
Your Mama’s Kitchen
“Tell me about your mama's kitchen.” That’s the simple request which begins each episode of this Audible Original podcast from acclaimed journalist Michele Norris (NPR’s All Things Considered, The Washington Post) and Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama's media company. Every week, hear guests like Michelle Obama, Conan O'Brien, Ina Garten, José Andrés, John Legend, and more explore the complexities of family life and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personal and professional lives—and of course, each guest brings a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. With a delicious buffet of actors, authors, chefs, musicians, and more, the rich conversations that flow from that simple, initial prompt reveal the histories, memories, and cultures that emerge from the kitchen—the heart of the home—where we are nourished physically and spiritually. Your Mama’s Kitchen is a podcast about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are.Please Note: This is now the home of Your Mama’s Kitchen hosted by Michele Norris. To listen to Michelle Obama: The Light, search for it wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 46min
Should You Wash a Cast Iron Skillet? From A Hot Dog Is A Sandwich
Sharing an episode of A Hot Dog Is A Sandwich. On the show, Mythical Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati discuss, debate, and dissect the web’s most hilariously controversial culinary quandaries. In this episode, Josh and Nicole debate whether a cast iron skillet needs to be washed every time you use it. Listen to more “A Hot Dog is a Sandwich” episodes at https://link.chtbl.com/AHDIASYMKFD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 22, 2025 • 53min
Food that Connected Susan Orlean to the Land her Parents Fled
Author Susan Orlean joins to talk about her upbringing in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She describes the life skills her mom failed to teach and the Hungarian food that reminded her parents of the home they could never return to. Plus we learn about her mother’s cocktail party treat, cheese balls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 2025 • 58min
The Secret Behind Tanya Holland’s Famous Cornmeal Waffles
Michele chats with with chef, cookbook author, and TV personality Tanya Holland—best known for her beloved Oakland restaurant, Brown Sugar Kitchen. Tanya reflects on the gourmet supper club her parents hosted, her unexpected role as a U.S. Culinary Diplomat (yes, that’s a real job!), and why hospitality—not just food—is her true passion. Plus, she takes us behind the scenes of her world-famous cornmeal waffles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 2025 • 56min
Randall Park on Following Dreams without Parental Permission
Actor, comedian and director Randall Park takes us back to his upbringing in Los Angeles, where he learned important lessons about community in his father's small 1-hour photo shop. He gets into how he managed to jumpstart his career in entertainment without telling his parents -- while living under their roof. Plus, we learn how to make his mama's Korean soup, Tteokguk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 2025 • 52min
How Sarah Ahn Built a TikTok Empire From Her Mom’s Korean Kitchen
Sarah Ahn, a cookbook author and popular content creator behind 'Ahnest Kitchen', shares her family's inspiring journey from Korean War survival to TikTok fame. She discusses the emotional significance of '손 맛' (hand taste) in Korean cooking and reveals her mother's thoughts on their newfound social media stardom. Sarah dives into the challenges of preserving culinary heritage, the joy of family cooking, and the secrets to perfect dishes like kimchi and fried chicken. Her heartfelt reflections bring warmth and nostalgia to the kitchen.

Mar 25, 2025 • 48min
From Jazz to Cooking: Freedom within Form with Wendell Pierce
Actor and author Wendell Pierce takes us back into his home in Pontchartrain Park, Louisiana. He shares how he got his mother's love of learning and his father's sense of adventure. Plus, we learn his mom's secret for cooking okra to avoid all that slime.Your Mama’s Kitchen is a production of Higher Ground.Produced by Sonia Htoon.Associate Producers are Camila Thur de Koos and Jenna Levin.Sound design and engineering from Andrew Eapen, Ryan Kozlowski and Roy Baum.Executive producers for Higher Ground are Mukta Mohan, Dan Fierman and Michele Norris.The show’s closing song is 504 by The Soul Rebels.Editorial and web support from Melissa Bear and Say What Media. Talent booker is Angela Peluso.Copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC / Sound Recording copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 48min
Why Dan Pashman Keeps His Pork Pan in the Garage
Food podcast pioneer, Dan Pashman, takes us back to the "great Pashman family fajita craze of the late '80s," when his mom became determined to crack the code on a legendary fajita marinade. Dan and Michele reminisce about the copper tin fish mold that seemed to adorn every mother’s kitchen, Dan discusses the kosher negotiations in his marriage, and, of course, the epic journey to invent his very own pasta shape: Cascatelli.Your Mama’s Kitchen is a production of Higher Ground.Produced by Sonia Htoon.Associate Producers are Camila Thur de Koos and Jenna Levin.Sound design and engineering from Andrew Eapen, Ryan Kozlowski and Roy Baum.Executive producers for Higher Ground are Mukta Mohan, Dan Fierman and Michele Norris.The show’s closing song is 504 by The Soul Rebels.Editorial and web support from Melissa Bear and Say What Media. Talent booker is Angela Peluso.Copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC / Sound Recording copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 55min
Introducing IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson dive into their sibling bond, sharing heartfelt stories from their childhood and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the importance of communication, support, and family values through various life experiences, from first crushes to career changes. The hosts also touch on the significance of lifelong learning and practical parenting tips, including how to teach kids financial literacy. Laughter and real conversations abound as they invite listeners to reflect on their own relationships and experiences.

Mar 11, 2025 • 53min
Lashana Lynch on Leading with Jamaican Pride
British actor Lashana Lynch takes us back to the tight-knit West London community where she grew up and to her grandparents' record shop, which was the soundtrack to her childhood. She talks about the importance of bringing her Jamaican heritage to the red carpet and how she channels her mother's strength and discipline to prepare for certain roles. She also share her love for her mama's saltfish dish and why she craves Jamaican comfort food when she's on set.Your Mama’s Kitchen is a production of Higher Ground.Produced by Sonia Htoon.Associate Producers are Camila Thur de Koos and Jenna Levin.Sound design and engineering from Andrew Eapen, Ryan Kozlowski and Roy Baum.Executive producers for Higher Ground are Mukta Mohan, Dan Fierman and Michele Norris.The show’s closing song is 504 by The Soul Rebels.Editorial and web support from Melissa Bear and Say What Media. Talent booker is Angela Peluso.Copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC / Sound Recording copyright 2024 by Higher Ground Audio, LLC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 2025 • 47min
Big Freedia’s Journey to Queen Diva
Big Freedia, the New Orleans rapper known for popularizing bounce music, shares his vibrant journey growing up on Josephine Street. He opens up about his colorful childhood recipes, including his aunt’s Mardi Gras popcorn balls and his mom's cornbread dressing. Big Freedia reflects on coming out on his 13th birthday and the joyous support from his community. He also recounts the thrilling moment of collaborating with Beyoncé and discusses how bounce music played a crucial role in revitalizing New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.