logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2016
42m 15s

Caffeine: The World’s Most Popular Drug

Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley
About this episode
A tablespoon of it will kill you, but most of us feel like death without it: we’re talking about caffeine this episode. Inspired by a listener question — does green tea have more or less caffeine than black? and what about yerba mate? — Cynthia and Nicky explore the history and science of the world’s most popular drug. Listen in as we discover the curious ef ... Show More
Up next
Aug 19
Tomatoes: A Love Story
The tomato is Gastropod’s favorite flavor of summer, and we’re not alone: today, it’s the most popular vegetable on the planet, despite the fact that it's technically a fruit. But, until a couple of hundred years ago, the tomato wasn't really anyone's favorite. In South America, ... Show More
50m 48s
Aug 5
The Most Dangerous Fruit in America
It's the epitome of summertime: there’s nothing like a cold, juicy slice of red watermelon on a swelteringly hot day. But, once upon a time, watermelons were neither red nor sweet—the wild watermelon has white flesh and a bitter taste. This episode, we scour Egyptian tombs, decay ... Show More
45m 20s
Jul 22
The Colorful Tale of Mexico's A-maize-ing Grain
This might sound corny, but the relationship between maize and humanity is essential. We rely on corn—globally, more maize is grown than wheat or rice—and, in turn, corn is utterly dependent on us, to the extent that it's lost the ability to reproduce without our help. But corn's ... Show More
50m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2020
Ep 54 Wake Up and Smell the Caffeine
Are you one of the billions of people around the world who starts your day with a freshly brewed and deliciously aromatic cup of coffee or tea or maybe even hot chocolate? Or are you caffeine-avoidant, looking on at your coffee-addicted friends with confusion and maybe even pity? ... Show More
1h 23m
Feb 2024
2072: 4 Stimulants in Tea - More Than Just Caffeine by Kris Gunnars with Healthline on L-Theanine, Brain Function & Alpha Waves
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2072:Kris Gunnars explores the distinct effects of tea on the brain, attributing its unique, milder buzz to four key stimula ... Show More
11m 39s
Nov 2023
Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
Caffeine is a drug that tons of us take every day. But is that a bad thing? And if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is that super dangerous? We talk to Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marcus, and Prof. Sachin Shah. Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsCaffein ... Show More
42 m
Sep 2023
Michael Pollan Spills the Beans on the Caffeinated Brain
Are you someone who needs a cup of coffee or spot of tea to start the day? Would you be surprised to hear that the key ingredient, the thing that gives you that morning boost - caffeine - is also a psychoactive drug? Whether it’s coffee, tea or soda, people around the world consu ... Show More
32m 22s
Mar 2023
The truth about caffeine
Are you drinking too much coffee? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy 
23m 18s
Dec 2021
How does caffeine make you not sleepy?
#059 RebroadcastOk so, caffeine. Some of us live on the stuff, and others of us want nothing to do with it. There's a lot of things caffeine can do to our bodies, but of course the number one question, is how does it keep the sleepiness away? Let's get into it. And we may find ou ... Show More
28m 25s
May 2021
The Surprising Effects Of Caffeine On The Brain
In this episode, we learn about some of the Surprising Effects Of Caffeine On Your Brain. Go to https://7goodminutes.com/podcast/effects-of-caffeine-on-the-brain for full show notes. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend or two! Learn more about your ad choi ... Show More
9m 22s
Dec 2021
#10: Sleep & Caffeine – Part 1
In today's episode, Matt unpacks the world of coffee, and caffeine in the first of a two-part series on caffeine. Matt describes the numerous health benefits associated with coffee, the fact that Matt has even changed his tune a little and advocates a morning cup for some. M ... Show More
11m 24s