As part of a special holiday series we're bringing you stories from our team as they tackle difficult conversations around food and families. In this episode, LWC Studios' audio designer Kojin says his Japanese family loves to cook, but competition in the kitchen is cut-throat. And Mori Lemau Willhite, who runs a Japanese cooking school, offers practical advice for staying focused and non-combative when preparing a high-stakes meal.

Featured Expert: Mori Lemau Willhite owns and operates Katsumi’s Teaching Kitchen, a catering company and cooking school in Beech Grove, Indiana. Through her teaching kitchen, Mori teaches students to cook authentic Japanese dishes, how to shop for the right ingredients and about the cultural significance of the Japanese cooking process. In addition, she offers cooking classes as team-building activities for groups and for special events. After earning her degree in Japanese education and serving in the Army, Mori moved to Indiana. She originally thought she would open a side business teaching Japanese language, but encouraged by friends, decided to open a cooking school instead. Learn more about her work on her website.

If you loved this episode, listen to Questioning Papí’s Food Choices and When Mom Body Shames you.

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and frustration so send us a detailed voice memo to hello@talktomamipapi.com. You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToMamiPapi and email us at hello@talktomamipapi.com. And follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.