Best Handy Point Podcasts (2025)

The author and former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration talks to Mark about his new book, Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine: The New Science of Achieving a Healthy Weight; why self-control isn't enough when it comes to losing—and keeping off—weight; the problem with 'eat less, exercise more"; and his own personal weight loss journey. Read…

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Deez Studz 1:25:59

Play Pause

7d ago1:25:59

1:25:59

Tom Lynch's 5 game ban, continued issues at carlton, North and Melbourne, and a look ahead to next week's games.By Handy Point

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Erik Piepenburg: Gay Restaurants and Why They’re So Important 32:19

14d ago32:19

32:19

The journalist talks to Mark and Kate about his book, DINING OUT, which is the first book dedicated to the history of gay restaurants and how they've shaped our culture; why he was reluctant to include his own personal stories—and what convinced him to do so; how the culture has changed over the years, and why; and Mark's gay restaurant tour of 197…

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Love's Labour's Voss 1:23:42

14d ago1:23:42

1:23:42

This week some frustration with all the byes, the limping return of State of Origin before exploring this week's results with a focus on Carlton and tagging, before looking around to next week's games.By Handy Point

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Ted Genoways: How José Cuervo Marked a Turning Point in Mexico’s History 42:13

21d ago42:13

42:13

Journalist Ted Genoways talks to Mark about his book, Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico, which is the first biography of Cuervo; about how Cuervo was responsible for the first cartel—and what it was like when cartels were simply business collectives; about how Cuervo saw the future of Mexico; and about why t…

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You Can't Put Genie In The Bottle 1:43:33

22d ago1:43:33

1:43:33

This week starts off with some Brownlow chat (6:04), before moving onto the state of St Kilda (21:25) and the Western Buldogs (27:08). Then onto DAZN's take over of Kayo (42:30) before a wrap up of the round and a view of this weekend's games.By Handy Point

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Ari Kolender, Seafood Master 36:43

28d ago36:43

36:43

The chef and author of How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea talks to Mark and Kate about what to look for when you walk into a fish market—and what to avoid; the myth of "sushi grade" fish; the importance of fish farming; and how to get the crispiest, most delicious fish skin. The Bittman Project is featuring three recipes from Ari Kolender's n…

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Segments 1:42:01

28d ago1:42:01

1:42:01

This week we talk bumps, contracts, narratives and segments.By Handy Point

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Khushbu Shah and the Art of Improvising 25:20

1M ago25:20

25:20

The prolific food writer and cook talks to Mark and Kate about having one foot in two cultures; the auntie whisperer network – or, how Indians in America learned to make do without some of their beloved staples, and how they learned to make do with what was readily available; and why and how the term "fusion" got a dirty rep. Find the recipe for Kh…

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What Are the Drinking Trends on a Cruise Ship? 27:03

1M ago27:03

27:03

Daniela Oancea, Corporate Beverage Manager for Regent and Oceania, talks to Mark and Kate about how growing up in Transylvania prepared her for hospitality life; how trends have changed on cruise ships, from sobriety to liquor preferences; the rise of solo travelers; and where in the world some of her favorite bars are. Subscribe to Food with Mark …

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Snob Adjacent 1:35:29

1M ago1:35:29

1:35:29

Changes at AFL House (4:50), Umpiring issues (7:08), North selling games to the West (15:55) and a quick look at the new draft bidding system (48:50), before looking back at the previous round and ahead to the next.By Handy Point

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Hawa Hassan: How Do You Tell More Than a Single Story? 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

The author and chef talks to Mark and Kate about how and why her personal experiences have prompted her to share the experiences of others; telling a better story of what it means to be displaced; the most harrowing travel experience she had while working on her latest book, Setting a Place for Us; and where to find the best sushi outside of Japan.…

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The Franchise Doeth Protest Too Much 1:50:43

1M ago1:50:43

1:50:43

Big show this week that starts off with some talk about concussion (5:30) and Alex Pearce's appeal (18:45). The boys then share their mid-season AA teams (39:18), discuss Fraudthorn (53:30), Carlton (59:05), St Kilda (65:40) and the rest of Round 11 (70:20).By Handy Point

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The Simpsons: Eating Guacamole Off Seabirds 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

Rob LaZebnik and Jeff Westbrook, co-executive producers on The Simpsons, talk to Mark and Kate about the great joys of writing for Homer; the food-related caveat that got Paul McCartney on the show; Lisa predicting the Trump presidency; and where the inspiration came from for their recent episode—one that focuses on avocados and making fun of pickl…

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Rennasonse Molk 1:42:45

2M ago1:42:45

1:42:45

Lots to get to this week including Jeremy McGovern's future (14:30), James Hird's possible return to Essendon (19:10) and rumblings over Tasmania's first coach (21:50). The boys then turn to round 10 (31:25) and then round 11 (80:45).By Handy Point

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Jamila Robinson: The Food World Deserves a Seat at the Table 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

The editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious talks to Mark and Kate about how we can—and should—have bigger conversations about food, on par with other entertainment industries; why the best restaurants are like self-portraits; the importance of social courage; and her perfect meal—fried rice and champagne. The Bittman Project is featuring two…

