The Pizza Therapy Podcast

Check out my handpicked favorites at Pizza Therapy & Everyday Wonders.
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In this episode of Pizza Therapy Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Blaine Parker, author of the hit book Free the Pizza. Blaine shares his unique philosophy on making world-class Pizza at home and gives us an exclusive look at his brand-new film project, Little Ms. Margherita.
Whether you're looking to "free" your dough or want the inside scoop on the future of Pizza cinema, this interview is packed with inspiration and insight.
Blaine Parker
Free the Pizza Blog
Modernist Pizza
https://amzn.to/48atYKM (Affiliate Link)
Little Miss Margherita
https://www.freethepizza.com/work-with-blaine.html
Free the Pizza Book
https://amzn.to/4cz4bNC (Affiliate Link)
Perfect Pan Pizza
https://amzn.to/4sU4Cbr (Affiliate Link)
My Pizza: The Easy No-Knead Way to Make Spectacular Pizza at Home: A Cookbook
https://amzn.to/4mFXhuq
(Affiliate Link)
Peter Reinhart
https://amzn.to/3QAEQeM (Affiliate Link)
Pizza Therapy T-Shirts and More
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book: https://amzn.to/2MIFC79  (Affiliate Link)
If you love eating Pizza, you are going to love making Pizza…
"You Will Learn How to Have Family Fun*, Save Tons of Money, and Make Pizza."
Learn easy, step-by-step methods for making Pizza. The book explains the notion of
Pizza Therapy and why Pizza is more than flour, salt, yeast, and water.
Describes ingredients you should use, Pizza tools, and how to use them.
Kindle version here:
https://amzn.to/2uBiXhF (Affiliate Link)
Claim Free dough recipe https://pizzatherapy.com
Tube Buddy Best Tool for Creating YouTube Videos: https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy  (Affiliate Link)

Bringing the best of Pizza Therapy 🍕 and Everyday Wonders ✨to your feed. Shop my Amazon storefront for gear that makes life tastier and more delightful. Heads up: As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases made through my links https://amzn.to/4erNzbA

In this video,  I rant about Dave Portnoy and reveal the brutal truth about One Bite Pizza Reviews. I explain how I went to a pizzeria that Dave had reviewed. I tried to film the owner making Pizza. The owner told me to stop filming. I recommend that owners treat their customers as they would treat Dave Portnoy. I have filmed Pizza makers such as Tiny Gemignani and Dom DeMarco of Difara's Pizza, and I was aware that I also explained that Dave Portney is one guy who offers his opinions. 

There is no attack here on Dave Portnoy personally. In fact, he gets credit where credit is due. He has introduced many people to pizza places they might never have heard of otherwise, and that kind of attention has helped elevate pizza culture in a big way.

Pizza Therapy YouTube
Tony Gemignani Tips for Perfect Tavern Thin Crust Pizza at Pizza Expo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9S0JUavIA
Dom DeMarco Makes Pizza at Di Fara's in Brooklyn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDxp6YZv31w
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1.
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
Albert Grande Links: https://sleekbio.com/dashboard
Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book:   (Affiliate Link)
If you love eating Pizza, you are going to love making Pizza…
"You Will Learn How to Have Family Fun*, Save Tons of Money, and Make Pizza."
Learn easy, step-by-step methods for making Pizza. The book explains the notion of
Pizza Therapy and why Pizza is more than flour, salt, yeast, and water.
Describes ingredients you should use, Pizza tools, and how to use them.
Kindle version here:
(Affiliate Link)
Tube Buddy: Best Tool for Creating YouTube Videos
(Affiliate Link)
Find Amazing T-shirts here:
Unlocking The Secrets Of Great Pizza With Peter Reinhart At Pizza Expo!

