Padma Lakshmi on how food is a gateway to empathy

Anna's joined by Padma Lakshmi, the author, model and activist who hosts “Top Chef” on Bravo and whose new show, “Taste the Nation,” is now out on Hulu. Padma said she decided to do the show after thinking about what a central role food plays in American culture and everyday life — and how the people behind the food we love are so rarely given the chance to tell their own stories.   Padma’s work away from the culinary world has put her on the forefront of a host of issues: civil liberties, immigrant rights, and raising awareness for endometriosis — a medical condition that millions of American women have, and which has struggled to receive the funding and attention it deserves because of societal assumptions about women and health.   All that and more on the newest episode of "Women Rule." "Women Rule" is hosted by Anna Palmer and produced by Zack Stanton. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices