CHILI IS COMMUNITY | BRIAN BAUMGARTNER

This month, we caught up with Brian Baumgartner who The Office fans know played Kevin Malone. We talk about this iconic show that brought us into a branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton PA. Viewers enjoyed seeing all the dynamics that are involved with co-workers, engaging in office politics, breaking the 4th wall copiously in a mockumentary style and of course the iconic moment when his character introduced us to his chili! We wanted to know more about how that came together and what led this New York Times Best-Selling Author Brian Baumgartner to drop his own cookbook, Seriously Good Chili Cookbook 177 of the Best Recipes in the World which is available now! We talk about his approach to creating the cookbook, gathering fans of the show as well as chefs who have won awards for their creations and how he really examines the world of chili from including his own recipe, chili con carne, chili verde, white chicken chili, texas chili, other categories and of course Kevin's Famous Chili! We're pleased to share that you'll find our recipe for Mezcal Jalapeño and Tortilla Strips Chili Verde along with my recipe for Mexican Lime Crema in this book with a little story of why this is one of our favorite chilis to make as a connoisseur of the category!

We talk about the impact of The Office, how his enjoyment of the original British series led by Ricky Gervais made him want to be part of the US one, his podcast that peeled the many layer of the onion on how this show came together in The Office Deep Dive Podcast and his other podcast, Off the Beat which digs into some of your other favorite shows and sharing the actors thoughts on it as well as jobs that they had, stories that you may not have heard and moving on from their iconic roles!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We are fans of The Office and we love that you played Kevin Malone. What drew you to the show and the role and what did you enjoy about playing Kevin?

BRIAN BAUMGARTNER: Well look, I was a big fan of the British version of the show and I had recently moved to LA and I knew that they were looking for people that weren’t known. At that point, that was definitely me, I was doing theater at the time, mostly traveling around the country and I knew that they were looking for people. I thought that the British version was genius and nobody at the time knew it, but I knew that that was the part that should be mine and that I should play! I auditioned shortly after I moved to LA and met Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, Hello Ladies) and Ben Silverman (The Office, The Biggest Loser, Running Wild with Bear Grylls) and the rest of the gang there and 10 years later, this is where we’re going!

AM: During the pandemic, I actually enjoyed listening to The Office Deep Dive podcast. What made you want to do that Project? It was great to hear you go behind the scenes.

BB: You know, truly it may be the first show in TV history that got bigger once we were done filming. I mean the explosion of the show over the last 3, 4, 5 years is insane. For me, it truly started with a question which was – why, how did this happen and why are younger people watching the show? This was not a show that we were making for young people and I’ll be totally honest about that! It’s not that they were excluded, but we thought it was for people that could relate to people who were in offices – meaning people who worked in offices. For me, getting the gang back together again and trying to figure out what happened and if we could find some clues in terms of how the show was set up, written and acted and the style and all of that on why people were so drawn to it. So that was the reason for getting everybody back together.

AM: Love that and honestly, it’s great with the format as there’s something about constantly breaking the 4th wall! Seeing other people who since that show aired have been successful with that like Abbott Elementary that does this as well. I think that rawness, working in an office and what that means – it definitely grabbed people!

BB: Nice, thank you!

AM: Where did Kevin’s love of chili come from? Did you create that or did it come from the writer’s room? How did that happen?

BB: No, that was the writers. I think that the show and why a lot of people still respond to the show is that it is a celebration of ordinary people. So I think that the writers were constantly looking for character traits that allowed these characters to thrive in certain settings. So that was totally them and they had the idea that this was the thing that Kevin does the best! I never imagined that we would still be talking about it all these years later! It was just a scene that I thought that was funny and well done and it required a lot of hours of rehearsal and preparation because of you know the mess that we all knew it was going to be. But, yeah I never imagined that we would still be talking about it or that I would have a chili cookbook!

AM: Where does your love of chili come from?