Sponsored by Pizza Therapy and Everyday Wonders
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Influencer, I may be compensated if you purchase through my links
Sour Dough Willy's
https://www.sourdoughwillys.com/
Will Grant Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/Sourdough-Willys-Pizzeria-100063520812660/
That's A Some Pizza
https://www.thatsasome.com/
Sour Dough Library in Belgium
https://www.puratos.com/sustainability/heritage
120-Year-Old Sour Dough Film
   • 120-year-old Sourdough starter! 
Shepard's Grain
https://shepherdsgrain.com/
Marra Forni
https://marraforni.com/
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
Pizza T-shirts Dashery Store
https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/
(Affiliate Link)
More T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book
https://amzn.to/2MIFC79 (Affiliate Link)
If you love eating Pizza, you are going to love making Pizza…
"You Will Learn How to Have Family Fun*, Save Tons of Money, and Make Pizza."
Learn easy, step-by-step methods for making Pizza. The book explains the notion of
Pizza Therapy and why Pizza is more than flour, salt, yeast, and water.
Describes ingredients you should use, Pizza tools, and how to use them.
Kindle version here:
https://amzn.to/2uBiXhF (Affiliate Link)
Best Tool for Creating YouTube Videos: https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Tee Public Site
Pizza Therapy Dashery Store
 https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/ (Affiliate Link)
More T-shirts
https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 (Affiliate Link)
Tee Public Pizza Therapy Store
https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)

In this episode, World Pizza Champion Lars Smith shares the incredible story of his pizza journey—one filled with passion, persistence, and the rise of his award‑winning State of Mind Pizzerias. Lars explains how his path began at the legendary Pizza My Heart, a place he left more than once… but always returned to. Each time, the dough called him back.
He talks about the moment everything changed: his decision to attend the International Pizza Expo. That experience didn't just inspire him—it confirmed that he had what it takes to make truly great pizza. And he's proven it ever since.
Lars discusses the mentors who shaped his craft, including pizza icons John Arena and Leah Scurto, whose influence continues to guide his approach to dough, flavor, and creativity. He also gives a shout‑out to the California Milk Advisory Board, a partner he proudly supports.
And of course—because this is Pizza Therapy—Lars closes with practical, heartfelt tips for the home pizza maker. Whether you're stretching your first dough or chasing the perfect bake, he's got wisdom you can use tonight.
This is the story of a champion, a craftsman, and a man who lives and breathes pizza.

Lars Smith Sites and Related Links
https://www.stateofmindslicehouse.com/
https://www.stateofmindpublichouse.com/restaurant
https://www.instagram.com/lboogiesmith/?hl=en
Pizza My Heart
https://www.pizzamyheart.com/
Leah Scurto
https://www.pizzaleah.com/
Pizza Expo
https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/
Chris Bianco Book
https://amzn.to/3XQLOwU (Affiliate Link)
John Arena
https://metropizza.com/
California Advisory Board
https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/
Check out new designs on TeePublic! Get high-quality tees featuring my original artwork - every purchase directly supports independent creators like me. Click the link to browse the collection! #SupportArtists #TeePublic
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“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Albert Grande More: https://sleek.bio/albertgrande
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1.
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fire Within and Wood Fired University sponsor this episode. For more information, go to:
https://firewithin.com/
https://firewithin.com/wood-fired-university/

Michael Kalanty shares his entire journey with bread, beginning as a graduate student in architecture and discovering his passion for breadmaking in France. He explains how he started his sourdough journey, evolving from a student to a master bread baker. He describes his methods for teaching sourdough making. He is the author of two books on bread making. His starter, named Lucky Lady, is in the Sourdough museum in Belgium. He explains how he is an advanced instructor for Wood Fired University and his relationship with Firewithin. 
For more about Michael Kalanty, click on the links below. 

Michael Kalanty 
https://www.michaelkalanty.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kalanty-83563713/
https://www.instagram.com/chefmikebreads/

Sour Dough Museum
https://sourdoughlibrary.puratos.com/en/virtual-sourdough-library

Glycemic index
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_index

How to Bake Bread
https://amzn.to/3FNtZc1 (Affiliate Link)
How to Bake More Bread
https://amzn.to/4l5Cn73 (Affiliate Link)
How to Bake Sour Dough Bread
https://app.ckbk.com/recipe/bake70655c01s001ss001sss002r003/sourdough-starter-day-2-refresh-the-environment-for-the-yeast

Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
 Mike’s story began the way many great careers do: on the floor. He started as a dishwasher on Long Island and worked his way through every station—front counter, prep, kitchen, and, finally, pizza maker. That early immersion taught him two vital lessons for running a pizza business: absorb knowledge from every role, and build relationships with customers who become family.
Pizza Therapy Dashery Store https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/
(Affiliate Link)
Pizzamodomio
https://modomiopizza.com/
https://www.scpizzatruck.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pizzamodomio/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/mike.pitera/
Our Little Italy
https://www.ourlittleitalypizzapasta.com/
Culinary Institute of America
https://www.ciachef.edu/cia-new-york/
Galbani Cheese
https://galbanicheese.com/
Stanilaus
https://stanislaus.com/
Slice Out Hunger
https://sliceouthunger.org/
U.S. Pizza Team
https://uspizzateam.com/
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Albert Grande More: https://sleek.bio/albertgrande
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book: https://amzn.to/2MIFC79  (Affiliate Link)

Pizza Therapy and Everyday Wonders (Affiliate Link)
https://amzn.to/4h8qQSY
"As an Amazon Influencer, I may be compensated if you purchase through my link, at no additional charge to you.
Ethan Speizer
https://solamentepizza.com/
https://www.instagram.com/solamentepizzalv/?hl=en
Yukon Pizza
https://yukonpizza.com/
Ethan’s journey began during the pandemic, a time when many sought new hobbies and passions. Like numerous others, he was inspired to try something new, but his focus quickly honed in on the craft of sourdough pizza. Starting in his backyard with a simple rock box oven, Ethan encountered the first challenge that many face: the sourdough pizzas he made tasted excessively acidic, almost as if someone had squirted lemon juice all over them.
Please review the Pizza Therapy Store, including T-shirts, apparel, and merchandise.
https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/u.”
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Albert Grande More: https://sleek.bio/albertgrande
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1.
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book: https://amzn.to/2MIFC79 (Affiliate Link)
If you want to learn to make pizza, please check out:
https://kit.co/pizzatherapy/pizza-therapy-pizza-making-kit  (Affiliate Link)
If you love eating pizza, you are going to love making pizza…
“You Will Learn How to Have Family Fun*, Save Tons of Money, and Make Pizza.”
Learn easy step-by-step methods to make pizza. The book explains the notion of
Pizza Therapy and why pizza is more than flour, salt, yeast, and water.
Describes ingredients you should use, pizza tools, and how to use them.
Kindle version here:
https://amzn.to/2uBiXhF (Affiliate Link)

Pizza Therapy & Everyday Wonders on Amazon
https://amzn.to/46OGf5N
“As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”
Tony Palombino discusses his pizza adventures, Boobozz Pizza, and Pizza Expo.
 Tony attended the early days of Pizza Expo.
Tony's Boombozz https://boombozz.com
Woodstone Ovens  https://woodstone-corp.com/
Pizza Today https://pizzatoday.com/
Pizza Expo https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/
Green Chile Jam https://greenchilijam.com/
Ed La Dou
https://pizzatherapy.blogspot.com/2008/01/ed-ladou-dies-pizza-community-grieves.html
Chris Bianco in PMQ Magazine https://www.pmq.com/chris-bianco-james-beard-award/
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@pizzatherapy?sub_confirmation=1
Tony Gemignani Pizza Bible Review
https://youtu.be/1Yf34eh9kko?si=7zihia7J0D2LSa7V
How to Make Pizza Dough with a Kitchenaid Mixer
https://youtu.be/SMKBKRYpbpc?si=6I7oR2xwCjIuyvzL

Pizza Therapy T-Shirts, Apparel, and Merchandise
https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/
If you love pizza, learning from Lee Hunzinger is like discovering a secret ingredient: it makes everything better. In this YouTube interview with Pizza Therapy (please subscribe), Lee Hunzinger walks through a life shaped by dough—starting at 13, learning from "Uncle Joe," moving across the country to Texas, battling personal struggles, and ultimately becoming a respected pizza master, consultant, and teacher.
Lee Hunzinger
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pizzalee33/?hl=en
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hunzinger-3878a5109/
Baking Steel, the Best Tool for Making Pizza
https://amzn.to/46HHrbc (Affiliate Link)
"As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you."
Episode From Dough to Glory with video and audio
https://apizzapodcast.com/lee-hunzinger-pizza-journey/
Uncle Joe's Pizza
https://unclejoes.com/
The Boardy Barn
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardy_Barn
Scotto Brothers
https://www.anthonyscottorestaurants.com/our-story/
Ferrari's Pizzeria
https://ferrarispizzeria.com/
Viva 313
https://www.via313.com/
Shawn Randazzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-randazzo-05654869/overlay/photo/
Thunderbird Pies
https://www.thunderbirdpies.com/
Pizza Master
https://pizzamasterusa.com/
IBIE Baking Show
https://www.bakingexpo.com/
Leaven Foods
https://www.leavenco.nyc/
John Arena
https://www.instagram.com/johnnypizzaguy/?hl=en
Tony Troiano
https://www.jbalbertos.com/
World Pizza Champions
https://www.worldpizzachampions.com/
History of the Baking Steel with Andris Lagston
https://youtu.be/eAmgTeo5v9Q?si=srWJ8vvm980EsXlM
Tony Gemignani Pizza Bible Review
https://youtu.be/1Yf34eh9kko?si=7zihia7J0D2LSa7V
How to Make Pizza Dough with a Kitchenaid Mixer Video
https://youtu.be/SMKBKRYpbpc?si=6I7oR2xwCjIuyvzL
Lee Huzinger, Pizza Master, Makes Pizza Step by Step at Pizza Expo
https://youtu.be/s2ore0SYsfc?si=dHKxfyEWA8uLMj0k
Subscribe to Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel for expert tips and inspiration on wood-fired pizza trailers.

Pizza Therapy T-shirt Store
https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/
Lee Hunzinger began making pizza at the age of 13. Today, Lee Hunzinger is one of the most respected pizza masters in the world.
In this heartfelt interview, Lee shares his journey through the ups, downs, and dough—how passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of flour shaped his life. Whether you're a pizza lover, aspiring chef, or just curious about what it takes to master the craft, this story will inspire you.
No fluff. No pitch, except for Pizza Therapy T-shirts. Just real talk with a true artisan.
Lee Hunzinger
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pizzalee33/?hl=en
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hunzinger-3878a5109/
Uncle Joe's Pizza
https://unclejoes.com/
The Boardy Barn
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardy_Barn
Scotto Brothers
https://www.anthonyscottorestaurants.com/our-story/
Ferrari's Pizzeria
https://ferrarispizzeria.com/
Viva 313
https://www.via313.com/
Shawn Randazzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-randazzo-05654869/overlay/photo/
Thunderbird Pies
https://www.thunderbirdpies.com/
Pizza Master
https://pizzamasterusa.com/
IBIE Baking Show
https://www.bakingexpo.com/
Leaven Foods
https://leavenfoods.com/
John Arena
https://www.instagram.com/johnnypizzaguy/?hl=en
Tony Troiano
https://www.jbalbertos.com/
World Pizza Champions
https://www.worldpizzachampions.com/
Baking Steel
https://amzn.to/46HHrbc (Affiliate Link)
"As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you."
Baking Steel with Andris Lagston
https://youtu.be/eAmgTeo5v9Q?si=srWJ8vvm980EsXlM
Tony Gemignani Pizza Bible Review
https://youtu.be/1Yf34eh9kko?si=7zihia7J0D2LSa7V
How to Make Pizza Dough with a Kitchenaid Mixer
https://youtu.be/SMKBKRYpbpc?si=6I7oR2xwCjIuyvzL
Lee Huzinger, Pizza Master, Makes Pizza Step by Step at Pizza Expo
https://youtu.be/s2ore0SYsfc?si=dHKxfyEWA8uLMj0k
Pizza Expo Columbus 2025
https://pizzaexpocolumbus.pizzatoday.com/
"As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you."
Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy
Albert Grande More: https://sleek.bio/albertgrande
Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1.
Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728
(Affiliate Link)
Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book: https://amzn.to/2MIFC79  (Affiliate Link)
If you want to learn to make pizza, please check out:
https://kit.co/pizzatherapy/pizza-therapy-pizza-making-kit  (Affiliate Link)
If you love eating pizza, you are going to love making pizza…
"You Will Learn How to Have Family Fun*, Save Tons of Money, and Make Pizza."
Kindle version here:
https://amzn.to/2uBiXhF (Affiliate Link)