Best Heritage Cookbook Project Podcasts (2025)

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OTL #993: Curbside compassion with Yo Soy Ella, Takeout 25's new cookbook, New local music from Terry White 41:27

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6d ago41:27

41:27

Mike Stephen visits Yo Soy Ella's Curbside Compassion van to learn about their therapy services from founder and executive director Sarah Taylor, explores the new Takeout 25 Community Cookbook with founder Ravi Parakkat, and gets the lowdown on new music from local musician Terry White.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #992: Revisiting Media Burn and the Center For Immigrant Progress, The Secret History of Panicsville 39:19

12d ago39:19

39:19

Mike Stephen rewinds to get the story of Chicago's Media Burn archive and the Center for Immigrant Progress and then discovers the Secret History of Panicsville. AND we have a special announcement!By Mike Stephen

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OTL #991: Ending political maps in Illinois?, Fewer wrongful convictions overturned, Share Our Spare helps families 39:40

20d ago39:40

39:40

Mike Stephen learns about the effort to end politically drawn voting maps in Illinois from Chicago Magazine writer Ted McClelland, discusses the slowdown in overturning wrongful convictions in Cook County with Injustice Watch reporter Dan Hinkel, and highlights the important work of Share Our Spare in supporting young children and families with int…

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OTL #990: Accessory dwelling units are legal (mostly), Federal government funding cuts for CPS, TaskForce celebrates inclusion in the West Side and beyond 40:44

27d ago40:44

40:44

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago's new ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units in certain areas from Illinois Answers Project reporter Alex Nitkin, discusses the federal funding cuts to Chicago Public Schools with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and gets the lowdown on how TaskForce works to promote inclusion on the city's West Sid…

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OTL #989: A Chicago TIF update, New local music with a worldwide influence, Previewing the Black Fine Art Faire 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

Mike Stephen gets an update on the latest Chicago TIF numbers from Tom Tresser of the TIF Illumination Project, chats with local musician Carlo Basile about his local music with a worldwide influence, and previews the Back Fine Art Faire with Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International.…

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OTL #988: How the Chicago area gets its news, Exploring the brain science locally, The Secret History of Lani Hall 43:03

1M ago43:03

43:03

Mike Stephen discusses the results of a new report on how Chicago gets its news with Medill professors Tim Franklin and Stephanie Edgerly, gets a preview of some upcoming local events about the brain from Illinois Science Council founder Monica Metzler, and discovers the Secret History of Lani Hall.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #987: Trying to avoid an Illinois transit fiscal cliff, New "emergency" rules for prison communication 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

Mike Stephen discusses the work being done to avoid a transit fiscal cliff in Illinois with state representative Kam Buckner (26th) and John Greenfield, editor of Streetsblog Chicago. Then, John Howard Association executive director Jennifer Vollen-Katz discusses new "emergency" rules put in place to regulate communication with those who are incarc…

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OTL #986: A look into Illinois' finances, The 100K Project wants you to run for office, The Secret History of Henry Threadgill 36:08

2M ago36:08

36:08

Mike Stephen learns about a new way to explore Illinois finances through the Fiscal Futures data hub with UIC professor David Merriman, gets an update on the 100K Project, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago avant-garde jazz musician Henry Threadgill.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #985: Chicago's new public housing museum, The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra's new music, The Secret History of Nancy Faust 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of preserving public housing history with Dr. Lisa Yun Lee, the executive director of the National Public Housing Museum, learns about new music from the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra with band co-director Fareed Haque, and discovers the Secret History of local stadium organist Nancy Faust.…

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OTL #984: Faulty DUI science, The push to pay student teachers in Illinois 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

Mike Stephen chats with Injustice Watch senior investigative reporter Maya Dukmasova about a local lab practicing faulty science that resulted in wrongful DUI convictions and then discusses the push to pay student teachers in Illinois with Percy Julian Middle School teacher Ashley Kannan.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #983: The future of rent stabilization in Illinois, XL Fest brings Chicago creatives together 35:13

3M ago35:13

35:13

Mike Stephen discusses the push for rent stabilization in Illinois with the Lift the Ban campaign coordinator Diego Morales and then learns about XL Fest, a local festival that brings Chicago creatives together, from Creative Cypher founder Troy Pryor.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #982: Joy Tea wants to wow Chicagoland, An Illinois civil rights history update, The Secret History of Billy Hinton 38:53

3M ago38:53

38:53

Mike Stephen talks the art of tea with Max Blessen, owner of Chicagoland's Joy Tea, gets an update on civil rights history in Illinois, and discovers the Secret History of the versatile musician from Chicago Billy Hinton.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #981: The compact disc isn't going quietly, Chicago before the Fire 39:47

3M ago39:47

39:47

Mike Stephen talks with Chicago Reader staff writer Leor Galil about the resurgence of the compact disc, then delves into the history of Chicago before the Great Fire of 1871 with Northwestern University economics professor Louis P. Cain, author of the new book Chicago Before the Fire: An Economic History.…

