The Sporkful

Is it unethical to sample an ice cream shop's flavors and not buy anything? A married couple calls in for advice, and Cooks Illustrated's Dan Souza reveals the artisanal ice cream industry's biggest secret. Plus, two listeners who run a French fry stand together call in to debate the definition of a condiment.  Today's sponsors: Go to BarkBox.com/Sporkful to get a free extra month of BarkBox when you subscribe to a 6- or 12-month plan. Go to BobsRedMill...

The Iranian-American Muslim comedian says everything is negotiable -- even religious law. "I feel like Allah would be like, 'Get the pork chop but don't kill anybody,'" she says. Plus, the former policy advisor uses her lamb kebab to school us on campaign finance reform. Today's sponsors: Go to BobsRedMill.com to explore their huge range of products and recipes. Go to Squarespace.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to save 10% on your first purchase. Go to SunBasket...

Mimi Sheraton has seen it all in her 92 years. In our new spinoff podcast, Ask Mimi, the legendary food critic offers advice on food and life to live callers and celebrity guests. The Sporkful's Dan Pashman moderates. In this episode, humorist Mo Rocca joins Mimi and Dan live on stage to ask for help with an issue involving his mom. Hear all episodes of Ask Mimi when you sign up for Stitcher Premium. Plus you get The Sporkful's back catalog and you're supporting our show...

We follow a firefighter who moonlights as an upscale chef as he attempts to get lunch on the table at the firehouse on time. But can he get his crew mates to eat kale? Today's sponsors: Go to TryCaviar.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to get $10 off your first order of $30 or more + free delivery (offer valid until March 15, 2018). Go to MarthaStewartWine.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to get 20% off your first purchase of a bottle, pack, or club membership.

Tunde Wey learned to cook at home with his family in Nigeria. Sean Sherman grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Today they're both using food to explore politics and educate diners about the world beyond the dinner table. "Food is a delicious tool," says Tunde, "but it's pointing to something bigger." Today's sponsors: Go to TryCaviar.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to get $10 off your first order of $30 or more + free delivery (offer valid until March 15, 2018)...

British-born TV writer June Thomas shares childhood memories of fish, chips, and a magical pan of lard, and nerds out with Dan on the finer points of this classic comfort food. Then she shares strategies for eating in front of the TV, which she does A LOT. Today's sponsors:Go to TryCaviar.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to get $10 off your first order of $30 or more + free delivery (offer valid until March 15, 2018). Go to LinkedIn.com/Sporkful to get a $50 credit toward your first job post...

We follow one woman's attempt to recover from an eating disorder and hear what it’s like to wake up each morning and have to fight a battle not only with food, but more importantly, with yourself. It's a rare look inside one person’s struggle. We also hear from her husband and explore her decision, early in recovery, to become a baker. Today's sponsors: Go to FarmAndOven.com/Sporkful to get free shipping on your orders. Go to Squarespace...

Fifty years after the panic about "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" began, we explore how faulty science and perceptions of race and class contributed to the making of a food myth that persists today. And we tell you how to make the best bloody Mary ever. Today's sponsors: Go to FarmAndOven.com/Sporkful to get free shipping on your orders. Go to Squarespace.com and use offer code SPORKFUL to save 10% on your first purchase of a website or domain. Go to ThirdLove...

Richard Blais got his first job in food at McDonald's when he was a teenager. He was so shy he couldn't look the customers in the eye. So how did that kid become a food TV star and winner of Top Chef All Stars? How did he end up in some the finest kitchens in the country? And why does he say he still doesn't consider himself successful? We discuss, plus he tells us why spotting a hot trend and hopping on the bandwagon is a good career strategy in the food world. Today's sponsor: Go to SunBasket...

Sporkful listeners and Dan reveal what food they resolve to eat more of in the new year -- and why. Plus we replay one of our favorite shows from 2017. Today's sponsors:Go to Modcloth.com and enter promo code SPORKFUL25 to get 15% off your order of $100 or more. Go to Sonos.com and get 10% off one order of $2500 or less, using the promo code SPORKFUL10 (case sensitive). Go to Upsie.com and use promo code SPORKFUL for 10% off your first purchase.