In this episode, host Erica D'Arcangelo sits down with Joseph Massaro, the passionate creator behind the @newhavenpizzacrew 🍕.

While many food creators focus on scoring slices, giving reviews, or chasing viral clout, Joseph is on a completely different mission: preserving Italian-American heritage and honoring the craft of the people behind the counter ♥️.

Joseph isn't out here scoring slices or chasing viral clout. He’s on a personal mission to preserve Italian-American heritage and honor the living legends keeping the craft alive. From kicking off his journey interviewing Gary Bimonti (grandson of Frank Pepe) to growing up with wood-fired ovens in his family's backyards, Joseph takes us through the rich culture of New Haven, Connecticut.

We break down the story behind the famous Apizza Mobile studio 🚐, why supporting small pizzerias matters more than getting a free meal, the secret spots you need to visit outside of the "Holy Trinity," and how the pizza community between Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey is built on mutual respect, not wars 🙌🏽.

"There isn't a pizza war. The common thread between all these guys is simple: there’s enough pizza to go around for everybody." - Joseph Massaro

🎙 Episode Highlights

✅ 01:00 – Starting with Gary Bimonti & The Mission

✅ 04:40 – Italian Immigrant Roots & Backyard Ovens

✅ 08:35 – Supporting Small Pizzerias & Karma

✅ 14:15 – Current Obsessions: Amado's & Beyond

✅ 18:44 – The Legend of the Apizza Mobile

✅ 23:01 – The Royal Pizza Float & "Pizza Love"

✅ 29:05 – Final Thoughts: Community Over Competition

🔗 Connect & Follow

Instagram: @newhavenpizzacrew

Pizzerias Mentioned: Modern Apizza, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza (NJ), Amado's Apizza (Madison, CT), Little Rendezvous (Meriden, CT), Apizza Heaven (Middletown, CT), Crust Issues.

💬 What's your go-to pizza spot in the Tri-State area? Let us know in the comments below!

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. We're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time.

🎧 🔔 Subscribe to the Pizza Story Podcast for more stories behind the dough, sauce, and ovens ♥️!

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#pizza #apizza #newhavenpizza 

Is the world’s best pizza hiding in… Los Angeles🍕? 

In this episode of The Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D'Arcangelo sits down with filmmaker, podcaster, and pizza champion Peter Ferriero (The Beverly Hills 90210 Show, Slice of Life). Peter is stepping into the director’s chair with a bold new documentary making the ultimate controversial case: that LA has taken the pizza crown 🌴.

Peter takes us on a nostalgia-filled journey from his East Coast roots straight into the heart of Southern California's slice revolution. Together, Erica and Peter explore how deep food memories go, from the semolina flour in his grandma's Sicilian kitchen to watching 90s WrestleMania with a warm delivery box and drinking soda out of classic red Pizza Hut cups 🥤.

More than just nostalgia, Peter makes the case for why pizza rules are meant to be broken. As craft pizza makers arrive in LA to blend tradition with bold culinary ideas, like Tokyo-style crusts, sweet corn toppings, and pizza Omakase, a genuine movement is taking over ♥️. Peter even shares what it was like eating slices on camera with iconic stars from Beverly Hills 90210!

Whether you're an East Coast purist holding onto traditional red sauce or an adventurous foodie open to modern craft slices, this conversation will change how you view pizza culture.

🎙 Episode Highlights

.✅ 01:17 – The Controversial Take: "The Best Pizza is in LA" | Peter drops his hot take and sets the stage for the documentary.

✅ 02:42 – Grandma’s Sicilian & 80s Pizzeria Nostalgia | Memories of semolina flour, setting expectations, and the unique charm of classic local pizza joints.

✅ 05:41 – Pop Culture & Pizza Nights | Connecting Gen-X culture, 90210, WrestleMania, and the nostalgia of classic dine-in Pizza Huts.

✅ 08:44 – Developing Palates & Evolving Taste | How early food experiences open the door to experimenting with non-traditional pizza flavors.

✅ 11:02 – The Birth of the LA Pizza Documentary | What inspired Peter to challenge the traditional NY/NJ vs. LA pizza narrative.

