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In My Kitchen with Paula

Paula Mohammed

Hi, I’m Paula Mohammed, welcome to my podcast: In My Kitchen with Paula. This podcast is a gathering place for culinary adventurers who love to travel.

Here’s a little about me…

My parents came from very different backgrounds, so I grew up with cultural influences from Pakistan, Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. In our family kitchen, the different traditions, recipes, and stories mingled together to create meals that were fun, inspiring, and memorable.

This inspired a love of travel and cooking in me that continues today. AND a curiosity about the people behind the dishes.

I’m also the founder and CEO of In My Kitchen. We teach in-person and online cooking classes where my team of passionate home cooks from diverse cultures invite you into their kitchens to share their recipes, stories and travel gems.

On this podcast, we’ll explore the people, cultures and recipes from your travel bucket lists. Every week we’ll come together with a new guest and their unique dish. Using the dish as the vehicle, we’ll take a ride into the ins and outs of their culture and country. Along the way we’ll gather some insider travel tips that only a local knows, have a new recipe to try and basically just hang out…in my kitchen.

So grab your favourite beverage and join me on a culinary adventure!

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August 18 · 52 min
Barbara-jo McIntosh on Hospitality, Reinvention and Finding Home in France
What if the most meaningful journeys in life aren't about finding a new place, but about creating a place where others feel they belong? Barbara-jo McIntosh is a cookbook author, culinary entrepreneur, bookseller, and one of Canada's most respected voices in food and hospitality. After building an extraordinary career in Vancouver's culinary world, including founding the beloved Barbara-jo's Books to Cooks, she began a new chapter in rural France, where she now welcomes guests into her beautiful home, La Maison des Mots, in the medieval village of La Charité-sur-Loire. In this episode, Barbara-jo shares the experiences that shaped her lifelong passion for hospitality, the courage to reinvent herself throughout her career, and why she believes it's never too late to begin again. Together, we also explore French culture, entertaining traditions, and the simple pleasures that make life around the table so meaningful. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hospitality is about making people feel genuinely welcome rather than creating the perfect experience. How Barbara-jo built an extraordinary career by following curiosity, embracing change, and continually reinventing herself. The French traditions around food, entertaining, and everyday living that continue to inspire her life in La Charité-sur-Loire. Helpful Links: Podcast Companion Page (recipe, reflections, resources and prompts for your own everyday life) Barbara-jo's website: Maison des Mots Barbara-jo's Substack: Diner Chez Moi Barbara-jo on Instagram SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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May 15 · 1 hr
Sacred Cuisine: A Journey of Palestinian Heritage and Culinary Identity with Izzeldin Bukhari
In this episode of In My Kitchen with Paula, I sit down with Palestinian chef, storyteller, and founder of Sacred Cuisine, Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari. Speaking from the Old City of Jerusalem, Izzeldin shares the story of his family’s migration from Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Jerusalem in 1616, his Sufi roots, and how food became both a form of meditation and a powerful vehicle for preserving Palestinian culture and identity. You’ll Hear About How food carries history, grief, connection, and hope across generations Memories of grandmother’s kitchens in Gaza and the role food plays in family connection The history and symbolism behind the Palestinian dish Rummaniyeh What it means to build and operate a culinary business as a Palestinian living under occupation Food as an act of cultural preservation and resistance This is an unforgettable conversation about heritage, hospitality, identity, and the sacred role food plays in bringing people together. HELPFUL LINKS Sacred Cuisine: www.sacred-cuisine.com Izzeldin’s email: thesacredcuisine@gmail.com Sacred Cuisine on Instagram: instagram.com/SacredCuisine Izzeldin’s Rummaniyeh Recipe: Find it at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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Dec 23, 2025 · 45 min
