Podcast

Samantha Irby is a humorist, a TV writer, and the author of an incredible new essay collection, Quietly Hostile. On this episode, we talk about so many things: Chicago pizza, living in Michigan, Bosnian food in Grand Rapids, car wash dudes in Kalamazoo, and what it’s like to write lines for Carrie Bradshaw (as well as give her diarrhea). We have long been huge fans of Sam’s work, and it was a real joy to have her in the studio. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Also on the show, Aliza and Matt talk about three things they are each enjoying, including the great Las Vegas restaurant Lotus of Siam, hot dogs in New Jersey, monster trucks, Your Pasta, rhubarb all day, Confusion Snacks (our favorite new popcorn), the chicken wing of the sea.    MORE FROM SAMANTHA IRBY:The Person Who Wrote It Is Eating Ramen: Samantha Irby on Writing for TV [LitHub]My Taste Is Basic. So What? [Harpers Bazaar]TASTE Podcast 123: Ayo Edebiri [TASTE]

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Julia Bailen is one third of the NYC power pop trio BAILEN with her elder twin brothers, David and Daniel. On the heels of releasing the second full length BAILEN album, Tired Hearts, Julia sits down with Carmel Holt to discuss her journey to discovering stability that her instrument and"owning it" brings her, the democratic process of making records with her brothers, and working through some of the negative effects and thought patterns caused by our ageist and sexist music industry.

The future of food is fungi—at least if you ask Adam DeMartino and Andrew Carter, the cofounders of Smallhold. The new-school farming company grows delicate maitake, spongy lion’s mane, blue oysters, and more of our favorite mushrooms in patented aquarium-like tanks and mega farms across the country. They’re a favorite of buzzy chefs and major grocery chains alike, so today we’re going deep on this mushroom moment and how they’re forecasting the future of fungi.  Also on the show, we catch up with Abby Endler, the host of the great new podcast, Criminal Types. In each episode Abby digs into the real-world cases, research, and obsessions that keep your favorite crime writers up at night. Check out her episode with John Grisham! We also talk about Anthony Bourdain’s underrated crime fiction career. NYC! Come out to a live taping of the show with special guests Eric Kim and Ali Slagle. May 25 at Rizzoli Bookstore in Manhattan. 6pm. Tickets are free. MORE FROM SMALLHOLD:The Mushrooms Will Survive Us [New York Times)]Mushroom Boom Leads Brooklyn Grower to Plant Its Organic Farms in the West [Forbes]How We Grow Happy Mushrooms [Smallhold]Anthony Bourdain’s Literary Legacy in 13 Books [Eater]

Flight of the Conchords crash into Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Dave and Demone talk to underground rap stalwart Mr. Lif

It was so much fun having Jamie Loftus in the studio. Jamie is a comedy writer and podcast host behind some of our favorite series, including My Year in Mensa and Aack Cast, a very “Cathy” podcast. On this episode, we tackle all sorts of topics, and talk about Jamie's incredible new book, Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs. Yes, Jamie spent a solid year traveling around America, diving into the world of tube steaks. We find out about banishing ketchup from the bun and what makes a great mall food court.  MORE FROM JAMIE LOFTUS:Fountains of Youth [Eater]#eatinfinitejest: the first tear [YouTube]In Aack Cast, Jamie Loftus Goes to Bat for ‘Cathy’ [Vulture] FOLLOW, FOLLOW, FOLLOW:instagram.com/jamiechristsuperstarinstagram.com/mattrodbardinstagram.com/taste