Best Kato Media Podcasts (2024)

1
Chapel Probation s4 Abraham Kim: Korean PK- Badass Drummer 1:24:28

1h ago1:24:28

1:24:28

When you are the son of a big-time Korean pastor who suffers from narcissism and rage, christianity and life are filled with trauma and despair. But Abraham Kim found music and drums early on to help him deal with life, drumming his response to violence at home and oppression in the church. And he found his way out with the help of Talbot (Biola) a…

1
Lunch with the Infatuation's Brant Cox at Mae Malai (P.S. EEEEEATSCON is upon us). Plus, The Bear Season 3 trailer, mental health and burnout in the industry, and R.I.P. Always Pan. 1:53:34

2h ago1:53:34

1:53:34

We’re joined on today’s episode by the Infatuation’s Brant Cox for the first-ever in person podcast in LA Food Pod history. Brant and I met up for lunch at Mae Malai in Thai Town for some wonderful boat noodles (and much more). We caught up about what it’s like to be BFFs with Chris Pine, where he’s been eating lately, and oh yeah, a little thing c…

1
Chapel Probation s4- Episode 100 with traci kato-kiriyama 1:36:24

5d ago1:36:24

1:36:24

If you've read my book, Asian American Apostate, you know how important traci is to me. She's important to a lot of people, really. But she met me when I was still trying to be a Christian, and she helped me become the person I am today. So it makes sense to have her be the guest for the 100th episode of Chapel Probation. You'll hear her story, her…

1
Fast Eddie: Can Eddie Navarrette save California restaurants? Plus, Something About Her blues. 1:12:28

4d ago1:12:28

1:12:28

Eddie Navarrette is the Executive Director of the Independent Hospitality Coalition in addition to being one of LA’s foremost consultants in helping restaurants navigate the debilitatingly confusing process of opening their doors. He’s been at the center of advocating for restaurants for several years now, helping shape much needed policies for boo…

1
Chapel Probation s4- Ross Montgomery 1:17:54

2h ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Ross is the real deal. Solid human who sees all the things we need our White men allies to see. Do I go a little overboard praising him? Sure. Am I sorry about that? Hell no. Anyone who steps away from privilege to engage in the complexities of other peoples' lives is awesome in my book. Throughout Ross's christian life, he challenged assumptions a…

1
Molly Baz and lactation-gate, restaurant finances dissected, and Michelin goes to Mexico. Plus, Top Chef midseason check-in with the hosts of Compliments to the Chef. 1:19:29

19d ago1:19:29

1:19:29

A midseason check in on Season 21 of Top Chef. We’re about half way through the season, so LA Food Pod Top Chef correspondent Father Sal is on the pod to dissect the highs, lows and everything in between. We’re also joined by two of my new favorite people - Bits Nicholas and Nancy DaSilva, the hosts of Compliments to the Chef, the must-listen Top C…

1
Chapel Probation s4- Pastor Trey Ferguson 1:15:25

3h ago1:15:25

1:15:25

Pastor Trey is the author of Theologizin Bigger from Lake Drive Books, and he is a solid human. From a wild college experience at the University of Miami, Trey found himself at a fundamentalist seminary and eventually dropped out. He found a home at a much more open-minded seminary and now is a pastor and social media presence, pushing back at the …

1
Bill Esparza on his journey, "taco bros," David Chang and much, much more. Plus, World's 50 Best recognizes Kato, 5 So Cal restaurants added to the Michelin Guide, and Sweetgreen embraces beef. 1:49:50

28d ago1:49:50

1:49:50

We’re joined by none other than Bill Esparza, the legendary award-winning writer, author, TV fixer and saxophonist. Maybe you’ve read his reporting at Eater, maybe you’ve eaten at one of his many finds, or maybe you’ve seen him on shows like Somebody Feed Phil. Regardless of where you know him from, Bill’s one of the most essential voices in LA foo…

