Episode
#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
1:41:26
Published: Wed Jun 17 2015
Description
Sam Kass almost became a pro baseball player. Instead, he pivoted a history major into becoming the private chef for the Obamas in the White House. He then broke into national nutrition policy and was named #11 on Fast Company magazine's 2011 list of "100 Most Creative People" for his work, which focused on establishing private-sector partnerships to reduce childhood obesity to just 5% by 2030. His story is amazing, his career turns are unexpected, and his trials by fire are hilarious. In this conversation, we talk about: - Baseball and the art of fielding - His odd leap to the culinary world and his escapades in Austria - How he met the Obamas - His favorite books, routines, and breakfast eggs - Simple cooking tricks and common mistakes - Nutrition, top-soil depletion, and organic food - Why he doesn’t like black pepper - And much, much more... Show notes (links, resources, books, etc.) for this episode can be found at fourhourworkweek.com/podcast And...please visit the sponsors for this episode! I've used them both. Mizzen + Main makes the only “dress” shirts I now travel with — fancy enough for important dinners but made from athletic, sweat-wicking material. No more ironing, no more steaming, no more hassle. Click here to see the exact shirts I wear most often. 99Designs is the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body, which hit #1 New York Times. Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run… ***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
In this episode, the concept of optimal minimalism is discussed, exploring how having less can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life.
00:00 - 00:41 (00:41)
Summary
In this episode, the concept of optimal minimalism is discussed, exploring how having less can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show deconstructs world-class performers to help listeners improve their own lives by adopting their tricks, habits, routines and recommendations.
00:41 - 05:28 (04:47)
Summary
The Tim Ferriss Show deconstructs world-class performers to help listeners improve their own lives by adopting their tricks, habits, routines and recommendations. Athletic Greens is currently offering a special deal that includes a free vitamin D supplement and five free travel packs with your first subscription purchase.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Two hosts discuss their personal preferences for coffee and share their tips for making perfect soft scrambled eggs.
05:28 - 08:55 (03:27)
Summary
Two hosts discuss their personal preferences for coffee and share their tips for making perfect soft scrambled eggs.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Former baseball player shares his experience of pursuing his passion and how to mentally prepare for success without carrying the baggage of past failures.
08:55 - 12:46 (03:50)
Summary
Former baseball player shares his experience of pursuing his passion and how to mentally prepare for success without carrying the baggage of past failures.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The guest speaker talks about how they transitioned from a rigorous baseball background to attending culinary school to ultimately founding a tech start-up.
12:46 - 19:12 (06:26)
Summary
The guest speaker talks about how they transitioned from a rigorous baseball background to attending culinary school to ultimately founding a tech start-up. They had always loved food, ultimately leading them to pursue culinary school, but a passion for technology and business led them to the start-up world.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A skilled cook who had been out of the kitchen for years returns and surprises his colleagues by taking charge.
19:12 - 23:01 (03:48)
Summary
A skilled cook who had been out of the kitchen for years returns and surprises his colleagues by taking charge.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Two guys cook under pressure in a small space, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm in high-pressure situations.
23:01 - 29:00 (05:59)
Summary
Two guys cook under pressure in a small space, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm in high-pressure situations.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Tarragon is a great ingredient to add flavor to different dishes.
29:01 - 34:26 (05:25)
Summary
Tarragon is a great ingredient to add flavor to different dishes. It can be used in a seafood pasta, as a rub on pork, or on steak to add a special touch of flavor.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their experience of reconnecting with an old acquaintance who became the First Lady, and their own journey of pursuing their culinary dreams through private chef services and potentially opening a restaurant in Chicago.
34:26 - 40:20 (05:54)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of reconnecting with an old acquaintance who became the First Lady, and their own journey of pursuing their culinary dreams through private chef services and potentially opening a restaurant in Chicago.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The topsoil in certain areas of the US has significantly decreased due to monocrops, and a new symbolic garden has been created, reminiscent of Eleanor Roosevelt's Victory Garden during WW2.