✅ 14:06 – Inside LA’s Craft Pizza Movement | Exploring Tokyo-style crusts, top-tier pizzerias, and why LA’s scene is thriving on community over competition.

✅ 16:03 – Pizza with the Cast of Beverly Hills 90210 | Blending pop culture and food history by sharing slices with TV royalty.

✅ 17:30 – Overcoming Pizza Rules (Corn & Omakase!) | Why pizza purism is dying and how unexpected toppings are redefining the slice.

✅ 19:48 – The Ultimate LA Pizza Guide | Where Peter takes New York and Jersey pizza lovers when they visit Southern California.

✅ 21:15 – What to Expect from the Documentary | The core message behind the film and where you can stream it today.

🎬 Watch Peter Ferriero’s Documentary: Look for his documentary The Best Pizza is in LA on Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and your favorite VOD platforms!

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

We dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers who turned their obsession into a lifestyle.

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

👉 What's your take? Could LA really have better pizza than New York or Chicago? Leave a comment below with your favorite slice spot👇! 

#pizza #thebestpizza #thebestpizzaisinla

What happens when you trade corporate boardrooms and business analytics for flour, fire, and a 100-year-old family legacy?

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Boris Berard, a true culinary innovator who just took the global pizza world by storm! Landing in the Top 8 for Best Cheese Slice and Top 25 overall at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge, Boris’s concept ORA 1929 is redefining craft pizza 🍕.

Directly from the South of France, Boris shares how he reconnected with his roots, blending ancient grains, a 72-hour wild sourdough fermentation, and a 100% solar- and battery-powered mobile kitchen towed by an EV. We talk about leaving the comfort zone, the emotional connection of sharing a meal, overcoming catastrophic first-bake disasters, and why true excellence requires jumping off the bridge into the unknown ♥️.

If you love food stories, innovation, sustainability, and authentic craft, this episode is for you!

🎙 Episode Highlights 

✅ 01:07 – Roots in the Riviera: Growing up around flour, fire, and family baking

✅ 02:18 – From Harvard & Tesla back to the dough: Why Boris left corporate life

✅ 03:10 – "Pizza is about connection": Reclaiming real human moments

✅ 04:58 – The ORA 1929 Concept: Combining French boulangerie with business analytics

✅ 05:45 – Ancient Grains & Wild Fermentation: The science of digestible, low-gluten dough

✅ 07:51 – The emotional first bake: Honoring a grandfather's legacy

✅ 09:04 – Mastering the foundation: Why dough always comes before toppings

✅ 12:25 – The 100% Electric Mobile Kitchen: Farm-to-table pizza on wheels

✅ 14:15 – First Bake Disasters: Broken ovens and frozen dough for 100 people!

✅ 16:21 – Cooking for 400 at Le Petit Futé food guide party

✅ 17:48 – Top 8 at the International Pizza Challenge (And the lost cheese panic!)

✅ 18:59 – The unconventional path: Competing before opening a brick-and-mortar

✅ 20:29 – The art & chemistry of dough consistency

✅ 22:08 – The ultimate litmus test: Margaritas & classic French cheese (Clauzou)

✅ 25:09 – "Put yourself in trouble to grow": Leaving the comfort zone & industry advice

✅ 28:05 – Why sacrifice leads to excellence

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHEF BORIS & ORA 1929

📸 Instagram: @ora1929_atelier_pizza

📺 YouTube: Follow Boris’s journey from corporate to craft on his channel!

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

This is where we dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers who turned their obsession into a lifestyle. From secret family recipes to the wild journeys of building a pizza empire, we share the authentic, messy, and delicious stories behind every perfect slice.

🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the world's most passionate pizza makers ♥️!

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more inspiring culinary stories and insider conversations!

#ora1929 #pizza  #southoffrance 

If you’ve read my book, you already know that my heart belongs to the East End of Windber, Pennsylvania. You also probably know about the legendary cornerstone of my childhood where my family spent almost every single Saturday morning: Leone’s Italian Market 🇮🇹.