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Retraction Jackson 1:39:46

2M ago1:39:46

1:39:46

All the latest on the Luke Jackson trade story and what it might mean for Freo, all the latest concussion talk, the wrap up of round 9 and what to look forward to in round 10.By Handy Point

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A Trip to the Dirty Kitchen with Jill Damatac 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

The writer talks to Mark and Kate about her memoir, Dirty Kitchen; living in the US as an undocumented immigrant for 22 years (and then self-deporting); what it's like to feel rooted in colonial mentality; and a common comforting mechanism of the Filipino immigrant experience. Read an excerpt from Dirty Kitchen at the Bittman Project: https://bittm…

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Ladder Predictor Showcase 1:41:12

2M ago1:41:12

1:41:12

First order of business this week is general business before a discussion of Harley Reid's future and trade value (8:25), then the boys discuss their super accurate ladder predictions (18:50). The Adelaide v Carlton games gets a look (27:00) as does the Freo v Sint Kilda game (33:05). Then follows the rest of Round 8 (51:05) and a look ahead to Rou…

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Yes, Dan Levy Really Is That Great 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

A revisiting of a beloved episode from two years ago. Mark and Kate talk to the incomparable actor about finding comedy in a "soft" place, eating like a goldfish, love of family, and his disdain for cooking (but not eating). Get the recipe for Classic Levy Family Egg Salad on the Bittman Project: https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/classic-levy-famil…

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Reverse Mozz Off 1:38:21

2M ago1:38:21

1:38:21

Henry returns and joins Brendawg and James to discuss the developments with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Paul Curtis at the tribunal (7:55), coaching skuttlebut (20:15), and then all the takes from Round 7 (25:48) before looking at the round ahead.By Handy Point

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Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34 25:44

3M ago25:44

25:44

So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf. We’ll talk about …

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Rick Martinez's New Book Changed the Way He Cooks 39:35

3M ago39:35

39:35

Writer and cook Rick Martinez talks to Mark and Kate about parental inspiration; being a cheesecake-obsessed teen; how Mexican-Americans are pigeonholed, culinarily; how and why he relocated from New York to Mazatlan; and his new book, Salsa Daddy. The Bittman Project is featuring two recipes from Rick's book, Salsa Daddy: Breakfast Tacos: https://…

1
Boyish 1:39:06

3M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Hot Tom returns to fill in for Henry (illness), with James and Brendan they reflect on the Bolta verdict (4:25), MRO news (14:10) Sam Darcy's injury (25:37) and looking back at the previous round (38:00).By Handy Point

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Vanessa Lavorato: An Edible Journey 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

The author, of How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time, talks to Kate and Holly about how she got deep into the heart of making and selling cannabis goodies, how we can learn from her mistakes (and what some of them are!), one food that cannabis should probably not go into, and why she wanted to write a "safe" weed cookbook. Get Vanessa's recipe for H…

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Dereliction of Duty of Care 1:26:39

3M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

So...Melbourne suck (3:38), as do West Coast (19:57). Voss got sustepended at Freo (29:29) and we review Gather Round before looking forward to Round 6 (57:30)By Handy Point

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Cory Booker May Represent Our Best Possible Future 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

In this revisiting of a 2022 episode, Mark talks to one of our most forward-thinking Senators about Big Food's long standing capability of corrupting food policy, the possibility of real change, why a Twinkie is cheaper than an apple, and how we can find our way back to regional food systems. Subscribe to Food with Mark Bittman on Apple Podcasts, S…

1
It's A Flippin' Race Track 1:31:20

3M ago1:31:20

1:31:20

This week's episode starts off with a discussion of the Noah Bolta situation, and then onto the mess at West Coast with Oscar Allen (9:58). Free agency news with Tom De Koning (17:05) and Bont's contract and Bevo's position (23:40). There's a discussion of the Freo Bulldogs game (26:00), who we think is a finals lock (33:50) and some insipid reacti…

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Ted Genoways: Human Trafficking + the Meatpacking Industry 32:18

3M ago32:18

32:18

The journalist talks to Mark and Kate about his latest reporting, which focuses on allegations of human trafficking at a JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado. The viral TikTok video that started it all, the thousands of Haitian migrants in the crosshairs, and how JBS' HR department saw it as a positive thing. Plus, what it's like to report su…

1
Letting the Fox Into The Hen House 1:21:44

3M ago1:21:44

1:21:44

This week kicks off with a discussion of the return of State of Origin football, before turning to the emerging issue with Oscar Allen (12:17). It's then onto the disaster at Melbourne (22:00), the emergence of Gold Coast (32:00) before looking back at Round 3 (35:48) and forward to Round 4 (63:48).By Handy Point

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What Is It Really Like to Be a Black Farmer in the US? 34:32

3M ago34:32

34:32

Revisiting a (still quite relevant) episode from 2023: Kathleen Finlay, president of Glynwood, and Mark talk with Black Farmer Fund co-founders Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington about the special, specific challenges facing Black farmers; who the food system "belongs" to; and how to combat the inherent racial injustices in the US food system, not…

