As a Fulbright Scholar in Germany, I have two goals:

1. Gather data on food in Germany so I can write my dissertation.
2. Fulfill the Fulbright mission of increasing mutual understanding by connecting Americans with people all over the world.

I didn’t expect to meet these goals by going on TV, but I have in fact gathered a lot of data and met many wonderful people! And starting today, millions more will hear from me, even if we haven’t met in person.

Today is the premiere of my week on Die Küchenschlacht, one of Germany’s most-watched cooking shows with over 1.5 million daily viewers. In its 18th year, Die Küchenschlacht is a beloved and prolific institution, with new episodes nearly every weekday, all year long.

On Monday of each week, 6 home cooks have 35 minutes to cook in front of a live studio audience. A Michelin-starred chef then blind tastes the dishes to choose a winner of the day and select one person to go home. On Tuesday, the remaining 5 candidates battle at the stovetop once again, and so on, until Friday’s head -to-head showdown of the final two.

I applied to be on the show in November, was cast in December, and we filmed in January. And now, in February, the show hits TV and computer screens around the world. This was incredibly fun – but it was also part of my research.

For my dissertation, I’m gathering data on what the experience of making reality food TV was like as a participant, and part of my experience is sharing it with the people in my life!

Want to help me with my research?
Watch + Take a Survey!

If you want to support my dissertation, especially if you know me even a little bit, I would be so curious to hear from you about what it’s like to see me on TV.

You can watch the episodes from my week here, starting from February 23.

Heads up, the episode is in German only. It’s okay with me if you just watch a bit to get a sense of it.

You can give me a call if you have my number, or write me an email or message, or comment below. Or, if you have a lot of thoughts and want to share them in writing, you can answer this survey about your experience watching the show.

I’m excited to hear what you think!