Episodes

  • Chef Nando Chang | It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop

    Chef Nando Chang | It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop
    Jul 13 2025

    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Nando Chang, a Peruvian-born chef and restaurateur behind behind Michelin-starred Itamae AO in Miami. A 2025 James Beard Foundation Award winner for “Best Chef: South,” he has achieved national recognition for both introducing and redefining Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) cuisine in Miami. Born in Chiclayo, Peru, and raised by his grandparents, Nando immigrated to the United States at age 12 with his younger sister Valerie to join their father, Fernando “Papa” Chang, in pursuit of the American Dream. In 2023, he and Val made history as the first siblings to be inducted together into Food & Wine’s coveted “Best New Chefs” class. Itamae AO, which opened in May 2024, was named to Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants” and received its first Michelin star in April 2025.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Setsong Tea Crafters | South Africa

    Setsong Tea Crafters | South Africa
    Jul 6 2025
    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Retang Phaahla and her mother, Nondumiso, co-founders of Setšong Tea Crafters, an Award Winning Agri-business and vehicle for development of natural indigenous flora found in the natural landscapes of South Africa, more prominently within the rural areas of Limpopo. The enterprise stimulates the economy in a collaboration with rural cooperatives from Limpopo developed by a community development organization; Siyaphila Youth Support Services. Setšong Tea Crafters aims to provide a voice to these traditional knowledge holders and preserve this knowledge for future generations. Through Tea product manufacturing and commercialisation of South Africa's indigenous resources which stem from traditional knowledge, Setšong Tea Crafters aims to develop the rural economy and create jobs within the rural areas of South Africa. Setšong Tea Crafters has already created 20 jobs in rural Sekhukhune, Limpopo. The unique indigenous tea plants identified by Setšong Tea Crafters, traditionally known as Tepane Tea and Diya Tea amongst others, have proved to stand a chance at competing with existing global tea varieties with them offering unique and enjoyable taste profiles and superior health benefits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    54 mins
  • Dr. Naa Oyo A. Kwate

    Dr. Naa Oyo A. Kwate
    Jun 29 2025

    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Dr. Naa Oyo A. Kwate, a writer and interdisciplinary scholar with wide ranging interests in Black urban life. Raised in Chicago by Ghanaian immigrant parents. She is the author of the short work and edited volume Burgers in Blackface: Anti-Black Restaurants Then and Now (2019) and The Street: A Photographic Field Guide to American Inequality (2021).Her first major sole-authored book was White Burgers, Black Cash: Fast Food from Black Exclusion to Exploitation, first published in 2023 at the University of Minnesota Press. Among the book’s many award recognitions were the 2024 James Beard Award in Reference, History, & Scholarship. She is currently at work on two new projects, the first an investigation of the impact of corner liquor stores in Black neighborhoods and the second a history of the alcoholic beverage cognac among African Americans.


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    57 mins
  • The Black Dragon | Big Kitty & Chef Kurt Evans

    The Black Dragon | Big Kitty & Chef Kurt Evans
    Jun 22 2025
    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Big Kitty Xue, a 27-year-old Chinese chef, born and raised in Shanghai and now based between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Known for curating intimate Chinese private dinner parties that spotlight delicate, seldom-seen regional dishes in mainstream America. After moving to the U.S. and witnessing the American love affair with Chinese takeout, Big Kitty felt a deep urge to share the full depth and beauty of Chinese cuisine—its rich history, regional diversity, and culinary complexity—through thoughtfully crafted meals. A graduate of Bard College, where she studied filmmaking and languages, Big Kitty once cooked matzo ball soup with President Leon Botstein on The Big Kitty Cooking Show, blending conversation, culture, and food in unexpected ways; her storytelling extends from the kitchen to the screen. Through her work, Big Kitty not only celebrates her heritage but also challenges food racism and cultural assumptions—reminding others that cuisine is shaped by environment, resilience, and creativity. Zella then invites Chef Kurt Evans to the conversation. Chef Kurt, a Philly native and proprietor of Black Dragon Takeout, a unique fusion of Black American cuisine presented with the familiar aesthetics of classic Chinese American takeout that opened in 2024. The idea for Black Dragon Takeout originated with Chef Kurt Evans, who observed a troubling trend: local Chinese takeout restaurants were closing down, particularly in Black American communities. The second-generation Chinese Americans were no longer taking over these family businesses, leading to a significant gap in food deserts where residents had relied on these establishments for quick, hot meals for decades. Chef Kurt Evans saw an opportunity not only to fill this void but to innovate and bring something new to the table. Black Dragon Takeout is committed to providing nutritious, culturally significant dishes that celebrate Black culinary traditions, all while maintaining the beloved look and feel of Chinese takeout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Zydeco | Gabrielle Deculus

