The Dave Chang Show

Cord Jefferson, Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer-director who moved from journalism to film and TV, joins to talk curiosity and career meandering. They discuss a nostalgic Chicken Divan, a memorable Las Vegas week, and how trying things (and learning what you dislike) shapes creativity. Conversations touch on American Fiction, awards pressure, and cooking as an act of love.

Chris Ying, food writer and editor with deep knowledge of Southern cuisine, drops by to chat New Orleans food culture. They debate gumbo versus jambalaya, trace Cajun and Creole roots, and argue why New Orleans may be America’s most distinctive food city. They end with a rapid atlas of must-eat spots in the city.

Chris Ying, food writer and founder of Lucky Peach, joins for a shabu-shabu cook-along and wide-ranging food talk. They explore shabu-shabu basics, a sesame dipping sauce, and debates over fish balls. Conversation shifts to San Francisco dining, Chef Corey Lee’s precision and Benu’s storytelling, and why certain restaurants demand full attention.

David Ma, a director who turned food filmmaking into a signature craft, joins to talk shop. He discusses leaving advertising to make bold food films. They cover motion-focused tabletop shooting, shooting on iPhone with intention, embracing perfect imperfection, craft services and on-set snacks, Japan dining rituals, and playful director-homage food films.

A crunchy primer on dried squid as a snack and a potential future protein as cephalopods increase in the oceans. A playful product pitch imagining seasoned squid jerky hitting grocery shelves. A quick gochujang-sweet recipe demo and texture-focused tasting. Practical tips for eating well on short trips, including how to choose repeat meals when time is tight.

David Meyer, Majordomo Media producer and participant in the conversation game. Chris Ying, food writer and Recipe Club host, aka a sharp cultural commentator. They spar over whether Chinese chicken salad is authentic or offensive. They play a new Inappropriate Dinner Conversations game that surfaces awkward confessions, debates about faith, social media slips, tipping etiquette, and wellness trends.

He reinvents jangjorim, turning a modest Korean side into a potential main and soup. Techniques on choosing and braising chuck roast and debates about blanching and egg doneness. Practical tips on rice washing, soak ratios, and sweet potato noodles. Deep dives into jang sauces, mu versus daikon, pressure-cooker stocks, preservation nostalgia, and surprising picks for a dream last meal companion.

A maker recreates a two-ingredient childhood potato dish and a sweet baked potato ritual tied to family memories. Stories jump from a Milan white truffle dinner to cultural takes on unusual ingredients. Techniques for grating, extracting starch, and pan-frying small jeon are shown. A simple scallion-garlic soy dip is made, and reflections explore how scarcity and culture shape what we value in food.

Bill Simmons, founder and CEO of The Ringer and cultural sports commentator. They spar over dry-aged versus wet-aged steak and cooking techniques. Bill reveals his “secret” about team-first success and talent spotting. They debate the top American chefs and whether filmmakers can be great without filming food.

Jacob Soboroff, an MSNBC correspondent and author of 'Firestorm,' shares his poignant experiences with the Los Angeles fires from both a personal and professional perspective. He reminisces about family gatherings tied to a comforting lettuce cup dish, which helps him process the emotional toll of the fires. The discussion dives into the devastating effects of climate change on future disasters, a comparison of living in LA versus New York, and Jacob's journey into journalism. Their banter is both insightful and entertaining, highlighting the unique dynamics of each city.