The Food Chain

Kheedim (Kadeem) Oh and Myung (Mama) Oh — family makers behind Mama Oh's kimchi — share a multi-generational recipe and cultural traditions. Adam Goldwater — commercial fermenter — explains industrial production, safety controls and SCOBYs. Professor Gabriel Vinderola — microbiologist — outlines the microbes behind fermentation. Sandor Katz — fermentation revivalist and author — offers practical home-fermenting tips and global traditions.

In this engaging discussion, Philip Doran, CEO of HelloFresh UK & Ireland, delves into meal kit innovations and how AI is personalizing recipes. Sarah Hewitt, CEO of UCOOK, shares insights on managing costs and sustainability challenges in the South African market. Dr. Rebecca Bennett presents intriguing survey findings that reveal younger demographics are driving meal kit popularity. Nandini Roy from Future Market Insights discusses the global meal kit industry's growth prospects, highlighting a significant rise in Asia-Pacific adoption.

In this engaging conversation, guests dive into the Mediterranean diet's extraordinary benefits. Marta Guasch-Ferre, a nutrition researcher with Spanish roots, highlights its basics and the pivotal PREDIMED study. Sarah Tracy, a medical historian, explores Ancel Keys' vital role in popularizing the diet during the 1950s. Pekka Puska shares how he revolutionized health policies in Finland through the North Karelia project. Lastly, Huang Zijuan discusses how Asian cultures can adapt Mediterranean principles for better health. This blend of history and innovation makes for a captivating listen!

Professor Alexandra Johnstone, a nutrition scientist from the Rowett Institute, and Professor Lenny Vartanian, an expert on the psychology of eating, delve into practical nutrition tweaks for better health in 2026. They discuss the importance of meal timing and how consistent eating can enhance metabolism. Vartanian reveals that larger portions can lead to significant increases in food intake. Both emphasize the need to boost fibre in our diets for overall brain and gut health, offering actionable tips to improve eating habits.

Jessica Rae Williamson shares her journey from childhood poverty to foster care, highlighting the significance of her first meal with her foster parents. Melissa Guida Richards recounts her emotional reconnection with her Colombian roots through cooking and bonding with her birth mother over traditional dishes. Anne Y.K. Choi discusses how her family’s convenience store shaped their identity and experiences in Canada. Finally, Amanda Bee emphasizes the challenges and strategies of raising a daughter with severe food allergies, showing their resilience in seeking a normal life.

Join experts Andrew Scholey, a Professor of human psychopharmacology, Marisa Moll, a nutritionist focusing on the gut microbiome, and Jonathon Shears, an English literature professor, as they explore the science of hangovers. Scholey reveals how alcohol is metabolized and the role of genetics in hangover severity. Moll shares dietary strategies to lessen hangover impacts, while Shears delves into the cultural and literary significance of hangovers throughout history. A fascinating exploration of a universal experience!

In this enlightening discussion, Cecile Simmons, a researcher on online myths, shares her personal journey through the maze of social media nutrition claims that led her to cut out numerous foods. Michael Ulloa, a personal trainer, humorously debunks wellness misinformation and highlights the dangers of restrictive diets. Dr. Emily Dennis discusses the rampant spread of misinformation, while Grace DeRocha fact-checks content around seed oils and carbohydrates, emphasizing their importance in a balanced diet. Together, they tackle how to navigate the confusing online food landscape.

In this captivating discussion, Damien Bailey, a renowned physiologist studying the effects of cold on the body, shares insights into our appetite in chilly weather. Maria Solko reveals life in Yakutsk, from storing meat at minus-50°C to preserving berries for winter. Steph Barlach speaks on traditional Arctic food systems and cultural identity through seasonal eating. Chef Sirly Ullasjärvi tantalizes with her winter menus and warming drinks for cold-weather tourists. Together, they explore the culinary creativity that arises from living in extreme cold.

Debraj Day, a restaurateur with eateries in Kolkata and Dallas, dives into the intricate world of tipping cultures. He shares insights on India's no-tip policy, where wages are integrated into menu prices, contrasting it with the high expectations in the US, where servers often act as mini entrepreneurs relying on tips. Debraj discusses how tipping can lead to biases and judgments among servers, and he highlights innovative ways to distribute service charges fairly. It's a fascinating exploration of how culture shapes our dining experiences and expectations.

Join restaurateurs Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, Fred Siriex, and Gauri Devidayal as they dive into the challenging world of table service. Michael shares insights on creating memorable dining experiences, while Fred highlights the theatrical nature of high-end service and the psychology behind it. Gauri discusses the unique dynamics of Mumbai's restaurant scene. They tackle the debate on service versus food, recount intense early training experiences, and share strategies for managing difficult guests. Discover the highs and lows of this rewarding industry!