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OTL #980: The Urban Growers Collective, Edgewater Music Fest, The Secret History of Jimmy Rogers 44:52

3M ago44:52

44:52

Mike Stephen learns about the important work of Chicago's Urban Growers Collective from herbalism conductor Rev. Kim Crutcher, gets a preview of the Edgewater Music Fest from Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy Rogers.…

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OTL #979: Clarendon Hills Kid, Share Our Spare provides community resources 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

Mike Stephen talks to Roger Day Bain, the author of a new book about growing up in suburban Clarendon Hills called Clarendon Hills Kid and a book about a very non-linear career path entitled Hardly Working: How I Found a Career and Kept My Soul. Then, we learn about the continuing great work of Chicago's Share Our Spare and its quest to find new fu…

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OTL #978: The federal educational funding freeze in Illinois, Kate Fagan's new music, The Secret History of Byron Gregory 40:53

4M ago40:53

40:53

Mike Stephen learns about the potential impact of the federal government's education funding freeze on Illinois with Chalkbeat Chicago's Samantha Smylie, chats with Kate Fagan about her new music and upcoming Chicago shows, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago guitarist Byron Gregory.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #977: Inside Covet Oddities, The Freedom of Information Act's limitations, Hope for Homes Day 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

Mike Stephen goes inside a new occult gallery in Logan Square called Covet Oddities, learns about the limitations of the Freedom of Information Act in Illinois with Better Government Association financial policy analyst Sophia Van Pelt, and highlights the great work of La Casa Norte's Hope for Homes Day initiative with executive director Jose Munoz…

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OTL #976: Chicago's Teflon Softball looks for a home, Touring Pride Month, The Secret History of The Puta-Pons 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

Mike Stephen learns about Teflon Softball's search for a practice facility from coach and founder India Steward, re-explores a local tour that highlights LGBTQ history, and discovers the Secret History of the late 90s/early 2000s rockers The Puta-Pons.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #975: Supporting Chicago's arts nonprofits, Guiding Chicago's youth towards entertainment careers 41:31

4M ago41:31

41:31

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of a healthy local nonprofit arts community with Vickie Lakes-Battle of IFF and Vanessa Sanchez of Villapalooza and then chats with Danita Patterson, founder of Destiny Outreach, about a new program aimed at guiding Chicago's youth towards careers in the entertainment industry.…

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OTL #974: Is Chicago prioritizing environmental justice?, The Secret History of Fred Below 33:33

5M ago33:33

33:33

Mike Stephen gets an update on the struggle for environmental justice on the southwest side of Chicago from Anthony Moser, board president of Neighbors for Environmental Justice, and then discovers the Secret History of the local influential 20th century drummer Fred Below.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #973: A.I. in local journalism, Local immigrants are about to lose their healthcare 38:46

5M ago38:46

38:46

Mike Stephen discusses the ethical questions around using artificial intelligence in local journalism with Justin Kerr, publisher of McKinley Park News, and then talks with Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign, about how 33,000 low-income Illinois immigrants are about to lose their healthcare.…

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OTL #972: Confronting student loan debt in Illinois, New music from AJ Rosales, The Secret History of The Radiants 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

Mike Stephen discusses the student loan debt problem in Illinois with Illinois Answers Project journalist Claire Murphy, gets the lowdown on new local music from AJ Rosales, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s Chicago doo-wop group The Radiants.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #971: Civic engagement through the 100K Project, CPS selling vacant land, Labeling Illinois schools 39:52

5M ago39:52

39:52

Mike Stephen learns about recruiting candidates for local office through the 100K Project with lead organizer and steering committee member Tom Tresser and then gets an update on some local education issues with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #970: Books removed in local prison, New music from Ascendant, The Secret History of Chicago Music celebrates 20 years 39:33

6M ago39:33

39:33

Mike Stephen explores the removal of certain books in Danville Correctional Center with local author Vee Harrison, gets the lowdown on new music from the band Ascendant from vocalist and keyboard player Kael Mboya, and looks back on 20 years of The Secret History of Chicago Music in the Chicago Reader with its creator and author Steve Krakow.…

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OTL #969: The Chicago Lakefront: Protected, Yet Precarious, Second Glance Productions, Rob Moore's new music 39:38

6M ago39:38

39:38

Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago's lakefront with Emily Reusswig, VP of Conservation at Openlands, talks about the importance of inclusion in media with Anthony Williams, the founder of Second Glance Productions, and gets the lowdown on new music from Chicago-based bluesman Rob Moore.By Mike Stephen

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EP 13: Spanish-style Filipino Cocido and the Comfort of Home Cooking 13:53

6y ago13:53

13:53

Listen as Betty Ann shares her memories of a special childhood Sunday meal, how it became a touchstone for her family in America, and some surprising advice on how to make Spanish-style Filipino Cocido today. Connect with us: The Heritage Cookbook Project @theheritagecookbookproject on Instagram The Heritage Cookbook Project on Facebook The Heritag…

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EP 12: Kamayan Feasts aka No Forks Given 15:23

