Proof

Today’s story, from Dan Pashman and The Sporkful, is about the people behind New York’s hot dog carts, and one man’s fight to keep his spot. From street corners to museum steps, street vending is a grind that is shaped by city politics, impossible permits, and everyday hustle. In this episode, we meet Dan Rossi, a Marine vet who’s spent nearly 20 years guarding his cart outside The Met, the most coveted location for selling a hot dog in New York City, and fighting for his right to stay. Listen to and learn more from The Sporkful on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the mushroom foraging business as innocent as it seems? What does it take for two cultures at odds to come together to make the ultimate fusion cuisine? How does the development of a viral cookie recipe work here at America's Test Kitchen? We answer these questions and more on the new season of Proof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this three-part series, reporter Otis Gray explores the extraordinary life of James Hemings; the enslaved chef who forever changed American cuisine. Episode three investigates the mysterious final chapter of James Hemings' life, exploring the unanswered questions surrounding the death of one of America's first great chefs. We also examine his undeniable legacy and the widespread impact of his cooking on modern day American cuisine and traditions. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this three-part series, reporter Otis Gray explores the extraordinary life of James Hemings; the enslaved chef who forever changed American cuisine. Episode two meets Hemings back at Monticello where his cooking became the backdrop to some of the most pivotal moments of Jefferson's political career and our country's history; all the while training his brother Peter in exchange for his freedom. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Otis Gray, an investigative reporter, delves into the life of James Hemings, an enslaved chef who transformed American cuisine. They explore Hemings' time at Monticello, his groundbreaking culinary training in Paris, and his influence on iconic dishes. The discussion highlights the gaps in historical records revealing Hemings' challenges and aspirations, his pivotal choices regarding freedom in France, and the intersection of culinary skills with America's complex history. Gray's journey uncovers a silenced legacy that shaped the nation’s food culture.

Avery Thompson, a frequent contributor and reporter, explores the meat paradox while reporting from a farm in Oklahoma. He shares his personal anecdotes, making the heavy topics of death and animal slaughter more relatable. The discussion dives into the psychological tactics we use to reconcile our love for animals with our meat consumption. Listeners are invited to consider the emotional complexities surrounding beef and the ethics of butchering, all while making mindful connections to their food sources.

What does it take to serve a dinner in first class at 37,000 feet? And are we in a new golden age of fine dining on airplanes? Reporter Emily Siner reports. Want to channel your inner first-class diner? Check out our breakdown of different kinds of caviar here. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When reporter Justin Barney first moved to Nashville, he kept seeing signs for "Chicago-Style Gyros." Chicago-style? What's that? And why Chicago? These questions sent him down a deep reporting rabbit hole as Justin tries to uncover the origins of this enigmatic dish. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often see labels that say "Fair Trade" -- particularly in the context of chocolate or coffee. But what does it actually mean for a food to be "fair trade"? Reporter Andrew Stelzer follows the people and revolutionaries who helped jumpstart fair trade coffee in the United States. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1924, a man in Iowa named Henry built a radio station so that he could sell more seeds. Then, his rival Earl also created a radio station to sell more of his seeds. This rivalry laid the groundwork for the radio homemaker movement, where women—usually the men’s wives and sisters—filled air time sharing step-by-step recipes, dispensing advice and becoming early social media influencers recording straight from their kitchens, with fans writing letters by the thousands, and visiting the beloved hosts' homes by the busloads. We dive into who these radiomakers were in this episode of Proof. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/proof EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/proof Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices