Pierre Thiam, a renowned chef and the co-founder of Yolélé, shares his journey from Senegal to New York City. After a fateful robbery shifted his career focus to cooking, he passionately promotes fonio, an ancient, drought-resistant grain. The conversation highlights the grain's incredible sustainability and nutritional benefits, as well as its cultural significance. Thiam discusses the impact of colonization on food systems and emphasizes the importance of empowering local farmers through this unique culinary endeavor.

Pierre Thiam, a celebrated chef and co-founder of Yolélé, shares his inspiring journey from Senegal to New York City after a life-changing mugging. He discusses the ancient grain fonio, its potential for food security, and the challenges in promoting it globally. Thiam highlights how he embraces his cultural roots in his cooking and the transformative power of community support in establishing Yolélé. He also reflects on sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of diversifying diets with nutritious options like fonio.

Guests Amy Thielen, Eric Ripert, and Pierre Thiam share tips on stress-free Thanksgiving hosting, cooking moist turkey, simple seafood dishes, West African flavors, and crispy roasted Brussel sprouts. They discuss their books, including Thielen's Company, Ripert's Seafood Simple, and Thiam's Simply West African. They provide techniques for cooking salmon gently, creating reimagined Thanksgiving side dishes, and incorporating unique flavors like palm oil and collard greens.