Journalist Tom Philpott talks to Mark about how to decode wonky farm bill conversations (and why it matters), why we’re having another erosion crisis, and how to turn farmers into conservationists without telling them what to do. PLUS: Food stylist Barrett Washburne talks to Kate about how he got into food styling and how he feels about it, why pots and pans always look so clean on TV, and how to get YOUR pots and pans really clean.

Oral historian and journalist Von Diaz talks to Mark and Kate about the connections that tropical islands share, in general and as related to cooking; the urgency to perfect dishes, build a resilient pantry, and learn to cook sustainably when living on a tropical island; the culture of kindness that seems to emanate from island living; and what got her so interested in telling other people’s stories.

Washington Post columnist Allison Robicelli talks to Mark and Kate about the shame that comes with alcoholism, sobriety as a “trend” and watching things change, and why nonalcoholic beverages are so important.

Leading British social historian Patrick Joyce talks to Mark and Kate about the actual meaning behind the word “peasant” and why it’s been co-opted so much, what we should be mourning about the near loss of peasant life and what we can learn from it, and the poignancy of seeing generations change.

The thoughtful and talented chef talks to Mark and Kate about why she named her dinner series and new book Code Noir, after a monstrous set of French regulations put into effect by Louis XIV; why some island cultures gradually veer towards the cultural homogeneity of the US; why pulling on heartstrings is sometimes the best way; and her showboat recipe.

The Dandelion Chocolate Chief Sourcerer talks to Mark and Kate about why there’s massive volatility in the cocoa market right now, what sustainable and fair sourcing actually means in the cocoa industry, and how and why people should think about chocolate differently.

Chef Mavis-Jay Sanders talks to Mark and Kate about how she got into cooking and why her parents were unsure about it, her transition from being a chef to being a chef-activist and the work she does in both areas, and why knowing how to give feedback successfully is one of the most important lessons a person can learn — in every field. 

The wildly popular chef and champion of good food talks to Mark about what’s changed in his almost 25 years of cooking in the public eye, big picture food advice, and why there’s room for optimism.

Tofu evangelist George Stiffman talks to Mark and Kate about working under a fifth-generation tofu master, the vast array of misconceptions Americans have about tofu, why the misunderstood protein is better than fake meat, and a personal favorite: exploding juice tofu.

Journalist Michele Norris talks to Mark about how she came to start her podcast, Your Mama’s Kitchen; the standout moments in her (amazing) career; and how she preps for meals 30 days ahead.

A few things from us today, but no Marksisms — Mark has been busily working on Community Kitchen this week, which is super exciting, and today interviewed someone wonderful for the podcast.