Radio Cherry Bombe

Today’s guest is Jenna Helwig, the food director of Real Simple, cookbook author, and creator of The Cookbookery Collective Substack. Jenna joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her debut novel, “The Foreign Correspondent’s Wife,” a murder mystery set in postwar Paris in 1949, inspired in part by Julia Child’s life in France.They discuss Jenna’s transition from writing cookbooks to fiction, the challenges of writing a novel while balancing a full-time career and family, and why she loves a good murder mystery. Jenna also shares the story behind her popular Substack, her thoughts on the cookbook publishing industry, and her tips for building a newsletter audience. Plus, she reveals how she created National Buy a Cookbook Day, taking place November 1st, and why Dorie Greenspan is her desert island pick.Thank you to Whole Foods, Haven Well Within, and Barilla for supporting our show. Get $25 off  your Haven Well Within order with code CHERRYBOMBE. Valid 10/21 to 11/15.The new issue of Cherry Bombe Magazine

Today’s guest is Rasheeda Purdie, the chef and founder of Ramen by Ra, the cult-favorite breakfast ramen shop in New York City’s East Village. Rasheeda joins host Kerry Diamond for a conversation recorded live at Cherry Bombe House, where guests got to sample her inventive ramen creations, including her signature bacon, egg, and cheese ramen.They discuss Rasheeda’s early career in fashion, from working with Betsey Johnson to styling Michelle Obama and Beyoncé, and how she pivoted to the culinary world at age 30. Rasheeda shares how a pandemic project turned into one of New York’s most buzzed-about ramen spots, the inspiration behind her breakfast-inspired bowls, and why attention to detail is at the heart of everything she does. Plus, they talk about her recent trip to Paris, learning to slow down, and what’s next for Ramen by Ra.Thank you to Barilla, Square, and Haven Well Within for supporting our show. Get $25 off  your Haven Well Within order with code CHERRYBOMBE. Valid 10/21 to 11/15.The new issue

Today’s guest is Ayesha Nurdjaja, the powerhouse chef and co-owner of Shuka and Shukette, two of New York City’s most beloved restaurants. Ayesha joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her debut cookbook, “Mediterranean All The Way: Bold Flavors Built to Share,” out tomorrow.They discuss Ayesha’s Brooklyn roots, her early dreams of music, diamonds, and cooking, and how an externship at Felidia changed the course of her life. Ayesha also talks about the food and energy behind Shuka and Shukette, why “rip and dip” is her love language, the pantry staples she swears by, and her new cooking show.Thank you to Barilla, Whole Foods, and Wonderful Pistachios for supporting our show. The new issue of Cherry Bombe MagazineSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comFollow Ayesha on InstagramFollow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is Nara Smith, the wildly popular content creator, model, mom, and now cookbook author behind her debut cookbook “Homemade.” Nara joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about bringing her signature videos to life on the page, the recipes and fashion in the book, and why “homemade” means so much more to her than just cooking from scratch.They discuss Nara’s childhood in Germany, cooking with her grandmother, her family’s influence on her kitchen life, and how her health journey led her to make more food from scratch. Plus, Nara talks about working with food stylist Victoria Granof, creating her cookbook’s unforgettable cover, tuning out internet noise, and why Martha Stewart—or maybe Julius Roberts—is her desert island pick.Thank you to Barilla, Whole Foods, and Ketel One for supporting our show. Nara and Sophia Roe in conversation at Jubilee 2026The new issue of Cherry Bombe MagazineSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comFollow Nara on InstagramFollow Kerry

