Podcast · Arts & Books

Proof

by America's Test Kitchen · English · Arts & Books

We take America's Test Kitchen's inquisitive and relentless approach to telling unexpected, funny, and thought-provoking narratives about food and drink. This is not a recipe show. And this is not a show about celebrity chefs or what they like to eat. Proof plunges into history, culture, science, an

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 40 min
Latest: 5 Feb 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Feb 2026 · 38 min

Introducing: The Side Dish

Since 2018, Proof has been sharing incredible stories; from that first episode, which brought the curious history of celery to life, to our most recent episode about the role that wild game plays in healing patients at Alaska’s largest medical center, we have loved exploring the ways that food intersects with science, history, and culture. We will be sunsetting this podcast, but our feed is here to stay, so you can still return to listen to all your favorite episodes, and any you may have missed from the last 21 seasons. Thank you so much for listening and supporting our work. Some new…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

24 Dec 2025 · 39 min
The Hospital That Serves Wild Game
What if hospital food could actually help you heal? In this episode of Proof, Reporter Otis Gray travels from the waters of Southeast Alaska to the Alaska Native Medical Center, the only hospital in the U.S. that serves wild game like moose, caribou, salmon, and seal to patients. We'll explore how traditional Indigenous foods can function as medicine, offering not just nutrition, but comfort, connection, and a sense of home. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
11 Dec 2025 · 37 min
Creating A Copycat Levain Cookie Recipe
Have you ever wondered what really goes into developing a recipe at America’s Test Kitchen? In this episode of Proof, ATK Associate Producer Angelica Quintanilla-McCall takes us behind the scenes as Deputy Food Editor, Andrea Geary, embarks on a mission of testing, tweaking, and tasting, in order to create the ultimate Levain-style cookie recipe. If you want to bake Andrea's take on the Levain Cookie, follow this link for the free recipe on our website and app! And if you're interested in being a recipe tester for ATK, click here! Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who…
4 Dec 2025 · 39 min
Why Dinner Parties Still Matter
Dinner parties are having a moment again; where homemade meals feel almost radical in our fast-paced world. But this isn’t the first time they’ve surged back into American life. Reporter Otis Gray visits three New York dinner parties where we learn it’s never just about the food. Inspired to host your own dinner party? Check out our website for this list of dishes that are sure to wow. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 Nov 2025 · 38 min
What Does a Shared Menu Look Like Across a Divide?
What happens when two chefs, Yia Vang and Colby Rasavong, inherit a fraught history and decide to cook their way through it? In this episode, reporter Ngoc Bui takes us inside a Hmong-Lao dinner where they use food to open conversations about a complex past and explore how a new culinary vernacular can bridge generations. Check out our recipe for Hmong Grilled Hilltribe Chicken with Kua Txob, inspired by Yia Vang, and this classic Laotian recipe for Nam khao! Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn…
13 Nov 2025 · 40 min
Whose Borscht Is It Anyway?
What happens when food travels with a diaspora? Reporter Kat Chow thought her family’s corned beef stew was a Chinese take on an Irish dish...until she discovered its true origins. In this episode of Proof, Kat traces the unexpected route that luo song tong—Hong Kong-style Borscht—took across continents and generations. Craving a hearty beef stew? Check out this recipe on our website. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Nov 2025 · 37 min
The (Social) Mushroom Network
The way wild mushrooms make it to your plate defies almost every rule of the modern food system. Unlike most produce, wild mushroom cultivation isn’t easily scalable, predictable, or consistently regulated. Instead, a web of small-scale, often hidden systems connects wild fungi to the commercial marketplace, including one that operates deep in the forest. Reporter Sarah Vitak embeds with mushroom foragers to understand this mysterious supply chain. Foraged some mushrooms? Consider making our Wild Mushroom Lasagna, which uses oyster, shiitake, and chanterelle mushrooms. Connect with quality…
30 Oct 2025 · 30 min
The Hot Dog King: An Episode from The Sporkful Podcast
Today’s story, from Dan Pashman and The Sporkful, is about the people behind New York’s hot dog carts, and one man’s fight to keep his spot. From street corners to museum steps, street vending is a grind that is shaped by city politics, impossible permits, and everyday hustle. In this episode, we meet Dan Rossi, a Marine vet who’s spent nearly 20 years guarding his cart outside The Met, the most coveted location for selling a hot dog in New York City, and fighting for his right to stay. Listen to and learn more from The Sporkful on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
23 Oct 2025 · 3 min
A New Season of Proof Starts November 6!
Is the mushroom foraging business as innocent as it seems? What does it take for two cultures at odds to come together to make the ultimate fusion cuisine? How does the development of a viral cookie recipe work here at America's Test Kitchen? We answer these questions and more on the new season of Proof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 Oct 2025 · 42 min
The Legacy of America's Culinary Founding Father (Part 3: The James Hemings Story)