1
Round 2, or 3, or Whatever 1:42:21

4M ago1:42:21

1:42:21

This week the boys start with a dissection of the Simon Goodwin post game presser and players flipping the bird. Before Henry's deep dive on WC drafting over the years (15:36), you can skip to the when the point kicks in here (24:15), and relax (31:10). We then review the previous round (53:00) before looking ahead (89:45).…

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Laurie Woolever: Batali, Bourdain, and All the Nuance 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

The writer—and ex-Mario Batali employee and assistant to Anthony Bourdain for a decade—talks to Kate about how (and if) kitchen culture has changed since the early-aughts heydey; why she never felt like a victim; her new memoir, Care and Feeding; and how Anthony Bourdain put people at ease—and why people loved him so much. Subscribe to Food with Ma…

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Everything's Fine 1:35:31

4M ago1:35:31

1:35:31

Packed show this week where the boys discuss the soft launch of the Tasmania Devils (and their draft concessions), before turning to the tribunal and Jackson Archer (15:30), the worst performances of round 1 and any silver linings (28:00), the rough start by Port Adelaide (38:48), the take locker (45:00) and some moppage before looking at the round…

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Sutton Foster on Evolving Into a Good Eater 24:31

4M ago24:31

24:31

In a rerun from 2021, the Broadway star talks to Kate about a complex mother-daughter relationship—and the therapeutic nature of writing a memoir, coming up in the worlds of acting and food, and crocheting for Hugh Jackman. Subscribe to Food with Mark Bittman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and please help us grow by lea…

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Realhandypoint 1:36:25

4M ago1:36:25

1:36:25

This week James, Brendaqg and Henry dip into the week's AFL news, look back at Round 0 and look forward to Round 1.By Handy Point

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Julian Baggini: How the World Eats 40:01

4M ago40:01

40:01

The philosopher and journalist talks to Mark about why the big picture surrounding food confuses people, and what we can do to remedy that dynamic; what surprised him most in his research around the global food landscape; and 'food citizens' vs 'food consumers.' Read an excerpt from Julian Baggini's new book, 'How the World Eats,' on the Bittman Pr…

1
Hanging Chads and a Draft 1:22:16

4M ago1:22:16

1:22:16

On the eve of the season the boys run through a few scraps of news before looking at this season's new footy shows (19:42) before indulging in their traditional pre-season draft (39:20).By Handy Point

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At Michele Norris's Home, the Kitchen Takes Center Stage 31:58

4M ago31:58

31:58

In this rerun from 2024, acclaimed journalist Michele Norris talks to Mark about how she came to start her podcast, Your Mama's Kitchen; the standout moments in her (amazing) career; and how she preps for meals 30 days ahead. View this episode's recipe here: https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/michele-norriss-zucchini-bread/ Subscribe to Food with Ma…

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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33 15:35

4M ago15:35

15:35

How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”? Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential. In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a …

1
Fizzy Liquorice 1:31:57

4M ago1:31:57

1:31:57

This week we talk about Port (8:10), Richmond (18:31), Sint Kilda (32:58), Sydney (45:38), West Coast (60:30) and Western (71:45)By Handy Point

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you. In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reason…

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Alton Brown Looks Back 30:46

5M ago30:46

30:46

The writer, chef, and TV star talks to Mark and Kate about fame, "then" and now; the problem with memory—and memoir; falling up the stairs; his farewell tour; and eating on the road, monastically. Head to the Bittman Project for a special excerpt from Alton's new book, Food for Thought: https://bittmanproject.com/alton-brown-meals-that-made-me-part…

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We Drink Sodie Pops 1:44:14

5M ago1:44:14

1:44:14

This week we look at the prospects of 6 more teams. Geelong (14:00), Gold Coast (36:40), GWS (49:15), Hawthorn, Melbourne (78:00) and North (89:55)By Handy Point

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Food Addiction and the Path to Real, Positive Change 36:15

5M ago36:15

36:15

Professors—and ultraprocessed food experts—Ashley Gearhardt and Kelly Brownell join Mark and Kate to talk about why the robust new science about food and addiction is going to be hard to ignore, how junk food could take the path of cigarettes and opioids with regards to litigation (and how tobacco paved the way), and why marketing these foods to ki…

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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31 38:01

5M ago38:01

38:01

Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …

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Gettin' Bizzy with the Fizzy 1:37:09

5M ago1:37:09

1:37:09

Welcome back to Handy Point for a 10th year. In this first episode back the boy cover some general business before discussing the proespects of Adelaide (15:50), Brisbane (25:30), Carlton (42:25), Collingwood (56:12), Essendon (74:50) and Fremantle (83:25).By Handy Point

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Jared Blumenfeld: Let's Fight for a Joyful Future 35:36

5M ago35:36

35:36

The national climate leader and philanthropist talks to Mark about why he's excited about the future of food; the role that well-heeled philanthropy can, should, and does play in food and climate; the ways in which school food is improving that benefits both kids and farmers; and the issue that mainstream environmentalists haven't yet focused on—an…

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30 10:26

5M ago10:26

10:26

Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel? Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction. Wh…