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
4 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 48min
Are Hush Puppies Racist? Is A2 Milk Really Healthier? And What's Up With Wedding Cake? Ask Gastropod!
Delve into the origins of hush puppies and wedding cakes, and explore the benefits of A2 milk for dairy-intolerant individuals. Discover the fascinating history and debunked myths behind these culinary topics with the help of experts. Listen in now for enlightening insights!
23 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 52min
Why Does Everyone Have Food Allergies These Days?
Discover the escalating rates of food allergies globally, from adults to pets. Unravel the mysteries of why our bodies react to essential foods, the differences between allergies and intolerances, and the historical roots of allergic responses. Dive into the genetic and environmental influences on food allergies, explore rising trends and potential solutions, and learn about managing the complexities of allergic reactions.
14 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 52min
The Bagelization of America (encore)
Explore the cultural significance of bagels, their history in Jewish culture, and the evolution of bagel production in America. Uncover the origins of lox and cream cheese in Jewish cuisine, along with the unconventional marketing tactics that popularized bagels in the US. Delve into the passion and variety of bagels in America, from unique flavors to regional preferences.
32 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 49min
The Birth of Cool: How Refrigeration Changed Everything
Discover the fascinating journey of refrigeration from ice houses to modern kitchens. Learn about high school dropouts, deadly explosions, and how cold boxes changed food preservation and the planet. Explore innovative fruit preservation techniques and the environmental impact of refrigeration technology. Is there a better way to preserve food? Listen to find out!
43 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 46min
Omega 1-2-3 (encore)
Author Paul Greenberg and scientist JoAnn Manson explore the hype and realities of omega-3 supplements, discussing their origins, impact on health, and sustainability. They highlight the importance of consuming omega-3 rich fish over supplements and balance in dietary choices for optimal health.
56 snips
May 28, 2024 • 52min
Sugar's Dark Shadow
Uncover the dark history of sugar, from European addiction triggering slavery and racism to the impact on indigenous populations. Explore the harsh realities of sugar plantations in Louisiana and the challenges faced by black sugar farmers post-emancipation. Discover the ethical considerations of fair trade sugar production.
May 21, 2024 • 42min
(Guest) Are Fast Food Jingles Pop Music?
Justin Timberlake and Pharrell delve into the secrets behind fast food jingles, discussing how these tunes started as failed pop songs to become iconic slogans. The hosts explore the evolution of fast food jingles, their impact on culture, and the fusion of music and advertising in the industry.
May 14, 2024 • 44min
Why Are Restaurants So Loud? Plus the Science Behind the Perfect Playlist
Discover the science behind restaurant noise levels and music playlists! Explore the challenges of dining in loud spaces, the impact on diners' experiences, and ways to create the perfect acoustic ambiance. From acoustic engineering solutions to the influence of music on dining behaviors, this episode uncovers the secrets to culinary acoustic bliss.
May 7, 2024 • 43min
The Food Explorer (encore)
Author Daniel Stone discusses the adventures of botanist David Fairchild in bringing diverse foods to America, covering pirates, biopiracy, betrayals, and successes. Fairchild's impact on kale, mangoes, and the US food landscape is highlighted, showcasing his role in shaping our modern food culture.
8 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 57min
Meet the Most Famous American You’ve Never Heard Of: His Legacy is Excellent French Fries and Monsanto
Meet Luther Burbank, the horticultural rock star behind the French fry potato variety. Learn about his struggles with patenting his plant inventions and how it shaped today's supermarket shelves. Explore the wild world of plant breeding, patent laws, and the rise of big companies like Monsanto in controlling agricultural innovations.
