Plum Goode Media

Smart, opinionated, and bold content for all.

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Plum Goode Giving 2025: Standing With Chicago

This Giving Tuesday, Plum Goode Media proudly joined millions around the world in the spirit of generosity. For us, the day was about more than donations—it was about solidarity. Chicago, our home and heart, has weathered a difficult year, and we wanted to use our Giving Tuesday dollars to uplift the organizations that continue to protect, educate, and empower its communities.

We’re honored to share the six organizations we supported through Plum Goode Giving 2025:

The Brother David Darst Center – For their continued work in educating the next generation about social justice and fostering critical conversations that inspire change.

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute – For their unwavering mission to protect and uplift the Black trans community, ensuring voices are heard, and lives are valued. Although they focus on more than just Chicago, their support has been felt in the local LGBTQIA community during a time when trans men & women are being unjustly targeted.

Block Club Chicago – For their fierce, independent media coverage of Chicago, shining light on stories that matter.

My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (Obama Foundation) – For their commitment to helping young Black men navigate the path to adulthood with mentorship, opportunity, and hope.

PAWS Chicago – For their no-kill shelter mission, giving countless animals a second chance at life. (This one was extra special—our dog Braxton made this donation!)

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – For their decades‑long commitment to expanding access to higher education for Black students. While their reach is national, UNCF’s ties to Chicago are broad and enduring, supporting local scholars and strengthening the city’s legacy of educational opportunity.

Each of these organizations embodies resilience, care, and justice. Together, they represent the Chicago we love: diverse, determined, and deeply rooted in community.

Join Us in Giving Back

We invite you to stand with us. If you’re able, consider donating directly to these organizations. Your support helps sustain their vital work and ensures Chicago’s communities continue to thrive.

Giving Tuesday may be one day on the calendar, but generosity is timeless. Let’s keep the spirit alive all year long.

[plumgoode]

Building in the In-Between:

What Beta Taught Me About Care, Clarity, and Community

I didn’t set out to become a founder. I set out to make something that felt like care — for my family, for our community, for anyone craving a little joy and connection.

Our latest product, dubbed the Midnight Movies Munchies, started as a late-night idea. It’s now in beta, shaped by feedback from testers who saw its potential and weren’t afraid to challenge it. We pivoted. We clarified. We removed stickers from the core kit and added seasonal print-on-demand packs. We made it easier to use, easier to share, easier to love.

And I did all this while juggling everything else: caregiving, working a regular 9 to 5, researching funding for my business while I bootstrap and tracking grants, a car accident (😲) where my vehicle was totaled, and the quiet work of believing in something before it’s real.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

You can build in the margins — and still create something meaningful.

Feedback is a gift, especially when it’s honest.

Community isn’t a metric. It’s a feeling.

I’m still learning, iterating, and showing up. Thanks for being part of it, and for being patient while we cook up something great behind the scenes. We can't wait to share what's next.

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Beta Testing Day Has Arrived!

Today is a huge milestone—we’re officially kicking off beta testing for our brand-new project: Midnight Movie Munchies.

For the uninitiated, this new project is part movie and snack kit, part interactive experience, and all about bringing people together for those late-night, cult-classic vibes we love so much. Think B-movies, popcorn laughs, and snacks with a playful twist.

What’s Happening Today

Our first wave of beta testers are receiving their exclusive kits. These brave (and hungry!) volunteers will be trying everything out before we share it with the world. Their feedback will help us fine-tune the experience—making sure each kit delivers maximum fun, flavor, and fright-night nostalgia.

Why This Matters

This beta is more than just a test—it’s the next step in expanding Plum Goode Media’s creative universe. From our podcast (The Gourmet Goober) to food blogging and beyond, we’ve always loved exploring how food and pop culture intersect. Midnight Movie Munchies takes that passion to the next level by giving fans something tangible, shareable, and snack-worthy to enjoy together.

What’s Next

If you’re not part of this first beta round, don’t worry—there’s more to come! We’ll be sharing sneak peeks, tester reactions, and announcements about how you can get involved in future phases. Keep an eye on this space (and your inbox, if you’re subscribed) for updates.

In the meantime, we’re raising a bucket of popcorn to everyone who helped us reach this stage. Here’s to a successful beta launch—and to all the munchies and midnight movies ahead.

Stay tuned, stay hungry, and stay weird. 👻🍿

— JJ Outlaw Plum Goode Media | The Gourmet Goober Podcast

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The Snackening is Coming...

Hey Peeps,

We know it's been a bit quiet around here, but trust us, we've been hard at work—cooking up something truly special just for you! We’ve been in the lab mixing up an immersive experience that’s unlike anything you've seen before. Get ready for a project that’s part podcast, part product, and packed with all the flavor you crave.

Picture this: retro cult movie vibes, limited drops, and big munchie energy. We can’t wait to share the delicious surprises we’ve been working on. Trust us, it’s going to be fun!

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to chat about the anticipation of what’s to come, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

Stay tuned for more updates—exciting times are ahead!

Snack on, The Plum Goode Media Team.

