Ruthie's Table 4

Tina Fey has been on Ruthie's Table 4 before and she is, in fact, our first returning guest.  When we first met, she spoke about food being a major part of her life, but she only brought one half of her team. The other half, Jeff Richmond, is here with us now. A composer, producer, director, Jeff is Tina's creative partner, and he's her husband. He says he does all the cooking. Tina and Jeff have collaborated on almost everything, and now they're here in London to open the Mean Girls Musical at the Savoy theatre. I will be there on opening night.  Today we're going to talk about working with someone you love, music and comedy, cooking and eating together, and more... Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Hartley was the American ambassador to France and Monaco, and now to the Court of Saint James. In the two years she has spent in the United Kingdom so far, Jane has had two monarchs, three prime ministers, four chancellors, and a late-stage pandemic. She has the qualities necessary for the role in abundance: leadership, resilience, duty. I know her as a close friend, and though I always introduce Jane as Ambassador Hartley, my nickname for her is Miss Sparkle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without sequins on a sweater, dress, earrings, or even the shoes she’s wearing today. Now, we’re going to get together to talk about work, duty, family and food. I know she will be informed, and I know she will sparkle. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a gala dinner at the National Theatre. The host of my table, Yana Peel, said she was sitting me next to a young filmmaker who had recently won a BAFTA. Then I met an artist whose work had just been exhibited at Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Los Angeles, and is about to be shown at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Then I met a champion volleyball player who, aged 18, represented Britain in the 2012 London Olympics. Today in The River Cafe, I'm about to talk with all three as Savanah Leaf incredibly, is them all. The London-born, California-raised athlete turned artist, who still only 30, has just won the BAFTA for Best British debut Director for her powerful film Earth Mama. The executive chef of The River Cafe Sian Owen is joining us, now we are five. A Cook, an artist, a director, an athlete and me. Women rule.Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dynamic CEO Remo Ruffini of Moncler talks about sustainable fashion and dreaming big. From Italian cooking to worldwide culinary adventures and evolving ski jacket brands, the podcast explores a mix of topics from creativity to racing incidents.

Claire Saffitz, an expert food writer, shares her journey from history major to cooking show host. She discusses challenges of baking, traditional family recipes, and creating delicious dishes with innovative twists. The podcast also covers her transition from test kitchen to cookbook author and her passion for fresh vegetables and simple comforting dishes.

My brother, Michael Elias, a writer and director tells me when visitors come to the set of a film, nothing stops. The only exception is if they are athletes.Maybe it’s because everyone thinks, if pressed, they could act, sing or dance, but never run a race, ski downhill or score a goal. When Gary Lineker, one of the great footballers of our time, walks into The River Cafe everything stops.  He is one of the very few footballers never to have received a red or yellow card — consistent with who he is: principled, respectful and fair — values we share. We’re also both in the world of podcasts - his company Goal Hanger has 18 million listeners a month. Gary and I also share the world of food. Look at his Instagram account and you will see as many photographs of what he is cooking as the games he is analysing on Match of the Day. Today, Gary is in The River Cafe kitchen with Joseph Trivelli making Potato Gnocchi with tomato sauce. When he comes back I will definitely stop what I’m doing to talk to him about food, football, family and principles.  It’s a goal.Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Dern, a bold spokesperson for women in film, reminisces about family, memories, and her role in sustainability. Topics include regenerative farming, Southern cooking traditions, culinary generosity, and the intersection of food, art, and well-being.

I may not know what makes a good comedian, but I do know what makes a good father.  When Judd and I met in London — where his daughter Maude was playing the lead role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret — he told me this was the eighth time he'd seen it in three weeks. While I don’t know what makes a good comedian, Judd certainly does. His advice to kickstart your writing: think of a topic and write down as many jokes and one liners as you can. Don't be scared if your first draft doesn't make you laugh out loud — keep going.  There are definite parallels between cooking and comedy. And paraphrasing his words, an aspiring chef should never panic if the first attempt doesn't taste quite right.  Eating and laughing; children and acting; movies and restaurants. We're here today in The River Cafe, and Judd and I will tackle them all. Life is a cabaret.Listen to Ruthie's Table 4: Judd Apatow out now - made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa Abela, known for her work in 'Back to Black,' shares anecdotes of being surprised with champagne by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The podcast also delves into planning extravagant Christmas dinners, exploring family food traditions, and childhood memories around food.

Actor Tom Hollander shares heartfelt stories and connections, from a moment of tenderness with a grieving woman to his passions for acting, cooking, and family. The podcast delves into the intertwined worlds of food and theater, exploring the role of food in performance, family traditions, cultural memories, and comedic moments in daily routine. Hollander's journey in theater, nostalgic feasts, and meaningful connections are highlighted, making for a special and engaging conversation.