In this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora, I’m joined by Chef Gino Garcia for a deeply personal conversation about identity, immigration, and the stories food can tell. As a first-generation American, Gino grew up torn between two worlds—navigating the tension between assimilation into American culture and preserving his family's rich Mexican heritage.

We dive into his parents’ immigration story, the sacrifices they made, and the complex choices many immigrant families face when trying to build a new life without losing their roots. Gino shares how food became a powerful bridge back to his ancestry, and how reclaiming traditional flavors and recipes helped him reconnect with his culture on his own terms.

Before his journey into the culinary world, Gino worked in social services, serving marginalized communities. He reflects on how that experience shaped his worldview and his approach to food, community, and storytelling. Today, Gino describes his work as culinary anthropology—using food as a lens to explore, preserve, and celebrate cultural identity.

We also talk about his exciting project writing The Official Disney’s Coco Cookbook, a celebration of the traditions, memories, and spirit of family that inspired the beloved film. Through it all, Gino's story reminds us that food is more than sustenance—it’s history, resistance, and love passed from one generation to the next.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up first-generation in America
• The battle between assimilation and cultural preservation
• Finding identity and healing through food
• His early work in social services and community advocacy
• His philosophy of culinary anthropology
• Writing The Official Disney’s Coco Cookbook and connecting food to memory
• Honoring his family's legacy while forging his own path

If you love stories about food, identity, immigration, and creative journeys, this conversation will stay with you long after you listen. Make sure you are subscribed and share with your family and freinds!

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Tapioca is trending. From boba tea shops to gluten-free recipes, it’s everywhere. But where did it really come from? In this solo episode, Chef Emme peels back the layers of a misunderstood ingredient and traces its true roots—not to Asia as many assume, but to the Indigenous Tupi people of Brazil. Before it was chewy pearls in your drink or a side dish on your plate, tapioca was sacred knowledge passed down by Brazil’s first peoples, who learned how to extract this starch from the cassava root—a root that holds deep cultural, culinary, and historical significance.

This episode isn’t just about food—it’s about truth, memory, and the stories ingredients carry. You’ll learn what tapioca actually is (spoiler: it’s not just “those balls in bubble tea”), how it became a global ingredient, and why knowing the origin of what we eat matters more than ever. From the rainforests of Brazil to West African kitchens to Southeast Asian desserts, tapioca reveals an unexpected connection between cultures across continents. In a world that often focuses on what separates us, tapioca reminds us of what binds us.

In a time when food is constantly rebranded, repackaged, and removed from its roots, this episode challenges listeners to dig deeper and ask: Whose knowledge are we consuming? Whose hands brought this to life? And why has that story been erased or forgotten?

Whether you’re a chef, a food lover, a history nerd, or just someone who’s ever had a bubble tea and wondered where those little pearls came from—this episode is for you.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:
– The Indigenous Brazilian origin of tapioca and its ties to the Tupi people
– The difference between cassava and tapioca (and why it matters)
– How colonization spread cassava and tapioca across the globe
– Why boba isn’t the beginning—or the full story—of tapioca
– How one humble starch connects Brazil, West Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond
– The importance of honoring food origins and reclaiming culinary histories

This is the debut solo episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, a podcast hosted by Chef Emme—Brazilian-born, Seattle-based chef and storyteller. Through food, she explores the hidden histories, migration stories, and cultural connections that shape the way we eat today. Every episode is a journey across borders, traditions, and time, centering diasporic voices and honoring ancestral knowledge.

🔊 Listen, learn, and share this episode with someone who loves food, history, or just a good story.

🌍 Because when we know where our food comes from—we start to understand where we come from.

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What does soul food look like when it’s born in Seattle? And how do you build a food empire rooted in love, community, and unapologetic creativity?

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, I sit down with the visionary Chef Kristi Brown, the force behind Seattle’s award-winning restaurant Communion and the founder of the food empire That Brown Girl Cooks!

Chef Kristi shares her inspiring journey—from starting out in catering to becoming one of the most celebrated chefs in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about the flavors and influences that shaped her unique approach to what she calls Seattle Soul, a style of cooking that blends the traditions of Black American soul food with the diverse, multicultural ingredients of the Pacific Northwest.

We also dig into the conversations around expectations and identity in food. Kristi opens up about how she deals with criticism—especially from people who come into her restaurant expecting a certain definition of soul food and are surprised to find something deeper, more nuanced, and unmistakably hers.

She talks about building a legacy, working side-by-side with her son, who is now helping take the business to new heights—and why that’s one of the most meaningful parts of her journey. And we talk about something many creatives and entrepreneurs overlook: self-care. Kristi reminds us that “the body keeps the score,” and that taking care of ourselves is vital when pouring so much into our work and our communities.

This conversation is powerful, honest, and filled with heart. Whether you’re a chef, a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating your identity through food, Chef Kristi Brown’s story will resonate deeply.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how she’s redefining soul food, raising up the next generation, and protecting her peace while running one of the most talked-about restaurants in the country.

