You're Not Bad at Cooking... You're Still Learning w/ Dina Deleasa-Gonsar
Lifelong Learning
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
Think you're bad at cooking? You're not—you're just still learning. In this inspiring conversation, cookbook author and Dish It Girl host Dina Deleasa-Gonsar joins Dr. Kelly Cagle to reframe kitchen confidence. Together, they explore why cooking doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful, how to simplify family meals, and how embracing a growth mindset can turn food into legacy. Whether you're a beginner or burned out, this episode will encourage you to take the pressure off—and just start.
Show Notes
You're Not Bad at Cooking... You're Still Learning w/ Dina Deleasa-Gonsar
In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Dr. Kelly Cagle welcomes cookbook author and podcast host Dina Deleasa-Gonsar to talk about how parents can shift their mindset around cooking—moving from shame to growth.
Dina, host of the Dish It Girl podcast and part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, shares her journey from cooking novice to confident home chef. She emphasizes that confidence in the kitchen doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from practice, curiosity, and letting go of unrealistic expectations.
As a mom with ADHD and self-proclaimed kitchen struggles, Dr. Kelly opens up about her 2026 goal of growing in the kitchen and creating moments of connection and service through meals. Dina offers practical encouragement for parents like:
Use a highlighter on recipes to focus your attention and reduce overwhelm.
Start with simple flavor upgrades—like a spice blend or finishing salt.
Stop trying to make everything from scratch—balance “halfway homemade” with fresh touches.
Meal plan for real life—3 meals a week with wiggle room is more sustainable than a 7-day plan.
Dina also opens up about what her mom modeled in their Italian-American home—showing how food can be a form of ministry and legacy. It’s not about the fanciest ingredients or flawless technique—it’s about feeding your people with intention, grace, and joy.
Whether you’ve burned boxed brownies or feel like your kids reject every dish, this episode will remind you: you’re not failing—you’re still learning. And that posture of growth is exactly what our homes need most.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Progress over perfection: Cooking is a skill that grows with time, trial, and error—not something you’re just “good at or not.”
Lower the pressure: You don’t need to cook every night. Even one or two intentional meals a week can create connection and joy.
Involve your family: Let your kids pick recipes, help with small tasks, and see the beauty of food and service.
Start where you are: Use what you know, try one new thing at a time, and don’t be afraid to fail forward.
Feeding is a ministry: Mealtimes can be an act of love, hospitality, and legacy—especially when rooted in purpose.
About Dina Deleasa-Gonsar
Dina Deleasa-Gonsar is a passionate home cook, TV personality, and founder of DishItGirl.com, where she shares approachable recipes and encourages families to find joy around the table. Known for her warm, relatable style, Dina believes food is about more than just feeding people—it’s a way to create connection, build confidence, and pass down legacy. She’s been featured on shows like the Today Show and The Cooking Channel, and she's beloved for her honesty about learning, motherhood, and embracing the imperfect moments in the kitchen.
Whether she’s sharing a family favorite or a “halfway homemade” weeknight win, Dina’s mission is clear: you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create meals that matter.
Struggling with screen time and safe tech? Dr. Kelly is proud to partner with Gabb Wireless—the phone that protects childhood. It's a perfect complement to fostering focused, grounded kids in a distracted world.
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