Today’s guest is Melissa Clark, the beloved The New York Times food reporter and recipe columnist who has written an astounding 46 cookbooks. She’s also Cherry Bombe’s newest cover star! Melissa joins host Kerry Diamond live from Cherry Bombe House to talk about her next book (“The Big Book of Dinner: Recipes and Rules and How to Break Them,” out November 17th), her incredible career, why dinner is her happy place, and the gadgets she loves. Melissa also shares stories from her early restaurant days, including her week as the opening coat check girl at Gramercy Tavern, and why Claudia Fleming is her desert island pick.This episode of Radio Cherry Bombe was recorded at Resident in New York City. Thank you to Whole Foods, Barilla, and Ketel One for supporting our show. Get the new issue of Cherry Bombe Magazine with Melissa on the coverRECIPE SNEAK PEEK: Click here for Melissa’s Classic Salt & Pepper Roast Chicken from “The Big Book of Dinner”RECIPE SNEAK PEEK: Click here for Melissa’s Perfec

Today’s guest is Melissa King, “Top Chef” champ, cookbook author, activist, Cherry Bombe cover star, and longtime friend of the Bombesquad. Melissa is back on Radio Cherry Bombe to talk about her new memoir, “The Girl Who Became King,” out tomorrow.Melissa joins host Kerry Diamond to discuss the six-year process of writing the book, what it was like to tell her family’s story, her two very different grandmothers, and how food became so essential. They also talk Lunar New Year hot pot, Thanksgiving with roast duck and sticky rice, life behind the scenes on “Top Chef,” her friendship with Padma Lakshmi, and who she chose for her culinary castaway. Don’t miss Melissa at this week’s Cherry Bombe meeting, Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST on Zoom. Register here. Thank you to Whole Foods and Ketel One for supporting our show. Melissa King's Shanghainese "Lion's Head" MeatballsThe new issue of Cherry Bombe MagazineSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comFollow Melissa on In

Today’s guest is Danny Meyer, the legendary restaurateur, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, which includes iconic spots like Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe, Ci Siamo, and Daily Provisions. Danny joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about his new book, “What Could Possibly Go Right?,” out tomorrow, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in the restaurant business.Danny explains why he doesn’t like to give advice, why it’s not a failure to close a restaurant, the first time President Barack Obama visited one of his restaurants, and why Ina Garten is one of his mentors. He also answers questions from the Cherry Bombe Substack chat. Thank you to Barilla, Ketel One, and California Prunes for supporting our show. The new issue of Cherry Bombe MagazineSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comFollow Danny on InstagramFollow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is Olivia Tiedemann, the private chef and social media superstar behind the debut cookbook “Eat Like the Rich.” Olivia joins host Kerry Diamond live from the Cherry Bombe House studio to talk about the book, her cheeky title, her life as a private chef, and why salads are a scam.They also discuss Olivia’s Brooklyn childhood, the trip to Madagascar that rerouted her life, her restaurant years, Ballymaloe Cookery School, and the videos that turned her into one of the internet’s most exciting food personalities. Plus, Olivia shares her love of cheese, Gordon Ramsay, White Cheddar Cheez-Its, and the fine art of knowing when to take out the nose ring.This episode of Radio Cherry Bombe was recorded at Resident in New York City. Thank you to California Prunes, Whole Foods Market, and Ketel One for supporting our show. Cherry Bombe’s Farmers & MakersThe new issue of Cherry Bombe MagazineNational Food Service Worker Day on September 25thSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at

On today’s Radio Cherry Bombe, Emily Sundberg of the popular Feed Me newsletter and J Lee of the Expense Account podcast join host Kerry Diamond to talk about the New York food scene, their early culinary memories, $60 bread, fig drama, salt bread, and why everyone has an opinion about food.They also discuss Season Two of Expense Account, which launches this week and is now part of Higher Ground, the media company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama.Thank you to Whole Foods Market & Ketel One for supporting our show. Cherry Bombe House schedule and ticketsSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comSubscribe to Feed Me on SubstackFollow Emily on InstagramFollow J on InstagramFollow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is Maryam Ishtiaq, the chef, founder, storyteller, and mom behind It’s Actually, a bone broth brand inspired by her family, her heritage, and the healing power of food. Maryam joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about growing up in Pakistan, feeding her community, building a company from her kitchen, and how broth became the foundation for a bigger mission.They discuss Maryam’s path from pre-med and marketing to food entrepreneurship, competing on Gordon Ramsay’s “Next Level Chef,” and what it takes to make a product from scratch without cutting corners. Plus, Maryam shares why the kitchen is the heart of her home, how her daughters became hot pot fans, and the advice she has for anyone ready to pivot.Thank you to Miele, Whole Foods Market, and Little Spoon for supporting our show. Listeners get 30% off their first order at littlespoon.com/CHERRY. Cherry Bombe House schedule and ticketsSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.comFollow Maryam on InstagramFollo

Today’s episode is a special tribute to Gloria Steinem, the legendary feminist, activist, writer, and champion of equality, who passed away yesterday. In Gloria’s honor, we are re-airing highlights from her keynote conversation with Amy Richards at last year’s Jubilee Conference in New York City.The episode also features “Meet the Moment: The Power of Food and Storytelling in Creating Change,” a Jubilee panel moderated by Klancy Miller of “For the Culture,” with Paola Velez, Natasha Pickowicz, Zaynab Issa, and Deb Freeman. Together, these women reflect on community, activism, storytelling, and how food can be a force for connection and change. It’s a powerful reminder of Gloria’s legacy and the work we all have to keep doing.More on Gloria: Instagram, Gloria’s Foundation, “Dear Ms.” on HBO MaxMore on Amy: BooksNatasha Pickowicz’ bake saleLana Lagomarsini’s new restaurant, CreolaCherry Bombe House schedule and ticketsSign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com

Today’s guest is Carla Lalli, the bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and content creator behind the new book “Food Is a Feeling: Recipes and Stories with Love.” Carla joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about Nora Ephron, beach peaches, recipes that aren’t really recipes, and how food became a source of comfort, creativity, and self-soothing after the end of her marriage. They also discuss Carla’s book tour, her no-compromise approach to making this very personal cookbook, the joy of eating your feelings, and why summer is not over yet.  Thank you to Miele, Nonino, and Whole Foods Market for supporting our show.  Tickets to Carla at Cherry Bombe House Tickets to Olivia Tiedemann at Cherry Bombe House Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Follow Carla on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is Caroline Schiff, the celebrated pastry chef, author, baker, and Bombe Squad OG. Caroline joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her new cookbook, “Daily Dessert: Treats on Repeat,” out October 13th, and her upcoming Brooklyn restaurant, Monday Diner. They discuss Caroline’s love of everyday sweets, her black-and-white coconut macaroon cookies from her new book, the dessert menu she’s dreaming up for Monday Diner, and why there’s no such thing as too many diners (or desserts!). Plus, Caroline and Kerry talk summer escapes, warm weather eats, watercolors, and more. Thank you to Miele and Nonino for supporting our show.  Tickets to Caroline at Cherry Bombe House Tickets to Olivia Tiedemann at Cherry Bombe House Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Follow Caroline on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is Rhoda Magbitang, winner of “Top Chef” Season 23 and executive chef of CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani Auberge Collection resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. Rhoda joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her “Top Chef” journey, from getting cast to her Last Chance Kitchen redemption to winning it all with a deeply personal Filipino finale menu. They discuss Rhoda’s remarkable path from the Philippines to California at age 17, her time cooking in some of L.A.’s top kitchens, and how she found her way to Hawaii. Plus, Rhoda talks about the special dinners she’s cooking in New York City and what’s happening at CanoeHouse. Follow Rhoda on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram Olivia Tiedemann at Cherry Bombe House Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Tickets to the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival Feast Summit

Today’s guest is Mariana Velásquez, the celebrated food stylist, author, and entertaining expert behind the cookbooks “Colombiana” and “Revel.” Mariana joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about summer produce, beans, kitchen essentials, why she’s Team Galette, and her summer hosting tips. Spoiler alert: Don’t run out of ice.  Today’s show is presented by Miele. Make Mariana’s Pomelo Sea Bass Aguachile with Corn Tostadas Check out Mariana’s Miele video Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Follow Mariana on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guest is cookbook author, recipe developer, Substack superstar, Cherry Bombe cover star, and mom of four Caroline Chambers. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about “Make It Fast,” the second book in her “What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking” series. They chat about her wildly popular Substack (and how that platform’s evolving), her paper towel-free household (which includes four boys), her love of recipe feedback, how Ina taught her how to cook when she couldn’t afford culinary school, and her spirited mom, aka Crash.  Join Caro and Kerry on her cookbook tour in Washington, D.C. Make Caroline’s Lasagna-Vibes Turkey Zucchini Skillet Thank you to Little Spoon for supporting our show. Listeners get 30% off their first order at littlespoon.com/CHERRY.  Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Follow Caroline on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram

