The cost of this outbreak has landed almost entirely on people who had no part in causing it and no way to see it coming.

Part three is about where it went instead: a theory of government that treats regulation as somebody else's business, a labour arrangement in Arizona, thirty-two million dollars that went missing from a company's own accounts, and six state health departments who inherited a caseload from a supply chain none of them control.

It ends with Taylor Farms' own answer to the ten questions we put to them, read in full and unedited.

In this episode:

- Who actually absorbs the cost of a foodborne outbreak, itemised
- The document deadlines two congressional committees have set, and what changes if the documents arrive
- Why buyers have begun avoiding produce from an entire growing region rather than one supplier — and what that does to growers who had nothing to do with any of it
- The field workers nobody has interviewed, including us
- The company's statement, in full, in a second voice, with the two questions it answers and the eight it does not

Part three of three. All three parts are out today.

Notes on what is and is not established. No laboratory test has linked any specific product to this outbreak. The $32 million matter discussed in this episode is a case in which Taylor Farms is the plaintiff — it is an internal-controls story, not an allegation of wrongdoing by the company. Where a lawyer quoted in this series acts for plaintiffs, we say so every time. Two people have died, both in Michigan and both with significant underlying health conditions; we do not make jokes anywhere near that fact.

Figures as of 5 August 2026. Full sourcing, the statement in full, and our corrections policy: littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora/sources

If you got sick this summer and nobody ever told you what with, the line is open and it goes to a person: littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora/if-you-got-sick

Hosted by Helbard Alkhassadeh. Little Hill Podcast.

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Little Hill is a podcast about food, and about the systems that put it in front of you and animal rights.

Some episodes are long investigations — a parasite moving through a supply chain nobody can see into, a company whose name never appears on anything you have bought from it, a regulation quietly withdrawn the summer before it was needed. Some are conversations: with the people who grow it, cook it and sell it, with the activists trying to change how it is produced, and with the people who have thought hardest about whether we should be eating animals at all.

That last question runs through the whole show. We report on animal agriculture and on animal rights, on the campaigns aimed at both, and on the case for eating plants instead — the ethical argument, and what the evidence actually supports about what it does for your health.

We are not neutral about how animals are farmed and we do not pretend to be. What we are is exactly as careful with a claim that supports our position as with one that undermines it. No figure goes out without a source you could check yourself. When our sources disagree, we say so on air and read both, rather than choosing the one that makes the better story. When somebody is criticised here, their response runs in full, in their own words. When we get something wrong, we correct it — on air and in writing.

The result is slower than most news and more careful than most food media, and it is meant to be...

You have probably been buying this company for thirty years without ever once seeing its name on anything.

Taylor Farms is a private-label supplier. It grows, washes, cuts and bags produce, and then somebody else's logo goes on the front — which means that when something goes wrong, the recall notice names a brand you have heard of and the box stays in the back.

Part two is about what that arrangement does to a person standing in a supermarket trying to work out whether the bag in their hand is the one.

In this episode:

- One public statement, rewritten five times in sixteen days, read in sequence — and what each rewrite quietly removed
- A plant in Guanajuato, and what happened to 631 people there in 2013
- Why ten negative test results do not clear anybody, according to the science of testing for this parasite
- The week the largest food distributor in the United States stopped buying this company's iceberg lettuce — a commercial decision, made without waiting for a laboratory result
- What a recall is actually for, and who it is written to protect

Part two of three. All three parts are out today.

Notes on what is and is not established. No laboratory test has linked any specific product to this outbreak, and nothing in this episode should be taken as saying otherwise. Sysco's decision to stop buying is a procurement judgement by a customer, not a regulatory finding; its chief executive described it to Reuters, and a Sysco spokesperson subsequently narrowed the remark to product produced in Mexico. Taylor Farms' own statements are read in full and in a second voice wherever they appear.

Figures as of 5 August 2026. Full sourcing, every statement in full, and our corrections policy: littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora/sources

Trying to work out whether it is in your fridge? littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora/is-it-in-my-fridge

Hosted by Helbard Alkhassadeh. Little Hill Podcast.

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Little Hill is a podcast about food, and about the systems that put it in front of you and animal rights.

