Episode 11: Lars Smith: From Local Chef to Global Pizza Legend: The Journey of a Pizza Master

Episode 14: Blaine Parker of Free the Pizza, Little Miss Margherita and Other Pizza Musings

Check out my handpicked favorites at Pizza Therapy & Everyday Wonders. [https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy] (Affiliate Link) 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 [https://www.freethepizza.com/] Modernist Pizza https://amzn.to/48atYKM [https://amzn.to/48atYKM] (Affiliate Link) Little Miss Margherita https://www.freethepizza.com/work-with-blaine.html [https://www.freethepizza.com/work-with-blaine.html] Free the Pizza Book [https://amzn.to/4cz4bNC] https://amzn.to/4cz4bNC [https://amzn.to/4cz4bNC] (Affiliate Link) Perfect Pan Pizza [https://amzn.to/4sU4Cbr] https://amzn.to/4sU4Cbr [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] https://amzn.to/4mFXhuq [https://amzn.to/4mFXhuq] (Affiliate Link) Peter Reinhart [https://amzn.to/3QAEQeM] https://amzn.to/3QAEQeM [https://amzn.to/3QAEQeM](Affiliate Link) Pizza Therapy T-Shirts and More [https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/] Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page [https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy] https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy [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 [https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book: https://amzn.to/2MIFC79  [%20https://amzn.to/2MIFC79%20%20](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 [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 [https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy]  (Affiliate Link)

Episode 13: Dave Portnoy: The Brutal Truth About One Bite Pizza Reviews

Bringing the best of Pizza Therapy 🍕 and Everyday Wonders [https://amzn.to/4erNzbA] ✨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 [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@pizzatherapy] Tony Gemignani Tips for Perfect Tavern Thin Crust Pizza at Pizza Expo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9S0JUavIA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9S0JUavIA] Dom DeMarco Makes Pizza at Di Fara's in Brooklyn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDxp6YZv31w [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDxp6YZv31w] Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy [https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy] Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1. [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 [https://sleekbio.com/dashboard] Pizza T-shirts; https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) General T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728] 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) Tube Buddy: Best Tool for Creating YouTube Videos [https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy] (Affiliate Link) Find Amazing T-shirts here: [https://www.teepublic.com/?gad_campaignid=2043702423&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACKgNeiyVADfXDg7FSZUnwD0Qpbcl&gclid=Cj0KCQjwornRBhCrARIsAON5exFv0IDBxE6stNjOp61SxCv4ZwRf9Qjpo2QQ-gvo9mhd1CO234SiiR8aAsAUEALw_wcB&ref_id=2728&utm_adgroup=TeePublic&utm_adgroupid=71374561679&utm_campaignid=2043702423&utm_content=&utm_term=teepublic] Unlocking The Secrets Of Great Pizza With Peter Reinhart At Pizza Expo! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C5fZIAGX9c%20]

Episode 12: The 120-Year-Old Secret: Will Grant's Journey from Gold Rush Sourdough to World Champion

Sponsored by Pizza Therapy and Everyday Wonders https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy  [https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_3KWQJSXWX3271SX5MSY8%20](Affiliate Link) As an Amazon Influencer, I may be compensated if you purchase through my links Sour Dough Willy's https://www.sourdoughwillys.com/ [https://www.sourdoughwillys.com/] Will Grant Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Sourdough-Willys-Pizzeria-100063520812660/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Sourdough-Willys-Pizzeria-100063520812660/] That's A Some Pizza https://www.thatsasome.com/ [https://www.thatsasome.com/] Sour Dough Library in Belgium https://www.puratos.com/sustainability/heritage [https://www.puratos.com/sustainability/heritage] 120-Year-Old Sour Dough Film    • 120-year-old Sourdough starter!  Shepard's Grain https://shepherdsgrain.com/ [https://shepherdsgrain.com/] Marra Forni https://marraforni.com/ [https://marraforni.com/] Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy [https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy] (Affiliate Link) Pizza T-shirts Dashery Store https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/ [https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com/] (Affiliate Link) More T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) Check out The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book https://amzn.to/2MIFC79 [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 [https://amzn.to/2uBiXhF](Affiliate Link) Best Tool for Creating YouTube Videos: https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy [https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=pizzatherapy] (Affiliate Link) I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Episode 11: Lars Smith: From Local Chef to Global Pizza Legend: The Journey of a Pizza Master

Tee Public Site Pizza Therapy Dashery Store  https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com [%20https://pizzatherapy.dashery.com]/ (Affiliate Link) More T-shirts https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) Tee Public Pizza Therapy Store https://www.teepublic.com/stores/pizzatherapy [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.stateofmindslicehouse.com/] https://www.stateofmindpublichouse.com/restaurant [https://www.stateofmindpublichouse.com/restaurant] https://www.instagram.com/lboogiesmith/?hl=en [https://www.stateofmindpublichouse.com/restaurant] Pizza My Heart https://www.pizzamyheart.com/ [https://www.pizzamyheart.com/] Leah Scurto https://www.pizzaleah.com/ [https://www.pizzaleah.com/] Pizza Expo https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/ [https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/] Chris Bianco Book https://amzn.to/3XQLOwU [https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/] (Affiliate Link) John Arena https://metropizza.com/ [https://metropizza.com/] California Advisory Board https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/ [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 https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728 [https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=2728] (Affiliate Link) “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Albert Grande Links: https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy [https://sleek.bio/pizzatherapy] Albert Grande More: https://sleek.bio/albertgrande [https://sleek.bio/albertgrande] Subscribe to the Pizza Therapy YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1. [https://www.youtube.com/user/PizzaTherapy?sub_confirmation=1.] Albert Grande's Amazon Influencer Page https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy [https://www.amazon.com/shop/pizzatherapy%20](Affiliate Link) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Episode 10: Michael Kalanty, Sourdough Bread Baking, Making, the firewithin.com and Wood Fired University

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