• 10 BEST PODCASTS OF THE YEAR
  • New York Times
  • BEST FOOD PODCAST
  • James Beard Awards
  • Webby Awards
  • 10 BEST PODCASTS OF THE YEAR
  • New York Times
  • BEST FOOD PODCAST
  • James Beard Awards & Webby Awards

Tom Papa Quit Vegetarianism After One Visit To An Italian Deli

Posted by

Jan 26, 2026
Tom Papa Quit Vegetarianism After One Visit To An Italian Deli

Veteran comic Tom Papa’s love of food began as a kid, when his dad recruited him for over-the-top food challenges — including eating a massive steak that won Tom a t-shirt. As an adult he became obsessed with bread baking after his daughter gave him a sourdough starter for Christmas. Tom explains how baking bread is like comedy, and what his fridge says about his current stage of life. Plus, he and Dan indulge in one of Tom’s favorite pairings: wine and potato chips.

Find Tom Papa's upcoming tour dates and check out his collection of bread baking tools. Also, Simply Wine in Manhattan is having a special tasting inspired by this episode! More info on their Instagram.

The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell.

Interstitial music in this episode by Black Label Music:

  • "Get Your Shoes On" by Will Van De Crommert
  • "Mars Casino" by Jake Luck and Collin Weiland
  • "Feedbacker" by Jack Ventimiglia
  • "Feel Real Good" by Will Van De Crommert
  • "Sugar And Spice" by Hayley Briasco
  • "Playful Rhodes" by Stephen Sullivan
  • "Young And Free" by Cullen Fitzpatrick

Photo courtesy of Dan Pashman

Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

Filed under //                                         

comments powered by Disqus