Today’s episode is with Chef, Fermenter, Food Scientist, Photographer, and New York Times best-selling author David Zilber. David is the former Director of Fermentation for “NOMA” Copenhagen; known as one of the most coveted restaurants on the planet, and co-author of the New York Times best-selling book, “The Noma Guide to Fermentation”. In this episode, he shares how the power of a nudge can unlock a world of unlimited possibilities, and trusting biological processes beyond instant gratification.  

We explore David’s multicultural upbringing growing up in Toronto, Canada, along with topics that range from connecting fermentation to everyday life, how photography allows him to tether his curiosity for science and fermentation, and ultimately how he’s been able to bloom in the midst of chaos. David’s story is one filled with invaluable gems and speaks to the power of leaning into curiosity. 

Things mentioned

"NOMA", Copenhagen restaurant

James Webb Space Telescope

Hubble Space Telescope

Lagrange point

What to read

The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Including Koji, Kombuchas, Shoyus, Misos, Vinegars, Garums, Lacto-Ferments, and Black Fruits and Vegetables by David Zilber and René Redzepi

Inbetweeners: On the meaning of (re)mediation in mycelial and human worlds by David Zilber

Why Fermentation Is So Important To One Of The World’s Best Restaurants

Essays in Love by Alain de Botton

The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow

The Living Planet by David Attenborough

On the Origin of Evolution: Tracing 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea' from Aristotle to DNA by John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us about the Destiny of the Human Species by Rob Dunn 

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness by Charles Foster

What to listen to

Too Hot by Kool & The Gang

Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

Who to follow

Follow David Zilber on IG @david_zilber

You can also find his photography here.

This conversation was recorded on February 3rd, 2022.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com