Cooking By Heart with Chris Sarandon

In this episode, award winning chef Rocco DiSpirito talks about his high spirited Italian family, 1st food adventures, his chef training at 16, & work in Europe with great chefs. He also speaks about his famous restaurants & answers questions from our live audience about his brilliant new cookbook, ‘Everyday Delicious. A fun & informative episode!

In this episode, Oscar Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Brad Dourif describes a bland culinary childhood diet until a wonderful cook joined his family and describes the southern cooking at his boarding school. Moving to NYC, he lived on fast food, became a movie actor (and the voice of Chucky!) and has, thanks to his actress daughter, moved on to cooking and eating a splendidly healthy diet. A fascinating conversation with this multitalented actor.

In this episode, singer/songwriter/producer/former record exec Billy Mann talks about his educated mother's moderate quality but volume-heavy cooking, formal meals with grandma (and her giant meat pies), his after-college road busking tour living in his car with Mom's gift of many cans of Chef Boyardee spaghetti while he discovered America and it's food...and his world travels as a record executive and those many culinary awakenings. These stories and more from this fabulously accomplished musician and former music mogul! Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, actress Catherine Hicks talks about growing up in the desert with her mother's indifferent cooking (and great desserts) but revels in her parents' glamorous cocktail hour finery. She further describes her rocket-like rise as an actress in New York and Hollywood, and frankly discusses the difficulty balancing work and family life while on the long-running series '7th Heaven'...and working with Chucky in freezing Chicago on the original 'Child's Play'! Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, legendary Broadway producer Emanuel “Manny” Azenberg and I discuss his Bronx upbringing, his mother’s relentless cabbage and chicken soups, eating out in delis, and food and making friends for life in the army. We talk about his Broadway intro working for David Merrick, and a softball game with Neil Simon that led to producing 20 of Simon’s plays (while also producing Sondheim & Stoppard and “Rent”). Producer of 65 Broadway shows, with 8 Tony awards. An amazing career! Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, Federal Judge Goodwin offers up memories of a small-town childhood, his mother's cinnamon rolls, and a kitchen helper's amazing homemade bread. He also talks about his serendipitous entry into the law, and being mentored by the legendary Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd (with great stories from Byrd about Richard Nixon). Food and politics are a potent combination in this fascinating episode. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode Rick Nielsen, co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Cheap Trick tells of his working parents and growing up eating almost exclusively in restaurants, and flying with his parents to 48 states while sampling local food. He also tells of his early days as a touring musician, and discovering Japanese food while being lionized in that country. A unique and sometime hilarious conversation with an eccentric and 'permanently jet-lagged' musician. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, veteran child and character actor Clint Howard talks about his normal, happy childhood growing up in an acting family, his mother's fondness for serving canned vegetables, and acting with a PB&J sandwich at the age of 2 on the Andy Griffith Show. And he relates that both his and his bother Ron's earnings were saved for their future by their parents, who never spent on themselves. Howard's journey through over 60 years of show business is a fascinating view of a lifetime of Hollywood history and, of course, of tinsel town food. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, Food Channel Star, Chef, and Author Carla Hall talks about her parent's cooking, her grandmother's Sunday divine skillet cornbread, and her family's weekly haul of that day's leftovers. She also relates her journey from accountant, to model, to caterer, to chef, to her current status as cookbook author, Food Channel Chef, and host of her upcoming MAX TV series. A lively and informative conversation with a remarkable woman. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, actor/director/producer LeVar Burton talks about his army family's time in Germany, his mother's cooking, and his grandmother's farm fresh food juxtaposed with the 'horrendous' food at the seminary where he studied. He also relates how his travels to Asia and Africa spurred marvelous food discoveries. A stimulating and humorous conversation with this multi-talented, Renaissance man. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode of 'Cooking By Heart,' long-time show business actress/producer Lucie Arnaz talks about growing up with famous working parents, having meals made by the family’s help and by her grandmother, followed by weekends with father Desi’s improvisational Cuban cooking and her mother Lucy’s basic All-American, health-conscious cuisine, fun family picnics, and dining out at exotic LA eateries. She bravely recounts her early culinary mistakes when she moved from home as a teen and then she catered the wedding dinner for her first marriage! Later she made a point of cooking with her kids and continues culinary traditions with her love of making meals with friends and the community it brings. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, the inimitable Tony Todd talks about his being raised in Hartford, CT by his extraordinary Aunt Clara, whom he watched cook with both Jamaican and South Carolinian influences. He remembers watching and discussing classic films with her after dinner and loved the city's fish sandwiches and Italian grinders. He talks about discovering Shakespeare at 13, the great teacher who set him on his acting path as an actor, his first forays into cooking, and his many culinary adventures as he has traveled the world. An affectionate and stimulating conversation with this celebrated stage, film, and TV actor. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