In this three-part series, reporter Otis Gray explores the extraordinary life of James Hemings; the enslaved chef who forever changed American cuisine. Episode three investigates the mysterious final chapter of James Hemings' life, exploring the unanswered questions surrounding the death of one of America's first great chefs. We also examine his undeniable legacy and the widespread impact of his cooking on modern day American cuisine and traditions. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN…
9 Oct 2025 · 33 min
The Bargain for Freedom (Part 2: The James Hemings Story)
In this three-part series, reporter Otis Gray explores the extraordinary life of James Hemings; the enslaved chef who forever changed American cuisine. Episode two meets Hemings back at Monticello where his cooking became the backdrop to some of the most pivotal moments of Jefferson's political career and our country's history; all the while training his brother Peter in exchange for his freedom. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it…
2 Oct 2025 · 38 min
The Man Who Commanded Jefferson's Kitchen (Part 1: The James Hemings Story)
In this three-part series, reporter Otis Gray explores the extraordinary life of James Hemings; the enslaved chef who forever changed American cuisine. Episode one traces James’ early years at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, his journey to becoming the first American to train in the kitchens of Paris, and the pivotal choice that would ultimately shape his future and his freedom. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day…
4 Sep 2025 · 53 min
America's Beef with Beef
Many meat eaters might have experienced a phenomena called the meat paradox, where we acknowledge our love animals--like beef, or cow--but we...eat them. Reporter Avery Thompson faces the paradox head-on at a farm in Oklahoma. (We discuss death, animal slaughter, and other sensitive topics in this episode, so listener discretion is advised.) Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about…
28 Aug 2025 · 36 min
Has Airplane Food Actually Gotten Better?
What does it take to serve a dinner in first class at 37,000 feet? And are we in a new golden age of fine dining on airplanes? Reporter Emily Siner reports. Want to channel your inner first-class diner? Check out our breakdown of different kinds of caviar here. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Aug 2025 · 57 min
Was the Modern Gyro Invented in Chicago?
When reporter Justin Barney first moved to Nashville, he kept seeing signs for "Chicago-Style Gyros." Chicago-style? What's that? And why Chicago? These questions sent him down a deep reporting rabbit hole as Justin tries to uncover the origins of this enigmatic dish. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 Aug 2025 · 51 min
Brewing a Revolution: The Origins of Fair Trade Coffee
We often see labels that say "Fair Trade" -- particularly in the context of chocolate or coffee. But what does it actually mean for a food to be "fair trade"? Reporter Andrew Stelzer follows the people and revolutionaries who helped jumpstart fair trade coffee in the United States. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/proof⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 Aug 2025 · 50 min
Tradwives and the Original Kitchen Influencers
In 1924, a man in Iowa named Henry built a radio station so that he could sell more seeds. Then, his rival Earl also created a radio station to sell more of his seeds. This rivalry laid the groundwork for the radio homemaker movement, where women—usually the men’s wives and sisters—filled air time sharing step-by-step recipes, dispensing advice and becoming early social media influencers recording straight from their kitchens, with fans writing letters by the thousands, and visiting the beloved hosts' homes by the busloads. We dive into who these radiomakers were in this episode of Proof.…
31 Jul 2025 · 1 min
Brand New Episodes of Proof Starting August 7th!
The new season of Proof is filled with food origin stories that you'll want to share at your next dinner party. We ask: What can we learn from trad wives and kitchen influencers from a century before? How do mushrooms make their journey from the hands of foragers to our dinner table? What even is a Chicago Style Gyro, and where does it come from? These are just some of the questions we dig into in Season 20 of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. How did James Hemmings, born into slavery and trained in France, impact the foods we know and love today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
3 Jul 2025 · 46 min
As American as Pie
While developing her award-winning cookbook, 50 Pies, 50 States, Stacey Mei Yan Fong was about to become a permanent American resident. As she navigated the application process, she researched, developed, and baked pies that represented all 50 states, and delivered them to recipients in each of those states. Now, Stacey will soon be eligible to apply for American citizenship. In this episode, Stacey revisits the pie recipes and recipients to contemplate her choice. Check out America's Test Kitchen's favorite pie recipes! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital…
5 Jun 2025 · 50 min
Love (and Food) Actually
Proof contributor Aaron Pang wasn't sure if he'd find community and people to eat with when he arrived in Iowa to attend his creative writing program. In this episode, Aaron offers listeners a slice into his life today, and shares the mic with his ride-or-die culinary companion, Connie Chen. Make our version of Aaron and Connie's beloved "Filet-O-Fish" sandwich with our recipe for Crispy Fish Sandwiches! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 May 2025 · 38 min
