Food Friends Podcast

Do you love home cooking but hunger for better recipes that help you deliver quick and delicious meals to your dinner table? Two former personal chefs turned best friends share their expertise with each other and you! Kari and Sonya have been inspiring each other in the kitchen for over 15 years by swapping recipes, tips, and trade secrets in the pursuit of better home cooking. FOOD FRIENDS is a bi-weekly podcast inspiring home cooks to try new dishes in the kitchen by sharing trusted recipes, tips, and friendship.Every Tuesday, each host delivers 3 unique solutions to seasonal home cooking, like: how to make craveable soups with your farmers market haul, the easiest one-pot meals for busy nights, or what to do with leftover rotisserie chicken. On Thursdays, we serve up a pint-sized chat about our “Best Bite” of the week, pantry essentials we can’t live without, and more. Previous guests include Seth & Lauren Rogen, actor Randall Park & writer/director Evan Goldberg, and NY Times Recipe Developer, Sue Li!If you’re looking for a boost of fun in the kitchen by discovering recipes that will make mealtime easier and more delicious with a healthy dose of laughter, then you’ll want to dig in with FOOD FRIENDS! First-time listener? Tune into Episode 2: Don’t send flowers, send soup! and Episode 4: What do you bring to a potluck?

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Recent Reviews
  • Lorrie in Tennessee
    Wonderfully informative podcast!
    This podcast has become one of my favorites. The hosts have a great rapport and know how to keep their episodes concise, engaging, and informative.
  • kari LA
    It’s a pleasure! 😍
    Hi and welcome! Yes, this is Kari, co-host of Food Friends along with Sonya Sanford, my friend for over 15 years! I want you to know how much I enjoy making this show each week, and how much it genuinely inspires me to keep cooking up delicious meals for family and friends in my home kitchen. Sonya and I truly enjoy coming up with seasonal and exciting content, interviewing other home cooks, and sharing our “best bites” each week. I always learn something new with each episode, and it inspires me to keep on making delicious meals for myself and those I care about. We’re here to inspire home cooks, and we’re so glad you’re here!🥦🌶🥑🫑🌽
  • claire2855
    Food friends
    Love this podcast! Just FYI- the Charlie Bird farro salad calls for 1 cup *apple cider,* not apple cider *vinegar.* I made this mistake the first time I made it and was turned off by the high acidity. The plain cider is lovely!
  • First you make a Roux
    Food Friends are delightful
    I’m a relatively new listener, and have enjoyed this conversational style podcast with two talented cooks immensely. I get great ideas to broaden my cooking repertoire every time. I’ll be happily listening my way through the back episodes.
  • logandlbhays
    What a joy.
    This is my new favorite podcast. Listening to two friends talk so knowledgeably and lovingly about food is wonderful. All I want to do is text my friends every Sunday and ask them what the best bite of their week was…and I have so many great new recipes to add to my repertoire.
  • DesignYourFuture
    If you need cooking inspiration, start here!
    This is quickly become one of my favorite podcasts! both hosts are very inspirational, and in every bite size episode, I always come away with a great idea for dinner that night. All of their guests have been fantastically selected as well! I especially love the “Justine snack” episode and her plant forward dishes. Their ingredients and techniques are accessible for a home cook, they always put a fun little twist on each dish!
  • PhotoEdu
    Look and feel good in the kitchen
    Any recipe I tried from this show became a family favorite, and earned me some instant hubby-brownie-points. Same goes for some brilliant grocery items recommendations. The warm, fun conversations between Kari and Sonya feel like sitting down with friends, swapping recipes tips. It makes cooking feel as inviting. If you're looking for a podcast that will make you look good in the kitchen and put a smile on your face, look no further than "Food Friends."
  • Neb688
    Broccoli show started strong
    I tried this show and found the information interesting. Second recipe was vegan, which isn’t my thing but veggies are good, right? Then it went into a recipe that had a bunch of ingredients not available in the rural Midwest. We’re lucky to have fresh broccoli in the winter. Broccolini isn’t available… and the exotic spice blend? Not locally available. I might try some other episodes of this show, but this seems like it is made for someone else.
