‘We need to get back to humanity’: ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ creator on how food can unite people
MSNBC·2025-11-06 23:38

Show Concept & Impact - The show "Somebody Feed Phil" travels the world, explores food, builds community, and embraces different cultures [3] - The show aims to inspire travel and connection with others, promoting humanity and understanding [5][9] - The show avoids topical jokes and political content to focus on universal themes of relationships, family, and character [29] Connection & Communication - Food is presented as a universal connector, facilitating communication and friendship even across language barriers [6][7] - Sharing food and laughter can bridge divides and foster understanding between people with differing beliefs [7][8] - Embracing other cultures is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of being a decent human being, not a political statement [9] Anecdotes & Experiences - A story is shared about forming a friendship with a Palestinian restaurant owner in Dubai, highlighting the potential for connection despite perceived differences [12][13][14] - The difficulty of getting a Republican and a Democrat to share a meal in Washington DC is noted, emphasizing the political divide [16] - A personal anecdote about getting fired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art for falling asleep on a 300-year-old bed illustrates how life experiences can unexpectedly contribute to future success [23][24][27] Future Aspirations - The show's creator expresses a desire to film in Greece, Turkey, Shanghai, most of India, and most of Africa in future seasons [35]