The Secret Story of Nutmeg - A hidden history

The Secret Story of Nutmeg - A hidden history

Mysteries and Histories of a seed that shaped the world. Start at Episode 1 and follow this hidden history podcast as we explore the mystery and history of the spice Nutmeg and the way it has shaped our world as we know it. From the birth of capitalism to the discovery of MDMA, The Secret Story of Nutmeg will show you how this seed from the Myristica fragrans tree has played a role in human discovery, from major world-shaping events and mystic traditions to human evolution and our innermost self-development. It will blow your mind. One of Trad's Books, The Lost Piece of Peace can be bought here https://www.amazon.com.au/Lost-Piece-Peace-Tradittori-Trudittori/dp/1545290571 Disclaimer This podcast explores history, chemistry, cultural belief, and speculation. It does not provide medical advice or advocate drug use. Nutmeg contains the compound myristicin, which is not MDMA. Historical medicinal claims reflect beliefs of their time, not modern science. Some ideas presented are interpretive and are examined critically throughout the series.

Episodes

January 12, 2026 32 mins

Finally, we meet Trad, Nutmeg's keeper of secrets, a man who has studied the histories and mysteries of Nutmeg for two decades. Trad's dedication has led him down rabbit holes, but he has emerged a changed man...

In Episode 2 of The Secret Story of Nutmeg, Andy follows an idea repeatedly voiced by Trad: “Nutmeg is the original metaphor.” Not just a spice, not just a commodity—but a symbolic lens through which power, trade,...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Nutmeg, the spice of life... the source of empathy, its oils that can make MDMA, New York being swapped for the spice's source, its widespread uses, people carrying around nutmeg graters on their persons in the 17th and 1800's...

In the opening episode of The Secret Story of Nutmeg, filmmaker Andy DelVecchio begins an investigation into how a single seed—Myristica fragrans—helped shape global trade, empire, and belief. Fro...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Layer upon layer. Nutmeg reveals itself in history; the closer we look, the more we see that its story is a metaphor. Trad says the original metaphor. We look at how the Western world, starting with why and how the Portuguese started to look for the source of Nutmeg, hidden for millennia, on the other side of the world...

One of Trad's Books, The Lost Piece of Peace can be bought here https://www.amazon.com.au/Lost-Piece-Peace-...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Nutmeg. A forgotten spice at the back of the cupboard… or the hidden key to how our world really works?

In this episode, we follow the spice routes not just across oceans, but deep into the human psyche. From ancient trade networks and espionage to modern wars, global trauma, and the fragile mechanics of empathy, nutmeg becomes a lens through which everything sharpens into focus.

As MDMA re-emerges as a tool for healing the mind, we ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we follow the trail of one of history’s most prized spices — nutmeg — from its remote birthplace in the Banda Islands to its central role in the expansion of European empires. We begin with the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511 and their first voyages to the Banda Islands, the only source of nutmeg and mace at the time. Along the way, we encounter Enrique of Malacca — a Malay man who sailed with Magellan’s exp...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Speedboats in the Caribbean. The Dragon’s Mouth. A national flag bearing a split fruit — Grenada is the only country in the world with a nutmeg on its flag.

Why would a spice sit at the heart of a nation’s identity?

Following that question pulls us back to the Banda Islands — and into older stories of trade, monopoly, resistance, and ambition. Companies acting like nations. Nations acting like corporations. Islands traded for other i...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

After six episodes chasing proof across maps, wars, and trade routes, Episode 7 breaks the contract. The history falls away—and something stranger takes its place.

A voice steps in. Not to convince you, but to unsettle you.

What if the story of nutmeg was never about spice… but about empathy?
What if something ancient—biological, mythic, or engineered—once shaped how deeply we could feel one another?
And what if we forgot?

Fro...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

If the story of Nutmeg were a repeatable lesson in life, what are we learning? 

Andy sees links between the current strife and trade wars and the past story of nutmeg and ponders its meaning.

Bandar, Banda, Muscat, chokepoints, the Strait of Hormuz, and Toponymy.


Stay Tuned...this podcast covers seasons following Trade and empathy, Ecstasy and empathy, the empathy evolution of man and much, much more...it's going to be a wil...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Joy is essential. And it's also elusive. You can't order it, borrow it, or simply hope it into life. But now, there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence: The Joy 101 Podcast with Hoda! Best known for her Emmy-winning work and co-anchoring Today, Hoda Kotb infuses her authenticity, curiosity, and warmth into conversations with the world’s most fascinating people. Entertainment legends, sport icons, wellness experts, and everyday folks will share how they find, allow, and experience joy. Hoda will offer her own tips and takes on seeking a more balanced, harmonious life. If you're craving inspiration, support, and useful tools to maximize your joy, tune in to these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Joy after a breakup, joy as an empty-nester, joy after loss, joy as a caretaker — Hoda's new podcast will speak to you. Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb, an iHeartPodcast.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Hey Jonas!

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices