Anita's been reckoning with what it means to stay connected to cultural identity as a mixed-race adult. And in pursuit of what things to prioritize, she's turning her focus to food. She talks to mixed-race foodie and writer Raj Tawney, whose hours in the kitchen with his mom and grandma have grounded his search for belonging. Then, she picks up the phone and calls the primary chef in the Rao family: her mom, Sheila.

Meet the guests:

- <a href="https://rajtawney.com/">Raj Tawney</a> is a writer, foodie and the author of “<a href="https://www.fordhampress.com/9781531504571/colorful-palate/">Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience</a>”

- Sheila Rao is Anita's mom 

<a href="https://www.wunc.org/2024-12-04/is-food-the-key-to-cultural-belonging-transcript">Read the transcript</a> | Review the podcast on your preferred platform

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Please note: This episode originally aired December 5, 2024.

Dating, Sex & Love With HIV

Sex and relationships are intimate — and sometimes intimidating to talk about. In WUNC’s award-winning podcast, host Anita Rao guides us on an exploration of our brains and bodies that touches down in taboo territory.Follow the show on Instagram at @embodiedwunc and on Bluesky at embodiedwunc.bsky.social. You can find Anita on Bluesky at asrao.bsky.social.