1
Chapel Probation s4 Lisa Christy (Grove City College) 1:11:04

10d ago1:11:04

1:11:04

The first full episode of Season 4 has Lisa Christy from Grove City College. She got duped into going to this Libertarian and Presbyterian school and ended up staying. She found community in the "rebel" crowd and started a significant sports revolution at the school. Chapel Probation is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the …

1
James Beard loves LA media, the future of reservations, and serious questions about LA's croissant game. Plus, Chef Jonathan Harris of Linden, LA's most underrated new fine dining concept. 1:35:37

6d ago1:35:37

1:35:37

We give flowers to the very deserving LA-based journalists and writers who did score James Beard nominations, including Gab Chabran, Daniel Hernandez and Noah Galuten. We also talk about what we learned from a New Yorker deep dive on the Wild West that is restaurant reservations, why Angelenos are flocking to two new bakeries that opened this week,…

1
Chapel Probation s4- An Introduction to the Podcast 52:00

23d ago52:00

52:00

And we're back. Heading into the 100th episode. This one is #95. We look back on some clips, bits, and songs of the past 3 seasons as we look forward to the shenanigans coming in season 4. Chapel Probation is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Discord ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for more conversation with all the podcast co…

1
Chefs of Coachella, feat. Eric Greenspan, David Kuo and many more. Plus, Sage Vegan embraces meat, Matthew Kenney still sucks, and Eddie Navarrette doesn't. 1:26:40

18d ago1:26:40

1:26:40

Coachella is behind us, my friends, and your humble podcast host had the chance to descend on the desert to catch up with 8 amazing chefs who were out there serving their food to the masses. Today’s episode is a compilation of those conversations. I spoke with Eric Greenspan about his latest concepts, including a delivery-only duck pop-up you simpl…

1
Yes We Cannabis: Wendy Zeng is the LA chef exploring cultural heritage (and much more) via food and cannabis 1:11:21

19d ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Wendy Zeng is an award-winning chef and owner known around town and beyond for hosting cannabis-infused pop-ups, supper clubs and events. Make no mistake - we’re not talking about stoner food here, no shade to stoner culture. Wendy’s all about leaning into market-driven ingredients in the name of building community and destigmatizing recreational c…

1
Daniele Uditi and Los Angeles' pizza renaissance. Plus, David Chang's chili crunch controversy, the 5 most anticipated bites of Coachella, and L.A. Taco needs our help. 1:27:59

1M ago1:27:59

1:27:59

Daniele Uditi is the chef and partner behind Pizzana, one of Los Angeles’ best and most influential pizzerias. Daniele joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from his upbringing living above his aunt’s bakery near Naples, Italy, to his spontaneous relocation to Los Angeles which ultimately led him to meeting Candace Nelson …

1
James Beard snubs LA (kind of), Trader Joe's trader woes, and a Father Sal food crawl feat. Yangban, Felix, Poltergeist and a Chris Bianco cameo 1:13:53

1M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Father Sal joins us. There's a quick Top Chef recap, including a Kristen Kish assessment. Father Sal also fills us in on The Bear clip that leaked. News-wise we cover the announcement of the 2024 James Beard Award Finalists, a scathing Taste Magazine expose on the grocery store known as Trader Joe’s, and a long overdue minimum wage hike coming to C…

1
High Steaks: Matū's Scott Linder on the wonders of wagyu. Plus, the Walk of Fame gets a face lift, LA Health Dept in crisis and Brant Cox comes for Lisa Vanderpump. 1:17:20

2M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

We’re joined by Scott Linder, one of the Founders and Operating Partners behind Matū, which just might be my favorite steakhouse in all of Los Angeles. Matū is famous for its dedication to serving only the highest quality grass-fed wagyu beef. But that’s not all - as they were getting ready to launch the restaurant, Scott and his fellow founders sp…

1
Ladyhawk's Charbel Hayek on winning Top Chef and a new era of Lebanese food in LA. Plus, The War on Pizza, Vespertine 2.0 and the return of Cafe Tropical. 1:02:15

