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 Have you ever wondered what it takes to add a few more good years to your life without giving up the foods that taste like home? In this episode, we’re serving up a heaping helping of Blue Zone wisdom with a side of Southern comfort. From the cornbread of Loma Linda to the walnuts and greens that pack a life-extending punch, we’ll uncover how simple ingredients and a few mindful changes can turn every meal into a recipe for longevity.

We’ll take you beyond the pages of Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones Kitchen to explore how the very staples of a Southern pantry, beans, greens, and even a little cornbread fit right into the world’s longest-living communities. If you’ve ever wished for the secrets of a long, satisfying life served up in familiar flavors, pull up a chair. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

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Send us a text

 If life is a dance, then longevity is all about keeping in step—one joyful movement at a time. Across the world’s Blue Zones, from the sun-drenched hills of Sardinia to the serene shores of Okinawa, the secret to a long, vibrant life isn’t locked in a laboratory or bottled in a pill. It’s found in the rhythm of daily movement, the nourishment of whole, simple foods, and the connection to a life well-lived.

Today, we take a step into the wisdom of those who have danced their way past 100—not with grand gestures, but with the small, steady movements that add years to life and life to years. We’ll explore the Mediterranean diet that fuels the centenarians of Sardinia, the active lifestyle that keeps them strong, and the mindset that keeps them joyful. And who knows? By the end of this episode, you just might be inspired to tap your way toward a healthier, longer life.

So, lace up your shoes, step onto the floor, and let’s find the rhythm of longevity together.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

There’s a certain magic in a sauce made from scratch, a whisper of fresh basil crushed between your fingers, the sharp bite of garlic mellowed by the richness of good olive oil, and the nutty warmth of toasted pine nuts coming together in perfect harmony. Pesto isn’t just a condiment; it’s a revelation, a bright green elixir that can transform the humblest dish into something downright extraordinary.

On this episode of Cornbread & Buttermilk, we’re stepping into the kitchen to craft this vibrant, herbaceous staple ourselves. No jars, no preservatives just fresh ingredients blended with care, the way good food ought to be. Whether you’re spooning it over warm pasta, slathering it on crusty bread, or swirling it into a pot of soup, homemade pesto is the secret weapon your kitchen’s been missing.  But we’re not stopping there. A good condiment deserves a worthy canvas, so we’re also diving into the art of charcuterie board architecture. From selecting the perfect cheeses and cured meats to balancing textures and flavors with fruits, nuts, and, of course, that homemade pesto, we’ll show you how to build a board that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

So, grab that mortar and pestle, or, let’s be honest, your trusty food processor), and let’s dive into the world of homemade flavor.  Welcome to Episode 55, Pesto & Charcuterie: Elevate Your Flavor, One Bite at a Time.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

I finally finished editing Episode 54 of Cornbread & Buttermilk, Season 2. In this episode, we reflect on the loss of two great Southern culinary giants: Nathalie Dupree and my mother, Mama Doris. Their passing came just a week apart, leaving an undeniable void in the world of Southern cooking. But both of them left behind something even greater, their wisdom, generously shared with anyone who asked. The Southern kitchen is richer for having known them, for the kitchen was their stage.

Mama Doris was the spark that lit my passion for Southern culinary traditions. I remember hearing Salman Rushdie advise writers to discover who they are and start writing from that place. That was the moment Cornbread & Buttermilk began to take shape. When I traced my story back to its roots, there was Mama. For many of us, our first word is Mama, and so I began there.

Someone recently asked me how I’ve managed to record over fifty hours of Cornbread & Buttermilk. The truth is, much of the best of it was inspired by my mother or by Buttermilk’s Momma.  When we remember our mothers and the lessons they gave so freely, something sacred stirs within us. Our hearts unclench, and the stories pour out.

Join us as we say a heartfelt goodbye to Mama Doris and Nathalie Dupree. May the angels delight in their culinary genius.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

“The price of food these days feels like a bad dream whispered on a sweltering summer night—a shadow creeping over the kitchen table, turning even the humblest meal into a luxury. But here in the South, we know how to make something out of nothing. On today’s episode of Cornbread & Buttermilk, we’ll reckon with the sharp sting of inflation, that silent thief at the grocery store. But fear not, because Buttermilk’s here with a heart full of kindness and a head full of wisdom, sharing the sort of money-saving tips that stretch a dollar as far as Sunday supper. So pull up a chair, because we’re about to show you how to make abundance bloom in the hardest soil.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

In the shadowed corridors of Georgia pines, where rivers run deep and history clings like morning mist, a man of quiet conviction once rose from the red clay of Plains to shape the destiny of a nation. President Jimmy Carter—peanut farmer, statesman, and servant of peace—left behind a legacy as enduring as the rivers he loved to fish.

