Chocolate or alcohol? The god of cocoa or the god of wine?

In this episode of We Need to Talk About Chocolate, journalist and writer Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason leave the yurt and enter the kitchen - to stage a full-scale showdown between two of humanity’s oldest and most beloved drugs.

Ed is promoted to Bacchus, god of wine.

Andrew becomes the Chocolate God.

And together, they run a carefully (and questionably) scientific experiment. Matching calories, exploring ancient rituals, and testing the effects on brain, blood, sleep, mood, and the dreaded next morning, they ask:

Why do we celebrate alcohol but feel guilty about chocolate?

Is booze really the better party fuel? And could chocolate deliver the joy without the fallout? From Aztec cacao ceremonies to modern cocktails, from dopamine to antioxidants and hangovers, this episode goes far beyond taste - into culture, chemistry, and the stories we tell ourselves about pleasure.

Because chocolate was never just a treat.

And alcohol was never just a drink.

And yes…

We really do need to talk about chocolate.

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Join journalist and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton and amateur chocolate historian Andrew Nason of Melt as they go prehistoric to explore the Keto Diet! 🍫 🦴

In this episode of The Chocolate Podcast, Ed and Andrew dress as cavemen to dive deep into the world of ketosis—a metabolic state triggered by a zero-carb, zero-sugar diet. Can a dedicated chocolate lover actually survive on Keto?

In this episode, we explore:

What is Ketosis? Breaking down the science of how the body processes energy without sugar.

The Impact of the Keto Diet: Understanding the mental and physical health implications of going low-carb.

Chocolate vs. Keto: Can you still enjoy your favorite treat while in a ketogenic state?

Through a mix of funny analogies and scientific discussion, Ed and Andrew break down the broader implications of this popular diet on your health and your palate.

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Welcome to 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt.

In this episode, Ed undergoes a challenging experiment to understand the real impact of a sugar crash. Guided by Andrew, Ed consumes the maximum daily sugar limit in an hour to explore how sugar affects the body and debunk the myth that sugar equals energy. They talk Red Bull, Monster Energy and Coca-cola, and how these drinks are encouraged to make you "high-performing" - when in fact they do the complete opposite.

Through personal experience and scientific analysis, they discuss the role of insulin, mitochondria, and the food industry's deceptive marketing. Join them for a dynamic and informative dive into the effects of sugar and the importance of understanding its impact on our health.

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Welcome to the 'We Need To Talk About Chocolate' Podcast!

Join us, host Ed Easton and chocolatier Andrew Nason in part two of our fermentation special.

Andrew explains why his homemade cacao experiment failed, discussing the complexities of chocolate fermentation and the impact of temperature on bacterial growth. We also explore the intricate world of taste, engaging in fascinating experiments with miracle berries that alter flavour perception.

The episode delves into the evolutionary roots of taste, the role of industrialization in our diet, and the universal human fascination with fermented foods. Despite our cacao setback, Ed and Andrew's journey to uncover the secrets behind the perfect chocolate continues.

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In this episode, hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason delve into the fascinating world of chocolate fermentation from their chocolate yurt in West London. They discuss how the intricate process of fermentation, involving various bacteria and fungi, plays a crucial role in crafting high-quality chocolate.

While debunking myths like the 'Mars bar being made on Mars,' they explore the concept of panspermia and the idea that yeast may be an alien species.

They also initiate a live fermentation experiment with cacao pods, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of the process, influenced by environmental factors and microorganisms. This journey into the microscopic world of chocolate promises to reveal the hidden layers of flavor development and the intricate dance that transforms cacao into chocolate.

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In this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' host Ed Easton and Andrew Nason, also going by the name Montezuma II, dive into the rich and diverse cuisine of the ancient Aztecs.

Broadcasting from the Melt Chocolate Yurt, they compare the plain, often unappetizing diet of the 16th-century Spanish conquistadors to the vibrant and varied foods of the Aztecs, including avocado, maize, chili peppers, and chocolate straight from the cacao pod.

The episode offers an entertaining experiment where Ed tries these traditional foods, providing a humorous and insightful commentary on his reactions.

They conclude with a discussion on the influence of ancient foods on modern diets and hint at the conspiracy between big food and big oil industries in shaping contemporary eating habits.

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Are You a Grass-Eating Cow? The Shocking Truth About Your Diet!

Join hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason in this eye-opening episode of the 'We Need to Talk about Chocolate Podcast' as they delve into the surprising parallels between modern human diets and the eating habits of cows.

Ed tries to convince Andrew that he's ready to embark on a journey towards enjoying dark chocolate, while Andrew challenges Ed's dietary choices by pointing out the high consumption of 'grasses' like bread, pasta, and rice.

They also discuss the historical significance of these foods and their impact on civilizations. Andrew introduces the concept of cutting out ultraprocessed foods and embracing a diet closer to what our ancestors might have eaten, focusing on fruits, nuts, and unprocessed foods. Will Ed take the leap? Tune in to find out!

Brought to you by Melt Chocolates.

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Blind Taste Test: Cheap vs. Expensive Chocolate – Uncovering the Truth

Welcome to the latest episode of the 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate' podcast where host Ed Easton and co-host Andrew Nason delve into the world of chocolate.

In a special blind taste test, they compare cheap supermarket chocolates with high-end brands like Montezuma and Melt.

Along the way, they discuss the origins of chocolate, the impact of sugar, and the ethical considerations of chocolate production. Discover the surprising results of their taste test and learn about the science and ethics behind your favourite sweet treat.

Share with a friend who would find this interesting! 🍫

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The Dark History of Chocolate: Slavery and Exploitation

In this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' host Ed Easton and chocolatier Andrew Nason discuss the grim history of slavery linked to sugar and chocolate production. From the Portuguese and Spanish slave trades to the brutal conditions on sugar and cacao plantations, the hosts delve into the atrocities committed in the name of profit. They emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and responsible choices in combating modern exploitation in the chocolate industry. Listeners are taken on a journey through historical and present-day issues, aiming to shed light on the dark side of this beloved treat.

00:00 Welcome to the Chocolate Podcast

00:17 Living in the Yurt: A Year in the Tent

00:59 The Chocolate and Nature Connection

01:48 The Snickers Debate: Chocolate or Not?

04:20 Unwrapping the Story of Sugar

04:55 The Dark History of Chocolate and Slavery

05:30 The Triangle Trade: A Triple Horror

12:47 The Industrialization of Slavery

20:12 The Horrors of Sugar Plantations

23:12 The First Consumer Boycott in History

24:38 The Role of Portugal in the Slave Trade

25:54 The Dark History of Sugar and Chocolate

35:13 The British Role in Abolishing Slavery

43:20 Modern Slavery and Consumer Responsibility

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Join us at the Melt chocolate yurt for another episode of the We Need to Talk About Chocolate podcast! Hosted by Ed and co-host Andrew Nason, this week’s discussion dives into the compelling topic of sugar and its various effects on the body, using the Snickers bar as a prime example. From historical monkey brain instincts to modern food industry tactics, we explore how sugar tricks the brain and impacts health.

Discover why consuming high levels of sugar can lead to lethargy, aging, and bodily inflammation while the benefits of dark chocolate could be the healthier alternative you're looking for. Learn how the food industry disguises sugar and the impact of excess glucose on your body. Tune in to understand the chemistry behind sugar and its substitutes, and why reducing sugar could benefit your overall well-being.

Next week, we will uncover the industrial chocolate world in Africa and the true story behind your supermarket Snickers bar.

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