Some episodes are long investigations — a parasite moving through a supply chain nobody can see into, a company whose name never appears on anything you have bought from it, a regulation quietly withdrawn the summer before it was needed. Some are conversations: with the people who grow it, cook it and sell it, with the activists trying to change how it is produced, and with the people who have thought hardest about whether we should be eating animals at all.

That last question runs through the whole show. We report on animal agriculture and on animal rights, on the campaigns aimed at both, and on the case for eating plants instead — the ethical argument, and what the evidence actually supports about what it does for your health.

We are not neutral about how animals are farmed and we do not pretend to be. What we are is exactly as careful with a claim that supports our position as with one that undermines it. No figure goes out without a source you could check yourself. When our sources disagree, we say so on air and read both, rather than choosing the one that makes the better story. When somebody is criticised here, their response runs in full, in their own words. When we get something wrong, we correct it — on air and in writing.

The result is slower than most news and more careful than most food media, and it is meant to be...

On 21 July, the US Health Secretary said the outbreak was under control.

This is what the fortnight after that sentence actually looked like: a parasite moving through the American lettuce supply, a case count nobody could read, and a surveillance programme that stopped requiring anybody to track this organism at all.

More than 22,000 people are now confirmed or suspected to have been infected in what is the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak on record in the United States. 517 have been hospitalised. Two people in Michigan have died; both had significant underlying health conditions.

In this episode:

- Why two competent newsrooms published national case figures three and a half thousand infections apart on the same Tuesday — and what the answer turns out to be
- The six-week gap between falling ill and becoming a number
- A state health department reporting more cases than the federal government's national total, and why both were right
- The 2024 decision to stop requiring surveillance for this parasite, taken the summer before this happened
- What "under control" means when nobody can say how many people are sick

Part one of three. All three parts are out today.

Notes on what is and is not established. No laboratory test has linked any specific product to this outbreak. The expansion of the outbreak from nine states to fifteen is reported by the Washington Post, citing people familiar with the investigation; the CDC had not published it at the time of recording. Where our sources disagree, we say so on air rather than picking the more dramatic number.

Figures as of 5 August 2026. This story is moving quickly and the count has been rising by roughly 56% a week. Current figures, full sourcing and our corrections policy: littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora

If you got sick this summer and nobody ever told you what with, we would like to hear from you: littlehilldesign.org/cyclospora/if-you-got-sick

Hosted by Helbard Alkhassadeh. Little Hill Podcast.

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Little Hill is a podcast about food, and about the systems that put it in front of you and animal rights.

Some episodes are long investigations — a parasite moving through a supply chain nobody can see into, a company whose name never appears on anything you have bought from it, a regulation quietly withdrawn the summer before it was needed. Some are conversations: with the people who grow it, cook it and sell it, with the activists trying to change how it is produced, and with the people who have thought hardest about whether we should be eating animals at all.

That last question runs through the whole show. We report on animal agriculture and on animal rights, on the campaigns aimed at both, and on the case for eating plants instead — the ethical argument, and what the evidence actually supports about what it does for your health.

We are not neutral about how animals are farmed and we do not pretend to be. What we are is exactly as careful with a claim that supports our position as with one that undermines it. No figure goes out without a source you could check yourself. When our sources disagree, we say so on air and read both, rather than choosing the one that makes the better story. When somebody is criticised here, their response runs in full, in their own words. When we get something wrong, we correct it — on air and in writing.

The result is slower than most news and more careful than most food media, and it is meant to be...

Interview with Steve from 831VeganDonuts

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Little Hill is a podcast about food, and about the systems that put it in front of you and animal rights.

Some episodes are long investigations — a parasite moving through a supply chain nobody can see into, a company whose name never appears on anything you have bought from it, a regulation quietly withdrawn the summer before it was needed. Some are conversations: with the people who grow it, cook it and sell it, with the activists trying to change how it is produced, and with the people who have thought hardest about whether we should be eating animals at all.

That last question runs through the whole show. We report on animal agriculture and on animal rights, on the campaigns aimed at both, and on the case for eating plants instead — the ethical argument, and what the evidence actually supports about what it does for your health.

We are not neutral about how animals are farmed and we do not pretend to be. What we are is exactly as careful with a claim that supports our position as with one that undermines it. No figure goes out without a source you could check yourself. When our sources disagree, we say so on air and read both, rather than choosing the one that makes the better story. When somebody is criticised here, their response runs in full, in their own words. When we get something wrong, we correct it — on air and in writing.

