Very excited to have Dan Souza on the pod today! Not only is he the editor-in-chief of Cook’s Illustrated, he’s a regular on one of my all-time favorite cooking show’s: America’s Test Kitchen on PBS. Today our conversation covers everything from his responsibilities as editor-in-chief, how difficult it was to make changes to the Cook’s Illustrated format when he took over, what he makes when he doesn’t feel like cooking, his love for seafood, and his obsession with tea. We also talk about his perfectionism, what it means to make “the perfect” version of something, how he wants to empower people with techniques, and how he uses cookbooks to move away from his perfectionistic habits. If you want to hear more with me and Dan, tomorrow I’m posting a bonus episode where I ask him ten rapid-fire questions including: “What’s the best technique you’ve learned in your time at America’s Test Kitchen?” and “Which three spices would you bring to a desert island?” Become a paid subscriber at amateurgourmet.substack.com to hear his answers.
I for one will miss the therapy-focused podcast (it makes your food podcast stand out from other food podcasts!), but then again, I had trouble getting used to the new "theme song", so maybe I just need to talk about my relationship to change with my therapist...Anyway, very excited to hear your session with Dan!
I’m up for the new angle! I hope you will still consider asking people what they are eating, even if it isn’t for therapy purposes. I love to see what people buy at the grocery store too. I just find it interesting. I’m sure to remain a loyal listener whatever direction you go, I’m sure it will remain funny and involve delicious food .
I so love getting to know the interesting people you’ve have on, also the mix of food and entertainment people. You have a real gift for drawing people out. I hope you find a way to keep doing this.
I’ll listen to whatever version of the podcast you’re doing! And have Diana on again - those of us who’ve been following for ages need updates on your friends. 😂
I am sad about the end of Lunch Therapy. I have really enjoyed the podcasts you've made that weren't Lunch Therapy, but I do love the format and the gorgeous insights it provides into your guest's life and also yours. I'm sure you'll bring an element of that into your new version though and I'll still look forward to listening, as I'm a big fan and always recommend your podcast to other people. And I'm with Maria below, as I too am having trouble adjusting to the new theme music, but I'm bad with change, which I'm sure you understand!
I for one will miss the therapy-focused podcast (it makes your food podcast stand out from other food podcasts!), but then again, I had trouble getting used to the new "theme song", so maybe I just need to talk about my relationship to change with my therapist...Anyway, very excited to hear your session with Dan!
I’m up for the new angle! I hope you will still consider asking people what they are eating, even if it isn’t for therapy purposes. I love to see what people buy at the grocery store too. I just find it interesting. I’m sure to remain a loyal listener whatever direction you go, I’m sure it will remain funny and involve delicious food .
I agree with Maria. The lunch "therapy" angle is unique and results in very interesting conversations that differ significantly from other food media.
I so love getting to know the interesting people you’ve have on, also the mix of food and entertainment people. You have a real gift for drawing people out. I hope you find a way to keep doing this.
I’ll listen to whatever version of the podcast you’re doing! And have Diana on again - those of us who’ve been following for ages need updates on your friends. 😂
Bravo! Change is a good thing and I will always listen to your entertaining podcasts in any format you choose - as long as it is about food!
I am sad about the end of Lunch Therapy. I have really enjoyed the podcasts you've made that weren't Lunch Therapy, but I do love the format and the gorgeous insights it provides into your guest's life and also yours. I'm sure you'll bring an element of that into your new version though and I'll still look forward to listening, as I'm a big fan and always recommend your podcast to other people. And I'm with Maria below, as I too am having trouble adjusting to the new theme music, but I'm bad with change, which I'm sure you understand!