BB: It really was that. I am a cook. I probably 5 times a week I’m at the grill usually doing something or some other sort of thing. It was a little bit of time after that scene had happened and I had the idea. It was a fall day and I’m sure that there was football coming on and I thought that I would make some chili. I found a recipe, made it and I’m sure I took a picture. Because pic or it didn’t happen. I took a picture of it and posted it online and people went bananas. They just thought that it was the funniest thing. So, it didn’t occur to me at that point that people would respond that way. So I kept making it and I think that I did a pretty good job and now I have my own recipe and I continue to change, develop and experiment with and I was invited to The World Championship Chili Cook Off. There are hundreds of people there and there are all kinds of chili and everyone who is there is already a champion and they have won their state, region, district or whatever!

So, these are all people who know what they are doing and there is something about the culture of it that I just love! It’s people that are celebrating each other, getting tips and I think that I consider chili to be communal – you don’t make a pot of chili for yourself. It’s not something that you do. It’s all about sharing it with friends or family or around some event. So I like that aspect of it as you’re usually not doing it by yourself. It’s usually about community I think. I say it not to be cheesy at all – that’s what it is. So for me, it’s particularly fun. So I had the idea to assemble the best recipes around that I could find. We have so many of the World Champion recipes the International Chili Society – we got access to put a bunch of those recipes in the book, we have chefs, celebrity chefs, fans of the show who we also got submissions from, publications and other cooking organizations and sites. We tried our best to taste them all and to vet them! The truth is in the number, we were looking to try and get 100 – there are 177 of them! I mean they just coming in and they were so good, so interesting and so different, we wanted to have something for everyone! So there ended up being 177 of them and I am proud of all of them that are in this book!

AM: That’s amazing! I’m from Indiana originally, I live in NY and I love chili. Indiana chili is a big thing. What I do love about it is that you have all of these varieties. I grew up on Skyline Chili.

BB: Sure!

AM: But because of Athleisure Mag and everything else like that, I had started making for years a green type of chili instead of using a red based one. So the recipe we submitted was the Mezcal Jalapeño Tortilla Strip Chili Verde recipe!

BB: Nice!

AM: Yes, because I love Mezcal so that was a thing and when we were making it, I had never added Mezcal before, but it was so good and so tasty! So what were your 3 favorite ones that are in this cookbook?

BB: Well I mean I guess I have to start with mine!

AM: Right!

BB: So there’s that. I just made a couple of weeks ago finally, a chili that I had just loved and that I had tasted last year at the championships which was a finalist which was a Chicken White Bean Chili that starts with grilling chicken, chopping chicken – I had never done anything like it before. I had never made anything like it before and it was delicious! So good, I made it and can't wait to make it again because it was so good. And then the one that actually won last year and I had passed 3 chilis to the final, one which won as well – which was much more traditional in the homestyle category. Which basically means, chili with beans, but more traditional that won that was really delicious.

Yeah, personally, I have not made all 177! I have tasted a lot, but I am going to work my way through it. I just made a note for the Mezcal – I’m going for it!

AM: Oh yeah, it has 3 different meats in it – love it! It was great as it was on brand for Athleisure Mag, but it is Mezcal and that room smokes when you add it!

BB: Nice!

AM: So your book had been in preorder the last few months and it drops on Sep 13th.

BB: That’s right!

AM: What are the things that you’re going to do to promote it? Are you going to be on Good Morning America doing chili demos?

BB: I think that the Today Show – I will be in NY running around going to Barnes & Noble there, The Strand will have signed copies of the book. So yeah, you’ll see me around making chili for sure on various programs.

AM: Outside of your cookbook, you have a podcast called Off the Beat can you tell me about this?

BB: Yeah, in fact, I was a couple of minutes late talking to you because I was talking with Kevin Pollack (Billions, American Crime Story, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Busy Philipps (Dawson’s Creek, Vice Principals, Girls5eva) who are going to be upcoming guests. Yeah, it was born out of The Office Deep Dive and the conversations that I had with my old co-workers there and I just loved diving deep into the story. That was much more about The Office and the show. But for this, my idea was to talk to people about the unexpected moments that shaped them and their careers. Like what brought them on and led them to their specific journeys that they’re on. So I have just loved doing it. I have been able to talk in a different way with so many old friends that I never knew their story and then new friends as well! So, I’m having so much fun doing that and I encourage everybody to listen!

