Room Escape Artist

“It’s a vehicle for whipped cream. With pockets.”

A vendor shows up to the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens and starts handing out light, fluffy, deep-pocketed waffles topped with whipped cream and strawberries. Breakfast is forever changed for millions of Americans. One of them was a little girl who took the bus there every weekend with her mom and twin sister. That little girl grew up to be David Spira’s mom — and she’s joining us today.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Joan Spira joins us on PG’s Playhouse to play games, share stories, and maybe troll David just a little bit. We learn about how one notorious New York City parks commissioner accidentally introduced the US to foods like falafel, kimchi, hummus, and the Belgian waffle — all because France and Italy refused to show up. Joan also shares some great stories about David growing up and some sage advice for mothers everywhere.

Today’s game is called Tasting Bee, and it’s all about foods from around the world that have a country or place baked right into the name.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere — especially the ones raising little kids who use the word ostentatious at age two.

Time Stamps

• 01:25 Game: Tasting Bee
• 11:48 About Joan Spira: Happy Mother’s Day & David’s Childhood stories
• 17:52 Topic: Belgian Waffles
• 30:55 Advice about Motherhood & Credits

Guest: Joan Spira (aka David’s Mother)

Teacher, daily puzzle aficionado, and David Spira’s mother. But not in that order.

More Podcasts from Peih-Gee & David

If you enjoy PG’s Playhouse, check out Reality Escape Pod (REPOD), where your hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles, alongside guests with incredible experience in this realm.

And by supporting Room Escape Artist on Patreon, you’ll get access to the REPOD Bonus After Show ($5 per month and up) and the Spoilers Club ($15 per month and up) where we chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!

Production Credits

• Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira
• Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law
• Produced by Theresa Piazza
• Supported by Lisa Spira
• Edited by Peih-Gee Law
• Music by Matt Farthing
• Logo by Theresa Wagner