We Need to Talk About Chocolate

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.

Join writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and amateur chocolate historian Andrew Nason of Melt, as they delve into the world of the Keto Diet in this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate.' Ed and Andrew dress as prehistoric cavemen to explore the impact of ketosis—a state triggered by a zero-carb, zero-sugar diet—on their love for chocolate. Through funny analogies and scientific discussions, they break down how the body processes energy, the effects of the Keto Diet, and its broader implications on mental and physical health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blind Taste Test: Cheap vs. Expensive Chocolate – Uncovering the TruthWelcome 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! 🍫

The Dark History of Chocolate: Slavery and ExploitationIn 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 Podcast00:17 Living in the Yurt: A Year in the Tent00:59 The Chocolate and Nature Connection01:48 The Snickers Debate: Chocolate or Not?04:20 Unwrapping the Story of Sugar04:55 The Dark History of Chocolate and Slavery05:30 The Triangle Trade: A Triple Horror12:47 The Industrialization of Slavery20:12 The Horrors of Sugar Plantations23:12 The First Consumer Boycott in History24:38 The Role of Portugal in the Slave Trade25:54 The Dark History of Sugar and Chocolate35:13 The British Role in Abolishing Slavery43:20 Modern Slavery and Consumer Responsibility