Episodes

I finally listened to John Arena
Feb. 2, 2022

I finally listened to John Arena

If you listened to the episode before this, you know that output matters when it comes to pizza. And in this episode, I want to try to get you to avoid one mistake that I made which was not listening to John Arena. I have never made more pizza in my life than in 2021. I’ve experimented with Neapolitan, Sicilian, grandma, Detroit, cracker-thin, bar pies, roman. Y’all get the point. I was all over the place. And so were my results. While my thirst for different styles was somewhat fulfilled, I nev...
Commit to this one goal and become a better pizza maker
Feb. 2, 2022

Commit to this one goal and become a better pizza maker

I’m high off the last episode with Feng, the operator of the IG account Leopard Crust. For those of you who didn’t listen, you should definitely check it out. Feng is someone who makes out of this world pizza creations on Instagram. She has pizzas with drawings of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she has combinations of Korean, Thai, and other cuisines she’s eaten. And on top of that, as if her pizzas weren’t creative enough, all of her captions come with a pun. Suffice to say, she puts a lot of thought int...
Overcoming Creative Blocks and Weirdoughs with Feng of Leopard Crust
Jan. 28, 2022

Overcoming Creative Blocks and Weirdoughs with Feng of Leopard Crust

Ahhh what can I say about Feng, for starters I want to say sorry for butchering her name. I loved the lightheartedness of this conversation, but we also went deep on a few topics. For starters, if you haven't seen her IG page before, it's linked below. Her creations are out of this world! In this convo, she breaks down her steps to dough mastery- setting a goal of making 100 pizzas at home and ensuring she writes everything down. We also talk to Feng about process and inspiration for new pizzas....
Add Your Ingredients, Mix, and Watch It Grow with Nicole Russell of Last Dragon Pizza & Pizza Wars
Jan. 21, 2022

Add Your Ingredients, Mix, and Watch It Grow with Nicole Russell of Last Dragon Pizza & Pizza Wars

Nicole has been living the pizza life for many years now. Through dedication and faith, she is the superstar celebrity pizza chef she is today. We start the conversation about how being a star in the pizza world kind of just fell into her lap, but she was noticed because she put in the time, the energy and the work. If you are a fan of the pizza wars series, you’re going to love this episode and all of the behind-the-scenes. If you just need a little kick or a bit of motivation for the new year,...
How One Bite Changed My Life with Fredi Bello @Fredi The Pizza Man
Jan. 14, 2022

How One Bite Changed My Life with Fredi Bello @Fredi The Pizza Man

Today we’re talking about a life changing moment in Fredi’s life- the day Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports/ One Bite Pizza Review came into Fredi’s pizza joint and rocked his world. Or did Dave get his world rocked going in to Fredi's establishment? Fredi and I first met on Instagram prior to the viral video because of his work with Autism. I think this part is especially important to highlight because we all should be giving more than we receive in life. In this episode you’re going to hear abou...
Do this one thing build trust and more engagement on your Instagram Posts
Jan. 10, 2022

Do this one thing build trust and more engagement on your Instagram Posts

For this week's bonus episode, Matt drops a nugget on what he feels will allow you to build more trust and engagement on Instagram. Follow MATT Join The Pizza Podcast Facebook Group Add me on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil Help Me Make A Better Show And Fill Out My Survey! Support the podcast and buy a t shirt!
Sourdough Pizza and How to Blow Up On Instagram Reels with Matt Harrison @PizzaioloHarri
Jan. 7, 2022

Sourdough Pizza and How to Blow Up On Instagram Reels with Matt Harrison @PizzaioloHarri

Matt is someone who just started making bread in early 2021, but don’t let that fool you. Matt is committed to learning the craft and he is diving in hard so he has a lot of knowledge to share. Plus he is having a lot of fun doing so! In this convo, you are going to want to pay attention to two things- Matt’s devotion to sourdough and his insane growth on Instagram Reels. He can't give you a play by play on how to do it, but if you ask me, he lays out some pretty actionable advice that you ca...
Issues With My "Top 9 Most Listened" List
Dec. 31, 2021

