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 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.
Jan 28, 2025 • 1min
Welcome Back To Your Mama's Kitchen
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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 18, 2024 • 33min
A Taste of the Holidays
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.
Oct 24, 2024 • 21min
Celebrating 60
Hoda celebrates her 60th birthday by reflecting on her life's journey and the importance of embracing every moment. She discusses how each decade offers chances for rebirth and growth, highlighting the value of asking for more than just 'good enough.' Hoda also shares her battle with cancer, which freed her from fear and empowered her to pursue her desires. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of self-care in parenting and encourages allowing children to develop into their true selves, advocating that life truly gets better with age.
Oct 3, 2024 • 59min
Music of My Mind, from The Wonder of Stevie
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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