    Zydeco | Gabrielle Deculus
    Jun 15 2025
    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Gabrielle Deculus, a cultural strategist, marketing architect, and the visionary founder of Saint Josephine, a creative consultancy and production house rooted in community and committed to social good. She brings almost 20 years of experience blending cultural storytelling, event production, and strategic marketing to help brands and organizations make meaningful, lasting impact. Gabrielle has led and collaborated on campaigns for powerhouse clients and community leaders alike — from producing Kanye West’s Sunday Service in Baton Rouge to aiding in the production of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour and Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour in New Orleans. Through Saint Josephine, she has created transformative experiences and content for institutions such as Habitat for Humanity, Black Education for New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Funders Network, AARP, Step Up Louisiana, the City of New Orleans, and Viiv Healthcare, Dillard University among many others. A lifelong culture bearer and advocate for creative equity, Gabrielle was named the 2025 Zydeco Ambassador by C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc., and is the producer of the "Live at NOLA Zydeco Fest" album, released January 2025 on all major streaming platforms. She is the co-founder of The Big Easy Vibe Fest, a New Orleans-based festival celebrating cannabis innovation and culture, and continues to produce signature cultural events like the New Orleans Zydeco Festival, Beaucoup Hoodoo Festival, and Know-La at The Essence Festival. Gabrielle's work has been recognized with the 2019 Excellence in Innovative Influence Award from 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans, Inc., a Proclamation of Gabrielle Deculus Day from the City of Baton Rouge, recognition from Essence Magazine and BeyGOOD Foundation for disaster relief efforts, and International Women’s Day Awards for leadership in cultural and social innovation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    49 mins
  • Dew Drop Inn | Curtis Doucette Jr.

    Dew Drop Inn | Curtis Doucette Jr.
    Jun 8 2025
    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Curtis Doucette, Jr., owner and developer of the Dew Drop Inn, a restored music venue and boutique hotel in New Orleans, Central City. A New Orleans native, Curtis is also the co-founder and CEO of Iris Development, a real estate firm focused on rehabilitating blighted properties and creating affordable housing in New Orleans and New York City. Before founding Iris in 2012, Curtis developed and managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio of residential real estate in Louisiana, utilizing creative financing to serve low- and moderate-income residents. In 2021, Curtis acquired the historic Dew Drop Inn, once home to legendary artists like Ray Charles and Little Richard. After a three-year renovation, it reopened with a 350-person music venue, 17 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a pool club. Curtis holds an M.S. from Columbia University and a B.A. from Dillard University, and is committed to community development and supporting minority-owned businesses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    39 mins
  • Dr. Aris Latham

    Dr. Aris Latham
    Jun 1 2025
    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Dr. Aris Latham, a Panamanian-born raw food pioneer, chef and health & wellness influencer. Dr. Latham is known as the "father of gourmet ethical raw foods cuisine in America" and is the founder of Sunfired Foods, a raw, sun-powered lifestyle that emphasizes the life force of food. Latham's influence in the raw food movement started in 1979 with his company, Sunfired Foods. He developed Sunfired Cuisine, a method of raw food preparation that avoids traditional cooking and emphasizes the natural vitality of ingredients. He's also known for his work with Sunfired Academy and his involvement in various events and programs, including retreats and online courses.\ Dr. Latham's philosophy emphasizes that food is a powerful tool for healing and that we are naturally designed to be healthy and vibrant. He promotes a holistic approach to wellness that incorporates nutrition, mindful living, and community. His teachings and practices are focused on helping individuals regain their vitality and live a more energetic, fulfilling life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Son of the Soil | George McCalman

    Son of the Soil | George McCalman
    May 25 2025

    On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with George McCalman, artist, author, and creative director based in San Francisco and Grenada. McCalman’s background in the editorial world has been a foundation of his storytelling, and his decision to cultivate his fine art practice alongside brand and strategy work reframed his perspective and synthesized the importance of design in his professional practice. His first book ‘Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and Unseen’ was published in Sept 2022 to accolades by The New Yorker’s Hilton Als, NPR, The New York Times, and The San Francisco Chronicle. His book won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author in Feb 2023.

    Socials:

    @George.McCalman

    @McCalmanCo

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    1 hr