Jenn Seasly's Foodlore Podcast

27 Episodes
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By: Jenn Seasly

Foodlore is a podcast uncovering the personal and cultural stories behind food—from Sunday meals to heritage recipes and forgotten rituals.

What Makes a Dish Unforgettable? Chef Dave Martin on Food, Travel, and Memory
#28
Yesterday at 6:58 PM

In this episode of Jenn Seasley's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn Seasly sits down with celebrity chef Dave Martin to talk about the dishes that have stayed with him emotionally over the years.

From an old-school bean and cheese burrito in Southern California to his deep love of pizza, Peking duck, Thai food, and global comfort dishes, Chef Dave shares how flavor, memory, and travel all shape the way we eat. The conversation moves from handmade tortillas and tamales to pizza dough, paella in Madrid, food tours in Buenos Aires, and the simple joy of sharing a table with p...


The Complexity of Thai Dishes Made Easier | Dr. Jenn Seasly's Foodlore
#27
03/11/2026

In this flavorful episode of Dr. Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, Jenn sits down with chef, teacher, and content creator Abby Cheshire of Abby in the Galley to talk about the surprising journey behind one of Abby's favorite dishes: Thai red curry. Abby shares how a dish she once rejected as a kid eventually became a longtime favorite and a recipe she spent years refining. Along the way, they dive into Thai ingredients, the beauty of approachable global cooking, the difference between jasmine and basmati rice, and how food can open the door to culture, curiosity, and confidence in the kitchen.<...


The Eats for a Happy New Year
#26
02/25/2026

What if the foods on your New Year's table weren't random… but symbols of abundance, prosperity, and long life?

In this episode of Dr. Jean Seasly's Foodlore, you share the comforting Southern traditions that shape your New Year's Day — from creamy pressure-cooked black-eyed peas to pork for progress, greens for prosperity, and golden cornbread for wealth.

You also explore how cultures around the world ring in the year with symbolic dishes:

12 grapes at midnight in Spain Lentils in Italy Dumplings and whole fish in China Long soba noodles in Japan A hidden coin cake in G...


The Culinary Delights of Buenos Aires Did Not Disappoint
#25
02/11/2026

In this episode of Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn takes us to Buenos Aires, a city where food is not just abundant — it's a way of life.

From wandering the vibrant streets of Palermo to joining an unforgettable guided foodie tour, Jenn shares how Buenos Aires reveals itself through grilled chorizo sandwiches dripping with provolone, impossibly fresh gin and tonics, generous pours of Malbec, and steak cooked with a level of reverence that borders on sacred.

​Along the way, she reflects on Argentina's deep love of gluten, cheese, and beef; the joy of discovering vegetables when...


Everything Nice About Oysters and Fresh Spices
#24
01/28/2026

In this episode of Jenn Seasley's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn is joined by Chef Blackwell Smith, author of the No BS Holiday Cookbook and founder of The Lucky Cajun.

What begins with a childhood memory of eating raw oysters with his grandparents in Florida turns into a rich conversation about fresh spices, Cajun influence, and why most grocery-store seasonings only taste like a shadow of what they should be. Chef Blackwell shares how his love for bold, honest flavors led him to create spice blends made with whole spices, ground fresh and sold directly to customers—because freshness, ju...


Dining Extraordinarily on the Seventh Continent
#22
01/14/2026

Traveling to Antarctica is extraordinary on its own — but dining there takes the experience to an entirely different level.

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Seasley shares what it's like to eat while journeying to the seventh continent, from crossing the Drake Passage to stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Aboard the expedition ship Pursuit with Seabourn, Jenn explores how world-class food, thoughtful service, and environmental responsibility coexist in one of the most remote places on Earth.

You'll hear about:

Expedition dining at sea (and what happens when weather changes the plan) Elegant multi-course meals, so...


A Chef's Superpower: Deviled Eggs, Red Wine Birria, and a Nose That Knows
#21
12/25/2025

In this episode of Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn Seasly sits down with Chef Christian Padilla of Zio Peppe in Tucson — a restaurant celebrated for its Italian–Southwest fusion.

