12 Smart and Fun Culinary Podcasts
Fall, winter, spring, summer, I’m always into podcasts, particularly the food-related kind.
There is no show on Netflix I am currently hooked on and we haven’t had cable (or even TV) in years, which means when I’m not reading, podcasts are my favourite diversion. I’m a hard core multitasker, and podcasts are the perfect way to stay educated, entertained and up-to-date on the global culinary scene while still getting my laundry folded or step count in for the day.
And to be honest, they are are a decent substitute for adult conversation for a work at home mom with a houseful of kids. I’ve been known to listen in on a conversation between Molly and Matthew with a solitary ear bud, while simultaneously supervising three kids running around a sunny park.
Podcasts seem to come and go rather quickly. Two years ago you would have found me tuning into David Leite’s Talking with My Mouth Full or Joy the Baker’s We’re About to be Friends. Last year there was Alphabet Soup, among others, but for whatever reasons, many podcasts die out or take very long breaks. This snappy round-up is keeping hip and current by only including culinary podcasts that are updating on a regular basis.
Listening to one full episode of a particular podcast is usually enough to make a decision whether or not you want to continue. I hope you jump in and discover a few new favourites!
6 Smart Podcasts
Here are my favourite podcasts for when I’m feeling sharp and ‘with it’ and fully capable of absorbing the wealth of information they serve up. I’m usually wide awake and doing something productive like attacking a sink full of pots and pans, or blanching and peeling a bushel of tomatoes. Often I’ll need to stop and scratch down a book title or a wine variety or a dinner idea as I listen, because they are so darn inspirational. Get listening and get smarter!
The Menu
This food and drink podcast from Monocle 24 (an internet radio station out of London) is like an epicurean trip around the world. If you subscribe to Saveur magazine or watch Chef’s Table on Netflix, you probably love this podcast. They serve up chef interviews, new ingredients, culinary discoveries, and news tidbits from the global restaurant scene. If that sounds like a lot, it is. Which is precisely why it tops my list.
Don’t miss: Episode 191, Chocolate with Style and Episode 189, Chinese Secrets.
Burnt Toast
More genius from Food 52, here’s a podcast that is impossible to turn off. It’s either incredibly practical and useful (Episode 9), or so utterly entertaining (Episode 11: If Amanda Hesser Seats You at the End of the Table) you’ll be hooked for the entire 25 or so minutes.
Don’t miss: Why You Should Feed Your Kids Pizza for Breakfast.
Radio Cherry Bombe
A podcast from the popular US magazine. Nope, it’s not all about girl power and food, but awesome people in the food scene who happen to be women. Right? Right. So far the conversations have been engrossing and inspiring, including broadcasts from this year’s Cherry Bombe Jubilee conference. Oh, and they kind of have a killer theme song.
Don’t miss: Episode 6 with Jeni Britton Bauer (my, she talks fast!)
The Splendid Table
Be prepared to join the Lynne Rossetto Kasper Fan Club (one listen and you’ll know what I mean). Gosh, she was born for this seat in front of the mic. The show features a never-ending stream of brilliant guests, each with a specific niche in food, drink, agriculture or restaurants. There’s always much to learn; you better get started.
I do find the podcast on the long side, but the good stuff tends to be in the first half of the broadcast. In short, listen for the invaluable interviews, but skip the calls unless you have time to kill.
Don’t miss: Episode 550 Zero Gravity (with Canadian Col. Chris Hadfield).
GastroPod
GastroPod is a self-proclaimed look at food through the lens of science and history. They also call themselves ‘brain candy’ on their About page; I’d say that is accurate. Winner of the International Association of Culinary Professional’s Best Audio Series Award in early 2015, this relatively new podcast is one to subscribe to.
Don’t miss: May’s episode The Cocktail Hour
Local Mouthful
I think the best podcast happen when best friends get together and record their conversation. It feels easy rather than awkward. Such is the case with Philadelphian’s Marisa and Joy, who collaborate to bring us Local Mouthful, a podcast about seasonal home cooking, canning, Philly eats and more.
They are only a handful of episodes in, but seem to have already hit their stride – and we can be sure they won’t be leaving us anytime soon.
Don’t miss: Episode 102: Entree Salads, Immersion Blenders, and Joe Beddia (the pizza guy).
6 Fun Podcasts
These podcasts never fail to entertain and I usually tune in when I am feeling brain dead and in need of a diversion from email or something equally as dull. Many of them are downright laugh out loud material; all are light enough not to drain you further after a long day. Educational? Hardly. Essential? Absolutely.
The Sporkful
Hands down, my absolute favourite food podcast. It’s food-related stores, behind-the-scenes culinary exporation, myths debunked and burning questions answered. I bought the book, Eat More Better: How to Make Every Bite More Delicious and I never miss an episode. Out of WNYC Studios, host Dan Pashman brings it every week, obviously working round the clock to keep content fresh, current and relevant (okay, I may be kidding about that last bit).