The Heart of Peru: Cuisine and Culture with Ericka La Madrid
What if the most memorable part of visiting Peru isn’t Machu Picchu… ? In this episode, I sit down with Ericka La Madrid, founder of Delectable Peru Food Tours, a proud Peruvian who grew up surrounded by big family tables, Andean flavours, and the kind of culinary traditions that carry stories across generations. Today, she helps travellers experience Peru through its kitchens, markets, and regional dishes. Erica, is generously offering a 5% discount on when you book a tour with her, just mention the podcast episode and that you are following Delectable Food Tours and In My Kitchen on Instagram You’ll hear about: 🍽️ Why the family table is central to Peruvian culture and how memories and meals are inseparable 🌊 How Peru’s three regions: Coast, Andes, and Amazon shape its iconic dishes 🍋 The magic of ceviche (plus why it’s not as simple as it looks!) 🏡 What it’s really like to cook with locals in Lima, from tamale masters to home-kitchen chefs ✈️ Travel tips, cultural etiquette, and how to experience Peru safely and meaningfully 🥔 Fun fact: Peru has over 3,000 varieties of potatoes — and Erica tells us why it matters This episode will inspire you to travel with curiosity, savour new experiences slowly, and embrace the stories behind every dish. HELPFUL LINKS 🧑🏽‍💻 Delectable Peru Food Tours: https://delectableperu.com 📸 Erica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delectableperu_food_tours 📧 Book a tour / contact Erica: info@delectableperu.com or text/call: ( 703) 725-0616 🍋 Erica’s Ceviche Recipe: Find it at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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Nov 7, 2025 · 56 min
Savouring Brazil: Cristina Dias on Coffee, Culture, and Connection
What if your morning cup of coffee carried a century-old story of family, community, and connection? In this episode, I sit down with Cristina Dias, founder of Mogiana Coffee in Vancouver, Canada whose family has been farming coffee in Brazil since 1890. We talk about legacy, sustainability, and how a simple cup of coffee can hold the spirit of a place, from the red soil of Minas Gerais to a roastery in Burnaby. You’ll hear about: ☕ How Mogiana Coffee bridges Brazil and Canada through mindful business 🌱 The social and environmental heartbeat of a family-run coffee farm 🔥 The ritual of “cafezinho” and why Brazilians never say no to a drop-in coffee 🇧🇷 Travel inspiration for exploring Brazil beyond Rio — from coastal towns to the coffee highlands This episode will make you look at your morning brew a little differently; as an invitation to slow down, savour, and connect with the people and places behind every bean. HELPFUL LINKS 🧑🏽‍💻 Visit www.mogianacoffee.com to obtain your 20% discount on your first online order of Mogiana Coffee, use promo code: IMK2025 ☕️ Resource: Mogiana Coffee Learn page for step by step recipes, at exploreinmykitchen.com 🍽️ Casa Mineira: The Brazilian Sausages Cristina mentions (for our Canadian listeners) 📖 Read the beautiful article on Mogiana Coffee in Edible Magazine SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#41
Oct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Journey Through Moroccan Flavours with Siham Lahmine
Have you ever been invited to “eat from your triangle”? In this episode I sit down with Moroccan culinary expert and guide Siham Lahmine to explore the real Morocco—the one you taste and sit inside. From family kitchens in Fez to late-night medina vibes during Ramadan, Siham shares how hospitality, daily rhythms, and regional dishes reveal the country’s open-minded surprises and deep food heritage. You'll hear about: 🏠 How Siham curates in-home culinary experiences with local women outside tourist areas. ☕ Everyday meal rhythms (including the beloved cascrot—“second breakfast”) 🔺Respectful visiting: modest dress tips, how to interact in souks, and “eat from your triangle” at shared plates 🌙 Ramadan travel rhythms (start early, pause late afternoon, then feel the city re-ignite at night) I suggest you pair this episode with a comfy cushion, and a cup of mint tea. HELPFUL LINKS Siham’s company: moroccotravelorganizer.com Email Siham: siham@moroccotravelorganizer.com Instagram: @moroccotravelorganizer Article in Forbes magazine Visit exploreinmykitchen.com for Siham's Chicken Tagine recipe SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#40
Jul 17, 2025 · 50 min
Made in Taiwan: A Culinary Legacy with Ivy Chen
