Doughnuts are ubiquitous in the United States: whether you're at party, a coffee shop, or the break room at work, you’re likely to find a box of iced rings covered with sprinkles. But some kind of deep-fried dough blob is a treat found in cultures around the world—so why have doughnuts become uniquely American? And what’s with the name, when there’s rarely a ... Show More
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
May 2019
192: What Makes Someone Creepy? | Ear Biscuits Ep. 192
Is the it buggy eyes, slightly ajar mouth, or something that you can't quite put a finger on? R&L explore what gives them the inexplicable feeling that someone is creepy, ponder who would win in a dad triathlon, and debate whether they would try to escape this simulation of a lif ... Show More
1h 4m
Dec 2018
The Knock-On Effect #28 - The Fate of Waste, Nuts, Space & More
What do we know about the strange places we’ve been? In this season finale, Justine, Alex and Roger provide updates about the topics previously covered in the “The Knock-on Effect,” touching on the bright-red bugs behind the American aperitivo resurgence, the market potential for ... Show More
28m 4s
Mar 2020
Starbucks vs Dunkin - A Steamy Culture Clash | 1
A former high school dropout named Bill Rosenberg has big dreams and a passion for coffee. In 1950, in the small town of Quincy, Massachusetts he’s got a thriving coffee and donut shop called Dunkin Donuts. In front of the store he proudly puts up a huge sign that reads, World’s ... Show More
25m 28s