We Need to Talk About Chocolate
We Need to Talk About Chocolate
Podcast Description
Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.From the sacred rituals of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the shelves of modern supermarkets, chocolate has always been more than just mere confection. It’s a symbol, a currency, a craving, and a billion-dollar industry with a not-so-sweet side.I’m Ed Easton - writer, journalist, and lifelong chocoholic - and I’m joined by a man who truly lives chocolate: Andrew Nason is the visionary behind Melt Chocolates. He’s a master chocolatier, a flavour obsessive, and someone who can tell his Forastero from his Criollo with just one sniff.Together, we’ll be digging deep. Tracing the rise of cacao from sacred bean to global obsession. discovering how chocolate has shaped and been shaped by the world around us. On today’s episode, we’ll travel back over 3,000 years to meet the world’s first chocolatiers, discover the ancient civilisations who gorged on cacao before performing human sacrifices, and visit the ruins of a place dubbed the ‘chocolate Pompeii’.Because trust us... we need to talk about chocolate. Brought to you buy MELT Chocolates! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into a variety of themes surrounding chocolate, such as its historical role in ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs, the socio-economic impact of the cacao trade, and the dark realities behind the chocolate industry today. Episodes feature topics like the sacred rituals of chocolate consumption, the evolution of chocolatiers over the centuries, and unique recipes that tie back to historical uses of cacao.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.
From the sacred rituals of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the shelves of modern supermarkets, chocolate has always been more than just mere confection. It’s a symbol, a currency, a craving, and a billion-dollar industry with a not-so-sweet side.
I’m Ed Easton – writer, journalist, and lifelong chocoholic – and I’m joined by a man who truly lives chocolate: Andrew Nason is the visionary behind Melt Chocolates. He’s a master chocolatier, a flavour obsessive, and someone who can tell his Forastero from his Criollo with just one sniff.
Together, we’ll be digging deep. Tracing the rise of cacao from sacred bean to global obsession. discovering how chocolate has shaped and been shaped by the world around us.
Brought to you by MELT Chocolates!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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