Padma Lakshmi on losing a loved one, learning to cook from her grandmother, and being a klutz

As host of "Taste the Nation" and, prior to that, "Top Chef," Padma Lakshmi has always been deeply curious about food, and how it serves as a vehicle for celebrating the cultural diversity of America. In her new book, "Padma's All American," she shares stories and recipes from people she’s encountered all across the U.S. Padma talks to Rachel about the life lessons her grandma taught her through cooking and why life is better in her 50s. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard MORE WILD CARD EPISODES    • Wild Card with Rachel Martin   WHAT IS “WILD CARD?” Life’s too short for small talk. Rachel Martin gets right to the questions that matter most. Once a week, famous guests pull questions from a deck of cards and open up about the kind of stuff we all think about but rarely say out loud. Actors, authors, and thinkers are prompted to talk about everything from their insecurities and dreams to grief and God. Named one of The New York Times’ 10 best podcasts of 2024, Wild Card stands out among celebrity interview podcasts. When modern life feels chaotic or overwhelming, listen to Wild Card for a joyful, grounding reminder of our shared humanity. You can reach out to us at [email protected]. The NPR shows you love are possible thanks to your support. Donate today: https://www.npr.org/donations/support