Best Paula Mohammed Podcasts (2025)

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Paula Hawkins 29:06

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11d ago29:06

29:06

Presented by James Naughtie, Radio 4's Bookclub, speaks to the writer Paula Hawkins about her debut thriller The Girl On The Train. The book was published by Doubleday in 2015 to great acclaim and has sold millions of copies. Told in the first-person the novel's protagonist is Rachel Watson, a 33-year-old divorcee with addiction issues. The book wa…

1
Kit de Waal 28:40

1M ago28:40

28:40

Presented by James Naughtie, BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, speaks to the award-winning writer Kit de Waal about her heart-rending debut novel, My Name Is Leon. Published in 2016 by Penguin it's the story of two brothers separated after one is adopted. The book, now taught on the curriculum in English schools, takes us back to 1980s Birmingham, and while …

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Made in Taiwan: A Culinary Legacy with Ivy Chen 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

What if preserving a recipe was the key to preserving a culture? In this heartfelt and flavor-packed episode, I sit down with Ivy Chen—longtime cooking instructor, co-author of Made in Taiwan, and the force behind Ivy’s Kitchen in Taipei. You’ll hear about: 🍚 Why sticky rice dishes like oil rice are central to Taiwanese celebrations 🏮 The cultural …

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Not Your Butter Chicken: Exploring Cultural Heritage with Shiva Reddy 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

What if the immigrant story you’ve heard is only half the truth? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Shiva Reddy—sommelier, food columnist for CBC Vancouver, and host of the acclaimed docuseries Not Your Butter Chicken. We talk about identity, heritage, and the power of food to connect us to our culture and the women who shaped it. Shiva sha…

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Tom Holland 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

Presented by James Naughtie, Bookclub speaks to the award-winning writer, historian, and podcaster, Tom Holland, about his book Rubicon, which looks at the triumph and tragedy of the Roman Republic. Originally published in 2003, the book won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman prize for non-fiction, and it unravels the myths and realities of ancient Rome as it…

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Flavourful Bonds Part 4: What We Leave Behind 25:29

3M ago25:29

25:29

What if you could supercharge your travel experiences, with just a little perspective? In this episode I wrap up the four-part series 'Flavourful Bonds' by delving into the character strengths of humility, gratitude, and legacy within the culinary traditions of Pakistan, Mexico, and Croatia. I share personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practi…

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Flavourful Bonds Part 3: Resilience in the Ruptures 20:42

3M ago20:42

20:42

How do food and culinary traditions reflect resilience, forgiveness, and hope? In this episode I look at the character strengths of forgiveness, hope and perspective through the lens of food in Pakistan and also Vietnam and Portugal. Three countries that have experienced upheaval and rupture. Through personal stories and culinary traditions I illus…

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Flavourful Bonds Part 2: Exploring Cultural Truths Through Cuisine 15:13

3M ago15:13

15:13

How do honesty, integrity, and fairness shape our culinary adventures and deepen our connections across cultures? Join me in episode two of 'Flavourful Bonds' as I explore these character strengths through stories and culinary experiences from around the world. Learn how honesty varies in different cultures, the importance of culinary integrity in …

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Flavourful Bonds Part 1: Kindness Served Warm 34:52

4M ago34:52

34:52

Haver you ever wondered how food can create deeper, meaningful relationships? In this first episode of our special four-part series, Flavourful Bonds, we delve into the VIA character strengths and how they manifest in different cultures. This week, we're kicking off with 'Kindness Served Warm' and exploring love, kindness, and gratitude through mem…

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Joanne Harris: Chocolat 28:35

3M ago28:35

28:35

Led by presenter James Naughtie, the writer Joanne Harris takes questions from a BBC Bookclub audience on her best-selling novel, Chocolat. Published in 1999, the book follows the character of Vianne Rocher, a chocolate-maker and sometime witch, who arrives in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter Anouk at the beginni…

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Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action (Part 2) 22:35

4M ago22:35

22:35

What if your best travel companion isn’t your passport—but your personality? In this solo episode, host Paula Mohammed continues the conversation on character strengths—those deeply personal yet often overlooked qualities that shape how we connect, cook, and travel. Building on episode 33, Paula explores how our signature strengths like curiosity, …

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Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action (Part 1) 14:27

4M ago14:27

14:27

Ever wondered what makes you truly shine? In this episode we go on an exciting journey to discover our unique character strengths using the VIA Character Strengths framework. Developed by positive psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson, this framework identifies 24 universal strengths that help individuals not just get by, but truly…

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From MasterChef to World Traveler: Michael Motamedi's Culinary Quest 1:03:25