  • rose.joshua
    Great show! Fun, practical, excellent recipes
    I started listening a couple of months ago because I was looking for new ideas and recipes for my family. The show is great because they have great taste in the recipes they share, they really know food, and they give practical kitchen advice for meals that are delicious and quick to make. I’ve never been a food podcast guy, but this is now part of my weekly podcast list. Thank you for the show!
  • GMS000000
    Terrible
    Their voices are terrible. They don’t get to the point. I guess this is just not for me. I hate these people.
  • 😄😃😀😃😄😀😃
    Vocal fry 🔪
    The first episode I heard was about broccoli. It was hard for me to listen because of the vocal fry. I did find the recipes at they mentioned to be a bit boring and not food at all types of people would like to eat . Like the tofu harrisa i mean its tofu with harrisa…. I think when I’m listening to the future, I wanna hear about food. That is interesting. This is tofu with a sauce thats brought .
  • Jules0414
    Love this show!
    This is one of my favorite podcasts. Such practical and tasty advice for things to cook and eat. Thank you both!
  • I love these ladies
    I’m a food friend too!💋
    This is my favorite podcast. These ladies are good friends and they make me feel like I’m part of their little exclusive group. I listen to the episodes over and over!!
  • lts 1957
    Awesome Podcast
    Love the two hosts and their creativity. Such a great change of pace podcast. I so enjoy learning the tips and hearing their recipes. The hosts have such a great friendship and you and feel it.
  • Come download it 🔥 🔥 🔥 💅
    Love the idea 💡
    I love cooking 🧑‍🍳 🍔🍟🍗🍖
  • alysoncohen
    Thankful for this podcast
    Happy Thanksgiving ladies!
  • Lia C S
    A delight
    I recently discovered this podcast and it is such a delight! Listening to these two really motivates me to be more creative in the kitchen :)
  • cclbtc
    Cooking inspiration
    Love the dynamics between these two and I love the unique ideas each of the hosts come discuss! 10/10
  • Park7781
    Love 💕
    Not only do you give great recipe ideas, your voices are so pleasant to listen to. Thank you for your podcast.
  • Frida890
    The best food podcast!
    Made the gnocchi and Brussels sprout recipe after hearing about it on the best bites episode and it was delicious! Kari and Sonya are so knowledgeable on so many different types of cuisines and methods of cooking. They give great advice on how to modify recipes to fit what you have in your kitchen. This is my go-to podcast when I’m looking for new cooking ideas!
  • Alex!83
    Listening makes me HUNGRY
    Warning ! Only listen if you want your mouth to water ! lol. For real though I find myself wanting everything these hosts talk about. Their love of food and sharing that love through the dishes they make is clear. Recipe ideas are simple and straightforward while still being exciting and flavorful. Keep em coming !!
  • Moseymoooo
    Friends in your pocket
    Sonya & Kari are the best. I listen on Sundays while I’m meal prepping for the week and it’s like they’re in the kitchen with me. I half expect them to comment on what i’m making. They each have their own unique perspectives and it’s so fun to listen to them discuss even the smallest details. The episodes are about stuff that is interesting but also practical. Their conversation always has a solid flow and an easy going vibe. My go-to listen for when i’m in a zen cooking mode or want to explore something new.
  • Heartandsull
    LOVE LOVE LOVE
    Listening to Sonya and Kari is like listening to a conversation between old friends- because that’s exactly what it is! Their story is so sweet and I enjoy the wide variety of topics they’ve gone into. From their lives as personal chefs, to how to navigate a farmers market, seasonal inspiration, and interesting guests- they have it all for the home cook. I especially like the “best bites” episodes because they’re bite sized and often inspires me to try something I wouldn’t have thought of! For example, Sonya raved about a zucchini scarpaccia and I turned around and made it the day after listening to the episode! I love these ladies!
  • Margypanther
    So knowledgeable
    I love listening to them! They just have this wealth of food knowledge.
  • evdabev16
    Easy meals for a non-chef!
    My wife does most of the cooking, but I desire to carry my weight and give her a break! It can be daunting to learn and improve, but listening to this podcast has helped me feel much more confident about tackling dinner time with confidence and being a more helpful spouse. They are easy to listen to and have such great ideas!
  • mojokitchen
    Inspiration in the kitchen!
    LOVE this podcast! I listen each week bc these ladies inspire me to try new recipes in the kitchen, plus there are always helpful tips too. The friendship between Sonya and Kari is so sweet, and I just love the way they describe what the are cooking and the different ways to make it delicious. The quick episodes are my fave bc it’s a boost of joy in my day.
