Podcast Summary: The Moth – Bill Yossas & Christine Kalafus Release Date: August 25, 2015

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy presents two captivating personal stories centered around pastries. Both narratives delve into unexpected journeys into the world of baking, filled with challenges, humor, and heartfelt moments. The episode showcases the resilience and passion of the storytellers as they navigate their culinary adventures.

Story 1: From New York to the White House with Bill Yossas

Timestamp: [03:46]

Bill Yossas, a seasoned pastry chef, recounts his unconventional path to becoming the White House Executive Pastry Chef. The journey began with persistent calls suggesting he apply for the prestigious position. Initially hesitant, Bill’s curiosity about the role grew as he delved into the history of White House chefs, discovering figures like James Hemings, Thomas Jefferson's chef who significantly influenced American cuisine.

"I started to think, and, well, you know, maybe." – Bill Yossas ([04:20])

After crafting and refining his resume through numerous iterations, Bill finally submitted his application. Despite an initial rejection, his determination led to a second opportunity where he was personally invited to the White House for an interview. Navigating the highly secured environment, Bill faced several interviews before showcasing his baking skills in a cramped White House kitchen.

A pivotal moment occurred when Bill prepared a 40-person buffet, which was enthusiastically received by the East Wing staff. However, the real challenge was the intricate sugar showpiece—a peach tree branch adorned with peach flowers and marzipan leaves—crafted over an entire night under infrared lamps.

"I was really into it... they annihilate this food. I mean, there's nothing left." – Bill Yossas ([07:10])

Presenting his creations to President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Bill describes the emotional encounter where the President expressed mutual honor in a shared moment of national significance.

"It is for me, too." – President George W. Bush ([13:45])

Ultimately, Bill was hired and served two administrations, contributing to initiatives like Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign. He reflects on his tenure with pride, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and sustainable practices.

"Regardless of your politics... These people give heart and soul." – Bill Yossas ([15:00])

Profile: Bill Yossas served as the White House Executive Pastry Chef from 2007 to June 2014. Beyond his White House tenure, he is the director of the Cooking Lab at Chop Chop magazine and the founder of Kitchen Garden Laboratory, which integrates school gardens with cooking and science education.

Story 2: Christine Kalafus’ Cake Catastrophe

Timestamp: [16:02]

Christine Kalafus, a writer and editor, shares a humorous and relatable story about her inadvertent foray into professional cake baking. In 2004, feeling the void left by quitting her job to be a full-time mother, Christine received an unexpected compliment at a party: “this is really delicious. You could totally do this for a living.” Encouraged, she impulsively agreed to take on baking for others.

"I say yes to everything. Yes to everything." – Christine Kalafus ([17:10])

Her enthusiasm soon spiraled into overcommitment. Faced with an urgent request to bake a cake for 50 people with specific requirements like strawberry filling—a technique she had never tried—Christine found herself scrambling. She resorted to using what she knew, baking multiple layers with Duncan Hines mixes and inventively concocting a makeshift strawberry filling.

Despite her efforts, transporting the massive, precarious cake resulted in a near disaster as the top layer began to slide during delivery. In true motherly fashion, Christine managed to stabilize the cake mid-drive, but upon arrival, the cake was a chaotic mess. Fearing negative feedback, she hastily attempted to salvage her creation with a credit card.

"I have to get out of there before they cut into it and discover it's probably not really cooked in the center." – Christine Kalafus ([21:00])

To her surprise, the recipient, Debbie, found the cake delicious and offered her another opportunity. However, Christine chose to decline further baking ventures, humorously reflecting on her unsuitability for professional baking despite the success.

"That was just the best homemade cake ever." – Debbie ([21:30])

Profile: Christine Kalafus is a Connecticut-based writer, editor, and home remodeling enthusiast. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Pitkin Review at Goddard College, where she is also pursuing an MFA. Christine is working on a memoir and is known for her quirky habit of rearranging furniture spontaneously.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth highlights two distinct yet thematically linked stories about stepping into the unknown through baking. Bill Yossas’ professional journey to the White House contrasts with Christine Kalafus’ accidental baking mishap, demonstrating the diverse paths passion can lead us down. Both storytellers emphasize the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing unexpected opportunities.

Additional Information

• Upcoming Events: The Moth Mainstage is returning to London's Union Chapel on October 5th, hosted by Phil Jupitis. For tickets and details on upcoming tour stops, visit themoth.org.

• Production Credits: The episode was produced by Whitney Jones, recorded by Argo Studios in New York City, supervised by Paul Ruest, and presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange.

Notable Quotes:

• "I say yes to everything. Yes to everything." – Christine Kalafus ([17:10])
• "It is for me, too." – President George W. Bush ([13:45])
• "Regardless of your politics... These people give heart and soul." – Bill Yossas ([15:00])

This rich and engaging summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the storytellers' experiences without requiring prior listening.