2M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

We're joined by Charbel Hayek, a Top Chef champion and World-All Stars contestant who’s recently opened up one of Los Angeles’ buzziest new restaurants. Charbel is the mastermind behind Ladyhawk, which opened last year inside of the La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. Ladyhawk has been earning rave reviews for its forward-thinking Eastern Mediterranea…

1
The 2024 Fantasy Top Chef Draft. Plus, 9 LA restaurants added to the Michelin Guide, Roy Choi's new taco concept, and how to party correctly in Valle de Guadalupe. 1:20:20

2M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

Top Chef is back! Season 21 kicks off next week March 20 in Wisconsin, and there are plenty of changes afoot. We discuss the changes, and hold our 2024 Fantasy Top Chef Draft. We’re expanding the competition this year and joining us are none other than Jessie Evans, also known as Jessie Eats, and Daniel Wargo, also known as Forking Around. Will one…

1
REPOST: After Hours #5 Keiko Agena (Gilmore Girls) and Shin Kawasaki- Heroes of the Asian Kids at APU 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Despite this episode containing some incredible music by Shin and the presence of Keiko, a bonafide Gilmore Girl and TV/Movie star, very few people heard this, comparatively. So before season 4 gets going, I wanted to give newer listeners a chance to hear from two of my favorite people on the planet: Shin Kawasaki and Keiko Agena. Even as the show …

1
PIE 2 PIE crossover with Hot Tongue Pizza's Alex Koons 1:25:30

2M ago1:25:30

1:25:30

Today, the first ever crossover pod in LA Food Podcast history. I (Luca) joined the PIE 2 PIE podcast, hosted by Hot Tongue Pizza's Alex Koons, to talk about pizza, influencers, and much, much more. Alex is making one of Los Angeles' best pizzas at Hot Tongue in Silver Lake. I loved talking to him about his pizza journey, from delivering pies at To…

1
REPOST: After Hours #3 Jenny Yang- The Acclaimed Actor and Comedian Remembers...APU? 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

Repost in honor of The Brothers Sun, a series that was just cancelled despite being hugely popular. All the love to Jenny Yang. Before Jenny Yang became a big-time comedian and Buzzfeed sensation, before she became a writer for television, and before she was cast as one of the stars of The Brothers Sun, a Netflix dramedy starring Michelle Yeoh, Jen…

1
Chang-a-Palooza: Dissecting David Chang's empire (but mostly just Chrissy & Dave Dine Out) 1:03:47

3M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Joining us today on the podcast is our very own Prodigal Father-turned-television correspondent, Father Sal. If you have a Hulu subscription, a Netflix subscription or a keen eye for billboards, you’ve probably seen an ad for one of David Chang’s many shows recently. Sal and I are going to do a bit of a deep dive into the world of Chrissy & Dave Di…

1
New Collab Coming Repost: Chapel Probation s3- Priska- From PK to the Two Horny Goats Podcast 1:19:58

3M ago1:19:58

1:19:58

UPDATE: Get to know Priska if you haven't already. She will be collaborating with Scott to bring you a BIPOC-centered, AAPI-flavored podcast about leaving evangelical Purity Culture. Coming soon! About 11 years ago, I went to a Tuesday Night Cafe and saw a young woman in her early 20's perform there for the first time. Priska's voice and playing fl…

1
Sneak preview of the inaugural LA Wine and Food Festival. Plus, Sacramento's star turn, smashburger fatigue, and junk fee trouble ahead. 37:23

3M ago37:23

37:23

The inaugural LA Wine and Food Festival is coming to Santa Monica pier next week (March 1-3). Organizer Cecile Rebbot joins us to offer a sneak peak at what you can expect from this bona fide chef-a-palooza. Plus, my thoughts on Eater's 2024 "Where to Eat" list, Mona Holmes' article on whether LA has achieved "peak smashburger," and what restaurant…

