Your Mama’s Kitchen

Tanya Holland, a celebrated chef and U.S. Culinary Diplomat, shares her passion for food and hospitality, rooted in her family's tradition of hosting gourmet supper clubs. She discusses the significance of her Oakland restaurant, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and the cultural heritage behind her famous cornmeal waffles. Tanya reflects on how personal experiences and community shape her culinary journey while addressing the evolution of soul food and the emotional ties that food fosters among people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lashana Lynch, a British actor known for her roles in No Time to Die and Captain Marvel, shares her journey from a close-knit West London community to Hollywood. She emphasizes the influence of her Jamaican heritage, particularly her mother's strength, on her acting and identity. Lynch fondly recalls her childhood in her grandparents' record shop and expresses her love for Jamaican comfort food, especially her mama’s saltfish dish, while reflecting on the significance of cultural representation in her work.

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.

Bricia Lopez, a restaurateur and cookbook author, shares her journey from growing up in the family-owned Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza to becoming a culinary leader in LA. She discusses how the restaurant fosters community connections, especially during the recent wildfires, and emphasizes the importance of cultural traditions in Oaxacan cuisine. Bricia also delights listeners with her mama's recipe for classic Huevo en Frijoles and reflects on the emotional ties that food creates within families and communities.

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.