Andrew Zimmern: Award-Winning Chef and Author (ep. 852)
Thu Feb 05 2026
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning, James Beard Award-winning chef, television host, author, and global food advocate. Recognized from the wildly popular show Bizarre Foods, Andrew explores culture through cuisine. And yet before the success, Andrew's life was marked by addiction, homelessness, and hard-won second chances that eventually led him towards his purpose.
Today, Andrew shares how curiosity saved his life, why asking for help became his turning point, and how food became the lens through which he learned to see people, cultures, and himself more clearly. He opens up about childhood trauma, addiction and recovery, forgiveness, and how choosing "and" instead of "but" can change the way we hold both pain and hope at the same time.
My friends, if you've ever felt stuck in your past, ashamed of your mistakes, or unsure how to begin again, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode reminded that you are not your worst chapter, that curiosity can reopen closed doors, and that second chances are not rare… they're available to anyone brave enough to ask for help and keep going.
More
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning, James Beard Award-winning chef, television host, author, and global food advocate. Recognized from the wildly popular show Bizarre Foods, Andrew explores culture through cuisine. And yet before the success, Andrew's life was marked by addiction, homelessness, and hard-won second chances that eventually led him towards his purpose. Today, Andrew shares how curiosity saved his life, why asking for help became his turning point, and how food became the lens through which he learned to see people, cultures, and himself more clearly. He opens up about childhood trauma, addiction and recovery, forgiveness, and how choosing "and" instead of "but" can change the way we hold both pain and hope at the same time. My friends, if you've ever felt stuck in your past, ashamed of your mistakes, or unsure how to begin again, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode reminded that you are not your worst chapter, that curiosity can reopen closed doors, and that second chances are not rare… they're available to anyone brave enough to ask for help and keep going.