We often say around here that we’re “consumed by food.” Recently, I’ve been consumed by a certain aspect of the food world – food media. I feel like I’m on a first name basis with the podcast hosts who entertain me on my walk to work each morning. In the evenings, I bounce between countless food blogs and cooking sites – and in all likelihood, a food documentary is probably playing in the background too.
As I contemplated my podcast library recently, it struck me how this medium has introduced me to so many women who are blazing new trails in the food world and pushing the boundaries of what shapes our food system. As today marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to “celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women,” I’m eager to share some of the most powerful food podcasts led by women. They have provided me with endless knowledge and inspiration.
As today marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to “celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women,” I’m eager to share some of the most powerful food podcasts led by women. Click To TweetFittingly, this year’s IWD theme is #PressforProgress, which calls on all of us to think, act and be gender inclusive. Considered another way, it also makes me think of the women who comprise the “press” of the food world. The women highlighted below embody this year’s theme, as they use their megaphones to push for greater gender equity and representation in the food world and beyond.
- Radio Cherry Bombe – This weekly podcast, hosted by Kerry Diamond, features interviews with female “chefs, bakers, pastry chefs, stylists, writers, cookbook authors and others” who are making a splash in the culinary scene. Listen to just a few episodes and like me, you’ll be counting down the days to Cherry Bombe Jubilee.
- Gastropod – History buffs, this podcast is for you. In each episode, co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley will take you on an intriguing journey of the “hidden history and surprising science” behind one ingredient or food topic. Recent episodes have ranged from saffron to “fluff.”
- Speaking Broadly – I’ve come to rely on Dana Cowin, former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine Magazine and Speaking Broadly host, as my virtual career mentor. In each episode, Cowin interviews women who are carving their own unique career path in the food world. Her conversations are as earnest and inspiring as the women she interviews.
- A Hungry Society – One of several Heritage Radio Network podcasts on this list, A Hungry Society is hosted by Korsha Wilson and celebrates diverse aspects of food culture. Wilson features a slate of fascinating guests and thoughtful commentary on food media, culture and how food shapes our lives.
- Food Without Borders – After hearing Dr. Johanna Mendelson Forman speak about “conflict cuisine” at last year’s Society for Nutrition Education & Behavior conference, I became fascinated by the intersection of food, diplomacy and peace-building. This podcast, hosted by Sari Kamin, speaks to that interest exactly – it explores how food can connect us to the past and mitigate the risk of conflict in the future.
- Female Farmer Project – Founded by Audra Mulkern, the Female Farmer Project podcast is just one part of a multi-platform project that captures the rise of women working in agriculture around the world.
- Feast Meets West – What’s fascinating about this podcast is that the two co-hosts, Iris van Kerckhove and Lynda Liu, are based in legendary food cities, New York City and Hong Kong. They dig deep into the origin stories of foods gaining popularity beyond Asia and reflect on varying cultural perceptions shaping food culture.
- Pineapple Radio – Pineapple collaborative is a new force for good in the food world. It is dedicated to building a community of women who love food, and its brand new podcast, co-hosted by Atara Bernstein and Ariel Pasternak, features women who are pioneering “ideas, brands and movements” in this space. Pineapple was founded in my own hometown of Washington, D.C., but it’s quickly spreading its roots to New York City and San Francisco.
There are so many ways we can #PressforProgress in the year ahead, but one small step may be expanding the list of women we turn to for their expertise and perspective on our rapidly evolving food world. What podcasts are on your “must listen” list? Send your recommendations to [email protected].
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