🔥 Listen to this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—or watch the interview on YouTube.

📲 Follow along on Instagram:
@dishinupdiasporapodcast | @chefemme_ | @thatbrowngirlcooks

💬 Tag us with your thoughts or favorite moments—we’d love to hear how this episode moves you.

What does it mean to manifest the life you want? For Chef Jaine Mackievicz, it meant dreaming beyond the Amazon rainforest, falling in love with French cuisine from afar, and teaching herself English by reading cookbooks. Today, she’s a rising star in the culinary world, known for her infectious joy, fearless ambition, and deep passion for storytelling through food.

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Jaine shares her extraordinary journey—how her family ended up deep in the heart of the Amazon, how she discovered her love for French cuisine (thanks to none other than Julia Child), and how she went from moving to the U.S. with no plan and no English to competing on The Julia Child Challenge on Food Network.

We also dive into a thought-provoking conversation about authenticity in food—what it really means, why Jaine rejects the term, and how food is a constantly evolving expression of culture, migration, and identity.

This is a dynamic, heartfelt, and joyful conversation about resilience, passion, and the power of food to transform lives. Jaine’s energy is truly infectious, and her story is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and go all in.

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@dishinupdiasporapodcast | @chefemme_ | @mackievicz

💬 Loved this episode? Screenshot & tag us—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

The restaurant industry is brutal, but what happens when the system feels like it’s set up against you? On this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, we sit down with Sara Upshaw, owner of Ohsun Banchan & Bar, to talk about her unconventional journey into the food world and what it really takes to survive as a small restaurant owner. From navigating impossible regulations to carving out a space for the gluten-free community—despite not being gluten-free herself—Sara is challenging the industry in ways that few dare to.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:
✔️ The broken system that makes small restaurant ownership nearly impossible—and how Sara is fighting back
✔️ How mentorship saved her from burnout and gave her the tools to keep going
✔️ Why she refuses to wait for others to take action and is reviving Pride festivities in Pioneer Square herself
✔️ The emotional toll of caring deeply in an industry that can feel heartless
✔️ How she built a restaurant that serves the gluten-free community without being gluten-free herself
✔️ The harsh realities of rising costs, city policies, and the fight to stay afloat

If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a restaurant, struggled with feeling unsupported as a small business owner, or just love a story of resilience, this episode is for you.

✨ About Sara Upshaw & Ohsun Banchan & Bar
Sara Upshaw didn’t take the traditional path to restaurant ownership. With no formal culinary school background, she built Ohsun Banchan & Bar as a space that celebrates Korean banchan culture while making a point to be accessible for gluten-free diners. But behind the scenes, she’s been battling the unfair hurdles of small business ownership, advocating for community, and proving that care and intention can drive real change.

🔗 Connect with Us:
📍 Follow Dishin’ Up Diaspora on Instagram @dishinupdiasporapodcast
📍 Follow Chef Emme on Instagram @chefemme_
📍 Stay connected with Sara Upshaw & Ohsun Banchan & Bar on Instagram @ohsunbanchan

🎧 Hit play and get ready for a raw, eye-opening conversation. And if you love it, share this episode and tag us—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

What does it mean to truly take control of your food, health, and community? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and passionate Nyema Clark, a leader in urban farming, food sovereignty, and community empowerment. As the founder of Nurturing Roots and Avenue South, Nyema is dedicated to reshaping the way we think about food, access, and wellness—especially in Black and brown communities that have historically faced food apartheid and systemic barriers to healthy eating.
Nyema shares her personal journey from growing up in an environment where fast food and processed meals were the norm to discovering the power of real, whole foods. Without access to nutritional knowledge early in life, she didn’t think much about what was going into her body. But as she started educating herself, she realized that food wasn’t just about filling your stomach—it was about nourishment, healing, and even resistance against systemic inequities. This realization transformed her life and inspired her to help others break free from unhealthy food systems by reclaiming their right to fresh, locally grown food.
Nyema and I dive deep into the importance of food sovereignty—the right for communities to control their own food systems. We discuss how historically marginalized groups, particularly Black and Indigenous communities, have been disconnected from land and food production due to colonization, systemic racism, and economic disparities. Urban farming, Nyema argues, is not just about growing vegetables—it’s about reclaiming autonomy, preserving cultural traditions, and strengthening community resilience.
At Nurturing Roots, Nyema is doing more than just growing food. She’s creating a movement that teaches people to grow their own produce, understand the politics behind food systems, and advocate for better food access policies. She believes that knowledge is power, and once people understand where their food comes from and how it impacts their health, they can make better choices for themselves and their families.
Nyema also shares practical tips for anyone looking to take their first steps toward food sovereignty—whether it’s starting a small garden at home, supporting local urban farms, or making more intentional food choices. She emphasizes that everyone can play a role, no matter where they live or what resources they have available.
We also tackle the topic of food apartheid—a term that more accurately describes the systemic, race-based inequalities in food access. Unlike the term ‘food desert,’ which suggests a natural occurrence, ‘food apartheid’ acknowledges that these disparities are the result of deliberate policies and economic structures that have historically excluded Black and brown communities from fresh, affordable food options.
Her work also highlights the intersection of food justice and environmental sustainability. Urban farming initiatives like hers not only provide fresh, affordable food but also contribute to climate resilience, soil regeneration, and the reduction of food waste. By integrating sustainable farming practices with education and advocacy, she is ensuring that future generations inherit a food system that serves them rather than exploits them.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about urban farming, food as medicine, or how to fight for food justice in your own community, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real solutions. Whether you’re growing your own food, supporting local farms, or simply becoming more conscious of what’s on your plate, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how food connects us all, and how you can be part of the movement toward a healthier, more just food system.

