Hi, I’m Max Wheatley! I grew up as a competitive dancer, which eventually led me to a career as a professional dancer and choreographer. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, but my biggest passion? Cooking and that started with holiday dinners in the kitchen with my grandma. To be fair, she didn’t teach me much, and we both agree I quickly surpassed her skills. But she gave me the most important gift: a love for feeding others.

That passion really took off in university when I started cooking seriously. I wanted to eat healthy, but I also craved food that was exciting and full of flavor. Along the way, I found inspiration from some of my kitchen heroes like Alison Roman, Molly Baz, Claire Saffitz, and Carla Lalli Music.

Outside of the kitchen, I’m all about having a good time and making meaningful connections. I’m married to my best friend—someone I first met at my dance studio in high school—and we share our lives with our ridiculously cute dog, Jasper. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places, like the Serengeti in Tanzania and the cozy, food-filled streets of Copenhagen.

When I’m not cooking or traveling, you’ll probably find me bingeing Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, or Glee (unironically & unfortunately). Music is always playing in the background (pop and R&B, especially), and I genuinely think laughter is the only way to survive now a days thanks to comedic geniuses like Caleb Hearon, Drew Afualo, and Brittany Broski.

I’d describe myself as passionate, probably too loud, and someone who thrives on bringing people together. Oh, and I’ve been in Vogue. (Okay, my wedding photographer featured a picture of my wife and me—but still, it counts, right?)