Chef Christian shares the deeply personal story behind his birria, which began not in a professional kitchen, but on a small goat farm. From learning butchery at a young age to finishing dishes by trusting his sense of smell, he explains how nostalgia — when it smells like home — became his guiding principle in cooking. He walks through his chile blend, why lamb shanks are often used in restaurant kitchens...


From South Side Chicago to Tucson: Stuffed Cabbage, Sauerkraut & Family Roots
#20
12/10/2025

In this episode of Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, we sit down with Tucson's own Rocco DiGrazia—chef, pizzaiolo, and keeper of one unforgettable family recipe.

Rocco takes us back to the South Side of Chicago, where his Slovenian grandmother taught him how to make her legendary stuffed cabbage rolls: tender leaves, bacon-fried onions, caraway, sauerkraut by the handful, and twine-tied bundles simmered low and slow until the whole house smelled like home.

We explore how immigrant food traditions evolve, why cabbage appears twice in this recipe (a true power move), how re...


The Nostalgia of Thanksgiving
#19
11/26/2025

In this heartfelt solo episode, Dr. Jenn dives straight into the smells, sounds, and deeply nostalgic flavors that shaped her Thanksgiving traditions. From her signature bacon-woven turkey glazed in herb mayo, to the green bean casserole glow-up, to childhood favorites like Ritz-topped squash and Cool Whip fruit salad — Jenn walks us through a holiday table overflowing with memories.

Along the way, she shares the stories behind each dish: the canned cranberry "plop" everyone remembers, the peas only served once a year, her mother's labor-of-love cornbread dressing, and the desserts that define her family's feast (pecan pie is no...


Confessions of a Foodie Who Hates Fennel
#18
11/12/2025

Welcome to Foodie Confessions, a new mini-series inside Foodlore where Jenn shares the stories behind the foods she just can't.

In this hilarious role-reversal, her husband and editor Zac interviews her about the culinary deal-breakers: raw onions (with two oddly specific exceptions), fennel and anything licorice-adjacent, raw seafood from crudo to tartare, and a diplomatic "no thanks" to beer and coffee.

Expect Michelin memories (Oslo, Basel), Tucson chef stories (please don't sneak fennel 😅), a sacred wedge-salad rant, and the legendary absinthe-vs-gin mix-up. Proof that dislikes carry memory, culture, and identity — because even the dishes we reject ha...


The Pink Casserole
#17
11/03/2025

Step back in time with us in this deliciously nostalgic episode of Dr. Jenn Seasly's Foodlore as we explore the story and secrets behind The Pink Casserole. Our guest, April Brennan, shares her favorite vintage recipe, tips for making it perfectly creamy, and the memories tied to this classic dish.

Whether you're a fan of casseroles, love vintage recipes, or just crave a little nostalgia in your kitchen, this episode will warm your heart—and your taste buds!

Related recipe here


The Boorito That Means Love
#16
10/15/2025

Dr. Jenn Seasly sits down with Tucson chef Matt Love (Forbes Meat Market & Restaurant, Five Points) to tell the love story behind a breakfast burrito that evolved into a house legend: "my burrito," now affectionately the Boorito. What started as one whole egg plus egg whites for his nutrition-professor wife became an 11-minute morning ritual—cheese spread edge-to-edge, salsa inside, and a gentle, all-sides butter sear that turns the burrito into a crisp, almost-chimichanga hug. Along the way, Matt shares Sonoran food pride, burrito lore, salsa hot takes (Safeway salsa and Truff fans unite), and the secret to a pe...


Deviled Eggs So Good That Even Angels Love Them
#16
09/24/2025

Dr. Jenn Seasly sits down with her longtime friend Karenza Gordon to honor a dish that carried them through potlucks, holidays, and family stories: deviled eggs. From Honey's sweet-pickle version to Jenn's bacon riff (and even the high-society touch of caviar), this episode celebrates how a simple egg becomes a memory that lasts for generations. Along the way, they laugh about peeling disasters, "egg divots," and the lost art of the Southern potluck.

