Padma Lakshmi on Her Multifaceted Journey From Supermodel to Culinary Sensation

Welcome to Second Life, a podcast spotlighting successful women who've made major career changes—and fearlessly mastered the pivot. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode gives you a direct line to women who are game changers in their fields. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts to stay tuned.

Television host, food expert, author, and producer grace Padma Lakshmi's résumé, posing the question, Is there anything this culinary luminary can't do? Known for her 19-season reign as the Emmy-nominated host and executive producer of Bravo's beloved competition cooking show Top Chef, Lakshmi is no stranger to the culinary entertainment industry. Today, she sits at the helm of the critically acclaimed Hulu docuseries Taste the Nation as creator, host, and executive producer. In Taste the Nation, Lakshmi embarks on a captivating journey to explore immigrant communities across the United States and learn about their profound impact on American cuisine. Recognized for her incredible passion for connecting with others through the love of food, Lakshmi's work has earned her accolades, including Critics Choice Real TV Awards, Gotham Award nominations, and a James Beard Foundation Award.

Beyond the food realm, Lakshmi has lent her creative energy to a myriad of ventures, from launching her own product lines to co-founding the Endometriosis Foundation of America. She is also the New York Times best-selling author of the memoir Love, Loss, and What We Ate, which offers readers a glimpse into the profound intersections of her life and the role food played within them.

While Lakshmi is a multifaceted force to be reckoned with in the culinary industry, this was not her initial path. Before making her mark in the world of gastronomy, she graced runways for legendary designers like Gianni Versace and posed for iconic photographers like Helmut Newton. Listen to the latest episode of Second Life to hear how Lakshmi has embraced change, from gracing the world's most prestigious runways to revolutionizing the culinary landscape.

Next: How Natasha Case Pivoted Her Career Into Bettering Kids' Meals With Lunch Bunch