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Welcome Lustrowin: Our New Affiliate Partner!*

We’re excited to announce Lustrowin as our new partner at The Gourmet Goober! We’ve always been fans of their beautifully designed blinds, especially their kitchen products, which perfectly combine style and functionality.

By partnering with us, Lustrowin is helping us bring even more great content to our community, and we couldn’t be happier!

Custom Cordless Jute Bamboo Roman Shade Living Room | Lustrowin

Enhance your living room with Lustrowin's custom-size ramie flax Roman shades. Cordless design offers convenience and a sleek, modern look f

To celebrate, you can save on your next Lustrowin purchase on us! Just head to this link to shop and enjoy these great savings! Let’s give a warm welcome to Lustrowin!

*Please note that our link is an affiliate link, meaning that when you make a purchase through it, we earn a small percentage at no extra cost to you. This support helps us continue creating great content for you. Happy shopping, and thank you for supporting us!

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Back...After a Long, Strange Trip.

After almost two years of challenges offline, I'm finally back. Do you know that feeling when you run out of steam, and you're not sure where to go next? That was definitely me. That said, I'm glad to have made my way back to Gooberland.

I wish I could reveal more, but just know that I needed this time away to reflect and deal with life as we all know it. As I look to share some future projects (including a new podcast), I'm exactly where I need to be now, and I'm so excited to bring you along for the journey.

So, hello again. I'm JJ, but you can call me The Gourmet Goober. I'm looking forward to getting to know you soon

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We're Making the Move to Bluesky!

Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an important update with you all. I’ve decided to migrate my Twitter account to Bluesky, and I want to explain why I made this choice.

Over the past year, I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with the direction Twitter has taken. I can no longer support a social media platform that allows and promotes disturbing accounts that spread harmful content. It’s disheartening to see racist and misogynistic behavior being tolerated and amplified. This is not an environment where I feel safe or welcome, and I believe it does not benefit my followers either. And after the election, I realized I no longer wanted to help monetize Elon Musk through my activity.

By moving to Bluesky, I hope to create a more positive and inclusive online community. I want to prioritize a space that respects individuals and fosters genuine connections, free from the toxicity that has become too common on X.

If you’d like to continue following my updates and engage with me in this new space, you can find me on Bluesky at @jjoutlaw.bsky.social. I genuinely appreciate your support and understanding as I make this transition. Please note that I will keep my account on Twitter to make sure no one uses my handle for nefarious purposes. But I will NOT BE ACTIVE on the platform

Thank you for being part of Gooberland, and I look forward to connecting with you on Bluesky!

[plumgoode]

Help Us Make a Difference this Giving Tuesday!

As we approach Giving Tuesday, we at Plum Goode are excited to kick off our annual Plum Goode Giving initiative. This year, we are reminded of the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in our society. In light of the recent election, it's more crucial than ever that we prioritize and uplift historically marginalized communities.

We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table and an opportunity to be heard, and we are committed to contributing to this cause. But we can't do it alone! We want to hear from you—our vibrant community—about organizations that are making a difference.

If you know of nonprofits or grassroots organizations that focus on uplifting marginalized voices or support communities that have been overlooked, we want to know about them! Your suggestions will help us ensure that our donations make a real impact where it's needed most.

Please share your recommendations with us by emailing [email protected]. We’re looking for organizations that align with our mission and have a demonstrated commitment to support and empower underrepresented communities.

Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday a powerful opportunity to give back and support those who are often silenced. Thank you for being a part of our journey to promote equity and inclusion.

We can't wait to see your suggestions!

With gratitude, The Plum Goode Team

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That's Not Vegan, Baby!

In this episode, the Goobers discuss the donut scandal taking over vegan and gluten-free TikTok, review Starbucks' latest libations, and give a peek into a dining experience that is truly out of this world. Plus, Big Daddy forces JJ to face one of her biggest fears (warning- you might need an umbrella after hearing it).

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or wherever you stream podcasts.

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Bytes and Bites with Resactly Founder, Fisayo Oluwadiya

In this week's special episode, we introduce you to Fisayo Oluwadiya, a food blogger and food tech entrepreneur.

Fisayo isn't just any food blogger; her New York Foodie Adventures blog has captivated thousands, but it's her latest venture that's stirring up the culinary world. As the founder of Resactly, she's AI to craft personalized dining experiences that promise to redefine how we explore food.

Listeners will be captivated by Fisayo's story, from her Nigerian roots and the rich culinary heritage of the Yoruba tribe to her transition into the tech world and the creation of Resactly. Exploring food, culture, and technology, this episode will leave you inspired, hungry for more, and perhaps craving the best burger you've never had.

So, if you're a foodie, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is a must-listen. The show is available now wherever you stream podcasts.

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Celebrating Women of Color in Food Culture for International Women's Day.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made to culinary history. In particular, we honor the trailblazing women of color who have shaped food culture and left a lasting impact on the world of cuisine. From chefs and entrepreneurs to activists and writers, these women have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and inspired generations. Let's take a moment to celebrate their stories.

