Season 1
Harvey Milk and the Twinkie Defense
June 21, 2021
In this episode, Becca covers the history of the all-American Twinkie. Then, in honour of Pride Month, Sarah covers the tragic story of Harvey Milk and the Twinkie Defense. CW: Gun shots This is our SEASON ONE FINALE! We app…
EXTRA CHEESE: Belgium's Massive Egg Fraud and the Tale of the Rotting Mushrooms
June 14, 2021
This episode is a real fungi! Sarah covers the recent sentencing in Belgium’s largest food fraud, the Fipronil egg scandal. Then we hear a listener story that will make you laugh and might change the way you look at mushroom…
Prohibition & The Boston Molassacre
June 7, 2021
Sarah explains the manufacturing process of molasses, the Triangular Trade, and how this all relates to rum. Becca then discusses the key events that led to prohibition and how this relates to a tank explosion that left 21 d…
Salmonella Poisoning and Death by Peanut Butter
May 24, 2021
Peanut butter and... jail?! In this episode, Becca tells all about the different pathogens that cause food poisoning. We recommend taking a drink every time she talks about poop! Then Sarah shares the tragic story of one of …
EXTRA CHEESE: Shape-Shifting Pasta and Deadly Fava Beans
May 17, 2021
Sarah tells Becca about a new shape-shifting pasta that may help make the food system more sustainable. Plus, we hear a harrowing listener story about favism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) and discuss the sci…
Alternative Medicine, the Wellness Industry & goop
May 10, 2021
Sarah starts off by discussing complementary and alternative medicine, as well as the history behind some of the most common therapies, including naturopathy, homeopathy, and massage. Becca then explores celebrity influence …
EXTRA CHEESE: Epicurious, Beyond Meat Chicken & Cultured Human Milk
May 3, 2021
This news round-up covers all things meat. Becca & Sarah discuss Epicurious’ new pro-planet strategy, Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken, Impossible Foods’ “meaty” ad campaign, BioMilk’s cultured human milk, and more! We then…
Nutrition Research, Ancel Keys, and the Minnesota Starvation Experiment
April 26, 2021
Becca starts off by covering the main challenges that arise when conducting nutrition research and some of the ethical considerations that must be made. Then, Sarah dives in with the fascinating story of Ancel Keys and the M…
EXTRA CHEESE: Peanut Allergy Tragedy + Pine Mouth Story
April 19, 2021
After a brief hiatus, we are back with EXTRA CHEESE! Your extra sprinkle, slice, string, wedge, or dollop of current food and nutrition stories in the news. This week, Sarah and Becca cover the tragic story of Chantal Giacal…
The Seaspiracy of the Codfather
April 12, 2021
Sarah & Becca start off by doing a deep dive into the new Seaspiracy documentary. Sarah then gives us an overview of the fishing industry and the amazing technology behind aquaponics. Becca shares her knowledge on the law of…
The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist
March 29, 2021
Talk about a sticky situation! This episode will activate your sweet tooth and leave you scratching your head about one of the largest agricultural crimes in history. Becca starts off by taking us to maple syrup school, wher…
Wine Fraud & Rudy Kurniawan
March 15, 2021
This episode pairs well with a glass of wine. Sarah starts us off with a lesson in our favourite alcoholic beverage, including the proper lingo and some French history. She tells us the unfortunate tale of the grape louse an…
Multi-Level Marketing Schemes and the Gifting Tables
March 1, 2021
Becca starts off the episode with a background on a particular type of business that often promotes nutrition products: Multi-level Marketing. Follow along to hear all about what they are, how to spot a pyramid scheme, and w…
EXTRA CHEESE: 3D-Printed Ribeye Steaks
Feb. 23, 2021
Sarah and Becca chat about the potential downside that comes with eating 30kg of oranges before boarding your flight. Then they discuss a new and exciting innovation in the alt-meat world! This is an independently produced p…
