Three Ear-Worthy Food Podcasts from HRN: Bread & Butter, A Slice of Cheese, Pot Luck Food Talks

 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 podcasts 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. 

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."

Today, we will review three food podcasts from HRN. 

 Let's start by introducing Bread & Butter with Caroline Kenyon. Caroline and her guests make sense of the world through food, from politics to farming, making and cooking.

 For example, Caroline Kenyon talks to acclaimed chef Karan Gokani, renowned for his Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers, about his latest book, Indian 101, where he celebrates his own home food culture of India.

In a recent show, Caroline Kenyon went to Tower Hamlets, one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse areas, shows how food unites us at its first-ever Power of Food festival. Caroline Kenyon talks to Zarina Ahmad and Rokiah Yaman, two of those behind the exciting program of events.

 One of my personal favorite episodes was when Caroline Kenyon talks to beloved chef Gennaro Contaldo about his life in food - growing up in Amalfi, coming to England - and his pride in being Ambassador for Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Her show makes me hungry and crave the foods discussed in the episode. The show itself is economical in time, with interviews averaging about 30 minutes, with Kenyon exhibiting superior interviewing skills. The show itself is relatively unadorned with little or no intro or outro music yet sold sound quality, and content that holds great value for foodies and people who believe in sustainable resources.

Bread & Butter is part of FoodFM, which is a UK-based global internet radio and podcast network that tells food-related stories through its programs. Founded in London in 2019, the platform features podcasts and shows that cover a wide range of topics, from food production and politics to personal stories from chefs, writers, and producers. It can be found on various podcast platforms and has partnered with organizations like Heritage Radio Network.

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 A Slice Of Cheese with Jenny Linford showed me that I don't know enough about cheesemongers, but thanks to Jenny, I want to know more. For example, a recent episode called Cheese Time Travel, where -- In partnership with Peter’s Yard petersyard.com - one of Britain’s most celebrated food scholars and broadcaster, Ivan Day, took listeners on a rich and fascinating journey through Britain’s cheese history, sharing stories and insights from the past right through to the present. Ivan Day has the gift of sharing his considerable knowledge in a vivid and engaging way, and this episode is an engaging piece of culinary time travel.

In another episode, we learn how good (or is it Gouda?) cheesemongers do a fantastic job. Not only do they offer listeners a chance to buy a variety of cheeses in peak condition, they share the stories behind the cheeses as well. Jenny Linford talks to five cheesemongers in countries around the globe: Anthony Femia, founder of Maker and Monger, Melbourne, Australia, Jessica Fernandez of Mexican Mongers, Mexico City, Mexico, Gordon Edgar of the Rainbow Grocery, San Francisco, California, USA, Julia Treloar of Cheese Boutique, Toronto, Canada and Chris Hallam of Chorlton Cheesemongers, Manchester, UK. What comes across loud and clear is their love of cheese and their enthusiasm for and commitment to their work.

A Slice Of Cheese with Jenny Linford is structured like Bread & Butter, averaging about 40 minutes in length, and with a simple intro and ending. Yet, the show celebrates cheese in such a way that's making it so ear worthy. I've learned that cheesemaking is an art as well as a science. 
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After almost two decades of working in some of the best restaurants in the world, Phil and Eric have a lot of stories to tell and things to set straight!

Pot Luck Food Talks are unfiltered, unapologetic conversations about food, the crazy stories inside Michelin Star kitchens, and anything involving the search for the most delicious dishes.

With these two experienced chefs, you’ll discover some of the best places to eat, how to apply professional techniques at home and just some good old-fashioned real talk amongst food-obsessed friends.

The co-hosts tell us: "As we boldly step into the shoes left vacant by the incomparable Anthony Bourdain, we invite you to embark on a culinary odyssey unlike any other podcast out there."

In short 30-minute episodes, Phil and Eric reveal the hidden secrets, untold stories, and tantalizing flavors of the finest dining establishments. From the glamorous kitchens of renowned restaurants to the gritty behind-the-scenes chaos, their unrivaled insights will leave you spellbound. Join this dynamic duo as they redefine the culinary narrative, uncovering the mysteries of Michelin-starred cuisine, exploring culinary gems from around the globe, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that will leave you craving more.

If you like the TV show The Bear, you'll love this podcast.

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 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." 

Mr. Pruett continues: "Through storytelling, we amplify voices, spotlight solutions, and inspire change that helps foster equity and environmental stewardship for all."