6y ago15:23

15:23

Possessing a cuisine that includes stinky, fermented foods, fertilized duck eggs, and blood stews can make transitions to another culture difficult. But Yana Gilbuena doesn’t shy away from her cultural foods. As a matter for fact, she introduces them to people unapologetically and passionately through her Kamayan Feasts. Listen as Yana shares some …

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EP 11: Apple Strudel & Birth Mothers 10:39

6y ago10:39

10:39

I generally play host and narrator to the stories featured in the podcast. I may add a little clarity at times or help the transition from one topic to the next. But in this episode, I actually have a more active role. I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in food. I loved, and still love cooking and sharing food with family and friends.…

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EP 10: Fried Chicken and Lunch Counters 9:28

6y ago9:28

9:28

For Judy Van Leuven, her Grandma Kennedy’s Fried Chicken recipe is a way to reconnect with her childhood and family. It’s a recipe that appeared on the Sunday Supper table every week, but never on a recipe card. Listen as Judy recalls memories of a grandma who ran a local lunch counter, food memories of growing up in small Western Montana town, and…

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EP 9: Pot Roast and Theme Parties 11:03

6y ago11:03

11:03

Amanda Cushman was brought up, in her own words, a hippie; and she loved it. Her home was filled with music, art, and food from around the world. Gregarious and inclusive, her parents often entertained a diverse group of people with vibrant themed parties. Amanda Cushman was brought up, in her own words, a hippie; and she loved it. Her home was fil…

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EP 8: Wild Cranberries and Apron Strings 6:37

6y ago6:37

6:37

Some stories carry with them a spark. This story of wild cranberries and growing up on a Northern Minnesota farm was the spark that ignited a project. This project in fact. It’s a short story, but a powerful story about how food has the power to conjure up memories of people, places, and a time that was not necessarily easy, but simple. Thank you t…

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EP 7: Persian Stew and Revolutions 14:40

6+ y ago14:40

14:40

Food has a magical ability to tap into our memories. It can carry us to places far-far away or very close to home; to a time almost forgotten or right at the forefront of our memory. Listen as food blogger and cookbook author, Laura Bashar, shares her memories of Iran, her grandmother’s kabobs, and a Persian stew, dubbed Green Stew by Laura and her…

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EP 6: Chicken & Dumplings and Community Cookbooks 19:12

6+ y ago19:12

19:12

Cookbooks are as varied as the authors who write them and foodies who consume them. They can be beautifully bound works of art or practical resources. Either way, they provide inspiration. And sometimes that inspiration goes beyond the kitchen. Listen as writer, artist, and food lover Matt Terrell recounts how his favorite style of cookbook influen…

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EP 5: The Cream Puff Parlor Trick 17:50

6+ y ago17:50

17:50

Nancy Spiller, visual artist, author, and food writer shares her memories of learning the art of making cream puffs at her mother's side before mental health concerns forever changed the mother daughter relationship and how this magical recipe has been embraced by her granddaughter. She also shares a very interesting project involving junk mail and…

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EP 4: Matzo Meal Pancakes and Soy Sauce Eggs 12:44

6+ y ago12:44

12:44

I connect with Beth Lee, of OMG Yummy, who shares her childhood memories of challah and matzo meal pancakes, and talks about how one ingredient can represent the blending of two very different cultures. Even if you don't celebrate Passover or have ties to Hawaii, you can enjoy fluffy Matzo Meal Pancakes or Soy Sauce eggs this weekend for breakfast.…

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EP 2: Baked Stuffed Tuna Rolls and Old Spanish Days -Fiesta 13:07

6+ y ago13:07

13:07

I connect with Kate McDermott, of Art of the Pie, who shares her thoughts on concerts and meals, how aromas can transport you, and how comfort foods remind us of being with our loved ones. You don’t have to be Catholic to serve Baked Stuffed Tuna Rolls. They are great any day of the week on anyone’s table. Connect with us: The Heritage Cookbook Pro…

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EP 3: Medicated Spicy Sichuan Wontons and Heritage Preservation 13:13

6+ y ago13:13

13:13

I connect with Monica Lo, of Sous Weed , who shares her family’s tradition of dumpling making, her belief that food is medicine, and her culinary cannabis platform. Connect with us: The Heritage Cookbook Project @theheritagecookbookproject on Instagram The Heritage Cookbook Project on Facebook The Heritage Cookbook Project on Pinterest Sous Weed So…

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EP 1: Angel Slices and Scary Basements 19:06

6+ y ago19:06

19:06

I connect with Jenni Field, from Pastry Chef Online, who shares her philosophy about recipe development, how altering a recipe can have an unintended effect on our taste memories, and one of her favorite family recipes, Angel Slices. After listening to Jenni's description of these pieces of deliciouness you are going to want to make the Angel Slice…

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The Heritage Cookbook Project Trailer 1:55

6+ y ago1:55

1:55

Join me, Leigh Olson the creator of The Heritage Cookbook Project, as we connect with cooks across the country to talk about food memories, family recipes, and learn a little bit more about each other. Connect with me: The Heritage Cookbook Project Instagram Facebook TwitterBy Epicurean Creative