Literally my entire life, Saturday morning started with my grandmother saying, "Call Rhoda and go down to Leone's and get a sub." Decades later, nothing has changed. When I go home today, my dad still looks at us on Saturday morning and asks the exact same thing. That is the magic of a truly generational business, and today, I am sitting down with the incredible Vicki Hiteshew, the woman keeping that 104-year-old legacy alive and thriving ❤️.

In this episode, Vicki takes us behind the counter and back in time to 1922, sharing the deeply moving, gritty history of how her family built an empire on hard work, love, and community. We talk about her legendary grandmother, Rhoda Leone, who holds the record as the store's longest-running employee, working an unbelievable 78 years from the age of 17 until she passed away at 95. Vicki shares the heartbreaking and inspiring pivot points of the business, including how Rhoda was widowed tragically young and how she and her sister clung together to make the market survive because it just had to work 🙌🏽.

We also laugh about how the world-famous sub business actually started completely by accident in the late 1950s (selling just five sandwiches on day one!), how the East End businesses like Leone’s, D'Arc's Pizza, and Rizzo's share a beautiful neighborhood camaraderie.

If you love family traditions, small-town history, and food, you are going to absolutely love this episode 🍕🇮🇹.

🎙 Episode Highlights

✅ 00:01 - Erica introduces Vicki and the legendary childhood staple that is Leone’s Market.

✅ 00:30 - A Lifetime of Saturday Traditions: Erica and Vicki talk about the generational handoff of the Saturday morning sub ritual.

✅ 01:18 - 104 Years and Counting: The origin of the store, shifting from a general store in 1900 to family hands in 1922.

✅ 02:04 - How Leone’s, D'Arc's Pizza, and Rizzo’s all evolved from neighborhood markets into local institutions.

✅ 05:18 - 78 Years Behind the Counter: Remembering Rhoda’s unbelievable work ethic, working 12-hour days, 6 days a week.

✅ 06:39 - The First 5 Subs: The accidental, late-1950s origin story of Leone's world-famous sandwiches.

✅ 16:47 - Cutting a Hole in the Wall: The incredible, spontaneous story of buying the old Marinelli Hardware building to create a new seating area.

✅ 22:19 - Remembering Erica’s grandpa making his famous (and incredibly hot!) peppers.

✅ 23:15 - The Candy Corner Destination: Tearing down the old Anderson building, bringing back nostalgia for adults, and making Windber a true destination.

✅ 27:05 - The "World Famous" Sign: The 30-year-old lighted sign that still draws in truck drivers from states away.

🔗 Connect with Leone's Market

Instagram: @leonesmarket

Facebook: Leone's Market 

(The best place to follow Vicki's nostalgic posts, check out historic photos, and send a message!)

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

This is where we dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers who turned their obsession into a lifestyle.

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#italian #italianamerican #italianmarket 

You probably know him from your social media feeds as "Vinny from South Philly," but Vincenzo Manetti is so much more than a viral video. He’s an award-winning filmmaker, a gritty actor, and the host of the incredible podcast Inside Hollywood with Vinny ⭐️.

In this episode, we are throwing it back to where it all began: the pavement of Washington Avenue and the heart of the South Philly Italian Market. Vince opens up about his childhood as a first-generation kid with Calabrian roots, eating everything from fresh-market mussels to traditional tripe 🇮🇹. We track his journey from the East Coast all the way to Beverly Hills where he accidentally fell into the Hollywood restaurant scene, serving everyone from Schwarzenegger to Stallone, and caught the storytelling bug.

But you can't have a South Philly guy on the show without talking about the real fuel behind the art: the food. We get into the ultimate Philly pizza debate. Vince breaks down why he’ll always love a thick, doughy, bakery-style square slice, and we swap stories on a local phenomenon putting white American cheese on a pizza 🍕. Turns out, my family's secret pizzeria recipe and the legendary Philly "Pizazz" pie have a whole lot more in common than you'd think! From the legendary giant slices at Lorenzo’s to neighborhood institutions like Vetri and Stogie Joe’s, this episode is a love letter to the evolution of the Philly food scene.

