Your Mama’s Kitchen
Higher Ground
“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.Your Mama’s Kitchen is a production of Higher Ground.Produced by Sonia Htoon.Associate Producers are Jenna Levin, Stella Hartman, Itxy Quintinilla and Camila Thur de Koos.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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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
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.
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.
Feb 25, 2025 • 50min
The Award-Winning Flavors of Oaxaca with Bricia Lopez
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.
Feb 18, 2025 • 37min
Roy Wood Jr’s Childhood: Country as a Sugar Sandwich
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.
Feb 11, 2025 • 42min
The European Summer that Changed Ina Garten's Life
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.
Feb 4, 2025 • 43min
How John Legend Learned to Forgive His Mother
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.
Jan 28, 2025 • 46min
The Colberts Find Love in the Lowcountry
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.
