same values that have guided Plum Goode Media from the start.

Storytelling. Creativity. Community.

As we continue to grow, you’ll see Produce Pals appear in new ways. There may be new characters, seasonal collections, digital experiences, and fun podcasting events. More importantly, we’ll also be able to use this endeavor to expand Plum Goode Philanthropy so we can continue to support the causes we love.

Whether we’re producing a podcast, creating a community experience, sharing a conversation about food and culture, or designing a whimsical cherry character, our goal remains the same:

To create meaningful moments that connect people through creativity, curiosity, nostalgia, and joy.

Welcome to Produce Pals Studio. We’re glad you’re here.

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Building in the In-Between:

What Beta Taught Me About Care, Clarity, and Community

I didn’t set out to become a founder. I set out to make something that felt like care — for my family, for our community, for anyone craving a little joy and connection.

Our latest product, dubbed the Midnight Movies Munchies, started as a late-night idea. It’s now in beta, shaped by feedback from testers who saw its potential and weren’t afraid to challenge it. We pivoted. We clarified. We removed stickers from the core kit and added seasonal print-on-demand packs. We made it easier to use, easier to share, easier to love.

And I did all this while juggling everything else: caregiving, working a regular 9 to 5, researching funding for my business while I bootstrap and tracking grants, a car accident (😲) where my vehicle was totaled, and the quiet work of believing in something before it’s real.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

You can build in the margins — and still create something meaningful.

Feedback is a gift, especially when it’s honest.

Community isn’t a metric. It’s a feeling.

I’m still learning, iterating, and showing up. Thanks for being part of it, and for being patient while we cook up something great behind the scenes. We can't wait to share what's next.

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Plum Goode Giving 2025: Standing With Chicago

This Giving Tuesday, Plum Goode Media proudly joined millions around the world in the spirit of generosity. For us, the day was about more than donations—it was about solidarity. Chicago, our home and heart, has weathered a difficult year, and we wanted to use our Giving Tuesday dollars to uplift the organizations that continue to protect, educate, and empower its communities.

We’re honored to share the six organizations we supported through Plum Goode Giving 2025:

The Brother David Darst Center – For their continued work in educating the next generation about social justice and fostering critical conversations that inspire change.

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute – For their unwavering mission to protect and uplift the Black trans community, ensuring voices are heard, and lives are valued. Although they focus on more than just Chicago, their support has been felt in the local LGBTQIA community during a time when trans men & women are being unjustly targeted.

Block Club Chicago – For their fierce, independent media coverage of Chicago, shining light on stories that matter.

My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (Obama Foundation) – For their commitment to helping young Black men navigate the path to adulthood with mentorship, opportunity, and hope.

PAWS Chicago – For their no-kill shelter mission, giving countless animals a second chance at life. (This one was extra special—our dog Braxton made this donation!)

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – For their decades‑long commitment to expanding access to higher education for Black students. While their reach is national, UNCF’s ties to Chicago are broad and enduring, supporting local scholars and strengthening the city’s legacy of educational opportunity.

Each of these organizations embodies resilience, care, and justice. Together, they represent the Chicago we love: diverse, determined, and deeply rooted in community.

Join Us in Giving Back

We invite you to stand with us. If you’re able, consider donating directly to these organizations. Your support helps sustain their vital work and ensures Chicago’s communities continue to thrive.

Giving Tuesday may be one day on the calendar, but generosity is timeless. Let’s keep the spirit alive all year long.

[gourmetgoober]

Why Beta Testing Day Is Such a Big Deal

Today marks a huge milestone for Plum Goode Media and me: we’ve officially launched beta testing for Midnight Movie Munchies!

For anyone who’s ever taken an idea from late-night scribbles in a notebook to something you can hold in your hands, you know this moment is big. A beta launch means your project is no longer just an idea—it’s real, tangible, and ready to be tested in the wild.

Why Beta Matters

Reaching beta testing isn’t just about shipping a product. It’s about:

Validation – Inviting real people to try what you’ve created and tell you what works (and what doesn’t).

Momentum – Turning quiet behind-the-scenes development into something public, exciting, and worth sharing.

