Writer Andrea Freeman, a pioneer in food politics, talks to Mark and Kate about the history of food politics, from colonization to slavery to the Americanization of immigrant food culture; how the way we operate now is rooted in these practices; how Big Food has figured out how to meet kids where they are at any given point in time—from television to TikTok; and how oppression in the US has shaped cultural norms to make racial health disparities appear natural—and, as a result, impossible to solve through government interference.

The humanitarian leader and writer talks to Mark about the paradoxes of famine; what we should be thinking about when we talk about hunger and solutions and what we can do at the global and local levels to help; and how we can raise awareness—and, in turn, prompt action.

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet talks to Kate and Mark about how being superintendent of Denver Public Schools stoked his interest in food rights, what inspires him and why we should feel hopeful, his newfound interest in cooking, and why cast iron reigns supreme.

Writer and veteran TV producer Karen Katz talks to Mark and Kate about being PC on TV, how she learned to love cooking and to be brave in the kitchen, and being executive producer of Emeril Live during its heyday – including the hazing process.

The shining star of New Orleans talks to Kate and Mark about struggle meals, tourist food in her hometown, Cajun vs. Creole, and the power of tough love.

Michelle Horovitz, LaTasha Powell, and Princess Titus – the founders of Minneapolis-based Appetite for Change – talk to Mark and Kate about how to use the psychology of a community to create a food system that works for all; passing the torch of food justice to the next generation; teaching a community to cook; and what makes their new cookbook, Appetite for Change, so special.

We revisit our episode with the lovely, lively baking genius — and recent James Beard Award winner — Abi Balingit, who talks to Holly and Mark about pork floss and ube, preconceptions about Filipino and American desserts, and fish on cookies.

The musician and avid cook talks to Mark and Kate about the learning processes of cooking and playing music, why Italians get so mad about Italian-American food, Italian food legends vs. history, and knowing your pasta.

The prolific food writer and cook talks to Mark and Kate about having one foot in two cultures; the auntie whisperer network – or, how Indians in America learned to make do without some of their beloved staples, and how they learned to make do with what was readily available; and why and how the term “fusion” got a dirty rep.

The chef and author talks to Mark and Kate about the dangers of simplifying reality; why we should recognize and champion origin, and how doing so is a lesson in humility; the effect the Israeli conflict has had, and continues to have, on agriculture; and his new book, which is a loving tribute to his home, Bethlehem. 

Ed and Ryan Mitchell, the dynamic father/son duo, talk to the father/daughter duo (Mark and Kate) about their respective paths to pitmaster, transforming the tradition of authentic barbecue into a pure labor of love, and why working together ended up being the best thing for both of them.