The Sporkful

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.

Andy Shallal, an Iraqi-American restaurateur, and Sharikiana Garima, co-founder of Sankofa Video Books and Cafe, discuss the signals restaurants send about inclusivity. Shallal points out how dining spaces often cater to white patrons, leaving Black individuals feeling unwelcome. They explore how ambiance, music, and clientele impact a sense of belonging. Garima shares insights into creating community hubs amidst gentrification, emphasizing the need for cultural representation and the complexities of fostering diverse dining experiences.

Sara B. Franklin, author of the biography 'The Editor', shares captivating insights into the life of Judith Jones, the visionary editor behind Julia Child’s iconic cookbook and 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. They discuss Judith’s journey from her beginnings in Paris to shaping American cookbook culture. The conversation highlights her struggles as a woman in publishing and her advocacy for diverse culinary traditions. Listeners will discover Judith's lasting impact on food literature and her role in empowering home cooks through her revolutionary approach.

Jake Cohen, a cookbook author and social media star, talks about his culinary transformation, discovering Middle Eastern Jewish recipes after meeting his husband. He shares the controversial ingredient he adds to tahdig and debates if Rosh Hashanah brisket gets too much hype. Jake emphasizes the importance of personality in cooking videos, revealing how his love for modernizing Jewish dishes allows him to connect deeply with his heritage and audience. His journey shows cooking as a way to embrace identity and foster cultural appreciation.

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.