I Changed My Mind with Dan Souza
I Changed My Mind with Dan Souza
America's Test Kitchen
What does it really take to change your mind? Sometimes it’s a life-altering “aha” moment. Other times, it’s three dishes and a chef who refuses to quit. On this show, America’s Test Kitchen’s Dan Souza puts change to the test—one ingredient at a time. Each episode, he sits down with a celebrity guest for a candid conversation about the pivotal moments that shaped them, while serving them three different dishes, all built around an ingredient or food they hate.  Three attempts. No easy outs. Can Dan get his guests to change their minds?
Rick Bayless vs. Celery
Rick Bayless is celebrating 40 years of his restaurant, Frontera Grill and a lifetime of avoiding celery. In this episode, Dan puts three creative dishes to the test, hoping to change the mind of this restaurateur legend. Along the way, Rick recounts how a childhood in his family's Oklahoma barbecue joint shaped his love of cooking, the trip to Mexico City that changed his life, why he still stands at the front door of his restaurant every day before opening, and the advice from Jacques Pépin that he's never forgotten. Will Dan's dishes be enough to turn this lifelong skeptic? 
Aug 27
37 min
Neil DeGrasse Tyson vs. Yogurt
Neil deGrasse Tyson questions everything—except maybe his hatred of yogurt. Dan puts three wildly different yogurt dishes to the test, hoping to change the mind of the evidence-based astrophysicist. Along the way, Neil reveals how the Hayden Planetarium sparked his career, why the kitchen is everyone’s first laboratory, what evidence it would take to prove aliens exist, and why he’d still love to be abducted by one. Will Dan finally crack the case for yogurt? Recipes Mentioned:  Zucchini Chips with Taziki Tanabour (Armenian Yogurt and Barley Soup) Ginger Frozen Yogurt with Salted Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies
Aug 13
31 min
Eddie Huang vs. Licorice
Chef, writer, and director Eddie Huang takes on the candy he’s spent a lifetime avoiding as Dan serves up three bold takes on licorice. Between bites, Eddie reveals the movie that reshaped his childhood, how a brutal New York Times review helped launch his bestselling memoir and hit TV series Fresh Off the Boat, and why writing his novel Coming Undone proved an even bigger challenge than writing his memoir. Recipes Mentioned: Chocolate Guinness Cake with Malted Cream Cheese Frosting Braised New Mexico–Style Pork in Red Chile Sauce (Carne Adovada) Licorice No-Churn Ice Cream
Jul 30
40 min
Braun Strowman vs. Green Peas
Wrestling and strongman legend Braun Strowman steps into the ring to face his ultimate culinary nemesis: green peas. As Dan puts Braun through three pea-packed dishes, the conversation gets surprisingly personal. Braun opens up about why he’s grateful to the bullies who shaped him, how he turns adversity into fuel for success, and why hosting Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman is his latest title-worthy role. Recipes Mentioned: Creamy Pea Soup with Crab and Crème Fraîche Lemony Pea and Pistachio Pesto (from this recipe)
Jul 16
41 min
Phoebe Robinson vs. Peas
Comedian and writer Phoebe Robinson challenges Dan to change her mind about green peas—her least favorite food. Between bites, Phoebe shares how grit and optimism carried her through the years before fame, reflects on her time on the cult-hit TV show Portlandia, and reveals what she eats on the road as she gears up for her next comedy tour, Feral & Fired Up! Recipes Mentioned: Spring Pea Salad   Keema Matar served with basmati rice Crispy Pea Fritters
Jul 2
35 min
Rocco DiSpirito vs. Arugula
James Beard Award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito sits down with Dan Souza to confront his culinary nemesis: arugula. Along the way, Rocco shares the gritty story behind his culinary rise—from getting his first restaurant job at age 11 to chasing a legendary three-star review, navigating the intense spotlight of reality TV fame, and rediscovering what matters most through time spent caring for his mother. Recipes Mentioned: Arugula Falafel Roquette Cocktail
Jun 18
33 min
Kardea Brown vs. Olives
Dan welcomes chef, caterer, and cookbook author Kardea Brown to talk about her Gullah Geechee roots, her unlikely path to food TV, and the obstacles she’s overcome along the way. But there’s one challenge she still can’t get past: olives. Can Dan finally change Kardea’s mind? Recipes Mentioned: Green Olive Tapenade on a crostini Cheddar Olives New Orleans Muffulettas
Jun 4
33 min
José Andrés vs. “Bad Food”
Chef and humanitarian José Andrés will eat just about anything—except bad food. So instead of changing his mind, Dan serves up three classic tapas that tell the story of José’s homeland, Spain. Along the way, José shares memories from his culinary journey, from his acclaimed restaurants to his food relief work with World Central Kitchen, and shares an unforgettable bratwurst incident at a Washington Wizards game. Dishes Mentioned: Manzanilla & Gordal Olives Semicurado Manchego Jamón Ibérico
May 21
27 min
Brooke Shields vs. Oregano
Actress, entrepreneur, and icon Brooke Shields is a lifelong oregano skeptic, and puts her palate to the test as Dan serves her three dishes to win her over. Between bites, Brooke opens up about not being a confident cook, a surreal health scare, and embracing her “give zero f*cks” era.  Recipes Mentioned: Horiatiki Salata (Hearty Greek Salad) Seared Steak with Chimichurri Sauce French Bread Pizza
May 7
31 min
Valerie Bertinelli vs. Oysters
Description: In this episode, actress Valerie Bertinelli sits down with Dan Souza to face her longtime nemesis: oysters. As she bravely tackles raw oysters, a rich Oysters Rockefeller, and a crispy po’boy sandwich, Valerie opens up about a year of loss, healing, and writing her book, Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect.  Recipes Mentioned: Raw Oyster with Mignonette Granité Oysters Rockefeller Oyster Po' Boy
Apr 23
28 min
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