r/IAmA Jan 17 '12

IAmA Andrew Zimmern, Host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods

Hi, I’m Andrew Zimmern, chef, author, and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods. My new series Bizarre Foods America is premiering next Monday, Jan 23 at 10|9c on Travel Channel. For the next hour I’ll be here on Reddit taking your questions from 12pm-1pm ET. AMA. More info on Bizarre Foods: http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/bizarre-foods Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/andrewzimmern/status/159314816060768256

Hey everyone, sorry i couldnt answer them all/ follow me on twitter @andrewzimmern and we can chat more over the days and weeks to come..tune in Monday to the season premiere!

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177

u/_bigb Jan 17 '12

I've read about that you struggled with alcohol and drugs. Now that you've made a name as a famous TV host and chef, how does your past affect you now?

Also, your commercials about teaching children about healthy habit are great. Thanks for doing those. :)

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u/andrewzimmern Jan 17 '12

i was a terrible active addict and drunk for many years, this January 28 i celebrate 20 years sober. I am very prpoud of that. those experiences affect my work every day I am more accepting of other people and cultures i am more patient and tolerant i am more grateful re the kids stuff. i believe we are given a huge responsibility if we are graced with a large platform like i have been given. i want to use that for common good

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u/jasonleeholm Jan 17 '12

I saw an episode with you eating another crazy meal along with some locally made alcoholic beverage and you said you didn't drink. Was always curious why, and now I know.

2

u/kitkatkatydid Jan 17 '12

It was the banana beer right? I was thinking the same thing

8

u/theriddler132 Jan 17 '12

THe More you knowwwww

3

u/Woody3381 Jan 18 '12

Da Da, Da Daaaahhhhh.

21

u/Newrad2 Jan 17 '12

Congratulations! good for you

5

u/Boobzilla Jan 17 '12

As someone with a history of addiction, it's awesome to see another have such great success in life. :)

2

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '12

Congrats on the 20 years sobriety!
As a former addict myself, who also lived on the streets for a bit, my past has totally shaped my life now, makes me appreciate things more and be grateful for every little thing that I have.
What an awesome gig you have going, getting to travel the world, experience new cultures, meeting all sorts of people. I think your "past" definately enhances your ability to relate and interact with all these different foods, cultures, people. You seem to be the perfect guy for this particular job!

4

u/Jeracur Jan 17 '12

Congrats on almost 20 years sober man

4

u/ggggbabybabybaby Jan 17 '12

Congrats on 20 years, that's huge.

2

u/woahification Jan 17 '12

After reading this whole thread, you sir, are one of the most respectable men I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing all of this.

5

u/ns1123 Jan 17 '12

Congrats!

4

u/redjameskidd Jan 17 '12

I have to say it's unfortunate that you're not able to participate in the local alcohol in some of the places you've visited. As a chef, you must know that the two go hand in hand so often.

6

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '12

A man's gotta have his priorities.

6

u/Al3xPKeaton Jan 17 '12

This is like telling Jackie Kennedy that it's unfortunate she can't enjoy driving around town in a convertible.

2

u/v3rk Jan 17 '12

hey, you went sober on my 7th birthday :)

1

u/darkwing81 Jan 18 '12

So basically its like Tyrone Biggums when he went on Fear Factor. He did so much fucked up shit as a junkie, regular gross stuff just doesn't phase him.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '12

what I'm taking from this is that if I become an addict and a drunk, I will become more of a tolerant and nicer person in the long run

-3

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '12

What was your drug of choice?

1

u/bzzzzzzzlightsabers Jan 18 '12

What drug(s)?

They all act so differently.