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 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.
You walk into a supermarket thinking you’re making choices.
You’re not.
This week, writer and journalist Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason pull apart a “normal” shopping basket — crisps, chocolate bars, cereal, sauces… even dog treats — and reveal the illusion of choice behind ultra-processed food.
We trace how a small group of mega-brands quietly covers every aisle, why modern food is designed to be cheap, addictive, and endlessly snackable, and how that connects to the modern health crisis - from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and more.
Because once you see what’s really in your “everyday” food… you can’t unsee it.
And the episode ends on a challenge: the Pringle test.
Can Ed eat one pringle— and stop?
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What happens when you stop eating?
In this episode of We Need to Talk About Chocolate, writer and journalist Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason attempt a fast - and immediately discover how differently the human body (and mind) can respond.
Andrew completes a six-day water fast.
Ed… doesn’t make it past a missed meal.
But this isn’t about willpower, weight loss, or internet “biohacks.” It’s a deep dive into why fasting has existed for thousands of years - from cavemen and philosophers to monks, prophets, and modern scientists.
We explore feast-and-famine biology, ketosis, brain fuel, and why the modern habit of eating constantly may be more unnatural than we realise. Along the way, they uncover the astonishing true story of the man who fasted for 382 days, and ask why nearly every religion built fasting into its rituals - not for health, but for clarity.
The fast is finally broken with hot chocolate - not as a treat, but as a reminder that cacao has always been a bridge between nourishment, stimulation, and ritual.
Because food isn’t just fuel.
And sometimes, not eating tells us more than eating ever could.
And yes - once again…
We really do need to talk about chocolate.
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Chocolate or alcohol? The god of cocoa or the god of wine?
In this episode of We Need to Talk About Chocolate, journalist and writer Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason leave the yurt and enter the kitchen - to stage a full-scale showdown between two of humanity’s oldest and most beloved drugs.
Ed is promoted to Bacchus, god of wine.
Andrew becomes the Chocolate God.
And together, they run a carefully (and questionably) scientific experiment. Matching calories, exploring ancient rituals, and testing the effects on brain, blood, sleep, mood, and the dreaded next morning, they ask:
Why do we celebrate alcohol but feel guilty about chocolate?
Is booze really the better party fuel? And could chocolate deliver the joy without the fallout? From Aztec cacao ceremonies to modern cocktails, from dopamine to antioxidants and hangovers, this episode goes far beyond taste - into culture, chemistry, and the stories we tell ourselves about pleasure.
Because chocolate was never just a treat.
And alcohol was never just a drink.
And yes…
We really do need to talk about chocolate.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt.
In this episode, Ed undergoes a challenging experiment to understand the real impact of a sugar crash. Guided by Andrew, Ed consumes the maximum daily sugar limit in an hour to explore how sugar affects the body and debunk the myth that sugar equals energy. They talk Red Bull, Monster Energy and Coca-cola, and how these drinks are encouraged to make you "high-performing" - when in fact they do the complete opposite.
Through personal experience and scientific analysis, they discuss the role of insulin, mitochondria, and the food industry's deceptive marketing. Join them for a dynamic and informative dive into the effects of sugar and the importance of understanding its impact on our health.
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.
In this episode, hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason delve into the fascinating world of chocolate fermentation from their chocolate yurt in West London. They discuss how the intricate process of fermentation, involving various bacteria and fungi, plays a crucial role in crafting high-quality chocolate.
While debunking myths like the 'Mars bar being made on Mars,' they explore the concept of panspermia and the idea that yeast may be an alien species.
They also initiate a live fermentation experiment with cacao pods, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of the process, influenced by environmental factors and microorganisms. This journey into the microscopic world of chocolate promises to reveal the hidden layers of flavor development and the intricate dance that transforms cacao into chocolate.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' host Ed Easton and Andrew Nason, also going by the name Montezuma II, dive into the rich and diverse cuisine of the ancient Aztecs.
Broadcasting from the Melt Chocolate Yurt, they compare the plain, often unappetizing diet of the 16th-century Spanish conquistadors to the vibrant and varied foods of the Aztecs, including avocado, maize, chili peppers, and chocolate straight from the cacao pod.
The episode offers an entertaining experiment where Ed tries these traditional foods, providing a humorous and insightful commentary on his reactions.
They conclude with a discussion on the influence of ancient foods on modern diets and hint at the conspiracy between big food and big oil industries in shaping contemporary eating habits.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are You a Grass-Eating Cow? The Shocking Truth About Your Diet!
