Journalist Zanny Steffgen explores the effects of the pandemic driven rich-kid diaspora on the tiny ski city of Telluride. Zoe Grace Marquedant ponders the perils and pleasures of dumpster diving. And Peter Hoffman wonders why dinner parties aren't a thing in NYC.

Catherine takes the helm as Jon talks with James Beard nominated journalist Hanna Raskin about her new venture, The Food Section. Jeremy Fredricks looks at NYC's first Singaporean restaurant, and Kristi Eaton tracks the trend of major hotels and resorts establishing gardens for their bars and restaurants.

In this special podcast extra in partnership with Chow Chow, Jon takes a look at the way chefs tell stories using their food. Conversations include Cherokee forager Tyson Sampson, author and Seasonal School of Culinary Arts director Susi Gott Seguret, and Author and Chopped food stylist Michele Gentille.

For tickets and information on Chow Chow's September 26th Food Stories dinner, visit: https://www.exploreasheville.com/chow-chow-culinary-festival/2021-schedule/food-stories/

Jon talks fermentation and sustainability with French Broad Chocolates owner Jael Skeffington. Adrienne Pilon rediscovers the retro goodness of Jell-O. And Kate Oczypok introduces us to the wonders of the Pittsburgh Cookie Table.

A special podcast extra made in partnership with Chow Chow, Jon explores fermentation with author Meredith Leigh, French Broad Chocolate Lounge's Jael Skeffington, Fermenti's Meg Chamberlain, and Miso Master Joe Kato.

For tickets and information on Chow Chow's Fermentation Feast, August 26th, visit https://www.exploreasheville.com/chow-chow-culinary-festival/2021-schedule/fermenting-feast/

Essayist Kirsten Hernandez retraces Anthony Bourdain's steps through Seattle, Shana Bestock cooks for foster kids, and Ellen Levitt talks to former summer gig workers, "sand walkers," of New York's beaches.

Jon talks to Nate Walcott, founding member of iconic indie rock band Bright Eyes about their new album, "Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was", about returning to songs they wrote when they were in their 20's, and about the continuing evolution that keeps a band labeled "their generations Bob Dylan" by Rolling Stone vibrant and innovative 20 years later.

Jon talks with legendary skateboarder Clyde Singleton about his transition to becoming a chef, and his reason for leaving the restaurant industry in favor of popups.

Seattle's Luke Brennan takes us on an epic Pizza Odyssey, while New York writer Sumitra Mattai explores her strained relationship with her father through tea and sweet pastries. Author Ruth Kogen Goodwin takes a look at convenience foods and the ill effects of food shaming.

There's been a lot of talk about the lingering labor shortage that has been plaguing the restaurant industry as of late. Jon has digs into the true origins of the shortage, tracing the roots back much, much further than the pandemic.