This week, Cornbread & Buttermilk begins its second season with a tribute to Georgia’s most humble son. We’ll recall his legendary barbecues, with ribs and Brunswick stew prepared by the famed Sconyers Bar-B-Que, of Augusta Ga, whose journey to Washington mirrored Carter’s own—rooted in the South yet destined for the world stage. We’ll wade into the clear, cool waters of the Soque River, where he sought solace with trout and the timeless rhythm of nature.

We’ll pause to marvel at the love story of Jimmy and Rosalynn, a partnership spanning 77 years, their devotion a beacon as steady as the flicker of a candle in the darkest night. Beyond the confines of the Oval Office, his tireless pursuit of peace and justice reminds us that a life well-lived is measured not by titles but by the lives touched.

So pull up a chair and let us share a tale of Georgia grit, of barbecue smoke and mountain streams, and of a man whose legacy will ripple like a stone cast in still waters. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 52: a memorial to President Jimmy Carter, it’s going to be unforgettable.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

Well now, the holidays have passed, leavin’ behind the echoes of laughter, a tangle of ribbons, and maybe a button or two straining on our Sunday best. January has a way of sneakin’ in, quiet as a cat on a porch rail, remindin’ us that indulgence always comes with a reckoning.

But down here, we don’t see that reckoning as a punishment—it’s a chance to reset, to honor the bounty of the land in ways that nourish not just the body, but the soul. Today on Cornbread & Buttermilk, we’re takin’ a long look at how the South does healthy eatin’. And let me tell you, it ain’t about givin’ up the skillet or forsakin’ the sweetness of a roasted peach. It’s about leanin’ into the wisdom of those who came before us—stretchin’ a sweet potato into a cornbread, or coaxin’ the best out of greens kissed with a bit of smoke.

So come on in, pull up a chair by the fire, and let’s talk about how to start this new year not just lighter, but wiser, carryin’ the flavors of the South with us in every bite.”

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

“As the holiday table begins to take shape, visions of golden crusts and savory scents dance in the air. This week, Cornbread & Buttermilk steps beyond tradition, trading the predictable ham and turkey for a centerpiece as grand as the season itself: the regal Pork Crown Roast.

We’ll explore its European origins, drape it in Southern hospitality with a cornbread stuffing kissed by Andouille and pecans, and crown it with wine pairings to make your heart sing. This is the dish that whispers celebration, turning simple moments into memories.

So, pull up a chair, grab a glass of sweet tea—or maybe a little bubbly—and join us as we reimagine holiday feasts, one tender bite at a time.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

In the South, a kitchen is more than a room; it’s a sanctuary, a place where secrets simmer and stories rise with the steam of a well-loved pot. As we near the season of giving, there’s no finer gesture than choosing a gift that honors the alchemy of a cook’s hands—the ones that knead, stir, and conjure something close to divine.

Today, we’re wandering through a landscape of treasures for the culinary soul. From hand-hewn bowls shaped like the whisper of a craftsman’s blade to pestos born from the fertile heart of Italy, we’ll uncover gifts that echo with meaning. We’ll linger in the glow of Bella Cucina, an Atlanta gem that marries art and food with a flair as rich as a Southern drawl. So pull up a chair, y’all, and let’s talk about gifts that tell stories, just like the dishes they’ll inspire.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...

Send us a text

The holidays settle over the South like a dusting of sugar on a warm pecan pie, sweet and just a little bittersweet, stirring memories of simpler times. In this special episode of Cornbread & Buttermilk, we’re taking you on a journey through the heart of a Southern holiday. Join us as we sit down with blues musician Edward Phillips, whose soulful melodies echo like wind through moss-draped oaks, steeped in the rich traditions of Low-Country cuisine and holiday revelry.

Edward shares his cherished jambalaya recipe, a dish so full of spice and spirit it might just make you believe in Christmas miracles. We’ll talk about his latest album, his recovery from the flu, and the ways music weaves itself into the fabric of Southern life—much like the joy and mystery of a local Santa visit in small-town Aiken. It’s an episode wrapped in the warmth of storytelling, the rhythm of the blues, and the aroma of a Creole kitchen.

Velma’s Short intro  song.

Velma singing

French song

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.

© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

...