Proof

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

The new season of Proof is filled with food origin stories that you'll want to share at your next dinner party. We ask: What can we learn from trad wives and kitchen influencers from a century before? How do mushrooms make their journey from the hands of foragers to our dinner table? What even is a Chicago Style Gyro, and where does it come from? These are just some of the questions we dig into in Season 20 of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. How did James Hemmings, born into slavery and trained in France, impact the foods we know and love today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While developing her award-winning cookbook, 50 Pies, 50 States, Stacey Mei Yan Fong was about to become a permanent American resident. As she navigated the application process, she researched, developed, and baked pies that represented all 50 states, and delivered them to recipients in each of those states. Now, Stacey will soon be eligible to apply for American citizenship. In this episode, Stacey revisits the pie recipes and recipients to contemplate her choice. Check out America's Test Kitchen's favorite pie 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

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.

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.

Avery Thompson and Julie Carli, producers at America's Test Kitchen, dive into the fascinating worlds of poitin and chicha. They explore poitin's revival in Ireland's cocktail culture and its rich history, alongside chicha's significance in Peru. The podcast also highlights Uganda's malwa, a traditional millet drink, and its role in fostering community, especially among women brewers. The discussion reflects on how these ancient beverages adapt to modern times while retaining their cultural importance.

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!

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