When comedian Hari Kondabolu isn't delivering incisive jokes about politics and identity, he's dreaming of being locked inside a magical bakery. Hari tells us why you shouldn't ask him about Indian food, and shares his take on whether famous food scenes with Apu on The Simpsons are racist or not.This episode originally aired on May 6. 2018, and was produced by Dan Pashman and Anne Saini, with editing by Peter Clowney. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Transcription by Emily Nguyen.Every other 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.

It’s time for our Salad Spinner Year In Review! On today’s show, we discuss the strangest and most surprising food stories from the past year with Joe Yonan from The Washington Post and Nikita Richardson from The New York Times. We share some of the biggest food trends of 2024—the ones we want to see more of, and the ones we wish would go away—and later, the best things we ate this year. This leads us in some unexpected directions, including demanding justice for seed oils and dreaming of a nap inside a pita. Joe and Nikita also discuss their last-minute gift recommendations and their New Year’s food resolutions. (By the way: don’t forget to send us your resolution by December 18! Send a voice memo to hello@sporkful.com with your first name, location, and what you resolve to eat more of in 2025 and why.)Joe’s new book is Mastering The Art Of Plant-Based Cooking, and Nikita’s newsletter is Where To Eat.The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, Jared O'Connell, and Giulia Leo. Transcription by Emily Nguyen.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.

Samin Nosrat, bestselling author of *Salt Fat Acid Heat*, and Hrishikesh Hirway, host of *Song Exploder*, dive into the delightful world of cookies. They humorously debate the best olive types while reminiscing about cookie-hunting adventures. The trio explores the perfect cookie texture, balancing crunch and chew, and shares baking techniques. Their nostalgic reflections on youth and cooking creatively tie together the love for food, infusing joy into the culinary experience. Tune in for laughter and cookie wisdom!

Kristina Cho is a cookbook author renowned for her insightful takes on Chinese baking, while Bryan Ford celebrates Latin American flavors in his acclaimed cookbooks. They reflect on their immigrant backgrounds and the emotional ties to their culinary roots. The conversation dives into the importance of home-style recipes and preserving cultural heritage. Kristina and Bryan each share the influence of their family traditions on their new cookbooks, highlighting unique dishes like Honduran baleadas and the evolution of Latin American baking.

Dive into the festive tradition of Coquito, the heartwarming Puerto Rican drink that brings families together during Christmas. Discover how Hurricane Maria reshaped celebrations for one family and explore the revival of Pitoro, a traditional moonshine. Celebrate vibrant customs like 'la paranda' and delve into variations of Coquito, from decadent recipes to lighter twists. Personal stories and cultural significance intertwine, making this holiday drink a centerpiece of joy and memory.

LP O'Brien, an award-winning mixologist from Washington, D.C., shares her inspiring journey from crafting cocktails to embracing sobriety. She reveals how quitting drinking enhanced her skills in mixology and led her to the booming market of non-alcoholic drinks. LP discusses her unexpected transition from a nursing career to high-end mixology, and the innovative methods she uses to create sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. Tune in to discover how she celebrates the holidays with delicious alternatives and her vision for the future of the cocktail scene.

In a delightful chat, Michael McKean, iconic actor from Spinal Tap and Better Call Saul, shares his love for food's role in theater and storytelling. He humorously likens learning new lines to enjoying a plate of spaghetti. McKean also reflects on audience etiquette regarding snacks in theaters and dives into how culinary elements shape performances. The discussion blends food with personal anecdotes, revealing how it connects to identity and nostalgia while highlighting the joy and absurdity found in both cuisine and acting.

Fortune Feimster, a comedian known for her work on Chelsea Lately and The Mindy Project, shares her entertaining journey with food and body image. She hilariously recalls joining the swim team for snacks and reflects on her chubby childhood. Fortune discusses the lessons from her grandmother and the near breakup over meatball sliders. The conversation morphs from tasty memories to embracing self-acceptance, all while infusing humor into her relationship with food. Don't miss her insights ahead of her upcoming Netflix special!

Join Tunde Wey, a Nigerian chef and writer who uses food to spark political dialogue, and Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota Sioux chef dedicated to reviving Indigenous foodways. They explore how culinary experiences can initiate conversations about identity and social change. Tunde discusses the significance of traditional Nigerian cuisine in American culture, while Sean shares insights on reclaiming Native food traditions and the complexities surrounding fry bread. Their engaging narratives highlight the power of food as a tool for activism and community bonding.

In this engaging discussion, Abigail Keel, an audio producer and reporter, shares her personal journey through a baffling medical mystery involving debilitating vertigo and a strict low-sodium diet. She reflects on the unexpected challenges such a dietary change brought to her relationship with food and mental health. Abigail’s story highlights the importance of balance in nutrition, emphasizing the joy of eating and the emotional struggles tied to dietary restrictions, ultimately leading her to seek a more enjoyable approach to food.