In the season finale of the Afros and Knives podcast, host Tiffany Rozier has an insightful conversation with Victoria Butler, the Master Blender at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This episode delves into Victoria's unique journey from working at the Department of Justice to leading whiskey production at one of Tennessee's finest distilleries, intertwining her great-great-grandfather Nearest Green's legacy into each blend. The listeners get to hear fascinating stories of tradition, the significant impact of Black women in the whiskey industry, and the festive reopening of the Uncle Nearest distillery on Juneteenth.

Victoria shares personal anecdotes and insights into the art of whiskey blending. The discussions cover diverse themes such as joy, resilience, and the critical role of sourcing high-quality grains, painting a vivid picture of the craft behind Uncle Nearest. This episode is a testament to the significant influence of Black women in the whiskey industry and Victoria's unique contributions to her family's legacy. With its inspiring and enlightening content, this podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of whiskey-making, the legacy of Nearest Green, and the impact of Black women in the whiskey industry.

Step into the urban greenery of Atlanta with Jamila Norman, a beacon of transformation in the realm of local food and sustainability. Join us as we traverse Jamila's journey from her Caribbean roots, rich with agricultural wisdom, to the heart of Georgia's capital, where she battles food deserts with the might of Patchwork City Farms. Her narrative is not just a story of change, but a powerful testament to the resilience and empowerment needed to weave sustainability and equity into the fabric of urban life.

This episode paints a vivid portrait of urban farming's bittersweet symphony, from the community-focused triumphs to the sting of systemic challenges. Unfolding the tale of a school gardening program that bloomed and was then plucked away for a parking lot, Jamila's experiences echo the historical struggles of Black farmers and the urgency to protect community spaces. Dive into a conversation that is as grounding as it is enlightening, exploring the importance of green space advocacy and education amidst the relentless pace of urban development.

As we round off our discussion, Jamila shares the serendipity behind her foray into television with "Homegrown" and the enchanting moment she secured her own plot of land in Atlanta. Her journey is a stirring reminder of the power in seizing opportunities, the wisdom of listening to intuition, and the significance of sharing diverse agricultural narratives. Jamila's vision for food sovereignty, ancestral knowledge preservation, and the cultivation of farm-to-table diversity is a call to action, encouraging us to rethink our relationship with our food and the soil it springs from. To witness the growth and get rooted in the conversation, follow Jamila's progress on Instagram and catch "Homegrown," streaming now.

What happens when a culinary historian, a professor, an author, and a journalist unite to explore the transformative power of African American cuisine? We were fortunate enough to find out during our incredible conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris, whose groundbreaking book High on the Hog has now been adapted into a Netflix limited series. Join us as we delve into Dr. Harris' journey to becoming a food historian, her experience on screen, and her openness to acting.

Have you ever wondered how languages can bridge cultural divides? During our discussion with Dr. Harris, we touched upon her travels around the world and the importance of learning foreign languages to better understand other cultures. She shared her experiences in China, the significance of pigs in the Chinese diet, and her book High on the Hog. We also explore the concept of using subtitles to watch foreign films as a way to practice and enhance language skills.

Finally, we dive into the powerful and emotional experiences of African-Americans visiting sites of mass burial in Western Africa. Dr. Harris shares her profound insights on the House of the Slaves at Goree Island and how these visits have shaped people's understanding of their ancestral history. We discuss the significance of capturing these moments in culture and how they can be seen as a source of power and survival. Join us for this enlightening and moving conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris.

Episode Highlights:

0:00:02 - High on the Hog (34 Seconds)

0:11:22 - Language Learning and Connection (83 Seconds)

0:17:20 - Sharing Vulnerability and Emotional Support (66 Seconds)

0:26:20 - Upcoming Book Projects and Retirement Renaissance (123 Seconds)

On this episode of the Afros and Knives podcast, host Tiffani Rozier interviews Rahanna Bisseret Martinez, a young chef who was a finalist on Top Chef Junior and now cookbook author. Rihanna shares how she first started cooking with her mom in the kitchen and how that sparked her interest in cooking. She also talks about her experience on Top Chef Junior and how she didn't expect the opportunities that have come her way since the show. Rihanna shares her aspirations of owning her own restaurant someday. The conversation is both aspirational and re-energizing, showcasing the talent and capability of young people like Chef Martinez in the culinary industry.

Key Takeaways: 

00:04:37 Hospitable kitchens are inspiring.

00:09:17 Support diverse cuisines.

