Meet the Hosts of Griddle Nation: Nate Lippy & CJ
Backyard cooking, big flavor, and the kind of friendship that turns meals into memories. We caught up with Nate Lippy and CJ to talk all things Griddle Nation.
How did you two first connect?
Like most great stories, it started with a meal.
“CJ had dinner at my house one time… immediately best friends,” Nate says. “That’s the power of food.”
What followed were weekly dinners with their families and a friendship that quickly became something more.
“That’s where it really clicked,” CJ adds. “I saw firsthand how food brings people together and builds something bigger than just a meal.”
Who are you off camera when the griddle’s not hot?
At their core, Nate and CJ are family men first.
“We both love the dad life,” Nate says. “Being a dad has made us better men and better friends.”
For CJ, that perspective shapes everything, including how he approaches cooking.
“We’re husbands and fathers. That’s what defines everything else. Cooking has made me better in both roles.”
What makes griddle cooking different from grilling or stovetop cooking?
For both hosts, it comes down to energy.
“Cooking outside is the best. A backyard party just brings so much life to it,” says Nate. “And the griddle opens up recipes you just can’t do on traditional grills.”
CJ sees it as a full experience.
“It’s a nonstop song and dance. It’s active, it’s engaging, the opposite of ‘set it and forget it.’ That’s what makes it so contagious.”
What’s one griddle rule you’ll never break?
For CJ, the beauty of griddle cooking is that there aren’t many rules to begin with.
“If you can imagine it, you can probably make it happen.”
For both hosts, it ultimately comes down to understanding the heat and letting the griddle do the work.
What’s a chaotic moment that didn’t make it to air?
Not everything makes the final cut.
“I completely lost my voice during one episode and sounded like an animated villain,” Nate laughs.
CJ adds that behind the scenes, there’s a whole other layer viewers don’t see:
“The nonstop movie quotes. There’s a full highlight reel of those… probably for the best.”
What’s one dish that looks simple but seriously delivers on flavor?
The magic of griddle cooking is how simple ingredients can turn into something great.
“Stir fry is the perfect busy weeknight fix,” Nate says. “Basic ingredients, quick cook time, and with a great sauce, it really sings.”
For CJ, it’s all about versatility:
“Quesadillas. They seem simple, but the possibilities are endless, and the flavor always shows up.”
What can viewers expect this season on Griddle Nation?
At its core, the show is about bringing people together through food.
“A ton of fun and recipes that are simple but crazy delicious,” Nate says. “We keep it approachable but packed with flavor.”
And for CJ, it’s about building something bigger.
“It’s not just about us cooking, it’s about celebrating what Griddle Nation already is and pushing what’s possible even further.”
Tune in to Griddle Nation on Gusto TV and bring the backyard to your kitchen.
