you always liked debate you know like you were on the debate team in high school so you know like

talking about food in this like format where you can debate different issues i think was really

interesting for you i actually did model you and not debate just you know i was like a little too cool

for debate well you like to debate me at least.

This is the Sporkful. It's not for foodies. It's for eaters. I'm Dan Pashman. Each week on our show, we obsess about food to learn more about people. And this week's show is a very, very special one because the Sporkful is celebrating our 15th anniversary.

Yes, it was way back in January 2010 in the Stone Ages of podcasting that I launched this show for my living room, often recording episodes in borrowed studios and off hours, sometimes even

with the permission of their rightful owners. People often ask me about those early days, like how I got into this, how the show developed into the podcast you hear today.

So in honor of the show's birthday, I'm going to tell you that story, complete with clips of some of my very favorite moments in Sporkful history.

But before we get to those clips, let's just kick our feet up and reminisce a little bit.

To do that, I have a very special

guest. It's every Sporkful listener's favorite regular, my wife, Janie. Hey, Janie. Hi.

So, I mean, let's talk a little bit about the story of the early days of the Sporkful.

Like, I started the Sporkful out of desperation. As you know, I graduated from college in 1999.

My dream was to host my own radio show.

And I figured, I'll start as a producer.

I'll work my way up.

But I had the bad luck of entering the industry just before two major recessions.

And right when the internet was turning traditional business of media upside down.

So in 10 years, I was laid off from six radio jobs.

Every time I thought I found a great opportunity, the show I was working, I would get canceled.

And actually, I have this clip.

This is me on air on Air America Radio with Mark Marin.

...