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On this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora, I sit down with the incredible Sabrina Tinsley, chef and co-owner of Osteria La Spiga, a Seattle institution that has been serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine for over 20 years—a remarkable feat in the ever-changing restaurant industry.

Sabrina’s journey is one of passion, persistence, and breaking barriers. She grew up in Alaska, where farm-to-table wasn’t just a trend—it was a way of life. With access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, she developed a deep appreciation for quality and seasonality in cooking. But her culinary path took a major turn when she moved to Europe, where she met her husband in Italy. Together, they opened two businesses before eventually settling in Seattle to create what would become one of the city's most beloved Italian restaurants.

But success didn’t come easy. Sabrina was committed to serving the food of Emilia-Romagna—dishes that many Americans didn’t associate with “traditional” Italian cuisine. She talks about the challenges of sticking to her vision, the resistance she faced, and how she remained steadfast in educating diners about the beauty of Northern Italian flavors.

We also dive into what it means to master a cuisine outside of your own heritage. As a Black chef specializing in Italian cooking, Sabrina shares how she built confidence in her craft and navigated an industry where representation has been limited. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of owning your expertise, no matter where you come from.

Beyond the kitchen, Sabrina is dedicated to paving the way for other chefs of color. She founded Future of Diversity, a program aimed at creating more opportunities and support systems for underrepresented voices in the culinary world. We touch on the importance of mentorship, visibility, and ensuring that the next generation of chefs has the resources to succeed.

This conversation is all about staying true to your vision, pushing past doubt, and carving out space in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to change. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a food lover, or just someone who appreciates a great story of perseverance, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora, I sit down with chef, restaurateur, and author Lisa Dupar for a thought-provoking conversation about Southern food traditions, cultural storytelling, and the complexities of authenticity. Raised in the South, Lisa grew up surrounded by the rich culinary heritage of the region. She reflects on how her family's experiences—and the people who shaped her understanding of food—have influenced her journey as a chef and storyteller.

One of the most powerful parts of our discussion revolves around Lisa’s childhood connection to the Gullah Geechee people, an African American community with deep-rooted culinary and cultural traditions. As a child, Lisa’s family employed a maid from the Gullah Geechee community, and only in recent years has she begun to truly understand the distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation. In our conversation, she shares her journey of unlearning and re-learning, recognizing the importance of giving credit to the origins of the dishes and stories she grew up with. Together, we explore the idea of ownership in storytelling—who gets to tell which stories and why? As Lisa shares, these food traditions were a part of her upbringing and identity, and she sees it as her responsibility to speak about them with truth and acknowledgment rather than allowing them to be erased.

We also dive into a larger discussion on the weight of history—how acknowledging the past, no matter how complicated or painful, is crucial to ensuring these stories don’t disappear. In the food industry, we often see narratives erased, rewritten, or misrepresented. Lisa and I discuss why it’s essential to tell the full story, honoring those who came before us and ensuring that credit is given where it’s due. The conversation challenges the notion of “staying in your lane” when it comes to discussing food and culture, instead advocating for responsibility, respect, and the willingness to confront history head-on. We talk about how food is inherently a story of migration, adaptation, and resilience, and that to truly celebrate it, we must acknowledge its full, often messy, history.

Beyond food and storytelling, Lisa opens up about her own professional journey and the barriers she broke as a woman in the culinary world. She shares what it was like being the first woman in two of her early kitchen jobs, navigating male-dominated spaces at a time when women were often sidelined in professional kitchens. But Lisa didn’t just break through—she built something of her own. As a mother of four, she launched her own catering company and restaurant, proving that success in the food industry doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. We talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices and struggles that come with building a business while raising a family, and the illusion of work-life balance that so many people chase. Lisa gets real about the pressures of being a mother and a business owner, and we unpack the unrealistic expectations often placed on women in both roles.

This episode is a deep dive into food, history, and identity, but it’s also a reflection on personal growth, learning, and doing better. Lisa’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and an ongoing commitment to honoring the past while forging a new path forward. Whether you’re a chef, a storyteller, or someone passionate about the intersections of food and culture, this conversation will leave you with a lot to think about.

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