
Hosted by The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network · EN

Today’s guest is Nyesha Arrington, one of the stars and judges of Fox’s hit competition series “Next Level Chef.” Nyesha is one of the most inspiring chefs in the culinary world today—known not only for her talent and leadership, but also for her commitment to wellness, longevity, and changing the way chefs think about mental and physical health. Season 5 of “Next Level Chef” just kicked off, and if you haven’t seen the show’s iconic three-level set (yes, it’s real, not AI), you’re in for a treat.Nyesha joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the show, past standout contestants (and Cherry Bombe pod alums) like Gabrielle “Gabi” Chappel and Reenie Karim, the practical tools she uses to keep wellness “top of mind and top of calendar,” their California farmer’s market obsessions (citrus! avocados! dates!), her award-winning LAX restaurant Native by Nyesha, and the hobby she’s fallen in love with: golf. Order The Cake IssuePre-order our Galentine’s Day IssueBombesquad Bazaar tickets hereJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereSubscribe to our SubstackCheck out Cherry Bombe on ShopMyVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more.More on Nyesha: Instagram, "Next Level Chef", websiteMore on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” essay

It’s a special episode of Radio Cherry Bombe recorded live at our very first Jubilee L.A. conference this past September! Host Kerry Diamond sits down with two of the powerhouse women behind the hit series “The Bear:” Executive Producer Joanna Calo and Co-Executive Producer and Culinary Producer Courtney Storer. Joanna has worked on “Hacks,” “BoJack Horseman,” and the Marvel film “Thunderbolts,” while Courtney—who started her career in HR at Whole Foods before cooking at beloved L.A. spots like Animal and Jon & Vinny’s—brings real-world kitchen experience to the show. Together, they’ve helped create one of the most talked-about series on television, capturing the chaos, camaraderie, and heart of restaurant life like never before.The conversation is introduced by Kiano Moju, chef, recipe developer, and author of “AfriCali,” and Sarah Simms of Lady & Larder, the specialty shop she founded with her late sister, Boo Simms.Here’s the link for Jubilee NYC 2026 tickets: https://cherrybombe.com/products/jubilee-nyc-2026 (ShopMy creators, you can turn this into a shoppable link!)Subscribe to our SubstackJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereCheck out Cherry Bombe on ShopMyMore on Joanna: Instagram, “The Bear”More on Courtney: InstagramMore on Kerry: Instagram

We’re serving up another delicious helping of our Sexy Italian Summer miniseries, and today’s guest is Angie Rito, the culinary force behind two of New York City’s hottest Italian-American restaurants, Don Angie and San Sabino. Angie and her husband Scott have reimagined beloved red sauce classics with bold, modern twists—think their famous pinwheel lasagna and bright chrysanthemum salad. She’s also the co-author of “Italian American: Red Sauce Classics and New Essentials,” a joyful ode to the food she loves. Angie joins host Kerry Diamond to share what she’s eating and drinking this summer, her must-have fridge staples for living (and eating) like an Italian, and the story behind San Sabino’s cameo in Sarah Jessica Parker’s “And Just Like That.”Thank you to Nonino and Square for their support. Learn more at square.com/bigTickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineMore on Angie: Instagram, Don Angie, San Sabino, "Italian American" cookbook, the Rolled Lasagna recipeMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

Chef and restaurateur Sohui Kim wears many hats—co-owner of two beloved Brooklyn spots, cookbook author, community builder, and mom. At Insa, she serves up Korean BBQ and karaoke with a side of joy. At Gage & Tollner, she honors the storied history of the legendary dining room once graced by the great Edna Lewis (catch Edna’s niece, Nina Williams-Mbengue, on Radio Cherry Bombe here, and tune into “Finding Edna Lewis” historian Deb Freeman’s episode here). Sohui joined host Kerry Diamond to talk about preserving culinary legacies, balancing creativity with care, and the wisdom she’s gained from her journey in food. Whether you’re a longtime fan or meeting her for the first time, you’ll be inspired by Sohui’s heart, humor, and vision.Thank you to The Visa Dining Collection by OpenTable x Visa for their support. Tickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineFollow me on InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

We’re kicking off our Sexy Italian Summer miniseries with J.J. Martin, the California-born, Milan-based founder, Creative Director, and Chief Spiritual Officer of La DoubleJ, the maximalist fashion and lifestyle brand celebrated for its bold vintage prints, spiritual energy, and Italian craftsmanship. J.J. is also the author of “Mamma Milano: Lessons from the Motherland.”J.J. joins host Kerry Diamond to share her journey from Harper’s Bazaar editor to creative force in Milan, her favorite spots and foods in Italy, the inspiration behind her brand’s summer collection, and more. From what she’s eating and drinking to how she built her beloved brand, J.J. brings all the color, style, and la dolce vita vibes.Thank you to Nonino and Square for their support. Learn more at square.com/bigTickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineMore on J.J.: Instagram, La DoubleJ, Sisterhood, healer book, “Mamma Milano” bookMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