Join the inimitable Melissa Gilbert and me as we discuss her unusual childhood food experiences, her growing up on television, and her becoming a hardworking Hollywood icon. She’s a brilliant life force who now facilitates empowering ‘evolving’ women. @OfficialModernPrarie @MelissaGilbertOfficial Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, “High Cuisine” creator & Michelin-trained Chef Noah Tucker talks about growing up in NYC in a mixed Jewish/African-American Family, resulting in some unique and hilarious growing-up food stories. Now a successful restaurateur in Amsterdam, he contrasts the every day “drugs” we all consume, such as caffeine and sugar, with his current passion for cooking conventional haute cuisine that incorporates cannabis and naturally occurring psychoactive substances. Noah is a Ted X speaker and co-created a Dutch documentary TV series, “High Cuisine.” Tune in to this wonderfully articulate, humorous, and illuminating conversation. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, Kelli O’Hara, whom the NY Times calls Broadway’s undisputed queen, remembers her teacher mom making comfort food for a busy farming family, her mom’s loving attitude at Kelli’s being a chubby kid, and helping mom make exciting tailgate meals during harvest time. Kelli also talks about school classmates fighting over attendance at her grandma’s copious homemade lunches, prepping dinner at 8 years old until her mom came home, and proudly making a nearly raw burger for her father. As a Broadway musical leading actress in New York, she also tells of a lavish farm-style opening-night meal for the cast that she and her mom made using beef from their farm. Join me and this remarkable artist and woman as she revisits her experiences as a child and adult, remembering that the comfort of food is a gift. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-

In this episode of Cooking By Heart, the prolific and critically acclaimed Director Mike Flanagan talks about growing up in a military family, his childhood aversions to food and his mother’s efforts to circumvent them, his discovery of sushi, his youthful stabs at filmmaking, his discovery of his life‘s work as a Director, staging food scenes in his movies, and his unique, very personal approach to a successful career in the horror genre. A sometimes humorous and very humanistic conversation with a master filmmaker. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode Diane English, multiple Writers Guild Award and Emmy Award winner and creator of numerous half hour comedy shows including ‘Murphy Brown,’ talks about growing up in a mixed Italian-English family, fish Fridays, traditional Italian Christmases and English Easters, and the family’s English master bakers. She remembers discovering Jewish food with her best friend, and, later, her determination to become a writer. Moving to New York City, with no phone in a one room apartment, led to writing jobs on WNET, writing awards, and ultimately ‘Murphy Brown’ with great stories about the show’s creation and its major influence on the culture. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, Oscar winner and social activist Susan Sarandon talks about chaos at meals with & younger siblings, countless tuna casseroles, spam, and pasta from an overwhelmed mother who grew up in foster care, her father's Thanksgiving cooking, and "running away from home" at 7 yrs old (and no one noticed!). Susan & and Chris reminisce about their potluck BY wedding, their early cooking disasters, and their stab at being vegetarians. Susan then relates about later years living and cooking with her children in Italy, "bossy cook” friends during the pandemic, having weird cats, and what her current life is like, including her getting arrested and demonstrating recently on behalf of fair treatment for restaurant workers. Stand by for a frank and delicious discussion with this extraordinary woman! Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this episode, actor/performer/writer/Sirius XM host and Unofficial Broadway encyclopedia Seth Rudetsky talks about his mom’s TV dinners and Jewish/Israeli specialties, his father’s barbequing, his sister’s vegan cooking, heated story competitions at the dinner table, and his family’s outdoor camping/cooking. He reveals growing up gay and overweight, and navigating the dichotomy of being bullied and feeling smarter than his tormentors. He also remembers being obsessed with Broadway at a young age, becoming a piano virtuoso, and the present and ongoing joy of gathering friends for amplification-free singing around the piano. Seth takes us on an often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking journey through his fascinating culinary and musical life. Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q

In this season 1 finale episode PBS TV chef/restaurateur/author Lidia Bastianich reminisces about her idyllic hometown, her Italian family being forced to flee a new Slavic Communist government, 2 years in a refugee camp, and immigration to America. Settling in Queens, NY, as she grows from a Queens restaurant owner to a culinary star by being true to the flavors of her youthful homeland. A wise, funny, remarkable woman! Don't forget to follow all of the social media! @Sarandon_Chris on Twitter @TheOfficialChrisSarandon on Instagram Chris Sarandon on Facebook www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarandon Subscribe on Youtube at https://youtube.com/shorts/-vGUyj0TK-Q