Food Network Obsessed - podcast cover

Food Network Obsessed

Food Networkwww.discovery.com
Each week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire sits down with your favorite chefs, food influencers and Food Network personalities to dish on all things delicious in the food world. From exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, first (and worst) jobs in food, to cooking fails and culinary triumphs, no topic is off the menu. Whether you’re a super-fan of Food Network or a super foodie you’re going to want to hear this!Want even more Food Network? Head to discovery+ to stream some of your favorite Food Network shows. Go to discoveryplus.com/foodobsessed to start your 7-day free trial today. Terms apply.

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Episodes

Danni Rose Reveals the Secret to a Good Potato Salad

Danni Rose discusses the inspiration behind the seafood potato salad from her Dig In With episode, tracing its roots to her mom’s throw-it-all-in-the-bowl cooking style. The chef breaks down some of the key ingredients like Duke’s mayo, salad cubes, and a pinch of sugar that can elevate a potato salad to "diva" status. She dishes on growing up in Birmingham, painting a rich picture of her father’s juke joint, Haywood’s Place, filled with fried food, blues music, and community. She reflects on ho...

Jun 20, 202541 min

Duff Goldman Takes Baking to New Heights in Super Mega Cakes

Duff Goldman shares what it’s like parenting a creative four-year-old who recently requested a brain cake—complete with eyeballs—for her birthday. The baker discusses his daughter’s intense focus and how it mirrors his own tunnel-vision approach to baking and woodworking. He dishes on the inspiration he draws from the baking competitions he hosts and how they help him stay on top of evolving pastry trends. Duff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his new show Super Mega Cakes , where he takes ...

Jun 13, 202542 min

Maneet Chauhan Brings Mama Bear Energy to BBQ Brawl

and reflects on why women have excelled in the competition. The chef shares her intense experience joining BBQ Brawl as a first-time captain, calling it the toughest challenge she’s faced, with high stakes, unpredictable elements, and deep emotional investment. She dishes on the camaraderie and competitive spirit among fellow captains Bobby Flay and Antonia Lofaso, and how she mentored her team by encouraging them to play to their strengths. Maneet talks about her new series, Maneet’s Eats , cre...

Jun 06, 202538 min

Antonia Lofaso on Winning TOC & Joining BBQ Brawl

Antonia Lofaso reflects on her Tournament of Champions win and how her competitive mindset evolved, fueling her return with determination and the drive to outperform previous seasons. The chef shares her confidence going into the competition, drawing strength from her experience and comfort in the high-pressure arena. She recounts the intense final battle with Sara Bradley, breaking down the challenges of the randomizer and her strategy for making sausage under extreme time constraints. Antonia ...

May 30, 202549 min

Bryan Voltaggio on the 24 in 24 Challenge That Had Him Sweating

Bryan Voltaggio shares his earliest food memory of helping make creamed corn with neighbors in Frederick, Maryland—an experience that sparked his love for food and community. The chef discusses how his early interests in marine biology and the outdoors gave way to a culinary career after landing a busboy job that led him into the kitchen. He reveals how quickly he rose through the ranks and later manifested his dream of opening a restaurant in his hometown. Bryan reflects on teaming up with his ...

May 23, 202548 min

Kelsey Murphy Brings the Heat to 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

Kelsey Murphy describes growing up in an Italian-Polish family, where her love of food was shaped by comforting homemade meals and early kitchen memories with her grandmother. The chef discusses her unexpected pivot from a decade-long career in physical therapy to pursuing her culinary passion after becoming a mother. She explains how her food concept, Inspo, inside Lucas Oil Stadium blends fast-service efficiency with her commitment to handmade, elevated game-day fare. Kelsey talks about the me...

May 16, 202543 min

Brian Malarkey, Host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out

Brian Malarkey discusses opening Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in his Oregon hometown, a cowboy-inspired restaurant he built with his brother that has quickly become a lively community hub. The chef reflects on how the project brought him back to his roots and sparked a “ranch to plate” philosophy, complete with CBD-fed cattle, a custom butcher shop, and a deep commitment to local sourcing. Brian opens up about his new role as host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out , a reboot he describes as e...

May 09, 202537 min

Michael Symon Returns for Season Two of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

Michael Symon discusses his latest cookbook, Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out , which brings the heart and soul of his laid-back backyard cooking show to the page with approachable recipes. Michael shares how he and his wife Liz created the show during the pandemic, emphasizing authentic, unscripted cooking that teaches technique over perfection. He dishes on grilling unexpected items like chocolate bundt cake and pasta, and highlights sides like charred chicory and his beloved Ohio sweet corn. The c...

Apr 18, 202543 min

Zoe Burmester and Jordan Pilarski, Winners of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking

The winning duo of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking , Zoe Burmester and Jordan Pilarski, reflect on the surreal moment of winning the magical baking competition. Zoe shares how her background in film and TV set design influences her cake artistry. Jordan explains how his early interest in architecture evolved into a passion for pastry, viewing his creations as edible structures that blend precision with artistry. The bakers reflect on their first meeting for Wizards of Baking , revealing how quic...