Growth – Using insights from testers to refine, polish, and prepare for a wider release.

What We’re Testing

Midnight Movie Munchies combines two of my favorite worlds—food and pop culture—into one experience. It’s designed to capture the joy of staying up late, watching a B-movie or cult classic, and snacking on something fun and unexpected.

Our beta testers are the first to open these kits, try the experience, and help us shape what comes next. Their feedback will be the secret ingredient that helps us perfect it for future launches.

Looking Ahead

Today isn’t the finish line—it’s the start of a new phase. Beta testing is proof that the idea has legs, and now we get to make it even better.

To everyone who’s been following Plum Goode Media, listening to The Gourmet Goober Podcast, or cheering us on—thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us.

Stay tuned: the best part is still to come!

JJ Outlaw Founder, Plum Goode Media Producer & Co-Host, The Gourmet Goober Podcast

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The Snackening is Coming...

Hey Peeps,

We know it's been a bit quiet around here, but trust us, we've been hard at work—cooking up something truly special just for you! We’ve been in the lab mixing up an immersive experience that’s unlike anything you've seen before. Get ready for a project that’s part podcast, part product, and packed with all the flavor you crave.

Picture this: retro cult movie vibes, limited drops, and big munchie energy. We can’t wait to share the delicious surprises we’ve been working on. Trust us, it’s going to be fun!

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to chat about the anticipation of what’s to come, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

Stay tuned for more updates—exciting times are ahead!

Snack on, The Plum Goode Media Team.

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Welcome Lustrowin: Our New Affiliate Partner!*

We’re excited to announce Lustrowin as our new partner at The Gourmet Goober! We’ve always been fans of their beautifully designed blinds, especially their kitchen products, which perfectly combine style and functionality.

By partnering with us, Lustrowin is helping us bring even more great content to our community, and we couldn’t be happier!

Custom Cordless Jute Bamboo Roman Shade Living Room | Lustrowin

Enhance your living room with Lustrowin's custom-size ramie flax Roman shades. Cordless design offers convenience and a sleek, modern look f

To celebrate, you can save on your next Lustrowin purchase on us! Just head to this link to shop and enjoy these great savings! Let’s give a warm welcome to Lustrowin!

*Please note that our link is an affiliate link, meaning that when you make a purchase through it, we earn a small percentage at no extra cost to you. This support helps us continue creating great content for you. Happy shopping, and thank you for supporting us!

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Back...After a Long, Strange Trip.

After almost two years of challenges offline, I'm finally back. Do you know that feeling when you run out of steam, and you're not sure where to go next? That was definitely me. That said, I'm glad to have made my way back to Gooberland.

I wish I could reveal more, but just know that I needed this time away to reflect and deal with life as we all know it. As I look to share some future projects (including a new podcast), I'm exactly where I need to be now, and I'm so excited to bring you along for the journey.

So, hello again. I'm JJ, but you can call me The Gourmet Goober. I'm looking forward to getting to know you soon

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Help Us Make a Difference this Giving Tuesday!

As we approach Giving Tuesday, we at Plum Goode are excited to kick off our annual Plum Goode Giving initiative. This year, we are reminded of the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in our society. In light of the recent election, it's more crucial than ever that we prioritize and uplift historically marginalized communities.

We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table and an opportunity to be heard, and we are committed to contributing to this cause. But we can't do it alone! We want to hear from you—our vibrant community—about organizations that are making a difference.

If you know of nonprofits or grassroots organizations that focus on uplifting marginalized voices or support communities that have been overlooked, we want to know about them! Your suggestions will help us ensure that our donations make a real impact where it's needed most.

Please share your recommendations with us by emailing [email protected]. We’re looking for organizations that align with our mission and have a demonstrated commitment to support and empower underrepresented communities.

Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday a powerful opportunity to give back and support those who are often silenced. Thank you for being a part of our journey to promote equity and inclusion.

We can't wait to see your suggestions!

With gratitude, The Plum Goode Team

[gourmetgoober]

We're Making the Move to Bluesky!

Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an important update with you all. I’ve decided to migrate my Twitter account to Bluesky, and I want to explain why I made this choice.

Over the past year, I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with the direction Twitter has taken. I can no longer support a social media platform that allows and promotes disturbing accounts that spread harmful content. It’s disheartening to see racist and misogynistic behavior being tolerated and amplified. This is not an environment where I feel safe or welcome, and I believe it does not benefit my followers either. And after the election, I realized I no longer wanted to help monetize Elon Musk through my activity.

By moving to Bluesky, I hope to create a more positive and inclusive online community. I want to prioritize a space that respects individuals and fosters genuine connections, free from the toxicity that has become too common on X.

If you’d like to continue following my updates and engage with me in this new space, you can find me on Bluesky at @jjoutlaw.bsky.social. I genuinely appreciate your support and understanding as I make this transition. Please note that I will keep my account on Twitter to make sure no one uses my handle for nefarious purposes. But I will NOT BE ACTIVE on the platform

Thank you for being part of Gooberland, and I look forward to connecting with you on Bluesky!

[gourmetgoober]

That's Not Vegan, Baby!

In this episode, the Goobers discuss the donut scandal taking over vegan and gluten-free TikTok, review Starbucks' latest libations, and give a peek into a dining experience that is truly out of this world. Plus, Big Daddy forces JJ to face one of her biggest fears (warning- you might need an umbrella after hearing it).

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or wherever you stream podcasts.

[gourmetgoober]

Foodie Deals for St. Patrick's Day 2024

Are you ready for this St. Patrick's Day? Whether you're of Irish descent or just looking for a reason to celebrate, restaurants nationwide are gearing up to offer some fantastic deals and specials for March 17th. From traditional fare to green-themed treats, here are five national restaurant treats and deals we're excited about.  

1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Cooper's is offering the following deals for St. Patrick's Day:

Corned Beef Sliders ($19.99)

Corned Beef & Cabbage ($27.99)

2. Dunkin' Donuts: 

Dunkin' offers multiple ways to enter the St. Paddy's Day spirit. Treat yourself to a St. Patrick's Day Coolatta or enjoy a special mint tea. Not a tea drinker? Grab a cup of mint hot chocolate before snacking on a Shamrock Sprinkle Donut.

3. Biggby Coffee

Biggby Coffee offers deals of either a buy one, get one free, or $1 off any drink deal. The offer is valid on drinks of all sizes, up to 24 ounces.

4. Jack in the Box

All Jack Pack members will receive a free Oreo Cookie Mint Shake at Jack in the Box with a $1 app purchase.

5. Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme customers dressed in green can grab one free green Original Glazed doughnut. You can also try their new St. Patrick's Day collection: (Luck of the Rainbow Doughnut, Shamrock Cookies' N Kreme Made With OREO Cookies, Plaid Party Doughnut, and Shooting Shamrock Doughnut).

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Bytes and Bites with Resactly Founder, Fisayo Oluwadiya

In this week's special episode, we introduce you to Fisayo Oluwadiya, a food blogger and food tech entrepreneur.

Fisayo isn't just any food blogger; her New York Foodie Adventures blog has captivated thousands, but it's her latest venture that's stirring up the culinary world. As the founder of Resactly, she's AI to craft personalized dining experiences that promise to redefine how we explore food.

Listeners will be captivated by Fisayo's story, from her Nigerian roots and the rich culinary heritage of the Yoruba tribe to her transition into the tech world and the creation of Resactly. Exploring food, culture, and technology, this episode will leave you inspired, hungry for more, and perhaps craving the best burger you've never had.

So, if you're a foodie, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is a must-listen. The show is available now wherever you stream podcasts.

[gourmetgoober]

Celebrate Pi Day 2024 with These Delicious Deals

Pi Day, which is celebrated every year on March 14th, is a fun and nerdy holiday commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi). While the day is technically about math, it has also become a great excuse to indulge in one of America's favorite pastimes: eating pie! To help you celebrate Pi Day 2024 in style, we've rounded up some of our favorite restaurant deals and promotions available nationwide. 

