Joshua Specht

Historian Joshua Specht, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame, dives into the rich and often controversial history of beef in America. He reveals how 19th-century colonialism and ranching practices shaped our diets and national identity. Specht discusses the transformation from small-scale ranching to corporate behemoths and examines the complex relationship between consumer preferences and the dark underbelly of industrial meat production. Through intriguing stories and analyses, he uncovers beef's role in both American progress and violence.

Historian Joshua Specht, a lecturer at Monash University and visiting assistant professor at Notre Dame, delves into the deep roots of America's beef obsession. He reveals how 19th-century colonialism and corporate control transformed beef into a staple of American culture. The conversation touches on the origins of industrial beef, its cultural significance, and consumer movements advocating for change. Specht also highlights the often-overlooked violence behind beef production and the intricate balance between individual ranch stories and broader economic themes.