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.

Restauranteur and cookbook author Bricia Lopez takes us back to where her career in food really began -- the kitchen of the renowned, LA-based Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza, which her father opened in the 90's. Bricia and her siblings grew up washing dishes, bussing tables and helping their parents foster a sense of community for the Oaxacan diaspora in Los Angeles; something Bricia continues to do as one of the co-owners of the restaurant today. This conversation was recorded when record-breaking wildfires scorched LA earlier this year -- Bricia talks about how she was able to help through calling on her community. Plus, we hear how to make her mama's classic Huevo en Frijoles.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. Our 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.

Comedian Roy Wood Jr., known for his sharp wit on The Daily Show and CNN, reminisces about his Birmingham upbringing. He shares delightful stories of his diverse culinary experiences, from quick meals with his busy mom to warm family gatherings with his grandmother's home-cooked biscuits. Roy hilariously recounts biscuit feuds among cousins and reflects on the joys and chaos of family life, highlighting the profound connections formed through food. It's a heartfelt and humorous journey through childhood memories and beloved family recipes.

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood relationship with food to her culinary successes. She reveals how a shoestring camping trip across Europe with her husband, Jeffrey, transformed her cooking perspective. Ina discusses the emotional significance of Chicken Parmesan, a dish that connects her to her past. She emphasizes adaptability in cooking and life, encouraging listeners to embrace change in their kitchens and relationships.

John Legend, the celebrated singer and the first Black EGOT winner, shares insights from his life growing up in Springfield, Ohio. He candidly discusses his challenging relationship with his mother and how they rebuilt their bond. The conversation delves into the healing power of cooking and how family meals influenced his musical journey. John also reflects on resilience, political activism, and the joy of creating his mother's iconic mac & cheese, blending personal stories with his commitment to community and unity.

Join Stephen Colbert, the witty Late Show host, and his actress-producer wife Evie McGee Colbert as they fondly recount their romantic, serendipitous meeting in Charleston. They reflect on their childhood culinary experiences, including the Lowcountry's seafood heritage. Stephen shares his family’s version of fudge, sparking a hilarious debate among siblings. With charming anecdotes, they offer insights into cooking together, the evolution of their kitchen dynamics, and the emotional ties to cherished family recipes, celebrating both love and food.

Welcome back to Your Mama's Kitchen, where we bring you life changing stories from the childhood kitchens of chefs, musicians, TV personalities and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Batiste, a celebrated singer and songwriter, shares his family's beloved Christmas gumbo tradition. He reminisces about the warm holiday spirit in New Orleans, highlighting friendly kitchen competitions among relatives. The discussion features amusing stories about unique cooking techniques and cultural heritage, infusing humor with heartfelt memories. Batiste also delves into the significance of music during the holidays, reflecting on its role in creating joyful moments while teasing future culinary stories and traditions.

In this very special solo episode, Hoda opens up about life at 60. She celebrates the decade ahead in this love letter to her personal journey. Hoda reflects on her life’s path, overcoming hardship and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Higher Ground listeners! We're sharing a preview of a new podcast called The Wonder of Stevie, from Higher Ground. You might think you know Stevie Wonder. You might think you know his music. But you’ve never heard it like this. Host Wesley Morris is taking you on a deep-dive through Stevie's Classic Period: five legendary albums back-to-back in just four years. Hear about the record deal that started it all, the technology Stevie adopted to create never-before-heard sounds, and his influence on our culture. There will be appearances  from legends like Barack and Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Babyface, Janelle Monae and more. In this episode, Wesley details how, years after signing his first recording deal with Motown Records, Stevie decides to renegotiate his contract. One of the things on the table? Complete creative freedom. What follows is the beginning of one of the greatest streak of albums in American popular music: Music of My Mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.