Why This Podcast

Why This Podcast

”Why This” is a podcast where a couple of food scientists, Lindsay and Matt, learn why people love the things they love. In each episode, we break down a different product or cultural phenomenon, and much like we do in our day jobs running focus groups, we ask our guest about what makes our topic so lovable. The results are funny, interesting, and even inspiring. You might even find your own next passion. Episodes are brought to you by DraughtLab, who help food and beverage producers improve the taste and quality of their products with best-in-class sensory software, tools, and training. Run your next taste panel or reach out if you’re interested in becoming a better taster.

Episodes

February 21, 2024 14 mins

On a list of full-on sensory experiences, you would be mistaken if you didn’t include the jam band scene. We talk with Lab Manager and Sensory Scientist Sydney Zagger of Russian River Brewing about why the music and people keep her coming back.

 

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The Super Bowl is this weekend, so we’re breaking down this unique “holiday” and how it impacts our behaviors. From the plates we eat on, to the ads we’re served during the game, sensory plays a part in our experience.

 

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December 11, 2023 15 mins

With 40 NEW holiday movies being released every year, it's likely that a formula exists to make them successful. To figure it out, we had our coworker Brooke dive-in and watch holiday movies to identify the key characteristics.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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November 21, 2023 15 mins

Improv performers rely on their creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration to do live theatre with no script. We catch up with Senior Director Brooke Bell to learn how those skills help in other areas of life.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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November 6, 2023 14 mins

Amaro means "bitter" in Italian, but it hardly tells the story of the wide range of flavors and styles in this category of liqueurs. We talk with amaro enthusiast and co-owner of Burial Beer's Tim Gormley about what makes this drink so interesting.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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It's almost Halloween, so it's a perfect time to run a test and determine what is the least favorite treat for both adults and kids.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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October 8, 2023 15 mins

Most fast food chains have secret menu items available if you know what to order. We sent our coworker Brooke to try and get her hands on these mystery foods to see what the hype is all about.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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September 25, 2023 14 mins

The end products may be tiny, but the amount of care and attention to detail are huge. We talk with Tiny Food competition winner Kaitlyn Peot about how it all works and why Tiny Food has such a loyal following.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

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September 11, 2023 16 mins

Foraging for mushrooms can be serious business, which was our discussion with mushroom hunter and brewmaster Ross Koenigs of Second Dawn Brewing.

 

 

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August 27, 2023 14 mins

Pickleball is one of the fast growing sports in the country, so we asked semi-pro Joanna Laubscher to gives us 3 reasons why everyone is getting out to play.

 

 

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August 27, 2023 13 mins

Cottage cheese is having a moment, so we decided to break it down with an original fanatic... a Dad. 

 

 

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August 27, 2023 59 secs
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