26. Everybody’s Broken, Everyone’s Connected: It’s TV Week

It’s mid-July. Sarah’s sizzling in the hell mouth that is Dallas, Nancy’s mired in NYC’s hot human grime, and both think it’s a really good idea to stay inside and watch some television. “The Bear” on FX/Hulu turns out to be the distraction they need, a high-octane but humane adventure set in a Chicago kitchen. Nancy is moved to tears by the sight of broken people trying to be better. Sarah gets sucked in by the characters learning from each other and finding self-respect in their work. And both Nancy and Sarah are captivated by the making of a cake.

Another treat turns out to be “How to Change Your Mind,” a four-part docu-series about psychedelics based on the 2018 Michael Pollan book that Sarah kept meaning to read. (Thank you, Netflix.) We learn under-the-radar histories about LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline, and hear from folks who say these long-vilified drugs can alleviate suffering, ease trauma, and evoke wonder. Sarah wonders if a sober life includes room for psychedelics. Nancy wonders if that amazing drug she once took was actually mescaline. Also discussed: men and crying, fear of death, and keg stands.

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Episode Notes:

NOMA, in Copenhagen, often named best restaurant in the world

“The Bear” official trailer

David Chang, chef and founder of the Momofuku restaurant chain and all-around interesting person, including on his podcast, The Ringer. Nancy finds Chang a very human guy, very ready to admit the hardships and show the love. He also let his pastry chef Christina Tosi, who later created Milk Bar Bakery, go wild, including coming up with the gooey crunchy butter bomb that is Crack Pie. Here’s the written recipe and, food porn alert, a video so you can watch the buttery deliciousness in action.

“Ugly Delicious” official trailer

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, by Anthony Bourdain, which Nancy recommends reading out loud to someone, as it will make both of you laugh and go, “Whoa…”

Before his death in 2018, Bourdain hosted four TV series — “A Cook's Tour” (2002–2003); “No Reservations” (2005–2012), “The Layover” (2011–2013) and “Parts Unknown” (2013–2018) — and appeared on countless others. Love and miss him.

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain official trailer

Eighth Grade official trailer

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Richie on “The Bear,” is so expressive and wounded even his eye-bags speak to the mistakes and tumult of his life

“Colin the Chicken,” Portlandia

Al-Anon website

“How to Change Your Mind” official trailer

DEA Say No to Drugs ads 1980s compilation

“An Alcoholic’s Savior: God, Belladonna, or Both?” by Howard Markel, MD (New York Times)

“The Science Behind Why Women Cry More Than Men,” by Liz Newman (Thrillist)

Comedian Michael Ian Black talks about a different kind of “wet dream” (NPR’s Fresh Air)

“Taking My Ex Back In (for His Own Good),” Modern Love essay in which Nancy tells the story of Tim crying (New York Times)

David Levine caricature archive at The New York Review of Books

After wrapping, Nancy and Sarah realized they did not discuss how amazing the music is in “The Bear,” including songs by Wilco, Budos Band, AC/DC, The Breeders, the Beach Boys and others; full list is here, including…

Outro song: “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens

“Magic 8-Ball, will Nancy bake Crack Pie for those who sign up as Smoke ‘Em founding members?” “Signs point to yes!”

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