Cork Wars

Guest: David Taylor, author "Cork Wars: Intrigue and Industry in World War II"

Sometimes conflict, strife, family life, and fortune, can all revolve around the most innocuous of substances—during World War II, one of these was cork.  This is the story of how cork changed the course of the war.

 

The Truffle Underground

Guest: Ryan Jacobs, author, "The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus"

In the world of luxury foods, the truffle is one of the most expensive delicacies out there, inspiring not only farmers and chefs, but an entire underground of truffle-related crime. 

 

The Impeachers

Guest: Brenda Wineapple, author, "The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation"

Presidential impeachment has occurred throughout our nation’s history, beginning with Lincoln’s infamous successor, Andrew Johnson. Author and historian Brenda Wineapple explains the first US presidential impeachment.

 

Food Safety: Food Processing

Guest: Roger Clemens, biological chemist, University of Southern California Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine

What is the definition of "food processing"? Is mashing food for your baby "processing" food? What changes in the nutritional value of the food when food is "processed"?

 

Scientist Recreates 4,000-Year-Old Egyptian Sourdough Bread

Guest: Seamus Blackley, father of the Xbox, physicist

Father of the Xbox, tech scientist, and amateur gastroegyptologist, Seamus Blackley has recreated ancient Egyptian sourdough bread using 4,000-year-old yeast extracted, with help from Harvard University, from Egyptian pottery.