Cooking Up Culture

Special Episode: Sinigang, Small Business & Shifting Systems (ft. Rechie Valdez)

In this episode, we sit down with Rechie Valdez, Canada’s first Filipina Canadian woman elected to Parliament, former banker, small business owner, and the former Minister of Small Business. Rechie’s journey from baking out of her home kitchen to navigating the halls of power is anything but linear. She opens up about overcoming the risk-averse nature of Filipino culture, embracing entrepreneurial risks, and how her background as a daughter of immigrants informs her approach to leadership. We explore the intersections of food, identity, and policy — from her mother’s fish head sinigang to the growing prominence of Filipino flavours in Canadian cuisine. Rechie shares insights on the current state of small business in Canada, how the federal government is supporting newcomers and entrepreneurs, and what it truly takes to shift the systems that shape our economy. This conversation is a unique blend of personal experience and political perspective, offering a deeper look at what it means to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for small business owners and the communities they serve. *This episode is intended to highlight personal experiences and is not an endorsement of Rechie Valdez or the Liberal Party.*

Special Episode: The Personal, the Political & the Punjabi Kitchen (ft. Jagmeet Singh)

From the Lebanese food he was introduced to by his best friend growing up, to the meaningful memory of learning how to cook for his younger brother, Jagmeet Singh opens up about how food has shaped his life. He also talks about his favourite comfort meal, and how he makes it a point to explore every vegetarian restaurant while campaigning across Canada. Get ready for a delicious conversation that blends personal stories, politics, and, of course, food. *This episode is intended to highlight personal experiences and is not an endorsement of Jagmeet Singh or the New Democratic Party (NDP).*

Granny’s Kitchen: Love, Loss, and Palm Oil Stew with Kikachi Memeh

In this episode of Cooking Up Culture, producer Kika reflects on the bittersweet moments shared with her late granny—a time filled with love and shared wisdoms. Over countless meals, she discovered how food became a source of comfort, a way to better understand her granny, and a bridge to untold stories. Episode credits: This episode was produced by Kika Memeh and our host, Karla Jubaily. Our sound designer and editor is Poornima Francis. Intro/Outro jingle: ⁠Alfred Hermida⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/alfredhermida/] Connect with us: Twitter ⁠@cookinupcultpod⁠ [https://x.com/cookinupcultpod] Instagram ⁠@thecookingupculturepod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thecookingupculturepod/]

Beyond Recipes: The Heartfelt Stories in Hisham Assaad’s Taboon

This week on The Cooking Up Culture Podcast, we’re joined by food photographer and writer Hisham Assaad, author of Taboon. Hisham takes us beyond the recipes to share the personal stories and cultural experiences that inspired his Balad-Al Sham (Levantine) pastry cookbook. We chat about how food becomes a bridge between generations, how it carries the weight of migration, and the connections it helps us build along the way. Tune in for an intimate conversation with Hisham about how his dishes reflect his journey and what it means to truly cook from the heart. Episode credits: This episode was produced by Kika Memeh and our host, Karla Jubaily. Our sound designer and editor is Poornima Francis. Intro/Outro jingle: Alfred Hermida [https://www.instagram.com/alfredhermida/] Connect with us: Twitter @cookinupcultpod [https://x.com/cookinupcultpod] Instagram @thecookingupculturepod [https://www.instagram.com/thecookingupculturepod/]

Sewa Means Love: Rediscovering Mom's Recipes with Shiva Reddy

In this episode, we step into Shiva's childhood kitchen, where her mother's South Asian culinary artistry and love shaped their daily lives. But due to her mom’s dementia, those memories are now fragile. Join us as we explore how food transcends generations, offering solace and connection amidst loss. Shiva's quest becomes a tribute to her mother's resilience, showing that while memories fade, the essence of culture and love endures through the power of a shared meal. Episode credits: This episode was produced by Kika Memeh and our host, Karla Jubaily. Our sound designer and editor is Victoria Mercedes. Intro/Outro jingle: Alfred Hermida [https://www.instagram.com/alfredhermida/] Connect with us: Twitter @cookinupcultpod [https://x.com/cookinupcultpod] Instagram @thecookingupculturepod [https://www.instagram.com/thecookingupculturepod/]