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 rituals that surround food—from ancestor offerings to baby blessings 🎥 What it was like filming with Phil Rosenthal for Somebody Feed Phil Whether you’re a curious home cook or someone tracing your roots through food, Ivy’s stories will leave you hungry for more—especially a ticket to Taiwan. HELPFUL LINKS 👩‍🍳 Sign up for a class with Ivy at Ivy’s Kitchen 📖 Order Made in Taiwan by Clarissa Wei and Ivy Chen 🍚 Get Ivy’s oil rice recipe at exploreinmykitchen.com 📺 Watch Ivy on Somebody Feed Phil - Season 7, Episode 7 on Netflix SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#39
Jul 10, 2025 · 50 min
Not Your Butter Chicken: Exploring Cultural Heritage with Shiva Reddy
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 shares the deeply personal story behind the series, inspired by her mother’s dementia and her own journey to reclaim the flavors and traditions of her Indo-Fijian roots. From hustling samosas as a teen to becoming a celebrated wine expert, Shiva’s story is full of resilience, tenderness, and a lot of flavor. You’ll hear about: 🍛 The role of sewa and community in South Asian culture 🧵 Why the stories of immigrant women often go untold 🍷 Her unique philosophy on wine This conversation left me thinking about the women in my own family—the ones who passed down recipes, love, and history through food. I hope it does the same for you. HELPFUL LINKS Watch Shiva's new docuseries, Not Your Butter Chicken, now on CBC Gem and Telus Try Shiva’s dal recipe at exploreinmykitchen.com SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#38
Jun 27, 2025 · 25 min
Flavourful Bonds Part 4: What We Leave Behind
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 practical exercises to help travelers and food enthusiasts recognize and practice these strengths through food. You will learn about: ✈️ How these strength helps us to have a more immersive travel experience 🍲 Traditional dishes like Peka, Sarma and pasticada 💫 Paula’s personal story around what it means to be humble SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#37
Jun 23, 2025 · 20 min
Flavourful Bonds Part 3: Resilience in the Ruptures
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 illustrate how these strengths manifest in the kitchen and during travels, emphasizing the importance of food in preserving memory, fostering connection, and enabling healing. You will hear reflections on: 🌏Partition of India in 1947: Devastation and the birth of Pakistani cuisine 🐟The Portuguese Saudade and bacalhau 🍲The story of Pho 🙏🏼A special dinner with Sadie HELPFUL LINKS 💪🏼 VIA Character Strengths Survey 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#36
Jun 12, 2025 · 15 min
Flavourful Bonds Part 2: Exploring Cultural Truths Through Cuisine
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 places like Italy and Pakistan, and how fairness is shown in community-based tourism and traditional meals. This episode invites You to reflect on your values and the impact of your presence, transforming you from mere tourists to guests who honor the tables you are invited to. You will hear reflections on: 🌎Exploring Honesty in Different Cultures 🥘Integrity: Living Our Values Through Food 🫶🏼Fairness: Sharing Space and Respecting Differences 📝Reflecting on Our Travels and Values HELPFUL LINKS 📝 Nosheen's Nihari (Pakistani Beef Shank Stew) 💪🏼 VIA Character Strengths Survey 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#35
Jun 6, 2025 · 34 min
Flavourful Bonds Part 1: Kindness Served Warm
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 memorable meals and personal stories. We’ll travel from my own kitchen to the homes of Suha, Naomi and visit Japan, and the warm hearts of New Zealanders. You’ll not only hear about diverse culinary traditions but also practice some reflections and a powerful exercise to boost your well-being. Ready to discover how food can be a universal language of kindness? We Talk About 💫The Soul of Hospitality: Love, Kindness, and Gratitude 🇯🇵Hospitality in Japan: Omotenashi 🇳🇿Hospitality in New Zealand: Manaakitanga 🍴Reflecting on Our Own Kitchen Tables 🙏🏼The Power of a Gratitude Letter HELPFUL LINKS ✍️ Take the VIA Character Strength Survey 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#34
May 29, 2025 · 22 min
Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action (Part 2)
