Gastropod
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
29 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 48min
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 • 47min
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.
4 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 52min
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 • 37min
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 • 44min
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 • 51min
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!
30 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.
10 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 47min
The Curiously Strong Story of Mint
Dan Alasso, historian and author of "Peppermint Kings," dives deep into the fascinating history of peppermint's rise in America. He reveals how peppermint was once deemed so valuable that it made three entrepreneurs extremely wealthy, earning them the title of "Peppermint Kings." Alasso also discusses the medicinal properties of menthol and its unique cooling sensation, while unraveling the captivating origins of beloved treats like candy canes and classic mint candies. The episode is a festive journey through mint's sweet legacy and its cultural significance.
49 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 51min
Dishwashing Debates: The Soapy Science Behind Everyone's Favorite Chore
Explore the fascinating world of dishwashing, from handwashing versus dishwashers to the surprising history behind these practices. Discover the revolutionary inventions like the dishwasher and synthetic detergents that transformed domestic life. Dive into the environmental impact of detergents, including the controversial use of phosphates. Uncover cultural dishwashing differences and get practical tips for optimizing your dishwashing techniques. It's a sudsy journey through time, science, and culture that makes a mundane chore utterly captivating!
19 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 44min
V is for Vitamin (encore)
Catherine Price, author of "Vitamania," delves into the fascinating world of vitamins and their cultural impact. She discusses how vitamins revolutionized America's processed foods, from the historical quest for understanding nutrients to the marketing of fortified products. Price reveals insights on the production processes of vitamins, like the surprising origins of vitamin D from sheep's wool. The conversation also navigates the complexities of Recommended Dietary Allowances and critiques the reductionist view of food, urging a return to whole foods for better health.
