Cutting the Curd

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Kirtz—one of the most generous, grounded, and well-respected voices in cheese. Before entering the cheese world, Aaron's path took some unexpected turns: from DJing in the Czech Republic to working the mess hall during the largest art heist in U.S. museum history. He eventually found his way to cheese, where he’s been for over 20 years, and now co-owns his own brand-new cheese shop in Maplewood, NJ. Tune in for a conversation to hear his thoughts on cheese and life.

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On the latest Cutting the Curd, Joe and Cara got on the line with Emilia D’Albero, newly crowned World Champion Cheesemonger, and Courtney Johnson, who took home the bronze at the Mondial du Fromage in France.

For the first time ever, two Americans — and two women — stood on the podium at this global stage. We talked about their journey from the Cheesemonger Invitational Masters, the highs and lows of competing in France, and what this moment means for the U.S. cheese community.

 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — this one’s not to be missed!

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Season 2025 kicks off with fresh voices! Join hosts Alisha Norris and John Braga as they step into the Cutting the Curd spotlight alongside longtime host Cara Warren. We’re also thrilled to welcome Jessica Kesselman as our new book reviewer, sharing her unique take on the latest in cheese culture, all in honor of Diane Stemple, whose legacy continues to inspire the show. Tune in for introductions, stories, and a glimpse of what’s to come this season!

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More than just a business decision, Chantal's Cheese Shop's exit from social media is a statement. This episode examines their bold move to prioritize genuine community connection over online marketing. Anaïs Saint-André Loughran joins Jessica for a discussion about the shop's journey after leaving social media, their focus on real-world community, and their reflections on a society saturated with online marketing.

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In this episode, Joe sits down with Mariana Marques de Almeida of Ms. J and Co., a pioneering Assaf sheep dairy farm, and Anna Landmark of Landmark Creamery - two Wisconsin based producers shaping the future of artisan cheese. We explore sheep milk, regional identity and how collaboration is helping small dairies thrive.

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Seth took over active management of the family's seven-generation farm in West Pawlet, Vermont in 2015. He has since diversified the business to include supplying milk to several of Vermont's artisan cheesemakers, which now includes a familiar face making artisanal favorites under the banner of Woodlawn Creamery.

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In this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Cara welcomes Josh Ptaszynski, cofounder of The Big Moo, a brand that's shaking up the cheese world with their oven-baked, ready-to-serve cheeses. Josh shares the story behind The Big Moo’s creation, how they’re blending old-world cheesemaking with modern convenience, and what makes their products stand out in today’s marketplace. From product development to market challenges, Cara and Josh dive into the delicious details behind this innovative cheesy venture. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts entrepreneurial inspiration and cheesy indulgence!

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In just four years, Stevie Lee Webb and his wife Michelle have successfully grown their business from a pop-up cheese stand to a small shop, and now, they're about to open a full-service cheese shop with the area's first cheese bar. Hoping to inspire others, Joe sits down with Stevie in this episode to hear the story of how it all came to be! Tune in to this one to hear more!

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In this episode of Cutting the Curd, Cara sits down with Rodolfo Navarro Aceves, Director of Quesos Navarro, to explore the rich history behind this family-run creamery. Rodolfo shares how his family started the business, the authentic Mexican cheeses they produce, and the challenges and successes of introducing their cheeses to the American market. Tune in to hear about the tradition, craftsmanship, and passion that make Quesos Navarro a standout in both Mexico and the US.

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Our guests, Jesse and Sarit Werner from Plymouth Artisan Cheese join Cutting the Curd to walk us through the history of "America's Oldest Cheddar", and their journey since taking the reigns in 2009. The story of Plymouth Artisan Cheese is as rich in history as the cheese is in flavor; a story with presidential ties, a spirit with deep roots in the community, and a family carrying the tradition of Vermont-made cheddar into the future.

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