
Gastropod
Food with a side of science and history. Every other week, co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley serve up a brand new episode exploring the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food- or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. We interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to think about and understand the world through food. Find us online at gastropod.com, follow us on Twitter @gastropodcast, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/gastropodcast.
Latest episodes

13 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 56min
Do We Really Have Beer to Thank for the First Writing and Cities?
Humanity's love affair with beer goes *way* back: 5,000 years ago, the civilization that arose in Mesopotamia invented writing, and one of the very first things they wrote about was... beer! But where was beer itself invented? This episode, we've got the story of beer's origins, the debate over whether humanity domesticated grains for brewing or for baking, and why beer was so essential to the smooth functioning of the world's first cities and states. But the story of how we know this—how we can decipher millennia-old drinking songs written in a forgotten language and alphabet, analyze pottery to reconstruct the ingredients list for ancient brews, and even figure out that, for maximum authenticity, we need to drink the resulting beverage through a hollow reed—well, that's perhaps even more fascinating! This week, archaeologist Tate Paulette is our guide as we meet the goddess of beer, sneak a peek at the letters of beer-brewing wives left behind by merchant husbands, and enjoy a time-traveling tasting of an ancient ale, produced with the help of cutting-edge science. Fill your glass and listen in—and don't forget your straw! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
Seed Oil Scare: The Curious Case of Canola
Duncan Farrington, a fourth-generation English farmer specializing in high-quality, cold-pressed rapeseed oil, dives into the heated debate over canola oil. He discusses its misunderstood origins, the transformation from rapeseed to canola, and the myths surrounding its health impacts. Farrington shares insights about the innovative agricultural practices that made canola widely accepted, the culinary appeal of its cold-pressed variant, and challenges to its negative reputation, leaving listeners questioning what really belongs in their kitchens.

15 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Nutrition Advice Decoded: What Foods Are Actually Good For Us, What Should We Avoid, and Why Is It All SO Confusing?
Dariush Mozaffarian, a nutrition science expert, and Kevin Hall, a senior investigator focused on ultra-processed foods, dive into the complexities of nutrition. They dissect common myths about foods like eggs and coffee, revealing how outdated studies have muddled our understanding. The duo highlights the alarming effects of ultra-processed foods on health, linking them to obesity and poor dietary habits. Their insights shed light on the frequently shifting guidance in nutrition science, pushing for more nuanced, evidence-based dietary advice.

17 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 52min
The Rise and Fall of Quinoa: From Incan "Superfood" to Buddha Bowl Basic
Emma McDonnell, an anthropologist and author of 'The Quinoa Bust,' dives into quinoa's fascinating journey from a staple of the Andes to a trendy superfood. She highlights the cultural evolution of quinoa, its impact on local farmers, and the quirky history behind its rise in popularity, including its promotion as a solution to global hunger. The conversation covers the challenges faced by traditional farmers amid commercialization and the ethical considerations in sourcing, all while uncovering quinoa's enduring significance in both food culture and climate resilience.

Feb 25, 2025 • 51min
The Shocking True Story of the World's First Seed Bank—And The Scientists Who Sacrificed Their Lives to Save It
During World War II, Leningrad's citizens faced unimaginable starvation, yet a group of botanists chose to protect vital seeds over their own survival. Their sacrifice led to the establishment of the world's first seed bank, safeguarding crop genetic diversity for future generations. The podcast dives into the personal stories of these pioneers, highlighting their dedication amid political turmoil and resource scarcity. It raises ethical questions about preserving biodiversity while navigating the dark realities of war, showcasing their legacy in modern agriculture.

Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
No Buzz Booze: The History and Science of Going Low- or No-Alcohol
Jeremy Rothman-Shore, a dedicated listener, sparks a fascinating discussion on the burgeoning world of non-alcoholic beverages. Discover the historical roots of breakfast beer and Prohibition-era drinks. The hosts explore innovative technologies like spinning cone to enhance flavors while removing alcohol. They dive into the rise of sober curiosity among younger generations and the complexities of crafting enjoyable non-alcoholic options. With taste tests that surprise and delight, this exploration reveals a growing market poised to change social drinking norms.

Jan 28, 2025 • 41min
Moon Rocks Wanted (guest episode)
Joe Gutheinz, a former NASA special agent, leads listeners through the thrilling world of moon rock intrigue. He recounts a bizarre ad that opened an investigation into missing moon rocks, revealing a history filled with scams and deception. With wit and insight, he describes undercover operations and the legal battles surrounding these celestial treasures. Gutheinz also highlights the educational importance of moon rocks, emphasizing their value in inspiring future generations and preserving a crucial part of space exploration history.

Jan 14, 2025 • 48min
Is My Dentist Scamming Me? (guest episode)
Mary Otto, a journalist focused on social issues and author of "Teeth," teams up with Dr. Lisa Simon, a general dentist and internal medicine physician, to unpack the complexities of dental care. They explore the historical divide between dentistry and medicine, revealing how this impacts patient trust and care. With personal anecdotes, they discuss the frustrating nature of dental insurance and systemic gaps in accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations. They advocate for integrating dental and medical practices to improve patient outcomes.

10 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 55min
Why Are Kids Dipping Cookies in Ranch, Are Food Comas Real, and What's Inside the Mummy's Stomach?
Nikolai Kokushkin, a life sciences professor at NYU studying memory in sea slugs, and Abby Reisner, author of "Ranch," dive into the delightful oddities of food culture. They uncover the astonishing history of ranch dressing, birthed by a plumber turned culinary star, and discuss why kids are obsessed with pairing it with everything. The duo also explains the science behind food comas, linking them to sluggish sea slugs and revealing how our holiday feasts might just be wearing us out!

29 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 46min
Hacking Taste (encore)
Dive into the intriguing science of taste, where participants challenge their perceptions through fascinating experiments. Discover the complex biology of taste buds and how they influence our food choices. Learn about supertasters and their unique sensitivity to flavors, particularly bitterness. Explore how taste receptors function beyond flavor, linking them to immune responses and potential health benefits. Finally, investigate how manipulating taste perception could reshape our culinary experiences and dietary habits.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.