
Hosted by Franco Vanderka and Mario Angieri · EN
NEW EPISODES COMING SOON - Check out our short form content on Instagram @theoven_pod & TikTok @theovenpod. On The Oven Podcast, co-hosts Franco Vanderka and Mario Angieri sit down with guests from all walks of life for some unhinged and unforgettable conversation. & there's always an open seat for ya! ** For a visual experience, you can catch all of our episodes on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheOvenPodcast

Chef, DJ, Social Media Guru, and creator of Hug The Chef, Al Fenza, sits down with us and shares his outlook on life, good vibes, and scaring the Devil. He thinks “Life is Beautiful” is an unbelievable movie and believes that movie is a state of mind. In his eyes, the most gangster thing in the world is being a family man. Then, he explains the difference between the overly judgmental New York Italians vs the Italians from the Motherland. He hates the word “influencer”?! He also has a lot to say about the haters and issues he’s had with certain Long Island restaurant owners. Franco asks Al about his time in culinary school under the iconic French Chef, Jacques Pépin, and Al shares a hysterical story about a time Jacques caught him cheating. Al opens up about smoking and shares the lack of understanding his parents had about it growing up. He also admits he’s addicted to Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad. But, he’s all about balance and strives to eat mainly organic foods. Time for the best of the best - Al shares his favorite spots for burgers, tacos, & egg sandwiches. Leading into a time where Al forgot where he was and the current plane accident crisis in the world right now. Back to the bests, who wants Italian? Al thinks there's a pizza problem on Long Island. Franco asks what’s one smell that brings Al back to his childhood, and we were not expecting his answer. Back to the kitchen, Al shares a dramatic and humorous story about a wild experience he had with a client. Wait a minute, Al’s Grandma bought Pamela Anderson’s infamous tape?… Then a conversation about unsolicited pictures leads us into a seat at Al Fenza’s Chef Table, where food pairs with music. The pace changes as we talk about Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at the Super Bowl - Al compares it to the Art of War. Somehow, Drake then Compton leads to Al reminiscing about his Grandma. From there, Al vents about agencies, influencers, paying for followers, social media engagement, and separating the real from the frauds. He even fills us in on what’s going to be the new foot fetish - big girls eating. We also discuss the meaning of securing the bag and how some lack the work ethic to make it happen. Later, Al shares his experiences from selling hummus in Montauk and what he learned about Johnny Depp. He also talks about Leonardo DiCaprio’s relationship with fans. Next, Al admits which city he believes has the best food. He chats about his appreciation for Taylor Swift & Insane Clown Posse. Finally, Al talks about his dream dinner guests, Elvis Presley & Walt Disney. “Haters just wanna be your friend” - Al Fenza.

Mini Oven # 50We start off with shouting out our guests on set, Kristen of New Yawk Bites & Giuliana. Then, we talk about our experiences at Gregory's Coffee in Melville and share our favorites, the Salted Caramel Cold Brew & the Biscotti Testarossa.Would you rather be hunted or fished? Mario's hoping for one shot, one kill, and Franco neglects the fact that there are gators and sharks out there.Do you let girls toss your salad? Franco doesn't even understand the phrase and immediately regrets asking once Mario discloses the meaning. Rob is quite surprised by Mario's answer and asks if he's been having bad dreams or something.Do you pluck your nose hairs? Mario buzzes or waxes his and Franco is concerned about the hair when he gets older. Apparently, Franco can't pluck a nose hair without sneezing and says he did his research. Plucking of nose hairs can activate the trigeminal nerve leading to a sneeze. Mario also expresses his displeasure with eyebrow threading.Do I look cute today? Franco almost slipped up here.Should the New York Yankees change their facial hair requirements? We're in agreement with this one and it's about maintaining a standard and tradition. The athletes who truly want to be there won't care about facial hair. Mario goes off on a beard and tattoo tangent and Franco shares the Devin Williams day 1 facial hair situation with the Yankees.When is it too early or too late to call someone? The rules are back - Don't call Franco at 5am and Mario once again with his list of variables. Thank God Franco is growing up though.UFC time - who wins in Seattle? Henry Cejudo or Song Yadong? This leads to a Luke Rockhold vs Chris Weidman debate and then onto Mario routinely being told he looks like Weidman.What are some of the most under the radar foods? Key lime pie and pistachio ice cream cause a ruckus. Rob chimes in with burnt ends and Franco calls Mario an old man for saying Knish. Mario talks about his love for Burger City in East Meadow and states a knish must be eaten after your burgers, not before.What are foods you love, but would never touch as a child? Eggplants is at the top of our list, followed by guacamole, rye bread, and Franco can't help himself and brings up pistachio ice cream again. Can't forget about Franco's love for milk either.0:00 - Packed House & Gregory’s Coffee1:26 - Would You Rather?2:57 - Tossing Salad5:37 - Nose Hairs7:32 - Yankees Facial Hair Rule10:18 - When is it Too Early or Late to Call?12:11 - UFC in Seattle13:30 - Under the Radar Foods16:33 - Foods I’d Never Eat as a Kid, But Love Now20:07 - Thanks For Coming20:40 - Underdog Fantasy & Dubby Energy

Mini Oven #49: Rob is ready to talk his ish while we admire our new couch, thanks to our girl Alli. In honor of the cold weather, we start by getting into our top 3 soups and Franco isn’t convinced chowder and bisque are considered soup. Then, Franco is not happy with Mario’s take on Philly Cheesesteak versus Chopped Cheese and tells him to get cultured! Mario expresses concern regarding his cigar before an argument breaks out over Lunchables. Unfortunately, Mario has an accident, but Franco keeps the conversation rolling into Red Dye 40 & Gatorade. We then share a secret that our exes know about us and talk about our go-to hotel room bed selections. Would anyone like anything? Mario’s hoping they don’t. We welcome back Franco after he missed Chef Eric LeVine’s episode. What do you think about Franco’s take? Does Chef remind you of Seth Rogen? One more before we go: What’s the best side from a fast-food restaurant?