  • keeley manca
    Can’t Help But Be Inspired
    Absolutely LOVE Food Friends! Each episode is such a gem and I always walk away feeling inspired and excited to be in my kitchen creating something new. You can tell they are both highly skilled and creative in the kitchen, but they are somehow able to make it so accessible. I always feel like they’re talking to me, not above me. A 10 out of 10 highly recommend for everyone…cook or not ;)
  • claytonjones
    Blown away
    I checked out the podcast because I have personally worked as a waiter and bartender with Sonya and Kari, but to be honest don’t consider myself a good cook. After listening to this podcast, I was so blown away and inspired to try so many new recipes. I have sent it to friends who are looking to mix things up. The best thing is they are making foodie quality food accessible to the average home chef! They give variations and education so that you don’t have to strictly stick to the recipe but can improvise and be creative. I also love how the conversational aspect reminds us that food with friends is about just that, the friends and bringing people together which this podcast certainly does!
  • clweger
    Perfectly short and sweet
    LOVE THIS POD! Recipes are fab and you don’t have to listen for over an hour! They get to the point and it all sounds delicious! I have made a few of their suggestions. They are creative and interesting and it’s my favorite food pod! Love them! Please write a book together ♥️
  • The Real Miss Maude
    No meal is complete…
    Without checking in with my girls, Kari & Sonya. I’ve had literal, therapy level “aha!” moments listening to this podcast. (I’ve spent my whole life making peace with soggy-sad tofu sludge and all I had to do, this whole time, was lightly dust it in cornstarch? Are you kidding me??) I’m one if those health-oriented single people who cook for themselves, and after a while the repetitiveness of my meals started to get to me. I got stuck in a rut - a gut rut if you will - and these two women pulled me right out of it with their wit, warmth, and unpretentious know-how. Every (short, but jam-packed!) episode is a gift of inspiration and good company. I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
  • McDweave
    Food Friends is a Perfect Podcast
    Kari & Sonya are fantastic as a Cooking & Commenting duo. The recipes and culinary advice are always interesting, yet approachable. And they always tie the recipes and food back to the people they love to share it with. An audible delight.
  • Fran from PT
    I always smile
    I’ve been cooking dinners for many years and after listening to this podcast, I’m always inspired to try a new twist on an old dish. And these young women are just a delight to listen to, they love each other so much!
  • NickTheo1
    Incredible Cooking Show!
    I have never left a podcast review before but I wanted to leave one for Food Friends, as I just enjoy it too much. The easy, entertaining way these two passionate people speak about their craft of cooking is so wonderful and they are constantly giving me new inspiration for different recipes I can try. The summer corn episode alone gave me so many new ideas for how to prepare one of my favorite dishes! Also they will give you great tips on how to choose your produce and then implement it all in new and unexpected ways. Beyond being educational, you can just hear how much Kari and Sonya absolutely love what they do and that enthusiasm is so infectious. Great podcast!
  • Diegosoccer
    If you want to cook at home, THESE are your girls
    Honestly, it's like these two got phd's not just in culinary arts, but in how to break the complex down and make it simple. I literally employ their advice every time I listen to an episode. From colorful salads (shred the carrots!) to cookies, it feels like I have two of my best expert friends hanging out with me in the kitchen while I cook. This is the podcast I always wanted and so happy my friend told me about it. Follow these two rockstars wherever they lead!
  • The Mac Daddy 30
    Kari & Sonya Are My Cooking Teachers
    I love Food Friends b/c of how Sonya and Kari make it accessible and exciting to try new things. I’m a very novice person in the kitchen, but have been able to try two corn and one tomato based recipe the last few weeks from listening to S&K and hearing them explain how they do it. It’s so practical and fun. They are the best.
  • Kgkpdx
    Sonya and Kari feel like MY food friends
    Their friendship and shared bond around a love of food and culture is so comforting and welcoming. I learn so much from each episode but even more than that, I feel like they invite us as listeners to develop our own sense of intuition and understanding of the foods that make us who we are. This show is the best!
  • Shannon in Raleigh
    Lovely content but the “upspeak” is distracting
    This is a great podcast with lots of cooking inspiration. I love the two ladies, who are upbeat, like each other, and are incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish they didn’t upspeak so much - it gets really distracting.