Issues With My "Top 9 Most Listened" List

I created this episode to highlight the most listened episodes and guide you to some of my favorites in regards to the categories I've selected. Please enjoy my selections! See timestamps below and let me know if they make a difference! ---- Join The Pizza Podcast Facebook Group Add me on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil ---- Issues with Top 9 (1:14) Top Categories (5:30) Woman Pizza Maker (6:10) Business Podcast (7:21) Home Baker (8:06) Biggest Paradigm Shift (9:10) Most E-Doughcational...
Guest: talk
Travel Hacking to Eat Pizza
Dec. 28, 2021

Travel Hacking to Eat Pizza

In 2021, I’ve taken 4 pizza pilgrimages. Through the use of credit card rewards, I paid $0 for my airfare and hotel costs . I've been a travel hacking hobbyists since 2015 and I wanted to share this with y'all as a tactic to eating more pizza from different places around the world. Now this episode isn’t going to be an exact play by play of how to do it. But rather, to inform some of you that there are ways to travel without spending an arm and a leg through the use of something I like to call t...
Guests: pizza, life, talk, travel
You are the average of the five people you associate with most
Dec. 27, 2021

You are the average of the five people you associate with most

On our last Friday episode, Lee talked about battling alcoholism and how one of the ways he was able to kick his habit was by finding the right AA group. He had been to many AA groups in the past, but there was something special about this group that helped him beat his addiction. In this follow up episode, I talk about my addiction to cigarettes and how I managed to eventually stop with a change of scenery. I talk about how I only let certain people into my life who bring positivity and help su...
Guests: life, talk
From Homelessness To Pizza Champion: Living A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams with Lee Hunzinger
Dec. 24, 2021

From Homelessness To Pizza Champion: Living A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams with Lee Hunzinger

Lee Hunzinger is the corporate executive pizzaiolo of Cane Rosso, Zoli's Pizza, and Thundebird Pies. In this interview, we find out how he got started in pizza, fell into the trap of alcoholism, and managed to pick himself up to become a world-renowned pizza champion and all star pizza maker. L Follow Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pizzalee33/ Let's chat about the episode https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough Join the pizza podcast facebook group https://www.facebook.com/grou...
How much money do you spend and make as a mobile pizza caterer? Bonus Episode with Ryan @Sanctuary Pizza
Dec. 20, 2021

How much money do you spend and make as a mobile pizza caterer? Bonus Episode with Ryan @Sanctuary Pizza

Ryan talks about how much $ he put into his business and how much he made at his biggest event yet. The number is wild. Follow Ryan on IG https://www.instagram.com/sanctuary_pizza Join The Pizza Podcast Facebook Group Add me on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil Help Me Make A Better Show And Fill Out My Survey! Support the podcast and buy a t shirt!
Hustle Over Convince- The Life of a Mobile Pizza Caterer with Ryan from Sanctuary Pizza
Dec. 17, 2021

Hustle Over Convince- The Life of a Mobile Pizza Caterer with Ryan from Sanctuary Pizza

SORRY FOR THE VOLUME. EDITED!! In this episode, Ryan talks to us about how he got started in mobile pizza catering. He discusses some of the challenges and benefits of being a caterer and gives solid advice if you ever want to dabble in the mobile catering game. Follow Ryan on IG https://www.instagram.com/sanctuary_pizza Join The Pizza Podcast Facebook Group Add me on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil Help Me Make A Better Show And Fill Out My Survey! Support the podcast and buy a t shir...
The Truth Behind Olive Oil with David Garci-Aguirre of Corto Olive Oil
Dec. 10, 2021

The Truth Behind Olive Oil with David Garci-Aguirre of Corto Olive Oil

You may have heard me talk about freshness when it comes to olive oil. In this conversation, we break down everything you need to know about it. David is a Master Miller at Corto Olive Oil and we get into how he started in the business, but more importantly, he educates us on what to look for when purchasing olive oil for our pizza! _______ Professional Pizza Makers can sign up for a olive oil tasting (complimentary) Everyone else looking to level up their olive oil game can sign up here (paid)...
Blowing up then getting shut down with Craig from June's Pizza
Dec. 3, 2021

Blowing up then getting shut down with Craig from June's Pizza

June's Pizza was the Bay Area's most sought after pandemic-born pizzeria. They were serving either a margherita or the daily special out of a shipping container in a beautiful oasis of a garden in a somewhat of a sketchy neighborhood surrounded by a chainlink fence. To get a slice or a whole pie, you could either call in or line up, but good luck because they were always selling out. Things were going great for the June's Pizza team, until the health department showed up. Follow Junes_Pizza Join...
If there is one thing you can control, its the Dough w/ Dave from Philomenas
Nov. 29, 2021

