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What does a jar of bubbling flour and water say about us?

In this episode of the 'Sader Digest, Brad and Alex take a deep (and surprisingly philosophical) dive into the sourdough boom of 2020—when the world shut down, grocery shelves emptied, and suddenly everyone became a bread baker.

But this isn’t just about bread.

From ancient fermentation and Gold Rush “sourdough” survival to Instagram starters like Dough Biden, this episode explores why sourdough became more than a trend. It became a ritual, a coping mechanism, and a way to reclaim control during a time of uncertainty.

Along the way, they unpack:

•  The history of bread—from wild yeast to Wonder Bread
•  Why sourdough feels (ugh)“authentic”… and why that idea is complicated 
•  How modern food systems prioritize speed, consistency, and convenience 
•  The psychology of cooking during crisis—and why it faded just as fast 
•  Whether sourdough was really about independence… or just the illusion of it 

As life sped back up, many starters were abandoned (some still sitting in the fridge ICU), and convenience took over again. But the bigger question remains:

What were we really searching for when we started baking?

This episode is a reminder that food isn’t just fuel—it’s story, identity, and sometimes, a way to slow down when the world won’t.