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, kindness, and humor show up in everyday moments—from bustling street markets to quiet shared meals with strangers. She shares personal stories, including a dog bite in Portugal (yes, really) and a watermelon dinner on a Greek ferry, to illustrate how mindfulness and character strengths can guide us through both joyful and challenging moments. We talk about: 🧭 How character strengths like humility and zest can deepen our travel experiences 🐾 Why mindfulness + strengths can turn reactive moments into intentional ones ⚡ Paula’s go-to tools for navigating “hot buttons” and cultural differences Whether you're planning your next trip or reflecting on your last, this episode is a reminder that the best tools for connection—and growth—are already within you. HELPFUL LINKS ✍️Take the VIA Character Strength Survey 🧳 Sign up for the In My Kitchen Newsletter SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#33
May 22, 2025 · 14 min
Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action (Part 1)
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 flourish. We Talk About: 😀How knowing and applying these strengths can boost happiness, enhance resilience, and enrich our connections through food and travel. 💫Actionable tips, stories, and the magic of using your personal 'seasoning blend' to navigate life's adventures with joy and intention. ⚡How to Discover your Character Strengths 🛑Managing “Hot Buttons” and Strengths HELPFUL LINKS ✍️Take the VIA Character Strength Survey 🧳 Sign Up For our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#32
May 15, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
From MasterChef to World Traveler: Michael Motamedi's Culinary Quest
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 at a time, uncovering local food gems, and sharing stories through his podcast No Fixed Address and viral food videos. From pig nipples in Spain to baby eel breakfasts in Barcelona, Michael’s adventures are anything but ordinary. But beneath the fun is a deeper message: that food is a universal language, and community, not convenience, is what really nourishes us. We talk about: 🌎 How selling everything led to a nomadic, food-filled life with a toddler 🍽️ Why tinned baby eels, fish juice, and Anthony Bourdain changed his view of food 💬 What it means to truly live in a place—beyond tourism, with real locals Whether you're craving off-the-grid food stories or dreaming of a lifestyle less ordinary, this episode is a reminder to pause, savour, and rethink what truly fills you up. HELPFUL LINKS 📸 Follow Michael on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok 🎧 Tune into Michael's podcast No Fixed Address 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#31
May 8, 2025 · 49 min
Culinary Activism: Anna Voloshyna's Journey from Ukraine to California
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 on the frontlines in bulletproof vests to writing cookbooks that celebrate regional Ukrainian dishes, Anna’s story is a moving example of how food can connect, heal, and inspire action. Her journey is equal parts resilience, community, and unwavering pride. We talk about: 🇺🇦 Ukraine’s food renaissance—and how chefs are modernizing traditional dishes 🪖 What it’s like to cook for 50 soldiers near the frontline, explosions in the distance 📚 How Anna’s first cookbook BUDMO! became a fundraising tool before it even launched Whether you're a food lover, cultural explorer, or just looking to understand the world through a more human lens, this episode will move you. Anna’s story reminds us that even in war, food can nourish both body and soul. FEATURED RECIPE: UKRAINIAN RED BORSCHT Click here for Anna's original recipe! HELPFUL LINKS 📘 Check out Anna's first cookbook BUDMO! ✨ Visit Anna's website to learn more about her projects 📸 Follow Anna on Instagram 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#30
May 1, 2025 · 44 min
Culinary Time Travel: Sephardic Flavours and Tales with Hélène Jawhara Piñer
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 into Inquisition trials and Jewish food traditions unearthed a rich, global culinary heritage that continues to shape how we eat today. We discuss her personal story, including growing up between French and Andalusian cultures, and how her work connects history, religion, and recipes in surprising and eye-opening ways. You’ll hear reflections on: 📚 The real history of Sephardic Jews and how their food evolved post-1492 🥖 The cultural and spiritual meaning behind matzah and unleavened bread 🧾 Why Inquisition trials are an unlikely but powerful source of food history Whether you’re a food lover, history buff, or curious traveler, this episode will leave you inspired to see meals — and menus — through a deeper, more meaningful lens. HELPFUL LINKS 📘 Get Hélène’s cookbook Matzah and Flour 📕 Check out her first book: Sephardi: Cooking the History 📸 Follow Hélène on Instagram 🧳 Download my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#29