The result is slower than most news and more careful than most food media, and it is meant to be...

Interview With Kat Stafford about the Salinas Rodeo Protest

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Little Hill is a podcast about food, and about the systems that put it in front of you and animal rights.

Some episodes are long investigations — a parasite moving through a supply chain nobody can see into, a company whose name never appears on anything you have bought from it, a regulation quietly withdrawn the summer before it was needed. Some are conversations: with the people who grow it, cook it and sell it, with the activists trying to change how it is produced, and with the people who have thought hardest about whether we should be eating animals at all.

That last question runs through the whole show. We report on animal agriculture and on animal rights, on the campaigns aimed at both, and on the case for eating plants instead — the ethical argument, and what the evidence actually supports about what it does for your health.

We are not neutral about how animals are farmed and we do not pretend to be. What we are is exactly as careful with a claim that supports our position as with one that undermines it. No figure goes out without a source you could check yourself. When our sources disagree, we say so on air and read both, rather than choosing the one that makes the better story. When somebody is criticised here, their response runs in full, in their own words. When we get something wrong, we correct it — on air and in writing.

The result is slower than most news and more careful than most food media, and it is meant to be...

More interviews with some of our vendors at Santa Cruz Vegfest 2026

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Sponsored By:

FREDO’S VEGAN TACOS

HEALTHFORCE SUPERFOODS

SANTA CRUZ CIDER COMPANY

HOLE FOODS VEGAN DONUTS

WATSONVILLE PUBLIC HOUSE

DECOLORES FLORES

Welcome to the Little Hill Podcast, where hosts Helbard and Susie bring a lighthearted yet impactful approach to topics that matter. At Little Hill, we're all about sparking curiosity and inspiring change around veganism, animal rights, and the many ways we can all make a positive difference for animals and the planet. Helbard, a thoughtful storyteller with a knack for diving deep into the details, and Susie, whose enthusiasm and warmth bring a delightful balance, create a unique blend of insight, humor, and heart in each episode.

Whether you're vegan, vegan-curious, or just open to new perspectives, Little Hill is a welcoming space where all questions are good questions, and everyone’s journey is respected. From exploring the ethics of our everyday choices to sharing stories of incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them, each episode is designed to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a growing community that values compassion.

Tune in as we tackle big ideas with a relaxed vibe, debunk myths with facts and wit, and offer practical tips for those looking to lead more animal-friendly lives. At Little Hill Podcast, we believe changing the world starts with open hearts, open minds, and a few good laughs along the way. So grab your favorite vegan snack, sit back, and join Helbard and Susie for an engaging and entertaining journey through the hills of change, compassion, and kindness.

Interviews with some of our vendors at this year's Vegfest!

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Sponsored By:

FREDO’S VEGAN TACOS

HEALTHFORCE SUPERFOODS

SANTA CRUZ CIDER COMPANY

HOLE FOODS VEGAN DONUTS

WATSONVILLE PUBLIC HOUSE

DECOLORES FLORES

Welcome to the Little Hill Podcast, where hosts Helbard and Susie bring a lighthearted yet impactful approach to topics that matter. At Little Hill, we're all about sparking curiosity and inspiring change around veganism, animal rights, and the many ways we can all make a positive difference for animals and the planet. Helbard, a thoughtful storyteller with a knack for diving deep into the details, and Susie, whose enthusiasm and warmth bring a delightful balance, create a unique blend of insight, humor, and heart in each episode.

Whether you're vegan, vegan-curious, or just open to new perspectives, Little Hill is a welcoming space where all questions are good questions, and everyone’s journey is respected. From exploring the ethics of our everyday choices to sharing stories of incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them, each episode is designed to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a growing community that values compassion.

Tune in as we tackle big ideas with a relaxed vibe, debunk myths with facts and wit, and offer practical tips for those looking to lead more animal-friendly lives. At Little Hill Podcast, we believe changing the world starts with open hearts, open minds, and a few good laughs along the way. So grab your favorite vegan snack, sit back, and join Helbard and Susie for an engaging and entertaining journey through the hills of change, compassion, and kindness.

Susie takes over Helbard's home, Helbard's family vacation fun and everybody forgets Helbard's birthday.

