A simple slice of pie, with its flaky crust and sweet filling, is more than just a dessert. For one woman, it became a lifeline, a career, and the subject of a heartfelt documentary now connecting communities across the country.
Beth Howard’s journey began far from the rolling farmlands of the Midwest. After burning out as a web producer in Silicon Valley, she made a drastic change. She left her job, telling her bosses she needed to work with her hands. With no mortgage holding her back, she pursued a childhood memory: the art of pie-making.
Her quest led her to a gourmet deli in Malibu, where she convinced the owner to hire her by declaring, “I’m from Iowa.” There, she learned the craft from scratch, using her hands to mix dough without machines. This hands-on approach sparked a passion that would define her life.
Howard soon became a sought-after baker for Hollywood celebrities, but her personal life took a tragic turn. After the sudden death of her husband, she found herself adrift in grief. It was pie, and a friend’s suggestion to embark on a cross-country road trip in search of pie stories, that helped her heal.
That journey planted the seed for something bigger. While Hollywood studios showed interest only in competitive baking dramas, Howard wanted to tell a different story—one of community and connection. She eventually returned to her roots in Iowa, where she ran a popular pie stand from a historic home.
Encouraged by her partner, a local farmer and pie enthusiast, Howard finally decided to tell her story on screen. The resulting documentary, Pieowa (a blend of “pie” and “Iowa”), explores the dessert’s rich history and its unique power to bring people together. The film features church socials, small-town diners, and even a massive annual bicycle ride across Iowa where pie is the official fuel.
The documentary has found its audience not on a streaming platform, but in local theaters, community centers, and churches. Howard notes that screenings often end with people sharing pie and conversation, proving her central belief: “Pie is an equalizer. It’s about finding something we can all agree on.”
While the film celebrates unity, it doesn’t shy away from friendly debate. Bakers can have strong, differing opinions on the perfect crust—whether to use butter, lard, or a mix, or whether to chill the dough overnight. Howard’s own advice is simple: use a light touch, don’t overwork the dough, and leave visible chunks of butter.
From a high-stress tech career to becoming an ambassador for America’s quintessential comfort food, Howard’s story is a testament to following one’s passion. Her documentary, and the humble pie itself, continues to serve as a reminder of shared traditions and simple joys.