Ina Garten reveals her new career challenge as she weighs her Food Network future - here's why she says, 'I’m jumping off the cliff'

American cook and author Ina Garten is taking on a new challenge with her podcast, “Happy Hour With Ina Garten,” while also considering what comes next for her television career.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Garten discussed the new podcast, her career and her approach to new opportunities. She said she is excited about this period of transition and explained, “I like working scared,” as quoted by People.

Ina Garten’s Podcast Pitch Came Across Her Desk in 2024

A pitch to host her own podcast came across Garten’s desk in 2024, according to PEOPLE. She said she needed to “mull it over.”


Garten explained that she does not like doing what everybody else has done and likes to do things differently.

“Happy Hour With Ina Garten” features celebrity guests who visit her New York City apartment for a cocktail or mocktail and conversation.

PEOPLE reported that the podcast inspired a bidding war and a reported seven-figure deal for Garten.

Garten described the podcast as “just a new challenge.” She told PEOPLE, “We’re going to find out if it works. I’m jumping off the cliff.”

Garten’s Career Began With a Major Change

Before entering the food business, Garten worked as a nuclear budget analyst in the Jimmy Carter Administration.

According to PEOPLE, she quit that job and opened a specialty food store in 1978. She later became a fixture on food television.

Her first business also included an experience involving an employee. In the TODAY report featuring Hoda Kotb, Garten recalled firing an employee at her first business, and the decision backfired.

Ina Garten Took Two Years to Agree to Television

Garten told PEOPLE that it took her two years to agree to do television after Food Network approached her. She also spends two years writing and developing recipes for each of her cookbooks.

Ina Garten Is Still Discussing Her Food Network Future

Garten’s future with Food Network remains under discussion. PEOPLE reported that the latest iteration of “Be My Guest” will return for a new season on Oct. 3. Garten said she does not know what she will do with the show going forward and said she and Food Network are talking.

Garten said she is interested in doing seasonal specials rather than another full series. Food Network had no comment on the future of the show, according to PEOPLE.

Jeffrey Garten Supports Ina Garten

Garten also spoke to PEOPLE about her 57-year marriage to Jeffrey Garten. She described him as affectionate, supportive, positive, happy, funny and smart. She said they give each other space to do what they love professionally and that they are the anchor in each other’s lives.

Jeffrey has encouraged Garten as she takes on the podcast. According to PEOPLE, he told her, “Just hit the ball out of the park.”

Garten said she does not make long-term plans. “I do what I do as well as I can, and things come along, and I say no to most of them,” she told PEOPLE.

“Happy Hour With Ina Garten” is now part of her latest professional chapter, with Garten describing it as a new challenge.