Don’t miss: What Kind of Kitchen Are You (January 12), Moist Towelette Museum is a Thing (March 2), and Jim Gaffigan Lies to His Kids About Food (July 20)
Spilled Milk
This quick and sometime dirty single subject podcast is always a good idea, anytime. The Seattle-based “couple” who banter for the better part of twenty minutes each episode are not married (nor siblings) but are both respected food writers and good friends who like to chew the fat and record their chit chat for our listening pleasure. Luckily for us they do so weekly.
Not just entertaining and funny, Spilled Milk also has a way of leaving you with a irrepressible hankering for things like sour candies, scrambled eggs and nachos. You’ve been warned.
Don’t miss: Episode 181, Energy Bars
And Eat It Too
Here’s another fun and light Seattle-based podcast between friends. Molly and Sarah explore a food phrase each week and (in their own words) “…end up somewhere completely different.”.
I like how they keep it short and sweet, with each episode ranging between 15 and 20 minutes. I know I can go for a quick power walk and be finished by cool down time.
Don’t miss: their chat with Ruth Reichl in Episode 17: Bigger Fish to Fry.
Eat Your Words
Die-hard cookbook lovers will flip over this Brooklyn-based podcast that interviews food writers. Host Cathy Erway makes it possible to imagine sitting down and chatting one-on-one with your favourite cookbook author.
Don’t miss: Episode 233- Father’s Day with Hugh Acheson.
Dinner Party Download
In the rare chance that you are unfamiliar with DPD (as it is affectionately known by its fans), I can guarantee you will be hooked by the first minute. After all, who doesn’t like a joke and each podcast kicks off with an ice breaker.
DPD is based out of Los Angeles and includes regular features such as etiquette tips, ‘the week in history’ and advice from an array of celebrities, both foodies and non. It’s about 1000x more fun than I just made it sound. Seriously, give it a listen – then come back and thank me.
(Pst. They are airing a few re-runs right now, as the guys are on holiday, but that just gives you a chance to catch up.)
Don’t miss: Episode 312, UnREALity TV.
The Kitchen is on Fire
Let me say right off the bat, that this podcast isn’t for everyone. But if you’re an Anglophile like me, somewhat obsessed with London and the food scene there, then by all means give it a listen. You’ll hear a somewhat random, often rambling conversation between two London food guys, James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy, who just opened a restaurant together….and that’s all I’m going to say about that.
Don’t miss: Episode 34: Intruder!
Share your favourite culinary podcasts in the comments!
Lots of great choices here Aimee! I’m a Spilled Milk addict myself. Always gives me a chuckle and I love that Molly Wizenburg openly snorts when she laughs!
Too funny, Melissa! I love that Matthew purposely leans away from the mic when he laughs as his guffaw is so great. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the shout out, if somewhat of the ‘damning with faint praise’ variety ;-). We sure aren’t for everyone, certainly not those looking for well-researched and serious food radio. Glad you enjoy though, James and Sam.
Hi guys! Thanks for commenting. You’re right, it wasn’t a rave review, but not because you don’t deserve one! I’m a relatively new listener, but was hooked from the get go.
I know my audience well, however, and I’m not sure they will feel the same. It remains to be seen!
I love Gravy and America’s Test Kitchen. They both keep me company on long road trips.
Loads of people recommend ATK. I tried to make this list a little more global, though, rather than super US-centric! 🙂
Thank you for this list! I love podcasts and have several that I regularly listen to, but I don’t have any food-related ones yet. I’m excited to try a few new ones, and since I’m headed to the park with my three kids now, I’m going to take your tip and bring along some ear buds.
No food?! 😉 It’s ok. Hope you find a new favourite here…
I know, right?? I’m starting with the Sporkful. I’d love to add several to my list, but I also just added a couple homeschool-related ones and there isn’t enough time! 😉
I can’t get enough of podcasts! Thanks for the list…so many I haven’t listened too!
Glad you can use this list, Kari! What’s a favourite podcast of yours?
Thank you so much for the shot out for Local Mouth. So honored to be in this great company, but even more so to be in your earbuds!
Whoops I meant to say “Local Mouthful” not Local Mouth. I was in rush to say thank you and typed too fast!
I am a podcast addict but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a foodie one! Out of this huge list, which is your top fav?
Sarah M
That’s hard! I suppose The Sporkful — or Spilled Milk. They are both pretty goofy and easy listening. 🙂
I’m OBSESSED with food podcasts! I’ve been a longtime fan of Spilled Milk and just recently discovered Good Food, which I love. Going to have to add a few of these to the list, too!
Thanks so much for these recommendations and helping me wade through all the possibilities! Downloading now 🙂
So glad you enjoy the show. Thanks for the shout out! It’s awesome to be in such good company!
Sarah
Thank you! I love podcasts but my old regulars have either been in hiding over summer or have gotten a little too academic for my mood lately. I’m going to check out a few of these! I’ve been a Spilled Milk fan for a long time.