
Proof
We take America's Test Kitchen's inquisitive and relentless approach to telling unexpected, funny, and thought-provoking narratives about food and drink. This is not a recipe show. And this is not a show about celebrity chefs or what they like to eat. Proof plunges into history, culture, science, and the psyche to uncover the hidden backstories that feed your food-obsessed brain. A production of America's Test Kitchen.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 54min
Love (and Food) Actually
Aaron Pang, a Proof contributor and storyteller passionate about Chinese cuisine, joins his culinary companion Connie Chen, who shares her insights on food and culture. They dive into the deep connections forged through shared meals and the nostalgia that accompanies them. Their evolving friendship is peppered with humor and vulnerability as cooking becomes a backdrop for exploring personal struggles and emotional ties. Listeners will also be treated to their beloved recipe for Crispy Fish Sandwiches, adding a tasty touch to their heartfelt conversation.

May 29, 2025 • 42min
Cracked Open: An Episode from the Feet in 2 Worlds Podcast
Avery Thompson, a producer for Feet in Two Worlds and contributor to Proof, discusses the impactful 1938 pecan shellers strike in San Antonio. He dives into the struggles faced by Mexican American women fighting against economic exploitation in the pecan industry. Through the lens of history, Avery connects past labor movements to current economic issues, emphasizing the importance of collective action. He also highlights the legacy of leader Emma Tenayuca, showcasing how cultural identity and resistance shaped this vibrant community's fight for justice.

May 22, 2025 • 54min
Return of the Ancient Brews
We dig into Ireland's storied spirit, poitin, Peru's historic beverage, chicha and Uganda's traditional brew, malwa. What accounts for their staying power, and how has their popularity transcended time? Avery Thompson, Julie Carli, and Anne Kirya report.
Turn this Irish Coffee into a Belfast Coffee by replacing the whiskey with poitin!
Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2025 • 45min
More Cheese Boat, Please!
Sarah D. Collins, a passionate reporter, dives into the rich culinary world of Georgia's famous kachapuri. She recounts her personal experiences with kachapuri, from savoring it in a lively NYC restaurant to exploring its significance during her trip to Georgia, all amidst the backdrop of cultural tensions. Collins shares stories of cooking alongside locals, highlighting how food fosters connection and resilience in a country marked by challenges. Plus, she teases delicious recipes for listeners eager to try their hand at this delightful cheese bread!

May 11, 2025 • 49min
A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom
You may know our America's Test Kitchen colleague Sarah Ahn as the popular content creator behind the social media account, @AhnestKitchen. Sarah chronicles her mother Nam Soon's Korean recipes against the backdrop of her everyday, regular life at home. What you might not know is the backstory behind her social media account, and how it became the inspiration for her and Nam Soon's New York Times best-selling cook. Proof's Managing Producer Yumi Araki reports.
To learn more about Sarah and Nam Soon's recipes, check out their cookbook Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes.
Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 48min
Why Are Americans So Obsessed with Ice?
Americans love ice, and it's no surprise given the food's (yes, you read that right; ice is a food) rich history and its start as an American invention. In this episode, we look at the history, science, and culture of ice and why it's such an iconic culinary item. Claudia Rosenbaum reports.
If directional freezing is too much of a hassle for you, try our Reviews Team's favorite Countertop Ice-Makers!
Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2025 • 44min
Introducing: In the Test Kitchen
We're excited to introduce Proof listeners to a new video podcast from America's Test Kitchen! Each episode of In the Test Kitchen is a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions with guests from the culinary world and beyond. The premiere episode features comedian Matteo Lane, who has comedy special called The Al Dente Special coming out on Hulu in May. He’s also just released a book called Your Pasta Sucks, which Dan and his cohost–ATK Food Stylist, Elle Simon Scott–really get into. Make sure to listen, watch, subscribe, and leave a comment so that other listeners can find both Proof and In the Test Kitchen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 40min
Can Science Brew a Better Cup of Tea?
On his quest to brew the perfect cup of tea, reporter Jerome Campbell gathers insights from a tea historian and a chemist. Is loose-leaf really worth the hassle? What actually happens when you microwave tea? And can you fix a cup of tea that’s been brewed for too long? Join us in this week’s episode of Proof as we investigate tea truths and tea myths.If you are brewing your tea loose-leaf style, check out our Reviews Team's suggestions for the Best Basket-Style Tea Infusers.Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17, 2025 • 45min
Why Do Meals Taste Better at Such Great Heights?
Ever wonder why food tastes so much better after a long hike? Reporter Otis Gray climbs up the White Mountains in New Hampshire in search of answers at the Mizpah Hut, a lodge along the Appalachian Trail. Food Scientist Arielle Johnson makes an omniscient appearance.April 17 is the last day to vote for our miniseries '100 Proof' in the Best Limited Series categories for this year's Webby Awards!Hungry for the kind of roasted chicken that Grace craves in the episode? Try our Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs, which you can make under an hour. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2025 • 2min
A New Season of Proof Starts April 17!
How did content creator Sarah Ahn reconnect with her Korean identity through food? Why does food taste so good at the top of a mountain? Does salt really make tea taste better? We answer these questions and more on the new season of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices