Top Scallops

Merlin, Max, and Alex conclude their run of Top Scallops by eating some gross food and breaking down why reality TV often does not meet our expectations.

Merlin, Max, and Alex respond to some constructive listener feedback before recapping the finale of Top Chef.

Max visits Merlin in his office to talk about structure and change, the downfall of TV, and "magic" shows.

Max and Merlin talk about politics and do some soul searching. And then what happens?

Merlin, Max, and Alex argue about the Oscars and eventually get around to Top Chef.

Merlin and Max bravely take on the tough issues, and Alex doesn't cut anything out.

Merlin and Alex discuss Top Chef's mythic qualities, secrecy around rules of the show, and their cats. Max is away at Hot Dog University.

Special guest Nick Kokonas of three Michelin star restaurant Alinea discusses running a kitchen, the production problems behind Top Chef, and being broth blocked.

Merlin and Max discuss misperceptions of our own creative work, bags of lobster, and why Alex is still mad at Phillip.

Max and Merlin discuss what people mean when they think about inspiration, the finer side of fast food, and mandolin catastrophes.

Max and Merlin discuss focus in the kitchen and workplace, Cajun Sparkle Recipes, and why you might need a tin foil hat.

Merlin and Max discuss Apple Music, their sous vide methods, a new business venture, and possibly Star Wars.

This week Merlin and Max discuss how to handle the stressors of being in the kitchen as well as the poor gaming of some of the show's challenges.

This week Max and Merlin discuss time management and Hidden Valley Ranch's Food Waste Reduction program.

This week Max and Merlin check in on Tom and line up the dingalings.

This week Merlin and Max introduce Top Chef and talk about staring into the creative abyss.