 

 1. Blaze Pizza (https://www.blazepizza.com)

Blaze Pizza is celebrating Pi Day by offering $3.14 pizzas on March 14th. This deal is valid for in-restaurant orders only, so stop by your nearest Blaze Pizza location to take advantage of this delicious deal.

 2. Grand Traverse Pie Company (https://gtpie.com/)

Grand Traverse Pie Company will celebrate by offering a free slice of Michigan ABC Crumb Pie (apples, blueberries, and cherries) with any purchase.

3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/)

On Pi Day, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering mini one-topping pizzas for just $3.14 each. This tasty deal is valid for dine-in orders only.

4. Marie Callender's (https://www.mariecallenders.com/)

Get $3.14 off select Marie Callender's frozen pies when shopping online at selected retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon Fresh. You can get the same deal if you visit Marie Callender's restaurants on Thursday. This deal is valid for all pie flavors, including their award-winning apple pie.

5. Burger King (https://www.bk.com/)

If you're a member of their Royal Perks club, you can snag a free Hershey's Sundae Pie with any purchase of $3.14 or more.

6. Bojangles (https://www.bojangles.com/)

Bojangles is celebrating Pi Day with a sweet deal on their sweet potato pies. On March 14th, customers can purchase two sweet potato pies for just $3.14. This deal is valid for drive-thru and in-restaurant orders only.

7. 7-Eleven (https://www.7-eleven.com/)

7-Eleven is offering a sweet deal on their whole pizzas on Pi Day. Customers can purchase an entire pizza for just $3.14. This deal is valid for in-store purchases only.

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Celebrating 11 Years of The Gourmet Goober! 🎉

What started as a humble platform to document our culinary adventures in Northwest Indiana has blossomed into something beyond our wildest dreams. As we raise our glasses to toast 11 delightful years, we can't help but reminisce on the delectable recipes, heartwarming stories, and shared moments that have made this blog a cherished part of our lives.

From our readers who have been with us every step of the way to the creation of our podcast, we couldn't have done it without you. Here's to the next 11 years of discovering new flavors and celebrating all things food!

[gourmetgoober]

Celebrating Women of Color in Food Culture for International Women's Day.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made to culinary history. In particular, we honor the trailblazing women of color who have shaped food culture and left a lasting impact on the world of cuisine. From chefs and entrepreneurs to activists and writers, these women have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and inspired generations. Let's take a moment to celebrate their stories.

One such pioneer is Edna Lewis, often called the "Grand Dame" of Southern cooking. Born in Freetown, Virginia, in 1916, Lewis grew up deeply appreciating fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Southern cooking techniques. She became a renowned chef, cookbook author, and culinary educator, preserving and sharing the rich culinary heritage of the American South. Her book, "The Taste of Country Cooking," is considered a classic and has inspired countless chefs and home cooks alike.

Another iconic figure is Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine." Chase was the chef and co-owner of Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans, a gathering place for artists, activists, and politicians during the Civil Rights Movement. Through her cooking, Chase celebrated the flavors of Creole cuisine while using her restaurant as a platform for social change, making it a safe space for African Americans to dine together during segregation.

In the realm of food activism, we find the inspiring story of LaDonna Redmond. Redmond is a food justice activist and advocate for urban agriculture and community-led food systems. She has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity and inequity, particularly in historically marginalized communities. Her work demonstrates the power of food as a tool for social change.

Turning our attention to the world of food media, we must recognize the contributions of Pati Jinich. Jinich is a Mexican-American chef, cookbook author, and host of the PBS series "Pati's Mexican Table." Throughout her work, Jinich celebrates Mexico's vibrant flavors and culinary traditions, introducing audiences worldwide to the richness of Mexican cuisine. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including a James Beard Award for Best Television Program, and continues to inspire home cooks with her accessible recipes and warm personality.

These are just a few examples of the remarkable women of color who have impacted fine dining. Their stories remind us of the importance of representation in the food world and inspire us to continue celebrating and honoring the contributions of women everywhere. Cheers to their legacy, and may their stories continue to inspire future generations of chefs, food activists, and culinary enthusiasts alike.