The Food For ThoughtCast: Call Me Chef
Life is better with food. Join Melissa and Steve as we chat with each other, other chefs, and friends alike or just wax poetic on all the culinary things that bring us together. At the virtual table, there’s something tasty for everybody!
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98
March 13, 2025
98. Dan Abel Jr. - A Guest Ep!
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast, it's time for Episode 98 and life just got a little sweeter. Today we are talking to the Willy Wonka of The Midwest, Dan Abel! He is the Chief Chocolate Officer at Bissinger's in St. Louis, Missouri- not only is he an incredible podcast guest and natural conversationalist, this guy really knows chocolate- and he should, after all- this chocolate-making tradition has a history that dates all the way back to 1668! We ask Dan all of the burning questions- d
108
May 22, 2025
108. Phillip Foss- A Guest Ep!
Hey there food fans, welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast! Melissa and Steve are honored (and Steve is so excited!!!) to talk to Chef Phillip Foss today. Chef Phillip is not only one of Steve's culinary idols, he's also got one heck of a story pioneering his way through the food world. He is currently at El Ideas in Chicago- an incredible restaurant that hopes to flip the script on fine dining. From their home page: Paying homage to Chicago’s elevated train system, EL ideas is an abbreviatio
113
June 26, 2025
113. Cookbook Time Capsule
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast - It's time for Episode 113! After catching up a little, Melissa and Steve are taking you through the pages of a few of their cookbooks at home. We're asking each other.... What was the one recipe you bought this book for? What is your favorite part? What all have you actually cooked out of this book? Why did you buy it? Sometimes, not unlike some of our listeners I'm sure- we've purchased them for the title or the pictures-- and other times, the book has
122
Sept. 25, 2025
122. Chef Joe Sasto- A Guest Ep!
Hey there food fans! Get ready to lose your minds and be inspired to grow creative facial hair- because Chef Joe Sasto is here! You may know him from Top Chef: Colorado, Chopped, or The Great Food Truck Race or you may also know him for having the sickest handlebar mustache this side of a crazed railroad villain. Whatever the case, we're glad you're here. It's time for Episode 122 of The Food For ThoughtCast. We are talking about pasta, white people taco night (that's what Chef Sasto has nicknam
124
Oct. 9, 2025
124. Bennett Rea- A Guest Ep!
Would you ever try beef tongue jello or Newt's fruit? What about tuna loaf or a mayonnaise ice cube with pears and nuts? Bennett would, and he has! Buckle up food fans, today we're talking to Bennett Rea from Cookin' with Congress. It's time for Episode 124 of The Food For ThoughtCast. You may have seen his content through Facebook or Instagram, the Los Angeles Times, Eater, or NBC California. Bennett is an incredible guest with tales of woe from all over the culinary map- including his unique,
Recent Sound Bites
156
June 18, 2026
156. Pasta and Other Stuff
In quite possibly the most "Seinfeld" episode ever of The Food For ThoughtCast, Steve and Melissa take a soft glance at random pasta shapes, talk briefly about pasta sauces, go on rabbit trails galore, and explore lots of other tangents about absolutely nothing. Sometimes we need a break from the hard-hitting journalism to just catch up. Jimmy Dean waffles ain't it. Welcome back to the pod, food fans, it's time for Episode 156! Find us wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to rate, rev
155
June 11, 2026
155. What Happens In Atlanta
After a bit more shenanigans than usual, we're back for Episode 155 of The Food For ThoughtCast. Melissa returns from a trip to Atlanta and surrounding areas, visiting a couple of dear friends, and tells Steve all about it. If you're around the area, be sure to check out Marietta Fish Market, Rocket Fizz, Dough In A Box, Rumi's Kitchen, Douceur de France, Piedmont Provisions, Bottega Italian Market, and Bantam & Biddy. Thanks so much for listening. Sorry for the language, food fans. Some flavors
154
June 4, 2026
154. Chef Hawkes Returns!
Hey there food fans, we have a special guest returning for his third time on The Food For ThoughtCast- Chef Dominic Hawkes! You may remember him from such favorites as Episodes 67 and 100. He's the incredible culinary educator , all around food hero, a master chef of Great Britain, and foodie extraordinaire. Not to mention, he's a super nice dude. There were stories, there were tangents, there were numerous updates about the state of culinary education- and most of all, we talked about lots and
153
May 28, 2026
153. Steve's Chicago Extravaganza
Did you think we forgot about you today, food fans?! Fear not, Episode 153 is here- hot off the presses and better late than never! That's right, if it's a Thursday, it's time for The Food For ThoughtCast, so don't you worry. Today's episode is a travel recap of Steve's Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. He did his best to eat his way through the entire city, and did a pretty amazing job! From El Ideas, their epic tasting menu, and meeting his culinary hero Chef Phillip Foss (our esteemed guest fo
152
May 21, 2026
152. Blackwell Smith- A Guest Ep!
Hey there food fans! Episode 152 of The Food For ThoughtCast is shaping up to be mighty tasty, because our guest today is a master of flavors! We're talking to Blackwell Smith, he is a Southern cook who believes in honest flavor and hands-on practices, always grounded in real kitchens and real food. He is currently launching the No BS Cookbook series, including the latest No BS Holiday Cookbook and the upcoming No BS Seafood Cookbook, which features custom blends made by Lucky Cajun Handmade. Th
151
May 13, 2026
151. Yousuf Ahmed- A Guest Ep!
The allure of the 90s is back, baby! In snack form, that is. It's that time again- The Food For ThoughtCast is kicking off Episode 151 by welcoming Yousuf Ahmed to the show. Yousuf is dedicated to infusing joy back into snacking. B-SIDES crafts allergen-free , accidentally vegan, protein puffs using upcycled ingredients, prioritizing taste and experience above all else. Their vibrant and whimsical branding draws inspiration from the nostalgic snack brands of the 90s. With three great flavors and
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About the Hosts
Melissa Reagan
Host/chef/dog mom
Hi, I'm one of your hosts, Melissa Reagan! I'm a 20-year veteran of the foodservice industry formerly of steakhouses, private clubs, restaurants, other random locations, catering events, and near nervous breakdowns. I reside in North Carolina with my two greyhounds who are doing their best to make sure it isn't quiet enough for me to effectively record these podcasts. Food and wifi will bring us together.
Stephen Gonzalez
Chef/kitchen ninja/ all-around good cooker
For some, cooking can be overwhelming. I relish giving those people confidence in the kitchen. Whether we admit it or not, food brings us comfort and joy. Life can be full of flavor, so let's talk about how to Getcha Grub On! Stephen joined The Food For ThoughtCast as an official co-host in October 2023, but be sure to check out his other amazing projects as well-- he has an amazing YouTube channel and of course his cookbook- Getcha Grub On!