'Under stressful conditions, imagination starts to work' - an interview with a MasterChef participant

"From the couch, everything seems very simple," admits Kateryna Dubchak, a participant of the 16th season of MasterChef. Intent talked to Kateryna about what is actually hidden from the audience, which of the judges was the most severe, and whether the project can really turn an ordinary amateur into a professional chef.

Kateryna is a military volunteer: she makes tactical makeup for special forces and prepares food for the soldiers on her own. In her kitchen, she packs dry borscht, soups, breakfasts, as well as smoked meat, lard and pastries into retort packs. In addition, she organizes fundraisers for the purchase of equipment and delivers everything they need to the front line.

''I am creating a balance between working in the beauty industry and supporting military activities. But most of all, I dream of opening a place where I can share my passion and love for food with an extraordinary approach,'' the volunteer says.

Kateryna Dubchak. PHOTO: Intent/Natalia Dovbysh

Watch a big interview about life behind the scenes of the country's main culinary show on Intent.

Earlier, Intent spoke with Bishop Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk of the Diocese of Odesa and Simferopol of the Roman Catholic Church about corruption as a sin and the greed of the authorities. Catholics in Crimea cannot even pray for peace, and in Odesa they are not being returned to their homes. In the interview, Shyrokoradiuk touches upon hot topics ranging from the conflict at the Ukrainian Catholic University to the conditions of reconciliation with Russia. We talked about the possible arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Ukraine, as well as why saints have an Odesa character.

The bishop shared that he considers it necessary to turn a blind eye to formalities when a person comes to confession, but thinks it is sometimes important to be conservative in matters of morality.

Катерина Глушко