❤️ This conversation is authentic, hilarious, and guaranteed to make you hungry. Grab a slice, hit subscribe, and let’s dive in!

🎙 Episode Highlights: 

✅ 00:01 – Welcome Vince Minniti ("Vinny from South Philly")!

✅ 02:35 – Celebrating the international success of Washington Avenue.

✅ 04:34 – Nostalgic childhood eats: Five-dollar mussels and Sarcones bakery bread.

✅ 06:45 – Vince's definitive South Philly cheesesteak spots.

✅ 08:53 – Using social media to launch a movie & the hustle behind a heist film.

✅ 12:44 – The Philly Pizza Debate: Thick dough, proper sauce, and no oregano.

✅ 14:40 – The American Cheese Secret: The "Pizazz" pie vs. the Diarc’s original.

✅ 19:15 – Checking out the local checklist: Badilla, Vetri, and Stogie Joe’s.

📢 About Our Guest

Known to hundreds of thousands of loyal fans across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok as @vinny_from_south_philly Vince Minniti is a dynamic, multidimensional force in the entertainment industry. While his viral social media presence is undeniable, Minniti’s footprint extends far beyond the digital screen. As an actor, screenwriter, producer, and independent filmmaker, he is a serial creator who has built a career grounded in gritty authenticity and premium storytelling.

His creative vision was cemented with his acclaimed short film, Washington Avenue, which took the festival circuit by storm and secured 12 first-place awards worldwide. Building on that momentum, Minniti is currently developing the highly anticipated crime drama series, The Old Guard, alongside veteran actor and producer Joe Cortese.

Beyond his work behind and in front of the camera, Minniti seamlessly bridges the gap between audiences and industry veterans. As the host of the popular YouTube show and podcast, Inside Hollywood with Vinny, he sits down with industry heavyweights for candid interviews, offering viewers an unfiltered look into the business of entertainment. His episodes with Antonio Sabato Jr., Brandi Roderick, Louis Lombardi, Gianni Russo, George Gallo, Joe Cortese, Larry Namer, Frank Stallone, and the late Michael Madsen.

🔗 Connect with Vinny from South Philly 

👉 YouTube Show "Inside Hollywood with Vinny": https://youtube.com/@VinnyfromSouthPhilly?si=aK5YpWT278RBkiD5

🎬 Watch Vinny’s award-winning short film "Washington Avenue" free: https://youtu.be/WXbghicK7zM?si=gRUSP_NV7cixlLbT

📸 Instagram: @vinny_from_south_philly 

👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vince.anthony.980?mibextid=LQQJ4d

🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@vinnyfromsouthphilly

🎥 IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15372159/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose story reminds you that life’s biggest left turns usually lead exactly where you’re supposed to go. For me, as someone who grew up watching my grandfather turn a life in the coal mines into a family pizza business back in 1960, I’ve always known that pizza is so much more than just food. It’s legacy, it’s comfort, and sometimes, it's a lifeline ♥️.

That is exactly what I felt talking to today’s guest, the brilliant mind behind Square Pie Guys and the creative curator of the Internet’s most iconic food page @pizza Marc Schechter 🍕.

Long before Marc was feeding the West Coast or dictating viral food trends to millions of followers, he was just a kid from New York with a marketing degree and a completely blank roadmap. His path to the kitchen wasn't paved with culinary school or family recipes; it was forged in the fires of cold calling. Marc spent years in the brutal trenches of software sales, dialing the phone 100 times a day, weathering a relentless storm of "no."

Little did he know, learning to navigate that constant rejection was the ultimate training camp for entrepreneurship.

But the true spark didn't ignite until Marc moved to California. On a casual moving day, a close friend handed him a pizza cookbook, a stone, and a peel with a challenge: “You can’t make restaurant-quality pizza at home.” Those words unlocked an obsession. Soon, Marc was spending hours watching dough rise, throwing backyard pizza parties, and finding a deep sense of joy in feeding people. When his tech startup vanished overnight, Marc didn't look for another corporate desk. He chose the kitchen 👨🏻‍🍳.