4M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

What if the best way to experience the world was to live in it—one month at a time? In this episode, we meet Michael Motamedi: former MasterChef Canada contestant, marketer-turned-full-time traveler, and passionate culinary explorer. For the past three years, Michael has been traveling the globe with his wife and young daughter—living in one city a…

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Culinary Activism: Anna Voloshyna's Journey from Ukraine to California 49:53

4M ago49:53

49:53

What does it mean to fight a war—with food? In this episode, we meet Anna Voloshyna: chef, cookbook author, and passionate culinary activist. Born and raised in Ukraine and now based in California, Anna shares how her deep love of Ukrainian cuisine has become a powerful tool for cultural preservation and resistance amid war. From feeding soldiers o…

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Natalie Haynes 28:41

4M ago28:41

28:41

Led by presenter James Naughtie, a BBC Bookclub audience in Glasgow speaks to the author Natalie Haynes about her 2019 novel - A Thousand Ships - which retells the ancient Greek myths from a woman's perspective. Penelope, Clytemnestra, Andromache and Cassandra among others, all make appearances, but their stories are given a new voice and a fresh e…

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Culinary Time Travel: Sephardic Flavours and Tales with Hélène Jawhara Piñer 44:45

5M ago44:45

44:45

What can food tell us about history, identity, and resilience? In this episode of In My Kitchen with Paula, I sit down with Hélène Jawhara Piñer — historian, professor, and author of Matzah and Flour — to explore the powerful stories behind Sephardic cuisine. With a PhD in medieval history and the history of food, Hélène shares how her research int…

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From Farms to Flavour: Exploring Heritage through Food with Selena Pellizzari 45:48

5M ago45:48

45:48

What if your next meal could take you back in time—and across continents? In this episode, Paula reconnects with longtime friend and accomplished equestrian coach Selena Pellizzari, whose story weaves together family heritage, global exploration, and rich culinary traditions. From Ukrainian cabbage rolls to Italian minestrone, Selena shares how she…

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Sharing Meals: A Global Happiness Hack 19:06

5M ago19:06

19:06

Did you know one of the simplest ways to boost your happiness might be sitting right at your dinner table? In this solo episode, I dive into a fascinating chapter of the World Happiness Report 2025 that explores something near and dear to my heart: the power of sharing meals. From the data to the dinner table, I’m connecting the dots between scienc…

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Culinary Adventures: Paula's Method of Travel and Connection (Part 3) 24:54

5M ago24:54

24:54

Want to explore the world more meaningfully — one dish, one market, one moment at a time? In this final installment of my three-part series, I’m wrapping things up by sharing the simple framework I use to explore culture through the lens of food. It’s a method I unconsciously developed during my 22 years in event planning, and it’s become the secre…

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Michel Faber 28:26

5M ago28:26

28:26

This month BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Michel Faber about his debut novel, Under the Skin. Published in the year 2000 by Canongate it went on to be shortlisted for the Whitbread Award that same year. The book follows the female protagonist of Isserley who roves the A9 in the Scottish Highlands looking t…

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Culinary Adventures: Paula's Method of Travel and Connection (Part 2) 15:21

6M ago15:21

15:21

Ever wonder how to create deeper connections through travel — and how food can be the key? In this special solo episode, I’m continuing a three-part series where I share my personal story, travel philosophy, and the principles that help me discover the world in a more meaningful way. This week, I’m diving into the power of micro-moments — those sma…

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Culinary Adventures: Paula's Method of Travel and Connection (Part 1) 22:16

6M ago22:16

22:16

Ever wonder how to create deeper connections through travel — and how food can be the key? In this special solo episode, I’m kicking off a three-part series where I share my personal story, travel philosophy, and the principles that help me discover the world in a more meaningful way. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my own culinary adventures, f…

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The Spirit of Manaakitanga: Food, Family, and Friendship in New Zealand 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

What does it really mean to care for others through food — and how does that shape who we are? In this episode, Paula takes us on a journey to New Zealand, where her earliest memories of generosity, gathering, and good food were formed. From fishing, harvesting for mussels on the beach to backyard hangi feasts and the comfort of warm pikelets, she …

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Exploring Goan Food and Culture with Lara Victoria 52:20

6M ago52:20

52:20

Have you ever wondered what makes Goan cuisine so special? What if the secret ingredient isn’t just the spices, but the sun itself? In this episode, Paula sits down with Lara Victoria, a food and wine expert with deep roots in both Bombay and Goa. Lara shares her journey from pastry chef to sommelier, weaving in the rich cultural influences that ha…

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Savouring Slow Travel: Discovering Parma and Modena with Sonia Bozzi 39:53