1
For Sake's Sake: Tsubaki and Ototo's Courtney Kaplan and Charles Namba on sake, success, and striving for more 54:07

4M ago54:07

54:07

Joining us today on the podcast are Courtney Kaplan and Charles Namba, the duo behind Echo Park’s Tsubaki and Ototo, as well as the upcoming project Camelia, in the Arts District. Both Tsubaki and Ototo have been making serious noise for years, in Los Angeles and beyond. Their modern, California-centric approach to the classic izakaya experience ha…

1
BONUS: Valentine's Day for procrastinators, with Jada Montemarano 31:37

4M ago31:37

31:37

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, dear listener, and, like a box of chocolates from your office building’s custodian, we’re here with a surprise gift of an episode - a Procrastinator’s Guide to the perfect Valentine’s Day. I’m joined by food reporter Jada Montemarano to talk about how, if you’re one of those people who’s left their plans to the last min…

1
Chapel Probation s3 Valentine's Day Special 1:51:20

4M ago1:51:20

1:51:20

It's a bromance that eclipses the love of women. It's playful, raw, and unabashed. God has made men in his image, and that image is good, so young christian men at evangelical schools not only proudly display their dicks and balls, they create ways to interact with them. In this episode, we look at the practices and we laugh a little, but we also w…

1
The LA restaurant Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Superbowl spreads. Plus, Found Oyster in hot water, Jenn Harris slams All'Antico Vinaio, and LA street vendors win big. 1:01:26

3M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

I’m joined by my friend Daniel Wargo, who you might know on TikTok and Instagram as Forking Around, to devise the ideal Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-inspired Super Bowl spreads. We’re going category by category, and challenging ourselves to devise two different spreads sourced from Los Angeles area restaurants, that perfectly capture the essence o…

1
Chapel Probation s3 Wrap 16:46

4M ago16:46

16:46

A thank you to all of you who listen and a preview of things to come. Be sure to register for the Content Warning livestream which happens Feb 17-18. Or better yet, come on out to Portland to hang with us. Chapel Probation is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Discord ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for more conversation with all t…

1
Immaculate Vibes: The ins and outs of restaurant design with Preen Inc's Alexis Readinger 1:01:55

4M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

We’re joined today by Alexis Readinger, the founder of Preen Inc., an international award-winning hospitality architecture and design firm based right here in our City of Angels. Alexis walks us through her fascinating career designing some of Los Angeles’ most iconic dining rooms, from Michelin star establishments to beloved hot chicken powerhouse…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Angela Herrington- From Wesleyan to Deconstruction Author 1:13:38

4M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

You've probably heard of or seen Angela Herrington through her online events or the Faith Deconstruction Cafe on Facebook, and you might have wondered, what is her back story? Well here it is. Angela has a book due out Feb 20, How to Deconstruct Your Faith Without Losing Yourself, and she did time on Chapel Probation to tell her story of coming out…

1
Whiplash as 19 LA restaurants named James Beard semifinalists, but 94 LA Times reporters lose their jobs. Plus, the art of fast casual, with My Lai Kitchen's Traci and Shad Davis. 1:35:24

4M ago1:35:24

1:35:24

19 LA area restaurants are named James Beard Semifinalists while 94 journalists at The Los Angeles Times, including some food journalists, lose their jobs - needless to say, it’s been a week of high highs and low lows. Father Sal joins us to dissect it all. We have some fun, congratulatory chat about the amazing restaurants like Amiga Amore and Kuy…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Jon Turney- A Life of Searching for Truth 1:16:50

5M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Jon Turney is the co-host of the This Is Not Church podcast with his brother and previous Chapel Probation guest, Nat. He has written a novel, RJ the Astronaut, which is reminiscent of CS Lewis's science fiction work with a modern twist. Jon spent is youth and young adult life trying to find answers to his deep questions about life and faith, and t…

