In this episode of the Spit Take podcast, hosts Adam and Stef welcome Jennifer Billock, a unique guest who is the world's only professional cheese fortune teller. The conversation explores Jennifer's diverse career as a travel and food writer, her experiences with the paranormal, and her journey into tiromancy. They discuss the impact of COVID on personal lives, the challenges of writing for various publications, and the importance of setting boundaries in divination practices. The episode also touches on food memories and family traditions, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and insights. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including food safety, particularly regarding mold on food, and their personal cheese preferences. They share experiences about local cheese shops and the challenges of traveling with children. The discussion shifts to their favorite reality TV shows, highlighting the absurdity and entertainment value of such programs. They also touch on unique travel experiences and the importance of community engagement, concluding with insights into upcoming projects and events. 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Billock 

02:49 Exploring Travel and Food Writing 

05:39 Ghost Hunting Experiences 

08:23 The Paranormal and Personal Experiences 

11:05 The Intersection of Skepticism and Belief 

13:49 Diverse Writing Career 

16:43 The Influence of COVID on Creativity 

19:39 Tiromancy: Fortune Telling with Cheese 

21:09 Unexpected Beginnings: Parenthood and COVID 

22:22 The Art of Cheese Reading: A Unique Skill 

24:15 Boundaries in the Cheese World: Navigating Requests 

26:09 Skepticism Meets Cheese: Convincing the Doubters 

27:51 Cheese Preferences: A Culinary Divide 

29:51 Nostalgic Meals: Childhood Food Memories 

31:43 Leftover Dilemmas: Food Safety and Preferences 

33:41 Cheese Varieties: Favorites and Recommendations 

35:33 Local Cheese Shops: Discovering Hidden Gems 

37:20 Community Connections: Small World Encounters 

42:36 Life Choices and Adventures 

47:36 Travel Tales and Family Dynamics 

52:08 Reality TV Obsessions 

56:56 Creative Ventures and Future Plans