🍳 Recipe link: https://jennseaslysfoodlore.com/recipes/honeys-classic-deviled-eggs-with-sweet-pickles/

 


A Leg of Lamb to Dream About
#14
09/11/2025

In this flavorful episode of Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn Seasly welcomes Foti Rouch, a Greek home cook whose go-to dish—a slow-roasted leg of lamb with orzo—is steeped in family tradition and emotion. From his mother's handwritten recipe to recreating meals for his son in Tucson, Foti reminds us how food can bridge countries, cultures, and generations. Plus, we take a detour through smoker tips, a crash-course in survival cooking, and the curious magic of Cincinnati-style chili.

 

👉 Try Foti's lamb recipe here.


The Joy of Hatch Chiles and Beautiful Cocktails
#13
09/09/2025

In this spicy and smoky episode of Foodlore, Dr. Jenn Seasly chats with home chef and mixologist Shana Vanbebber about the deep culinary roots of the Southwest. From her family's Hatch green chile stew to a stunning tequila-based cocktail called Vermilion Smoke, Shana shares stories of flavor, tradition, and a dash of humor. They explore the history of Hatch chiles, the art of smoking simple syrup, dad-made tortillas, Sunday bean rituals, and the joys of glassware. Plus, a sneak peek at Shana's upcoming cocktail book Southwest Cocktails.

🍲 Read the full recipe: https://jennseaslysfoodlore.com...


Sometimes Simplest is Best
#12
08/06/2025

In this heartfelt episode of Foodlore, Dr. Jenn Seasly chats with Amber Pierce, who shares the unexpectedly powerful memories tied to humble dishes like "noodles and meat" and her grandmother's oatmeal. From Christmas morning fried tenderloin biscuits to peach cobbler breakfasts and holiday traditions like oyster stew and sausage pinwheels, Amber walks us through a flavor-filled journey of love, loss, and legacy. Because sometimes, the blandest dishes hold the richest memories.

👉 Read the full recipe here

 


The Best Fried Catfish Story You've Never Heard
#1
08/04/2025

In this heartwarming episode of Foodlore, Cindy Blue shares more than just a recipe—she invites us into her East Texas childhood kitchen, where her father's fried catfish wasn't just food, it was tradition, comfort, and magic in a skillet. With crisp cornmeal, a soak in buttermilk, and just the right cut, Cindy's dad turned fresh catfish into a southern staple that still lingers in her memory (and taste buds). We also take a detour through military missions, Wonder Bread hot dogs, and the mysteries of frying oil.

🍽️ Get Cindy's fried catfish recipe here


Heavenly Shortbread Made Easy
#11
07/31/2025

In this cozy episode of Jenn Seasly's Foodlore, Dr. Jenn walks us through a buttery classic: traditional shortbread. With just three humble ingredients—Irish butter, sugar, and flour—she proves that simplicity can be deliciously powerful. Along the way, she shares her personal baking rituals, tips for getting that perfect crumbly texture, and the joy of gifting sweet treats to loved ones.

Whether you're looking for an easy dessert or a moment of kitchen comfort, this recipe is perfect for any season.

🧈 Get the full recipe here: Shortbread Recipe

...


And the Turks Gave Us Dumplings
#10
07/29/2025

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Seasly reconnects with Zack Brimhall to explore a beloved Turkish dish—mantı—a labor-intensive but love-filled dumpling that ties generations together. Zack shares vivid memories of his grandmother making hundreds of these meat-filled parcels from scratch, flavored with garlic yogurt, paprika, sumac, and mint.

They talk about how food transcends language barriers, how some dishes never make it onto restaurant menus but live forever in family kitchens, and how even a shortcut version using frozen tortellini can still bring joy and nostalgia. From warm Turkish bread to shepherd's salad and a cold glass...


