Episodes

  • Bread and Television: A Producer's Perspective with Jim Serpico

    Bread and Television: A Producer's Perspective with Jim Serpico
    Nov 13 2023
    On this episode of Bread For the People, host Jim Serpico takes a break from his usual interview format and shares a personal reflection on the end of the Screen Actors Guild strike. As a successful television producer who has worked on hit shows such as Rescue Me and Maron, Jim offers unique insight into the physical and mental demands of both the entertainment and bread-making industries. He shares details about his career journey and future plans for his businesses. Tune in for this insightful and candid conversation about the intersection of art, commerce, and passion.
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    23 mins
  • Mixing Tradition and Inspiration: Travis Gerjets's Bread-Making Adventure

    Mixing Tradition and Inspiration: Travis Gerjets's Bread-Making Adventure
    Nov 6 2023
    Be captivated by the heartfelt journey of bread maker and founder of Prairie Sky Breads Travis Gerjets, in this week's episode of the Bread For the People Podcast. Join host Jim Serpico as he delves into Travis's inspiring story of how a unique soup kitchen experience in Liverpool sparked a passion for baking bread like his beloved grandmother. Travis's desire to preserve family recipes and spend valuable time with his grandmother led him down an extraordinary path.

    Discover how Travis's passion for bread-making brought him to the bustling farmers market scene in Minot, North Dakota, where he initially knew no one. Tune in as Travis shares how the farmers market became more than just a venue for selling bread; it became a lifeline, building connections and opening up a whole new world for him.

    Follow along as Travis recounts the heartwarming tales of loyal customers who have journeyed with him since the beginning and how his bread became a genuine bridge into people's lives. Uncover the power of conversations around his homemade bread, forging meaningful connections with familiar faces, and transforming the new place into a welcoming home.

    Immerse yourself in the enchanting routine of Prairie Sky Breads' early mornings along with bakers Zack Schueller and Ramanda Nash, the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread, and the joy of receiving positive customer feedback. Travis and his team's passion, resilience, and ability to find community through bread will leave you inspired and eager to savor the next chapter of his remarkable journey.

    Don't miss this captivating episode of the Bread For the People Podcast, where Travis's extraordinary story will touch your heart and remind you of the incredible power of food and connection.
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    47 mins
  • Sandi Smith - Mixing Passion and Purpose with Sandi's Breads

    Sandi Smith - Mixing Passion and Purpose with Sandi's Breads
    Oct 30 2023
    Join host Jim Serpico as he unleashes his passion for all things bread in this delectable episode of Bread For the People. Get ready to be captivated by the story of Sandy Smith, the co-founder of Sandi's Breads based in Palmyra, PA.

    Sandy, along with her talented husband Tom, creates magic in their bakery, crafting European artisan breads and pastries that will make your taste buds dance. Prepare to be inspired as you learn about Sandy's humble beginnings, starting in their home kitchen where she milled grain and baked while homeschooling their four children. The demand for her wholesome, whole-grain baked goods soon outgrew the confines of their kitchen, propelling them to venture into a commercial location. From there, they embarked on an incredible journey, showcasing their delectable treats at seasonal markets before finally settling into their very own bakery situated in the Farmstead Farmer's Market, a bustling year-round indoor market.

    Discover the heart and soul behind Sandi's Breads as Sandy shares her incredible baking expertise, from a single variety of bread in 2002 to a mouth-watering repertoire of 40 varieties today. Immerse yourself in the process of developing these delectable recipes, where every loaf is a labor of love and commitment to quality.

    Get ready to be swept away by the tantalizing array of pastries and baked goods that Sandy and Tom have meticulously perfected. From the heavenly sandwich and slider rolls made using their signature Honey Whole Wheat bread to an endless variety of irresistible options, you won't be able to resist sinking your teeth into their heavenly concoctions.
    Tune in to Bread For the People to hear the remarkable story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of bread perfection. So grab your favorite loaf, prepare to be tempted, and join us for a captivating episode with the remarkable duo behind Sandi's Breads, where good taste and community meet.
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    42 mins
  • Kelly Carlin - Avoiding Society's Culture Trap - REPLAY

    Kelly Carlin - Avoiding Society's Culture Trap - REPLAY
    Oct 23 2023
    Join Jim Serpico on a journey of self-reflection, laughter, and enlightenment as he sits down with the one and only Kelly Carlin. They'll explore the meaning of life (no, really), discuss ego and meditation, dive into the challenges of growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest comedians of all time - George Carlin, and even dish on getting laughs (because isn't that the point of life anyway?).