7M ago39:53

39:53

What if the best way to experience Italy isn't through checklists and tourist attractions, but by slowing down and savoring each moment? In this episode, Paula is joined by Sonia Bozzi, entrepreneur and founder of Cultour Italia, who curates immersive culinary and cultural tours in Italy. Sonia shares her journey from growing up in the Alps of Lomb…

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Christopher Brookmyre 28:46

6M ago28:46

28:46

This month, Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the author Christopher Brookmyre, as he takes questions from a live BBC audience about his debut novel, Quite Ugly One Morning. The book is a pacey crime thriller, not so much a 'whodunnit', as a 'whydunnit', and it introduces us to the wily, wise-cracking journalist Jack Parlabane - a ch…

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Savouring Alentejo: Alfredo Cunhal Sendim’s Portuguese Legacy & Montado do Freixo do Meio 1:03:43

7M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Did you ever drive by a village when traveling and wonder what people do here day to day and what is their story? In this episode, Paula talks with Alfredo Cunhal Sendim, a former fisherman turned organic farmer from the Alentejo region of Portugal. Alfredo shares his journey from the sea to farming, championing the Montado agro-ecological system i…

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A Taste of Alentejo and Lisbon with Maria João Carros 1:00:30

7M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Curious about the real Lisbon and Alentejo outside of tourist guides and google? Get a local’s take with Maria João Carros on our latest episode. Maria shares her experiences and insights into Portuguese culture and cuisine. Maria explains her approach to enjoying food and wine in Portugal, highlighting the importance of socialization and savouring…

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Sara Collins 28:49

7M ago28:49

28:49

This month, BBC Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Sara Collins, as she takes questions from a live audience about her award-winning debut novel, The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara was the Costa Book Awards First Novel Winner in 2019. She has also adapted the book for television. Producer: Dom HowellEditor: Gillian Wh…

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Beyond the Plate: Communicating Across Cultures 21:17

8M ago21:17

21:17

Have you ever been traveling and asked a local person a question and they are saying yes, but the meaning you realize later is no? Join Paula as she dives into the art of understanding different communication styles, Paula serves up a hearty discussion on how different countries have different communication styles. She sprinkles in personal stories…

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From Taiwan to Canada: Pete Young's Journey of Creativity and Innovation (Part 2) 46:35

8M ago46:35

46:35

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complexities of identity and culture, as a young immigrant? In this two-part episode, Taiwanese-Canadian artist and educator Pete (Shouh) Young takes us on a journey through his life, sharing how his experience of moving from Taiwan to Vancouver at the age of nine shaped his art, his studies, and his sens…

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From Taiwan to Canada: Pete Young's Journey of Creativity and Innovation (Part 1) 33:32

8M ago33:32

33:32

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complexities of identity and culture, as a young immigrant? In this two-part episode, Taiwanese-Canadian artist and educator Pete (Shouh) Young takes us on a journey through his life, sharing how his experience of moving from Taiwan to Vancouver at the age of nine shaped his art, his studies, and his sens…

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Richard Osman 28:29

8M ago28:29

28:29

Presented by James Naughtie, BBC Bookclub speaks to the writer Richard Osman about his crime-fiction novel The Thursday Murder Club, which sold millions of copies, and has been made into a film.By BBC Radio 4

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Alan Warner: Morvern Callar 29:31

9M ago29:31

29:31

Award-winning writer Alan Warner takes questions from Radio 4's Bookclub audience about his first-person, pacey novel, Morvern Callar, which was written in 1995 when Warner was in his late twenties. Morvern is a twenty-one year old foster-child whose life takes an irreversible turn when she discovers her boyfriend's dead body. The book was later tu…

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Carys Davies: The Mission House 28:38

10M ago28:38

28:38

The writer Carys Davies talks to readers about her beautifully-crafted novel, The Mission House, which follows the character of Hilary Byrd, a British librarian in his fifties, who is seeking to find himself again in modern-day southern India.By BBC Radio 4

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Susanna Clarke: Piranesi 27:37

11M ago27:37

27:37

Susanna Clarke won the Women's Prize for Fiction with her novel Piranesi. She joins James Naughtie and a group of readers to answer their questions about this intriguing, tantalising novel.By BBC Radio 4

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Living La Dolce Vita in Puglia with Paola Maggiulli (Part 2) 45:05

12M ago45:05

45:05

A look into Paola's Puglia: This episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula' features a conversation between host Paula Mohammed and guest Paola, a self-love coach living in Puglia, Italy. Paola shares her journey from a high-paced London life to embracing the serene culture of Puglia, encouraging listeners to find joy and self-love through Italian cooki…

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Living La Dolce Vita in Puglia with Paola Maggiulli (Part 1) 1:00:23