Today’s guests are Chef Mehreen (Reenie) Karim and up-and-coming media mogul Alice Ma. The two join host Kerry Diamond to talk about “Picky Eaters,” the new social media food competition show hosted by Reenie and produced by Mad Realities, the modern media company co-founded by Alice. They discuss the making of the show, how they snagged guests like Padma Lakshmi, Reenie’s experience on Gordon Ramsay’s “Next Level Chef,” and how Alice (and friends) almost bought a copy of the U.S. Constitution.  Cherry Bombe’s Farmers & Makers weekend Order the Cherry Bombe Game Changers issue Become an Official Bombesquad Member  Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletter at cherrybombe.substack.com Follow Alice on Instagram Follow Reenie on Instagram Follow Kerry on Instagram

It’s the final episode of Jubilee in July! This special series features conversations from our annual Cherry Bombe Jubilee, held this past April at The Glass House in New York City.  We’re closing with the keynote conversation between Nara Smith and Sophia Roe, introduced by Ella Quittner. Sophia chats with Nara about her debut cookbook “Homemade” (out on October 13th), her unique video style, her love of fashion, motherhood, and more.  Then, we’ll hear a solo talk from Karen Akunowicz, award-winning chef and owner of Fox & The Knife and Bar Volpe in Boston. Karen shares her powerful story of showing her daughter what it means for a woman to take up space with strength and intention. Thank you to Whole Foods Market and Airbnb Experiences for supporting our show. Click here for more information on Cherry Bombe’s Farmers & Makers event.  Click here to order The Game Changers issue of Cherry Bombe magazine. Click here for more information on Cherry Bombe memberships. Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bom

It’s Jubilee in July! This special series features conversations from our annual Cherry Bombe Jubilee, held this past April at The Glass House in New York City.  Today, we’re sharing a Jubilee keynote conversation on the legacy of Edna Lewis, the legendary chef and author many regard as the godmother of American farm-to-table cooking. This year marks the 50th anniversary of her landmark book, “The Taste of Country Cooking,” which celebrates local ingredients, seasonality, and Southern traditions.  Culinary historian and author Toni Tipton-Martin joins Edna’s niece Nina Williams-Mbengue for a conversation with Chef and podcaster Adrienne Cheatham. They are introduced by Chef Adé Carrena of iLéWA Foods. Then, we’ll hear a solo talk from Mariana Velásquez, author of the cookbooks “Revel” and “Colombiana.” Mariana shares the deeply personal story of finishing “Revel” as her marriage ended, and how rewriting the book helped her rediscover her voice and the joy of gathering around the table. Thank you to American E

It’s Jubilee in July! This special series features conversations from our annual Cherry Bombe Jubilee, held this past April at The Glass House in New York City.  Today, we’re sharing Kerry Diamond’s keynote conversation with Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, the acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs, and partners behind some of New York City’s most beloved restaurants, including Via Carota, Buvette, I Sodi, The Commerce Inn, and Bar Pisellino. The conversation is introduced by Deanna Ting, managing editor of Resy’s editorial team. Rita and Jody join Kerry to talk about their favorite produce, the beauty of simplicity, and how their different cooking styles complement each other. They also discuss their self-taught paths to the kitchen, how they met, their culinary partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and their Via Carota Craft Cocktails line. Then, we’ll hear a Jubilee solo talk from Zahra Tangorra, chef and author of the memoir “Extra Sauce.” Zahra shares what “extra sauce” means to her: pleasure, survival,