Apr 11, 202552 min

Sara Bradley Steps Into the TOC Arena for the First Time

Sara Bradley shares how her upbringing in a Jewish-Southern Appalachian household shaped her love of cooking, from matzo ball soup to savory French toast inspired by childhood breakfasts. She discusses her decision to return home to Paducah, Kentucky to open Freight House, drawn by a desire to contribute meaningfully to her community and be closer to family. The chef reflects on the emotional moment she learned Freight House had been named a James Beard Award semi-finalist and what the recogniti...

Apr 04, 202545 min

Joe Sasto on Bringing the Mustache Back to the TOC Arena

Joe Sasto returns with big personal news, as he talks about his recent engagement and the story behind the surprise proposal in Mexico City. He discusses his debut cookbook Breaking the Rules , a multi-year passion project that reimagines Italian cuisine and encourages readers to defy culinary tradition. The chef dives into the inspiration and challenges behind launching his frozen pasta line, Ripi, bringing restaurant-quality pasta to the freezer aisle. He reflects on returning to Tournament of...

Mar 28, 202551 min

Judy Joo Joins the House of Knives Culinary Council

Judy Joo shares how her multicultural background as a French-trained Korean American Londoner shapes her culinary perspective. She reflects on childhood food memories, her father's resilience as an immigrant, and the work ethic instilled by her mother’s scratch cooking. She reveals how she studied engineering at Columbia University and built a finance career at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley before ultimately chasing her passion for food at the French Culinary Institute. She compares the inten...

Mar 21, 202542 min

Scott Conant, Host of House of Knives

Scott Conant reflects on the surprising moment when a fan got his signature and book title, Peace, Love, and Pasta , tattooed. The chef talks about his daughters’ evolving culinary skills and their growing interest in cooking. He shares his experience opening The Americano in Atlanta and hints at more restaurant projects in the works. The conversation shifts to the new competition show, House of Knives , where chefs have full creative freedom to showcase their skills without mystery ingredients ...

Mar 14, 202531 min

Byron Gomez, 2025 Hot List Honoree

Chef Byron Gomez, a 2025 Food Network Hot List honoree, shares his incredible journey from his childhood in Costa Rica to building a career in some of the most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens in New York, including Eleven Madison Park during its historic reign as the world’s best restaurant. He opens up about how DACA shaped his path, creating both challenges and opportunities, and why he’s passionate about using his platform to advocate for immigration reform. Byron dives into his commitm...

Mar 07, 202548 min

Adam Sobel on the Best TOC Advice He’s Received

Adam Sobel reflects on his competitive spirit, highlighting his intense focus and drive in Tournament of Champions while balancing the camaraderie and fun of the experience. The chef opens up about insights from culinary mentors like Jet Tila, emphasizing the importance of always having a "magic trick" up his sleeve to surprise both judges and diners alike. Adam explains his new hospitality group, Aether Group, and why he felt it was the right time to step out on his own, despite having one of t...

Feb 28, 202535 min

Amanda Freitag Reveals the Chopped Ingredients She Never Wants to See Again

Amanda Freitag reflects on her experience competing on Wildcard Kitchen, where she tested her poker skills while cooking alongside Chopped judges Tiffany Derry and Geoffrey Zakarian, embracing both the challenge and the fun of the unique format. She explains what makes Chopped a lasting success, emphasizing the genuine passion behind the judging process and how her approach to critiquing has evolved over nearly 1,000 episodes. Amanda dives into her return to Tournament of Champions, highlighting...

Feb 21, 202545 min

Chris Oh on Why He Keeps Competing (and Trash Talking)

Chris Oh reflects on his journey from growing up in a Korean immigrant family to becoming a Michelin-rated chef and restaurateur. He recalls how his love for food was shaped by his mother’s dedication to cooking traditional Korean dishes, though as a child, he often felt embarrassed to bring them to school. He explains that, despite his passion for food, he initially pursued careers in real estate and entrepreneurship before realizing that his true calling was in the kitchen. The chef looks back...

Feb 14, 202531 min

Frankie Gaw on Finding Identity Through Food

Frankie Gaw shares how his creations on Dig In With honor the rich traditions of his Taiwanese heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. He reflects on family Lunar New Year celebrations, where steamed crab symbolizes joy and connection, and how these cherished moments shaped his culinary journey. Frankie details his process of blending nostalgic childhood flavors with inventive modern twists, such as his standout Cinnamon Toast Crunch Butter Mochi. Drawing inspiration from h...

Dec 20, 202448 min

Bonnie Wright on Returning to Hogwarts

Bonnie Wright reflects on reuniting with her on-screen brothers, James and Oliver Phelps, for Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking , sharing memories of their sibling-like bond on and off set. She fondly recalls her early days growing up on the Harry Potter set, describing the camaraderie among the young cast and how simple moments, like playing games in the green room or catching up on schoolwork together, shaped her experience as much as the magical premieres and worldwide travel. She explores her ...