  • jennybutlermd
    Great meal and cooking ideas while fun to listen to
    Really enjoying this. The back and forth conversation of the two ladies makes the show not only helpful in regards to cooking ideas, but fun to listen to. Keeps my attention
  • Twins*2mom
    Food Friends
    What a lovely show! The techniques are accessible and not intimidating. I also love that they include the recipes in the show notes. Thank you, Sonya and Kari!
  • Scohn1034
    New Favorite Podcast
    I am OBSESSED with this podcast! Kari and Sonya are so knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much from them. I’m so excited to try out all the recipe tips and can’t wait to show off at my next dinner party!
  • Billy Shep
    Culinary highlight of my week.
    Love this pod, the shorter and longer form episodes consistently bring fun new ideas to my cooking. These ladies are so great. 100% worth your time.
  • New person on here
    Falling in love
    I just stared watching these episodes and as soon as I started I like fell in love with this! You guys are the best!
  • Happyflagirl
    My favorite food podcast!
    I just ADORE this podcast. I get so excited when I see a new episode in my feed. The hosts are so lovely and knowledgeable, and the way they describe food is simply sublime. They always share the recipes in the show notes, and I’ve tried (or saved!) a ton of them. Keep up the great work Food Friends!!
  • KitKatG_
    Speaks to my heart!
    I love listening to Kari and Sonya talk about food. I look forward to new episodes every week. Their discussions are so fun -- it's like I'm in the kitchen with them. As someone who aspires to be a better cook, they inspire me to try and create new memories around my own kitchen.
  • Hakuna mattata
    The way that I begin every Tuesday!
    Kari and Sonya are not only exceedingly passionate about food and creating experiences through it. They are also accessible, humble, fun and knowledgeable beyond words. I anxiously await their episodes and could listen to them talk about food and how they cook for hours on end. Thank you, Sonya and Kari, for being who you are and offering your wealth of wisdom and joy!
  • Rising Owl
    I Really Dig This
    First off I love food, cooking and friendship (aside from my kids & music) these are the joys of my life. Sonya - love the sound of her voice - and Kari, so bubbly, share great info AND personal experiences which i appreciate. Great insights and authenticity from 2 cool ladies. A solid listen 🙏
  • RG-PDX
    Love my two new food friends!
    As someone who loves to cook, gather with friends, and share good food, I’m so happy to have found this podcast. Sonya and Kari are so down to earth and have such respect tor culture and traditions, but I also love their flexibility. Their approach to cooking seems similar to mine — recipes tend to be guidance or inspiration, and creativity is welcome. I always feel so nourished listening to them. Thanks for welcoming us into your kitchens and friendship!
  • #1 Dhaal Masi
    Cooking is NOW fun!!
    This podcast has changed my perpespective on cooking. I always thought if I didn’t follow the recipe, the meal will be a fail. Kari and Sonya have made me realize that there are variety of ways to make broth, pizza, even chocolate chip cookies!! I love the casual kitchen table conversations as it makes me feel like I’m in the room with them. I retain more information listening in this format! This is a great podcast for all ages! My kids prefer to listen to this podcast on their way to school every week than listen to music. Makes family cooking fun when they repeat Karimasi and Sonya’s advise! Thank you Karimasi and Sonya for being part of our weekly family car rides and keeping conversations alive in our kitchen!
  • Aswallace71
    The Best of the Best!!
    I have the absolute privilege of personally knowing, calling her my friend and enjoying her culinary skills of one half of this dynamic duo…and one day I hope to do the same with the other half. Kari is one of the most magical people I know. And Sonya is someone I want to know better, not just as chefs but as people. Putting them together just makes sense and their natural longtime friendship banter in this podcast makes listening to them feel like you’re included as part of that circle of Friendship. I look forward to each episode with mouthwatering anticipation. The explanations of why they choose to cook what they do and the history of each recipe is just mesmerizing, I can’t get enough. And both of their voices and demeanors are just made for this genre, so soothing and comforting like the warm hug of a comfort food that you long for on that cold winters day, they never disappoint. ❤️
  • Denver's
    Broth man!
    I consider myself a real broth man, but Kari and Sonya have helped me take my broth game to the next level! Thanks guys!
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