In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp engages in a rich conversation with Michael Twitty, a renowned culinary historian, food writer, and author of acclaimed works such as 'The Cooking Gene' and 'Kosher Soul.' Twitty provides insightful commentary on his journey and his role in culinary history, emphasizing the significance of food as a medium for experiencing and expressing cultural identity, spirituality, and community. They discuss the broad and diverse nature of Southern cuisine, its historical context, and the intertwining of various cultures that shape it. The discussion also touches upon the challenges faced by people of color in getting their culinary stories published, and Twitty's motivations behind writing his latest cookbook, 'Recipes from the American South.' The episode underscores the profound connections between food, culture, and empathy, as well as the importance of storytelling in preserving culinary heritage.

Michael W. Twitty is an acclaimed culinary historian, and author of the two-times James Beard Award-winning book The Cooking Gene, as well as Rice and Koshersoul. He has written for many publications and been featured throughout print and broadcast media, including the Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, PBS, and NPR’s The Splendid Table. He has given over 500 public talks and appeared in numerous series, including Taste the Nation and High on the Hog.

Follow Michael on Instagram: @thecookinggene

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table podcast, the discussion centers around food, eating, and hospitality as a means to experience God's love. Andrew is joined by guests Kellie Lisi and Martin Lohrmann, who co-authored the book, Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local Communities. Andrew, Kellie, and Martin explore the central thesis of the book—that God’s love is made physical through food—and discuss their distinct approach compared to existing theological works. Kellie and Martin's work integrates practical guidance with theological reflections, aiming to bridge the gap between theological theory and community practices. They also delve into the importance of Holy Communion in Christianity, examining its transformational power and how it informs broader food practices and community involvement. The episode touches on the theological and historical aspects of food in Christianity, including its role in addressing food insecurity and fostering community. The conversation concludes with reflections on the personal and communal significance of food, especially during the holiday season.

Bios:
Kellie Lisi is an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and serves at Wartburg Theological Seminary as Vice President for Leadership Formation. She has served as a public school teacher and administrator, parish ministry leader, and food educator. Kellie worked in the restaurant industry prior to (and in the early years of) teaching. Her most notable restaurant co-workers were Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Chip & Dale at a character buffet restaurant in Disney World. At home in Iowa, Kellie’s nine-year-old loves when she makes pizza, while her 12-year old wishes she would make sushi bowls every day.

Martin J. Lohrmann is Associate Professor of Lutheran Confessions and Heritage at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where he teaches classes in church history, the Lutheran Reformation, spiritual practices, and theology and art. In addition to many articles and essays, Dr. Lohrmann is the author of Stories from Global Lutheranism: A Historical Timeline and Book of Harmony: Spirit and Service in the Lutheran Confessions, and the co-editor of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles in the Reformation Commentary on Scripture Series. He enjoys going for walks, playing guitar, and cooking with whatever ingredients are on hand.

Buy Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local Communities

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp welcomes Anna Rollins, author of 'Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl.' They discuss her memoir, which examines the harmful parallels between diet culture and evangelical purity culture, both of which pressurize women to fear their bodies and appetites. Anna shares her personal struggles with disordered eating, rooted in her upbringing in a strict Christian environment, and how she has navigated healing. The conversation also touches on societal norms, racial implications of body ideals, and the importance of discussing these topics openly. Anna emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and the necessity of honest, nuanced conversations to break free from harmful cultural scripts.

Anna Rollins is the author of Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl (out December 9, 2025 from Eerdmans). Her groundbreaking debut memoir examines the rhyming scripts of diet culture and evangelical purity culture, both of which direct women to fear their own bodies and appetites. Her writing has appeared in outlets like The New York Times, Slate, Electric Literature, Salon, Joyland, and more. She’s also written scholarly articles about composition and writing center studies. She’s an award-winning instructor who taught English in higher education for nearly 15 years. She is a 2025 Tamarack Foundation for the Arts Literary Arts Fellow. A lifelong Appalachian, she lives with her husband in West Virginia where they’re raising their three small children.

Follow Anna:

• Anna's Substack: annajrollins
• Anna's Instagram: @annajrollins

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp converses with Victoria Loorz, a wild church pastor, eco spiritual director, and author, about her unique perspective on spirituality and nature. Victoria discusses her journey from being a pastor of indoor churches to founding the first Church of the Wild in Ojai, California, and her involvement with the Ecumenical Wild Church Network. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Wild Spirituality,' emphasizing a reorientation of relationships with the living world through a 'wild Christ.' Victoria unpacks the spiritual significance of integrating nature with religious practices, the importance of remembering and reconnecting with the sacredness of all life forms, and how scripture grounds her work. They explore the transformational power of experiencing God's presence in nature, the importance of grief in spiritual journeys, and the role of language in shaping spiritual understanding. The discussion highlights practical steps for fostering a deeper connection with nature, even in urban settings, and how these practices can help heal trauma and resist the modern pressures of empire and disconnection.