AM: Are there other projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?

BB: You know, right now, we’re selling books!

AM: Oh yeah, you’re the book man!

BB: Right now I am the book man! I’m going to be going on a tour to some colleges and elsewhere coming up soon so look for dates on that!

IG @bbaumgartner

PHOTO COURTESY | Brian Baumgartner

Read the SEP ISSUE #81 of Athleisure Mag and see CHILI IS COMMUNITY | Brian Baumgartner in mag.

GOOD MORNING, MICHAEL

Michael Strahan is a true New York icon. We had the pleasure to chat with him about his new athleisure line, MSX by Michael Strahan; where we can see him next; and how he remains on top. We also caught up with Stuart Billingham, JCPenney Creative Director for Men's Private Label for more on the collection.

ATHLEISURE MAG: - Stylish active lifestyle sounds like a great ethos for you, you’re always looking good on-the-go – what’s an average day like for you?

MICHAEL STRAHAN: There really isn’t an “average day” for me. Every day is so different, especially during different seasons. For example, during football season, I’m traveling from New York to Los Angeles for NFL on FOX. On days that I’m on Good Morning America, I wake up around 5:30am. My afternoons are always different. Sometimes I’m taking meetings with my management and production company, SMAC Entertainment and other times I’m doing activities that I enjoy, like playing golf! I’ve been spending a lot time working on my athleisure line MSX and my clothing line Collection by Michael Strahan.

AM: When did you first decide to jump into a companion line for Collection by Michael Strahan?

MS: I had a lot of fun creating Collection by Michael Strahan with JCPenney and I realized that in addition to great tailored pieces, men also need comfortable, stylish clothes that can be worn anytime. MSX by Michael Strahan is inspired by my active lifestyle and provides men trendy, functional pieces that can be worn everywhere. I call it my EveryWEAR for everywhere. And best of all, it's all priced for a great value. I'm really excited to be part of what's happening in the overall athleisure movement and I'm excited for the future of MSX.

AM: Why do you think athleisure wear has become such a movement?

MS: The way people are living these days has changed. People are on the go much more than ever before. Wearing a comfortable, yet stylish tee and pants is not for lounging, it's for living! To be able to go throughout your day and not feel over or underdressed in any situation is crucial and that's where athleisure comes in.

AM: “Everywear for everywhere,” that’s catchy, what assortment does MSX currently offer?

MS: The line offers a wide range of clothes for every part of life. The chino pants are one of my personal favorites because they can easily go from the office to the golf course. Also the Henley three button shirts, the v necks and an assortment of short options. 

AM: What is it about MSX by Michael Strahan that makes it optimal for workouts and tackling tasks of the day after the studio/gym?

MS: The breathable fabrics are made to keep you cool and comfortable all day, when they are paired with the no-chafe stitching you’ll stay comfortable the entire day.

AM: Style, comfort and performance are key for activewear, what advanced technology and comfort features does MSX by Michael Strahan have?

MS: Every piece in the line has hidden details. We have the no-chafe seam details to keep you comfortable while you are moving or the UV protection so you will be protected all day long. My favorite details are the secret pockets. For example, I’m a golfer so I wanted the chino pants to looks stylish, yet be functional. We kept the left back pocket open so you can easily slip in your golf glove between swings and included a zipper on the right back pocket to keep valuables like wallet and phone.

AM: What are some of your must-haves that you keep in your secret pockets?

MS: I keep all the essentials in my pockets - money clip, keys, and sometimes my phone…when it’s not missing! haha

AM: Run us through some of your favorite routines when you’re in the gym. Have you carried over a lot from those grueling football practices? Do you take any studio classes to round out your training?

Pictures of Michael Strahan in athleisure attire, courtesy of JCP

MS: I usually work out for an hour 5/6 days a week. I don't do the same workout I did as a football player. Now I do exercises that are more conducive to mobility and flexibility. I still lift weights, but the exercises and amount that I lift are definitely different.