Cracked Open: An Episode from the Feet in 2 Worlds Podcast
Today’s story comes from The Hustle, the new podcast series from Feet in 2 Worlds about the ways immigrants navigate a changing economy — today and throughout history. In the face of oppressive working conditions and economic exploitation, thousands of predominantly Mexican American women in San Antonio took a stand against the pecan industry’s giants in 1938. Their determination and the strike’s eventual success serves as a reminder of the potential for collective action. Feet in 2 Worlds and Proof contributor Avery Thompson reports. To learn more about Feet in 2 Worlds' mini-series: The…
22 May 2025 · 50 min
Return of the Ancient Brews
We dig into Ireland's storied spirit, poitin, Peru's historic beverage, chicha and Uganda's traditional brew, malwa. What accounts for their staying power, and how has their popularity transcended time? Avery Thompson, Julie Carli, and Anne Kirya report. Turn this ⁠Irish Coffee⁠ into a Belfast Coffee by replacing the whiskey with poitin! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 May 2025 · 41 min
More Cheese Boat, Please!
Proof's fact-checker sets off in search of Georgia's famed dish. Craving Georgian food now? Check out America's Test Kitchen's recipe for Adjaruli Khachapuri! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 May 2025 · 45 min
A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom
You may know our America's Test Kitchen colleague Sarah Ahn as the popular content creator behind the social media account, @AhnestKitchen. Sarah chronicles her mother Nam Soon's Korean recipes against the backdrop of her everyday, regular life at home. What you might not know is the backstory behind her social media account, and how it became the inspiration for her and Nam Soon's New York Times best-selling cook. Proof's Managing Producer Yumi Araki reports. To learn more about Sarah and Nam Soon's recipes, check out their cookbook Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family…
1 May 2025 · 44 min
Why Are Americans So Obsessed with Ice?
Americans love ice, and it's no surprise given the food's (yes, you read that right; ice is a food) rich history and its start as an American invention. In this episode, we look at the history, science, and culture of ice and why it's such an iconic culinary item. Claudia Rosenbaum reports. If directional freezing is too much of a hassle for you, try our Reviews Team's favorite Countertop Ice-Makers! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 Apr 2025 · 40 min
Introducing: In the Test Kitchen
We're excited to introduce Proof listeners to a new video podcast from America's Test Kitchen! Each episode of In the Test Kitchen is a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions with guests from the culinary world and beyond. The premiere episode features comedian Matteo Lane, who has comedy special called The Al Dente Special coming out on Hulu in May. He’s also just released a book called Your Pasta Sucks, which Dan and his cohost–ATK Food Stylist, Elle Simon Scott–really get into. Make sure to listen, watch, subscribe, and leave a comment so that other listeners…
24 Apr 2025 · 36 min
Can Science Brew a Better Cup of Tea?
On his quest to brew the perfect cup of tea, reporter Jerome Campbell gathers insights from a tea historian and a chemist. Is loose-leaf really worth the hassle? What actually happens when you microwave tea? And can you fix a cup of tea that’s been brewed for too long? Join us in this week’s episode of Proof as we investigate tea truths and tea myths. If you are brewing your tea loose-leaf style, check out our Reviews Team's suggestions for the Best Basket-Style Tea Infusers. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices.…
17 Apr 2025 · 41 min
Why Do Meals Taste Better at Such Great Heights?
Ever wonder why food tastes so much better after a long hike? Reporter Otis Gray climbs up the White Mountains in New Hampshire in search of answers at the Mizpah Hut, a lodge along the Appalachian Trail. Food Scientist Arielle Johnson makes an omniscient appearance. April 17 is the last day to vote for our miniseries '100 Proof' in the Best Limited Series categories for this year's Webby Awards! Hungry for the kind of roasted chicken that Grace craves in the episode? Try our Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs, which you can make under an hour. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen…
10 Apr 2025 · 2 min
A New Season of Proof Starts April 17!
How did content creator Sarah Ahn reconnect with her Korean identity through food? Why does food taste so good at the top of a mountain? Does salt really make tea taste better? We answer these questions and more on the new season of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Mar 2025 · 48 min
Dumplings in Iowa (Best of Proof: Travel Edition)
In the final episode of our Best of Proof: Travel Edition series, we find out what it looks like when you uproot yourself from a familiar culinary place to an unknown city. The Moth performer and writer Aaron Pang dives in with this audio diary that chronicles his move from San Francisco to Iowa City. Make Dumplings at home with our recipe for Chinese Pork Dumplings. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription at atkpodcast.com. All new episodes of Proof return in April! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About Proof

Proof is a English arts & books podcast from America's Test Kitchen. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: America's Test Kitchen
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 40 min
Latest episode: 5 Feb 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1438546054

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