1
Who are the Justice 8? With L.A. Taco's Janette Villafana. Plus, The Bear wins big, certain restaurants behave badly, and Luca does Seacrest 52:14

4M ago52:14

52:14

We’re joined today by L.A. Taco’s Janette Villafana to discuss the ins and outs of the Justice 8. If you’ve been scrolling Los Angeles food news on social media or the web over the past few weeks, you may have seen the name “Justice 8” being tossed around. Who are the Justice 8 and what do they have to do with food? In a nutshell, the Justice 8 are…

1
Chapel Probation s3- The Sexvangelicals- Jeremiah and Julia 1:21:08

5M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

Christian colleges often tout their illustrious alumni who accomplish great things in the christian world. Jeremiah and Julia won't likely be listed in such lists for Abilene Christian or Calvin college. That's because they are licensed sex therapists who promote sexual wellbeing in all of its forms. Their podcast, the Sexvangelicals, is a great lo…

1
The Dreamer: Danny Castillo's journey to opening Heritage Barbecue and becoming one of So Cal's premier pitmasters 1:10:54

4M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

We’re joined by Danny Castillo, the pitmaster behind San Juan Capistrano’s Heritage Barbecue, one of Southern California’s premiere barbecue destinations. In recent years Heritage has earned the attention of the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants List, they’ve been named Restaurant of the Year by the OC Register, and they’ve even gained Michelin Bib Gou…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Justin Gentry- Former Pastor to Go Home, Bible, You're Drunk 1:20:10

5M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Another podcasting hero of mine, Justin Gentry, does time on Chapel Probation. He talks about his time at Indiana Wesleyan and his epic attempt at being a pastor before deciding his humanity and care of others were more important than his faith. After leaving fundamentalist christian faith, Justin has used his voice and perspective, teaming up with…

1
Announcing the 2024 Countdown. Plus, holiday recap, our food-related New Year's resolutions, and a Father Sal birthday surprise. 1:11:09

4M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

We’re flipping the script today and Father Sal will be interviewing me on today’s podcast. Why are we doing this? Well, today happens to be the day that I announce which type of food I’m focusing on for the 2024 Countdown, a.k.a. My annual expedition to try 100 different versions of a certain Los Angeles food. As a reminder, in 2021 I tackled pizza…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Esther Tseng- Food and Social Justice after Faith 1:14:38

5M ago1:14:38

1:14:38

Esther Tseng is a badass food blogger and writer who wrote the article, The Silence of My White Friends After Atlanta, back in 2021. She captured what a lot of us were feeling during a time when our AAPI community felt targeted by rabid, ignorant MAGA Trumpers. But before she became a renowned food writer and social justice advocate, Esther grew up…

1
The Best of The LA Food Podcast 2023, featuring Gilberto Cetina, Courtney Storer, Gustavo Arellano, Lien Ta, Jeremy Fox, Diego Argoti, Farley Elliott and more 1:09:14

5M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Believe it or not, it's already been one full year (and 50+ episodes!) of The LA Food Podcast. As we gear up for 2024, here's a compilation of some of our favorite moments from 2023. Happy New Year!Helpful links:Gilberto Cetina episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/34o2zYM6KVJHqu8D1q76bK?si=zAzzkHxoTAaUi5unZdV3XgDiego Argoti episode https://open…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Tim Mills- The Harmonic Atheist (BJU) 1:19:52

5M ago1:19:52

1:19:52

It may seem a little harsh to post an episode the day after xmas with the creator of the Harmonic Atheist youtube channel, it just kinda worked out that way. Tim Mills is a self-described atheist who, like so many others this season, devoted his life to absolute adherence to fundamentalist Christianity. But his quest for the truth ultimately led hi…

1
The Holiday Party! Feat. the definitive list of the best food lists of 2023 (look out, journalists!) and Merry Margaritas courtesy of Hornitos 55:53

