Episodes

What does it mean to keep chasing greatness—even when life throws you its toughest curveballs? Few people in the pizza world are as widely respected — or as profoundly wise — as John Arena. In this powerful episode, Eidref sits down with the Metro Pizza co-founder and Truly Pizza visionary to talk about life, passion, mentorship, and facing Parkinson’s with courage and purpose. John shares raw insights about the realities of competing and judging pizza contests, building flavor beyond Instagram ...

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What kind of pizzaiolo uses eight flours, 80% hydration, and 100% sourdough—and somehow makes it all work?In this episode of What’s Good Dough, Eidref is with Ethan Speizer of Solamente Pizza in Las Vegas, who’s on a mission to do the impossible: create mind-blowing pizza using up to eight different flours, with an 80% hydration dough, all made from 100% sourdough starter.Ethan walks us through every step of his ultra-technical process, from taming wet, high-hydration dough to choosing the perfe...

How do you manage legacy and ambition? Here is the conversation with two brothers who have turn their family pizzeria into a growing brand while honoring a powerful legacy. Listen in on whether or not they can meet their goal of 20 locations in the next 5 years.In this episode, guest host Kenneth MacFawn sits down with Gerry and Dan Buontempo of Frank’s Pizza and Pasta in Baltimore. Raised in the business since childhood, the brothers share how they took over their father’s beloved neighborhood ...

How do you build buzz when you’re just two guys and a window in the cold? Today, we are with Tony and Will from Paulie Gee’s Logan Square to break down what it really took to go from serving slices through a window during the height of COVID to becoming a must-stop pizza spot in Chicago. They open up about the challenges of keeping a consistent product and the surprising key lessons learned from running a slice shop. We also explore his approach to menu changes, his philosophy on what makes the ...

Thanks for tuning in. We have a podcast exclusive here (not on Youtube) where we dive in with Max and Anthony of Jules Pizza. We also have a Youtube exclusive of Jules pizza- nearly a 2 hour long episode breaking down the dough and bake of Jules' amazing pizza. Check it out here. https://youtu.be/UzalexBw6pg https://ko-fi.com/whatsgooddough(Corto Affiliate) https://bit.ly/457DNII (Ooni Affiliate)https://ooni.com/?source=aw&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1800006&utm_source=1800006&utm_medium=Awin&a...

Can one bad review really define a pizza shop? Today, we’re slicing into the story of Pizza Lobo — the Chicago pizzeria that got slammed on One Bite Pizza Reviews for being “the blandest pizza” someone had tasted in 20 years. We sit down with Operations Manager Michael and Chef Joey to unpack the real story behind the pies, their dough philosophy, and why they’re doubling down on slices, even after a terrible review. From sourdough starters to vodka sauce, we get into what makes their pizza clic...

What does it take to build a thriving pizza business without being in the kitchen every day? In this episode, we sit down with Francis Almeda, a multi-business entrepreneur who’s redefining what it means to run a food business. From his journey into the pizza world to embracing teamwork and finding his flow state, Francis shares deep insights on entrepreneurship, delegation, and creating sustainable success. Highlights: 00:00- The Pizza Journey Begins – How Francis got into making pizzas and the...

What does it take to build amazing pizza in a city obsessed with tradition—and why does Middlebrow refuse to use the same dough for all their pies? In this episode, we visit Bungalow by Middlebrow in Chicago to talk with head baker Tucker and chef de cuisine Caroline Santi. They walk us through their dough process—from fermentation and shaping to topping and baking—and explain why intention, balance, and a little funk make all the difference. We also break down one of their most unique pizzas, l...

What would it take for you to walk away from an 18-year career to chase your dream of slinging pizzas full-time? If you’ve ever felt the tension between a stable career and a risky passion project, this episode is going to hit home. Gio, owner of Pizza Di Farfalla, shares how he went from a part-time pop-up pizza guy to full-time entrepreneur — and why doing it gradually might just be the smartest way to go all in. From his roots in finance to doughballs and ovens, Gio gives us a real, honest, a...

What if your dough room could pump out 2,800 dough balls, double as a private dining spot, and deliver pizza that still slaps after 30 minutes— thanks to smart, intentional systems? In this episode, Thomas McNaughton, Ryan Pollnow, and Elliot Armstrong of Flour + Water Pizzeria take us behind the glass into their dough room—a space built for precision, volume, and versatility. They share how they reverse-engineered a pizza that thrives in both restaurant and delivery settings. From dough hydrati...

What Does It Take to Run a Thriving Pizzeria in a Tiny Space? Today, we’re getting an inside look at Gio’s process, from maximizing efficiency in a 250-square-foot kitchen to perfecting a single dough recipe for multiple styles, Gio shares what it takes to run a high-quality pizzeria in a limited space. We dive into the art of consistency, the challenges of high-volume service, and the magic of simple, high-quality ingredients and how he keeps customers coming back for more. (00:14 - 01:26) The ...

