The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
Episode: Phil Rosenthal is Hungry… And Subversive
Date: August 25, 2025
Guest: Phil Rosenthal (Creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Host of “Somebody Feed Phil”)
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Nicolle Wallace welcomes Phil Rosenthal—a beloved television writer and host known for his warmth, wit, and global curiosity. The conversation explores how food connects us, the power of laughter, and the subtle subversiveness of kindness and cross-cultural connection in a polarized world. Listeners are treated to Rosenthal’s signature humor, candid reflections on politics and society, and the touching influence of family.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Food as a Connector and Agent of Change
- Food as a Trojan Horse for Empathy:
Phil reveals that while his show is superficially about cuisine, the real aim is to open hearts and minds through shared meals and laughter.
“I think you know what the real message of the show is. … I say that food is the great connector, and then laughs are the cement.” (03:00–03:55) - Personal Food Memories:
He recounts his humble culinary upbringing and transformative first taste of garlic in college, likening the experience to Dorothy’s awakening in The Wizard of Oz.
“It’s like then in the Wizard of Oz when she opens the door. Now the movie’s in color.” (05:35)
Travel, Curiosity, and the Accidental Hero’s Journey
- Choosing Locations:
Early episodes focused on Phil’s dream destinations; as the show grew, worldwide tourism boards invited him, broadening his palate and perspective. Serendipity is central to his experience.
“We leave room in the schedule for serendipity, for stuff to happen, which is my favorite stuff.” (08:08) - Transformative Moments & Worldview:
Travel and food have shown Phil “most of the world is very nice,” countering the negative narratives often seen in news coverage. “I’m not showing you the way I wish [the world] was. I’m just showing you what I find. … Most people around the world are so much better than their governments.” (10:01–11:53) - Power of Perspective:
Visiting new places helped Phil see the familiar in new ways:
“You go to Paris … I go home after the trip … For the first time ever, I look and I go, hey, we have nice trees too, huh?” (45:13)
Subversiveness of Kindness and Connection
- Immigrant Contributions:
The show often celebrates immigrants' roles in global cuisine, serving as gentle, subversive commentary on inclusion.
“Every stop, every city, you highlight the immigrant contributions to the best and finest cuisine … It’s obviously not accidental.” (08:24) - On Not Being “Political,” but Human:
Phil avoids overt politics on the show but notes that simple human decency now appears subversive.
“Since when did hugging someone from another culture define your political bent? I’m just trying to be a guy, just a nice guy.” (09:03) - Global Perceptions & American Politics:
Phil shares that people abroad view Americans as “victims of a hostile takeover”—not as fools, but as people under siege from their own leaders.
“They don’t see it as, you know, you guys are all stupid. What are you doing? … They treat us ... as the victims of a hostile takeover.” (13:40) - Golden Rule as Central Ethic:
Phil frequently references the Golden Rule, connecting it both to his personal heritage and his show’s spirit.
“Just the golden rule. If we just had that.” (26:07)
Comedy, Culture, and Speaking Out
- Role of Artists:
Nicolle and Phil discuss how creators can wield influence, referencing Woody Guthrie’s guitar: “This machine kills fascists.”
“While we still have a little free speech. Use it. Use your powers for good ... we can’t just sit there and take it.” (20:18) - Importance of Laughter:
Phil recounts how laughter and comedy—both on his show and from his parents—are lifelines in a tense world.
“Comedy feels as essential as the air we breathe right now.” (32:06) - On Family and Universality:
The inclusion of his parents—first as phone guests, now as the namesakes of his diner—anchors the show in everyday human connection.
“What’s the subtext? We’re all family.” (29:23)
Reflections on Fame, Purpose, and Giving Back
- Accidental Fame:
Phil describes his fame as unexpected and attributes his platform to good fortune and perseverance. “I’m the luckiest guy you’re ever going to have on your show ... if you’re that lucky, I think you owe it to the rest of the world to ... try to give back a little bit.” (40:39) - Low vs. High Concept Storytelling:
He explains the enduring appeal of low-concept, grounded stories over high-concept premises.
“Low concept is a guy and his family live across the street from his parents ... it’s the stuff of life.” (42:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Philosophy
“If you can open a mouth, you can open a mind.”
— Phil Rosenthal (00:59, repeated memorably at 35:39) -
On the Subversive Power of Decency
“Maybe just being a human being is subversive. And maybe that’s what we’ve lost.”
— Phil Rosenthal (09:01) -
On Global Solidarity
“They don’t see it as, you know, you guys are all stupid. … They treat us, I believe this, as the victims of a hostile takeover.”
— Phil Rosenthal (13:40) -
On the Role of Comedy
“Comedy feels as essential as the air we breathe right now.”
— Nicole (32:06) -
On the Power of Experience
“Travel changes your perspective on life, and you bring that home with you.”
— Phil Rosenthal (45:13) -
On His Parents’ Influence
“The reason I called them was because they were also an amazing source of comedic material … I always say, if he’s not funny that night, I’m not here.”
— Phil Rosenthal (30:20) -
On His Diner as Community Symbol
“Diners are disappearing in America … If we lose these communities, maybe we lose the country.”
— Phil Rosenthal (27:20)
Important Timestamps
- 00:59 - Phil shares philosophy: “If you can open a mouth, you can open a mind.”
- 03:55 - On food as a connector and the subversiveness of kindness.
- 05:35 - Phil’s college food awakening (“it's like the Wizard of Oz”).
- 09:01 - Phil on being “subversive” just by being decent.
- 13:40 - Discussion of global perceptions of Americans and current political climate.
- 20:04 - Artists as cultural forces; “This machine kills fascists.”
- 27:20 - Phil on the community role of diners and his new restaurant.
- 29:23 - Every episode ends with his parents: “We’re all family.”
- 35:39 - Reiterates philosophy: “If you can open a mouth, you can open a mind.”
- 39:05 - Analogy to Ratatouille and the importance of food memories.
- 40:39 - Phil’s sense of luck and responsibility.
- 42:44 - Explanation of “low concept” TV storytelling.
- 45:13 - How travel changes perception and appreciation for home.
Tone and Style
The conversation is witty, heartfelt, and candid—full of self-deprecating humor, warmth, and a gentle insistence on the importance of connection, perspective, and laughter.
For Listeners
This episode is rich with insight for anyone who values travel, food, comedy, or simply staying connected to humanity in divided times. Phil Rosenthal’s stories offer comfort, encouragement, and a subtle call to use whatever platform we have—for good.
[All ad, intro, and outro segments have been omitted from this summary.]