What if I told you that, for nearly a quarter of a century, a cookie recipe—yes, a cookie recipe—could predict the next President of the United States?

That between stump speeches and State of the Union addresses, there was another kind of political showdown happening... not in Washington, not on TV, but in kitchens across America.

It started in 1992, with one offhand remark from Hillary Clinton—about baking cookies—and it spiraled into a national obsession. Every four years, Americans weren’t just casting ballots… they were preheating ovens, grabbing chocolate chips, and deciding whose cookie—and whose candidate—they liked best.

But this wasn’t just a bake-off. It was a reflection of something deeper—of how we see power, gender, and the people who stand beside the most powerful office in the world.

From Barbara Bush’s old-fashioned recipe to Michelle Obama’s modern twist, and even Bill Clinton stepping into the apron in 2016—the “First Lady Cookie Contest” wasn’t just a quirky sideshow. It was a mirror of the times, mixing sugar, politics, and a dash of cultural expectation.

So grab a cup of coffee—and maybe a cookie—and join us as we uncover the surprising story of how a magazine contest… meant to soften an image… ended up revealing the changing recipe of American politics.

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If you have been a Missing Chapter podcast listener for any period of time, you know how much we love uncovering the unknown stories of history.  Well, for today’s episode, we’re not just going to uncover, we’re going to unpack, as I unfold an unbelievable overcomer story of one of the most popular and widely known goods in the world.  It’s a wild one today, listeners, so make sure you pour yourself another cup of coffee, and grab a snack while you’re at it because Phil and I are about to take you through a story of struggle and perseverance, with a legacy that spans generations.  Welcome to the Missing Chapter.

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For today’s Missing Chapter Profile, we look into the details and unknown stories of one of the pioneers in the entertainment industry as a magician and escape artist.  One of the most daring and death-defying individuals in history, Harry Houdini’s life is filled with unbelievable stories.  And as popular of a man as he was, there are still parts of his life that are covered in mystery.  So let’s open up the pages to his life and see what’s missing.  And don’t think for a second that you can escape this episode without coffee on hand.  It’s time for the coffee pour and it’s time for this Missing Chapter Profile.

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If you were fortunate enough to grow up in the decade of the 1980s, then chances are you have fond memories walking up and down the isles of iconic toy stories, places KB Toys, Toys are Us, FAO Swartz. Their shelves were lined with toys that defined the years of our youth – Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, GI Joe, Tickle Me Elmo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the weeks after the Christmas Shopping Season, it’s easy to reminisce about days past of wish lists and letters to Santa. What you may not realize is the connection of many of these childhood toys to one single man, not named Santa Claus. His impact and presence in our lives is as indisputable as it is unrecognized. Today we open a new chapter to the profile of an individual who played a key role in all of our childhoods and whose creative mind paved the way for toys invented well beyond his passing. Happy New Year everyone! It’s the Missing Chapter Podcast. 

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It is hard to believe that some people in this world don’t like chocolate.  My wife is one of them!  I love chocolate in my pancakes, chocolate in my desserts, and surprise, surprise, chocolate in my coffee.  I wouldn’t be disappointed if the forecast for this week was cloudy and a chance of chocolate.  As ridiculous as that sounds, that is what happened in 1948.  It rained chocolate.  Well, kind of.  So take a minute and grab your mocha coffees and let’s tap into your sweet tooth on today’s episode of the Missing Chapter.

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As we move away from the holiday season and into the new year, we tend to be reflective.  And one of the things that the holiday season brings out in us is, apart from the black Friday craze, is an appreciation of having time with family.  On today’s episode of the Missing Chapter, we take a look at a power couple.  This husband and wife duo were visionaries, entrepreneurs, and risk-takers.  And who better to inspire them to take a courageous leap into the toy market but their own children.  And the toys that they created are going to blow your mind.  They are certainly the Handlers of the toy industry, hint hint, but don’t worry, we got a handle on this topic, and our coffee mugs.  Welcome to the Missing Chapter.

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We here on The Missing Chapter have reflected on traditions, practices, and objects of yester-year, fondly remembering days past. However, Phil Schoff and I don’t believe that all historical customs should be remembered in such graceful light. We’re happy some were discarded by the waste side throughout the duration of time. One of these being… duels.

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As we close on the Christmas season, and head toward the new year, many of us tend to take some time to be reflective.  We might make some resolutions that don’t usually last, but for the most part, the end of December is time to slow down from the presents and rush of the holidays.  On today’s episode of the Missing Chapter, we are going to detail one of the most fascinating stories of one of the bravest and most courageous individuals we have had the privilege of discussing.  And if her story doesn’t inspire you to look deeper into yourself and reflect, well, then I think you might need more coffee.  In fact, that reminds me, I need to top off my Missing Chapter mug before we begin.  Welcome to the Missing Chapter, everyone, let’s get started.

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It's the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas, Missing Chapter Podcast fans! It's frigid cold here in upstate NY, but we're brewing a hot cup of coffee to talk about the most magical place on earth, mixed in with the most magical holiday of the year!

So let's play a game - how well do you know your Disney holiday facts? Let's find out today on this festive, magical, and interactive episode of the Missing Chapter!

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It’s that time of year!  The Christmas cookies, the trees, the hot chocolate, and making gingerbread houses!  This is where the fun of the holidays meets the art and engineering skills of the parents.  Our kids love making gingerbread houses, and the do-it-yourself boxes make it look so easy until you try to put it all together yourself.  About an hour later and 15 different messes of sprinkles, frosting, and shavings of gingerbread everywhere, the fine line between enjoyable Christmas activity and test of wills becomes blurred.  It’s a holiday tradition, but why?  Well, on today’s episode of the Missing Chapter, we put it all together…hopefully not like my most recent gingerbread house.  We’re highly excited, and highly caffeinated, and ready to get into the Christmas spirit on today’s episode of the Missing Chapter.

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