The empire we know today as Square Pie Guys actually started by complete accident. Armed with only three Detroit-style pans he was using to test recipes, Marc was put on the spot to feed a couple scouting a wedding venue. They fell so madly in love with the thick, crispy square pies that they hired him on the spot. That single quote paid for his first 30 pans, launched a wildly successful pop-up, and eventually led to opening his first brick-and-mortar shop in downtown San Francisco in July 2019.

In this beautiful, candid conversation, Marc pulls back the curtain on the magic and the grit of his journey. We talk about how he literally slid into the DMs of a major media company to take over the @pizza brand, the "algorithmic luck" that allowed his business to survive and thrive through a global pandemic, and the deeply personal way pizza healed him after a painful life transition 🙌🏽.

🔗 Connect:

Follow Square Pie Guys on Instagram: @squarepieguys

Follow the ultimate pizza community: @pizza 

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

This is where we dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers who turned their obsession into a lifestyle. From secret family recipes to the wild journeys of building a pizza empire, we share the authentic, messy, and delicious stories behind every perfect slice.

🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the world's most passionate pizza makers ♥️!

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

Subscribe to the channel for more incredible stories from founders who took their hobbies to the big leagues!

#pizza #squarepieguys

Have you ever sat at your corporate desk, stared at the glowing monitor, and realized you were exhausting your energy to build someone else’s dream instead of your own 😫?

Today’s guest took that exact terrifying, exhilarating leap, except he did it at 56 years old, after 30 years in the corporate IT world. He walked away from the safety of a steady paycheck to open what would quickly become an absolute Brooklyn institution 🙌🏽.

In this episode of The Pizza Story Podcast, I’m sitting down with the ultimate pizza artisan, a true neighborhood legend, and a phenomenal storyteller, Paulie Gee 🍕.

Paulie takes us on an incredible, deeply personal journey through his life. We talk about growing up in Kensington, Brooklyn, in a vibrant Italian-Jewish household where Sunday dinners were sacred, and how a childhood obsession was born out of simply being denied a Friday night slice. He opens up about hitting the "not-a-geek glass ceiling" in the tech world, the mindset shift it took to break free, and how a backyard DIY brick oven with a strict Thanksgiving deadline changed the trajectory of his entire life.

We pull back the curtain on the grueling reality of the restaurant industry. From the harrowing early days in Greenpoint operating without a liquor license, to overflowing dough emergencies, to the beautiful moment the local pizza community stepped in to save his friends-and-family night. Paulie also explains the genius behind his legendary 1960s-style Slice Shop, sharing why great traditional pizza is exactly like vinyl records: a nostalgic, analog experience that a whole new generation is hungry for.

Whether you're a die-hard pizza enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or someone sitting in a cubicle right now wondering if it's too late to start over, Paulie’s story is a masterclass in courage. It is living proof that we all have seeds of greatness within us, and it is never, ever too late to build your best life 💪🏼.

🔗 Connect with Paulie & Support the Shops

Follow Paulie Gee on Instagram: @pauliegee

Check out the 500+ Pizza Hat Collection: @pauliegeespizzaproject

Visit the Official Website: www.pauliegee.com

Love a good comeback story? Make sure to hit that Subscribe button so you never miss an episode of The Pizza Story Podcast. Drop a comment below letting us know: What's the dream project you're waiting to speak into existence ❤️?

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

This is where we dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers, dough geeks, and backyard hobbyists who turned their obsession into a lifestyle. From secret family recipes to the wild journeys of building a pizza empire, we share the authentic, messy, and delicious stories behind every perfect slice.

🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the world's most passionate pizza makers ♥️!

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#pizza #nypizza 

Today, we are crossing the pond to chat with the incredible George Lambrou, co-founder of Pizza Inferno based out in the UK 🇬🇧.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a self-proclaimed non-pizza fan gets absolutely infected by the pizza-making bug, this episode is for you 🍕. 

George takes us on his journey from being a deputy head teacher (the UK equivalent of a vice principal) to launching a roaring mobile pizza business with his brother, Tony. 

From obsessing over fermentation science to traveling straight to the heart of Naples to get schooled by the masters, George’s story is a masterclass in turning a lockdown hobby into a burning passion.