    But wait, there's more! They'll also share their insights on Gary Shandling, Jungian Psychology, and the power of mythology. Plus, they'll explore the powerful rollercoaster of moving in and out of flow, managing anxiety, and how to keep yourself motivated even when you're feeling stuck.

    As if that's not enough to pique your interest, Kelly Carlin herself is a Life Coach and Public Speaker, so prepare to be inspired, motivated, and transformed! Don't miss this episode that's sure to make you laugh, think, and maybe even question your entire existence (in a good way, of course).


    Follow Bread For the People on Instagram at @jimserpico and on Facebook @jimserpicobreadforhtepepolepod.
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    51 mins
  • Rebecca Firkser - Food Media Reimagined - REPLAY

    Rebecca Firkser - Food Media Reimagined - REPLAY
    Oct 16 2023
    Jim Serpico speaks with Rebecca Firkser, a Brooklyn-based writer, recipe developer, and food stylist. They talk about developing recipes for cookbooks and websites, being on set for a food photography shoot, Taylor Ham, the world of food media, and the job of a recipe tester.

    Follow Jim Serpico on Instagram at @jimserpico and @sidehustlebread. Follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccafirkser and at www.rebeccafirkser.com.
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    49 mins
  • Jeanette Candido of The Granola Plant: Food Trucks and Farmers Markets

    Jeanette Candido of The Granola Plant: Food Trucks and Farmers Markets
    Oct 10 2023
    Before Jim interviews Jeanette Candido, the founder of The Granola Plant, he gives you a status update on his mobile food trailer.

    Jim spoke with Jeanette, an artisan granola producer and distributor known for her Gluten-free, oil-free, and processed sugar-free products about selling at various Farmer's Markets around Long Island, New York. Jeanette is someone Jim trusts to share resources and experiences. If you dream of becoming a vendor at a Farmer’s Market, maybe their conversation will inspire you. Or maybe it will deter you.

    Follow Jim Serpico on Instagram: @sidehustlebread and @jimserpico
    Follow Jeanette Candido on Instagram: @TheGranolaPlant
    Subscribe to Bread For the People on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bread-for-the-people/id1617829952
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    50 mins
  • Auntie Anne's: Beyond Pretzels - A Delicious Story of Family, Community, and Success

    Auntie Anne's: Beyond Pretzels - A Delicious Story of Family, Community, and Success
    Oct 2 2023
    Auntie Anne's: Beyond Pretzels - A Delicious Story of Family, Community, and SuccessJoin me, Jim Serpico, on Bread For the People as I sit down with the legendary Auntie Anne's Pretzel founder, Anne Beiler, for an intimate and heartwarming interview.

    In this episode, we dive deep into Anne's fascinating journey from being a humble farmers market vendor, just like me, to revolutionizing the pretzel industry with her iconic Auntie Anne's brand. But there's more to Anne's story than just pretzels.

    Growing up in an Amish family in Pennsylvania, Anne shares with us the values instilled in her by her tight-knit community. We explore her unique bond with her parents and seven siblings, gathering for three meals daily and creating cherished memories around the table.

    Anne's latest venture, her cookbook "Come To the Table," celebrates her family's rich history and traditions. Through this culinary journey, she shares the authentic recipes that shaped her upbringing and were passed down through generations. From hearty farm-fresh meals to irresistible baked goodies, we uncover the secrets behind these beloved dishes.

    Prepare to be inspired by Anne's remarkable story as she built a successful business and maintained a deep connection to her roots.

    Follow Jim Serpico on Instagram: @sidehustlebread and @jimserpico
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    56 mins
  • The Dough of the Wise: A Conversation with a Mafia-Linked Bakery Investor and a Comedy Genius

    The Dough of the Wise: A Conversation with a Mafia-Linked Bakery Investor and a Comedy Genius
    Sep 25 2023
    Join host Jim Serpico as he welcomes an infamous Mafioso introduced only as “Tony.” Tony is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur who credits his own success due to his unique “management” style.. Jim expresses his surprise to be talking to Tony, stating that he had no idea the guest was still around. They have a casual conversation about Tony's whereabouts and what he's been up to in recent years. Tony reveals that he's been "hiding out on the down low." They also discuss bread preferences and Tony denies the notion that he only cares about the business model and not the quality of the bread in his investments. In the second half of this episode, Jim talks with actor, writer, and comedian Nicky Petito about what it’s like to be a working comedian, penetrating the movie business, and how Nick uses his gift and ability to mimic voices to prank people.

    Follow Jim Serpico on Instagram: @sidehustlebread and @jimserpico
    Follow Nicky Petito on Instagram: @nickypetito
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    36 mins