The Most Difficult Part Of Hosting A Cooking Show, According To Joanna Gaines

While Chip and Joanna Gaines have made a name for themselves — and an entire brand — with their various reality television series that will now be housed on their new Magnolia Network, it hasn't always been easy. In fact, reality television demands its own set of skills, says Joanna, that was hard to grasp at first, especially when it comes to cooking shows. At a recent presser for Magnolia Network, which Mashed was invited to, she confessed that one of the most difficult parts for her has been talking about a recipe and actually making it at the same time on camera. 

"I would make-believe in my own kitchen when I was little having this cooking show. And now what I realize is when you've got all the cameras on you, you're actually trying to teach someone a recipe and tell them a story about [it] and not burn the recipe," she said. "There's a lot of variables that my brain has a hard time computing." 

Joanna's husband Chip Gaines sympathized and also remarked how interesting it has been to see his wife hone her skills and become a natural TV chef. "The first time I watched her, I told her ... 'It's like, you're trying to rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time. It's so many different parts of your brain having to fire in sequence' ... and it's pretty interesting to watch her hone that craft." He added, "As just somebody that literally sits and watches her from behind the scenes, she has adapted to that universe. And [she] just seems like a complete natural to me and it's been really fun to watch as you've evolved that skill, that talent."

The other part is that Joanna must remain well-placed within the camera's composition as well. Talking to Trib Live, Jill Novatt, Food Network's Executive Culinary Producer, gives further details about this other common stressor when filming: "You need to really actually cook, while listening to the culinary producer whispering in your ear telling you to smile and to move your hand because it's blocking the celery, all while you also have to pay attention to the studio director on the floor who is pointing to which camera you have to face." 

That's a lot of direction to follow, while also appearing relaxed and happy on camera too! But Joanna Gaines clearly has mastered it well.