One such pioneer is Edna Lewis, often called the "Grand Dame" of Southern cooking. Born in Freetown, Virginia, in 1916, Lewis grew up deeply appreciating fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Southern cooking techniques. She became a renowned chef, cookbook author, and culinary educator, preserving and sharing the rich culinary heritage of the American South. Her book, "The Taste of Country Cooking," is considered a classic and has inspired countless chefs and home cooks alike.

Another iconic figure is Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine." Chase was the chef and co-owner of Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans, a gathering place for artists, activists, and politicians during the Civil Rights Movement. Through her cooking, Chase celebrated the flavors of Creole cuisine while using her restaurant as a platform for social change, making it a safe space for African Americans to dine together during segregation.

In the realm of food activism, we find the inspiring story of LaDonna Redmond. Redmond is a food justice activist and advocate for urban agriculture and community-led food systems. She has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity and inequity, particularly in historically marginalized communities. Her work demonstrates the power of food as a tool for social change.

Turning our attention to the world of food media, we must recognize the contributions of Pati Jinich. Jinich is a Mexican-American chef, cookbook author, and host of the PBS series "Pati's Mexican Table." Throughout her work, Jinich celebrates Mexico's vibrant flavors and culinary traditions, introducing audiences worldwide to the richness of Mexican cuisine. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including a James Beard Award for Best Television Program, and continues to inspire home cooks with her accessible recipes and warm personality.

These are just a few examples of the remarkable women of color who have impacted fine dining. Their stories remind us of the importance of representation in the food world and inspire us to continue celebrating and honoring the contributions of women everywhere. Cheers to their legacy, and may their stories continue to inspire future generations of chefs, food activists, and culinary enthusiasts alike.

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Whoo Hoo! The Gourmet Goober Podcast was Featured on Apple Podcast's Black History Month Collection for the Second Consecutive Year!

The Gourmet Goober Podcast, an indie food and pop culture podcast based on the popular Chicago-area blog of the same name, has been selected for inclusion in Apple Podcast's Black History feature for the second year in a row. The show, hosted by JJ Outlaw and her husband, T. "Big Daddy" Outlaw, explores the intersection of food and pop culture from an African American perspective.

Now in its fifth year, the show has received praise for its engaging host banter and insightful interviews, earning recognition from Soulphoodie.com as one of the top food and beverage podcasts hosted by a Black woman. The show's name was inspired by a nickname given to JJ by her father years ago when he instilled in her a love of cooking.

"We are thrilled to be included in Apple Podcast's Black History Month collection for the second year running, alongside bigger production shows that we admire," said JJ Outlaw, who produces the podcast in addition to co-hosting duties. "It's an honor to be recognized for our work in celebrating Black food culture and exploring how food connects us all."

In addition to its recognition from Soulphoodie.com, the Gourmet Goober Podcast has been identified as one of the top 100 independent foodie podcasts by Goodpods.com. The show continues to attract a loyal following of food enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.

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Plum Goode Philanthropy Time!

Here are the links to the great organizations we've supported this year. Check out the video in the post below and help us make a difference this season for the following worthy causes!

The Brother David Darst Center

Connections for Abused Women and Their Children

The Marsha P Johnson Institute

My Brother's Keeper Alliance

Planned Parenthood

ASPCA

Block Club Chicago

Array & Origin Tickets

[plumgoode]

[gourmetgoober]

Interview with Daminique Washington

Hey Gang! A new super-sized episode of The Gourmet Goober is out, and it is spicy!

In this episode, the gang shares stories of unexpected pizza delays, St. Tropez's pay-to-play shenanigans, Samuel L. Jackson's latest food-related role, and Megan thee Stallion's hot new projects.

And that's not all, folks! Later, we have a special guest - Daminique Washington, Founder & CEO of Spiced Up by Daminique, who spices things up with her insights on healthy seasonings. Trust us, you don't want to miss this delicious conversation!

You can catch it now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you stream podcasts.

[plumgoode]

The Goobers celebrate two significant anniversaries before discussing mental health and JJ's temporary burnout, Taco Bell's fight to save a modern foodie tradition, mysterious pasta attacks, faux chicken, and the best things they ate this week.

As Heard on the Show:

The Read (Sending love to Kid Fury): thisistheread.com

Tru BBQ and Whisky: https://truebbqandwhiskey.com/

Goober Merchandise: gooberswag.com

Kitchen Journal: https://bit.ly/3P4Fy1l

Pasta Gate 2023: https://bit.ly/3BZJ3hL

What's in your chicken: https://bit.ly/42d6Ghu

Managing mental health: https://bit.ly/3Mzq9ms

[gourmetgoober]

Are You Ready to Get Spiced Up???

Get ready for an exciting episode of The Gourmet Goober Podcast, where we sit down with the incredible Daminique Washington, the CEO of SpicedUp by Daminique! We had an absolute blast chatting with her about her mouthwatering seasoning products and delving into her passion for creating healthier, low-sodium options for all you food lovers. Trust us; you won't want to miss this spicy conversation!

Stay tuned for the full interview, set to sizzle and spice up your ears the week of 9/25/23.🔥🎙️