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Sponsored By:

FREDO’S VEGAN TACOS

HEALTHFORCE SUPERFOODS

SANTA CRUZ CIDER COMPANY

HOLE FOODS VEGAN DONUTS

WATSONVILLE PUBLIC HOUSE

DECOLORES FLORES

Welcome to the Little Hill Podcast, where hosts Helbard and Susie bring a lighthearted yet impactful approach to topics that matter. At Little Hill, we're all about sparking curiosity and inspiring change around veganism, animal rights, and the many ways we can all make a positive difference for animals and the planet. Helbard, a thoughtful storyteller with a knack for diving deep into the details, and Susie, whose enthusiasm and warmth bring a delightful balance, create a unique blend of insight, humor, and heart in each episode.

Whether you're vegan, vegan-curious, or just open to new perspectives, Little Hill is a welcoming space where all questions are good questions, and everyone’s journey is respected. From exploring the ethics of our everyday choices to sharing stories of incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them, each episode is designed to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a growing community that values compassion.

Tune in as we tackle big ideas with a relaxed vibe, debunk myths with facts and wit, and offer practical tips for those looking to lead more animal-friendly lives. At Little Hill Podcast, we believe changing the world starts with open hearts, open minds, and a few good laughs along the way. So grab your favorite vegan snack, sit back, and join Helbard and Susie for an engaging and entertaining journey through the hills of change, compassion, and kindness.

Happy New Year!

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Sponsored By:

FREDO’S VEGAN TACOS

HEALTHFORCE SUPERFOODS

SANTA CRUZ CIDER COMPANY

HOLE FOODS VEGAN DONUTS

WATSONVILLE PUBLIC HOUSE

DECOLORES FLORES

Welcome to the Little Hill Podcast, where hosts Helbard and Susie bring a lighthearted yet impactful approach to topics that matter. At Little Hill, we're all about sparking curiosity and inspiring change around veganism, animal rights, and the many ways we can all make a positive difference for animals and the planet. Helbard, a thoughtful storyteller with a knack for diving deep into the details, and Susie, whose enthusiasm and warmth bring a delightful balance, create a unique blend of insight, humor, and heart in each episode.

Whether you're vegan, vegan-curious, or just open to new perspectives, Little Hill is a welcoming space where all questions are good questions, and everyone’s journey is respected. From exploring the ethics of our everyday choices to sharing stories of incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them, each episode is designed to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a growing community that values compassion.

Tune in as we tackle big ideas with a relaxed vibe, debunk myths with facts and wit, and offer practical tips for those looking to lead more animal-friendly lives. At Little Hill Podcast, we believe changing the world starts with open hearts, open minds, and a few good laughs along the way. So grab your favorite vegan snack, sit back, and join Helbard and Susie for an engaging and entertaining journey through the hills of change, compassion, and kindness.

Join us as we talk about our new rescues and peas! What fun!

Comment or Questions? Send us a text!

Sponsored By:

FREDO’S VEGAN TACOS

HEALTHFORCE SUPERFOODS

SANTA CRUZ CIDER COMPANY

HOLE FOODS VEGAN DONUTS

WATSONVILLE PUBLIC HOUSE

DECOLORES FLORES

Welcome to the Little Hill Podcast, where hosts Helbard and Susie bring a lighthearted yet impactful approach to topics that matter. At Little Hill, we're all about sparking curiosity and inspiring change around veganism, animal rights, and the many ways we can all make a positive difference for animals and the planet. Helbard, a thoughtful storyteller with a knack for diving deep into the details, and Susie, whose enthusiasm and warmth bring a delightful balance, create a unique blend of insight, humor, and heart in each episode.

Whether you're vegan, vegan-curious, or just open to new perspectives, Little Hill is a welcoming space where all questions are good questions, and everyone’s journey is respected. From exploring the ethics of our everyday choices to sharing stories of incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them, each episode is designed to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a growing community that values compassion.

Tune in as we tackle big ideas with a relaxed vibe, debunk myths with facts and wit, and offer practical tips for those looking to lead more animal-friendly lives. At Little Hill Podcast, we believe changing the world starts with open hearts, open minds, and a few good laughs along the way. So grab your favorite vegan snack, sit back, and join Helbard and Susie for an engaging and entertaining journey through the hills of change, compassion, and kindness.