The Sporkful

A few weeks ago, Cracker Barrel announced it was changing its logo — removing the old man in overalls and the barrel, updating the font, and removing the words “Old Country Store.” Longtime Cracker Barrel fans went nuts, decrying the “sterile” look. Conservative commentators tied the change to a “DEI regime” and called the new logo “woke.” Even the president weighed in, and within a week Cracker Barrel abandoned the change. But it turns out this recent issue is just the latest in a long history of controversies at Cracker Barrel. This week we’re telling the whole story of the chain, with the help of historian Anthony Stanonis. In the process, we’ll try to understand why Cracker Barrel keeps finding itself at the center of political storms in America.The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re ringing in fall tailgating season with a barbecue, featuring three different cuts of pork: ribs, pork chops, and bratwurst. The grillmaster in charge of it all is Jimmy Tchinnis, owner and executive chef at Swallow Kitchen and Cocktails and L’uccello Pizza and Italian Fare in Greenlawn, NY. Jimmy started out cooking in high-end restaurants in New York City before eventually realizing that he wanted to own smaller neighborhood restaurants that serve the community. Jimmy tells Dan about questioning his decision to go into restaurant work and what it took to gain the confidence to create his own menu. Then Jimmy cooks up a pork feast, including tangy grilled back ribs, habanero and honey pork chops, and garlic butter grilled sausages. This episode is sponsored by the National Pork Board. The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell, with production on this episode by Max Miller. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s show is a raucous Korean-style night out, all on a weekday afternoon. Dan heads to Orion Bar in Brooklyn to learn how to drink like a Korean with Irene Yoo and Peter Kim. Irene is the owner of Orion Bar and author of Soju Party, a book of drink and food recipes that’s also a guide to Korean drinking culture. She shows Dan some drinking games and explains the importance of never pouring your own drink. Then Peter Kim joins the party and cooks up some ramen dishes from his new cookbook, Instant Ramen Kitchen.Catch Dan in conversation with Peter tomorrow night, September 9 at 7pm, at Yu & Me Books in NYC. And check out Peter’s new project, The Infinite Table.The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Best-selling author Samantha Irby specializes in wringing comedy out of her own personal tragedies. Among her favorite topics: poop (she’s got Crohn’s disease), depression (which she also has), and sex. Throughout her writing, food is a recurring character. You can often gauge where she's at in life by what she's eating at the time. This week she takes us from the Oatmeal Creme Pies that got her through a troubled childhood, to an unforgettable moment with a glazed doughnut when she was in her 20s, to the fights she now has with her wife over condiments. And we ask her: What do you do when the same foods that bring you emotional comfort make you sick?This episode originally aired on May 10, 2020, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, and Julia Shu, edited by Tracey Samuelson, and mixed by Jared O'Connell. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Every Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Antoni Porowski wasn’t the obvious choice to be the food expert on Queer Eye — he’s not a chef and he has no formal culinary training. When the show debuted in 2018, many people asked, “Can this guy actually cook?” Not the most reassuring reaction for Antoni, who already struggled with impostor syndrome. In the years since, he’s alternated between trying to prove his haters wrong, and trying to stop worrying about what others think. Where is he now with these internal battles? Antoni also reveals his struggles with body image, his secrets for a good salad, and his hot takes on pierogi.This episode originally aired on September 13, 2021, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Tracey Samuelson, and Jared O’Connell. The Sporkful production team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Savage, a renowned sex advice columnist and host of the Savage Lovecast, brings his humorous insights into the relationship between food and romance. He discusses how breakfast choices can set the tone for intimacy and shares funny anecdotes about dining dynamics, especially on first dates. The conversation delves into the challenges of differing food preferences in relationships, promoting a 'poly eaterist' lifestyle. Practical tips for navigating cooking conflicts and enhancing communication in couples are also featured, all wrapped in light-hearted banter.

Dan Pelosi, known as Grossi Pelosi, brings his entertaining culinary flair as the author of "Let's Party," while comedian Negin Farsad, host of "Fake the Nation," spices things up with her humor. They delve into food disputes, debating when to take that first bite of a meal and how to reheat leftovers like a pro. The duo also shares their takes on cupcake recipes and a taboo ingredient in marinara. Join the laughter as they explore the quirks of food preferences in relationships!

Join a unique culinary matchmaking adventure as listeners dive into blind Zoom dates inspired by food! Experience the charms and quirks of two couples navigating sushi dinners, while reflecting on food's role in romance. Hear heartfelt stories intertwined with humor about body image and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy light-hearted debates on life's philosophical quirks, mixed with playful banter about virtual dating dynamics. Will true culinary love bloom, or will these connections fizzle out like cold fries?

Sara Bir, an author and recipe developer with a passion for foraging, takes listeners on an adventurous hunt for the elusive pawpaw, North America’s largest native fruit. She shares why pawpaws are both beloved and challenging, likening their flavor to a mix of mango and banana, while discussing their rarity and quirky culinary uses. As Sara and her co-host embark on this delicious quest in New York, they dive into the vibrant community surrounding pawpaw festivals and the deeper cultural significance this enigmatic fruit holds.

Casey Elsass, the cookbook doula behind nearly 20 cookbooks and author of What Can I Bring?, shares his secrets to being the ultimate dinner party guest. He emphasizes bringing the right dish based on your arrival time and reveals the importance of thoughtful gift-giving. Casey demonstrates a delicious olive and rosemary focaccia while discussing etiquette and the art of communication about dietary preferences. Tune in for tips on navigating leftovers gracefully and ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone!