Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Sarah and The Shrub delve into the history, pharmacology, and brewing of the psychoactive beverage Kava.

*** 

- “Kava” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava
- “Lapita Culture” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapita_culture
- “Kavalactone” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kavalactone
- “Kava.” Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 06 June 2024.  https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/kava/
- “Kava - Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-872/kava
- “Kava.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.  https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kava

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Sarah and The Shrub cover the history and making of Bubble Tea, and discuss a little about her experience with AA. Potential (NA) drinking game: count how many times she says the word "boba".

***
- “Bubble Tea” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_tea

- “Tapioca Pearl” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca_pearl

- “Popping Boba” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popping_boba

- Wei, Clarissa. “The Story Behind Bubble Tea, Taiwan’s Iconic Drink.” National Geographic, 3 October 2023.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-is-boba-bubble-tea-taiwan

- Krishna, Priya. “A Brief History of Boba.” Food & Wine, 6 June 2017.
https://www.foodandwine.com/origins-of-boba-tea-6406857

- Wong, Maggie Hiufu. “The Rise of Bubble Tea, one of Taiwan’s Most Beloved Beverages.” CNN Travel, 29 April 2020.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/taiwan-bubble-tea-origins/index.html

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Let's wrap this bad boy up. Brewing methods, grinders, what's a latte vs. a cappuccino? Sarah and The Shrub cover all kinds of basics on what goes into your favorite cup of coffee.

***
- “Kopi Luwak” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_luwak

- “5 Things to Know About Cold Brew.” Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Company, 5 May 2023. https://kaldiscoffee.com/blogs/news/5-things-you-should-know-about-cold-brew#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20biggest%20myths,hot%20brewed%20coffee%2C%20even%20espresso. 

- Simon, Lucy. “What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?” Food & Wine, 31 July 2023. https://www.foodandwine.com/cold-brew-vs-iced-coffee-7567073

- Fick, Karen. “Coffee Filtering Principles.” Difford’s Guide. https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1113/coffee/filtering-principles 

- Fick, Karen. “Coffee Filtering Techniques.” Difford’s Guide.
https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1113/coffee/filtering-techniques 

- “The Ultimate Brew Down: Aeropress Vs. French Press.” Handground.com https://handground.com/grind/ultimate-brew-down-aeropress-vs-french-press

- Nice, Karim. “How Espresso Machines Work.” Howstuffworks.com. https://home.howstuffworks.com/espresso-machine.htm

- Fry, Phoebe. “What’s the Difference Between an Espresso, Americano, and More Coffee Drinks?” Real Simple, 23 February 2023. https://www.realsimple.com/types-of-coffee-drinks-7112708; 

- Barlow, Tony. “Macchiato vs. Latte vs. Flat White: In-Depth Comparison Guide.” MajestyCoffee.com, 14 May 2023. https://majestycoffee.com/blogs/posts/macchiato-vs-latte-vs-flat-white#:~:text=Macchiatos%20consist%20of%20a%20small,1%2F3%20microfoam%20milk%20ratio.

- https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/brew-guides/siphon

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

We've got a two-parter folks! There's just so. much. to. learn. about. coffee. Here's a *wee* bit of history, and what's going on with the plant itself. Also, Sarah and The Shrub are joined by a surprise beverage guest!

***
- Beller, Debra. “How Coffee Works.” HowStuffWorks.com.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/coffee.htm/printable

-“What is Coffee?” National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc.
https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/What-is-Coffee

-“Tropic of Cancer” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Cancer

-Coffee Shrub Spritzer Recipe:
https://www.saveur.com/coffee-shrub-spritzer-recipe/

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Oh no, not another podcast episode about caffeine!
How many cups of coffee do you think Sarah and The Shrub had before this episode?

***
Sources
-Grisel, Judith. Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction. Anchor Books, 2019.

-W. Bryant, Charles & Clark, Josh, hosts. “The Duality of Caffeine.” Stuff You Should Know, iHeartPodcasts, 16 Jan. 2016.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duality-of-caffeine/id278981407?i=1000360672007

-Justin Evansm John R. Richards, Amanda S. Battisti. “Caffeine” StatPearls Publishing. 8 June 2023.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/

-“Caffeine” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine

-“Adenosine” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenosine#Adenosine_receptors 

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Do you know what's in an egg cream? Join Sarah and The Shrub in this mildly chaotic episode to find out! Plus - story time.

***
-“Egg Cream” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_cream

-“Cream” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream#:~:text=Cream%20is%20a%20dairy%20product,using%20centrifuges%20called%20%22separators%22.

-“Pilk” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilk

-“Boris Thomashefsky” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Thomashefsky

-“Gem Spa” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem_Spa#cite_note-7

-“Cream vs. Milk: What’s the Difference Between Cream and Milk?” MasterClass, 27 Oct. 2021.
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cream-vs-milk-explained 

-“An Ode to the Egg Cream, an Iconic New York City Drink” Food & Wine, 3 Aug. 2023
https://www.foodandwine.com/egg-cream-7551803#:~:text=The%20mythical%20origins%20of%20the%20egg%20cream&text=Others%20believe%20that%20it%20was,he%20sourced)%20his%20chocolate%20syrup 

-Adler, Dan. “Gem Spa, the East Village’s General Store, Remembered” Vanity Fair, 12 May 2020.
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/05/gem-spa-remembered 

-Romagnoli, Robert. “Meet Louis Auster” NYC Eats, 2022-2024.
https://www.newyorkcity-eats.com/louis-auster 

-“History of the Egg Cream” A Slice of Brooklyn.
https://asliceofbrooklyn.com/history-of-the-egg-cream/

-Arenstein, Noah. “12 Things You Didn’t Know About NYC Egg Creams” Thrillist, 19 Nov. 2014
https://www.thrillist.com/drink/new-york/things-you-didn-t-know-about-egg-creams-nyc 

-“New York City Egg Cream Recipe and History” What’s Cooking America.
https://whatscookingamerica.net/history/nyeggcreamhistory.htm 

-Fox, Joy. “History of the Egg Cream Soda” Imbible Magazine, 16 June 2011.
https://imbibemagazine.com/history-of-the-egg-cream-soda/ 

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

A fascinating history of bitters. Also, happy allergy season!

**
- Parsons, Brad Thomas. Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas. New York, Ten Speed Press, 2011.
- “Bitters” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitters
- “House of Angostura” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Angostura
- “Sack (wine)” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sack_(wine)
- Harans, Julie. “All About Bitters: The Bar Cart Essential That Transforms Cocktails in a Dash” Epicurious, 10 Nov. 2023.
https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/what-are-bitters
- Smith, Peter. “A Brief History of Bitters” Smithsonian Magazine, 20 March 2023.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-brief-history-of-bitters-159271950/#:~:text=Around%201824%2C%20Johann%20Siegert%2C%20who,what%20bar%20you%20went%20to.
- Robicelli, Allison. “4 nonalcoholic bitters for even better zero proof cocktails” Washington Post, 1 June 2023
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2023/06/01/best-nonalcoholic-bitters/

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

It's getting goopy in the booth! Sarah and The Shrub meet up with a seafaring friend: Sea Moss Gel

***
- “Health Benefits of Sea Moss” (WebMD)
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-moss

- Blum, Dani. “Is A Spoonful of Sea Moss the Key to Good Health?” New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/well/eat/sea-moss-gel-benefits.html 

- “Chondrus Crispus” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrus_crispus 

- “Carrageenan” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrageenan 

- “Spirulina: Are There Health Benefits?” (WebMD)
https://www.webmd.com/diet/spirulina-health-benefits 

- “Spirulina (dietary supplement)” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement) 

- “What Are the Benefits of Sea Moss?” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sea-moss-benefits 

YouTube:
- Foodie Nation’s “Trinbagonian Sea Moss Punch”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgJqL8rTtXM 

- Vegan with Curves
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_jCa8jE4Rc 

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Sarah and The Shrub take a deep dive into the world of adaptogens.

***
-“Adaptogen” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen
-What are adaptogens and should you be taking them?  UCLA Health, Feb 16 2022
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them#:~:text=Adaptogens%20are%20herbs%2C%20roots%20and,soups%2C%20smoothies%20and%20other%20foods.
-”Adaptogens” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens
-”Hypothalamus” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22566-hypothalamus
-”Endocrine System” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21201-endocrine-system
-Velislava Todorova, Kalin Ivanov, Cédric Delattre, Vanya Nalbantova, Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Stanislava Ivanova “Plant Adaptogens—History and Future Perspectives” Nutrients 2021 Aug; 13(8): 2861. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8398443/
-Catherine J. Dunlavey “Introduction to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Healthy and Dysregulated Stress Responses, Developmental Stress and Neurodegeneration” J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2018 Spring; 16(2): R59–R60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6057754/#:~:text=The%20hypothalamic%2Dpituitary%2Dadrenal%20axis%20(HPA)%20is%20the,Breedlove%20and%20Watson%2C%202013). 

YouTube:
-Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) from Mountain Gardens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn5vCF1j3Wc&t=21s
-Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis | Endocrine System from Dr. Matt & Dr. Mike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqz4WOwfz4Q 

***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Send us Fan Mail

Maybe more than you ever wanted to know about carbonated water.

***
-“Carbonated Water” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water
-“Club Soda” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_soda
-“Gasogene” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasogene
-“Joseph Priestley” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Priestley
-Directions for Impregnating Water with Fixed Air by Joseph Priestly, 1772 as published on Todayinsci.com
https://todayinsci.com/P/Priestley_Joseph/PriestleyJoseph-MakingCarbonatedWater1772.htm
-“Fizzy Water: The Unnatural History of a Carbonated Drink” transcript from the Science History Institute Distillations podcast
https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/distillations-pod/fizzy-water/
-”The Seltzer Bubble” NYT article by Sheila Marikar
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/13/style/seltzer-sparkling-water-bubble.html
-New Oxford American Dictionary, ”Effervescence”
-Gasogene demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5PW4FvLPfw
-Soda Siphon demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtA3Wvqw1iQ
 
***

ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: [email protected]

While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).