Dr. Scoff and the Prof: Food, History and Mirth

In the latest of our Coronavirus specials, we explore some themes relating to diet. We look at the supposed resurgence of the National Loaf during this crisis and debunk Coronavirus fad diets by examining some bad dietary advice of the past.

Episode two of our emergency Coronavirus broadcasts. At ScoffProf Towers we are committed to getting you through this crisis by churning out episodes with the alacrity of a butter manufacturer. This time we are discussing food rationing measures and which foodstuffs are doing well from the upsurge in demand.

The global Coronavirus Crisis has brought with it many unforeseen consequences. And one of them is the return of the world's favourite food studies / food history podcast. From the ScoffProf survivalist bunker deep beneath the earth we bring you this emergency broadcast to make sure our listenership is getting through the struggle.

Chop, chop! Your favourite food history/food studies podcast is back! In this special episode featuring the legendary Simpson’s chop house of London, we explore the history of the chophouse: an English culinary institution. Hear all about an 18th-century dining phenomenon that may be making a quiet comeback and talk to some of the staff of Simpson’s, the City of London’s most historic and famous chophouse, a place steeped in history and beloved of city traders to this day.

Apologies for the sound quality on this one - I have been suitably flogged.

Absinthe: It Makes The Heart Grow Fonder. It also makes you drunk, as various intellectuals and artists will attest. Everyone's heard of its bad reputation, but we get beneath the Belle Époque glamour and scandalising of the famous green ripple, unleashing the Green Fairy of truth and historical accuracy upon the much-maligned alcoholic drink. Along the way, we hear from an absinthe bar proprietor and proponent and an art detective. Salut!

Feeding History: Farming has changed the course of history, from civilisational growth in the ancient ‘Fertile Crescent’ to intensive GM agribusiness today. In this episode we discuss the British Museum’s exhibition ‘Feeding History: the Politics of Food’ and how global trade has impacted consumption.

Easter: a time of blessed renewal and new life. And gluttonous chocolate eating. This episode of the food studies / food history podcast takes a light hearted look at the different culinary traditions attached to this time of the year. In this especially sweet edition Ruby - the newest addition to the chocolate family - is sampled, and there's a bittersweet musical exploration of the links between Nazism and famous food brands.

Gin! From the bacchanal of Hogarth's 18th-century depictions of gin drinking to its current revival, this tipple has an interesting story. We discuss its popular association with the Protestantism of King William III and its various incarnations today. All while sipping a delicious gin martini.

In this episode we examine the topic of food and conspiracy. Conspiracy theories around food abound, many centring on the role of multinational companies. Some hold weight and others have more holes than a Swiss cheese. There's a revolutionary Cuban twist to proceedings as we look at coups, poisonings and plots around food. Featuring banana sundae.

US Presidential Foods

Donald Trump's preferred diet of fast food and Diet Coke has, like every other aspect of the current US President's life, been heavily scrutinised. But what of the favourite foods of the American Commanders in Chief of the past? In the latest edition of the food studies podcast, our intrepid gastronauts examine Presidential diets of yesteryear. Featuring contributions from expert scholars and even a couple of the office holders themselves.