6M ago55:53

55:53

Welcome to the first-ever LA Food Pod Holiday Party! Father Sal joins us to talk holiday plans and to try our hands at some festive mixology. We're making something called a Merry Margarita, brought to us by our friends at Hornitos. Will we like it? Will we hate it? Will you want to try making it for your holiday gathering? Listen to find out. But …

1
Chapel Probation s3- Ryan Mulkowski- IFB, Pensacola, Liberty to Loss of Faith 1:18:00

6M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Once again, we have someone who did everything humanly possible to be a devout, devoted christian only to walk away from fundamentalist, White nationalist christianity. Ryan Mulkowski, the host of the Some Random Thoughts podcast did time on Chapel Probation to share his story of coming up through the violent IFB cult to a soul-crushing semester at…

1
The Infatuation LA's Best New Restaurants of 2023, featuring Brant Cox and Sylvio Martins 1:08:12

6M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

We’re joined by Brant Cox and Sylvio Martins of The Infatuation LA to break down their list of the Best New Restaurants of 2023. They dropped this list a couple of weeks ago now, and it includes some truly stellar spots that have graced the LA dining scene this past year, such as Donna’s of Echo Park and Loreto of Frogtown. Brant and Sylvio walk us…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Jered- Simpson College to Social Justice Math 1:05:44

6M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Jered held on to his evangelical faith for dear life for a long time. But when he couldn't abide the racism, conservative politics, and weak teachings anymore, he just couldn't stay. To his credit. In our conversation, we talk about rampant nudity in the Simpson College boys dorms, problematic teachings in church, parenting, and...math? Yes, math. …

1
Chapel Probation s3- "Special K"- An Anonymous Listener Tells Her Story for the First Time 1:33:24

6M ago1:33:24

1:33:24

"K" had the unique experience of growing up Southern Baptist in Southern California. She went to UCLA fully intending to maintain her deeply held fundamentalist Christian faith and sought to fortify her faith by learning as much as she could from campus ministries and local churches. But K realized she was not satisfied with the answers to her ques…

1
Stop hating on The LA Times 101 Best Restaurants list. Plus, we argue about The Great British Bake Off, and why so many influencers are opening restaurants. 1:29:52

6M ago1:29:52

1:29:52

LA Times restaurant critic Bill Addison dropped his much-anticipated 101 Best Restaurants list on Tuesday and it’s set the internet abuzz with thoughts and reactions aplenty. Congratulations to all of the restaurants who made the list, I hope you’re all celebrating accordingly. I offer some high-level observations and perhaps a couple of nuggets of…

1
Chapel Probation s3- Kit- IBLP to SBC to Freedom 1:09:04

6M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Kathleen, aka Kit, will tell you she was infantilized by her parents from time her family entered the IBLP world until she was in her early 20's. In the patriarchal, abusive, and oppressive world of IBLP, going to a Southern Baptist Convention college was a breath of fresh...er air. Freshness being relative in this metaphor, Kit, found freedom in S…

1
Why Chef Jeremy Fox won't serve lamb to Alain Passard. Plus, stories on Rustic Canyon, Birdie G's, and earning a Michelin star. 58:04

6M ago58:04

58:04

Chef Jeremy Fox is best known in Los Angeles for helming the widely acclaimed restaurants Rustic Canyon and Birdie G’s. He joins us to walk through his illustrious career, from his days at David Kinch’s Manresa in Los Gatos, to earning a Michelin star for a vegetarian restaurant attached to a yoga studio in Napa Valley. He talks about how an impoun…

1
Thanksgiving Special: Meals we're grateful for in 2023. Plus holiday gift guide "cop or drop," Pakistani excellence, Tate McRae mediocrity, and a GOAT-level list from the New York Times. 1:00:25

7M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Today’s episode is all about gratitude. For our main course today, I’m joined by Father Sal to reminisce on the meals that we feel most grateful for in 2023. And although yes, there are tales of surf n turf burritos, roasted bone marrow gnocchi, and pizza so good that it haunts my dreams to this day, it’s really a conversation a…

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