AM: What are some of the jams or artists that are your go-to’s for your workout playlist? Anything new you just started listening to?

MS: I listen to Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day” every morning before work. It’s the best way to start the day! I’m a creature of habit. I like to work out to Hip-Hop. Whatever's hot I listen to.

AM: How do you stay on top of daily nutrition, what are some of you favorite meal combinations and snacks that keep you lean and mean? What is that one irresistible treat item that you just crave and enjoy?

MS: I eat a lot of fish, chicken and turkey and fresh vegetables without the butter and other things that add sneaking calories into my diet. I have protein smoothies and hard boiled eggs along with nuts as well. I have a weakness for chocolate in any form so I do crave chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, but I only indulge occasionally.

AM: You are an inspiration for work ethic across the board, what does “being 100% present” mean to you?

MS: It means waking up happy and putting your best foot forward each and every day. A good friend of mine always says “dress shoes.” It makes me laugh, but I like the meaning behind it because it’s about “putting your best foot forward…and if you’re going to do that, you should literally be putting your best foot forward". I have to remember to put away the phone and stay in the moment. That's a hard test for everyone in this age of technology, but it really helps you to stay present if you can do it.

AM: Your best-selling book, “Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life” shares a lot of personal stories and advice for personal ambitions and going from good to great. What is a tip or two to be on top of one’s game and keep on track in active lifestyle?

Photo (P.41) courtesy of Jerry Coli. Photo

MS: I draw upon the power of positive thinking often. Developing a routine always helps to keep you on track. And most of all, just remember to encourage yourself and give yourself a break if you need it. Don't be so hard on yourself if you're not perfect because none of us are.

AM: Hello Stuart, thanks for joining us. Tell our readers a bit about your background and how you came to be Creative Director, Men’s Private Label at JCPenney.

STUART BILLINGHAM: I have been in the industry for 15 years, both in the European & US markets, working on a variety of product ranging from surf/skate, outdoor, heritage and fast fashion. JCPenney was an amazing opportunity for me to work with a highly talented team and immerse myself in a number of different lifestyles through the amazing private labels exclusive to us here, including Arizona, Xersion and of course MSX by Michael Strahan.

AM: What are some of the lines that you have been able to create with personalities?

SB: MSX by Michael Strahan was the first line I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a major personality like Michael, so this idea of working with someone who had a strong idea that they wanted to bring to life was super exciting. 

AM: How did the collaboration with you and Michael Strahan come about and what is the process that goes into creating a line such as this?

SB: JCPenney and Michael have been working together on our suiting line, COLLECTION by MICHAEL STRAHAN so it felt natural to find something to balance that – with MSX we wanted comfort and performance attributes, but we didn't want to make it feel like a performance line. We want guys to wear it everyday, to integrate each piece into their lifestyle.

(P.142/143) courtesy of Frank Jansky/ZUMA Wire

AM: How was it to work with Michael?

SB: Michael was heavily involved in the design process and showed so much foresight when it came to the product. He has great vision and is obsessed about the details like I am, so we had fun geeking out over new ideas.

AM: What are some of the inspirations behind the line?

SB: This is Michael Strahan’s second apparel line with JCPenney and we pulled inspiration from his personal style and his active lifestyle as a father and one of America’s most recognizable athletes and media personalities.

AM: We hear Michael says “everyone should get one of each,” where is a good place to begin to jumpstart their wardrobe with some core essentials?

SB: The true core of the collection comes in our performance jersey styles. Anyone can build on our tees offered in crew neck, V-neck or sleeveless muscle, all with our no-chafe seam details and quick drying technology, so you will be comfortable all day. We also have great layer-ups in fleece and 4-way stretch fabrications that offer great outfitting capabilities.

AM: What are additional styles that will be in future collections?

SB: Together with Michael, we are continuing to evolve the line with new product, and have some very exciting things coming for the MSX collection for Fall 16. Stay tuned.

Photo (144/145) courtesy of Lev Radin.