Episodes

  • Stocks vs. Broths: The Schmutz, the Secrets & the Bitterness Trap

    Stocks vs. Broths: The Schmutz, the Secrets & the Bitterness Trap
    Sep 5 2025
    Stocks and broths sound fancy, but they start the same — bones, water, and a simmer — until one takes a left turn and the other a right. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew break down the real difference between a stock and a broth (and where the sexy term “bone broth” actually fits). You’ll learn why cold water matters, why bitterness is the enemy, how long to simmer fish, chicken, and beef bones, and why parsley stems might be your secret weapon. Plus, what not to do (boiling, oversalting, or cooking for two days straight). It’s funny, it’s nerdy, and it’s everything you need to know before you grab that ladle.
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    14 mins
  • Hot Dogs: Street Meat, Corn Dogs & Chef Controversies

    Hot Dogs: Street Meat, Corn Dogs & Chef Controversies
    Aug 29 2025
    Hot dogs aren’t just ballpark food — they’re a cultural obsession. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus D. Najera from iHeartRadio San Francisco (The Marcus and Corey Morning Show) and Chef Matthew Dolan (25 Lusk, Food Network regular, cookbook author) go all in on America’s favorite guilty pleasure. From cheese dogs and bacon-wrapped Sonoran street dogs, to the legendary Seattle dog, Chicago-style purism, and even pigs in a blanket with champagne — nothing is off-limits. They swap stories, debate ketchup vs. mustard, and confess their surprising favorites (spoiler: corn dogs and cream cheese both make the list). Grab a seat, grab a dog, and join the fun.
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    12 mins
  • The Leftovers Episode: Waste Less, Flavor More

    The Leftovers Episode: Waste Less, Flavor More
    Aug 22 2025
    Leftovers don’t have to be sad. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus D. ("Marcus and Corey" on iHeartRadio) and Chef Matthew Dolan (25 Lusk, Food Network regular, cookbook author) explore how to turn “what’s in the fridge” into something worth bragging about. From comforting soups like congee and ham bone & white bean, to crispy taquitos, leftover pizza breakfasts, and even breakfast burrito hacks — it’s all about saving money, reducing waste, and eating better. Plus, a real talk on food insecurity, food waste, and how small changes at home can make a big impact.
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    10 mins
  • The 4 Sauces Every Home Cook Should Master

    The 4 Sauces Every Home Cook Should Master
    Aug 15 2025
    Level up every meal with just four sauces. In this episode of Chefs Day Off, Chef Matthew Dolan breaks down the essential set you actually need: a bright, balanced vinaigrette, a versatile red pasta sauce, a proper Hollandaise (plus the exact fix if it breaks), and a fast pan sauce you can riff on for chicken or pork. Clear rules, chef tips, and no fluff—so you can cook restaurant-quality food at home tonight. What you’ll learn
    • The ratio for a perfect vinaigrette that won’t separate
    • A weeknight red sauce that doubles as a base for bolognese or shakshuka
    • Hollandaise fundamentals—and how to rescue a broken sauce in minutes
    • A pan-sauce formula from fond to finish for chicken or pork

    Download the podcast

    • iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-chefs-day-off-288394978
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    21 mins
  • Salt Is Greedy, Pepper Is Genius, and Acid Might Ruin Your Soup

    Salt Is Greedy, Pepper Is Genius, and Acid Might Ruin Your Soup
    Aug 8 2025
    Why does restaurant food taste so much better than what you make at home? In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Michelin-starred chef Matthew Dolan and radio host Marcus D. go deep on the holy trinity of seasoning: salt, pepper, and acid. You’ll learn why salt is greedy and thirsty, how pepper adds more than just heat, and why a splash of vinegar or citrus can make or break a dish. Plus: the truth about kosher salt, the danger of pre-ground pepper, and why chef-level seasoning starts with tasting as you go. Whether you're cooking steak, marinara, or compote for Sunday crepes, this episode gives you the exact how, why, and when to season like a pro. Takeaways include:
    • When to salt meat for the best results
    • Why kosher salt beats Himalayan in cooking
    • How to fix a dish with too much vinegar
    • Pepper as a floral finish—not just heat
    • The worst seasoning sin (hint: pre-made spice blends)
    🎧 Hosted by @itsmarcusd of Star 101.3 (iHeartRadio SF) and Chef Matthew Dolan of 25 Lusk.
    📍 Recorded in San Francisco, CA
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    21 mins
  • Everything You Need To Know About Rice. Does the "TikTok Method" Actually WORK?

    Everything You Need To Know About Rice. Does the "TikTok Method" Actually WORK?
    Aug 1 2025
    Episode 1 – Rice: How to Cook It, Hack It, and Make It Taste Like a Chef Made It.

    In the very first episode of Chef’s Day Off, hosts Marcus D. and Chef Matthew Dolan (of San Francisco’s 25 Lusk) break down one of the most misunderstood ingredients in your kitchen: rice.

    We’re talking how to cook the perfect pot of rice, why that viral TikTok rice method actually works, and what to do with leftover rice that’s better than tossing it in the trash. Chef Dolan explains the science of rice cooking — including why rinsing matters, how salt behaves with moisture, and how to master rice with or without a rice cooker.

    If you’ve ever struggled with mushy rice, burnt bottoms, or flavorless fluff, this episode is your shortcut to chef-approved results at home. New episodes drop every Friday.

    🎧 Listen now on the @iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
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    12 mins