If there is one thing you can control, its the Dough w/ Dave from Philomenas

I am joined today with Dave from Philomenas in Queens NYC. We talk about all of the steps he takes to ensure he always has perfect dough. Follow Philomenas Queens on IG Let's Talk on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil Help Me Make A Better Show And Fill Out My Survey! Support the podcast and buy a t shirt!
Start a pop up without dealing with the red tape from the health department
Nov. 29, 2021

Start a pop up without dealing with the red tape from the health department

The other day, I called my health department to see how much it would cost and how long it would take to legitimately start a pop up. I didn't like the answer so I asked myself, if this were easy, what would it look like? I thought to myself, what if I partnered with an existing business so I could sell my pizzas? This way I don't have to go through the red tape but I'd still do everything legitimately? Can this be done? Yes.
Guests: tips, education, pop up
The Pitfalls Of Opening Up A Pizzeria with Dave from Philomenas Queens
Nov. 26, 2021

The Pitfalls Of Opening Up A Pizzeria with Dave from Philomenas Queens

Passion alone can't drive your business. If you build it, they might not come. Today we talk to Dave, the owner and operator of Philomenas in Queens NYC. Dave studied under Italian pizza masters, made pies for Rihanna and is obsessed over his dough. This important conversation helps me realize that just because I make great pizza doesn't mean I'm ready to commit to rent a space and open up a brick and mortar. Listen in on some of the struggles Dave is dealing with to keep his business open. Foll...
Why you need a seasonal menu with Derrick Tung of Paulie Gee's Logan Square
Nov. 22, 2021

Why you need a seasonal menu with Derrick Tung of Paulie Gee's Logan Square

Follow Derrick on IG Let's Talk on IG Buy an Ooni! Get your Corto Olive Oil Help Me Make A Better Show And Fill Out My Survey! Support the podcast and buy a t shirt!
Quitting your job and taking on the franchise model with Derrick Tung from Paulie Gee's Logan Square
Nov. 19, 2021

Quitting your job and taking on the franchise model with Derrick Tung from Paulie Gee's Logan Square

I FIXED THE SOUND ISSUE! I am so stoked to share this with you all. I have been looking forward to interview Derrick for the longest time because he is someone I look up to dearly. In this conversation, we talk about his love for watching people's eyes light up when they eat his pizza and how that drives his work. What I love about this episode is that Derrick clearly expresses that it is not all sunshine and rainbows! We find out the struggles and sacrifices Derrick and his family had to put up...
The Joy of Pizza, Curiosity and Connectivity with Katie Parla and Dan Richer
Nov. 12, 2021

The Joy of Pizza, Curiosity and Connectivity with Katie Parla and Dan Richer

Today we speak with Katie Parla and Dan Richer Oh. Fricken. Yeah. As you may know by now, the Joy of pizza is out, so you better get the book! Make sure to stick around to the end to find out how to win one from yours truly. I’m so happy to share this episode because it was a fun one! Not only does Dan bless us with his pizza expertise, but having Katie on really brings an awesome dynamic to the conversation because she is a pizzamaker and foodie to the max. We uncover as much as we can about ho...
Obsession, curiosity, and luck with Scott From Scott's Pizza Tours
Oct. 29, 2021

Obsession, curiosity, and luck with Scott From Scott's Pizza Tours

Today we talk with Scott From Scotts Pizza Tours. Even in his early days- Scott was the go to guy for pizza. He tells the story about how his friends would go to for his pizza leadership. As Scott grew older, his love for pizza only grew stronger. We talk about how the tour company started and all of the great work that Scott is doing in the pizza community. If you’re someone who love pizza but doesn’t necessarily want to open up a restaurant, don't you worry. Scott doesn't want to either. We ta...
To start a pop up, or not start a pop up. Figure out if you want it by taking these 3 steps.
Oct. 28, 2021

To start a pop up, or not start a pop up. Figure out if you want it by taking these 3 steps.

As some of you may know already, I have gone back and forth, forwards and back with the idea of selling pizza. At the end of the day I just don’t want to think when I am 86 years old what would have happened if I started a pop up? But if you know me I am always trying to figure out how I can take action. So in this episode I list three things that I've been doing to start taking action. 1. Start volunteering with pizza makers. 2. Call your local health department 3. Run some numbers. At the end ...