Dec 13, 202438 min

U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on Recipes for Connection

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy introduces his handbook, Recipes for Connection , designed to combat loneliness and foster connection through the power of food. Dr. Murthy shares personal memories of food gatherings from his upbringing, emphasizing the power of his mother’s comforting dishes, like lentil dal, in fostering community. He delves into why food is a universal connector, offering practical tips for hosting gatherings with minimal stress—be it potlucks or leftovers parties. Dr. M...

Dec 06, 202432 min

Carson Kressley on How Food Network Boosted His Kitchen Confidence

Carson Kressley talks about his favorite childhood food memories, including Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and his first word being “fries.” Carson reminisces on his first Food Network appearance on Worst Cooks in America , where he learned essential cooking techniques like cutting an onion and spatchcocking a chicken, and how his experiences there helped him grow more confident in the kitchen. He reflects on his evolving relationship with cooking, highlighting how Food Network shows have expande...

Nov 22, 202441 min

James and Oliver Phelps, Hosts of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking

James and Oliver Phelps reflect on their journey to landing their iconic roles as Fred and George Weasley, sharing humorous stories about their audition, where they skipped school and traveled hours to join thousands of hopefuls. They reminisce about their on-set antics, from inventing ways to pass the time to unforgettable pranks with co-stars like Rupert Grint, where they’d crack up in scenes and create games to stay entertained. They discuss their excitement in blending the magical world with...

Nov 15, 202445 min

Renee Paquette and RJ City on Meal and a Match

AEW personalities, Renee Paquette and RJ City, dive into their unique show, Meal and a Match , which combines their passions for wrestling and food. In each episode, a wrestling guest joins them for a meal and a casual evening of watching wrestling highlights, blending commentary, humor, and relatable stories to celebrate the community spirit of wrestling. Renee shares her love for Taco Bell as her road-trip go-to, proudly calling herself a “taco aficionado,” while RJ describes his unconventiona...

Nov 08, 202442 min

Carla Hall on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking

Carla Hall dishes on her role as a judge on the new baking competition, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking . She shares her excitement for the show, from working on iconic sets like Platform 9 ¾ and the Great Hall to collaborating with hosts and former Harry Potter actors. She describes the high-energy atmosphere, where self-taught and professional bakers alike create awe-inspiring structures that embody the spirit of the wizarding world. Carla discusses the unique challenges, including balancing i...

Nov 01, 202438 min

Bobby Flay on the Dishes That Shaped His Career

Bobby Flay discusses how various forms of media, from films like The Color of Money to shows like Punk'd , have sparked creative ideas for his popular Food Network hit shows. He elaborates on his passion for French cuisine and how his experiences traveling through Europe, along with his New York roots, have shaped the menu and atmosphere of his latest restaurant, Brasserie B in Las Vegas. The iconic chef highlights his dedication to using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, even dedicat...

Oct 25, 202445 min

Katie Lee Biegel on Her Pizza Night Tradition

Katie Lee Biegel discusses her journey on The Kitchen , which is now on its 37th season, and how the show has shaped her both personally and professionally. She reflects on the deep connection with her co-hosts, describing the family-like atmosphere and chemistry that has contributed to the show's success. The chef explains her creative process for developing new recipes and dishes, particularly her focus on comfort food balanced with seasonal ingredients. Katie teases upcoming episodes of The K...

Oct 18, 202439 min

Chris Valdes on Bringing Cuban Flavor to Hispanic Heritage Month

Chris Valdes reflects on his upbringing, where food played a central role in his Cuban family, and how his mother’s teachings deeply shaped his cooking style. He recalls early mornings spent picking up fresh Cuban bread for their family restaurant and the nostalgic comfort of dishes like the Cuban steak sandwich. Chris discusses key creations, such as his Miami-inspired Spanish tortilla and that same steak sandwich, both of which hold personal significance. He offers insights into his creative p...

Oct 11, 202439 min

Ruth Reichl Talks Food and Country

Ruth Reichl reflects on receiving the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award with gratitude, noting how it has motivated her to support young journalists. She recounts her diverse food experiences growing up in New York City and Montreal, including visits to her classmates’ homes, which exposed her to various cultural cuisines. Ruth reminisces on her mother's unconventional approach to cooking which led Ruth to begin cooking at a young age. She discusses how food television has transformed Ameri...

Oct 04, 202445 min

Jonathan Bennett, Host of Halloween Wars

Jonathan Bennett returns to discuss his whirlwind year that saw him achieve a lifelong dream - his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in Spamalot . He opens up about the electrifying experience of stepping into the world of Monty Python, performing hilarious and beloved scenes from Monty Python on the Broadway stage. Jonathan shares how surreal it was to bring such iconic comedy to life, while also reflecting on the challenges of joining an already-established cast and the thrill of putting his own com...

Sep 27, 202431 min

Damaris Phillips, Host of Outrageous Pumpkins

Damaris Phillips reflects on how her Southern and Midwestern roots shaped her culinary style, with family playing a key role in her passion for food. She reminisces about learning to cook biscuits with her grandmother, revealing why biscuits and gravy remain her ultimate comfort food. Damaris shares her creative approach to hosting Kentucky Derby events with fun, themed outfits, like "Clown Couture" and "Animal Print Power Clash." As a passionate advocate for female friendships, she opens up abo...

Sep 20, 202455 min
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