The jalapeño is the workhorse of hot peppers. They’re sold fresh, canned, pickled, in hot sauces, salsas, smoked into chipotles, and they outsell all other hot peppers in the United States. These everyday chilies are a scientific and sociological marvel, and tell a complicated story about Mexican food and American palates.
In today’s episode, we meet Dallas- ... Show More
Nov 19
How Protein Muscled Its Way to the Top
Americans are currently besotted with protein. It’s touted as being good for muscle growth, weight loss, skincare, mental acuity, longevity, and much else besides. It’s sold to men, women, children, the elderly— you can even buy protein for your pets. The protein supplement marke ... Show More
44m 50s
Nov 12
The Slate Culture Gift Guide
Hark, the holiday season is upon us—and with it the most solemn of festive traditions: a gift guide! In this video and podcast special, Slate hosts Dana Stevens, Chris Molanphy, and Willa Paskin beam-in from their collective hearths to deliver unto the internet their favorite gif ... Show More
49m 44s
Nov 5
Cozy Autumn Mysteries
Autumn may have more cozy signifiers than any other season—though we all have our own favorites. Maybe for you it’s sweater weather, football games, spooky season, apple picking, leaf peeping, or mainlining candy corn. Whatever it is, in today’s episode we’re looking closely at t ... Show More
55m 1s
Jun 2025
¿La Salsa Cholula no Viene de Cholula? - Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn't Come from Cholula?
<p>We explore why Cholula sauce, named after our hometown, isn’t actually made here—and why most locals don’t even use it. From its humble beginnings in a Mexican kitchen to its massive $800 million acquisition by McCormick, this episode uncovers the cultural, historical, and eco ... Show More
25 m
Sep 18
The Great Sriracha Feud | If You Can't Stand the Heat | 3
<p>Why has hot sauce gotten so - well, hot? Bon Appétit’s Joseph Hernandez sheds some light on the rise of condiment culture, and why the spicy stuff got so popular over the past ten years (even Mötley Crüe has a hot sauce line!). Later, we explore our biological reactions to spi ... Show More
43m 55s
Nov 2024
Cosas Que No Sabías Que Eran Mexicanas Parte 2 - Things You Didn’t Know Were Mexican Part 2
<p>We’re back with more surprising facts about things you probably didn’t know came from Mexico! In this episode, discover how ancient indigenous groups used popcorn long before it became a movie-time snack, learn about the rich history behind vanilla’s cultivation, and find out ... Show More
21m 46s
Nov 2023
Reflexiones de Chile - Reflections About Chile
<p>In this episode, we guide you through the diverse landscapes, culinary adventures, and unique cultural nuances of our recent travels in Chile. From the fusion of German and Chilean traditions to navigating linguistic subtleties and discovering the humor in Chilean "hand r ... Show More
25m 51s