Joy sits down with Imtihan Alaid—better known to her friends as Asa—to explore the rich culinary traditions and stories behind her journey from Iraqi refugee to Midwest business owner. With an educational background in Radio & TV from her time in Turkey, Asa brings a natural comfort and ease to every conversation, making this episodea truly engaging look at her cultural struggles and successes.

You’ll hear about the unique flavors that define her heritage, including her secret to the perfect cup of Iraqi coffee: a bold, black blend infused with aromatic spices like saffron and cardamom that Joy calls "the best coffee I've ever had—like, EVER!" Whether you’re interested in her professional path or want a masterclass in authentic flavors, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a great story paired with a perfect brew. 🇮🇶☕️🌈

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

Joy sits down with Imtihan Alaid&mdash;better known to her friends as Asa&mdash;to explore the rich culinary traditions and stories behind her journey from Iraqi refugee to Midwest business owner. With an educational background in Radio &amp; TV from her time in Turkey, Asa brings a natural comfort and ease to every conversation, making this episodea truly engaging&nbsp;look at her cultural struggles and successes. You&rsquo;ll hear about the unique flavors that define her heritage, including her secret to the perfect cup of Iraqi coffee: a bold, black blend infused with aromatic spices like saffron and cardamom that Joy calls "the best coffee I've ever had&mdash;like, EVER!" Whether you&rsquo;re interested in her professional path or want a masterclass in authentic flavors, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a great story paired with a perfect brew. 🇮🇶☕️🌈 Thanks to our sponsors,&nbsp;<a 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data-cke-saved-href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__t.dripemail2.com_c_eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.yzoB6Xuizxzyj-2DerAvGkFi2BGIiXh59wjHXykBjwjbg&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=ux_7MDobVJweUTsDAx6WvxozYTVP8fIp2wOO-IdRP4Y&amp;m=hH_SnkLxG-peH_G6wFCiNUz5fKMHvfBxjb6oAS71w9rm2loCr-9YN4BSozbWmALS&amp;s=WpUpZiZ26dWjDT1wQmeMxtC2QoD9Bb-5iRLLqaSk1XA&amp;e=">Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub</a>, and <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__t.dripemail2.com_c_eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJhdWQiOiJkZXRvdXIiLCJpc3MiOiJtb25vbGl0aCIsInN1YiI6ImRldG91cl9saW5rIiwiaWF0IjoxNzY3MDA4ODk4LCJuYmYiOjE3NjcwMDg4OTgsImFjY291bnRfaWQiOiI0ODM5MzcyIiwiZGVsaXZlcnlfaWQiOiJvcWhjZzdhNmJheHFkMzd4Y29qZiIsInRva2VuIjoib3FoY2c3YTZiYXhxZDM3eGNvamYiLCJzZW5kX2F0IjoxNzY3MDA5NjAwLCJlbWFpbF9pZCI6MTEzNTI5MzYsImVtYWlsYWJsZV90eXBlIjoiQnJvYWRjYXN0IiwiZW1haWxhYmxlX2lkIjo0NTU1MTE5LCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5raXRjaGVubGFuZHVzYS5jb20-5FX19zPXYwZm9mbzB1MzQwczluNzM2djhiJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9ZHJpcCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1RdWVlbitDaXR5K1NvdWwrS2l0Y2hlbitOT1crQ0xPU0VEIn0.KyRMd1j43HDvnKMkqZvYh2ZhNfn2E1F6pxekcmuHbjI&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=ux_7MDobVJweUTsDAx6WvxozYTVP8fIp2wOO-IdRP4Y&amp;m=plvROH3soCVYBCn0fGfeMhL4iSP3lpxxhz4F2OO0RXpYe0mvGu2SypocYLmidvEj&amp;s=zFuEZzDZSuPBlxH43Q8k9UQjxao5wFBbca68iJneAKg&amp;e=" 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Savor The Ozarks, hosted by Joy Robertson, is a weekly podcast about the culinary scene around the Ozarks and beyond. Joy will share stories, talk with restaurant owners, and give special insight into beloved, local restaurants. Join Joy on her passionate journey to Savor The Ozarks!

Savor The Ozarks, hosted by Joy Robertson, is a weekly podcast about the culinary scene around the Ozarks and beyond. Joy will share stories, talk with restaurant owners, and give special insight into beloved, local restaurants. Join Joy on her passionate journey to Savor The Ozarks!

Savor The Ozarks

Savor The Ozarks, hosted by Joy Robertson, is a weekly podcast about the culinary scene around the Ozarks and beyond. Joy will share stories, talk with restaurant owners, and give special insight into beloved, local restaurants. Join Joy on her passionate journey to Savor The Ozarks!

Savor The Ozarks, hosted by Joy Robertson, is a weekly podcast about the culinary scene around the Ozarks and beyond. Joy will share stories, talk with restaurant owners, and give special insight into beloved, local restaurants. Join Joy on her passionate journey to Savor The Ozarks!