If you’re agonizing over a big life decision, Chef Tracy has a simple solution for you. Flip a coin. It sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what she and her husband, Arjav Ezekiel, did when they couldn’t decide where to move. Start their future together in Portland, Oregon, where Arjav was from? Or move to bustling Austin? They tossed a quarter in the air and let fate decide. “Tails, it’s Texas” prevailed. Today, their restaurant, Birdie’s, is one of the most celebrated eateries in the city, the state, and beyond. Fans love the food and drink, the counter-service vibe, and the warm hospitality. (Arjav recently won a James Beard for being a great beverage pro. Congrats, Arjav!) But Birdie’s is also admired for its enlightened employee practices, like paid vacation, maternity leave, and health insurance. It’s one of the reasons Tracy was named to our first-ever Cherry Bombe Power List. Tracy joined me from Austin for this episode to chat about her life and career, from working for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group to cheffing through IVF and a tough pregnancy, and her love of fingerling potatoes. Do all chefs love potatoes? I think so. Tracy’s an inspiring human, and I’m so happy to have her back on the show. Give a listen, and, of course, if you find yourself in Austin, go visit Birdie’s. –Host Kerry DiamondThank you to The Visa Dining Collection by OpenTable x Visa for their support.Tickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the waitlist for our Summer Tastemaker TourSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineFollow me on Instagram

Hey, listeners! Somewhere in my notes app is a list of people I’d like to interview for the podcast, and today I get to cross off one of those names–Youngmi Mayer. I’ve wanted to talk to Youngmi ever since I read her memoir, “I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying,” which I picked up after seeing her perform a stand-up routine at the Bell House in Brooklyn earlier this year as part of an abortion rights fundraiser hosted by Padma Lakshmi. Youngmi’s set was heavy on audience participation and she somehow got three white guys to join her onstage for a bit about DEI. (Yes, Youngmi somehow made DEI funny.) I left thinking she was as subversive as she was brilliant. Fast forward to the book. This was a story about family, generational trauma, racial identity, and one very complicated restaurant business. (Youngmi was a key player in the history of Mission Chinese Food.) The book title starts to make sense early on. Youngmi joins me to talk about all of this. We also chat about the Slutty Cheff, “The Bear,” her one-woman show at Joe’s Pub, and lots more. Thanks in advance for listening to the show and obviously, pick up Youngmi’s book. Let me know what you think. –Host Kerry DiamondTickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the waitlist for our Summer Tastemaker TourSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

Hi, listeners! Host Kerry Diamond here. Welcome to the show notes, and thank you for listening. If no one has told you lately, you clearly have great taste in podcasts. Today’s guest is Substack queen, bestselling author & boy mom Caroline Chambers recorded live at Jubilee NYC, Cherry Bombe’s annual conference. (Curious about Jubilee? Join us at the upcoming Jubilee in L.A.)My favorite thing about Caroline? She doesn’t gatekeep. I’ve interviewed her a few times now, and she is always happy to spill all the details regarding her Substack and how she wound up with the NUMBER ONE SUBSTACK IN FOOD AND DRINK. Amazing. Here’s the leaderboard if you need proof. (For Caroline’s Substack success step-by-step, check out our pod from last year.) She also talks about being rejected by all the cookbook editors when shopping the proposal for “What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking,” which, of course, went on to be a major hit. That must have felt nice when the book made The New York Times bestseller list. (Cue the “Pretty Woman” big mistake scene.) Few more things. Thanks to Michelladonna of “Shop Cats” (happy belated birthday, M!) and Alice Ma of Mad Realities for introducing Caroline at Jubilee. Big thanks to Square for supporting our show and taking care of so many small businesses. Check out what they’re up to at square.com/big. And go visit Este Restaurant if you’re in Austin. Lastly, congrats to Caroline and her hubby on their new baby–their fourth boy! So many boys. If you have a Substack, I want to know about it. Email us at info@cherrybombe.com and put something funny in the subject line so we have no choice but to open your email. Join the waitlist for our Summer Tastemaker Tour.We have a print magazine. Subscribe here.You’re the Bombe.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem was the keynote speaker at our Jubilee conference held in New York City this past April. An inspiration to millions of women around the world for her trailblazing work, writings, and protesting, Gloria was interviewed by her longtime collaborator Amy Richards. They discussed everything from the need for community to the current President to Gloria’s goal of living past 100. While Gloria is not a foodie, as Amy pointed out, she did contribute to the food world during her time supporting farmworker activist Cesar Chavez and through her work to end gender discrimination in prominent restaurants. Gloria and Amy were introduced by author and activist Padma Lakshmi and her daughter, Krishna Lakshmi-Dell. Thank you to Square for their support. Learn more at square.com/bigTickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the waitlist for our Summer Tastemaker TourSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineMore on Gloria: Instagram, Gloria’s Foundation, “Dear Ms.” on HBO MaxMore on Amy: BooksMore on Padma: Instagram, websiteMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

In honor of The Bear Season 4 dropping in June, we’re re-airing our interview from 2023 with actor Liza Colón-Zayas. Liza plays Tina, the tough on the outside, soft on the inside cook, dealing with change and grief, and learning to find joy in the small moments. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her career, her perseverance, and what The Bear has meant to her. If you missed our previous best-of The Bear episodes with Jeremy Allen White and Courtney Storer, be sure to check them out. Thank you to Le Creuset and Square for their support. lecreuset.com/culinarylecreuset.com/gourmand-collectionsquare.com/bigTickets for Jubilee L.A. and the Summer Tastemaker TourSubscribe to Cherry Bombe’s print magazineMore on Liza: Instagram, The BearMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts