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
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.
Apr 16, 2024 • 45min
All You Can Eat: The True Story Behind America's Most Popular Seafood
Explore the dark side of America's favorite seafood, shrimp, revealing shocking labor abuses, environmental destruction, and banned chemicals in overseas production. Learn how to enjoy shrimp with a clear conscience and support sustainable seafood options.
Apr 2, 2024 • 50min
The World Is Your Oyster: How Our Favorite Shellfish Could Save Coastlines Worldwide
Discover how oysters can save coastlines by countering sea-level rise, preventing erosion, and buffering storm surges. Learn about the ecological importance of oysters in coastal restoration, their historical ties in American cuisine, and the decline of oyster reefs impacting biodiversity.
Mar 26, 2024 • 58min
Eat This, Not That: The Surprising Science of Personalized Nutrition (encore)
Genetic epidemiologist Tim Spector discusses the world's largest personalized nutrition experiment, PREDICT, exploring how individuals respond differently to foods. The podcast delves into the influences of genetics, gut microbes, and other factors on metabolic processes, challenging conventional beliefs. The hosts share their experiences participating in the study, highlighting the potential of personalized diets for improved health outcomes.
Mar 19, 2024 • 50min
Bam! How Did Cajun Flavor Take Over the World?
Explore the unique landscape and history of Mississippi River delta shaping Cajun and Creole cuisines in New Orleans. Learn how European colonists and enslaved Africans influenced the famous dishes. Discover the legacy of Creole culinary icons and the evolution of Cajun cuisine into a global trend. Join a crawfish-catching adventure and feast with Berry and Cynthia, showcasing the deep connection of Cajun culture to food and community.
Mar 12, 2024 • 49min
Anything's Pastable (Guest Episode)
Discover the journey of creating a cookbook filled with unique pasta sauce options beyond tradition, from global cuisines to Indian Tada technique experiments. Dive into the collaboration of culinary experts as superheroes, the challenges of recipe testing, and the evolution of flavors. Explore the balance between confidence and self-doubt in the culinary world, leading to the anticipation of the book release and live tour details.
29 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 51min
Can You Patent a Pizza?
Dive into the bizarre world of food intellectual property with the accidental creation of stuffed crust pizza and legal battles over patents for unique food inventions. Explore the challenges of protecting culinary innovations through trademarks and trade dress, and discover the importance of intellectual property in fostering creativity in the food industry.