40:20 - 45:52 (05:31)
Summary
The topsoil in certain areas of the US has significantly decreased due to monocrops, and a new symbolic garden has been created, reminiscent of Eleanor Roosevelt's Victory Garden during WW2.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Consumers should prioritize sourcing food from farmers that practice sustainable agriculture and prioritize consuming fruits and vegetables.
45:52 - 55:05 (09:13)
Summary
Consumers should prioritize sourcing food from farmers that practice sustainable agriculture and prioritize consuming fruits and vegetables. The demand for organic, sustainably grown food will increase and become more affordable with greater consumer demand.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker admires a person who has had a huge positive impact on the world in his own small way, and tries to follow in his footsteps.
55:05 - 1:01:20 (06:15)
Summary
The speaker admires a person who has had a huge positive impact on the world in his own small way, and tries to follow in his footsteps. The nutritional value of food is complex and cannot be duplicated in a pill.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their daily routine which includes 10-15 minutes of meditation and exercise, followed by discussing an individual who decided to only eat wasted food for six months in an effort to reduce food waste.
1:01:20 - 1:05:56 (04:36)
Summary
The speaker shares their daily routine which includes 10-15 minutes of meditation and exercise, followed by discussing an individual who decided to only eat wasted food for six months in an effort to reduce food waste.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Sitting with good posture and focusing on breathing can have benefits even without reaching a state of meditation.
1:05:56 - 1:11:40 (05:44)
Summary
Sitting with good posture and focusing on breathing can have benefits even without reaching a state of meditation. The speaker shares personal experiences and mentions the practice of an 80-year-old backpack traveler.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Learn how to cook fish like a pro with tips such as letting the pan get super hot before putting the fish in and waiting for it to get golden brown before touching it.
1:11:40 - 1:17:34 (05:54)
Summary
Learn how to cook fish like a pro with tips such as letting the pan get super hot before putting the fish in and waiting for it to get golden brown before touching it. Also, avoid dragging the knife across the cutting board and wait for the oil to start shimmering before adding the fish.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The key elements of a delicious salad are a leafy green, citrus fruit or vinegar, nuts, and cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino.
1:17:34 - 1:22:55 (05:21)
Summary
The key elements of a delicious salad are a leafy green, citrus fruit or vinegar, nuts, and cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino. Starting with a good quality vinegar can greatly improve the taste of any salad.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Learn how to cook the perfect risotto by choosing the right ingredients like boreal rice and using the evaporation method to ensure all the alcohol is burned off.
1:22:55 - 1:26:07 (03:12)
Summary
Learn how to cook the perfect risotto by choosing the right ingredients like boreal rice and using the evaporation method to ensure all the alcohol is burned off.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker suggests adding brown rice for sustenance, paying attention to the flavors and textures of the food, and using a hot grill to achieve a mix of well done and medium rare.
1:26:07 - 1:34:48 (08:41)
Summary
The speaker suggests adding brown rice for sustenance, paying attention to the flavors and textures of the food, and using a hot grill to achieve a mix of well done and medium rare.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker encourages individuals to explore their passions and follow what interests them without worrying about having a clear plan, as success often comes from going all in on something that truly matters to them.
1:34:48 - 1:40:01 (05:13)
Summary
The speaker encourages individuals to explore their passions and follow what interests them without worrying about having a clear plan, as success often comes from going all in on something that truly matters to them. They also discuss the importance of doing the right thing rather than being influenced by marketing tactics.
Episode#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The show notes for The Tim Ferriss Show and other podcasts are available on fourhourworkweek.com, with links to resources mentioned in the episodes.
1:40:01 - 1:41:20 (01:19)
Summary
The show notes for The Tim Ferriss Show and other podcasts are available on fourhourworkweek.com, with links to resources mentioned in the episodes.