Join hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason in this eye-opening episode of the 'We Need to Talk about Chocolate Podcast' as they delve into the surprising parallels between modern human diets and the eating habits of cows.
Ed tries to convince Andrew that he's ready to embark on a journey towards enjoying dark chocolate, while Andrew challenges Ed's dietary choices by pointing out the high consumption of 'grasses' like bread, pasta, and rice.
They also discuss the historical significance of these foods and their impact on civilizations. Andrew introduces the concept of cutting out ultraprocessed foods and embracing a diet closer to what our ancestors might have eaten, focusing on fruits, nuts, and unprocessed foods. Will Ed take the leap? Tune in to find out!
Brought to you by Melt Chocolates.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Blind Taste Test: Cheap vs. Expensive Chocolate – Uncovering the Truth
Welcome to the latest episode of the 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate' podcast where host Ed Easton and co-host Andrew Nason delve into the world of chocolate.
In a special blind taste test, they compare cheap supermarket chocolates with high-end brands like Montezuma and Melt.
Along the way, they discuss the origins of chocolate, the impact of sugar, and the ethical considerations of chocolate production. Discover the surprising results of their taste test and learn about the science and ethics behind your favourite sweet treat.
Share with a friend who would find this interesting! 🍫
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Dark History of Chocolate: Slavery and Exploitation
In this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' host Ed Easton and chocolatier Andrew Nason discuss the grim history of slavery linked to sugar and chocolate production. From the Portuguese and Spanish slave trades to the brutal conditions on sugar and cacao plantations, the hosts delve into the atrocities committed in the name of profit. They emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and responsible choices in combating modern exploitation in the chocolate industry. Listeners are taken on a journey through historical and present-day issues, aiming to shed light on the dark side of this beloved treat.
00:00 Welcome to the Chocolate Podcast
00:17 Living in the Yurt: A Year in the Tent
00:59 The Chocolate and Nature Connection
01:48 The Snickers Debate: Chocolate or Not?
04:20 Unwrapping the Story of Sugar
04:55 The Dark History of Chocolate and Slavery
05:30 The Triangle Trade: A Triple Horror
12:47 The Industrialization of Slavery
20:12 The Horrors of Sugar Plantations
23:12 The First Consumer Boycott in History
24:38 The Role of Portugal in the Slave Trade
25:54 The Dark History of Sugar and Chocolate
35:13 The British Role in Abolishing Slavery
43:20 Modern Slavery and Consumer Responsibility
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us at the Melt chocolate yurt for another episode of the We Need to Talk About Chocolate podcast! Hosted by Ed and co-host Andrew Nason, this week’s discussion dives into the compelling topic of sugar and its various effects on the body, using the Snickers bar as a prime example. From historical monkey brain instincts to modern food industry tactics, we explore how sugar tricks the brain and impacts health.
Discover why consuming high levels of sugar can lead to lethargy, aging, and bodily inflammation while the benefits of dark chocolate could be the healthier alternative you're looking for. Learn how the food industry disguises sugar and the impact of excess glucose on your body. Tune in to understand the chemistry behind sugar and its substitutes, and why reducing sugar could benefit your overall well-being.
Next week, we will uncover the industrial chocolate world in Africa and the true story behind your supermarket Snickers bar.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
Today's episode we talk about Belgian chocolate, uncovering the not so sweet side to the country's chocolate empires.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
Today's episode we talk about Swiss chocolate. and find out how a small alpine country became coco world leaders.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
On this episode Andrew and Ed look at France's relationship with chocolate, and the part it had to play in many of the nation's most important moments
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
On this episode Andrew and Ed look at Italy's rich history of chocolate, from the coco-revolutionaries in Turin to the marketing mistake that nearly saw Nutella shelved for good, our trepidatious chocolate duo continue their chocolate tour of the world.
Note from Ed : During the episode, we incorrectly said that is made with Ice Cream instead of cream (the brilliant chocolatiers at melt made no such mistake so what we were drinking was entirely authentic!)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is the REAL story of chocolate.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
On today's episode Andrew and Ed discuss all things English - from the plundering pirates to the coco-clubs of St James' - and make the case that their own country's influence of chocolate is somewhat underrated.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is the REAL story of chocolate.
The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.
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 sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.
Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.
You’ll meet ancient chocolatiers, explore the ruins of a “chocolate Pompeii,” and follow the journey of chocolate through colonisation, exploitation, innovation, and indulgence.
Because trust us, we really do need to talk about chocolate.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.