Your Mama’s Kitchen
Arts & Culture Podcasts
“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.
Location:
United States
Description:
“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.
Language:
English
Episodes
Malika Andrews Found her Sportscasting Voice in the Kitchen
6/3/2025
ESPN Sports journalist Malika Andrews takes us back to her childhood kitchen in Oakland, California where she learned to speak up and raise her eyebrow (when the situation called for it). She opens up about what it was like to grow up in a multicultural household and how she dealt with not looking like her personal superhero -- her mom. We hear about how Malika strives to be an inspiration for the next generation of young women hoping to break into sports. Plus, we learn how to not skimp on the butter when making her mama's special carrot cake.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:00:45
The Restaurant That Made Antoni Porowski Proud to Be Polish
5/27/2025
Antoni Porowski, food expert on Netflix's Queer Eye and host of the new show No Taste Like Home, joins Michele to talk about being Polish-Canadian and why he was never allowed in his kitchen growing up. He opens up about why he hasn't spoken to his mother in several years, and how cooking and a shared passion for food connects them to each other. We also learn about the iconic restaurant that helped him settle into his Polish identity and the secret behind a classic Polish recipe: stuffed cabbage rolls!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:58:09
Tom Colicchio on Hunger, Food Deserts, and a Broken System, from Assembly Required
5/23/2025
Introducing Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. Each week, Stacey breaks down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduces us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategizes, and shares tangible ways to get involved. In this episode, Stacey talks to renowned chef, activist, and Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio about why the United States has a food insecurity crisis despite being the richest country in the world — and why this issue is especially pressing with an incoming Trump administration. They discuss what can be done to address the problem head on, including what Colicchio has learned from years of advocating for school lunches and solving for food deserts on Capitol Hill. You can listen to more Assembly Required at https://crooked.com/podcast-series/assemblyrequired/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:46:40
Why You Don’t Stand Next to Brad Meltzer in a Lighting Storm
5/20/2025
New York Times Bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins the show to talk about his Sesame Street home in Brooklyn and the several influential kitchens that followed. He tells Michele about his mom’s gift for interior design, visits to his future father-in-law’s restaurant as a teenager and a propensity for the men in his family to get struck by lightning - literally. Plus he shares the fried conch recipe from the famous Miami restaurant and Civil Rights landmark, Jumbo’s!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:01:07
The Caribbean Kitchen That Nourished Michelle Buteau
5/13/2025
Actress, comedian and writer Michelle Buteau joins the show to talk about growing up in a lively Caribbean household in New Jersey. She shares how music, dance and food shaped her upbringing and the smells and flavors that took over her childhood kitchen. We also learn about the healing power of humor and how she found the confidence to become a comedian. Plus, she tells us how to make her family’s Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:54:35
Roy Choi on The Comforts of Underwear Rice
5/6/2025
Chef and gourmet food truck creator Roy Choi takes us back to his childhood in Los Angeles, where different cultures and cuisines came together for public park barbecues. He opens up about being a hot-headed teenager and shares how he learned to rebuild the bridges in his life that he previously burned down. Plus we learn how to make his Bimbim Noodle Salad.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:02:50
Why Binging with Babish Had to Detox from Craving Online Fame
4/29/2025
Michele chats with Andrew Rea, the creator behind the massively popular Binging with Babish, to talk about how a Reddit side project turned into a culinary empire. Andrew opens up about losing his mom at a young age, why making cooking videos connects him to both his parents, and how he handles the highs and lows of social media fame. Plus, he shares his spin on his mom’s cookie recipe. The trick? “Let out your inner child monster”!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:55:19
Should You Wash a Cast Iron Skillet? From A Hot Dog Is A Sandwich
4/25/2025
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.
Duration:00:46:05
Food that Connected Susan Orlean to the Land her Parents Fled
4/22/2025
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.
Duration:00:53:28
The Secret Behind Tanya Holland’s Famous Cornmeal Waffles
4/15/2025
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!
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Duration:00:58:25
Randall Park on Following Dreams without Parental Permission
4/8/2025
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.
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Duration:00:56:09
How Sarah Ahn Built a TikTok Empire From Her Mom’s Korean Kitchen
4/1/2025
Cookbook author and content creator Sarah Ahn—best known for “Ahnest Kitchen” on Instagram and TikTok—takes us inside her mama’s kitchen, a place you’ve likely seen on your feed! She shares her family’s incredible story of surviving the Korean War, the secret to perfect Korean fried chicken, and how her 66-year-old mother feels about her unexpected rise to social media stardom.
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.
Duration:00:52:18
From Jazz to Cooking: Freedom within Form with Wendell Pierce
3/25/2025
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:48:00
Why Dan Pashman Keeps His Pork Pan in the Garage
3/18/2025
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:47:30
Introducing IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
3/12/2025
Sharing something special from one of Michele’s closest friends… the incomparable Michelle Obama. On her new podcast IMO, Michelle and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you, offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Topics range from dating and relationships, to family and faith. In this episode, they share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you.
Listen to more IMO episodes at imopod.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:54:36
Lashana Lynch on Leading with Jamaican Pride
3/11/2025
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.
Duration:00:53:10
Big Freedia’s Journey to Queen Diva
3/4/2025
The Queen Diva herself, Big Freedia, joins to talk about all things New Orleans. From making his aunt’s Mardi Gras popcorn balls to coming out on his 13th birthday, Big Freedia shares what it was like to grow up on Josephine Street and Music Street. He’ll also share what it was like to get that call from Beyoncé and how he brought bounce back to New Orleans after Katrina. Plus he shares how to make his mom's cornbread dressing.
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.
Duration:00:46:50
The Award-Winning Flavors of Oaxaca with Bricia Lopez
2/25/2025
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:50:24
Roy Wood Jr’s Childhood: Country as a Sugar Sandwich
2/18/2025
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. dishes on his Birmingham roots and how his radio personality dad and law school student mom navigated meal times with their opposing schedules. He shares the simple but delicious meals that limited his palette before he ultimately became the foodie we know and love today. Plus, we learn about the biscuits that had his cousins fighting over who gets the last one.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:36:41
The European Summer that Changed Ina Garten's Life
2/11/2025
America's favorite kitchen icon Ina Garten opens up about the tumultuous relationship she had with her mama's kitchen when she was a child. She walks us through how her relationship with food evolved in later years, thanks to her husband Jeffrey and a summer spent camping across Europe on a shoestring budget. Plus, we learn how to make the one dish Ina enjoyed from childhood: Chicken Parmesan.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:42:22