In a world where burnout is all too common, one woman found solace—and success—in the most unexpected place: pie. Beth Howard’s journey from a stressed-out Silicon Valley web producer to a celebrated pie expert and documentary filmmaker is nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Thanksgiving itself is steeped in myth and debate, Howard argues that pie—the humble, flaky-crusted dessert—is the one thing Americans can unanimously agree on. And this is the part most people miss: pie isn’t just food; it’s a universal language of love and connection.
Howard’s passion for pie is infectious. Her new documentary, Pieowa (a clever blend of 'pie' and her home state, Iowa), chronicles the history and cultural significance of pie, showcasing how it brings together church ladies, blue-ribbon bakers, cyclists, and everyone in between. Speaking of cyclists, Iowa’s annual RAGBRAI bike ride—a 500-mile trek across the state—has turned pie into an official tradition, with locals serving slices at every stop. One team, aptly named NPR: No Pie Refused, embodies the spirit of this sweet obsession.
But Howard’s story isn’t all whipped cream and cherries. Her journey to becoming a pie guru began with burnout and a bold declaration during her exit interview: 'I need to do something with my hands—like make pie.' With no mortgage or car payments holding her back, she chased her dream, landing a job at Mary’s Kitchen in Malibu after convincing the owner with the simple phrase, 'I’m from Iowa.' Spoiler alert: being from Iowa doesn’t automatically make you a pie expert, but Howard’s determination and willingness to learn did the trick.
Her pie-making skills soon caught the attention of celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg, but life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Marcus, passed away suddenly. Pie—and a friend’s suggestion to hit the road in an RV—became her lifeline. That trip, filled with pie stories and grief, eventually led to Pieowa and her memoir, Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie.
Today, Howard splits her time between Los Angeles and Camp Doug(h), her partner Doug Seyb’s farm in Iowa, where she teaches pie-making classes. But here’s the kicker: Howard insists pie isn’t about perfection. 'Even I can make pie,' Seyb quips, proving that anyone can join the pie party. Yet, don’t be fooled—pie isn’t without its drama. The debate over crusts (butter? lard? vodka?) can get surprisingly heated, as Seyb points out.
Howard’s philosophy? Keep it simple. 'Just use a light touch with your dough,' she advises. Her dream of a streaming service picking up Pieowa has evolved; instead, the film has become a community-driven phenomenon, screening in churches, theaters, and retirement homes. 'The beauty of this film is that it’s an equalizer,' Howard says. 'It’s about finding something we can all agree on.'
But here’s the question: In a world divided by opinions, can pie truly be the great unifier? Share your thoughts in the comments—and while you’re at it, why not try Howard’s apple pie recipe below? It’s a slice of comfort worth savoring.
