THAT Bill Oakley

THAT Bill Oakley

Author: WJJI Studio June 18, 2025 Duration: 42:38

Steamed interview questions? They're clearly grilled. We are so thrilled to have had Bill Oakley join us on the show. If you're unfamiliar with Bill and his work, let me share a little more from him directly: Bill Oakley is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for his iconic work on The Simpsons, where he co-ran the show during its critically acclaimed seventh and eighth seasons. He co-created the cult classic animated series Mission Hill and has contributed to other beloved shows like Futurama and Portlandia. Bill's cultural impact extends beyond television—he wrote the "Steamed Hams" scene, a segment from The Simpsons that evolved into a viral meme, earning the title of Meme of the Year in 2018 from Know Your Meme. In recent years, Bill has transitioned from showrunning to the culinary world, where his sharp humor and love for American food have made him a sought-after voice in the industry. A regular contributor to the History Channel's The Food That Built America and a guest on Afternoon Live, Bill combines storytelling with culinary expertise. His collaborations with prominent chefs like Robert Irvine and J. Kenji López-Alt have further solidified his voice as a notable comic voice in American food culture. Bill and I dove deep into his transition to the world of food, as well as getting an upclose look at the creation of the famous Steamed Hams scene and so much more. Thank you so so much for joining me, Bill!


Step inside the sprawling, colorful aisles of one of the world's most remarkable grocery experiences without ever leaving your home. The Jungle Jim's Podcast, from WJJI Studio, is an audio companion to that wonderfully mad world, but it stretches far beyond the shelves. Each episode is a conversation that starts with a curious ingredient or a culinary tradition found within the market and then follows that thread out into the wider world. You’ll hear stories about the people who make the food, the art that decorates the packages and the walls, and the cultural practices that turn a meal into a shared memory. This podcast digs into how food shapes societies and connects places across the globe, all through the unique lens of Jungle Jim's International Market. Naturally, we’ll also peel back the curtain on the market itself, sharing some of the secrets and histories that make it such a singular destination. It’s for anyone who believes a grocery store can be a gateway to adventure and that every product has a tale to tell. Tune in for a series of explorations that are as unpredictable and rich as the market that inspires them.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

The Jungle Jim's Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Unrestricted Flavors Amongst FODMAP Intolerance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:36
This week, we're joined by Mark Dirksing of Unrestricted Flavor and Justin Dean of Carriage House Farm and Lost Bridge Beverage company to talk about their upcoming event in support of those with intense food allergies a…
Print Media on Jungle Jim's 50th Anniversary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:41
This week, we're kicking off some of our 50th Anniversary coverage on the show, joined by Chris Cook of Huron Web Printing & Graphics out of Canada. They handle our print media and after spending the afternoon with him a…
The Jovante Woods Foundation fundraiser and a visit from High 9ine! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:24
Lets talk some new snacks, these Mochi Snacks in the tamari teriyaki flavor were great, talked about Responsibly Rain water, these 25 cent chocolate banana cakes in International, then we're dropped in by the guys from H…
Pet Products are a Pastime, right? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:00
This week, i'm joined by Pet Department Manager Mike, and we're recapping so many products from the Global Pet Expo. We've got a ton of new stuff in right now from brands like Kona, Canidae, Blue Buffalo, a hilarious col…
Onima Pantry and the Power of Garums [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
Tyler from Onima Pantry stops into Jungle Jim's on his tour across America to talk about his product lines. We learn about pigeon languages, the secret behind Onima's name and origin, everything you could want to know ab…
That Dam Jam - Launching Products at Jungle Jim's [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
Today we're joined by Barbie of That Dam Jam - she makes all kinds of excellent spiced jams that will absolutely rule your parties this summer. Great for gifts, great for eating, and if you don't try it soon, we'll make…
Nature Fresh Farms with Jungle Jim himself! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:18
This week we're joined by not only Jungle Jim himself, but Matt from Nature Fresh Farms based out of Canada. If you're unfamiliar with Nature Fresh, here's a little more: Nature Fresh Farms® is a pioneer in greenhouse-gr…
The People Vs. Dave Stewart - Sweets and Snacks! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:44
This week, we're prepping for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, one of the best trade shows in the world. All kinds of huge brands come out and show off their best treats for the next year or so, and we get to try them. Stay tun…
Far, I Rome (Ntukogu) - International Food Fest! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:07
This week, we dive into all kinds of international products with Rome Ntukogu, creator, designer, jacket-maker, event host, and so many more things. Rome and I explore tons of international treats together, while talking…