Mario rocks solo with Chef Eric LeVine, winner of Food Network's "Chopped", at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale, New York. The duo jokes about a little miscommunication, sharing food and Chef’s intolerance with spicy foods. He even shares a time that ghost peppers got him pulled over! Then, Chef talks about how our struggles make us who we are and his bittersweet experience with running the New York City Marathon. Hypothermia? Yup, Chef beat that too and still enjoyed some sorbet! After that, he talks about beating cancer and being told he had 6-8 months to live before filming for Food Network’s “Chopped”. Chef even killed his ego and believes in the power of authenticity. Next up, Chef talks about the Real AF Podcast and how Andy Frisella changed his life. They also talk about the impact The Ed Mylett Show, Gary Vee & Tony Robbins had on them - followed by an interaction Chef had with motivational speaker and trainer, Tim Grover. Forkin’ Good! Chef’s new cookbook is a must buy & Chef talks us through the process, photography, and struggles of putting this book out. This leads Mario and Chef down a mini ChatGPT & AI rabbit hole. Then, Chef shares what he thinks is the best compliment a Chef can receive, and Mario gets a little sentimental. Onto The Food Network, Mario asks Chef to choose just one show to watch - Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, or Beat Bobby Flay? Lastly, Chef tells us that he’d love to eat dinner with Jesus and shares that Jesus saved him from an overdose.

Mini Oven #48: Alli Murphy, owner of Alli Murphy Photography, has Franco in a cage and Mario shackled for this entire conversation. It begins with some shenanigans, followed by an explanation of what boudoir photography actually is. The trio discuss the success of Alli's business and how she is able to empower women and build their confidence. Then, they share their takes on self-love, double standards and how they feel about OnlyFans use. From there, Franco wants to know if they sing in the car and what snacks they'd bring on a road trip. Do you guys have any clue who this NFL Star with Mommy issues could be? In the end, Mario finishes up with a poor choice of words before Alli hits the boys with a couple of questions about ghosting and monogamy.

Mini Oven #47: First and foremost, thoughts and prayers to those affected by the disastrous LA Wildfires. The fire discussion leads Franco and Mario down a little Cloud Seeding and Chemtrail rabbit hole. Then, they share their struggles with allergies, sneezing, coughing, and cramping as they get older. The guys even talk about their weird sleeping positions and somehow it takes them into a conversation about which AirPod they put in their ear first. Once again, they end up on the topic of weddings. This time, they debate over destination weddings, tracking wedding gifts and couples who publicly Venmo each other. Back to the AirPods, they share their techniques on how to NOT answer phone calls. Shout out to La Aroma de Cuba Cigars, The Puro Co Cannagars, and New Yawk Bites for all of her support. Franco and Mario finish up with a review of Taco Bell's Chicken Nuggets followed by some stories of violence in the Taco Bell drive thru during their youth. Another great episode at the 2xBaked warehouse!

Mini Oven #46: Hamptons Dave tells the backstory behind his nickname and talks about his basketball days out in the Hamptons and Buffalo State. Then, Dave compares The Ryan Show to Don King. And after that, the guys discuss the best childhood moments, Yankee Stadium, Juan Soto and whether or not Joe Burrow deserves MVP. From there, Franco asks which fast food dipping sauces are the best, Mario vents about Mortadella, and Franco’s Cholula experience leads to a game of “how do you say?” & “Oregon Trail”. Next, the guys talk Dad Jokes, pickup lines, rejection & dinner with Don Rickles. In the end, Dave shares the story of how he met Mike Tyson and finishes with the announcement of his upcoming rap album.

Mini Oven #45: From the warehouse of 2X Baked Labs, Franco starts with a very hot take on meatballs. Then, Mario & Franco share their comical lists of little moments that mean the most. After that, it's onto their rankings of the hottest cartoon characters, followed by Franco's concerns regarding drive through car washes. Finally, the guys wrap up with a discussion about Franco's learning process and the challenge's he's faced as an entrepreneur in a growing market on Long Island.

Mini Oven #44: Happy New Year! Mario & Franco share their Celebrity New Year's Kiss Wishlist, resolutions and fun facts. Next, the Guys discuss the Instagram Story "Caterpillar" and a big change Mario would like made to Long Island Road Tests. Then, Franco asks if Mario knows how to tie a tie, how he feels about Holiday Weddings, and asks which shoe Mario puts on first. Before finishing up, they talk about comfy clothes and Franco's Lulu's. Franco ends with this, do you ask before taking the last piece? Can't wait for Season 3!

Mini Oven #43: Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Mario and Franco talk about work Holiday parties and how their party necessities have changed through the years. Then they debate Christmas music and Franco forces Mario to pick at least one song he enjoys. After that, Mario shares fun facts about Santa's Reindeer before Franco asks "Is it really the thought that counts?". From there, we find out why Mario is like The Grinch and Franco weighs in on birthday posts.