Apr 24, 2025 · 45 min
From Farms to Flavour: Exploring Heritage through Food with Selena Pellizzari
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’s traced her roots through food—and how those recipes carry stories of the past. Together, Paula and Selena reflect on: 🍝 How food and travel have shaped Selena’s Italian, Ukrainian, and Norwegian identity 📚 The recipe book she’s filling with handwritten family favorites, including her grandmother’s special Put Together Cake ❤️ How resilience, gratitude, and connection helped her navigate loss Whether you're drawn to heritage cooking, family stories, or meaningful travel, Selena’s journey is a heartfelt reminder of how food connects us to those who came before. HELPFUL LINKS 🧳 Get my free Travel Planning Tool 🐴 Check out Selena's company, GP Cottonwood Stables 📝 Recipe for Selena's Great Grandmother's Put Together Cake SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#28
Apr 17, 2025 · 19 min
Sharing Meals: A Global Happiness Hack
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 science, culture, and personal experience — showing how something as ordinary as a shared meal can have extraordinary effects on our well-being. You’ll hear reflections on: 💛 How meal sharing shapes our emotional and social health 🧠 A curious connection between happiness and our nervous system 🍽️ The real reason gathering for a meal matters Whether you're dining with family, inviting a neighbor over for lunch, or just planning to break bread with a friend, this episode is your reminder that connection doesn’t require perfection — just presence. HELPFUL LINKS 🧳 Get my free Travel Planning Tool 📘 Read the World Happiness Report 2025 🎙️ Listen to the No Fixed Address episode on Cartagena SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#27
Apr 10, 2025 · 24 min
Culinary Adventures: Paula's Method of Travel and Connection (Part 3)
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 secret sauce behind some of my most memorable and meaningful travel moments. This approach helps me slow down, connect deeply, and travel with intention. In this episode, I share: 📖 How I prep for a trip in a way that fuels connection, not stress 🍴 My favorite way to discover a culture through food 🧳 Why systems can actually enhance spontaneity If you’ve enjoyed the travel stories in this series or want a new way to connect with people and places, this episode is for you! HELPFUL LINKS Get my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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#26
Apr 3, 2025 · 15 min
Culinary Adventures: Paula's Method of Travel and Connection (Part 2)
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 small, spontaneous connections that can transform a trip — and how they’ve shaped both my personal adventures and the foundation of In My Kitchen. From a terrifying scuba dive in the Azores to an unexpected four-day friendship that followed, I’m sharing the real, unfiltered moments that taught me to let go of expectations and let connection lead the way. In this episode, I share: 🌍 Why micro-connections are essential for our well-being — backed by science 🇵🇹 A wild story from the Azores that changed how I travel ✨ The 3 trip-planning principles I swear by This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the magic of an unexpected hello or shared a meal with a stranger-turned-friend. If you’re looking to bring more meaning, connection, and deliciousness into your travels — this one’s for you. HELPFUL LINKS Watch Kelly McGonigal's TED talk "How to Make Stress Your Friend" Get my free Travel Planning Tool SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW If you love this podcast and want to give me your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping me get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up the Apple Podcasts app and go to “In My Kitchen with Paula”. Or, in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the show page, you can rate and review. SAY HELLO In My Kitchen creates connections one dish, one story, one journey at a time, by exploring culture through food. We do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast. I'd love to hear from you! Connect with me in one of three ways: Visit www.exploreinmykitchen.com to join our IMK Community of culinary adventurers. More recipes, stories and fabulous podcast episodes. DM me on Instagram at @inmykitchenpaula Email me at paula@inmykitchen.ca
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