Victoria Loorz is a wild church pastor, an eco-spiritual director and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality. She feels most alive when collaborating with Mystery and kindred spirits to create opportunities for people to re-member themselves back into intimate, sacred relationship with the rest of the living world.

After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network. She is also the author of Church of the Wild, and coauthor of Field Guide to Church of the Wild.

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp converses with Laura Baghdassarian Murray, Director of Spiritual Engagement and Innovation at Fuller Seminary and author of 'Becoming a Person of Welcome.' Laura shares her journey in practicing and understanding hospitality, particularly how it evolved during the pandemic through digital silent retreats. They discuss the theological foundation of hospitality, various influences on Laura’s work, the importance of carrying a posture of welcome, and navigating the challenges within hospitality, including boundaries. Laura emphasizes experimenting with small practices to deepen hospitality and cultivate authentic and meaningful connections.

Laura Baghdassarian Murray is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others (www.digitalsilentretreats.com). Her newest book is Becoming a Person of Welcome, which was just published by InterVarsity. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.

Laura's website: https://laurabmurray.com/

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp converses with Michael Shaikh, a writer and human rights investigator. Shaikh discusses his extensive work in political crises and conflict zones, and his book 'The Last Sweet Bite,' which explores the loss and preservation of culinary heritage in war-torn regions. He shares personal stories and experiences from his time in Japan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other countries, highlighting how violence impacts food culture and community. The conversation delves into the resilience of human spirit, the role of women in preserving culinary traditions, and the importance of food as a cultural and political element. Shaikh emphasizes the need for policy changes to protect culinary heritages and advocates for the recognition of domicide as a crime. The episode underscores the powerful connections between food, identity, and community, and the role of culinary traditions in maintaining hope amidst adversity.

Michael Shaikh is a writer and human rights investigator who has worked for twenty years in areas marred by political crisis and armed conflict. He has worked at Human Rights Watch, International Crisis Group, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. Michael is on the board of Adi Magazine. He is the author of The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found, which was recently released by Crown Publishing. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he lives in New York City.

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp talks with Joash Thomas, an author and advocate with a diverse background ranging from politics to human rights. Born in India and currently living in Canada, Joash shares his journey from political consultancy in the U.S. to becoming passionate about justice and human rights. The discussion delves into Joash's experiences growing up in a multi-denominational Christian family in Mumbai, the role of food and hospitality in South Asian culture, and how his faith has evolved. They also explore the themes of his new book, 'The Justice of Jesus,' which challenges Christians to view justice through the lens of faith, moving beyond traditional evangelical perspectives to embrace a more holistic approach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of re-centering the Christian practice around the table, especially the Eucharist, as a means of embodying Jesus' teachings on justice and love for marginalized communities.

Joash Thomas Bio:
Born and raised in India, Joash served as a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist before pivoting to global human rights advocacy. Now based in the Toronto area, he holds a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and has completed master’s degrees in Christian Leadership and Christian Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A Deacon in the Diocese of St. Anthony, Joash is also the author of the new book The Justice of Jesus, which was just released September 30.

Connect with Joash:

• Buy The Justice of Jesus
• Joash's Website
• Joash's Substack
• Joash's Instagram

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp engages in a discussion with theologian Paul Schutz about the intersection of food, the table, and the experience of God's love. Paul, who has a background in systematic theology and research on creation in the Christian tradition, talks about his book 'A Theology of Flourishing.' The conversation covers Paul's multicultural upbringing, his journey into theology through ministry and liturgy, and the significance of food and table in spiritual and communal life. They delve into concepts such as radical hospitality, attunement, and listening as foundational steps for fostering individual and collective flourishing. The dialogue also explores how a theology centered on flourishing challenges current social and ecological injustices, emphasizing that true flourishing involves systemic transformation and deep engagement with suffering. Paul and Andrew conclude by discussing the role of food in community building and sharing personal reflections on memorable meals.

Paul Schutz Bio:
Born and raised in Evansville, IN, Paul Schutz received his B.A. in English from Boston College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Fordham University. After teaching on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, he served for several years as Director of Worship at St. Mary Catholic Church in Evansville. His time working as a musician and liturgist was his gateway into the study of theology. His research focuses on the meaning and significance of creation in the Christian tradition, with an emphasis on how scientific research might inform religious accounts of humanity's relationship with other creatures. His recent publications apply the theological writings of the Jesuit astrophysicist William Stoeger to questions of gender, race, and interreligious dialogue, as well as prayer, liturgy, and ministry. His book, A Theology of Flourishing—which we'll be discussing—explores the potential of "flourishing" to serve as a starting point and center of gravity for Christian theology and spirituality and a basis for cultivating a robust praxis of ecological and social justice. In his free time, Paul enjoys reading, music, travel, hiking, cooking, baking, and eating. He lives in San Jose, CA, with his partner and dog, Albert.

Buy A Theology of Flourishing
Connect with Paul

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.