“Sound is the forgotten flavor sense,” says experimental psychologist Charles Spence. In this episode, we discover how manipulating sound can transform our experience of food and drink, making stale potato chips taste fresh, adding the sensation of cream to black coffee, or boosting the savory, peaty notes in whiskey.
Composers have written music to go with ... Show More
Jul 21
Where There's Smoke, There's...Whiskey, Fish, and Barbecue!
As anyone who’s spent time by a crackling campfire or a barbecue pit can attest, the scent of smoke is unmistakable—and surprisingly mysterious. Smoke clings to clothing but vanishes in the breeze. You see it, but you can’t hold it. It’s fantastic in whiskey and terrible in toast ... Show More
51m 5s
Jun 23
Bringing Home the Bacon: From Shakespeare to the Baconator
For many Americans, bacon is an essential element of the perfect breakfast—not to mention a welcome addition to everything from cheeseburgers to doughnuts. But bacon hasn't always been beloved. Ancient Egyptians elites looked down on pork, Judaism and Islam banned it entirely, an ... Show More
48m 10s
May 2024
Gastropod: Why are restaurants so loud? Plus the science behind the perfect playlist
When you go out for a meal, it’s not just what's on your plate that matters, it's what's in your eardrums, too. From dining rooms so loud you have to shout to be heard, to playlists that sound like a generic Millennial Spotify account, it's not surprising that sound is the single ... Show More
44m 3s
Aug 2021
OSPod Episode 23: Romans, Stars, and Food For Days (Feat. Tasting History)
<p>Max Miller of Tasting History joins Red, Blue, and Indigo for a hungry hungry episode! We talk Romans, we talk constellations, and we talk a wholeee lot of food. Ever wanted a prophecy for your coffee? How about a menu for your next historical gala? Find all that and more in t ... Show More
1h 3m
Apr 2022
Listen Again: The Food Connection
Original broadcast date: September 3, 2021. Food is one of life's greatest pleasures, yet many of our food systems are flawed. This hour, TED speakers look to the past to reconnect with what we eat, and the present to reimagine our food future. Guests include forager Alexis Nikol ... Show More
50m 32s