Meet Lindsay Luttrell | Executive Producer and Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Luttrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has played a major role in my life, both personally and professionally. It’s funny because I wouldn’t actually classify myself as a risk-taker, but looking back, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken so ​m​any leaps of faith.

After graduating from the University of Alabama, I packed my car with the few creature comforts that would fit and headed to Los Angeles to chase a dream I’d had since I was seven years old. I had no real plan, didn’t know anyone, and honestly had no idea what I was doing. ​That’s the beauty of your 20’s, I guess. On paper, it probably seemed a little crazy, but when I get my mind set on something, I​’m typically full speed ahead, for better or worse.

I’ve now spent the last 20 years as a freelancer in the entertainment industry, and anyone who works in this business knows that alone is a risk. The first thing you learn is you are only as good as your last job. You’re constantly living with uncertainty. There are no ​guarantees, just unpredictability, hard work, and learning how to keep ​it moving anyway.

A lot of my career, and even creative projects like my podcast, require me to put myself out there in ways that feel vulnerable. But most of the risks I’ve taken have come from wanting something so badly that I was willing ​to figure it out as I went. Over time, I’ve realized I rarely feel “ready” before making a big move. Usually the clarity comes after I start moving, rarely before.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I moved to Los Angeles, it was for the entertainment industry, but I ​didn’t even fully understand what that meant for me and never could have imagined where that journey would take me.

Was it easy? Not even a little. There were plenty of long days, incredible uncertainty, stretches of unemployment in the early years, jobs that weren’t quite the right fit, and plenty of times when I wondered if I should pack it up and try something completely different. But I also think that’s what makes me appreciate where I am now. If you aren’t working hard for something, how do you ever stop and take a moment to be proud of it?

My career has been anything but linear, and honestly, that’s probably my favorite part. I started like so many people in this business, working as a production assistant and trying to earn my way up. Along the way, I worked in independent film, scripted television, talk shows, and unscripted before eventually landing ​i​n food television​, which was not on my bingo card.

Producing culinary competition shows for Food Network turned out to be the perfect blend of everything I love; storytelling, creativity, hospitality, restaurants, and food. That journey led to an Emmy nomination and opportunities I never could have imagined when I first started out at 23. Working on shows like Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions and Guy’s Grocery Games introduced me to some incredibly talented chefs and ultimately inspired my podcast, Table 5.

I didn’t earn the superlative “Most Talkative” in high school for nothing. I’ve always been a natural conversationalist with a lot of curiosity. The podcast gives me a chance to step outside the competition world and connect with chefs in a deeper way, which has become one of the most rewarding creative outlets in my career.​ I’ve been incredibly grateful to see it resonate with listeners too, landing in the top food podcast charts multiple times. A labor of love, but rewarding.

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that there really isn’t one right path. For a long time, I thought every move needed to make perfect sense (I’m a classic over-thinker), I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that there really isn’t one right path. For a long time, I thought every move needed to make perfect sense (I’m a classic over-thinker), but some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from saying yes to things I didn’t necessarily expect. I was in casting when I was asked to join the show as a field producer, and I honestly didn’t think I’d want to go back to being on set, but I figured, “let’s see”! So, food television certainly wasn’t part of the plan, and neither was starting a podcast, but both ended up becoming huge parts of my career.

I’ve also learned that curiosity goes a long way. It’s probably the reason I love producing and why I enjoy podcasting so much. I genuinely like hearing people’s stories, figuring out what makes them tick, and finding ways to share their story.

I’m less interested in the competition itself (though I do get excited for them) and more interested in the people. The chefs, their families, the ups and downs of their journey. Food is the common thread, but it’s really their personal stories that keep me excited about what I do.

I still have moments of doubt and the occasional urge to quit everything and open ​a wine and cheese shop (and I still might)! But I always come back to the same thought​… I’m really proud of the younger version of myself who took a ​massive leap of faith, moved across the country, and built a life and career that feels authentic to me.

It’s not for everyone, but it’s mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is that you can experience so many different versions of it.

LA has it all! Beautiful hiking, beaches, incredible museums, vintage shopping, farmers markets, and countless getaway spots just a quick drive (or train) away. But I can’t imagine showing someone my Los Angeles without it revolving around food. I feel so lucky to live somewhere with such a diverse and exciting food scene.

When my nieces and nephews visit, that means a taco crawl. We start with my favorite shrimp taco from Mariscos Jalisco and end up riding the swan boats at Echo Park.

When my best friends are visting, it’s usually a long, late lunch sitting at the bar at Found Oyster. Give me a glass of orange wine and their scallop tostada, and I’m happy!

With my sisters and brother-in-laws, it’s a hike up to Griffith Observatory, followed by well-earned chips, guacamole, and margaritas at Salazar in Frogtown before dinner at Bestia.

When my parents are in town, the pace slows down. We take a beach walk, swing by Santa Monica’s Farmers Market, grab brunch at Playa Provisions, and usually end up at Scopa or Dear John’s for dinner.

I also love taking people to The Georgian Hotel for a martini at the lobby bar before Spaghetti Sunday downstairs in The Georgian Room. On Sundays, the steakhouse transforms into something that feels like a Nonna’s dining room. Red and white tablecloths, family-style Italian dinner, and the best garlic bread you’ve ever had. The cherry on top is the live music at the piano. It’s special.

Additionally, a few places that seem to make every version of the itinerary; The Hollywood Bowl, Jazz nights at LACMA, Bavel, Little Dom’s, Cobi’s, Si! Mon.

And more often than not, you’ll find me taking in the sunset at Shutters on the Beach on the balcony with a bowl of chips and a martini​… I’ve never had any visitors complain.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to start with my family who didn’t balk at the idea of me moving across the country without a job or even a plan. Did they love the idea? Not exactly. But they supported me anyway. My mom has always encouraged my gusto to explore my talents and curiosity and my dad pulled out the map (yes, it was that long ago) and made a week-long road trip out of it with me, and didn’t leave Los Angeles until I was settled into my first apartment.

Secondly, after so many years of the freelance hustle, I’ve really found a home with Lando Entertainment. While I’m technically still freelance, I’ve been with my boss, Brian Lando, for the last decade. I’ve learned so much from simply being in his orbit and the team he’s built. I wouldn’t be a showrunner today without his belief in me.

And I certainly wouldn’t have my podcast, Table 5, without the exceptional chefs that so generously share their stories with me. It’s a true honor to sit down with each and every guest and it’s not lost on me.

Lastly, I couldn’t move through this world, personally or professionally, without my female friendships. Maybe that sounds cliché, but it’s so true. Between my sisters, my college girls, and the women I’ve met in Los Angeles along the way who have become family, I have an incredible support system. They are my sounding board, my cheerleaders, my reality check, and most of the time, the people who believe in me before I believe in myself.

Website: https://lindsayluttrell.com

Instagram: @lululuttrell and @table5pod

Other: Podcast: Table 5 with Lindsay Luttrell

Image Credits
For the featured photo in the red sweater and the two in the denim button down, photo credit is Trevor Paul.

For the original artwork for the podcast, credit is Moochie Creative

For the photos with Guy Fieri, credit is