Some people cook because they have to, others cook because it’s part of who they are.

In this episode, we sit down with Momma Jackie — the TikTok and Instagram creator known for her comforting Italian recipes — to talk about where it all started, how it grew and why cooking still matters in a fast-paced world.

Momma Jackie shares how curiosity about making money online turned into something much bigger. Her videos might go viral, but at the heart of it all is something simple: feeding people, getting their reactions, sharing knowledge and keeping traditions alive. Plus, letting everyone know it’s not as hard as it seems!

We talk about the real value of cooking at home (saving money as a bonus to that) and the must-have ingredients and spices every kitchen needs while being real all along the way - just like Momma Jackie is in her videos.

We also touch on favorite dishes and the ones she’d happily never make — plus little details that make a big difference (like why lemon zest beats lemon juice every time).

This one feels like sitting in the kitchen with someone who’s done it all… and still genuinely loves it.

What’s inside:

How social media (and curiosity about online income) got Momma Jackie started
Viral recipes and building an audience
Passing cooking knowledge down to the next generation
Essential ingredients every kitchen should have
Cooking for Easter and family traditions
Adjusting traditional recipes for modern life
Favourite dish… and the one she avoids
Family time, cooking joy and creating a cookbook
Making Italian sauce from scratch

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like and share it with someone who loves food, family and a good story from the kitchen.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia

Website: https://midlifemafia.com/

Follow Momma Jackie

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@momma.jackie65

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/momma.jackie65/

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/