We talk about the literal "inferno" temperatures required to make a true Neapolitan slice, the hilarious (and messy) reality of early-stage pizza fails, what it's really like running a business with family, and how they are changing the mainstream pizza narrative across the UK.

Grab a slice, hit that subscribe button, and let’s dive into today’s story ✨!

🎙 Episode Highlights

✅ 00:31 George shares his background growing up in London in a food-loving Greek Cypriot family, his career in education, and the sudden shift in 2023 when he and his brother went all-in on pizza.

✅ 03:19 George breaks down his deep dive into the history of pizza, AVPN standards, hydration percentages, and the magic of pre-ferments like poolish and biga.

✅ 07:40 George gets vulnerable about his early-stage catastrophes: tearing dough, over-proofing disasters, and creating a few "Frankenstein monsters" along the way.

✅ 11:22 What’s in a Name? The Concept Behind "Inferno": Why temperature is everything. George explains the science of cooking at 450°C (842°F) plus, flash-cooking toppings, and getting that perfect leopard-spotted crust.

✅ 16:03 A tour of the Pizza Inferno menu, including how they balance respect for Neapolitan traditions with fun flavor profiles like Southern fried chicken and Cypriot tahini drizzles.

✅ 19:01 George shares his favorite part of the job—chasing that "wow" moment from guests—and discusses the expanding UK pizza scene and their mission to upskill home cooks with their new studio kitchen and magazine.

✅ 24:09 How to connect with the guys for events, check out their content, and grab a copy of their summer magazine.

🔗 Follow Pizza Inferno on Instagram: @pizzainferno.uk

📚 Bookings & Magazine: Head to their website to check out the Pizza Inferno Magazine summer edition or secure a mobile booking for your private events (they are already booking into 2027!).

🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast

This is where we dive deep into the world's greatest pizzerias and sit down with the passionate makers, dough geeks, and backyard hobbyists who turned their obsession into a lifestyle. From secret family recipes to the wild journeys of building a pizza empire, we share the authentic, messy, and delicious stories behind every perfect slice.

🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the world's most passionate pizza makers ♥️!

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#pizza #pizzainferno #ukpizza 

In this episode, host Erica D’Arcangelo sits down with Meredith Egan, the award-winning artisan and culinary mastermind behind Lori Anne’s Pizza in Kingston, Ontario 🍕.

From growing up as one of six kids in a hectic, country-raised Irish family to climbing the ranks of the Kingston restaurant industry, Meredith shares his journey of falling in love with the craft of wood-fired pizza. Discover how a tight-budget investment during COVID, a Gosney Roccbox pizza oven with nowhere to use it; snowballed into a massively successful local pop-up, a booming farmer's market staple, and a journey toward opening a brick-and-mortar pizzeria.

Meredith talks about the adrenaline of competing in the Canadian Pizza Expo, the beautiful community that rallies behind local food, the secret behind his seasonal ingredient specials, and the heartwarming inspiration behind the name "Lori Anne's."

If you love pizza, entrepreneurship, and inspiring stories of community-driven food businesses, this episode is a must-watch!

📌 Episode Highlights

✅ 00:00 Meet Meredith Egan of Lori Anne's Pizza.

✅ 00:32 Growing up Irish in the Ottawa Valley: 6 kids, country life, and "feral" boys.

✅ 02:31 Big family dynamics: From childhood mayhem to lifelong best friends.

✅ 04:36 Family cooking and grandmother's kitchen gatherings.

✅ 05:32 The classic Ontario-style family pizza night tradition.

✅ 06:38 Starting from washing dishes to managing the line at Kingston institutions.

✅ 07:44 The COVID pivot: Buying a portable pizza oven with no balcony to use it on.

✅ 08:40 Selling 60 pizzas and relying on industry support.

✅ 10:59 Scaling up: Doing weddings, events, and building a Sunday farmer’s market empire.

✅ 12:21 Dealing with self-criticism and finding your zone in the kitchen.

✅14:42 How Meredith, his wife Rebecca, and his friend Mitch pull off 120 pizzas in a single morning.

