When Zaynab Issa was younger, she loved watching TV and flipping between the Food Network and the Disney Channel. Eventually, Ina, Giada, and Rachael won out, but it would be years before Zaynab followed her heart and pursued a culinary career. Eventually, a college project turned into a recipe zine and Zaynab went on to work at BuzzFeed and Bon Appetit. Today, she’s a freelance recipe developer and influencer and is working on her debut cookbook, set to be published in 2025. 

Host Abena Anim-Somuah talks to Zaynab about family, career, life as a third-culture kid, and the project close to her heart—the Taste,Good initiative that brings people together over meals to support various charities. Also, don’t miss Zaynab’s Future Flash Five predictions and her voicemail to her future self.

Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting our show. Learn more about Kerrygold’s butter & cheese here.

Hosted by Abena Anim-Somuah
Produced by Kerry Diamond and Catherine Baker
Edited by Jenna Sadhu
Editorial Assistant Londyn Crenshaw
Recorded at CityVox Studios in NYC

The Future Of Food Is You is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. Check cherrybombe.com for show transcripts. Who do you think is the Future of Food? Nominate them here!

More on Issa: Instagram, Taste,Good, website
Follow Abena on Instagram

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