Heritage Radio Network: Shifting The Way We Think About Food

Podcasting has matured into a battle between the independents and the few large networks that seek control over the industry If there were an alliance between the two groups, we as listeners would see successful independent podcasts merging with these large networks to the benefit of the consumer.

We're not. Other than Liam Heffernan's new Mercury podcast network, which began with independent podcasts, the large networks rely on celebrity culture and copycat content to dominate the independents.

There are heroes in the podcasting industry, and I recently discovered one last month. It's called The Heritage Radio Network (HRN). 

  Heritage Radio Network is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit covering the world of food, drink and agriculture. The member-supported radio station has more than one million monthly listeners in over 200 countries.

Since its inception in 2009, Heritage Radio Network has broadcast more than 4,000 shows and produced more than 30 regular weekly programs about such topics as food technology, beer, cheese, food history and politics, and cocktails. Shows feature guests ranging from chefs, food policy analysts, farmers, restaurateurs, musicians, and artists. Previous guests have included Alice Waters, Michael Pollan, Joan Dye Gussow, Danny Meyer, Jamie Oliver, and Anthony Bourdain, and more. All shows are archived and accessible on the Heritage Radio Network website and through iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

 HRN Chairman of the Board Ronald Pruett, Jr, says: "HRN’s mission is to build a more sustainable world by shifting how we think about food. Through storytelling, we amplify voices, spotlight solutions, and inspire change that helps foster equity and environmental stewardship for all."

 Here's the key part that makes HRN so attractive to Ear Worthy and potentially to listeners.

Mr. Pruett explains: "HRN is a non-profit, so we always have a David and Goliath battle versus the larger networks to attract funding, advertisers and listeners. I like to say we have a non-profit model but a for-profit mindset. We seek to provide the best programming to attract listeners interested in our genre. Many of our listeners are serious foodies. It's good fun, actually."

 

HRN's podcasts cover everything from the artistry of baking to the craft of brewing, the complexities of cheese mongering to the challenges of solving climate change. HRN shows offer many different voices and topics, but they share the same goals.

Here's one example.  Pizza Quest is certainly about pizza, but it’s so much more! I love pizza. I'm Italian and from "Jersey." Need I say more?

The podcasts is an engaging celebration of artisanship in all its shapes and forms. Award-winning author Peter Reinhart interviews many of the greatest pizza makers in the world, as well as growers, cheese makers, millers, and food producers of all kinds who all who have one thing in common: an unquenchable drive to experience and express the highest level of excellence in their work, and to share it with their friends, family, and customers.  Peter explores the varying journeys that led them to achieve prominence in their fields, and also offers listeners demonstrations of their craft, whether making their signature pizzas, or taking us on an in-depth tasting tour of their olive oil, tomatoes, cheeses, and toppings. As Peter is fond of saying, "It’s more about the quest than the pizza, and the quest never ends."

Mr. Pruett continues: "We create podcasts that explore the rich and essential stories behind food, passing the microphone to both established and emerging voices. Since 2009, HRN has collaborated with thought leaders, celebrity chefs, food advocates, and forward-thinking brands in addition to the countless fellows who discover their voices through our educational programming, all with the support of HRN’s devoted listeners."

Mr. Pruett notes: "Our shows cover everything from the artistry of baking to the craft of brewing, the complexities of cheese mongering to the challenges of solving climate change. HRN shows offer many different voices and topics, but they share the same goals."

Another example is Snacky Tunes.

Host Darin Bresnitz—dance music DJ, dim sum lover and whiskey aficionado—explores and celebrates the cultural convergence of music and food.

Tune in as he stirs up conversation with the world’s top gastronomic talents, while also plugging in the amps for the best of this generation’s up-and-coming musicians.

If you like soul cooking, listen to the Roots, Heart & Soul Podcast, which is a rebirth of Chef Todd Richards podcast SOUL, in conjunction with Chef’s new cookbook, Roots, Heart & Soul.


Chef Richards is a celebrated chef known as a modernist who brings classical dishes into a new focus, has expanded his repertoire of dishes from soul & southern to include the heritage of these foods in celebration of Afro Cuisine. Chef’s journey is being chronicled in his cookbook and now will be shared in his podcast Roots, Heart & Soul. Richards has enlisted one of his closest friends and world renowned Chef Stephan Durand as co-host of RHS, not only as an interviewer, but also as a liaison of Caribbean and beyond in the world of Afro Cuisine.

Ear Worthy has discovered an impressive roster of podcasts on the Heritage Radio Network. We encourage listeners to check them out HERE. We will be reviewing many of these podcasts in 2025.

We'll end with a refreshing comment from Ronald Pruett, Jr. about the Heritage Radio Network.

 "HRN’s mission is to build a more sustainable world by shifting the way we think about food. Through storytelling, we amplify voices, spotlight solutions, and inspire change that helps foster equity and environmental stewardship for all."

Now, isn't that more rewarding than "we maximize shareholder value," or "we protect Amazon at all costs," or "we're all about the profits."