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
Nov 4, 2024 • 59min
Bringing Salmon Home: The Story of the World's Largest Dam Removal Project
Barry McCovey Jr., Director of the Yurok Tribal Fisheries Department, joins forces with Matt Mays, the tribe's public relations director, Craig Tucker, natural resources advocate for the Karuk tribe, and David Bitz, a commercial fisherman. Together, they share insights into the historic dam removal on the Klamath River, emphasizing its cultural significance for indigenous communities and the ecological revival of salmon populations. Personal stories highlight the river's rich history and the hard-fought battle to restore nature's balance, offering hope for a thriving ecosystem.
Oct 29, 2024 • 48min
Potatoes in Space! (encore)
Wieger Wammelink, an ecologist researching Martian soil, and his colleague Esther Meinen, who specializes in space greenhouses, team up with NASA’s plant scientist Joya Masse. They dive into the challenges of farming in space, revealing fascinating insights about growing crops like potatoes on Mars. The trio discusses crucial factors like light spectrums for growth, the psychological benefits of fresh food for astronauts, and the unique characteristics of lunar and Martian soils. Will our space snacks be delectable, or will they resemble 1960s sci-fi visions?
Oct 15, 2024 • 45min
Absinthe: The World's Most Dangerous Drink?
Evan Rael, a journalist and author of "The Absinthe Forger," and Nina Stutter, a historian and author of "The Hour of Absinthe," dive into the enchanting world of absinthe. They discuss its transformation from the 'green muse' of 19th-century artists to a vilified drink blamed for social decline. The duo unpacks the myths surrounding its notorious effects, its cultural significance in colonial France, and the clever ways clandestine distillers kept the spirit alive during prohibition. Collectors and modern-day enthusiasts also add to absinthe's rich narrative!
13 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 49min
From Trash to Treasure: Why's It So Hard to Save Restaurant Leftovers From the Dumpster?
In this engaging discussion, Dana Gunders, President of ReFED and a champion against food waste, dives deep into the staggering issue of edible food wasted in restaurants. She shares eye-opening insights about transforming surplus food into delicious meals, and discusses innovative solutions like the app Too Good To Go that connects people with leftover food. The conversation also emphasizes the challenges of legislative measures and the importance of creativity in reducing waste, offering a fresh perspective on sustainability in dining.
Sep 17, 2024 • 43min
Smashing Pumpkin Myths: What's Big, Orange, and Having an Identity Crisis?
This week dives into the quirky world of pumpkins and squashes, revealing their rich history as the first domesticated plants in the Americas. Experience the thrill of giant pumpkin competitions, where growers push the limits to produce record-breaking gourds. Discover how pumpkins evolved from staples to symbols of American identity, especially in Thanksgiving traditions. The hosts also connect cultural significance with culinary practices, making you rethink these iconic fall favorites.
6 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 44min
Meet the Queen of Kiwi: The 96-Year-Old Woman Who Transformed America's Produce Aisle (ENCORE)
Frieda Caplan, the 96-year-old Queen of Kiwi, is a culinary pioneer who transformed the American produce aisle by introducing exotic fruits and vegetables. She shares her journey of overcoming skepticism to educate consumers about delightful items like the kiwi and sugar snap peas. Listeners will discover her innovative marketing strategies, the legacy of her family's specialty produce warehouse, and the fascinating challenges of selling unique produce. Her story is a celebration of diversity and the adventurous spirit of modern eating.
16 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 49min
Deli is Short For Delicious—But Are Your Pastrami and Bologna Sandwiches Giving You Cancer?
Join chef Jeremy Omansky, a charcuterie expert, and author David Sachs, who unveils the history of delicatessens. Discover the surprising origins of beloved deli meats and their cultural significance in America. The conversation dives into the health controversies surrounding processed meats after a WHO warning. Learn about the evolution of pastrami and Jewish deli traditions, and the innovative techniques, including 'meat glue,' transforming meat processing. It's a delicious blend of culinary history and modern food science!
26 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 53min
What's the Buzz on Eating Bugs? Can Insects Really Save the World?
Insects may hold the key to a sustainable future as a food source, yet cultural stigma still prevails. From cicadas' unique flavor profiles to the delicious chapulinas, the culinary potential of bugs is explored. The podcast highlights Madagascar's 'bacon bug' initiative, aiding food security while delighting taste buds. It addresses the complexities of promoting edible insects and the rising interest in Western markets. The conversation debunks myths around entomophagy, pondering whether bugs can indeed save the world—or if we've just lost our appetite for them.
Aug 6, 2024 • 39min
The Billion Dollar War Behind U.S. Rum (Planet Money)
Discover the surprising federal tax system that directs rum taxes to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, generating over $700 million annually. Dive into the intense rivalry sparked by the U.S. Virgin Islands' successful lure of Captain Morgan from Puerto Rico. The narrative unfolds the fierce competition over rum production, highlighting political tensions and economic consequences. Explore how these tax laws and legislative maneuvers create a complex battle that significantly impacts local communities and big liquor companies alike.
Jul 23, 2024 • 60min
The Interstitium (Radiolab)
Exploring the discovery of the interstitium, a hidden fluid system challenging traditional anatomy views. The podcast discusses its potential role in cancer research and its connection to ancient medical practices. The episode highlights the importance of embracing diverse medical traditions and the mystery of cancer metastasis.
