In this inspiring and deeply real episode of the World of Travel Podcast, Lindsey and Kolyn sit down with South Africa’s “Culinary Princess.” Chef, author, entrepreneur, and executive producer Lorna Maseko — a global tastemaker redefining how the world experiences African cuisine.
Lorna opens up about her powerful evolution from professional ballerina to becoming one of the most recognizable culinary voices on the international stage, proving that you don’t have to live in one lane to live a meaningful life. With honesty and humor, she reflects on how discipline, perfectionism, and perseverance from ballet shaped her ability to build a brand rooted in creativity, culture, and purpose.
The conversation moves through pivotal moments that changed everything: relocating to New York City, realizing the dream wasn’t what she imagined, and learning how the city forced her to live smarter — a lesson that ultimately inspired her hit show Lorna’s Pantry, built around making magic out of what you already have. From there, Lorna shares why Atlanta became her unexpected home, and how the city’s warmth, kindness, and Black excellence reminded her of Johannesburg in a way New York never could.
Together, they dig into what it really means to be self-taught, to bet on yourself, and to keep creating even when traditionalists question your path. Lorna breaks down the power of her pop-ups and dining experiences, how she uses food as storytelling, and why she refuses to be boxed into one identity, chef, host, producer, or entrepreneur.
This episode is about reinvention, grit, trusting your voice, and building a life where ambition has no boundaries… while still staying grounded in community, faith, and the joy of feeding people with intention.
Let’s get into it.