1y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Feeling stressed? Discover how cooking simple Italian dishes can be a form of self-care. This episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula' features a deep and engaging conversation with Paola, also known as the Tiny Italian. Host Paula Mohammed invites Paola to share her inspiring journey from the corporate fashion world to becoming a self-love coach and …

1
Ken Follett: A Column of Fire 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

Bestselling novelist Ken Follett joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss his historical novel A Column of Fire, the third in his hugely successful Kingsbridge series. It’s a tale of spying and intrigue, as Elizabeth I battles to keep her throne in the face of fierce religious division across Europe.…

1
Ayobami Adebayo 27:47

1y ago27:47

27:47

Ayobami Adebayo talks to James Naughtie and readers about her novel, Stay With Me, a moving story of loss and motherhood. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous political events in Nigeria, it tells the story of Yejide and Akin, whose marriage is childless. The novel, which is narrated by them both, explores the pressure to have a child, the toll i…

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Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings 27:39

1y ago27:39

27:39

Marlon James answers readers' questions about his award-winning novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. The novel, which is narrated by multiple characters, opens in Jamaica in the run-up to the 1976 election. Kingston is riven by violence as competing gangs, some supported by the US government, compete for territory and control of the drugs trad…

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Beyond Butter Chicken with Chef Gurjyote Sethi 46:52

1+ y ago46:52

46:52

Spices, Stories, and Smiles: Exploring Indian Culture and Cuisine with Chef Gurjyote Sethi In this episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula,' host Paula Mohammed invites Red Seal Chef Gurjyote Sethi (Chef GJ) to share his culinary journey from India to Canada. Chef GJ delves into his family's rich culinary history, regional Indian cuisines, and the imp…

1
Lucy Caldwell: These Days 27:48

1+ y ago27:48

27:48

Celebrated novelist and short story writer Lucy Caldwell joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss These Days. Set in 1941, it focusses on the lives of two sisters living through the Belfast Blitz. Lucy talks about the inspiration for her novel, her research and writing it during the pandemic.By BBC Radio 4

1
The Essence of Japan: Naomi Eguchi's Story from Soccer to Sake (Part 2) 33:07

1+ y ago33:07

33:07

A journey of food, soccer and cultural insights... In this episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula', host Paula Mohamed reunites with Naomi Eguchi, a former host and native of Kobe, Japan, for the second part of their series. They delve into: Naomi’s life, from her soccer career to her insights on Japanese culture. Food, and the unique experience of s…

1
Nicholas Shakespeare: Six Minutes in May 27:51

1+ y ago27:51

27:51

James Naughtie and readers quiz Nicholas Shakespeare about his book, Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister. It chronicles the dramatic political and military events of 1940 which led to the momentous Norway Debate and Chamberlain’s resignation. Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London: Wednesday 15 May …

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The Essence of Japan: Naomi Eguchi's Story from Soccer to Sake (Part 1) 40:03

1+ y ago40:03

40:03

Friday evenings you will find Naomi cooking up Japanese small plates and pouring sake for friends around her kitchen island. The conversation goes something like this... In this episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula', Paula interviews Naomi Eguchi, an original In My Kitchen Host and a talent both in the kitchen and on the soccer field. Naomi, origin…

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Exploring the Heart of Japan: A Tale of Temples, Tastes, Teens and Traditions 40:03

1+ y ago40:03

40:03

Peeling back the layers of Japan, one trip at a time. In the season three premiere, Paula recounts her enriching and flavorful trip to Japan with her 17-year-old son, weaving through the cultural, historical, and culinary landscapes that have been a part of her life since childhood, thanks to her father's business ventures. Paula offers a detailed …

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Clare Chambers: Small Pleasures 27:47

1+ y ago27:47

27:47

Clare Chambers talks to James Naughtie and readers about her bestselling novel, Small Pleasures. Set in the London suburbs in the 1950s, it tells the story of Jean Swinney, a journalist who is asked to investigate a letter sent to her paper, from a mother claiming her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. Jean meets the mother, Gretchen; her hu…

1
Ann Cleeves: Hidden Depths 27:46

1+ y ago27:46

27:46

Bookclub travels to Northumberland to meet best-selling crime writer Ann Cleeves. She joins James Naughtie and listeners to discuss her novel, Hidden Depths: Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope sets out to solve two murders which are apparently linked, although there are no clues to connect the victims. Upcoming recordings - 1830 BBC Broadcasting Hou…

1
Graeme Macrae Burnet: His Bloody Project 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

Graeme Macrae Burnet joins James Naughtie and readers to reveal the secrets behind his award-winning historical novel, His Bloody Project. Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1869, His Bloody Project explores crime, justice and retribution through the confessions of a young man accused of murder, and an account of his trial. Upcoming recordings at BBC…