Jeff Young

Jeff Young, known as The Catholic Foodie, is an author, blogger, radio host, podcaster, and conference speaker based in the New Orleans area. Young is the founder and producer of The Catholic Foodie blog and podcast, a platform centered on the intersection of culinary culture and Catholic spirituality. The Catholic Foodie blog and podcast has attracted more than 15,000 followers, establishing Young as a voice in the field of food and faith.

A former teacher of religion, Spanish, and Latin, Young leveraged his background in education, technology, and storytelling to build a media ministry that reaches audiences beyond the classroom. His perspective on food and faith was shaped by his formative experience as a seminarian. At age 18, Young entered the seminary of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in Tijuana, Mexico, where he was in formation with 50 other young men. During that period, he met Mother Teresa on several occasions and spent time in conversation and prayer with her, experiences that influenced his understanding of the connection between food and faith—a theme central to his work.

After leaving the seminary, Young taught religion and Spanish at a high school and led Confirmation classes at his parish. As podcasting gained popularity, he recognized an opportunity to combine his interests in food and faith. Young launched The Catholic Foodie podcast, which quickly gained a following and became affiliated with the Star Quest Production Network, a global Catholic new media network. His media presence expanded to include hosting The Catholic Foodie Show on Breadbox Media and co-hosting the "Around the Table Food Show" on Catholic Community Radio in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. He is also a monthly contributor to CatholicMom.com and a contributing author of "Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary."

Young's first book, "Around the Table with The Catholic Foodie: Middle Eastern Cuisine," published by Liguori Publications, provides readers with Holy Land–inspired recipes and stories that explore the relationship between food, pilgrimage, and faith. The book features 78 recipes and insights on food in the Bible and spiritual growth around the table. As a conference speaker, Young addresses topics such as growing in faith through shared meals and using social media in ministry. He writes for both online and print publications and engages audiences through his radio and podcast hosting.

Young's mission is to encourage families to return to the kitchen and gather around the table, emphasizing the role of shared meals in fostering communion with God and one another. Through his podcast, radio shows, writing, and speaking, Young explores the connection between family meals and the Eucharistic celebration, offering practical and theological insights for audiences interested in Catholic spirituality, food culture, and faith-based media.