The History of Cooking and the Class Action Lawsuit Against Teflon
Feb. 15, 2021
Sarah starts the episode off with the fascinating history of cooking, including how fire led to strides in human development. She then highlights the connection between the invention of the dishwasher and the women’s liberat…
EXTRA CHEESE: ‘Anything But Tuna’ Subway Scandal
Feb. 8, 2021
Becca and Sarah discuss some recent drama around Subway restaurants and their tuna...if you can even call it that. They explain how this new claim relates to Jessica Simpson and a Canadian lawsuit about chicken. Listen to ep…
"Superfoods" and the Avocado Cartels
Feb. 1, 2021
This week, Becca tells us the truth about “superfoods” and Sarah tackles the unfortunate side effects that can occur when a commodity product suddenly becomes ultra-popular. For a full list of references, visit our website .…
EXTRA CHEESE: Lab-Grown Meat for Sale in Singapore
Jan. 25, 2021
Becca and Sarah discuss the recent authorization for the sale of lab-grown meat in Singapore. They chat about all the potential economic and ethical benefits, their personal feelings about eating meat grown in a lab, and som…
Episode 007: The McDonald's Hot Coffee Case
Jan. 18, 2021
Caution! Contents of this episode are HOT. Sarah starts off with some McDonald’s fast-food history, including how they integrated Ford’s Model-T assembly line to create their quick service and drive-thru, and the key role mi…
EXTRA CHEESE: Alcohol Consumption During Quarantine
Jan. 14, 2021
Becca and Sarah discuss a recent study that shows binge drinking has increased due to the stress triggered by COVID-19. Becca leaves you with some tips for healthier alcohol consumption and discusses a surprising silver-lini…
Carbohydrates and the Tragic Low-Carb Legacy of Dr. Atkins
Jan. 4, 2021
Building off last week's episode on sugar, Becca starts off the episode with a little Carbohydrates 101 and discusses the fascinating history of low-carb dieting. She touches on the Letter of Corpulence by William Banting (a…
EXTRA CHEESE: The Indian Farmers' Protest
Dec. 31, 2020
In this episode of Extra Cheese, Becca and Sarah discuss the ongoing Indian Farmers' Protest. This nationwide protest has been going on for over four months and has been called the largest protest in human history. The farme…
The Harvard Sugar Study & The Fat-Free Food Boom
Dec. 21, 2020
Sarah starts the episode off with the history and origins of refined sugar, including our innate preference for sweet foods and a quick lesson in carbohydrates. Becca then discusses the infamous Harvard sugar study of the 19…
EXTRA CHEESE: Welfare Fraud and COVID-19
Dec. 17, 2020
In this episode of our new segment, Extra Cheese, Becca and Sarah discuss an ongoing case of welfare fraud through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They then touch on how shoplifting rates for food items…
Human DNA in Hot Dogs and the European Horsemeat Scandal
Dec. 7, 2020
Becca shares a story about hot dogs that will make your skin crawl, even though it probably shouldn’t. Then Sarah tells the tale of the most famous (and most unsettling) food fraud in recent years: the European horsemeat sca…
The History of Pesticides and Organic Food Fraud
Nov. 23, 2020
Sarah gives us a shocking overview of the history of pesticides and the growth of the North American organic food movement. She also looks at the environmental and nutritional impacts of organic farming practices. Becca then…
Food Fear and the Infamous Yoga Mat Ingredient
Nov. 8, 2020
Becca takes us through the history of Subway and some of the lawsuits they've faced over the years, including the scandals of "Subway Jared" and the 11-inch footlong. Sarah then explores Subway's PR nightmare of 2014 - the d…
The History of Halloween and Halloween Candy Tampering
Oct. 25, 2020
Sarah takes us through the history of Halloween and all of its spooky traditions, including trick-or-treating, costumes, pagan rituals, and more! She also investigates the origins of our favourite fun-sized candies. Becca th…