Building Bonds with Beans
#8
07/29/2025

In this heartwarming episode of Foodlore, Jenn Seasley sits down with Paul—a Navy veteran and home cook from Tucson—to talk about the soulful magic of red beans and rice. What starts as a story about a humble Southern dish turns into a rich conversation about family legacy, cooking traditions, and why slowing down in the kitchen can nourish more than just your body.

Paul shares his grandmother's red beans and rice recipe (passed from her to his father, and then to him), reveals his secrets for that elusive creamy bean texture, and takes us from Loui...


Cooking Culture with Children
#7
07/29/2025

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Dr. Jenn Seasly bakes up a storm with a special young guest: Miss Allie, a budding baker with big dreams and even bigger opinions on frosting, dino nuggets, and cupcakes. From making cowboy cookies and personal pizzas to collecting eggs from backyard ducks, this episode captures the magic of learning, laughing, and licking the spoon.

You'll hear honest (and adorable) takes on food, lessons in baking safety, and reflections on what it means to do what you love—whether it's baking cupcakes or dreaming of a fun future. A perfect listen fo...


The Humor of Food Safety Myths
#5
07/29/2025

A party of ten people, including a food safety expert, a nurse, and a chemist, discuss food facts and myths during a hilarious episode.


The Roadabout Road of Ramen
#2
07/29/2025

In this deliciously nostalgic episode of Foodlore, Darren takes us on a journey from latchkey kid to ramen innovator. What started as a simple survival meal of Top Ramen became a canvas of experimentation—adding egg-drop elegance, butter-fried shrimp, and scallions until it resembled something closer to restaurant fare than instant food. Along the way, we touch on garlic devotion, college cooking, and the meditative magic of mindful meals.


Gougères: The Magic of Butter and Cheese
#9
07/02/2025

This week on Jenn Seasley's Foodlore, we turn up the oven and travel (culinarily) to France as Dr. Jenn walks us through the flaky, cheesy wonder that is the gougère—a savory cream puff made from pâte à choux and packed with nutty Swiss cheese. Along the way, she shares personal touches, home kitchen tips, and the charm of cooking with Costco butter and backyard eggs. Whether you're throwing a dinner party or just want something to pair with red wine, this is your golden, crackly treat.

🎥 Watch on YouTube

🔗 Get the full recipe here


The Educated Palate of a Seven Year Old
#6
06/27/2025

What kind of kid chooses prime rib over mac and cheese? In this entertaining and nostalgic episode, Jenn sits down with her husband Zac to uncover the food stories behind his surprisingly refined childhood palate—from falling in love with Yorkshire pudding at age seven to crafting Chef Boyardee pizza nights with military precision. It's a journey through flavor, family tradition, and the weirdly wonderful things we remember (and refuse to eat) from growing up.

Whether you're a foodie, a parent, or just here for a laugh, this episode is a delicious reminder that every dish has a...


Hug in a Bowl
#3
06/27/2025

In this heartwarming episode, Barbara Peterman invites us into her family's kitchen and memory lane with a dish that has soothed souls for generations: albondigas soup. From childhood in a bustling L.A. kitchen to sharing steaming bowls with her grandkids in Tucson, this meatball-and-vegetable broth is more than food—it's heritage, healing, and home. Listen as Barbara shares her tweaks, her tips, and her tribute to the women who stirred the pot before her.

🍲 Get the full albondigas soup recipe here


And The Desert Gives Us Enchiladas
#4
06/27/2025

Esther Almazán, Tucson native and host of House of Whimsical Terror, joins Foodlore to share the hauntingly beautiful story of how ancestral whispers led her back to a lost family recipe—enchiladas sonorenses. These aren't your rolled-up, cheese-filled enchiladas. Instead, they're thick masa patties, crisped to perfection and layered with red chile, queso, and cabbage—just like her Nana used to make.

Get ready for culinary magic, a tale of spiritual guidance, and a celebration of food as living memory.

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