928. - Pierce Abernathy

In this episode of How Long Gone, hosts Chris and Jason welcome guest Pierce Abernathy, a self-described 'quarter Armenian' content creator and food enthusiast known for his high-end, aesthetically driven cooking content. The conversation dives deep into Pierce’s unique lifestyle, from his meticulously curated morning routine—featuring a Breville espresso machine, 2% dairy milk, and a 10-minute Scottish oatmeal ritual—to his love of outlaw country music, which contrasts with his urban Brooklyn life. The hosts explore Pierce’s Southern roots in Louisville, Kentucky, and his surprising Armenian heritage, including his great aunt’s 1970s cookbook, *Please Pass the Peel Off*, which has become his culinary bible. They also discuss his work with the edible brand Rose, where he created a cannabis-infused product from restaurant compost, highlighting his philosophy of tip-to-tail cooking and sustainability. The episode touches on broader themes like food culture, the absurdity of luxury food branding (e.g., $20 strawberries, $6 Sumo mandarins), and the paradox of highbrow content creators thriving on lowbrow food videos. Pierce reflects on his journey from BuzzFeed to independent content creation, his ambivalence toward editing his own work, and his belief that virality is out of creators' hands. The episode closes with a playful fruit-and-vegetable metaphor session, where Pierce is likened to white asparagus and Chris to a page mandarin, underscoring their contrasting personalities and tastes.