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To celebrate the milestone of 300 episodes of The Hot Slice podcast, we’re chatting with a true pioneer of the U.S. pizza industry: Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana.

For nearly 40 years, Mangieri has been obsessively chasing the perfect pizza, but his journey hasn’t been a straight line. In this special anniversary episode, he opens up about his evolution to embrace the transformative power of hospitality. We dive deep into his daily experiments – from tweaking firewood blends to pushing dough hydration to the absolute limit – and why, even after four decades, he feels like he’s still learning every single day.

Tune in to hear how a relentless work ethic and a refusal to compromise on authenticity built one of the world’s most revered pizzerias.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The evolution of Una Pizza Napoletana over 30 years.
• Why hospitality matters just as much as the food.
• Dough hydration and oven management.
• The philosophy of staying true to your craft in a saturated market.

Ready to be inspired? Listen up!

Show Notes:

Una Pizza Napoletana

The backstory behind Mangieri’s devotion to gelato, as told to Pizza Today.

Pizza Expo is coming up! Register today!

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Get ready for the world's largest pizza show! In this special insider episode, the Pizza Today team pulls back the curtain on International Pizza Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, March 24–26. Hear directly from Jeremy White, Brand Director of Emerald Food Group, along with editors Denise Greer, Kate Lavin, and creative director Josh Keown as they share exclusive details about what makes this year's expo truly unforgettable.

What You'll Discover:

• Record-Breaking Numbers: Why this will be the largest Pizza Expo in history
• Beer & Bull 2.0: The revamped networking session with Dan "Malted MC Pizza Man Dan" Collier
• Pizza Today Village: A brand-new immersive experience featuring a 1980s-style pizzeria kitchen, secret menu sessions, limited-edition merch, and live podcast recordings
• International Pizza Challenge: Inside the new rigorous judging certification process with over 600 competitors across 8 categories
• Insider Tips: Download the app early, attend the Newcomers Happy Hour, don't miss the World Pizza Games Block Party, and approach anyone—this community is here to help

Whether you're a first-timer or a Pizza Expo veteran, this episode delivers the insider knowledge you need to maximize your experience at the world's premier pizza industry event.

Ready to register? Visit PizzaExpo.pizzatoday.com to secure your spot and save $50 off onsite pricing before March 21!

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Ever wondered what it takes to juggle a soccer ball while spinning a pizza dough? Or how nerve-wracking it is to toss a dough skin blindfolded while a panel of judges watches your every move?

Welcome to “The Olympics of Pizza!” In this episode of The Hot Slice, we are joined by Justin Wadstein, owner of Sleight of Hand Pizza and champion of the World Pizza Games. He takes us behind the curtain in the competitive world of dough acrobatics, sharing exactly what goes into a winning routine.

Tune in to hear:

• The secrets behind the scorecard: What are judges really looking for in dexterity, creativity and difficulty?
• Disaster management: Hear the nail-biting story of how a frozen hand almost led to a wedding cake catastrophe!
• Dough Spinning 101: Wadstein breaks down the mechanics of the perfect toss for beginners.
• 2026 Predictions: Who is favored to take home the gold at this year’s World Pizza Games?

Whether you’re a pizza pro looking to add some flair to your kitchen or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with energy and insight. Grab a slice and get ready to be amazed. You might just be inspired to start spinning your own faux dough tonight!

Show Notes

Sleight of Hand Pizza: https://www.sleightofhandpizza.com/

World Pizza Games: https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/giveaway-rules-regulations/world-pizza-games/

Register for Pizza Expo: https://registration.pizzaexpo.com/event/2026