00:11:50 Explore local cuisines.

00:15:19 Explore new opportunities in food.

Jamila Norman is an urban farmer, environmental engineer, and founder of Patchwork City Farms from Atlanta. In this episode of Afros and Ives, Jamila shares her inspiring journey from New York to Atlanta, her passion for sustainability, and her journey to create a more equitable and just food system. Jamila reflects on her transition from engineering to farming, the challenges of advocating for her vision, and her story of transforming a blighted piece of property into a food-producing space. She also shares her experience of facing discrimination and land loss and the importance of securing food, clothing, and shelter for communities. Jamila also talks about manifesting her dream to own a farm property, the process of getting her show on the Magnolia Network, and the importance of passing down knowledge to younger generations. Her story is one of magic and resilience.

Key Points

• Jamila is passionate about creating a more equitable and just food system

• Discrimination and land loss faced by black farmers

• She got her show on the Magnolia Network through a production company

• Jamila emphasizes the importance of passing down knowledge to younger generations

In this episode, Auzerais Bellamy shares her story of growing up in a family of restauranteurs, her journey to the Thomas Keller Universe, and the launch of her online business due to the overwhelming demand for her caramel and pecan blondies. We also talk about the difference between the best butter and everybody else's butter, the importance of ingredients, and labor in the culinary industry. Finally, Auzerias shares her journey of pursuing love through self-care, discussing her experience with attachment styles, how she takes time for herself, and the importance of love and leadership in her company.

Key Points

• She grew up in a family of restauranteurs

• Butter has a melting point of 94 degrees while shortening has around 110

• Surrealism bridges the subconscious and conscious mind

• Pursuing love on multiple levels

• Nourishing work environments

In this episode of the Afros & Knives podcast, Tiffani Rozier interviews Queen Victoria Butler, the master blend and tastemaker, and the great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green. Queen Bee shares her story of transitioning from her career at the Department of Justice to joining the Uncle Nearest team and how joy, confidence, and curiosity have been essential to her success. Victoria discusses her journey to becoming the first female African-American Master Blender, her brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing, and the importance of creating a welcoming and warm environment for customers.

Key Points

• Queen Bee was self-taught in whiskey blending and followed her curiosity to achieve excellence

• Uncle Nearest is committed to sustainable sourcing

• The distillery has opened the longest bar in the world

• Fawn is proud that the team stayed together during difficult times

In this episode of Afros and Knives, host Tiffani Rozier interviews investor, serial entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of award-winning whiskey brand Uncle Nearest Fawn Weaver. Weaver discusses her journey from New York Times bestselling author to running a successful whiskey brand and how she encourages risk-taking and strategic thinking in her team. Fawn shares her insights on business planning and strategies for success, such as the importance of doing a SWOT analysis, understanding one's Myers-Briggs personality type, leveraging a life partner for success, and having confidence when pitching to investors. The episode also emphasizes the need to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, create a business plan, and be well-prepared.

Key Points

• She encourages risk-taking and strategic thinking

• She is focused on building Uncle Nearest to a place where it is impenetrable

• Leverage a life partner for success

• Take advantage of opportunities

In this episode of the Afros and Knives podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Elle Simone Scott - a multi-talented chef, author, editor, and food stylist. Chef Elle shares her inspiring journey of switching from social work to the culinary world, as well as her struggles and successes as a Black woman in the industry. She also talks about the importance of having support systems and how she founded SheChef to help other women in the culinary field.

Chef Elle also shares her experience of transitioning from being a freelancer to working in a corporate setting, and how she uses her privileges to make a positive impact in the culinary media world. We discuss the challenges faced in diversifying culinary media, from limited access to finances and accredited programs to the lack of ownership.

We also delve into the various ways stories can be told, including through TV, streaming networks, web series, and social media influencers.

Key Points

• Elle Simone was a social worker before transitioning into the culinary industry

• She created She Chefs to provide access and resources to women of color

• Different ways to consume media

• Success looks different for every individual

• It's ok to admire qualities in someone you don't like

Nayana Ferguson and host Tiffani Rozier shine a spotlight on Nayana's journey as the co-owner of the Anteel Tequila They discuss her motivation to start the brand, the challenges she faced – including dealing with the Mexican government and the challenge of breaking into the predominantly male and white industry, and her passion for fostering an inclusive and respectful company culture. They also delve into broader topics like the pressure and expectations faced by black women, societal norms for work-life balance, and the role of respect in any workspace.