Finding a Home in the Kitchen with Southern Living's Ivy Odom

Georgia On Your Mind — Season 4, Episode 1 | Ivy Odom

Season 4 of Georgia On Your Mind kicks off with a true Georgia success story. In Episode 1, host Grace Chandler sits down with Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Southern Living, to talk about her roots and the experiences, people, and places that shaped her journey. From growing up cooking alongside her parents and grandmother to arriving at the University of Georgia with plans to become a home economics teacher, Ivy shares how one bold email to renowned Georgia food writer Rebecca Lang changed everything—leading to mentorship, cookbook development, and a pivot from education to consumer journalism.

We dive into her time at UGA, culinary school, and Atlanta’s Empire State South, as well as her fellowship with Time Inc. Food Studios and eventual rise in Southern Living’s video space during the pandemic. Along the way, Ivy reflects on creating her debut cookbook, My Southern Kitchen, and the humble South Georgia chocolate layer cake that became a career-defining moment. This episode is all about trusting your instincts, honoring where you come from, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.