The Longest Shortest Time

EPISODE #95: The True History of a Child Chef & His Mom

This is Judah.

That picture is from when he was a contestant on MasterChef Junior. Judah didn’t win in the final rounds on the TV show, but still, at 12 years old, he’s a talented chef.

Those are his hands making dough.

And these are some recipes he loves to make: star scones and slow roast lamb.

Judah has a podcast called Chez Judah. On the show, he talks to pro chefs and he gives kids cooking tips like: “[Meat] is a good thing for kids to cook because it tests them in the kitchen and they can learn from their mistakes.” And: “Make sure you have an adult present because kids and hot oil do not mix!”

Judah is one of my favorite people I’ve ever interviewed. I love how his mind works. I love that he got into cooking for a reason that has nothing to do with taste. I love his accent.

Thing is, Judah would not be the overachieving chef he is today without his mom, Kara, and all the crazy hard things she went through during Judah’s childhood—and her own.

Tune in for an international story of love and heartbreak, Rastafarian mice and exotic cuts of beef. And find out why, despite all of Kara’s struggles when Judah was a baby, his pre-teen years have been the most challenging for her.

What’s been the hardest part of parenthood for YOU?
And what questions do your kids ask that stretch you to your limits? Comments, please!

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