✅ 16:33 Competing on the big stage: The Canadian Pizza Expo experience.

✅ 18:26 The Menu Breakdown: Sourcing seasonal specials from local market vendors.

✅ 19:42 The Roasted Butternut Squash & Red Onion pizza creation.

✅ 20:47 Where to find Lori Anne's Pizza & the search for a brick-and-mortar home.

✅ 21:21 The inspiration behind the name: A beautiful tribute to Mom.

🍕 Connect with Our Guest

Are you in the Kingston, Ontario area? Come grab a slice! From May to October, find Lori Anne's Pizza every Sunday at the Memorial Centre Farmers' Market (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Instagram: @loriannespizzaco

Inquiries: Check their Instagram bio for direct email details.

🎙️About the Podcast

We celebrate the passion, history, and community behind the world's favorite food: pizza. From backyard hobbyists to industry titans, we dive deep into the stories of the people who put their heart into the dough.

🇮🇹 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more mouth-watering interviews! 

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#pizza #canadapizza #capizza 

How does a person go from working a soul-crushing corporate bank job to running one of the most celebrated, award-winning restaurants in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle 🍕? This episode of the Pizza Story Podcast uncovers the jaw-dropping journey of Sebastian Gallucci, the culinary force behind Seba’s Restaurant and Alma Cocina 🌴!

Sebastian practically grew up inside his family's kitchens  from the age of four, soaking up an old-school hospitality education that no culinary school could ever replicate. But before finding his paradise, he took a few massive detours. From a college soccer scholarship in Texas to a corporate desk job that completely drained his spirit, Sebastian knew he needed to break free. Inspired by the movie Chef 🎬, he took a total gamble, bought a 50-foot food truck on a line of credit, and quickly exploded onto the Toronto food scene, winning best sandwich in the city and landing features on the Food Network and Vice!

But the story takes its craziest turn when the pandemic hit. Right at the peak of running a massive Argentinian Supper Club in Toronto, the world shut down. Instead of giving up, Sebastian, his wife, and their three-month-old baby packed up just three luggages, gave away everything else they owned, and boarded a flight to Costa Rica the exact day the borders closed 🧳.

From building an off-grid bamboo home to launching an intimate tasting menu in their jungle kitchen, Sebastian eventually opened Seba’s Restaurant. He added just six pizzas to the menu using local, farm-fresh ingredients, and the next thing he knew, Italy's prestigious 50 Top Pizza 🏆 came calling. Now a three-time Green Oven Award winner for global sustainability, Sebastian proves that when a person refuses to compromise on quality and passion, the world will find them, no matter how deep in the jungle they are.

Listeners can grab a slice, settle in, and get ready for one of the most inspiring restaurant turnaround stories ever told on the show ♥️🙌🏽!

🎙 Episode Highlights

✅ 03:33 Tacos Over Textbooks: Chasing a soccer career leads to a full scholarship on the Texas-Mexico border, where authentic street food quickly beats out business class.

✅ 06:53 Buying a Food Truck on a Whim: Inspired by Hollywood, Sebastian risks it all, buys a massive mobile kitchen 🚚, and completely flips his life upside down overnight.

✅ 09:50 The Supper Club Era: Launching a red-hot Argentinian dining experience in Toronto that seamlessly transformed from a steakhouse into a late-night dance party.

✅ 12:46 Planting Roots from Zero: Building an eco-friendly bamboo home, planting 150 fruit trees, and building a brand-new local reputation through private jungle dinners.

✅ 15:06 An Unbelievable Invite: The shocking moment an elite international pizza committee tracked down a tiny jungle restaurant to rank them among the best in Latin America.

🔗 Connect with Sebastian & Seba’s Restaurant:

Instagram: @sebgallucci

Restaurant: @sebasrestaurant

Lifestyle & Eco-Project: @almauvita

🇮🇹 About the Podcast 

The Pizza Story Podcast dives into the intersection of heritage, artistry, and the perfect slice. Listen, subscribe, and comment.

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ 

Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza 

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ 

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ 

#pizza #costarica #latam