storyteller. chef. author.

👨🏿‍👨🏿‍👦🏿‍👦🏿Gather. Nourish. Celebrate.🥳

“This is the heart of what I do. Through food and conversation, I create spaces where stories are shared, connections are deepened, and purpose is nourished. It’s more than meals—it’s a movement.”

— Jermaine Abdual

Thought-provoking articles exploring identity, resilience, and faith, offering real-life lessons and actionable insights for living with purpose.

Celebrating culture through modern soul food, fusing faith, flavor, and storytelling to create unforgettable dining experiences.

simply Honest conversations about purpose, faith, and personal growth, blending storytelling, culture, and practical wisdom to inspire transformation.

✅CHECK OUT THE NEW VIRTUAL JOURNAL & DOCUSERIES!

✅CHECK OUT THE NEW VIRTUAL JOURNAL & DOCUSERIES!

Step behind the scenes and watch the journey unfold in my new virtual journal & vlog docuseries! From faith to food to storytelling, see how I’m building the vision, one dream at a time. Catch exclusive moments, real talk, and the heart behind it all.

🔒Lock in with me and join the journey!

GET THE BOOK 📖

Jermaine Abdual’s inspiring “running the race of life” story is about growing up confused, rejected, and looking for acceptance in all the wrong places. Jermaine shares his journey parallel to the beloved Tortoise and The Hare fable, where he intertwines lessons learned from the hand that he was dealt, and his own that prepared him to persevere through life’s challenges. You can also download the free companion journal and devotional to deepen your reflection and spiritual growth on the book page.

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THE PODCAST

Sidekicks & Stoolz is a cultural crossroad where purpose meets identity. Hosted by Jermaine Abdual, this podcast helps listeners uncover their God-given potential through honest conversations laced with humor, hope, and hard-hitting truths.

“more than a platform—it’s a movement toward authenticity, self-discovery & hope”

Sidekicks & Stoolz is a multi-platform journey through life's challenges and victories. Whether through podcast episodes or thought-provoking articles, he brings together relatable stories, actionable insights, and deep reflections to inspire your personal growth.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG

Latest Posts

the soul of rufus

Guided by passion and inspired by legacy, Chef Jermaine Abdual curates menus rooted in the timeless recipes of Chef Rufus Estes’ Good Things to Eat. Where History Meets innovation: Good Things to Eat, Reimagined.

📅Events

february 14-15

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan

2558 N 3653rd Road

Sheridan, IL 60551

Soulmates aren’t just found—they’re created through love, commitment, and growth. At the 2025 XO Marriage Conference, we want you to discover the tools to strengthen your bond, turning everyday moments into opportunities for a deeper connection.

JOIN THE journey.

40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Days 29: Faith, Food & Finding My Way Back As I sat here this morning eating a bowl of grits with a dash of salt, some ghee and a little coconut sugar, I was trippin' because for the pa
40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Days 29: Finding My Way Back As I sat here this morning eating a bowl of grits with a dash of salt, some ghee and a little coconut sugar, I was trippin' because for the past 29 days, I&rsqu
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40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Day 26: What's My Name? So I'm sitting in church today, right? And the speaker touched on this passage from Matthew where Jesus is basically asking his guys, "Who Am I?" Then he h
40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Day 24: When Things Fall Apart Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place. This a quote that I read a while ago that really encouraged me when I was g
40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Day 24: When Things Fall Apart Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place. This a quote that I read a while ago that really encouraged me when I was g
40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Day 24: Come Close(r) After the pandemic, I know for a fact that I felt despondent. It took a minute for me to get back, no cap. Between DMs, emails, Zoom calls and live streams, I know tha
40 Days of "Intentionally" Changing My Algorithm Day 24: Come Close(r) After the pandemic, I know for a fact that I felt despondent. It took a minute for me to get back, no cap. Between DMs, emails, Zoom calls and live streams, I know tha