Toasted Sister Podcast
By Debra Alvarado,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Insightful exploration of Indigenous culture through food.
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What’s It About?
TOASTED SISTER PODCAST powerfully introduces listeners to food stories of Native American and Indigenous peoples. It includes backstory on the cultivation, foraging, medicinal, and ceremonial traditions associated with food, diving into the connections that grow between people, families, and communities through the experiences around sharing food and culture. Andi (Navajo) showcases many businesswomen and entrepreneurs in her podcast, but both men and women are invited to represent their cultures from all over the world. Her stories and guests hail from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Central America, and across the US. Wide-ranging topics include poetry, books, music, gardening, climate change and much more. Discussions demonstrate understanding, appreciation, and interest for numerous Native American and Indigenous tribes and include some African American cuisine. Some food sources and their availability have been lost over the years, but members of the Indigenous food movement like Andi have worked to restore seed banks of ancient plants, revive traditional foods and customs, and respectfully redefine the way that they are presented to people today. Andi offers perspective into the fact that the foods and traditions of Indigenous people vary from tribe to tribe. Listeners are reminded that although some tribes share similarities in culture, each is distinct in significant ways.
Is It Any Good?
Host Andi Murphy (Navajo) has a warm and accessible approach that's spirited and inviting. The insightful discussions in Toasted Sister Podcast are enlightening and informative without being too invasive. Andi offers listeners an opportunity to observe some of the values shared by many Indigenous people and tribes. Through her interviews Andi sheds light into some of the struggles that are common among Indigenous people around the world. Many of her guests offer thoughtful philosophies, like chef Karlos Baca (of Tewa, Diné, and Ute heritage), who poses the question "if food is medicine, what are we as chefs? What's our responsibility to our people?".
In addition to introducing listeners to differences between tribes, this podcast offers listeners the chance to hear and feel the elements of Native American and Indigenous cultures that are commonly shared. Strong family and community ties, consideration and gratitude for the earth, and a strong sense of culture and traditions are clear lessons to be learned.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Toasted Sister Podcast highlights Indigenous culture and tradition through food. What are some ways Indigenous tribes and people approach food that we take for granted or don't always think of? What is involved in getting foods from farm to table?
Andi emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in life. Why are these such important character strengths and how are they related to culture?
Expression of gratitude plays a significant role throughout the podcast. What are some ways that Andi and her guests expressed being grateful? How do you express gratitude?
How have Andi's guests had to persevere in order to reach their goals?
Podcast Details
- Release date: January 5, 2017
- Genre: Food
- Average Run Time: 30 minutes
- Website: https://toastedsisterpodcast.com/
- Host: Andi Murphy
- Production Company and Network: Native Voice One - NV1
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Activism , Cooking and Baking , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , High School , History , Middle School
- Character Strengths: Communication , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Last updated: October 26, 2022
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