

Spam (Entry 1195.JB0607)
Oct 16, 2025
Explore the quirky origins of Spam, from a Minnesota meat company's surplus pork shoulder to its role in World War II rations. Discover how different countries butcher pigs, creating unique cuts and cultural flavors. Delve into the fascinating transformation of Spam into a global culinary staple, appearing in Hawaii and across Asia. The hosts also tackle Spam's unexpected crossover into pop culture and how its name evolved into a term for unwanted emails, bringing humor and insights into our relationship with food.
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Use Prepared Meal Services When Schedules Tighten
- Consider prepared meal services for busy seasons; Ken recommends Factor for chef-prepped, dietitian-approved ready meals.
- Use code Omnibus50off for a promotional discount and trial.
Hormel's Humble Origins And Early Canning
- John recounts George Hormel founding Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota and their early canned products like canned ham and chicken.
- Hormel innovated canned ham in 1926 and marketed heavily via radio sponsorships such as Burns and Allen.
Hormel's Radio-Era Marketing Push
- John recalls Hormel sponsoring radio shows like Burns and Allen and even fielding an all-woman "Hormel Girls" orchestra for promotion.
- Hormel used heavy marketing to normalize canned ham and canned chicken in American households.