Eating History – Details, episodes & analysis

Join us on episode one of Eating History as we explore the fascinating origins of pizza. Hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Stephen Bailey start at the very beginning. Discover how this beloved dish evolved from ancient flatbreads to a global icon. Topics Covered: The beginnings of flatbread in ancient Persia Pizza's evolution through Roman and Middle Eastern cultures The introduction of tomatoes to Europe and their impact Stories of early pizza vendors in Naples How a royal decree helped popularize pizza worldwide Perfect for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike, this episode uncovers the rich history behind every slice.

In episode two of Eating History, hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Stephen Bailey continue the saga of Pizza’s origins. Discover the intriguing story of how pizza evolved from a simple Neapolitan street food to a symbol of Italian identity. Was it truly a royal favorite, or just a clever marketing tale?  Topics Covered: The legendary story of Queen ’s pizza Pizza as a symbol of Italian pride The iconic tomato, mozzarella, and basil combo How migration spread pizza globally Perfect for food enthusiasts and history lovers, this episode uncovers the fascinating origins of pizza and its journey to becoming a global icon.

Every bite has a backstory. Welcome to Eating History, the podcast that serves up the wild, scandalous, and mouth-watering tales behind the foods that changed the world. Join Michelin-starred chef and Top Chef runner-up Adrienne Cheatham and her husband, history buff Stephen Bailey, as they pair elite culinary expertise with epic historical deep-dives. For Season 1, we’re slicing into the ultimate global obsession: Pizza. Discover how a dirt-cheap street food from the back alleys of Naples conquered the globe, sparked endless fiery debates, and built a multi-billion-dollar empire. Along the way, you’ll cross paths with emperors, immigrants, hustlers, chefs, and royalty—the fascinating people who turned food into history. Grab a seat at the table. New episodes drop every Wednesday!

In episode three of Eating History, hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Stephen Bailey follow pizza across the Atlantic as it makes its way from the streets of Naples to the immigrant neighborhoods of New York City. Discover how pioneers like Gennaro Lombardi helped transform pizza from a quick street snack into a sit-down dining experience, setting the stage for America's pizza obsession. Topics Covered: Gennaro Lombardi and the birth of New York's early pizzerias The surprising ingredient differences between Italy and the United States Pizza's evolution in New Haven, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and beyond The role of pizzerias as community gathering places How World War II helped spark America's pizza craze The rise of regional pizza styles across the United States From New York storefronts to regional styles across the Americas, this episode follows the fascinating evolution of pizza as it finds new identities far from Naples.

In episode four of Eating History, hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Stephen Bailey dive into one of pizza’s greatest debates: how did America’s regional pizza styles emerge, and why do people defend them so fiercely? From wartime Chicago to the factories of Detroit, they explore the innovators who transformed pizza from an immigrant tradition into a distinctly American phenomenon. Topics Covered: The origins of Chicago deep dish pizza The partnership that launched Pizzeria Uno How deep dish challenged conventional ideas of what pizza could be The key differences between Chicago and New York pizza The rise of Detroit-style pizza and its automotive roots Regional pizza identities and rivalries across America The growth of pizza franchising and commercialization The tension between preserving tradition and expanding access From deep dish pioneers to Detroit innovators, this episode uncovers the personalities, business decisions, and cultural forces that helped shape America's pizza landscape, and sparked debates that are still raging today.

In episode five of Eating History, Adrienne and Stephen explore the battle that changed pizza forever. What happens when a beloved local food becomes a national business? From a small pizza shop founded by two brothers in Kansas to the rise of massive restaurant chains, this episode examines how franchising transformed pizza from a regional specialty into one of the world's most recognizable foods. Topics Covered: The founding stories of Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and more How franchising revolutionized the pizza business The shift from regional pizza traditions to standardized products Why chain restaurants made pizza accessible across America The rise of Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Little Caesars The ongoing tension between independent pizzerias and national chains The birth and growth of the frozen pizza industry Pizza's surprising journey back to northern Italy How pizza became a truly global food From neighborhood pizzerias to international corporations, this episode traces the business innovations, cultural shifts, and entrepreneurial gambles that turned pizza into a worldwide phenomenon.