John Birdsall, a food writer and author of "The Man Who Ate Too Much," reveals the complex life of James Beard, America's first celebrity chef. He discusses Beard's journey from 1930s queer cocktail parties to becoming a culinary icon while navigating a closeted life. Birdsall highlights Beard's playful queer identity in his cooking and media presence, as well as the societal challenges he faced. He hints at his upcoming book on queer food culture, emphasizing how meals create community and reflecting on Beard's multifaceted legacy.