What does it take to reopen a beloved pizzeria after hitting rock bottom? From battling self-doubt and financial struggles to building a powerhouse team, Craig from June’s Pizza shares his journey of resilience, creativity, and community. Today, we’re diving deep into the story behind June’s Pizza, a Bay Area gem known for its unique approach to pizza-making and its vibrant community vibe. Craig opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of closing his first location, the small wins that reignit...

What makes June’s Pizza so special? From a simple two-pizza menu to a commitment to quality and sustainability, this pizzeria has redefined what it means to focus on the details. Today, we’re visiting June’s Pizza, a beloved Bay Area spot known for its dedication to perfecting every element of its pizzas. From sourcing the best basil to collaborating on seasonal specials, the team at June’s is all about quality, sustainability, and creativity. We sit down with the team to discuss their approach,...

Would you spend $60,000 just to install an oven? That’s the dilemma Dane from Slow Co Pizza faced when opening his pizzeria. The hidden costs of launching a restaurant can be brutal—so how did he pivot and still make his dream a reality? In this episode, we sit down with Dane from Slow Co Pizza, who turned his 13-year pizza obsession into reality in November 2024. But it wasn’t easy. From shocking equipment costs to frustrating contractor delays, Dane shares the real, behind-the-scenes struggles...

What’s the secret to launching a successful pizzeria with minimal resources and a tiny space? In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Paul, the self-taught pizza master behind Pie Trap Pizza, a thriving pizzeria born from a backyard hobby. Located next to a brewery, Paul shares his journey of perseverance, innovation, and the power of great ingredients—all packed into a 400-square-foot space that’s making a big impact. Highlights: Sweet Rent Deals and Minimal Overhead: How a favorable rent agree...

Ever wondered how large pizza brands keep their products consistent and streamline production across multiple locations? Commissary-driven operations hold the key, reducing inefficiencies and creating a centralized hub for production. In this episode, Juan Robles from Triple Beam Pizza breaks down how commissary kitchens eliminate variability, boost productivity, and pave the way for expanding your pizza empire. Juan has played a pivotal role in their commissary model, supplying quality pizza t...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Daniel, the founder of Fired Pizza, a business born from his childhood love of pizza. Growing up in the '90s, pizza was always his go-to comfort food, but he never imagined it would turn into a career. After years in sales, Daniel felt the urge to make a big change. With the support of his wife Sarah, he decided to take a leap and use his savings to start his own pizza business. Highlights: From Sales to Pizza – Daniel’s leap from a stable career in sales to ...

You want to make the best pizza, but the location you found is in the middle of nowhere. Will your business survive? After years in sales, Daniel felt the urge to make a big change. With the support of his wife, he decided to take a leap and use his savings to start his own pizza business.Highlights:-Fired Pizza Found this location off the beaten path. Since opening a year and a half ago, they've made over a million dollars in sales and are going strong, but will they last?-Pandemic Pivot...

In this episode, we chat with Laura Meyer, who has spent 19 years in the pizza world and now runs Pizzeria da Laura . What started as a high school part-time job has evolved into a full-blown passion for Laura, who found her calling in the restaurant world during the pandemic. Highlights: Laura’s journey from high school part-time job to owning Pizzeria da Laura How COVID gave her the clarity to realize restaurant ownership was her calling The decision to add a full bar and how it’s elevated the...

SHOW NOTES Have you ever wondered if a tiny trailer is right for your pizza business? In today’s episode, We meet with Andrew Roa, the owner of Sacred Slice Pizza. He’s mastered the art of making two distinct styles of pizza from the confines of a tiny trailer. From perfecting the layout of his truck to streamlining his processes, Andrew has learned how to work with limited space and an even smaller team. Tune in to hear how he’s turned his passion for pizza into a thriving business, all while m...

I’ve been contemplating quitting my job for quite some time. Well, the day finally arrived, and I wanted to share that moment with you all. It’s been both terrifying and exhilarating, but I finally took the leap. I’ll dive into the real story behind the decision, what led up to it, and the powerful realizations I had along the way. It’s a journey of fear, excitement, and personal growth that I’m excited to open up about. Highlights: Why I hated my job: The frustrations and challenges that made m...

What if you could run a successful food business without the risk of lost inventory or even running a brick and mortar? Rishi from Hotplate tells us how.Highlights:Building a Community: How to grow a loyal customer base and keep them engaged through pre-order drops.Clearing Up Misconceptions: Many people think starting a food business is only for those with large budgets or physical storefronts. Rishi explains how Hotplate makes it easier for anyone to get started.What Exactly Is Hotplate...